Canon and Nikon News for 2012/01 Report News & Deals

Nikon has announced new COOLPIX compact camera models. Here are the press releases:
 
Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX S9300/S9200/S6300/S4200/S3300/S30
 
Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX P310/P510
 
Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX L810/L26/L25

Apple has released Final Cut Pro X Version 10.0.3.
 
"Version 10.0.3 introduces Multicam Editing, Broadcast Monitoring, and more new features that extend the power and flexibility of Final Cut Pro X."

The Canon Store has the refurbished Canon EOS 1D Mark IV DSLR in stock for only $3,999.20.

I have added a baker's dozen Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens sample pictures to the site.

Kenko has announced that their new Kenko 400mm f/8 Mirror Lens will be released on February 03, 2012.
 

 
This is a compact, lightweight (12 oz, 340g), full frame, manual focus, telephoto lens with a fixed f/8 aperture (no aperture blades).
 
And according to Google Translate, "Boasts a unique Ringuboke." "Ringuboke", that's fun to say. Does this refer to the donut hole bokeh mirror lenses are known for? (confirmed correct)
 
The mirror is coated with silver deposition. "... We achieved a good balance between size-conscious design and performance."
 
Specifications
 
Focal length: 400mm
Brightness: F8 (fixed)
Lens Construction: Six Group 2
Angle of view: 6 ° 8 '
Length: 82mm
Width: 74mm
Weight: 340g
Filter Size: 67mm
Minimum focusing distance: 1.15m
Maximum magnification: 1:2.5
Focus Mode: Transfer to the front lens manual focus mode
Aperture blades: Without
Hood: KF-M400HOOD-BK
Mount: Using T-mount (factory fitted)
Compatible Mount: Nikon F, Canon EF, alpha Sony, Pentax K
Suggested retail price: Open
 
B&H carries Kenko products.

One of the best Canon DSLR, lens and flash rebate programs ever ends on Jan 7, 2012. You have only this week left to take advantage of these great deals.
 
Here is the current Canon DSLR, Lens and Flash rebate list:
 

Model	Rebate Amount
Canon EOS 5D Mark II	$100.00 - $350.00
Canon EOS 7D	$100.00 - $350.00
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens	$90.00
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens	$100.00
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$170.00
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens	$90.00
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens	$120.00
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$120.00
Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens	$270.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens	$75.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens	$150.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$150.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens	$300.00
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM Lens	$150.00
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens	$140.00
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens	$170.00
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$240.00
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L Tilt-Shift Lens	$260.00
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Lens	$60.00
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II USM Lens	$180.00
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens	$230.00
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens	$150.00
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$150.00
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens	$180.00
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens	$40.00
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens	$30.00
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens	$60.00
Canon MP-E 65mm Macro Lens	$110.00
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$230.00
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens	$40.00
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$90.00
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens	$50.00
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens	$60.00
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$110.00
Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens	$110.00
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens	$170.00
Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens	$140.00
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens	$130.00
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$50.00
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$30.00
Canon Speedlite 320EX Flash	$25.00
Canon Speedlite 270EX II Flash	$15.00
Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX Flash	$60.00
Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX Flash	$45.00

 
The Canon Fall 2011 - Winter 2012 Rebate Form is available for download (not required - the rebates are instant - and available to anyone in the world shopping at a USA retailer).
 
B&H has a great Canon lens and flash rebate page.
 
Exceptional 5D Mark II Deal:
 
Adorama has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR with EF 24-105 L IS Lens on special for $2,785.00 shipped.
 
Be sure to get the Canon PIXMA PRO9000 Mark II Printer with a qualifying Canon DSLR to qualify for a $400.00 MIR.

Canon has released 2011 financial results. The presentation material PDF provides a graphical summary.
 
For digging deep, the Financial Results for FY 2011 PDF is provided.
 
