Canon and Nikon News for 2011/05 Report News & Deals

Canon USA has posted Canon EOS 1D Mark IV firmware version 1.1.0.
 
Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
 
Improves writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
 
Fixes a phenomenon where the ability to shoot movies may be stopped under the following conditions:
 
When using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards with little available space remaining and the user attempts to start shooting movies; or
 
When the camera’s battery is removed and reinserted into the camera and the user immediately attempts to start shooting movies.
 
Corrects misspellings in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese languages (applies to models outside of the the Japanese market only).

Today only: Amazon.com has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 featured as the Gold Box Deal of the Day - priced at only $119.99 shipped (thanks Kerry).

Canon Asia has posted Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Version 2.0.9.
 
Firmware Version 2.0.9 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
 
1. Improves writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
 
2. Fixes a phenomenon where the IS function will not work when custom function C.Fn III-2 is set to [5: IS start] and the lens attached does not have an AF stop button. This is because custom function C.Fn III-2 allows users to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens
 
3. Corrects misspellings in the menu screens displayed in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai languages.

B&H has changed the price on a significant number of the Canon Lenses. The really good news is that most of the prices went downward this time.

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just been updated. Lots of great cameras and lenses are available - expect like-new gear at nicely-reduced prices.

Canon USA Professional Services has sent notification to members stating that:
 
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2011
 
We would like to take the time to remind you that all products sent in for repair are required to be registered in order to take advantage of your CPS repair discount. As of July 1st, any unregistered products sent in for repair will not be eligible for discount and returned to you. These products will not be eligible for service back-up loans under your current CPS account.
 
We encourage you to review your CPS account and register any unregistered products through your account at www.usa.canon.com/cps before the specified deadline date.
 
In the instance of illegible or worn serial numbers, please contact your local service facility for retrieval.
 
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to continue providing you with quality service.
 
Thank you,
 
Canon Professional Services (CPS)
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Redrock Micro has launched Universal Bundles for DSLR Cameras. These bundles are looking very nice!

In a press release issued today, Canon USA provides anticipated lens availability information. Canon USA adds "December" as the month for the 500 L IS II and 600 L IS II arrival.

Adobe has released updates for Lightroom and Camera Raw:
 
Camera Raw 6.4.1 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 3.4.1 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
 
The Lightroom 3.4.1 update includes an important correction for a bug introduced in the Lightroom 3.4 release
 
English: Windows | Macintosh

In a noticed issued today, Nikon Corporation has indicated that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Sigma:
 
Nikon Corporation filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Japan
 
Nikon Corporation (KIMURA Makoto, President, Tokyo, hereafter referred to as "Nikon") filed a patent infringement suit against Sigma Corporation (hereafter referred to as "Sigma") to Tokyo District Court on May 25, 2011. Nikon's lawsuit seeks an injunction against Sigma's manufacture and sale of infringing interchangeable lenses with vibration reduction for single lens reflex cameras, along with damages for past infringement.
 
Nikon has invested considerable resources in the form of research and development over a period of many years. Such investments have created intellectual property that are important business assets of Nikon and have enabled Nikon to continuously provide the products and services that satisfy its customers requirements.
 
Although Nikon attempted to resolve Sigma's patent infringement through negotiation, a non-adversarial resolution could not be reached. Consequently, Nikon concluded that filing a lawsuit was the only way it could protect its intellectual property.

Canon Inc. has announced that it will acquire own shares.

Canon UK has posted some expected availability information for the new Canon lenses we have been waiting for:
 
Update to sales start for EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses
 
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 25th May 2011 – Following the announcement of delays to the sales start to the following lenses :- EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon can now provide an update on the planned start dates for these lenses:
 
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM - Late August, 2011
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM - Late August, 2011
EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM - Late July, 2011
EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM - Within 2011*
EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM - Within 2011*
 
Canon would like to apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced by these delays.
 
*Any sales start dates will be communicated as soon as they become available.

Canvas People's Dads and Grads promotion offers Free 8x10 or $50 off any size canvas.
 
