Canon and Nikon News for 2011/04 Report News & Deals

A Lens Distortion Tool is now available on the site.
 
Similar to the other Lens Comparison Tools, the Lens Distortion Tool allows lens & setting selection and mouseover comparison with other lenses. Hit the Lens Distortion Help ("?") button for more information.
 
Most of the current Canon lenses are currently loaded into the tool. Many more lenses will be added in the near future.
 
I have been considering the addition of optional grid lines overlaid on the checkerboard result image. If you feel strongly about this possible feature, send me an email with your ideas.
 
As always, thanks for your support!

B&H has changed the expected arrival date for the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM Fisheye Lens from "Approx. Arrival May" to "New item - No arrival date known".

HP Home & Home Office is offering $30 off your online order of $150 or greater. Use coupon code: SAVE30HP
 
Save $10 off your online order of $50 or greater using coupon code SAVE10HP.

B&H is accepting Nikon D5100 preorders. When B&H accepts preorders, the product is usually expected to be in stock very soon.

ElcomSoft, the company that previously discovered a vulnerability in Canon's Original Data Security System, has now cracked Nikon's Image Authentication System. Details can be found on ElcomSoft's website.

Free upgrade to owners of Capture One 6
 
COPENHAGEN, April 28, 2011 — Phase One today released Capture One 6.2. An upgrade to the popular raw conversion and image editing software that supports both professional medium format systems and more than 170 different DSLR camera models, Capture One comprises a full digital workflow to produce beautifully detailed and richly rendered images.
 
Capture One 6.2 adds camera support for Samsung, Fuji, Ricoh, Panasonic, Canon, Sony and Nikon and for Phase One IQ180, IQ160 and IQ140, including tethered support.
 
Features and Enhancements
 
• Local Adjustments (Local adjustment of saturation and clarity; Invert local adjustments mask; Copy local adjustments mask from other layer)
• Auto sync of XMP metadata (sidecars only)
• Additional camera controls for Canon and Nikon
• Improved OpenCL and 64 bit performance
 
Camera Support
 
• Samsung NX5, NX10, NX11 and NX100
• Fuji X100
• Ricoh GR DIGITAL, GR DIGITAL II, GR DIGITAL III, GX100, GX200, GRX S10, GXR P10, GXR A12
• Phase One IQ180, IQ160, and IQ140
• Canon EOS-600D/Rebel T3i and EOS-1100D/Rebel T3 including tethered support
• Panasonic DMC-GH2 and DMC-GF2.
• Sony SLT-A55, SLT¬A33, NEX-3 and NEX-5
• Nikon D-7000 tethered support
 
Availability and Pricing
 
Capture One version 6.2 is available now; for details please see: www.phaseone.com/6
 
Capture One version 6.2 is a free upgrade to current owners of Capture One Express 6 and Capture one Pro 6. For the difference between Capture One Express and Capture One Pro, please see: www.phaseone.com/en/Software/Capture-One-Pro-6/Upgrade/Upgrade-Pro-6.aspx
 
For new customers, Capture One Pro 6.2 is available via download for 399 USD and 299 EUR through Phase One’s Online Store www.phaseone.com/store and through leading professional photography dealers worldwide. Capture One Express 6.2 is available for 129 USD and 99 EUR via www.phaseone.com/store.
 
Capture One Pro 6 and Express 6 are paid upgrades to previous versions of Capture One. Upgrade prices start at 69 USD and 49 EUR, respectively.
 
Capture Pilot™ is a free app from the Apple store for Capture One Pro. More information is available here: www.phaseone.com/en/software/capture-one-pro-6/about/capture%20pilot.aspx

- TOKYO, Japan, April 28, 2011 -
 
Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson", TSE: 6724) today announced it would book extraordinary losses for the fourth quarter (January 1 to March 31, 2011) of the year ending March 31, 2011.
 