Notice Concerning Change of Representative Directors
Notice Regarding Partial Amendment to Articles of Incorporation
 
From Reuters:
 
Canon earnings outlook falters, president steps down
TOKYO - Canon Inc's 76-year-old chairman and CEO will take on the additional role of president after the $60 billion Japanese camera and printer maker forecast weak earnings growth and said its current president was stepping down.
 
Canon forecasts dull 2012 earnings growth
* Full-year profit 378.1 bln yen, vs 387.5 bln yen prior yr
 
Canon posts 14 pct rise in quarterly profit
TOKYO, Jan 30 - Canon Inc posted a 14 percent rise in quarterly operating profit on Monday, as it battled the impact of a strong yen and floods in Thailand with cost cuts and increased automation.

Sold out: BuyDig has the open box (new, but read the conditions) Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens in Canon mount for $229.95 shipped using coupon code SeasonsDigging10.

Check out the Why Wedding Photographers’ Prices are “Wack” article posted at PetaPixel (thanks Sean).

B&H has the new Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Photo Printer in stock.

From Sigma Corporation of America:
 
Sigma Corporation of America announces the passing of Michihiro Yamaki
 
Imaging manufacturer’s pioneering CEO, founder led company for more than 50 years
 
RONKONKOMA, NY, Jan. 27, 2012 – With great sadness, Sigma Corporation of America today announced the passing of Sigma Corporation’s founder and CEO Michihiro Yamaki. He died of liver cancer in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 18 at the age of 78.
 
“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Mr. Yamaki was an industry visionary, and his leadership and enthusiasm has been the driving force behind our company’s innovation for more than 50 years. We’re sending our deepest condolences to the Yamaki family, and our entire Sigma family around the world, during this very difficult time.”
 
Yamaki founded Sigma Corporation on Sept. 9, 1961 with the development of the first-ever rear attached lens converter. At that time, most photo enthusiasts believed that a lens converter could only be attached to the front of a camera lens and the 27-year-old optical engineer turned conventional optical theory on its head. Sigma Corporation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 with Yamaki still at the company’s helm.
 
Throughout his years in the photo industry, Yamaki has been focused on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. His goal for the company has always been to make outstanding image quality accessible to all photographers. To this end, he grew the family-owned organization into a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of lenses, cameras and flashes. The company is now known as the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 50 current lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony.
 
In 2008, under Yamaki’s direction, Sigma Corporation purchased Foveon, a California-based company that’s renowned for developing the X3 image sensor technology. This patented, three-layer image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each pixel location arranged in three layers to deliver outstanding, high-resolution, high-definition images with impressive three-dimensional detail and rich gradation. Last year, the company announced the arrival of its SD1, a groundbreaking, 46-megapixel direct image sensor camera, offering more megapixels than any other DSLR currently on the market. Sigma Corporation continued its theme of addressing gaps in the industry and the needs of photographers by kicking off 2012 with the launch of its new, Digital Neo (DN) line of lenses for Micro Four Thirds and E-mount camera systems.
 
In addition to his inventions and photographic foresight, Yamaki made many other contributions to the industry in his 78 years of life. He served organizations such as: the Japan Photographic Enterprises Association, Japan Machinery Design Center, Japan Optomechatronics Association, Photographic Society of Japan, and Japan Camera Industry Institute. He has also been honored with the “Person of the Year” award from The Photoimaging Manufacturers & Distributors Association (PMDA), the “Hall of Fame” award from the International Photographic Council (IPC), and the Golden Photokina Pin for his longtime contribution to the imaging industry.

eBay has the Canon EOS Rebel XS DSLR with 18-55mm IS Lens for $399.99 shipped featured as a Daily Deal.

Canon Camera Museum has posted a technical report feturing the Canon EOS 1D X.

Sigma Corporation has announced that its founder and CEO, Michihiro Yamaki, age 78, has passed away:
 
Announcement of the death of Michihiro Yamaki, CEO
 
We regret to announce that the founder and CEO of Sigma Corporation, Michihiro Yamaki passed away at 1:53am on January 18th, 2012.
 
