Canon and Nikon News for 2010/03 Report News & Deals

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review
 
You want the "II"!

ISO 12233 Chart results for a third lens copy have been added to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review page. Select "Sample 3" in the ISO 12233 chart tool.
 
The results from the third lens are nearly indistinguishable from the first copy results. Simply excellent.

Onecall has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

Sold Out: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

Several RAW converter updates are now available:
 
Apple Aperture 3.0.2  |  DXO Optics  |  Phase One 5.1.1

Adorama has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

The current Canon rebate program ends on April 3rd. Also keep in mind that B&H will be closing for Passover on Monday, March 29th thru Tuesday, April 6th.
 
Rebate amounts range from $15.00 to $1,000.00 with $50.00 - $130.00 being typical amounts. Flash and Lens rebate amounts are doubled with the purchase of a 5D Mark II.
 
These are instant rebates available to anyone in the world buying through a Canon USA authorized dealer (such as B&H Photo).
 
If you are buying a 7D or 5D Mark II, definitely pick up a Canon PIXMA PRO 9000 printer at the same time - there is a $400 rebate on the combo. Just sell the printer if you don't need/want it.
 
Here is the list of DSLRs, lenses and flashes included in the program along with their respective rebate amounts:
 

Lens	Instant Rebate Amount
Canon EOS 7D	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ EF 70-300mm IS Lens)
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$80.00 ($160.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens	$45.00 ($90.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$80.00 ($160.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$130.00 ($260.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens	$30.00 ($60.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$65.00 ($130.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 With Softfocus Lens	$35.00 ($70.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens	$500.00 ($1,000.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$25.00 ($50.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$25.00 ($50.00 w/ 5D Mark II)

 
This is a great time to buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II .
 
As always, you can download the rebate forms (announcements) from the Canon Digital SLR Camera & Lens Rebate page.

Canon EOS Movie Plugin E1 for Final Cut Pro is now available for download (select Mac OS X). (thanks Brian)

Redrock Micro has issued a press release describing the Canon EOS 7D being used to shoot "The Tonight Show" Opening.

Carl Zeiss Lenses Celebrate 120th Anniversary (press release)

Adobe has schedule a Creative Suite 5 Global Launch Event for April 12th. A "Register Now" option is available to join the online introduction.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta 2 is now available for download. This is a free download available for everyone to try - no prior license required.

Sold Out: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.
 
The last batch sold out in a few minutes - act fast if you want one.

Off Topic: Adorama has a couple of nice deals on LG LED/LCD/Plasma TVs right now.
 
LG 42LH90 42" Full High Definition LED Backlit LCD TV Kit, with Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Remote Controller 300 With Omnilink - Reg $1,439.98 - Now $999.99 (compare price without controller)
 
LG 50PK550 INFINIA 50 inch Plasma 1080p HDTV Kit with Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Remote Controller 300 With Omnilink - Reg $1,329.98 - Now $1079.99 (compare price without controller)
 
LG 42SL80 42" Full HD LCD TV with 1080p Resolution, TruMotion 240Hz & Intelligent Sensor, Glass/Black/Silver - Reg $1,599.95 - Now $899.99 (compare price)
 
The Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater and Lighting Controller with Omnilink included in the first two deals above is also available is also a good deal itself - Reg $249.95 - Now $99.99 ($242.94 at Amazon.com)

"Here in Japan, it is indeed still impossible to find the new 70-200 F2.8" [thanks Florian]

Canon Japan has announced a shortage (translated) of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens due to higher than expected demand.
 
Since the 70-200 II remains in stock at many of the site's recommended retailers (which is surprising to me), I find Canon's statement perplexing. Unless Canon is talking about the future supply?

Canon RAW Codec 1.7.0 is now available for download (for Windows 32-bit OS).

Canon has posted EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Version 2.0.4 for download.
 
"We apologize sincerely for the inconvenience caused to our customers by suspending the availability of the Version 2.0.3 firmware.
 
We are now introducing the Version 2.0.4 firmware. This firmware corrects the malfunction that occurred in the previous Version 2.0.3 firmware, in which the manual recording level changed and made recording impossible.
 
Customers who have the Version 2.0.3 firmware on their cameras should update the firmware to Version 2.0.4."
 
"In the Version 2.0.4 firmware, the following phenomena that occurred with the Version 2.0.3 firmware (which was to enhance the movie functions) have been corrected.
 