1. Details of extraordinary losses
 
(1) Loss on disaster
 
Epson will book on a consolidated base extraordinary losses of 4,755 million yen associated with the earthquake that struck the Tohoku area of Japan.
 
(2) Business structure improvement expenses
 
Epson will book on a consolidated base extraordinary losses of 4,566 million yen associated with the termination of the small- and medium-sized displays business.
 
2. Impact on business results
 
The aforementioned extraordinary losses have been reflected in the business results for the full year ended March 2011 announced today. For details, please read the "Consolidated Results for Year Ended March 31 2011."
 
Epson Consolidated Results for Year Ended March 31, 2011

Tamron has posted 1Q 2011 financial fesults.

With $25,000 worth of prizes on the line, the Foba Combitube Photo Competition is an eye-catcher.
 
If you do not already own the Combitube gear, cost of entry is not low. Check out the cool Foba Combitubes at B&H.

DxO Labs has added 53 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing supports for Canon, Samyang, Sigma, Sony, and Tamron lenses, for numerous Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras.
 
Visit this page to see the new combinations.
 
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.

B&H has the new Canon Speedlite 320EX in stock.

Canon U.S.A.’s Live Learning events are in full swing for the Spring season, highlighted by the upcoming “Deconstructing the Story” workshops for professional and advanced cinematographers, photographers and videographers. These three day, hands-on sessions provide intensive learning opportunities designed to demonstrate improved techniques for shooting successful video projects with Canon EOS HD DSLR cameras. During the opening day, foundations of EOS cine-style production techniques are taught in intimate student breakout groups. That’s followed by a full day of student shooting in a 24-hour film festival style, topped off by a final day of editing; all provided from the experts of the renowned stillmotion™ team, a group of leading innovators in the use of EOS HD video products, along with Canon professional market representatives.
 
Designed for professional and advanced EOS HD DSLR users, participants of these workshops will receive instruction from stillmotion assisted by Canon team members. As part of the workshops, students will have the opportunity to work with an assortment of Canon camera bodies and lenses along with the supporting production accessories to make the experience as impactful as possible. Students will work in small groups immersing themselves in each aspect of video production with EOS while receiving guidance on the technical and creative aspects to ensure the final result is worthy of new client interest.
 
The 2011 schedule for the “Deconstructing the Story” workshops is as follows:
 
Orlando: May 24th to May 26th
Cincinnati: May 31st to June 2nd
New York: June 7th to June 9th
Austin: June 21st to June 23th
Seattle: June 28th to June 30th
 
For more information on these workshops please visit: www.usa.canon.com/story

Camera Raw 6.4 Update
 
This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original one that was installed with Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 software. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.
 
English: Windows | Macintosh
 
Lightroom 3.4 update
 
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.4 update includes these enhancements:
 
• Additional camera support for several new camera models including the Canon Rebel T3i, Nikon D5100 and Fuji FinePix X100
 
• Corrections for issues introduced in previous versions of Lightroom 3
 
English: Windows | Macintosh
 
 
Lightroom Journal has a list of fixes and new support found in the updates.

DNG Codec preview 3 — A codec that enables Windows Vista users to view DNG files in the Windows Explorer and Photo Gallery.
 
DNG Profile Editor preview 3 — A new color rendering package that contains the DNG 1.2 spec, camera profiles, and a utility to edit them.
 
Adobe Lens Profile Creator preview 3 — A utility that enables the easy creation of lens profiles for use in the Photoshop family of products.

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens that previously made a brief appearance on Nikon USA's website has been formally announced.
 
This very reasonably-priced lens should be a big hit - preorder now at Adorama or Amazon.com.

iFixit.com has posted a Nikon D5100 Teardown. For those of you who still think everything needs to be taken apart, this page is for you. :)

Canon has posted its 1Q 2011 financial results.
 
You may find the presentation material more interesting.

The EOS 7D firmware update first made available last week by Canon UK, then removed, is now available again.
 