We would like to sincerely express our deep gratitude for your generous support for him till this day.

Adorama has the refurbished Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens for only $4,199.95 shipped (thanks Z. Sean)
 
The rest of Adorama's Canon Refurbished gear can be found here.

Adobe Senior Product Manager, Bryan O'Neil Hughes, provides ... "an early look at some of the things the Photoshop team is working on for Camera Raw."
 

B&H and Adorama have the Lexar 16GB Professional 133x SDHC Memory Cards (Pack of Two) for only $39.95 shipped (reg $59.95): B&H | Adorama

Cameta Camera has factory demo Nikon D5100 & 18-55mm VR DX AF-S Lens kits for $589.95 shipped.

From National Geographic:
 
Earth Explorer Collection Adds 6 New Styles and Redesigns 5 Best Sellers!
 
With a touch of finesse and fashionable details we are offering 5 redesigned best sellers from the original collection and 6 new exciting styles. The key to this redesign can be found in the details. Small touches emphasize the National Geographic brand with functional improvements added to original line favorites. The overall style, a classic cotton camera bag that can also be used for everyday use, remains with all models. Later in 2012, we will see the refresh of this line complete with new versions of most of the original Earth Explorer models available.
 
Learn more and see the new National Geographic Earth Explorer Collection bags here.
 
B&H carries the National Geographic Earth Explorer Collection.

I am frequently asked for an Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book recommendation. If you are looking for such a book, check out Scott Kelby's The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers.
 
Update: KelbyTraining.com has the The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers on sale for $19.99 plus shipping. Unfortunately, shipping makes the final price higher than Amazon's price. The Kelby Training advantage is the inclusion of "The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Killer Presets CD with Matt Kloskowski ($39.99 value) absolutely FREE!" (thanks Edwardson)

eBay has the Apple iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi White Tablet Computer featured as a Deal of the Day for only $459.99 shipped.

Use coupon code EMCNJHD86 to get Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 for $139.00 at Newegg.com (thanks Matthew).

From Kenko Tokina, translated by Google:
 
Successor of the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX, Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX II announced
 

 
Popular super wide zoom lens, Tokina AT-Tokina AT X 116 PRO DX-successor model appeared X 116 PRO DX II. Keep the optical system of the AT-X 116 PRO DX, a new coating applied. Smoother gradations in the shadows.
 
Placed in the front group P-molded glass aspherical lens that together with the group after the aspherical lens placed in MO, and distortion, aberration correction, ideally each.
 
In addition, SD very close to fluorite (ultra low dispersion) glass uses two. Elimination of chromatic aberration.
 
Not only for Canon digital with a motor inside the lens for Nikon. AT-X 16-28 F2.8 PRO FX , 17-35 F4 AT-X PRO FX Tokina SD and GMR sensors mounted on its own-M (Silent Drive-Module), quiet and highly accurate combination of has realized the AF.
 
Lens construction: 13 elements in 11 groups each (Retail Price: ¥ 90,000 (tax not included with hood)
 
Nikon digital (APS-C): Will be released in late March 2012.
Canon digital (APS-C): Will be released in late July 2012.

Through Feb 4, use promo code RFB212 to save 25% off of all refurbished inkjet printers at the Canon Store.

Adorama has the Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW on sale for $59.95 shipped (reg $99.95). This deal expires 01/31/12.

Adorama has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR with EF 24-105 L IS Lens on special for $2,785.00 shipped.

Dennis Manarchy's 35-foot long camera is being used to capture his "Vanishing Cultures" project:
 

 
Learn more about Dennis' attention-grabbing camera here. (thanks David)

Have you noticed the lack of hard drive deals throughout the Christmas shopping season and beyond? And any "deals" were priced well above prices we were seeing many months before.
 
