Canon and Nikon News for 2013/12 (Page 3) Report News & Deals  ►

The Canon Store just added several popular lenses to its refurbished inventory - grab the gear before it's gone! You can still save up to 25% on your purchase with the current Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion. Enjoy free shipping and like-new gear at great prices.
 
Update: The gear is going fast. Some of the items posted are already out of stock.
 
Refurbished DSLR Cameras with Discounts In Stock

Refurbished Item	Orig Price	Savings	Sale Price
Canon EOS 7D + EF-S 18-135 IS	1,439.20	287.84	1,151.36
Canon EOS 7D + EF-S 28-135 IS	1,359.20	271.84	1,087.36
Canon EOS 7D Body	1,199.20	239.84	959.36
Canon EOS Rebel T5i + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	679.99	170.00	509.99
Canon EOS Rebel SL1 + EF-S 18-55 IS STM	599.99	150.00	449.99
Canon EOS Rebel T4i + EF-S 18-55 IS	575.99	144.00	431.99
Canon EOS Rebel T3 + EF-S 18-55 IS	359.99	90.00	269.99

Refurbished Lenses/Flashes with Discounts In Stock

Refurbished Item	Orig Price	Savings	Sale Price
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L Fisheye USM	1,199.20	179.88	1,019.32
Canon EF 17-40 f/4 L USM	671.99	100.80	571.19
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM	919.20	183.84	735.36
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM	1,839.20	275.88	1,563.32
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM	383.99	76.80	307.19
Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM	2,151.20	322.68	1,828.52
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM	1,999.20	299.88	1,699.32
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM	1,159.20	173.88	985.32
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM	1,279.20	191.88	1,087.32
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM	519.99	104.00	415.99
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM	187.99	37.60	150.39
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III	159.99	32.00	127.99
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM	1,887.20	283.08	1,604.12
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM	431.99	64.80	367.19
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II	1,759.20	263.88	1,495.32
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM	407.99	61.20	346.79
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM	1,183.20	177.48	1,005.72
Canon EF 35mm f/2	255.99	51.20	204.79
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM	159.99	24.00	135.99
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM	1,295.20	194.28	1,100.92
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM	319.99	48.00	271.99
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II	100.79	15.12	85.67
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM	1,759.20	263.88	1,495.32
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM	335.99	50.40	285.59
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8	1,119.20	167.88	951.32
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM	839.20	125.88	713.32
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM	479.99	72.00	407.99
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM	5,839.20	875.88	4,963.32
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM	519.99	78.00	441.99
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM	639.99	96.00	543.99
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS	399.99	60.00	339.99
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS	559.99	112.00	447.99
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM	439.99	66.00	373.99
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II	239.99	48.00	191.99
Canon EF 1.4x III Extender	399.99	60.00	339.99
Canon Speedlite 430EX II	239.99	36.00	203.99
Canon Speedlite 320EX	199.99	40.00	159.99
Canon Speedlite 270EX II	135.99	20.40	115.59

Note: The Refurbished 5D Mark III and 6D are also in stock but ineligible for the additional % off savings.

From Adorama:
 
Enter for FREE now while browsing Adorama.com to win a football fan package that includes VIP events and the chance to see the Big Game, plus be automatically entered and save big on Adorama’s “Deal of the Day” special items!
 
New York, NY – December 2, 2013 – Adorama, the official electronics retailer for the New York Giants and one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers, today announced its most exclusive giveaway contest yet: the Adorama FANtasy Escape Weekend Sweepstakes. Anyone can enter for free in the Adorama store or online. Winners will receive VIP tickets to the kickoff Celebrity Party in NYC on Friday, VIP access to the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge on Saturday, and then see the Big Game on Sunday. With the 2014 championship game coming to New York City - the home of the Adorama Superstore - there’s no better way to celebrate than with an exclusive sweepstakes.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited for the 2014 championship game to come to our city next February,” says Ahron Schachter, director of strategic planning, Adorama. “Seeing the Big Game can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we’re pleased to be able to offer our customers access to such an exciting contest. In the midst of the busiest shopping season of the year, we’re providing a multitude of ways for shoppers to enter the contest, ensuring just about every purchase is another chance to win.”
 