Canon USA has posted EOS 7D firmware version 1.2.5. Canon UK also has it available once more: Mac OS X | Windows
 
Firmware Version 1.2.5 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
 
1. Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were rare cases where movie files taken could not be opened when repeatedly shooting movies with specific CF cards.
 
2. Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were cases where "Err 02" appeared when repeatedly shooting still images with specific CF cards.
 
3. Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards: If either a CF card with only a little available space remaining or the battery was removed and then reinserted into the camera, and then the user attempted to start shooting movies immediately, shooting would stop.
 
4. Improved the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
 
5. Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when custom function C.Fn 4-1 was set to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens: When used with lenses that do not have an AF stop button, the IS function would not work.
 
6. Corrected some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese. (This applies to models in overseas markets. The models for the Japanese market do not display those languages.)
 
(thanks Paul)

Nikon has posted D7000 Firmware Update 1.02 (USA) / (Europe).
 
Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade, release date April 25, 2011
 
• Noise reduction processing is now performed with shutter speeds slower than 1 s (previously 8 s) when On is selected for Long Exp. NR in order to reduce the bright spots that occur with shooting of still images at slow shutter speeds.
 
• An issue that prevented the opening of movies recorded with the D7000 in certain movie editing software applications has been resolved.
 
• When the camera was connected to a television via the A/V cable and a movie was played back, playback was normal the first time but when the movie was played two or more times, the sound was played back at extremely low volume and seemed to play intermittently. 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.
 
• An issue that caused 0.00” to be displayed for heading information when the GP-1 GPS unit was connected to the camera has been resolved so that ---.-- is now displayed.
 
• When Viewfinder virtual horizon was the role assigned to the Fn button or the preview button and the applicable button was pressed, errors in the virtual horizon indicator were displayed. This issue has been resolved.
 
• The following errors in Help displays have been resolved.
 
“Maximum sensitivity” help was displayed for shooting menu>ISO sensitivity settings>On or Off help.
 
German help displayed “Select focus priority for AF-S mode.” for Custom Settings>a1: AF-C priority selection help .

According to my Dell rep:
 
"Adobe announced the release of the Creative Suite 5.5 products on April, 11th. As a result of the new release, pricing for these products is increasing anywhere from 6% - 19%. Now is a great opportunity to take advantage of the current CS 5.0 pricing and receive a free upgrade* to CS5.5 once it starts shipping in early May. The last day to place a CS5.0 order is April 27th so don’t wait!"
 
If one of the Adobe CS5 products is on your to-buy list, now sounds like the right time to buy it. Get your Adobe software at B&H, Adorama, Amazon.com or Adobe.
 
*Note: I have not found confirmation regarding the free upgrade.
 
Update From Bob at Digital Illusion, Inc.:
 
"The cutoff date for the free upgrade from CS5 to CS5.5 is March 10, 2011.
 
If CS5 or an upgrade to CS5 is purchased on or after March 10, 2011, you can request the free upgrade to CS5.5 from Adobe.
 
I talked to Adobe customer service and was given this date. However if you have been an Adobe software user for years and missed the cutoff by a few days, like I did, they may grant you an exception and give you the free upgrade. I purchased my upgrade to CS5 on April 28 but was granted a free upgrade to CS5.5 after talking to Adobe customer service."

Redrock Micro has released the micro3D Stereoscopic Rig (press release).

An outdoor image quality comparison between four 85mm lenses has been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review page.
 
Many product images have also been added to this page. I hope to get the full review completed in the near future.

Sigma has announced that the Sigma APO 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens in Canon mount is "... scheduled to start shipping this month."
 
Preorder the new Sigma 120-300 OS at Amazon.com and Adorama.

Canvas People is offering $50 off or a free canvas (just pay shipping).
 
To take advantage of this Mother's Day-targeted offer use coupon code mday11. Offer valid through May 15th, guaranteed shipping if ordered by April 25th.
 
