Canon & Nikon News and What's New (Excluding Deals) (Page 3) Report News & Deals

This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending May 4th, 2013
 
In the news...
 
On Tuesday, Canon released a long anticipated firmware update for the Canon 5D Mark III. Along with various bug fixes, firmware version 1.2.1 enables uncompressed HDMI output and center-point autofocus with lens + extender combinations with an f/8 maximum aperture.
 
On Friday, Adorama began shipping the 24mm Tilt-Shift lens from Samyang. We have one headed our way and will be running it through our standardized testing in the not-so-distant future – so, stay tuned.
 
Also on Friday, we posted a news article about photographer William Bennett’s step-by-step guide for creating an inexpensive wireless tethering solution for the Canon 1D X. If you already own an external power source like William, you can enable wireless tethering for substantially less than $100.00. Also check out our tip for possibly avoiding the costly external power source.
 
In site news and reviews...
 
Bryan posted a pair of 70-200mm f/2.8 lens reviews this week.
 
On Monday, Bryan posted his review of the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD Lens. Bryan praised the Tamron for having overall great image quality at a moderate price.
 
On Wednesday, Bryan posted his review of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens. Bryan was less enthusiastic about the Sigma’s image quality – especially at f/2.8 – where it trails the Canon and Tamron lenses in sharpness and contrast.
 
Check Bryan’s reviews for full details on these lenses.
 
And, for our deal of the week…
 
On Monday, we posted a deal on from Adorama where you could get a Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for $439.00 with free shipping and 6% rewards. That’s a $140.00 savings compared to the normal going rate.
 
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!

• Netgear WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter or comparable device
• Li-On Battery Pack rated for your adapter (already owned by author)
• Computer/Laptop with Canon EOS Utility Software

We haven't tested it, but a battery-powered wireless router may make the costly external power supply unnecessary. [Sean]

• Pro DSLR with grip, with attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
• Battery charger, filters, flash and other accessories
• 2 liter hydration reservoir (not included)
• Trekking poles
• Personal items such as a hat, light jacket, snack, cell phone, keys, etc.

B&H has the Lowepro Photo Sport Pro 30L AW Camera Bag in stock.

• May 8, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT: Digital Workflow Process for the Capture Stage (Co-sponsor: Hunt’s Photo & Video)
• May 30, 2013 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT: Remote Control Photography (Co-sponsor: Triggertrap)
• June 12, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT: Introduction to Color Management (Co-sponsor: Phlearn.com)
• June 18, 2013 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT: Focus Control: Before, During, and After the Shot (Co-Sponsor: onOne Software)
• June 27, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT: Digital Asset Management (Co-sponsor: Lexar)

Those interested in attending can register in advance for the free webinars. Attendees will be given discount codes for Spyder products and/or products from co-sponsors. They will also automatically be entered to win a Datacolor Spyder product and products from co-sponsors coinciding with the webinar topic. Guests will have the ability to interact with the speakers in a Q&A format, and get first-hand input on applying color management effectively in their workflow.
 
Register now at spyder.datacolor.com/freewebinars.
 
B&H carries Datacolor products.

1. Something that grows
2. An interesting structure
3. Something that begins with the letter T
4. Something blue
5. A daily task or chore
6. Something that smiles
7. Something wet
8. Cooking utensil
9. Something you look through
10. Something that reflects
11. Something broken
12. Peace
13. Friendship
14. Something old

B&H carries Tamron Lenses.

• Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
• Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
• Improves the speed of the camera's acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite's AF-assist beam.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display Err 70 or Err 80 when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
• Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
• Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
• When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an "O" will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an "X" will be displayed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM lens.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
• Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the "Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO" option.

* Items No.1 through 12 have been incorporated into firmware version 1.2.0.
* Items No.1 through 14 have been incorporated into firmware version 1.2.1.
 