More Ways to Get in the Game: Discounts and Featured Items
With the holiday shopping season in full effect, Adorama has brought back its wildly popular "Deal of the Day" holiday extravaganza. From now through Christmas Eve, shoppers can visit Adorama.com for unbeatable holiday savings on select electronics, computing, photography and video products. When customers purchase any "Deal of the Day" item, which is only available online for 24 hours, they’ll be automatically entered in the Adorama Ultimate FANtasy Escape Weekend sweepstakes.
 
In addition to automatic entry into the Adorama Ultimate FANtasy Escape Weekend sweepstakes, customers will be automatically enrolled in Adorama’s VIP program when purchasing any “Deal of the Day” Product. Exclusive VIP benefits include: 30 gigs of free, lifetime cloud storage provided by Pogoplug; free photography education through the New York Institute of Photography, Adorama Learning Center and Creative Live; the opportunity to purchase products only available to VIPs; special VIP pricing on products throughout Adorama; exclusive email offers and much more.
 
Customers can get an additional three entries to the sweepstakes when they purchase specially designated items throughout Adorama.com.

Site visitor Stewart sent me a fascinating article yesterday regarding evidence that Johannes Vermeer (1600's Dutch painter) used a camera obscura to create his "photo realistic" paintings. If art, historic optical technoglogy and/or contraversy intrigue you (as they do me), then you'll likely enjoy the Vanity Fair article.

eBay (via BuyDig) has the Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera (review) available for $519.99 with free shipping. Compare at $599.00.

Adorama has the Westcott 7' White Parabolic Umbrella available for $49.99. Regularly $99.90.

From Ilford Imaging Switzerland GMBH:
 
November 29th, 2013 – Marly Switzerland – Today ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH announced that the company is again facing liquidity issues and is no longer able to honour its full financial obligations. The Managing Directors have already informed the employees and have sent a letter to the court of Fribourg declaring insolvency.
 
In June 2013, ILFORD Imaging experienced a liquidity issue after the former shareholder Paradigm Global Partners, a UK based financial investor suddenly withdrew from the business. Since then the management took over the company to secure the business short-term and also to find a new long-term investor.
 
The new shareholders, Paul Willems and Jean Marc Métrailler, initiated the sale of land owned by the real estate company ILFORD Property and invested these funds in ILFORD Imaging in order to provide sufficient liquidity to bridge the time until a new investor could be found. The ILFORD investment opportunity was presented to more than 20 interested parties from all over the world. Unfortunately, a new investor for ILFORD Imaging has not yet been found and the last potential investor pulled out earlier this week.
 
After the liquidity issues during the summer, it was challenging to re-start the business, as many existing customers began to buy products from competitors, which resulted in a large negative impact on the company’s revenue. In addition, ILFORD had to operate in a particular difficult market where demand is decreasing and manufacturers compete on low prices due to excess capacity. Furthermore, most suppliers would only deliver raw materials against payment in advance. These circumstances, along with the fact that the company had to replenish its inventories, and after payment of the late salaries of June and July, required additional cash.
 
The restructuring measures that were taken in August 2013 were necessary to improve the competitiveness of the company medium- to long-term. However these measures have not been fully effective yet and the impact will only be realised in the first quarter 2014.
 
The management is working closely with the State and the appropriate authorities in order to minimise the negative impact on all parties involved. No further information can be provided until the decision of the court is made and the next steps are understood.

Adorama is featuring Cyber Monday pricing on select camera bags from Timbuk2, Pelican and more.

Adorama is featuring special pricing on select SanDisk, Eye-Fi & Lexar Memory Products (microSD/SDHC/SDXC/CF/SSD). There are 3 pages of specials – be sure to check them all out.

From Profoto:
 
On December 2, 2013, Profoto will introduce twelve new high-quality umbrellas in all shapes and sizes, including a deeper, more parabolic version.
 
Umbrellas are the backbone of many photographers’ toolboxes, and understandably so. Umbrellas are affordable, easy to work with and very easy to transport. The downside is that many of them are quite fragile and it can be difficult to control their light spread. Swedish lighting manufacturer Profoto aims to solve both of these issues with the new Umbrella Deep and the Umbrella Shallow.
 