A personal hint: great pictures of the kids make justifying new camera gear with the spouse an easier task. ;)

The Nikon D5100 Owners Manual is now available for download.

"Hone your marketing approach & improve your business prospects with the free e-book; 500+ buyers' insights!"
 
Fill in minimal contact information and receive PhotoShelter's What Buyers Want from Photographers: 2011 Survey via email.

Adobe has posted a Photoshop CS5 Performance White Paper designed to maximize your CS5 experience.

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Sigma USA has launched an anniversary site (press release) with tips, videos, giveaways and more.

DxO Labs has added 45 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing supports for Canon, Samyang, Sigma, Tamron, and Zuiko lenses, for numerous Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus cameras.
 
Visit this page to see the new combinations.
 
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.

UPDATE: The EOS 7D firmware update has been removed from Canon UK's site.
 
Canon UK has posted EOS 7D firmware version 1.2.5: Mac OS X | Windows
 
Firmware Version 1.2.5 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
 
1. Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were rare cases where movie files taken could not be opened when repeatedly shooting movies with specific CF cards.
 
2. Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were cases where "Err 02" appeared when repeatedly shooting still images with specific CF cards.
 
3. Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards: If either a CF card with only a little available space remaining or the battery was removed and then reinserted into the camera, and then the user attempted to start shooting movies immediately, shooting would stop.
 
4. Improved the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
 
5. Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when custom function C.Fn 4-1 was set to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens: When used with lenses that do not have an AF stop button, the IS function would not work.
 
6. Corrected some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese. (This applies to models in overseas markets. The models for the Japanese market do not display those languages.)

An aperture comparison has been added to the Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens Review page.
 
You will also find some new product images on this page.

Canon Digital Photo Professional 3.10.1 Updater is now available for download.
 
Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.10.1 Updater
 
1. Support added for images taken with the EOS Kiss X50 / EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D, EOS Kiss X5 / EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D.If using an earlier version, images take with the EOS Kiss X50 / EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D, EOS Kiss X5 / EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D will not be supported. Please update to version 3.10 or later.
 
2. Additional lenses now covered by correction of lens aberration. Including overseas models, images taken with the following six lenses are now covered by lens aberration correction.
 
EF 8-15mm F4L USM Fisheye, EF 15mm F2.8 Fisheye, EF 300mm F2.8 II IS USM, EF 400mm F2.8 II IS USM, EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 III (an overseas model), EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II
 
Distortion aberration correction for images taken with fisheye lenses (EF 8-15mm F4L USM Fisheye, EF 15mm F2.8 Fisheye) enables the user to select four types of effects that are not covered by ordinary distortion correction. Note that depending on the camera used, there are cases where images taken with applicable lenses may not be covered by aberration correction.
 
3. Added a function for circular masking. The new Circle option can be selected from the Ratio pull-down menu for the Trimming/angle adjustment tool. The behavior differs from when rectangles like 1:1 are selected in that selecting Circle will masking everything outside of the selected area.
 
4. When performing Noise Reduction processing, there were cases where the screen would momentarily turn magenta.
 
5. Fixed a malfunction involving PCs on which multiple versions of Photoshop are installed; there were cases where the Transfer to Photoshop command would be dimmed.
 
6. Fixed a malfunction in which attempting to display NR Preview while the highlight warning was displayed would cause the Preview screen to turn deep blue.
 
7. Fixed a malfunction that occurred if an image was overwritten by a newer version after a rating had been set; there were cases where the editing results were destroyed and the image reverted back to the settings when it was first taken.
 
8. Fixed a malfunction wherein white lines would appear in the displayed results if an image was displayed at 100% in the Edit Window or the Edit Image Window and the window was then scrolled.
 
9. Windows XP SP2 is no longer supported
 
If using this software in a Windows XP environment, please update Windows to Service Pack 3 before installing the software.
 
10. The limitation in Mac OS 10.6 of not being able to drag images to another folder from within the main window has been removed.
 