If you prefer a FREE shipping & 55% off all orders deal, simply use coupon code fday11.

Canon USA has announced the Long Live Imagination Campaign with Ron Howard.

(Reuters) - Japanese camera and copier maker Canon Inc (7751.T) expects its quake-hit supply chain to recover more quickly than originally estimated, giving a roughly 50 billion yen ($600 million) boost to its annual sales, the company's chief executive said.
 
In an interview with Reuters, Canon CEO Fujio Mitarai said "We now forecast (production) to return to normal by the end of June." Read the full story.

Just posted: Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens Review.
 
Some reviews are definitely more fun to create than others. The Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens review was definitely one of those. I'll try to get some sample photos online soon.

Lexar has introduced a Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Memory Card Reader (press release).
 
I'm currently using the USB 2.0 version of the this card reader - it works great.

Lightroom Journal has posted the following warning:
 
Potential JPEG Bug in Lightroom 3.4 and Camera Raw 6.4
 
The Lightroom and Camera Raw team would like to inform you of a potentially severe bug that was introduced in the Lightroom 3.4 and Camera Raw 6.4 update. Please note that this bug only impacts customers who are saving metadata to JPEG files with a rare characteristic. (JPEG files must have an unusually large block of private camera data included in the file to be susceptible to the bug*) This scenario is so rare that we do not believe that it is necessary for customers who have already upgraded to revert to the previous version of Lightroom or Camera Raw. However, the bug could cause image corruption which falls within our highest severity category of bugs. The team believes it’s very important to notify you of the risk and provide an estimate of when we will be able to deliver a correction in the form of Lightroom 3.4.1 and Camera Raw 6.4.1. We intend to have these updates available by Friday, May 27th.
 
If you do work with a significant number of JPEG files in Lightroom or Camera Raw and routinely update metadata (keywords, captions, etc) it would be prudent to wait for the updated release of Lightroom and Camera Raw.
 
The team would also like to thank Doug Cooper who reported this issue on the Lightroom Feedback Portal. Rare bugs like this make it quite difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem or even create a reproducible scenario but thanks to Doug’s persistence we were able to track down this bug quickly.
 
* To date we’ve only found one camera that generates these large blocks of private data, the HP PhotoSmart R607.

DxO Labs has added 49 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing supports for Canon, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, and Zeiss lenses, for numerous Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras.
 
Visit this page to see the new combinations.
 
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.

"Like" PhotoShelter on Facebook for a free E-book: Facebook Fan Pages For Photographers.

Apple has released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.7.
 
This update adds RAW image compatibility for the following cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11:
 
Fujifilm FinePix X100
Nikon D5100
Olympus E-PL2
Olympus XZ-1
Samsung GX-1S

Apple has released ProKit 7.0.
 
This ProKit Update fixes the following minor issues:
 
Improved support for PopOver style tooltips.
 
Improved support for Font Smoothing.
 
Addresses an issue with an unwanted gap between a menu and submenu.
 
Fixes leaks and improves stability for the color picker and timecode interface in Final Cut Pro and Motion.
 
Improved compatibility when importing assets from older versions of Soundtrack Pro.
 
Fixes an issue with the scrubber appearance in Logic Express and Logic Pro.
 
Addresses AppKit related crashes in Motion.
 
This update is recommended for users of Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, iPhoto, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Logic Pro, MainStage, Logic Express and iAd Producer.

B&H has the Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro FX Lens in both Canon and Nikon mounts in stock.
 
I've been trying to get one of these for months.

B&H has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 for only $179 shipped - a $100 savings. Offer ends Jun 4, 2011.
 
This is a great deal for incredibly powerful software.

Gitzo is offering a $40-$100 rebate (PDF rebate form) in the form of a Visa Prepaid Card on select Gitzo Traveler Tripods. Offer ends July 31st.

Canon has posted EOS Rebel T3i / 600D Firmware Version 1.0.1.
 
Firmware Version 1.0.1 incorporates the following fixes and changes.
 
1. Clarifies the feature guide description of the digital zoom function for movie-shooting that appears on the camera’s LCD monitor.
 
