From Lexar:
Lexar Announces Support for XQD Memory Card Specification
Lexar XQD Memory Cards to be Compatible with Nikon D4 and Future XQD-based Camera Models
Fremont, CA, 11 July, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced its support of the XQD™ memory card specification for compatibility with Nikon D4 and future XQD-based camera models. Expected to be available in the third quarter of 2012, Lexar XQD memory cards will offer high-speed performance in a range of capacities to effectively capture and store high-quality images, 1080p full high-definition (HD) video, and 3D video content.
“By collaborating with Lexar, we’re reinforcing the fact that the XQD specification represents one of the futures of high-performance memory cards,” said Nobuaki Sasagaki, General Manager of marketing department, Imaging Company, Nikon Corporation. “Our cooperation efforts demonstrate the vision shared by Nikon and Lexar to continue advancing the photography and imaging market with innovative technology and extremely high performance.”
“We are committed to offering innovative and industry-leading photography solutions, which is why we’re working with Nikon to offer and co-market XQD memory cards. We view the XQD standard as one of the most logical ways to increase interface speed beyond that of existing CompactFlash technology with the capability of offering performance up to 5Gb per second, in time,” said Wes Brewer, vice president of products and technology, Lexar. “This collaboration provides assured compatibility with Lexar XQD memory cards and Nikon D4 and makes this technology available to the entire photo industry.”
XQD memory cards are based on the PCI Express® specification, which offers 2.5Gb per second performance today with plans for 5Gb per second performance in the future.
From Manfrotto:
Manfrotto announces the 290 Carbon Fibre Series
Manfrotto have just announced the launch of 290 Carbon - a new family of carbon fibre camera supports designed to accompany passionate new photographers as they progress and improve their skills.
At that level, no longer a beginner, but not (yet) earning a living from photography, it has always been difficult to find accessories and equipment that offer the right balance of performance, practicality and versatility: cheap "first tripods" are too flimsy and can't be upgraded, but professional tripods have too many features, too many options and are too much of an investment. The 290 Carbon range steps right in to fill the gap in the middle and support the aspiring photographer along the path from hobby to passion... or from obsession to profession.
Journeys to far-flung locations and spectacular holidays are often the triggers to taking photography more seriously, but it's notoriously difficult to find a tripod that's compact and light enough to travel, but stable enough to really help when you get to your destination.
Step into your passion for photography!
KEY BENEFITS
Canon has issued a series of press releases introducing new PIXMA Printers:
Canon U.S.A. Announces Three PIXMA Photo All-In-One Printers
Canon U.S.A. Announces New PIXMA Printers Support AirPrint for Wireless Printing
Print Memorable Photos Wirelessly On The Canon SELPHY CP900 Compact Photo Printer
Listen to this MP3 (but not at work - and turn up the volume before doing so).
That is the Canon EOS-1D X capturing 54 buffer-filling RAW frames at 12 fps with additional frames captured as the Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB UDMA-7 CompactFlash Card clears the buffer (replay the sound track if the beginning appears to stutter).
I'd make this my new ringtone if I didn't think the sound was too unresting for such.
Canon presents "How a Digital Camera is Made":
via PP
Check out the just-posted Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens Review.
From the CEA:
2013 International CES Registration Opens Today
Free Registration through August 31
Arlington, Va., July 9, 2012 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today opens registration for the 2013 International CES®, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, scheduled January 8-11, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Registration for the 2013 International CES is free to consumer technology professionals through August 31. A registration fee of $100 will start on September 1, and the fee will increase to $200 on January 2. Attendees and media can register today at CESweb.org.
The International CES has room blocks at discounted rates, available for a limited time, at partner hotels throughout Las Vegas. It is important to make hotel reservations early to get the best rates.
The International CES attracts 150,000 of the top executives, retail buyers, content providers, entertainment executives, venture capitalists, engineers, government officials and media from 150 countries.
“Excitement and buzz is already starting to build for the 2013 International CES, which will be the most important global technology event of the year,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. “With new innovations in cloud computing, software and apps, digital health, lifestyle technologies and automotive technologies, the 2013 International CES is sure to feature the standout products and trends of 2013 across all major product categories.”
Press registration is always free. For media services, registration and credential criteria information, please visit CESweb.org/press. Additional information on the 2013 International CES can be found at CESweb.org, including hotel and airline information to assist attendees in making their CES travel plans.
The Canon EOS-1D X Wired LAN Instruction Manual is now available for download.
Another Canon EOS Rebel T4i Product Advisory from Canon USA:
Thank you for using Canon products.
The front rubber grips of some units of the Canon EOS REBEL T4i Digital SLR camera (EOS 650D/EOS Kiss X6i overseas models) may change color (turn white) after a short period of time. Customer support for this phenomenon is described below.
Canon continuously strives to provide our customers with high quality, reliable products that can be used with confidence. We offer our sincerest apologies to any customers who may be inconvenienced.
Phenomenon
The front rubber grips of some EOS REBEL T4i units produced in certain lots during the sixteen-day period between May 31st through June 15th, 2012 may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and analysis, that the substance zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) is what causes the rubber surface to turn white.
Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product. However, the quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual. As a result the rubber grips may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition. Zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate), which becomes deposited on the rubber surface, is created as a result of this chemical reaction.
Affected Product
Some EOS Rebel T4i digital SLR cameras produced from May 31 through June 15 may be affected.
