Canon and Nikon News for 2010/08 Report News & Deals

Adorama packaged the new Canon EOS DSLR, Lens and Flash Rebates. Select the body you are interested in to find the with-rebate packages available:
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 7D
 
Canon announced higher instant rebates on printers
Canon MP990 was 299.95 - now 99.95
Canon IX7000 was 399.95 - now 249.95
 
Take advantage of a $400 instant rebate on the Nikon 14-24 lens when purchased together with a D300s & D700:
Nikon D300
Nikon D700
 
Or get an entire kit with the Nikon 14-24, Nikon 24-70 & Nikon 70-200 for a total of $1,100 instant rebates (add to cart for actual price):
Nikon D300
Nikon D700

Camera Raw 6.2 Update
 
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
 
Lightroom 3.2 update
 
The Adobe Photoshop® Lightroom® 3.2 update includes these enhancements:

• Additional camera support for several new camera models including the Panasonic DMC-LX5, Sony NEX-5 and Canon EOS 60D
• Numerous corrections for issues introduced in Lightroom 3.0
• Direct publishing to Facebook and over 120 new lens profiles

Windows | Macintosh
 
The Canon EOS 60D DSLR is now supported in these Adobe apps. Lightroom journal has more details.

Canon Inc. has announced that it has successfully developed the World's Largest CMOS Sensor.
 
I'd hate to see the size of the lens required by this sensor and I would hate having to clean it, but the specs are very cool.

Canon USA has just launched a short but significant DSLR, lens and flash instant rebate program.
 
Purchase a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon EOS 5D Mark II (body-only or with kit lens) or Canon EOS 7D (body-only or with kit lens) along with one or more rebate-included lenses and/or flashes between now and September 11, 2010 and get an up-to-$280-per-lens-or-flash rebate.
 
Here are the included lenses and flashes along with their rebate amounts:
 

Model	Rebate Amount
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	$200.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens	$280.00
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens	$220.00
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$160.00
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens	$200.00
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens	$60.00
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$260.00
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens	$60.00
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$130.00
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 With Softfocus Lens	$70.00
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$80.00
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$50.00

 
The rebate form is available for download. I will add the rebate form to the Canon Rebates page on the site for historical purposes.

Canon Professional Network has posted a video showing the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM Fisheye Lens zoom effect.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has added pages of good information for the new Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM Fisheye Lens and Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS L USM Lens. (thanks Chad)

Amazon.com just started accepting Canon EOS 60D DSLR Body and Canon EOS 60D + EF-S 18-135mm Lens preorders.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has added a page of good information about the new Canon EF 300mm and 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lenses and extenders.

Adorama just started accepting preorders for the new Canon EOS 60D and the new L lenses.
 
Start shopping here:
 
Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM Fisheye Lens
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS L USM Lens
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens
Canon Extender EF 1.4x III
Canon Extender EF 2x III

I have the review page placeholders for the new Canon EOS 60D and L Lenses on the site.
 
On these pages you will find pictures of the gear and links to the USA and UK press releases (if you have only read one, read the other).
 
Factory specifications are loaded into the Lens Specification Tool for the new L lenses (especially interesting is comparing the new lenses with the old)
 
Here are the links:
Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera Review
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM Fisheye Lens Review
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon Extender EF 1.4x III Review
Canon Extender EF 2x III Review
 
I have more information to post (especially for the 60D), but this was a very long - and expensive :) - day on top of a 4:00 AM bedtime. Hopefully tomorrow.

In addition to the 6 EF L lenses officially-announced today, Canon, Inc. has announced that Canon EF 500mm and 600mm f/4 L IS II USM Lenses are under development.

Six new Canon EF L Lenses (press release) have been announced today.
 
Again, I'll have more information on the site later today.

It's official - we have a Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera coming soon! (press release)
 
I'll have more information on the site later today.

Press Release:
 
London, UK, 26th August 2010 – Canon today announces a new plug-in further enhancing quicker and easier editing of EOS MOVIE footage in Apple’s software suite, Final Cut Pro. The update will be available to download for free from mid-September.
 
EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro version 1.1 will add to the recently released Plug-in-E1 by providing support for the Canon EOS 60D, the latest addition to the EOS range. The plug-in will allow users to view metadata and EXIF data for movie files. It will also provide support for multi-core processing, allowing even faster conversations with the latest generation of Macs.
 
The original plug-in was designed to convert EOS MOVIE footage from Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR cameras to Apple’s high-quality ProRes 422 codec at approximately twice the speed of Apple’s standard conversion. Users will still have the benefits of being able to add timecode and reel names to footage quickly and easily.
 
For more information and to download, visit Canon Europe's EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro version 1.1 page.

Just posted: Custom Brackets CB Gimbal Tripod Head Review

Gitzo has a rebate program in place through the end of October - Get a $40 - $100 Visa Prepaid Card for the purchase of Gitzo tripods and/or tripod heads. Read the rebate form for complete details. Gitzo at B&H, Gitzo at Adorama

Nikon has made the Capture NX 2.2.5 Update available. Read the list of modifications on Nikon's download page.

Canon, Inc. has announced the successful development of 120 Megapixel APS-H CMOS Sensor. (thanks Sean)
 
Don't expect to see this sensor in a Canon EOS DSLR anytime soon.

The latest word from Canon Germany is that USM motors and electrical parts are no longer available for all of the pre-1999 Super Telephoto Lenses (the non-IS models), and therefore, these lenses have been removed from Canon Germany CPS service.
 
These models include the 200 f/1.8, 300 f/2.8, 400 f/2.8, 400 f/2.8 II, 500 f/4.5 and 600 f/4.0. (thanks Ralf)
 
Ralf thinks we will see some new, larger lens mugs coming in the near future.

Details are not available, but B&H has confirmed that the Canon EF 1200mm L USM Lens I reviewed in New York City last year has indeed been sold.
 
If you bought it, we all want to know what you are using it for!

Canon USA's Rudy Winston delivers a series of What's on the Canon EOS 7D Menu videos at B&H.
 
Since many menu options are common across DSLRs, you may find the videos helpful even if you do not own a 7D.

Nikon has posted sample photos for each of the new Nikon lenses:
 
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens

THK Photo Products, Inc. has introduced new tripods:
 
8 All New SLIK PRO Carbon Fiber Series Tripods
 
SLIK PRO 340 QF Tripod With 504QF-II Dual Use Photo/Video Fluid Effect Pan Head
 
SLIK PRO 500 HD Tripod With New SH-736HD Dual Use Photo/Video Fluid Effect Pan Head

Metz has announced the addition of two new flashes to their line:
 
Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1 Digital Flash
 
Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 Digital Flash

"Compact, Economical Rigs Deliver Professional Quality on a Budget"
 
Redrock "nano" DSLR Video Rigs and Accessories (press release)

Adorama has announced their new 30 day return policy (increased from 14 days).

B&H is now accepting preorders for the new Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens.

B&H, Amazon.com and Adorama are taking preorders for the new Nikon DSLR and lenses:
 
At B&H:
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit
Nikon D3100 Two Lens Kit
 
At Amazon:
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit
Nikon D3100 Two Lens Kit
 
At Adorama:
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit
Nikon D3100 Two Lens Kit

Canon has announced the cute little Canon SELPHY CP800 Compact Photo Printer (press release).

Canon has announced three new PowerShot camera models (press release).

In a consolidated Nikon Summer 2010 DSLR Lens Announcment, Nikon has announced the following lenses:
 
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR Nikkor Lens
 
Announced separately is the Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens.
 
Also announced is the Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera.
 
Specifications for the new lenses have been added to the Lens Specfications Tool for easy reference and comparison.

AdoramaPIX is running a 25% Off special on all Square Photo Books. The special runs through Aug 30th.

Canon has officially announced the Canon EOS 7DSV (Studio Version) (press release).

