Canon and Nikon News for 2010/06 Report News & Deals

Amazon.com has the awesome Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens for $2,368.97 shipped.

The current Canon Camera, Lens and Flash Instant Rebates are scheduled to end on July 10th. Being that next week contains a holiday (and many of us wrap vacation plans around such), make sure you don't miss taking advantage of the rebates.
 

Model	Rebate Amount
Canon EOS 5D Mark II	$100.00
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens	$50.00
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens	$100.00
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$100.00
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens	$50.00
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$90.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens	$45.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens	$80.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$90.00
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens	$45.00
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens	$25.00
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens	$30.00
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$130.00
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$80.00
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$65.00
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens	$100.00
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$50.00
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$30.00
Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX Flash	$70.00
Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX Flash	$50.00

The Canon Spring-Summer 2010 Lens & Flash Instant Rebate Form and Canon Spring-Summer 2010 EOS 5D Mark II Instant Rebate are available for download on the Canon Camera, Lens & Flash Rebates page.

I frequently get asked questions about Nikon gear - and have friends who use Nikon. So, to help me answer those questions and to give my friends help in making their lens selections, Nikon lens information is now available on the site. With few exceptions, all of the Nikon lenses have been added to the standardized comparison tools. Full text reviews are going to take a lot of time to complete, but I intend to finish them.
 
My priority remains with Canon gear and reviews.
 
Even though I have all of the Nikon lenses and a pair of D3x bodies (all purchased retail - no assistance from Nikon - same as Canon) at my disposal, my personal preference remains Canon, and I will continue to make reviews of new Canon gear my top priority.
 
But, if I was forced to change brands, Nikon would be an easy next choice for me. With a wide range of top-quality gear, a choice for Nikon can certainly be justified. The ISO 12233 Resolution Chart Help page has been updated with the need-to-know information about the Nikon results from this test. I recommend that you read this page.
 
Please tell your Nikon friends about the addition to the site. Thanks!

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has been updated.
 
There are 113 items showing as available right now (PowerShot models are included in this figure) and most ship for free. You will find many Canon DSLR cameras and lenses available - even including the TS-E 17 L.
 
Expect like-new gear with a 1 year warranty.

Adorama has the Lowepro SlingShot 300 AW, All-Weather BackPack/Sling Bag for only $59.95 shipped (regularly $109.99).

Adorama has the Westcott 45" Optical White Satin Umbrella with Removable Black Cover for only $19.99 (regularly $27.95).

Don't know if we have many Kindle fans here, but Amazon.com just lowered the Kindle price by $70 - from $259 to $189.

Announced: SanDisk Write Once Read Many (WORM) SD Cards.

Read the SD Association Defines New High-Speed Performance Options for SDXC and SDHC Memory Cards and Devices press release (PDF) for more information.

"Canon UK today announced that its Pro Photo Solutions show will be returning again on 26th and 27th October 2010 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London."
 
Read the full Canon UK Pro Photo Solutions Show 2010 press release for more information.

Amazon.com has the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens for only $1,440.95 shipped. (thanks neuroanatomist)

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar ZE Lens Review placeholder page.

The following used camera gear is offered for sale in the cUSA:
 
Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4 EX DG HSM Lens (Canon mount) - In excellent condition w/ hood, black padded case, manual and caps in box. $265.00 shipped.
 
Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 DLD Aspherical (IF) Lens (Canon mount) - In excellent condition w/ hood, manual and caps in box (missing a bottom flap). $265 shipped.
 
Sold: Canon BG-E8 Battery Grip for Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D - Like new in box w/ manual. $139.00 shipped.
 
Sold: Canon EOS 1D Mark IV - Excellent condition - you might be able to find a couple of tiny marks on it, but it looks new. In box with all original accessories. $4,249.00 including PayPal eCheck and shipping.
 
Sold: Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens - In excellent condition w/ hood and caps. $149 shipped.
 
Sold: Canon RC-5 Remote Controller - in mint condition. $19.00 shipped.
 
Sold: Canon Speedlite 430EX II - In excellent condition - I see a small rub mark on the top of the head. Comes in padded case with shoe stand and manual in box. $219.00 shipped.
 
Sold: Canon Speedlite 270EX - In mint condition in original pouch and box with manual. $119.00 shipped.
 
Email Info@The-Digital-Picture.com to purchase one of these items.

ISO 12233 Chart results from the 1Ds III have been added to the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review.

Canon USA has announced Canon EXPO 2010 New York.
 
This event is scheduled for Sep 2 – 3, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City. A "Passcode" is required for registration - a link is provided to request this code.

J&R has the Lexar Media 8GB Platinum II 100x Class 6 SDHC Memory Card for $19.95 after $10 instant rebate. Limited lifetime warranty. The rebate expires 6/27/2010.

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens Review placeholder page.

B&H has the Sony DPF-A72N/B 7" Digital Photo Frame, regularly $99.95, for only $54.95.

Jeff Tallent has provided an addition to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Mug Review.

Many new lenses can now be found in the Lens Product Image Comparison Tool.

The PDN PhotoPlus Conference & Expo 2010 (press release) is now accepting registrations. Show-only registration is free for a "limited time".

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review placeholder page.