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which, in rare cases, a computer connected to the camera with a USB cable cannot recognize the camera.

Think Tank Photo has announced the Speed Convertible Series - featuring revisions to the Speed Demon V2.0, Speed Freak V2.0, and Speed Racer V2.0 shoulder bags.
 
Here are links to full descriptions of each bag:
 
Speed Demon: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/speed-demon-v2.aspx
 
Speed Freak: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/speed-freak-v2.aspx
 
Speed Racer: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/speed-racer-v2.aspx

Sharing some deals currently available at Adorama ...
 
Lastolite Joe McNally 24" White Ezybox Hotshoe, Small Flash Diffuser
Save $15.00, Regular Price $229.99, Sale Price $214.99, Expires 05/20/11, FREE SHIPPING
 
Pocket-Wizard Plus II Auto Sensing Smart Transceiver with a Range of up to 1600 Feet
Save $15.00, Regular Price $169, Sale Price $154, Expires 05/20/11, FREE SHIPPING
 
Westcott Photo Basics 40" 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector with Case
Save 24%, Regular Price $32.99, Sale Price $25, Expires 05/23/11, FREE SHIPPING
 
Great Rebates up to $75 on Quantum Flash Products
FREE SHIPPING
 
Huge Discounts on Select Hensel Porty Products
FREE SHIPPING
 
Kata Light Stand Bags - 20% Off
20% Off with Coupon Code S8189500, Expires 05/31/11, FREE SHIPPING
 
Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-f/6.3 DI-II B.I.M. VC LD (IF) AF Zoom Lens
Save 27%, Regular Price $629, Sale Price $459.95, After mail-in rebate , Expires Jul 31, 2011, FREE SHIPPING
 
SanDisk 4GB Ultra Compact Flash Memory Card with 15MB/SEC Speed - Pack of 6 in Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket Case
Save 50%, Regular Price $139, Sale Price $69.92, FREE SHIPPING
 
Lexar 8GB, 200x Platinum II High Speed Series, Compact Flash Memory Cards - Pack of 2
Save 17%, Regular Price $59.99, Sale Price $49.95, FREE SHIPPING
 
Lexar 16GB, 133x High Speed Series, Pro SDHC Memory Cards - Pack of 2
Save 12%, Regular Price $73.95, Sale Price $64.95, FREE SHIPPING
 
Lowepro Pro Roller x200 Mobile Studio, Padded Divider System Case with Wheels, Black
Save 15%, Regular Price $329.95, Sale Price $279.95, Expires 05/20/11, FREE SHIPPING
 
Drop it MODERN backdrops
40% off, get your hands on all drop it modern backdrops for 40% off May 9th - May 18, FREE SHIPPING
 
Buffalo Technology MiniStation Stealth 500GB Pocket Hard Drive with USB 2.0 Interface, Black
Save 17%, Regular Price $59.99, Sale Price $49.95, Expires 05/22/11, FREE SHIPPING
 
LaCie Max Quadra Hard Drive, 2 TB Disk Drive, eSATA 3Gb/s, FireWire & USB 2.0, for Mac & Windows, Neil Poulton Design
Save $15.00, Regular Price $194.95, Sale Price $179.95, Expires 05/22/11, FREE SHIPPING

Isaac Gatsios, check your email because you are the winner of the Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 40!
 
Thank you to everyone who entered. I have more giveaways planned for this year.

Update: Deal over. The EOS 60D price is back to normal.
 
B&H just lowered the price of the Canon EOS 60D by $150 to $849.99 shipped.
 
The Canon EOS 60D + 18-135mm IS Lens Kit price was also dropped by $150 to $1,106.99 shipped.
 
Bonus: Get $100 Off Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 when purchased at the same time as the EOS 60D.

Canon USA has announced their Spring 2011 Lens Rebates.
 
While Canon USA typically offers a significant DSLR, lens and flash rebate program each spring, this one is not likely to impress you - only three low end lenses are included. Canon USA has not commented on the reason for the small rebate program, but I'm certain that the lack of inventory resulting from the disaster in Japan is the reason. I personally was not expecting any lens rebates to be offered this spring.
 