You can use the serial number to check whether your camera is affected by this phenomenon. If the sixth digit of the serial number is "1" please follow the procedure below. If the sixth digit of the serial number is "2" or higher, your camera is not affected.
Procedure:
1) Click on the link below to enter your serial number.
2) Enter the 12-digit serial number (reference the image below) from your camera then click the Submit button
3) One of the following messages will appear.
· "Your camera is NOT affected" ? No further action is required
· "Your camera is affected" ? Please see the Support section below
Click here to enter your serial number (hint: read this instruction before opening that page)
Caution on Use
The amount of zinc bis (N,N'-dimethyldithiocarbamate) detected during our testing was minimal. While Canon has not received any reports of injury or allergic reactions, depending on one’s health and physical condition, in rare cases when this substance comes into contact with skin, allergic skin reactions* may develop. In addition, if eyes are rubbed after contact with the substance, symptoms, such as red eyes, may develop.
As a precautionary measure, thoroughly wash your hands with water if they have come in contact with the rubber grips that have turned white. (If any medical symptoms develop, please consult your physician immediately.)
*Please note that the occurrence of allergic skin reactions depend on the target substance, length of contact with the target substance, one’s health and physical conditions, and sensitivity of one’s skin structure, and not everyone will be affected by allergic symptoms.
Support
Preparations are underway to provide free repair service for affected cameras by replacement of the rubber grips. Once this repair service is available (ETA of mid July 2012), we will post an update on our web site and also notify registered users via email. Please register your EOS Rebel T4i, so that we can inform you via email when the free repair service will commence.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Contact Information for Inquiries:
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-855-902-3277 TTD: 1-866-251-3752
E-mail: carecenter@cits.canon.com
Reuters has posted an interesting short article titled Robo-cams go for Olympic gold on their blog. Included are pictures of some very cool gear and equally cool techniques.
via RG
From Canon USA:
Updated Availability for the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
We would like to inform you of an update to the expected availability of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens. The lens is expected to be available in mid-September 2012.
We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause.
From Canon UK:
Updated sales start date for EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM lens
London, UK, 5 July 2012 – Canon would like to advise of an updated sales start date for the previously announced EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM lens. Due to a further delay to the start of mass production, the EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM lens will now be available from September 2012.
Canon would like to apologise for this delay and any inconvenience caused to customers.
Nikon D4 Firmware Version A:1.02 / B:1.02 is now available foor download: USA | Europe
Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date July 4, 2012:
From Canon USA:
Thank you for using Canon products.
We have identified a phenomenon in which the camera model name embedded in the EXIF data of captured images incorrectly shows “EOS Kiss X6i”, which is the model name for the EOS Rebel T4i in the Japanese market. Even if this occurs, however, the image taken is still captured correctly.
Phenomenon
When using applications, such as Digital Photo Professional (DPP) or Image Browser EX (IBX) to view images captured with your EOS Rebel T4i camera, the camera model name in the EXIF information of the images shows the model name for the same camera in the Japanese market: the EOS Kiss X6i.
The camera model name that appears on the Camera Settings / Remote Shooting screens of EOS Utility (EU) also shows “EOS Kiss X6i”.
Affected Products
EOS REBEL T4i Digital SLR Camera
*Some units whose second digit of the serial number is “3” are affected.
For example: "x3xxxxxxxxxx" ([x] represents any optional number.)
Support
Customers who would like to have the correct model name listed in the EXIF information of their camera are asked to contact Canon using the information below.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Please register your EOS Rebel T4i. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available.
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Contact Information for Inquiries:
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON
1-800-652-2666 TTD: 1-866-251-3752
E-mail: carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: http://www.usa.canon.com/support
ISO 12233 resolution chart sample crops along with flare and distortion test results are now available on the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review page.
Why the with-2x Extender results are so much sharper in the corner remains an unanswered question for me. Strange.
From Corel:
Corel Acquires Pinnacle Products from Avid
Corel Takes Market Leadership in Consumer Video Editing Software
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 2, 2012) - Corel today announced that it has acquired Avid's consumer video editing product lines, including Pinnacle Studio™ HD and Avid® Studio. These industry-leading titles join Corel's award-winning digital media product portfolio, securing the company's position as the leader in consumer video editing software. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
"With the power of the Pinnacle Studio and Corel VideoStudio brands, Corel now offers the industry's broadest consumer video editing software portfolio," said Matt DiMaria, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media at Corel. "These products will meet virtually any need or creative impulse - whether customers are looking to quickly capture, edit and share videos on their iPad or require the exceptional control of a full-featured desktop application."
Corel will offer the Pinnacle consumer video editing products to customers and partners through its global sales, marketing and services organizations. As part of the transaction, the company will welcome a core group of employees from the Pinnacle product team to its digital media group, which is also responsible for the company's VideoStudio®, PaintShop® Pro, WinDVD® and Roxio® product lines.
Corel's newly acquired products include the Pinnacle Studio family, Avid Studio, Avid® Studio for iPad and the Dazzle® video hardware product line including Dazzle Video Creator® Platinum HD.
Added Mr. DiMaria: "We are delighted to welcome our new employees and look forward to building on the amazing products they've developed. Our combined team's expertise is unmatched in the industry. I'm especially excited to introduce our expanded portfolio to customers and partners who will benefit from the breadth of our offering and the innovation it delivers, including advances in mobile as highlighted by the recently released Avid Studio for iPad."