The reason? Manufacturing disruption caused by the flooding in Thailand has seriously affected hard drive supplies. A new Computer World article provides more information on the impact.

AmateurPhotographer.co.uk is highlighting the eye-opening results of a copyright lawsuit.
 
"Photographers who compose a picture in a similar way to an existing image risk copyright infringement, lawyers have warned following the first court ruling of its kind."
 
Read the entire article here.

From DxO:
 
DxO Optics Pro v7.2 supports 4 new cameras and allows importing of version 6 database.
 
New version features greater stability.
 
Both the Standard and Elite editions of version 7.2 support four additional cameras: the Canon Powershot S100, and the Panasonic GF3, Panasonic G1, Panasonic G2.
 
The production rate of DxO Optics Modules is accelerating, thanks to the recent optimization of its calibration processes. This means that DxO Labs is now able to provide support for new cameras more quickly, all while consolidating its modules library by adding camera models already on the market - notably compact hybrids. Since January 1st, more than 250 camera/lens combinations have been added.
 
This new version includes a tool that allows users to import all their projects and image processing information from DxO Optics Pro 6, and to integrate them into DxO Optics Pro 7 by merging both databases.
 
This DxO Optics Pro update also includes greater general stability as well as giving users the ability to crop photos in a more intuitive way.
 
LAST DAYS FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNT
 
DxO Optics Pro 7 for Windows and Mac is available in the DxO Labs online boutique and at photo resellers at a special discount price good through January 31, 2012.
 
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro.

Save up to $350 on MacBook Air Notebook Computers at B&H. A limited supply is available at this price.

Check out the Lexar PNY Memory Card Deals at B&H.

B&H has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 for $149.95 shipped ($135.00 off).
 
More Adobe & DXO deals.

B&H has a limited supply of HP / Hewlett Packard 64GB Slate 500 Tablet PCs for $250 off - reg $749.95, now $499.95.

Check out the Kingston Memory Card and Flash Drive Specials.
 
New rebates are available on Norman, Photogenic and Smith Victor products.
 
I already mentioned the Tokina 11-16 and Tokina 12-24 II deals Adorama is featuring right now.

Just posted: Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review

Stephen Oachs of ApertureAcademy.com posted some photos of the new Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens being used in Kenya.
 
Mounted to the 200-400 was an unrecognized Canon DSLR. The Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens was reportedly being used by the same individual.
 
Check out Stephen's story and pictures.

eBay has the Apple iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi (Black) Tablet Computer for only $459.99 shipped as a Daily Deal.

Amazon.com (via K&M Camera) has the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for $458.06 shipped.
 
17th Street Photo and The Imaging World are two more seller options - $459.00 shipped from these retailers.

Amazon.com has the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens for only $313.70 shipped.

B&H has the hard-to-find Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock again (the inventory available 3 days ago sold out).

eBay via Cameta Camera has the Canon EOS 7D DSLR for only $1,274.95 shipped.

"Building on the success of the VideoMic Pro, which launched in early 2011 and quickly became the defacto standard for DSLR on-camera audio, and RØDE’s original Stereo VideoMic, the new Stereo VideoMic Pro provides a high quality stereo option for videographers, and is ideal for recording music, and the atmospheric ambience essential in building a realistic audio scene."
 
Also new is the Rode VideoMic HD - a condenser shotgun microphone with an integrated digital recorder (microSDHC). Learn more about the Rode VideoMic HD here.
 
B&H is accepting preorders for the Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro. I'll let you know when the Rode VideoMic HD is available for preorder.
 
Adorama has the Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun Microphone bundled with a Rode Deadcat VMP Furry Wind Cover on sale for $229.00 shipped (reg $268.00).

Adorama has a couple of good Tokina lens deals available right now:
 
The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens (for Canon) (for Nikon) is $609.00 after $40 mail in rebate (reg $699.00).
 