One thing we do know is that these three lenses have significant availability - the instant rebate amounts are significant relative to the price of the lens. These rebates are in effect from May 15 through June 18, 2011.
 
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens - $150.00
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens - $100.00
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens - $50.00
 
If one of these three lenses is on your to-buy list, now is the time to get it. Links are to B&H.

Wonder no longer - Canon USA has issued a press release regarding this project:
 
Canon U.S.A. Commemorates The Setting Of The Last Segment Of Steel For Its New Canon Americas Headquarters
 
LAKE SUCCESS, May 12, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, celebrated the setting of the last segment of steel for its new headquarters during a "topping off" ceremony today in Melville, N.Y. Joe Adachi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A, and Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A., were joined by state and local officials to commemorate this milestone in the development of Canon's new facility which will serve as headquarters for North and South America.
 
"Today we are celebrating yet another milestone towards completion of the new Canon Americas Headquarters," said Joe Adachi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A. "I look forward to the day when we open the doors to One Canon Park and provide our employees a world-class facility in which to grow and succeed."
 

 
Above, Joe Adachi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., and Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A., raise the commemorative steel beam for the Canon Americas new headquarters in Melville, N.Y.
 
"It has been an exciting experience to watch our new headquarters being built from the ground up and we are grateful for the support we have received from various government officials and community leaders," Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A.
 
Just in case you wanted to know, the Canon-supplied image above was shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II and a Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens at 50mm, f/11, 1/100 and ISO 100.

Sigma has today announced that the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens in Nikon-mount is scheduled to start shipping this month.
 
Adorama is taking preorders.
 
B&H is now accepting preorders for the Canon-mount version, so I expect this one to be available very soon.

As announced last week, I have a Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 40 (v1) to give away. As the entry list has been light, your odds of winning are high. Make sure you enter!
 
Here's how the giveaway works:
 
1. You "Like" The-Digital-Picture.com news page by clicking the Facebook "Like" button at the top right of the main news page.
 
2. You "Like" The-Digital-Picture.com home page by clicking the Facebook "Like" button at the top right of the site's home page.
 
3. Then you send me an email using this link with the subject line unchanged.
 
I will not have time to read these emails, so please leave the email body empty. Duplicate email addresses will be discarded.
 
At some time on Monday, May 16, 2011, I will randomly/blindly select one person to win and will ship this case to anywhere in the world that USPS services.

Nikon has posted financial results for the march 2011 fiscal year end. A Financial & Business Data PDF is also available.
 
More entertaining to many of us is the presentation material PDF.

The Canon Online Store just added two of my favorite APS-C general purpose lenses to their refurbished inventory - the Canon EF-S 17-55mm IS and 15-85mm IS lenses.

B&H now has the Canon EOS Rain Covers in stock - for only $89.95.
 
Canon EOS Rain Covers are:
 
• Provided in three sizes (S, M, L) to fit a wide range of lenses
• Attachable eyecups (L, S) are provided for compatibility with all EOS DIGITAL cameras
• Transparent window enables clear visibility of the top and rear LCD panels and LC monitor
• Supplied soft case for compact packing
• Large printed “Canon” logo
• Front fastener enables easy attachment and removal of all lenses
• Strap slits in the S size rain cover can be used for improved operability and better gripping combined with waterproof performance when holding the camera by hand
 
Here are the compatibility lists.
 
Canon EOS Rain Cover Small ERC-E4S
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM
EF 300mm f/4L IS USM
EF 400mm f/5.6L USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
 
Canon EOS Rain Cover Medium ERC-E4M
EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM
 
Canon EOS Rain Cover Large ERC-E4L
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
EF 600mm f/4L IS USM
EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
 
It is highly likely that these lists are not conclusive.

DxO Labs has added 50 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing supports for Canon, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, and Tokina lenses, for numerous Canon, and Sony cameras.
 
Visit this page to see the new combinations.
 
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.

J&R is accepting preorders for the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L II IS USM Lens and the Canon EF 500mm f/4 L II IS USM Lens.
 