Canon U.S.A. Announces Two New PIXMA Printers With Innovative Intelligent Touch System and Full HD Movie Print (Canon USA Press Release)

Firmware 5.15 Corrects Data Table Issue in 5.10
 
"We recently released the latest official ControlTL firmware, version 5.10. Based on continued internal testing and feedback from users, it appears that a couple of the exposure and timing data tables became corrupted somewhere in the process. We’ve had reports of improper exposures with several camera models as well as shutter clipping with the 1Ds Mark III and 1D Mark IV. We have corrected the tables and the revised firmware is available as version 5.15 and can be downloaded via the PocketWizard Utility now.
 
We recommend upgrading to 5.15 as soon as you can.
 
The manual addendum for v5.10 is still the same for v5.15."

Nikon ViewNX 2 has been made available for free download today.
 
The list of changes includes:
 
1. Revamped workspace
2. New editing functions (Crop, Auto Red-Eye, Straighten, Auto Lateral CA Correction)
3. Movie editing functions
4. Improved print functions
5. Greater collaboration with my Picturetown
 
View the entire press release here.

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart and Lens Specifications and Measurements Tools have been added to the Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S VR II Lens Review page.
 
I have to admit - I was not expecting much difference in sharpness between this lens and the version 1 Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S VR Lens. But, I'm very pleased with the improvement at 400mm. This difference is confirmed in the with-extender tests. When shooting sports, I often had the version 1 lens at 400mm and was not excited about the results I was getting, so this improvement is very welcomed. Canon needs one of these.

As I mentioned yesterday on the site news page, the root cause of the community site being down was a mandatory site migration to the webhost's new datacenter (performed by the host). After 12 hours of being down with no solution in sight, I made the decision to relocate the site to RackSpace along with the main site. The hosting costs more, but will hopefully be more bulletproof.
 
The incompetencies shown by the web host in this site migration are simply beyond my comprehension. These include, along with giving me no notice of the actual cutover and among many other things, the restoring of a 3 week old database (so much for daily backups). And they thought no one would notice?
 
Fortunately I had a personal backup. Unfortunately, my latest backup was from early evening on Aug 6th. I strongly apologize for the inconvenience of the lost information - please restart/complete the threads that were important to you. Thanks!

Since the RSS news feed is currently down, I am going to push a planned implementation of new RSS news feeds ahead of schedule. I intend to 301-Redirect (automatically forward) the previous feed (when its functionality is restored) to these new feeds, but changing your news reader now will restore the site's RSS news functionality immediately.
 
The available feeds are:
 
Canon, Nikon News, What's New (all posted news)   
Canon News, What's New (Nikon-related news filtered out)  
Nikon News, What's New (Canon-related news filtered out)  
 
Simply click on the link of the feed you desire to get the subscription address/URL. For my Nikon friends, Nikon news will be ramping up. If you have no interest in Nikon-related posts, simply subscribe to the Canon-specific feed - and vice-versa.
 
Facebook and Twitter offer alternatives for keeping up on the news.
 
Please pass the word about this change.

A news page for everyone:
 
The current Canon News page will remain unchanged and the content will remain the same.
 
A new Canon and Nikon News page will now be available as will a Nikon News page that omits Canon-specific news posts.
 
The Nikon-specific posts will be ramping up in the future.

The Community.The-Digital-Picture.com subdomain (the forums and RSS news feed) is currently down. The root cause of the problem is a mandatory site migration to WebHost4Life's new datacenter (performed by WebHost4Life). An issue with the IP address and DNS are thought to be at the root of the problem.
 
I apologize for the inconvenience and will make resolution of the problem a top priority.

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart and Lens Specifications and Measurements Tools have been added to the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Review page.

AdoramaPIX is running a 25% Off special on 9x12 Photo Books and Prints.

Adorama has the new Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (packed in a white box) for only $349.95 shipped - that is $100 off of the new regular box price.

Adobe Labs has posted Lightroom 3.2 rc and Camera Raw 6.2 rc.
 
Lightroom Journal documents the updates - inlcuding a long list of new Lens Profiles.