11. Mac OS 10.4 is no longer supported
 
The versions of Mac OS X that are supported by this software are Mac OS 10.5 and Mac OS 10.6 (only models that came with either Mac OS 10.5 or Mac OS 10.6 preinstalled). Also, this software does not support Power PC Macs.

Planning to shoot the Royal Wedding? So are an estimated 799 other photographers.
 
"The Canon Professional Services (CPS) team will be providing a range of services and support for accredited Canon professional photographers who are covering the Royal Wedding between HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29 April."
 
Read more at the Canon Professional Network.

Capture NX v2.2.7 Updater (Nikon USA)
Capture NX v2.2.7 Updater (Nikon Europe)
 
Camera Control Pro 2.9.0 Updater (Nikon USA)
Camera Control Pro 2.9.0 Updater (Nikon Canada)
Camera Control Pro 2.9.0 Updater (Nikon Europe)
 
Capture NX 2.2.7 Updater
 
Support for RAW images captured with the D5100 has been added.
 
The following issues have been resolved.
 
In some rare cases, when the Highlight Protection function under Quick Fix in the Develop section of the Edit List was applied to RAW images, edges around highlights were darkened.
 
When the Image Dust Off function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section of the Edit List was applied to reduce reflection of dust on the image sensor in images, the results of this dust reduction were sometimes noticeable.
 
When RAW images captured with the camera’s auto distortion control function enabled were opened, or the Auto Distortion function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section of the Edit List was set to Automatic for a RAW image, Capture NX 2 sometimes quit unexpectedly.
 
RAW images sometimes could not be opened, or, when attempting to open a RAW image, Capture NX 2 sometimes quit unexpectedly.
 
Mac OS X only - When an image was saved with Capture NX 2, time of the Date Created information recorded to Exif data was sometimes not correct.
 
Camera Control Pro 2.9.0 Updater
 
Support for the D5100 has been added. However, the Custom Settings dialog, available from the Camera menu, cannot be used.
 
Support for the following D5100 features has been added.
- Shooting using the High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature
- Shooting in Special Effects mode
(However, still images cannot be captured and movies cannot be recorded in Special Effects mode when live view mode is enabled.)
 
Support for Mac OS X version 10.6.6 has been added.

For the ladies: The Canon Online Store has the exclusive Canon Deluxe Gadget Bag by Jill-e Designs for $109.99. The deal is targeting "Mother's Day" in case you are looking for an idea.

I added the usual color block and fabric comparisons to the Canon EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D Review page.

I added a handfull of sample pictures to the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Review.

Canon has released updates for EOS Utility 2.10, Picture Style Editor 1.9.0 and RAW Codec 1.9.0 (select your OS). The updates are as follows:
 
Canon EOS Utility 2.10 Updater (2.10.1 for Mac OS X)
 
1. Added supported models: EOS Kiss X5 / EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D, EOS Kiss X50 / EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D
 
2. Supports the function of registering background music to camera's memory card, Picture Style [Auto], Setting the Built-in flash functions (for supported models only)
 
3. Added a function of customizing the grid display in Remote Live View
 
4. Expanded a function to terminate the Live View display and Remote Live View of the camera in synchronization. (Target Model: EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 7D, EOS 60D, EOS REBEL T2i / EOS 550D, EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D, EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D) The operation specifications have been changed so that the camera's LCD monitor is turned off at the same time as the Remote Live View screen on the PC, if the "Sync with camera operations" is set to [Stop Live View] in the [Remote Shooting] tabe in Preferences.
 
5. Added a function of "In RAW+JPEG mode, only transfer JPEGs to the computer" in remote shooting.
 
6. Previous models (EOS 30D and EOS Kiss Digital X) are no longer supported. However, it is still possible to connect EU 2.10 with previous models.
 
7. Windows XP SP2 is no longer supported: If you are using EOS Utility on a PC running Windows XP, it is advisable to update the OS to Service Pack 3 before using the software.
 