This is a great opportunity to get on the top of a waiting list for the lenses.

"When is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III going to be announced?" is the big question hitting my inbox these days. And that is a good question - one that Canon has not answered publicly.
 
Last year, my guess was that the EOS 5D Mark III would be announced in August 2011 with availability in December. The reasoning behind this answer was that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II was announced 3 years after the Canon EOS 5D and August is historically the month of one of Canon's biannual major DSLR, lens and flash announcements. The 5D II became available in December (to those who preordered early).
 
Today, I'm much less optimistic about seeing a 5D Mark III this year.
 
Why?
 
First, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IV announcement did not happen in its historical timeframe (August 2010) - and has not happened to date. I expect the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III to be updated before the EOS 5D Mark II.
 
And second, the disaster in Japan was hugely disruptive. Details of Canon's recovery have been absent lately, but I have not been hearing any optimistic news coming from the affected area. I'm happy that we can still buy most current Canon DSLRs and lenses.
 
So back to the question: "When is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III going to be announced?" As with the rest of Canon's unannounced products, no one who knows is allowed to say. My complete guess is that we will not see an upgrade to the 5D II available until at least mid-2012.
 
The advice I've been giving is to get the incredibly successful Canon EOS 5D Mark II now. It has impressive image quality and you will most likely get a LOT of great shots from it before even my last-year-estimated 5D Mark III arrival date.

Phase One has released Media Pro (press release).
 
"Originally created by iView Multimedia, this professional digital asset management software has recently been known as Microsoft Expression Media. In its first release since Phase One’s acquisition of the product from Microsoft last year, it has been re-christened Media Pro."

PhotoShelter has made a 15 page Email Marketing for Photographers guide available.

Lastolite is proud to announce the Joe McNally Signature Series of light modifiers. These products are take-offs of already existing great Lastolite products, but decidedly with professional photographer Joe’s touch.
 
Joe McNally TriFlip Kit (LL LR3996JM)
• New size of TriGrip, about 35.4”.
• Base is translucent.
• First cover is Silver, Softsilver, Gold and White.
• Second cover is a double sided black cover with a square that can be pulled out to create a hard edge.
 
Joe McNally TriFlash Rotate (LL LA2457JM)
• Same unit as the TriFlash Shoelock, but each of the cold shoes swivel 360º.
• Attach up to three flash guns.
• Rotating shoe mounts.
• Screw locking.
 
Joe McNally Satin Ezybox Hotshoe (LL LS2462JM)
• Same size as the medium Ezybox Hotshoe.
• Interior is white instead of silver providing a softer, less “contrasty” look.
• Adjustable bracket for different sized flash guns.
• Inner and outer diffuser.
 
Joe McNally UpLite (LL LR3497JM)
• Same as the standard UpLite 4:1 but includes a 3’ x 4’ diffuser panel.
• Diffuser can be used to create a ground level direct or indirect softbox effect.
• Self supporting reflector/diffuser panels.
• 30 to 80 degree positions.
• Ideal for outdoor use.
 
B&H carries the Lastolite Joe McNally products.

I know that some of you have been looking for the extremely-hard-to-find Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III - B&H has it in stock. The previous batch went fast - don't wait if you want one.
 
The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is also in stock at the moment.
 
Add the 5D II body, the 7D and most of the other Canon EOS Cameras.

Celebrating Dads and Grads, AdoramaPix is offering 20% off 8x8 Photo Books.

B&H is accepting order for the new Zeiss Distagon T 35mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount.
 
I have heard no word on the arrival of the Canon ZE mount version of this lens. The arrival of this lens was affected by the Japan disaster.

The Canon Online Store made many additional refurbished lenses (and flashes) available today.
 
"They added the 70-200 2.8L IS II, 70-200 2.8L IS, 70-200 2.8L, 24 1.4 L, 100-400 L and lots of others sometime this afternoon. The 70-200 2.8L IS II is $1,999, a real steal" - thanks Tom

I ran across the following video today - and thought you might find it educational. Topics covered include Depth of Field, Circle of Confusion, Depth of Focus and hyperfocal distance.
 