Tamron Announces Release of a Full Size Premium Telephoto Zoom – The Tamron Superior Performance SP 70-300mm Di VC USD (Model A005) for Nikon mount
 
An Extra Low Dispersion (XLD) lens made from high-grade materials delivers best-in-class resolution while Tamron’s own Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) and Vibration Compensation (VC) make the lens fast, quiet and easy to use
 
August 10, 2010, Commack, NY – Tamron announced another advance in the company's pursuit of high resolution images in the telephoto lens category with the release of its anniversary model SP 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens featuring VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and an ultrasonic auto-focus drive –– USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive). The SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005) high-resolution DSLR telephoto zoom lens is available for the Nikon mount on August 26, 2010, with the launch of mounts for Canon and Sony to follow.
 
Read the original Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC US Lens Press Release for more information.

Just posted: Camera L-Plate Review
 
This is a short review describing one my my most-used pieces of gear and answering one of my most-received email questions - "What is attached to your camera in that picture?".

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has been updated.
 
There is a very nice selection right now and most ship for free.
 
Adorama's Nikon Refurbished inventory is also currently very strong.
 
Expect like-new gear with a 1 year warranty.
 
B&H has the Nikon D90 refurbished for $749.95.

I added a new page to the site's Help section: Used DSLR Cameras, Lenses and Acessories for Sale
 
This will give me a static location to list used gear that I am finished evaluating/using for sale.
 
I will post here when any significant additions are made to the used gear page. Note that I don't have time to do a lot of price research, but usually try to list the gear, typically in mint condition, at attractive prices.

Through Sep 30th, save between $400 and $700 when you purchase a Canon DSLR (most included) and one of two select PIXMA printers. B&H has the details.

August 4, 2010
 
South Burlington, VT - PocketWizard today launched the newest firmware version for the MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver. ControlTL Firmware Version 5.1 is a firmware upgrade which allows compatibility with the AC3 ZoneController for Canon. The AC3 ZoneController gives the photographer control over three independent zones of light, whether working in E-TTL or Manual mode, directly from the camera’s position. Additionally, the firmware upgrade now allows compatibility with the Canon Rebel T2i. Compatibility with the Canon 7D and 1D Mark IV has also been expanded.
 
There have been a few refinements to the firmware since the 5.0 launch which has been tested in the beta lab in the form of two beta versions.
 
For more detailed information on firmware version 5.1, including compatibility, refinements and operational notes, please click here.
 
IMPORTANT: When upgrading your radios, be sure to upgrade all MiniTT1’s and FlexTT5’s to v5.1 for proper AC3 functionality. Your radios will only operate as expected when all units are using the latest firmware.
 
Additionally, always perform a factory reset after updating your firmware. And be sure to write down any custom settings for Configuration 1 or Configuration 2 before you reset your radios so you can re-apply them after the upgrade. See RESET B on page 28 in the original Owner’s Manual or simply hold TEST as you power on for 10 seconds until you see 4 blinks (green).
 
PocketWizard, the world leader in wireless control and synchronization of cameras, flash lighting and light meters, is made by LPA Design, based in South Burlington, Vermont and sold by MAC Group in the USA and authorized distributors around the world.
 
Use PocketWizard Utility to download the update.

Sigma has announced the availability of the new Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens.
 
B&H and Adorama both have this lens in stock.

Lowepro has announced the Adventura TLZ toploader DSLR bags.
 
These look like a great choice for a smaller DSLR.

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review
 
This is an impressive lens.

"South Burlington, VT - Starting Sunday, August 1 and extending through September 30, 2010, PocketWizard's US Distributor, MAC Group, is offering a $25 Mail-in Rebate on all MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 purchases. This program is for any PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 purchases made in the US. In addition, all purchase are secured by MAC Group's 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee which has been extended to 9/30/2010."
 
Here are the B&H links for the MiniTT1 and the FlexTT5.

Apple has released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.3.
 
This update extends RAW image format compatibility to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:
 
• Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
• Olympus E-PL1
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10
• Samsung NX10
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
• Sony Alpha NEX-3
• Sony Alpha NEX-5

Check out my Timber Rattlesnake Picture with a more-than-usual amount of commentary.

Have some free time? Want to get your work noticed? Here is a technique demonstrated that is sure to bring you attention: Levi’s: “Guy Walks Across America”

Rob Galbraith describes a new version of the Canon EOS 7D that supports certain barcode readers and stores barcode data in EXIF.