The Tokina 12-24mm f/4 ATX PRO DX II Lens (for Canon) (for Nikon) is on sale for $525.00 (reg $599.00).
 
Both deals expire Feb 28th.

Amazon.com has the Rokinon (Samyang) 35mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens in all mounts for $375.00 shipped (reg $499.95).
 
Act fast - This is a Lightning Deal and will not last long. Scroll through the deal list to find your lens mount. (thanks Philip)

On Jan 9, 2012, the SD Association announced the addition of wireless to the SD card standards. To say that this announcement has not been well-received by SD Association member Eye-Fi is a strong understatement.
 
Eye-Fi CEO Yuval Koren has posted a statement on the Eye-Fi blog.

I have added comparisons to the following review pages:
 
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review - Added a focal length comparison
 
Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD IF Macro Lens Review - Added a 180mm aperture comparison
 
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review - Added a 17mm aperture comparison

A handful of sample pictures have been added to the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review.

BuyDig has the Canon EOS Rebel T2i body with a free 8GB SDHC card for only $470.99 shipped using coupon code seasonsdigging30. A very-low-priced filler item must be added to the cart to enable the coupon code - try this $1.99 case.

B&H has the hard-to-find Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock.

Through the end of Jan or while supplies last (70 units currently in stock), Abe's of Maine has the Lexar 16GB 400x PRO CompactFlash Card for $42.95 shipped using coupon code carnathan.

I added some sample pictures to the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens Review.
 
Sorry for the lack of wider angle shots. When selecting down the pictures to include with this review, I apparently was not liking the wider angle compositions I was making while working with this lens. Most of the shots I had to work with were in the over-200mm range. Hopefully you will at least enjoy those.

B&H has announced the finalists for the "Unboxing Video Contest"
 
Vote for your favorite - the winner gets a Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR Camera.

It is a sad day. From Kodak:
 
ROCHESTER, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak” or the “Company”) announced today that it and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for chapter 11 business reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
 
The business reorganization is intended to bolster liquidity in the U.S. and abroad, monetize non-strategic intellectual property, fairly resolve legacy liabilities, and enable the Company to focus on its most valuable business lines. The Company has made pioneering investments in digital and materials deposition technologies in recent years, generating approximately 75% of its revenue from digital businesses in 2011.
 
Kodak has obtained a fully-committed, $950 million debtor-in-possession credit facility with an 18-month maturity from Citigroup to enhance liquidity and working capital. The credit facility is subject to Court approval and other conditions precedent. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to operate its business during chapter 11, and to continue the flow of goods and services to its customers in the ordinary course.
 
Kodak expects to pay employee wages and benefits and continue customer programs. Subsidiaries outside of the U.S. are not subject to proceedings and will honor all obligations to suppliers, whenever incurred. Kodak and its U.S. subsidiaries will honor all post-petition obligations to suppliers in the ordinary course.
 
“Kodak is taking a significant step toward enabling our enterprise to complete its transformation,” said Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “At the same time as we have created our digital business, we have also already effectively exited certain traditional operations, closing 13 manufacturing plants and 130 processing labs, and reducing our workforce by 47,000 since 2003. Now we must complete the transformation by further addressing our cost structure and effectively monetizing non-core IP assets. We look forward to working with our stakeholders to emerge a lean, world-class, digital imaging and materials science company.”
 
“After considering the advantages of chapter 11 at this time, the Board of Directors and the entire senior management team unanimously believe that this is a necessary step and the right thing to do for the future of Kodak,” Mr. Perez continued. “Our goal is to maximize value for stakeholders, including our employees, retirees, creditors, and pension trustees. We are also committed to working with our valued customers.
 
“Chapter 11 gives us the best opportunities to maximize the value in two critical parts of our technology portfolio: our digital capture patents, which are essential for a wide range of mobile and other consumer electronic devices that capture digital images and have generated over $3 billion of licensing revenues since 2003; and our breakthrough printing and deposition technologies, which give Kodak a competitive advantage in our growing digital businesses.”
 