8. Mac OS 10.4 is no longer supported. The Mac OS versions that are supported by this software are Mac OS 10.5 and Mac OS 10.6. (Only the models that are preinstalled with Mac OS 10.5 or Mac OS 10.6 are supported.) Also, this software does not support Mac PCs equipped with PowerPC.
 
9. Fixes a malfunction with the firmware update function (Mac version). Fixes a malfunction that when updating the camera firmware, EU cannot quit after copying the firmware from a Mac PC to a memory card in the camera through USB connection. (We have confirmed that even if this problem occurs, the camera firmware update has been carried out normally, so the camera can be used as is even after using EOS Utility for the firmware update.)
 
Canon Picture Style Editor 1.9.0
 
Support added for EOS Kiss X5/EOS REBEL T3i/EOS 600D, EOS Kiss X50/EOS REBEL T3/EOS 1100D.
 
Canon RAW Codec 1.9.0
 
1. Support added for new models. (EOS REBEL T3i / EOS 600D, EOS REBEL T3 / EOS 1100D)
 
2. The supported OSes have been changed. Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista (with no Service Pack) are no longer supported.

Zeiss has launched a redesigned lenses website.

Just posted: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Review

Canon Digital Photo Professional 3.9.4 Updater is now available for download. Select your OS to be presented with the download option.
 
Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.9.4 Updater for Windows:
 
1. Changes the name "Art Filters" to "Creative Filters" (which is used in markets other than Japan) in the Japanese version to make the terms consistent. (This change only applies to the Japanese version and does not apply to other language versions.)
 
2. Support to address the compatibility problems in which the IPTC information could not be browsed in some applications. (Except for cameras which have a rating function in the camera, this IPTC compatibility problem does not occur for images which never used the XMP rating function in DPP 3.9.4.)
 
* Note that Canon Digital Photo Professional 3.10.0 shipped with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D.
 
(thanks Brian)

There has been no press release, but a complete Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens page is now showing on Nikon's website.
 
Update: Nikon removed the referenced page.

According to Macworld, Apple has announced Final Cut Pro X during the 2011 National Association of Broadcasters Show.
 
"Apple says Final Cut Pro X has been rewritten from the ground up, with support for 64-bit, a user-interface redesign, and a whole host of new features. The software takes advantage of core Mac OS X features like Cocoa, Core Animation, Open CL, and Grand Central Dispatch to speed up and fine-tune performance."
 
Read the rest of the article at Macworld.

DxO Labs has added 52 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Sigma, and Tokina lenses, for numerous Canon, Nikon, and Fuji cameras.
 
Visit this page to see the new combinations.
 
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.

B&H now has the new Canon EOS T3 Kit in stock.
 
The T3i Kits are also available again.

B&H has the Canon EOS 7D (body and kit), Canon EOS 5D Mark II (body and kit), Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and Canon EOS 1Ds III back in stock.

B&H has posted six HDSLR Education Series for Cinema episodes with Shane Hurlbut. They are worth watching if you are interested in DSLR HD Video. Find the banner ad for the series near the top of the B&H home page.

Think Tank Photo has introduced the Retrospective 5 (press release).
 
The Retrospective 5 will be available at Think Tank Photo.

B&H is accepting preorders for the Nikon Me-1 Microphone. As with most B&H preorders, if you order this item, you receive this item in the first shipment.

B&H will be closing for Passover:
 
Our SuperStore and offices will close at 6:00PM EDT on Sunday, April 17th, in observance of Passover and will reopen on Wednesday, April 27th at 9:00AM EDT.
 
Orders must be placed by 12:00PM EDT on Sunday, April 17th in order to ship before the Holiday. Orders placed after this time will ship when we reopen. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.
 
Place your B&H order this week to insure shipping before the holiday.

Canon U.S.A will be exhibiting at the 2011 NAB Show (press release) in Las Vegas, NV.