Umbrella Deep is available in two sizes (130cm/51” and 165cm/65”) and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. All six versions have a deeper, more parabolic shape than the average umbrella. The deeper shape gives the photographer better control of the light spread. It also allows the photographer to focus and shape light by simply sliding the umbrella shaft in its holder.
 
Umbrella Shallow is also available in two sizes (85cm/33” and 105cm/41”) and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. The most important difference is that Umbrella Shallow is smaller and less parabolic, making it very lightweight and portable.
 
Much effort was invested into making both Umbrella Deep and Umbrella Shallow as reliable and sturdy as possible. The fabrics were selected to provide a superior quality of light over years of heavy-duty use, and the metallic elements have been surface treated to prevent rust and discoloration.
 
The optional Diffusor is also worth mentioning. This is simply pulled over the front of the White or the Silver version to turn it into a large softbox with an even softer and more even light spread.
 
All umbrellas are delivered in a high-quality bag that protects the umbrella during storage and transport.
 
The new Umbrella Deep XL replaces the old Umbrella XL. The new Umbrella Deep L replaces the old Umbrella L. The new Umbrella Shallow M replaces the old Umbrella M. The new Umbrella Shallow S replaces the old Umbrella S.
 
Adorama carries Profoto Deep and Profoto Shallow ubrellas.

From Canon:
 
TOKYO, Japan, December 2, 2013—Canon Inc. announced today that an ultra-high-sensitivity 4K camera was used to successfully capture video of the comet ISON from the International Space Station at approximately 7:08 p.m. JST on November 23, 2013. Canon technology contributed to this world's-first achievement as video production equipment from Canon's Cinema EOS System was used to record the astronomical phenomenon.
 
Discovered in September 2012, ISON was unique in that, among the many large comets that have passed through the solar system in recent years, none had traveled so close to the sun. Accordingly, expectations were high that the “sungrazing” ISON would provide earthbound stargazers with a rare performance that would not likely be repeated anytime soon. After the video was shot, however, the comet is believed to have largely broken up and evaporated, meaning that it will no longer be visible in the night sky.
 
The footage of the comet ISON was shot from the vantage point of outer space, which is not subject to atmospheric fluctuation, enabling the capture of clear video images that would not have been possible if shot from Earth. As a result, the video will likely prove of high value to the scientific community.
 
The Canon video production equipment taken on the mission, all from the company's Cinema EOS System lineup of professional digital cinematography products, comprised the EOS C500 PL professional cinema camera (launched in October 2012) and two EF Cinema Lenses: the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L SP (launched in December 2012) and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L SP (launched in October 2012). All three support 4K image resolution and the EOS C500 PL makes possible exceptional high-sensitivity imaging performance that facilitates the capture of usable footage even in low-light conditions.
 
The actual EOS C500 PL used on board the International Space Station underwent special modifications to further boost sensitivity and to enable the camera to withstand the rigors of shooting in space.
 
Adorama carries the Canon EOS C500 cinema camera.

The Canon Store is running a Cyber Monday deal on PIXMA Printers where you can save up to $110.00 and receive free goodies with select purchases (like a Dunkin' Donuts gift card).

Today only, the Canon Store has the Refurbished Canon PowerShot ELPH 310 HS Digital Camera available for $69.99 with free shipping, 8GB memory card and deluxe soft case. Compare at $204.00 new.

Dear Canon,
 
Christmas is coming and hopefully I'm still on your "Nice" list. With that dangerous assumption, and since it has been a few years since my last What I Want From Canon for Christmas List, I present my Christmas wish list for this year (with a few repeats that were somehow missed). As I know you might need a little more time to develop some of my requests, I'll give you 2014 to complete my wish list. :)
 
I Want a Sharp Mode
I'll start my list with my biggest and most-complicated wish first. I want a new camera mode. Your marketing wizards will likely think of a good name for it, but I'll get you started: It can be called "Sharp Mode", "Pro Action" Mode, "Stop-the-Action Mode", "Bryan's Mode", etc.
 