Sigma has today announced that the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens " ... will be available for CANON mount soon."
 
I can't tell you what "soon" means, but Adorama and Amazon.com are taking preorders.

It's full macro season in the northern hemisphere and macro subjects abound. The Canon Online Store has both of the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lenses available in refurbished (like new) condition at nice prices.

Sample pictures have been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review. Many of the sample pictures have photography tips included with them - hopefully you will pick up something useful and/or be inspired.

The-Digital-Picture.com is giving away a Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 40 (v1)!
 
Here's how the giveaway will work:
 
1. You "Like" The-Digital-Picture.com news page by clicking the Facebook "Like" button at the top right of the main news page.
 
2. You "Like" The-Digital-Picture.com home page by clicking the Facebook "Like" button at the top right of the site's home page.
 
3. Then you send me an email using this link with the subject line unchanged.
 
I will not have time to read these emails, so please leave the email body empty. Duplicate email addresses will be discarded.
 
At some time on Monday, May 16, 2011, I will randomly/blindly select one person to win and will ship this case to anywhere in the world that USPS services.

Samyang has announced that the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC Lens is now shipping:
 
Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC already on sale!
 
Delta company - the sole distributor of Samyang products for Europe announces that wide-angle Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC with Canon EF and Nikon AE mounts, has been released for sale today.
 
Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC is now available in two versions: with Canon EF and Nikon AE mount. The remaining models, i.e. Four-thirds, Pentax, Samsung NX and Sony Alfa are to be released at a later date.
 
Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC
Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC is an optically sophisticated bright (f/1.4) wide-angle lens with focal length of 35 mm. It was designed to work especially with full-frame sensor cameras, nevertheless it may be also used with cameras featuring APS-C/DX and Four-thirds sensors. The device's optical construction comes with two lenses with high refractive index (HR) limiting its weight and dimensions. One aspherical lens (AS) protecting against chromatic aberration was also used. High-quality multi-layer and anti-reflexive coatings (UMC) increase the contrast and allow to generate more natural colours. Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC lens takes advantage of the so called "gliding lenses" allowing to maintain high image quality with minimum focusing distance. AE model, intended for Nikon DSLR cameras feature a microprocessor unit allowing to have full control over the exposure parameters and freely use i-TTL flash control technology. Data on focal length and available apertures is recorded in EXIF format.
 
Warranty
36-months guarantee is provided for Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC.
 
Price
Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC with Canon EF mount – EUR 399 (gross)
Samyang 35mm 1:1.4 AS UMC with Nikon AE mount – EUR 419 (gross)
 

JACKSON, Mich. – The Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) today announced a partnership agreement with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), owner and producer of the International CES, to move the September 2011 PMA International Convention and Trade Show (aka CliQ 2011) to colocate at the 2012 International CES, scheduled for January 10-13 in Las Vegas.
 
PMA@CES will offer industry-specific content and display products representing all aspects of digital imaging. PMA will also offer its well-known educational seminars, complementing and enhancing CES programming.
 
“PMA colocation with CES creates a great opportunity for our combined audiences to learn from each other, grow, and take full advantage of the integration and connectivity of personal content (in the form of digital photography) and home entertainment,” notes Ted Fox, executive director, PMA. “This convergence will expand with continued enhancements to camera phones and tablets.”
 
“This collaboration will significantly enhance the 2012 International CES digital imaging product offerings for our retail and other audiences,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “Technology is speeding the rapid convergence of digital photography and home entertainment systems. The breadth and scope of digital imaging product offerings that PMA will now bring to CES will complement and further expand the extensive growth of CES in this product category.”
 
According to Fox, “Our agreement [with CES] is an excellent example of two trade associations coming together to constructively and proactively address challenges and provide new opportunities.”
 
PMA@CES will be located at the Sands/Venetian and will be sponsored by PMA. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Melissa Aldrich or Jeff Frazine at 800-762-9287 or +1-517-788-8100 (internationally). They also can be reached by email at maldrich@pmai.org or jfrazine@pmai.org.

DxO Labs has added 52 new lens / camera combinations to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing supports for Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Sony, and Samyang 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.