Manfrotto has added six new products to their already-extensive lineup:
 
Manfrotto 509HD
Manfrotto LED Lights
Manfrotto Photo-Movie Head
Manfrotto Video Remote Control
Manfrotto DADO
Manfrotto Snake Arm

Adobe has introduced Creative Suite 5.5 (press release).
 
Adobe Photoshop CS 5.5 (press release) will be the application of most photographer interest.

Canon has announced that EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro Version 1.2 (press release) will be available for free download April 25th.

Delkin has announced a new, fast USB 3.0 Universal Memory Card Reader.
 
To feed the new card reader's appetite, pick up one of the also-announced Delkin 633X UHS-I SDHC Memory Cards.
 
The Delkin USB 3.0 Universal Memory Card Reader and Delkin 633X UHS-I SDHC Memory Cards are available for ordering at B&H.

Canon has today unveiled a trio of new video lenses. While not for the DSLR market, the new lenses are interesting to learn about nonetheless. The new Canon KJ20x8.2B is particularly interesting with its built-in 2x extender.
 
Canon FK14.5-60 Wide-Angle Cine Zoom Lens
Canon FK30-300 Telephoto Cine Zoom Lens
 
Canon KJ20x8.2B Portable HD Lens

X-Rite Ships New i1 Professional Color Management Solutions for Photo, Pre-press, Publishing and Digital Printing Markets (press release)

I added more sample pictures to the site. These were taken with various lenses (including the MP-E 65mm) and some pics have photo tips included.

DxO Labs has added 48 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Canon, Nikkor, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Sony lenses, for numerous Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Sony cameras.
 
Visit this page to see the new combinations.
 
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.

Some sample pictures have been added to the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II Lens Review.

"Technicolor (Euronext Paris: TCH) today announced it has formed a strategic alliance with Canon USA, Inc. to leverage Technicolor’s color-science in the development of a suite of creative tools for cinematographers to facilitate greater usability and integration of Canon EOS DSLR cameras into the motion picture and television production pipeline"
 
Read the Canon & Technicolor Strategic Alliance Press Release for more information. (thanks Jordan)

Zacuto has introduced new HDSLR gear at the NAB show.

Nikon is celebrating a milestone - the production of the 60 Millionth Nikkor Lens.

Zeiss has announced a Five SLR Lens Set with Case.

The Canon Store has some additional refurbished lens models available, including the 17-40 L, 24-70 L, 70-200 f/4 L, 70-200 f/4 L IS, 100-400 L, 35 L and 85 f/1.8 (only $335).

Nikon has announced the D5100 DSLR along with a shoe-mounted microphone, the Stereo Microphone ME-1.
 
Preorders:
Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit at Amazon.com
Nikon D5100 Body at Amazon.com
Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit at Adorama
Nikon D5100 Body at Adorama
 
More information and pictures are available on the I Am Nikon Blog.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has launched a website redesign.

Lensbaby has announced the Composer Pro - a professional grade version of the Lensbaby Composer.
 
The Lensbaby Composer (B&H) will remain in the product line, but will have a new, lower MSRP.

Canon Japan has released an earthquake update outlining the current status of its operations.

Adorama has the Kingston Technology 32GB CompactFlash Ultimate 600x Memory Card for only $99.99 shipped AR - regularly $174.90.
 
The Kingston Technology 16GB Ultimate X Class 10 SDHC Memory Card is only $24.99 shipped AR - regularly $38.99.
 
Don't need speed with your capacity? The Kingston Technology 16GB Class 4 SDHC Memory Card is only $19.99 shipped AR - regularly $27.99.

ISO 12233 crops, flare results, vignetting results, lens specs & measurements and product images have been added to the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Review page.
 
Vignetting results have been added for the following lenses:
 
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Lens
Nikon-28-300mm-f-3.5-5.6G-AF-S-VR-Lens
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G AF-S VR Lens