Via this mode selection, I want to tell the camera to automatically select the slowest shutter speed that will deliver no subject or camera motion blur in my image. The camera will utilize the viewfinder imaging sensor to determine a subject's rate of motion across the frame (caused by either camera shake or subject motion). Based on this intelligence, the camera can instantaneously determine the slowest shutter speed necessary to capture a sharp image.
 
By using the slowest shutter speed necessary, the lowest ISO setting possible can be used – resulting in the lowest noise possible in an image. And of course, there would be no motion blur in the result.
 
I will always want to set the aperture manually in this mode. For overall image brightness, there should be manual and auto exposure options. In manual mode, the image brightness will remain as I set it. The ISO will always be Auto and the camera will use the lowest ISO setting possible to deliver proper image brightness. In auto mode, the camera will determine how bright the image should be (with exposure compensation available). In manual mode, the camera will maintain the brightness I set (with offsetting adjustments to brightness parameters). Once ISO 100 is reached in any mode, the shutter speed should not be further shortened – a too fast shutter speed is rarely an issue when stopping all motion is a priority.
 
This mode will work with or without image stabilization enabled. A menu option will allow me to adjust the sensitivity of the camera's motion detection – to tune the setting as desired.
 
A significant benefit from this mode will be the assurance of sharp results at the lowest ISO setting possible. Reduced noise will be the benefit of not having to shoot at insurance-level, faster than necessary shutter speeds.
 
Here is an example of how I would use this mode:
 
I am shooting a soccer match on a very cloudy day. I am shooting with a wide open aperture (say f/4) and using a 1/1600 shutter speed to insure that most action is stopped. This exposure requires an ISO setting of 3200 for correct brightness – high enough that noise is very noticeable in the images. But, not every shot captured at this match needs a 1/1600 sec exposure to stop the action. A ball carrier that has momentarily stopped, a portrait captured immediately after a big play, the keeper on the ground with the ball safely in his/her hands. These shots can safely be captured at far longer exposures with lower ISO settings that deliver higher image quality.
 
With Sharp mode selected, the camera can instantly and automatically shift-down the ISO setting to give me a higher quality, but still sharp, image. Some shots such as a hard kick captured at a close distance might need an even faster shutter speed than my 1/1600 and this mode would instantly adjust for this.
 
Another example:
 
I am high up on a mountain shooting handheld. It is mid-day under a partly cloudy sky and I am shooting landscapes with a circular polarizer filter installed. Since parts of the scenery are always under a full sun, I know the exposure I need. And I want an f/11 aperture.The big differentiator in determining the shutter speed necessary for sharp images is the strong gusting wind. Sharp mode can determine how much camera shake is showing in the viewfinder, even with the image stabilized lens I'm using, and can determine the shutter speed necessary to stop that shake – the instant the picture is taken. When the wind stops, I can possibly shoot at 1/10 sec or longer, but during gusts, I might need 1/80 or even higher. The camera can simply boost the ISO setting to give me always-sharp images.
 
Adding this capability (even to the fully-auto green square+ mode) would be a huge benefit – especially for beginners. This would be a game-changing feature that would sell a huge number of cameras.
 
I discussed Sharp mode with Chuck Westfall (Canon USA) at the PhotoPlus Expo this fall. I don't expect to see a firmware update bringing this feature to us, but I do hope that Canon will include this feature in new DSLR camera models.
 
Exposure Compensation in M mode with Auto ISO
I've been asking for exposure compensation in Manual mode with Auto ISO for a long time (including directly to Chuck Westfall). This wish has been partially granted in the announced firmware update for the EOS 1D X, but I have some other cameras that desperately need it. This feature should be an easy firmware implementation for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and other EOS models.
 
Viewfinder Electronic Level that Remains Available During AF
Focus, frame, use the electronic viewfinder level and shoot before the camera goes out of level. That's how it should work. Instead, with most current Canon electronic viewfinder level implementations, I focus, turn off AF, frame, enable the electronic viewfinder level, shoot and hopefully remember to turn AF back on.
 
The Canon EOS 70D, with its dedicated viewfinder LCD level, gets the job done right. While I'm not expecting the viewfinder in my other Canon DSLRs to be updated, I think a firmware tweak could make the level indication remain visible during AF.
 
