Canon and Nikon News for 2011/01 Report News & Deals

Update: Sold out. B&H just asked me to let you know that they have the Nikon D7000 with 18-105mm DX VR Lens in stock.

Just a heads up to let you know that, due to an increase in manufacturing costs, the prices for the Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 ZE Distagon Lens and Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZE Distagon Lens will increase Feb 1st.
 
These are two really nice lenses. If either is on your shopping list, now would be the time to place the order.

Nikon has extended their camera and lens rebate program again - now through the end of February - B&H has the rebate details.

J&R has the PNY 16GB Professional Series SDHC Class 10 Memory Card for only $27.99.

Phase One has released Capture One 6.1. This update includes new features and additional camera RAW formats are supported. The update is free for licensed users of Capture One 6.

Canon USA has announced the winners of the Amateur Football Photo Contest (press release).
 
More information is available on the Canon USA NFL site.

Canon has posted their financial results for 2010.
 
For a 26 page summary primarily consisting of charts and tables, download the presentation material PDF.
 
If you want to dive deeper, the full results PDF is for you.

ISO 12233 resolution chart test results for the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S Lens are now available on the site. Nice lens.

A Chipworks Nikon D7000 teardown reveals a Sony IMX071 Sensor on board. Just in case you were wondering.

Nikon has posted D3100 Firmware v1.01 (Europe: Macintosh / Windows).
 
Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade, release date January 25, 2011:
 
• A magenta tint was present at the bottom of still images captured at high sensitivities after shooting in live view mode or recording movies for an extended length of time. The occurrence of this magenta tint has been reduced.
 
• When images captured with continuous shooting in live view mode were played back, in some very rare cases, some of the images were not properly displayed. This issue has been resolved.
 
• When shooting in live view mode with AF-area mode set to Subject-tracking AF, in some very rare cases, the focus point slipped off the subject with autofocusing after the intended tracking subject had been selected. This issue has been resolved.
 
• When images edited using camera retouch functions were played back in calendar playback mode, they were assigned to dates based not on the date of capture, but rather the date on which they were edited. This issue has been resolved.
 
• When white balance for RAW images created using the camera’s image overlay function was fine tuned with Capture NX 2 or ViewNX 2, the images acquired a magenta cast. This issue has been resolved.
 
• A portion of the error message displayed when live view mode could not be initiated because the camera’s internal temperature was too high has been revised.
 
• When Noise reduction in the shooting menu is set to On, operation is as follows.
 
Processing to reduce noise is performed at all ISO sensitivity settings. Noise reduction is especially effective with shooting at high ISO sensitivities.
 
Processing to reduce noise is performed immediately after shooting in any of the situations noted below. While processing to reduce noise is performed, "Job nr" blinks in the viewfinder display. Shooting is not possible until "Job nr" is no longer displayed. The time required for noise reduction processing is roughly equal to the shutter speed used to capture the image.
 
• Shooting at shutter speeds slower than approximately 8 seconds
 
• Shooting at high ISO sensitivities when the internal temperature of the camera is high
 
• The Help information displayed for the Noise reduction item in the shooting menu has also been revised in accordance with these modifications.

David Hobby and Joe McNally have announced The Flash Bus Tour featuring small flash training in 29 cities in 6 weeks. Should be a highly entertaining tour.

I added many items to Used DSLR Cameras, Lenses and Acessories for Sale page. Let me know if you want anything.

Canvas People is offering 40% off your entire order + FREE shipping with coupon code love14. This offer is valid through Feb 3rd.
 

Amazon.com has the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens for only $1,150 shipped - $100-$150 off regular price. The 70-300 DO is OOS at Amazon.com right now, but find the Amazon link on the right side of the page to backorder the lens. (thanks David)

Bibble Labs has announced the availability of Bibble 5.2 Pro & Lite.
 
"This free update for all current Bibble 5 customers adds support for 14 new RAW formats, including Nikon D3100, D7000, P7000 and Panasonic LX5, GF2 and GH2, and includes significant improvements to Bibble 5's already powerful Selective Editing capability, along with many other enhancements."
 
Check out the press release for more information.

I have uploaded some sample pictures to the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM Lens Review.
 
The weather and landscape have not been very outdoor-photo-friendly here recently, but I intend to use this lens a lot more this year - including on a couple of photo trips I have planned. So, I should have more (and more varied) sample pictures to share later.
 
Be sure to check out the comments and tips for each picture.

There are a lot of great Gitzo deals right now with the $80 rebates (Visa cash card) in place. B&H has special pricing on some of these items. No quantity limits I am told.
 