There was a phenomenon in which the manual recording settings made in C1/C2/C3 were changed and sound could not be recorded if manual sound recording was used in the C1/C2/C3 settings and the camera was subsequently turned off (or if Auto Power Off was activated). This does not occur in modes other than C1/C2/C3." (thanks John)

Canon USA has posted a PDF indicating that some people are experiencing problems with the new version 2.03 firmware. Here is the full text of the announcement:
 
"Thank you for using Canon products.
 
We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera are experiencing issues with Firmware Update Version 2.0.3.
 
We are working on a new firmware update to address these phenomena, which will be available soon.If you have not registered your EOS 5D Mark II, please register so we will be able to notify you via email when future updates become available for download.
 
Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience these phenomena may have caused. We appreciate your kind patronage and support." (thanks Hugh & neuroanatomist)
 
 
The Canon PDF is available for download.
 
Apparently the specific problem has to do with sound recording not working when a manual record volume is used in the C modes.
 
 
Update from Canon:
 
"Recently we have discovered a malfunction that occurs with Firmware Version 2.0.3, in which the manual recording levels for C1/C2/C3 are changed and the camera becomes unable to record audio if the power is turned off (or if Auto power off takes effect) after registering "Sound Recording: Manual" in the camera user settings.
 
We apologize very sincerely for the inconvenience, but we are going to stop making this firmware available for download. For customers who have already updated to the new firmware, when using the camera with the mode dial set to C1/C2/C3, please either set the sound recording settings to Auto.
 
We are currently preparing firmware that will correct this malfunction. As soon as those preparations have been completed, we will let you know on this Web site. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience this represents, but please wait until the fixed firmware is ready."
 
This update is posted on the firmware download page.

ISO 12233 Chart results for a second lens copy have been added to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review page. Select "Sample 2" in the ISO 12233 chart tool.
 
The second lens appears to be even sharper at f/2.8 at the 70mm end and slightly softer at f/2.8 at the long end compared to my first copy of this lens.
 
Vignetting results and a flare comparison test have also been added to the review. Vignetting performance appears mostly similar to the version 1 lens - slightly improved in the mid-range focal lengths. The flare comparison (posted by request and yet un-narrated - at bottom of the review page) shows another great advantage the new lens holds.

Sold out fast: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.
 
The last batch sold out in a few minutes - act fast if you want one.

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just been updated. There are 127 items showing as available right now and many ship for free.
 
There are many Canon DSLR cameras (including the EOS 7D) and lenses (including the EF-S 15-85mm lens) available. Expect like-new gear with a 1 year warranty.

J&R has the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Marco Lens for only $879 shipped.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Camera Review
 
The T2i is very similar to the Rebel models before it - with a few nice upgrades.

Think Tank Photo has launched a huge new equipment case - the Logistics Manager.
 
The Logistics Manager is available now from Think Tank Photo. I want one.

Canon has announced its intention to acquire the .canon gTLD (generic Top Level Domain) Name.

Canon has posted EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Version 2.0.3 for download.
 
Firmware Version 2.0.3 incorporates five enhancements to the movie function and a fix to the manual sensor cleaning function of the EOS 5D Mark II camera.
 
1. Adds or changes the following movie frame rates.
 
NTSC:
?1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
?1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
?640×480 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
 
PAL:
?1920×1080 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)
?1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
?640×480 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)

 
2. Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels).
 
3. Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure.
 
4. Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies.
 
5. Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.
 
6. Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.)
 
For more about this firmware update, visit the Canon Digital Learning Center's EOS 5D II Firmware Version 2.0.3 page.

Adorama has both the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Body (sold out) and the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Kit in stock!
 
We have seen the with-kit-lens version of the T2i available before, but this is the first body-only version I've seen available. I plan to have the full Canon EOS T2i / 550D DSLR Review online this week.

ISO 12233 Chart results, measurements, product images (for comparison) and some additional product images have been added to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review page.
 
I'm not comfortable making any final conclusions yet (and have a second copy of this lens arriving today), but the new lens is looking very good so far.
 
The version II lens is overall, sharper wide open than the version I - you can compare the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS I and II USM Lenses using the mouseover feature in the ISO 12233 chart tool. Increase the focal length for both lenses to see how this improved image quality carries over to extender results. CA (Chromatic Abberation) is also improved - noticeable in the corners (bottom crop) at 200mm.
 
The 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II Lens focuses very fast - even faster than the version I lens. IS is quiet and well-behaved (very little jumping image in viewfinder). Build quality is excellent - though somewhat large, the lens feels great in use.
 