Sigma has issued a Service Notice regarding the following lenses and serial number ranges:
 
APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM (10633051 - 10972000)
APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM (10574001 - 10972000)
APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM (10674301 - 10972000)
 
Details of the issue being resolved are vague: "possible autofocus defect".

Adorama has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 available for preorder for $94.95 (upgrade) or $279.95 (full version).

Canon Europe has announced two new ad campaigns, one for the PowerShot SX210 IS and one for the Canon EOS 550D, with video shot primarily with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
 
Read the Canon Europe Press Release for the details.
 
Go to www.canon-europe.com/takestories to view the two ads.

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Lens Review placeholder page.

Adobe has made Lens Profile Creator Prerelease 2 available for download.

Bibble Labs has released Bibble 5 Pro 5.0.1.
 
This update includes support for the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV DSLR.

Amazon.com has the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens for only $1,440.95 shipped.

Phase One has announced the release of Capture One 5.1.2.
 
Included in this press release are two free offers. Registered owners of Expression Media, iView Media and MediaPro are offered a free copy of Capture One and registered owners of Capture One are offered a free copy of Expression Media 2 (recently acquired from Microsoft).

PocketWizard has posted some product status updates on their site.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Mug Review
 
This is what two weeks in the desert does to you. Have fun!

Adobe has Lightroom 3 available for immediate download. (thanks Jacob)
 
Lightroom Journal has published a list of Lightroom 3 resources.

Buy one of the Canon DSLRs linked to below along with a Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II Printer (on same receipt) and get a $400 rebate. If you don't need the printer, sell it for a great DSLR net price. This rebate ends on June 27, 2010.
 
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS Rebel T1i / 500D Digital SLR Review
 
Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II Printer at B&H
Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II Printer at Adorama
Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II Printer at Amazon.com
 
Canon Rebate Form at B&H

Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 3. Here are some relevant links:
 
Adobe Press Release
Lightroom Journal lists feature improvements since the last beta
 
Preorder at Amazon.com (Upgrade Version)
Preorder at Amazon.com (Full Version)

As I mentioned in the Air Show Pictures and Photography Tips, a high-mileage 1Ds Mark III was DOA at a distant event I was attending. Had I not taken a second camera, I would have no pictures from my 10 travel hour trip.
 
If you do not have a second camera body and lenses (or third if you shoot with two at a time), give consideration to buying or renting them for your next big event/vacation. And if renting, remember that summer is the busy season for the photography gear rental season. Roger at LensRentals.com recently noted on his site that reservations are an important step to insure you get the gear you want when you want it.
 
Summer vacations are often a great time to try out that new piece of gear you've been eyeing up. New gear adds fun to an already fun time.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted 5 printable (PDF), trifold guides:
 
Canon EOS 7D Autofocus Modes
EOS DSLR Video Recording
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Modes and Functions
DPP (v 3.8.x) Workflow and Keyboard Commands
Canon TC-80N3 Timer/Remote Controller

Adobe has posted a GPS data panel for the Creative Suite 5 File Info dialog. Download the data panel here: Windows | Macintosh

Among other reasons, to better fit product release schedules (and to avoid competition with CES), PMA has announced new September show dates for 2011.

DXO has added more than 75 new Optics Correction Modules to their DxO Optics software.

Adobe has released Bridge CS5 4.0.2 Update. This update enables the Export panel and includes several important bug fixes.
 
Windows | Macintosh

This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original one that was installed with Adobe® Photoshop® CS5, Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 and Adobe Premiere® Elements 8 software. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.
 
Windows | Macintosh
 
Here is more information from Lightroom Journal:
 
Camera Raw 6.1 is now available as a final release on Adobe.com and through the update mechanisms available in Photoshop CS5. This update includes camera support for the following models:
 
• Canon EOS 550D (Digital Rebel T2i/ EOS Kiss X4 Digital)
• Kodak Z981
• Leaf Aptus-II 8
• Leaf Aptus-II 10R
• Mamiya DM40
• Olympus E-PL1
• Olympus E-600
• Panasonic G2
• Panasonic G10
• Sony A450
 
Release Notes
 
• Camera Raw 6.1 includes new lens correction functionality that can apply profile-based corrections to accommodate geometric distortions, chromatic aberration and lens vignette effects. Manual corrections for geometric distortion as well as vertical and horizontal perspective transforms are also available. A handful of lens profiles are included for automatic correction and more can be created by the community with the Adobe Lens Profile Creator. (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lensprofile_creator/)
 
• This release addresses a bug on the Mac platform that could cause Photoshop CS5 to quit unexpectedly when opening a file in the Camera Raw 6.0 plug-in.
 
• This release contains performance enhancements designed to improve the responsiveness of the controls and the scrolling mechanism relative to Camera Raw 6.0.
 
• The camera support provided in this release was previously provided in the Camera Raw 5.7 plug-in update with the exception of the Olympus E-600 which is new to this update. Please read the following blog post for an explanation of why redundant support has been released.
 
• Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our Camera Raw 6.1 Release Candidate

The Canon EOS 50D instant rebates end today. Sorry for the late notice (I'm still digging out from my trip).
 
The rebate amount is $100 for the body (or the body with the EF 28-135mm IS lens) or $250 if the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is purchased at the same time. The rebate is in effect from Apr 4 through Jun 5, 2010.
 
The Canon EOS 50D Instant Rebate Form is available for download.
 
Here is the 50D at: B&H, Adorama, J&R and Amazon.com.