Here are the rebate items at B&H:
 
Gitzo G1177M Ballhead - $29.90 shipped AR (in stock at Adorama - $24.90 shipped AR)
Gitzo GT1541T Traveler Tripod - $414.40 shipped AR
Gitzo GT1550T Traveler Tripod and Ballhead - $519.90 shipped AR
Gitzo GK1581OT Ocean Traveler Stainless Tripod and Ballhead - $1,019.90 shipped AR
Gitzo GK2580TQR Traveler Tripod - $844.90 shipped AR
Gitzo GT2531 Tripod - $419.73 shipped AR (HOT DEAL)
Gitzo GT2541 Tripod - $619.90 shipped AR
Gitzo GT3541LS Tripod - $510.00 shipped AR (HOT DEAL)
Gitzo GT3541XLS Tripod - $799.90 shipped AR
Gitzo GH1780 Ballhead - $119.95 shipped AR
Gitzo GH1780QR Ballhead - $144.90 shipped AR
Gitzo GH2780 Ballhead - $169.95 shipped AR
Gitzo GH2780QR Ballhead - $219.29 shipped AR

It is time to get your the Gitzo carbon fiber tripod of your dreams: B&H has the Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs for only $510 shipped after mail-in rebate ($80 Visa card).
 
This is an awesome tripod - it is the one I primarily use (my Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod review).
 
Normal price is about $750.

While it only supports 8.8 lbs, the Gitzo G1177M Ballhead (Adorama) is definitely a great deal at $24.90 shipped after mail-in rebate ($80 Visa card). Even if you only use it to mount a flash. Adorama says there are NO LIMITS on rebate quantities.

ISO 12233 chart test results have been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review page.
 
Be sure to find the short, must-read commentary on the review page.

onOne Software has made Free Photoshop Album Templates and Backgrounds available to us:
 
"At onOne Software, we are committed to providing photographers with easy-to-use, time-saving solutions to make digital photography easier, faster and better. Now, we're happy to provide you with free album templates, layouts, backgrounds and edges to save you time in Photoshop designing and developing them yourself."
 
"Simply register or log in below and you'll have full access to all of the content we've created so you can get back to shooting."
 
onOne Software Album Templates and Backgrounds

"DxO Labs is pleased to announce the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v6.5.3 for Mac and Windows that adds RAW support for the Panasonic DMC-GH2 and for the Sony SLT-A55 in both its Standard and Elite editions."
 
"Further, 95 new DxO Optics Modules are now available to DxO Optics Pro users, covering numerous Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras."
 
DxO Optics Pro v6.5.3 Press Release
 
DxO Optics at B&H

ISO 12233 resolution chart results for the Canon Extender EF 1.4x III and Canon Extender EF 2x III have now been added to the reviews of all compatible lenses (the III results are the last pair of the ISO 12233 Chart Tool focal length options for each lens):
 
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens Review
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens Review
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens Review
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens Review
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens Review
 
Update: The missing results are now in place. Sorry!

Winter is a great time to work with studio lighting - especially for those of us well up into the northern hemisphere. And that makes now a great time for a lighting sale. The Calumet Semi-Annual Lighting Sale is now on and runs through January 31st.
 
As a bonus to The-Digital-Picture.com readers, Calumet is offering a free Portrait Lighting DVD with your order. Use code CALDPC to receive your free DVD.
 
   Shop the Calumet Lighting Sale

SanDisk has announced Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I Cards (press release) along with the Extreme Pro ExpressCard Adapter designed for these and other SDHC cards.

Rode has announced the Videomic Pro, a great new option for HDSLR video sound capture.
 
Visit the Videomic Pro product page for more information. (thanks Mike)
 
B&H is taking Rode Videomic Pro preorders.

Zacuto has announced the DSLR Z-Cage (Zacuto product page). Check out some of the loaded-rig examples on this page.

Sony has announced the CLM-V55 (Sony press release), a flash shoe-mounted 5" WVGA tilt-swivel video monitor designed for HD video use. (thanks Ed)

Adobe has made Premiere Elements 9.0.1 Macintosh Update available.
 
This update improves stability and consists of the fixes for some of the issues as reported by the users through various forums. Also, this update provides an improved importing of media on Mac. It resolves the following issues:
 
1. Crash on Exit after Full Screen view
2. Crashes on launch from Standard user.
3. Provides fix for "Import from iPhoto"
4. Other Bug Fixes

Adorama has the Maxell "AA" 1.5v Alkaline Battery 20-Pack for only $4.99 shipped (normally $8.99).
 
They are not Sanyo Eneloops, but they have a well-known brand name and boast of a similar low discharge rate. Adorama has the Sony Cycle Energy Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), 2000 mAh Pre-Charged "AA" Rechargeable Batteries - 4 Pack for only $6.99 shipped (normally $12.99).

Interested in seeing the processes used by Lexar to make memory products? Check out their How We Make Our Products video (YouTube).

The Canon Camera Museum presents Making of Camera Design, a Flash-based presentation of the design process behind a Canon PowerShot digital camera.

ISO 12233 resolution chart results for the Canon Extender EF 1.4x III and Canon Extender EF 2x III have been added to the following reviews (the III results are the last pair of focal length options for each lens):
 
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM Lens Review
 
Canon 1.4x III and 2x III results for the rest of the compatible Canon lenses are coming soon.
 
ISO 12233 resolution chart results have also been added to the following Nikon lens review placeholder pages:
 
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G AF-S VR Lens Review
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR Lens Review
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Lens Review
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Lens Review
 
I've had some setbacks in getting full the Nikon lens reviews going, and I remain committed to Canon reviews as my priority, but I am making a significant time-related life change that will (hopefully) allow me to begin these full reviews soon. Enjoy the ISO 12233 chart results in the mean time.