B&H Photo is accepting orders for theCanon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens (should ship soon).
 
Adorama is taking preorders.

Sold out in a few minutes: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

Have you seen the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Travel Mug? Canon Canada was using them for promotional purposes at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Here is a video from one lucky mug owner:
 

 
Of course, we all want one. The good news is that these will become available for purchase - at least in Canada (now sold out). (thanks Christian)
 
Henrys still has them available for preorder. I would skip the extended warranty on this one. (thanks Scott)
 
I wonder if the Canon Mini Cooper will be available for purchase.

B&H Photo now has the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock!
 
Sold out: Adorama also has the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock.

Tamron celebrates their 60th anniversary by announcing the Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens (press release).
 
Notable features of this lens include image stabilization (VC - Vibration Control), ultrasonic focus drive (USD) with full-time manual focusing and a fixed lens size.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted many short Canon EOS 7D Tutorial Videos. View them online - or on your 7D's LCD.

The Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.5.1 Updater is now available for download. (thanks Johnny)

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just been updated. There are 119 items showing as available right now and many ship for free.
 
Dig through the Point & Shoot cameras to find many Canon DSLR cameras (including the EOS 5D II and the EOS 7D) and lenses available. Expect like-new gear with a 1 year warranty.

Canon has released a new DSLR camera and lens rebate program with rebate amounts ranging from $15.00 to $1,000.00 with $50.00 - $130.00 being more typical amounts. The new feature to this rebate program is the rebate amount being doubled with the purchase of a 5D Mark II. Also welcome in this round is the Canon EOS 7D ($100.00/$200.00).
 
These are instant rebates available to anyone in the world buying through a Canon USA authorized dealer (B&H Photo). They are in effect from Mar 7, 2010 (Sunday) through Apr 3, 2010. This is an unusual time of the year for a significant Canon rebate program - it is likely in response to Nikon's current rebate program.
 
If you are buying a 7D or 5D Mark II, definitely pick up a Canon PIXMA PRO 9000 printer at the same time - there is a $400 rebate on the combo. Just sell the printer if you don't need/want it.
 
Here is the list of DSLRs, lenses and flashes included in the program along with their respective rebate amounts:
 

Lens	Instant Rebate Amount
Canon EOS 7D	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ EF 70-300mm IS Lens)
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$80.00 ($160.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens	$45.00 ($90.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$80.00 ($160.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$130.00 ($260.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens	$30.00 ($60.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$65.00 ($130.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 With Softfocus Lens	$35.00 ($70.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens	$500.00 ($1,000.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$25.00 ($50.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$25.00 ($50.00 w/ 5D Mark II)

 
Looks like it is a good time to buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II .
 
As always, you can download the rebate forms (announcements) from the Canon Digital SLR Camera & Lens Rebate page.

Hot Deal: Adorama has the Canon EOS 7D Refurbished for $1,399.95. (thanks Sean)

A few Rebel T2i image quality comparisons have been added to the Canon EOS T2i / 550D DSLR Review page.

Canon UK has issued a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firmware 2.0.3 Press Release.

B&H Photo has just started accepting orders for the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens.
 
When B&H accepts preorders for a new item, the new item is typically in route to their warehouse and will be ready to ship in the very near future. And, the number of preorders accepted typically matches the incoming inventory quantity. You order, you get the lens - and soon.
 
Amazon.com has also just started accepting orders for the new

Sold Out: Adorama has the Lexar 32GB Professional 300x UDMA Compact Flash Memory Card 2-Pack for only $99.95 shipped!
 
These cards are selling elsewhere for $170+ each - here is

Lowepro has introduced the Lowepro Toploader Zoom AW (press release) toploading DSLR camera bag series.

Gone: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock again.

"This is [snip] to inform you that firmware upgrade 2.0.3 for the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera will be coming in March of 2010. 2.0.3 meets the demands of both professional movie producers and aspiring filmmakers alike by adding 24p video acquisition and changing the 30p video frame rate to 29.97 to comply with TV production standards. In addition, audio capability is enhanced for professional use, adding manual audio level control, and increasing the audio sampling frequency to 48KHz from 44.1KHz.
 
Attached please find an announcement image [snip] with more details.
 
Not responsible for typographical errors. All images and effects are simulated.
 
© 2010 Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon and EOS are registered trademarks of Canon Inc.in the United States and may be registered trademarks or trademarks in other countries."
 
Canon U.S.A. PR Team