Tv Settings Longer than 30 Seconds
Why is 30 seconds the longest exposure allowed in-camera? There are plenty of uses for longer exposures and I am not aware of any limitation to today's cameras taking exposures much longer than this. I want Tv settings up to (at least) 5 minutes to be available in 1/3 stop settings in-camera. Allow a menu option for limits to be set shorter than this (those who do not need anything close to 30 seconds will also be accommodated).
 
Built-in Intervalometer
The camera is a computer and an intervalometer is a very basic function for a computer to accomplish. Why is an interval timer not available in-camera?
 
Ultra-High Resolution Canon EOS 1Ds X DSLR
Simply take the current Canon EOS 1D X (or the Canon EOS 5D Mark III) and drop a 40MP (or similar) sensor into it. I'd rather give nothing up to gain this resolution, but ... you can take 1 fps if you need to. :)
 
Ultra-High Resolution Via Multiple Shots
Taking the ultra-high resolution DSLR camera wish one step further, I want Canon to utilize multiple images to composite a much higher resolution image and/or higher quality image. There are multiple ways to accomplish this goal, but adding a very tiny imaging sensor shift in the X and Y axis between each shot is a possible method. Limitations would be similar to those encountered with HDR photography including motionless subjects needed. I made this request to Chuck in person, so he is at least thinking about this one.
 
Effective ISO 7.25, 12.5 and 25
I no longer want to buy or carry neutral density filters in multiple densities and multiple thread sizes. Please figure out how to give me lower ISO settings with no loss of dynamic range. Throw away some photons or something.
 
And while you are working on this request, can you give me digital graduated ND filter capabilities in-camera? Allow me to use the touch-enabled LCD to show the camera the area of the frame that is to be made darker. Allow me to set the gradient shape, size, softness and density.
 
Can you also give me a built-in circular polarizer filter?
 
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon has recently given us a pair of great 24-70 L lenses, but I still would like an f/2.8 IS version. Basically, add a 4-stop image stabilizer to the current Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens and I would be a very happy camper. In addition to giving us an awesome lens, Canon would give those of us trying to decide between (or trying help others decide between) the 24-70 L II and the 24-70 f/4 L IS or 24-105 f/4 L IS a huge time savings. I asked for this lens a long time ago - and will keep asking until I get it or something better. If Tamron can make this product, I'm certain that Canon can.
 
Canon EF 16-50mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens
Landscape photography is extremely popular – how about a landscape-specific lens? Landscape photography often requires deep depth of field – which often translates to narrow apertures and wide angles of view. I'll give up the wide apertures for lighter weight and any other benefits I can have in place of them. IS will let me shoot handheld in many situations – even in strong winds with a circular polarizer in place. I of course need razor sharp images right into the full frame sensor corners, no distortion, no flare, no CA and no vignetting even with a standard CP filter installed. Standard threaded front filters must be supported and weather sealing is necessary.
 
Canon EF 500mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens
I would like to see a great bird and wildlife photography lens that is both smaller and much more affordable than the current supertelephoto lenses, but I am of course not willing to accept less than perfection from the image quality. The gap between the 100-400 L & 400mm f/5.6 L lenses and the big white guns leaves a room for such a lens.
 
Canon Lens Hoods for All
I want the proper lens hood to come with all Canon lenses I purchase – not just L lenses. I don't need "flocking" – matt plastic inside the hood will be fine (and easier to clean).
 
 
I know, I don't ask for much. But filling my wishlist will make me happy, happy, happy!

Amazon has the Canon PowerShot S110 Digital Camera available for $219.00. Compare at $249.

Amazon has the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens for an in-cart price of $349.99. Compare at $439.00.

Amazon has the Canon EOS 5D Mark III with 24-105mm f/4 L IS Lens for $3,349.99. Compare at $3,899.00.
 
This is a great deal for an amazing kit. Act fast - I doubt this price will last long.

Amazon has the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera (review) available for $2,695.00. Compare at $3,299.00. (thanks Mark)
 
If you're a 5D II owner on the fence about upgrading, trust me – the AF performance alone is worth the investment. Sell your previous body to recoup a significant portion of the upgrade. ;-) [Sean]
 
Update: The deal has expired.