B&H has the Lexar Professional 133x 8GB, 16GB and 32GB SDHC Memory Cards (Class 10, lifetime warrantly) on sale for about 50% off.

Adorama has the new Zeiss Filters in stock.

B&H has the Lexar 16GB UDMA 300x CompactFlash Card for only $69.95 shipped.

Nikon has extended their camera and lens rebate program through Jan 29th - B&H has the details.

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has been modestly updated.
 
The selection is not tremendous, but new gear has been added. Be sure to double check the price before you buy as refurbished versions of Canon lenses with rebates available may not be a bargain.
 
The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is $4,199.00 shipped.
The Canon EOS 7D is $1,339.95 shipped.

Tenba has announced the Roadie II Photo/Laptop Cases (press release).

SanDisk has announced the world's fastest high-capacity compactFlash card - the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash 128GB Card with VPG.
 
"SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® Card Offers Unprecedented Combination of Speed and Storage-Up to 100MB/sec Write Speed and 128GB Capacity"
 
At $1,499.99 MSRP, most of us will not be filling up our Pixel Pocket Rockets with these.
 
Press Release

These fast 233x cards are among the first to support the SD Association UHS-I standard. Read the Kingston UHS-I UltimateXX Cards press release for more details.

SD Association has announced the UHS-II Standard and a new eBook Specification (press release PDF).
 
"New pin design ratchets bus speeds up to 312 MB/s, eBook spec opens books, graphic novels to secure portability"

Apple has announced the grand opening of the new Mac App Store.
 
Access to this store requires the just-released Mac OS X 10.6.6 available via the Mac OS Software Update function. Mac App Store should become available on the Apple menu once the update has been installed.
 
Aperture 3 is available at the Mac App store for only $79.99 in the US ($119 off regular price). Check your country's App Store as the deal varies by country. (thanks Adam)

Canon U.S.A. Showcases Latest Products And Technologies At This Year's Consumer Electronics Show (press release)

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.0.2 Update (Mac Only) is now available for download.
 
"The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.0.2 Update will install a patch on top of Adobe Photoshop Elements 9. It provides fixes for "Import from iPhoto". This update is ONLY applicable to Photoshop Elements 9 running on a MAC OS."

Getting the most important news out of the way: No DSLR-related products have been announced today. That said, here are the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2011 Canon announcements (links are to Canon USA press releases):
 
Heighten Creativity And Flair With Canon's New PowerShot A-Series Digital Cameras
 
Integrating Canon's Latest Features in an Easy-to-Use Format, the PowerShot A-Series Cameras Possess HD Video, Advanced Smart AUTO and Creative Filters with Budget-Friendly Pricing
 
Canon Introduces Its Most Compact And Affordable Professional Camcorder: The XA10
 
The Perfect Blend of Quality, Portability, and Pro Features for "Run-and-Gun" Shooting
 
Canon's New Professional Camcorders Record Native 1920 x 1080 Video Directly To CF Cards
 
Features Include a Newly Designed HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor to Improve Resolution, Enhance Low-Light Performance and Expand Dynamic Range
 
Canon U.S.A. Announces Five New PIXMA Office Printers to its Award-Winning Lineup
 
Canon U.S.A. Inc. today announced the launch of five new PIXMA Office printers, four of which have the ability to print, copy, scan and fax while the remaining printer has 13" x 19" printing capabilities.

The best time to buy a Canon camera, lens or flash is usually when a rebate is available for it. And that time is now - and for not much longer as the current Canon DSLR, lens and flash rebates are scheduled to end on Jan 8th. If you are planning to buy a rebate-included Canon DSLR, lens or flash, I recommend placing the order before these rebates expire.
 
All of the current APS-C sensor format DSLRs have solid rebates available for them and a very nice set of instant lens and flash rebates are in place right now - and these rebates are doubled with the purchase of select EOS HD DSLR Cameras (1D IV, 5D II, 7D or 60D). There are some really great lenses included.

Model	Rebate Amount
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens	$50/$100
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$100/$200
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens	$70/$140
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens	$80/$160
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens	$200/$400
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens	$110/$220
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$140/$280
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens	$150/$300
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Lens	$30/$60
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens	$130/$260
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens	$100/$200
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens	$30/$60
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$130/260
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$60/$120
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens	$90/$180
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$25/$50
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$15/$30
Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX Flash	$70/$140

 
Find the rest of the expiring rebates on the Canon Camera and Lens Rebates category page.
 
The Canon Fall 2010 Lens and Flash Rebate Flyer (not needed) is available for download.
 
Here are the rebate items at B&H.

Adorama has the SanDisk 16GB Extreme SDHC Memory Card for only $49.00 shipped.

"Lexar Media Introduces the First 128GB Professional Secure Digital Extended Capacity Memory Card for Photographers and Videographers"
 
Read more about the new Lexar 64GB & 128GB Professional 133x SDXC Memory Cards on Lexar's site.

The Tamron Winter 2011 Rebates (PDF) are now available.