Just posted: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens Review
 
I hope to have Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens sample pictures available tomorrow.

Adobe has released Photoshop 12.0.4 Update for Photoshop CS5:
 
May 3, 2011
 
For convenience and reliability, we highly recommend that you apply this update directly from within Photoshop. To do so, choose Help > Updates in Photoshop CS5 and apply all of the updates listed under Adobe Photoshop CS5 in the Adobe Application Manager.
 
This update applies to all languages EXCEPT Middle Eastern, North African French and Greek.
 
The 12.0.4 update enables specially designed apps on tablets, smartphones, and PCs to communicate with and control interaction with Photoshop CS5 (Located in the File menu: Remote Connections). Now you can be creative on other devices and instantly incorporate what you create into Photoshop. You must install the 12.0.4 update to activate a remote connection between Photoshop CS5 and any apps that Adobe or third-party developers create to interact with Photoshop. For example, Photoshop CS5 must be updated to 12.0.4 to interact with three new iPad apps that Adobe has designed to work with it - Adobe Nav, Adobe Color Lava, and Adobe Eazel. Available on the App Store.
 
The 12.0.4 update also fixes liquify performance, type related crashes, and other top customer issues. The most significant fixes include the following:
 
• A number of potential security vulnerabilities have been addressed.
 
• Liquify save mesh now works as expected.
 
• An issue with Sharpen crashing has been fixed.
 
• An issue with Quick Selection crashing has been fixed.
 
• The Orphea Studio File Info issue has been resolved.
 
English: Windows | Macintosh

Adobe has released Photoshop Elements 9.0.3 Update.
 
"The Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 9.0.3 update will install a patch on top of Adobe Photoshop Elements 9. It provides a fix for certain broken workflows involving the use of PSE 9 with Wacom tablets. This update is applicable to Photoshop Elements 9 running on a Windows as well as Mac OS."

In a long press release, Adobe has announced that Creative Suite 5.5 is now shipping.
 
"Major Upgrade to Creative Suite Product Family Delivers Breakthroughs in HTML5 Authoring and Mobile App Development
 
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of the Adobe® Creative Suite® 5.5 product family. Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 delivers important advances in HTML5 and Flash authoring, enabling designers and developers to create compelling content and applications. Creative Suite 5.5 products also feature significant innovation in the areas of video production and editing. Finally, Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 delivers exciting new capabilities in the exploding area of digital publishing. With Creative Suite 5.5 content authors worldwide can deliver high-impact work to multiple platforms, operating systems, Web browsers, smartphones and tablets – including Android, BlackBerry Tablet OS, and Apple iOS devices."
 
Get the Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 products at B&H, Amazon.com (? might need to click "Go" on the search box for proper products to show) or Adobe.

Lowepro has introduced the Photo Sport AW Series - initially including a backpack and a sling pack.
 
"Lowepro unveils an ultra-lightweight, high-performance backpack design, purpose built for adventure-sport athletes who like to go fast and light with their essentials and camera gear."

A new set of Tamron Lens Rebates (rebate form) have been announced. Essentially, these rebates extend the just-expired winter/spring Tamron lens rebates.
 
One exception is the short-term Tamron Mothers Day 2011 Lens Rebate (rebate form) featuring $50 off the new Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens. This lens rebate is valid through May 9th, 2011.

Epson has announced the Stylus Photo R2000 Printer (press release).

MAC Group has today announced its acquisition of Tenba (press release).

Think Tank Photo is now shipping the new Retrospective Bags. Search the site for Retrospective to get the full list of available bags.

Technicolor has made the CineStyle Picture Style available.
 
"The Technicolor CineStyle provides better dynamic range of the captured content. This allows for greater artistic freedom during shooting (as the look does not have to locked in during shooting) as well as during the color correction process in postproduction."
 
"Although the Technicolor CineStyle was designed and optimized for the Canon EOS-5D Mark II camera, the Technicolor CineStyle can be installed and used on any current Canon EOS DSLR camera."
 
Hit the Technicolor website for more information.
 
Vincent Laforet also has information about the new PS on his blog.