Firmware Version 1.2.1 is for cameras with firmware version 1.2.0 or earlier. If the camera's firmware is already version 1.2.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
 
Notes:

• Once the EOS 5D Mark III camera is updated to version 1.2.1, it cannot be restored to a previous firmware version (Version 1.0.7 through 1.1.3).
• It is recommended that the latest application software*1 be used, once the EOS 5D Mark III is updated to the new firmware version 1.2.1 from older firmware (versions 1.0.7 through 1.1.3). Certain previous versions of these applications do not support functions which are added by the new firmware.
• In order to use EOS Utility software with the updated EOS 5D Mark III, the EOS Utility software must be updated to the latest version.

When cameras, or images taken with cameras, have been updated to the new Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0), and are used with the old version application software, the following phenomena will occur.
 
EOS Utility

• The "HDMI output" function, "HDMI output setting" or "HDMI output frame rate setting" cannot be registered to My Menu of the camera.
• The lens aberration compensation data cannot be registered to the camera.

Digital Photo Professional

• If the Lens Aberration Correction Window is chosen when working with a RAW image taken with a camera running Firmware Version 1.2.1 or 1.2.0, the adjustment window will automatically shut down and the adjustment (correction) cannot be made.
• Due to the differences in the camera firmware versions, the following phenomena will occur.
• RAW images taken with a Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0) camera cannot be processed on cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.3 or before.
• When images taken with a camera running Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0), are read by a camera running Firmware Version 1.1.3 or older, Direct print is not possible.

RAW images taken with a Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0) camera cannot be processed on cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.3 or before.
When images taken with a camera running Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0), are read by a camera running Firmware Version 1.1.3 or older, Direct print is not possible.

• Accompanying the enhancements to the functions, the instruction manual has also been revised. Users are asked to download both the latest firmware and the instruction manual. You can download the latest instruction manual from our Web site.

Download the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Update (.zip). (thanks Ben)

There are also updated versions of the following manuals available for download:
 
Canon Digital Photo Professional v 3.13 - Windows | Macintosh
EOS Utility v 3.13 - Windows | Macintosh

• AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G
• AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
• AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
• AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
• PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED
• PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED
• PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D

The D800E offers better resolution at aperture settings with which diffraction is not an issue. As the aperture setting has more influence on resolution with the D800E than with the D800, D800E users should always keep the possible effects of diffraction in mind.
 
B&H carries the Nikon D800 and D800E DSLR cameras.

• Canon EOS 1D X
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
• Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM
• Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt Shift
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
• Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift
• Canon Timer Remote Control TC-80N3
• Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket
• Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
• Manfrotto 057 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending April 27th, 2013.
 
In the news...
 
On Monday, Canon announced that its EOS line of interchangeable-lens digital cameras had consistently ranked number one in volume sales for the last 10 years running. Canon first gained the leading position after its introduction of the Digital Rebel a decade ago.
 
Also on Monday, we posted a YouTube video featuring Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s tips for photographing from the International Space Station. Chris’s advice? Be patient, look for lines and textures, and use the small “sun glint” angle of reflection window for striking water scenes.
 
On Wednesday, Sigma announced pricing and availability for its 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM lens and USB Dock. The lens will retail for $3,599.00 while the USB dock will retail for $59.00. Note: I forgot to mention - the lens is expected to be available May 15 while the dock is expected to be available May 18.
 
And speaking of the USB Dock, Sigma posted a demo video of its Optimization Pro software. Using the new USB Dock, the software allows you to update a compatible lens’s firmware and perform independent microfocus adjustments based on focal range and focus distance.
 
On Thursday, Canon announced the “Project Imaginat10n” film contest. Canon invites filmmakers of all skill-levels to create films inspired by ten crowdsourced photos and based on ten storytelling themes: Character, Mood, Goal, Backstory, Setting, Obstacle, Relationship, The Unknown, Time and Discovery.
 
And, for our deal of the week…
 
On Friday, we posted a deal from Adorama where you could get a Zoom H2N Handy Digital Audio Recorder for $50.00 off – or $129.99 with free shipping. This audio recorder should come in handy when you’re making your “Project Imaginat10n” film.
 
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"