Mr. Perez concluded, “The Board of Directors, the senior management team and I would like to underscore our appreciation for the hard work and loyalty of our employees. Kodak exemplifies a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our employees embody that culture and are essential to our future success.”
 
Kodak has taken this step after preliminary discussions with key constituencies and intends to work toward a consensual reorganization in the best interests of its stakeholders. Kodak expects to complete its U.S.-based restructuring during 2013.
 
The Company and its Board of Directors are being advised by Lazard, FTI Consulting Inc. and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. In addition, Dominic DiNapoli, Vice Chairman of FTI Consulting, will serve as Chief Restructuring Officer to support the management team as to restructuring matters during the chapter 11 case.
 
More information about Kodak’s Chapter 11 filing is available on the Internet at www.kodaktransforms.com. Information for suppliers and vendors is available at (800) 544-7009 or (585) 724-6100.
 
Kodak will be filing monthly operating reports with the Bankruptcy Court and also plans to post these monthly operating reports on the Investor Relations section of Kodak.com. The Company will continue to file quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which will also be available in the Investor Relations section of Kodak.com.
 
More information is available from Kodak here.

The Canon Store has has the refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T3i and T2i on sale for $40.00 and $80.00 off respectively.
 
The Canon EOS Rebel T3 and XS are still on sale at $40.00 and $48.00 off respectively.

Amazon.com has the hard-to-find Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock through Norman Camera (reliable).

Just posted: Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens Review

As I mentioned yesterday, B&H is accepting preorders for the game-changing Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema System.
 
Note that this camera will not (initially at least) be available at all Canon authorized dealers. Only 17 dealers will be authorized to sell the Canon Cinema EOS System. Many third party accessories should be available by release date which is listed as on or after Jan 30th.
 
The Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera (EF or PL Mounts) are available for preorder at B&H for only $15,999.00 - a huge discount from the Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera press release-estimated price of $20,000.
 
The Canon Zoom Cinema Lenses for the Cinema EOS System are also available for preorder at B&H. The Canon CN-E 14.5-60mm T2.6 L S Cinema Zoom Lens (EF or PL Mount) is priced at $42,750.00 and the CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S EF Mount Cinema Zoom Lens (EF or PL Mount) is priced at $44,650.00. Both prices are lower than expected - the Canon Prime and Zoom Cinema Lenses for Cinema EOS System press release listed the prices as $45,000.00 and $47,000.00 respectively.
 
Learn more about the Canon Cinema EOS C300 System.

Adorama has the Flashpoint Ikey Portable iPad Bluetooth Keyboard w/Touch Type keys, Stand & Folio for the iPad & iPad2 for $29.99 shipped (reg $54.99) using coupon code S0116120. Offer is good through 2/28/2012.

PhotoShelter is offering free email delivery of their latest guide: The Photographer's Social Media Handbook (2012).

Amazon.com (via ButterflyPhoto) has the Photive ML-L3 Wireless Shutter Release Remote for Nikon DSLRS for only $1.99 shipped.
 
The Photive RC-6 Wireless Shutter Release For Canon is only $7.95.

From Conurus:
 
Vancouver, Canada, January 18, 2012 - Metabones forms a strategic partnership with Conurus of Vancouver, Canada to jointly develop, manufacture and market a new Smart Adapter(TM) series of products featuring electronic interfacing with the lens.
 
The partnership is shipping its first fruition of collaboration today, a Smart Adapter that integrates a Canon EF mount lens to a Sony NEX camera body. Electronic aperture is directly controlled by the camera body and all exposure modes are available. Image stabilization (if the Canon EF lens supports it) and EXIF are supported, but there is no autofocus. This new smart adapter is marketed under the Metabones brand name and may be ordered directly from conurus.com or from a Metabones distributor in Japan, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong or China for US$399.
 
Metabones is known for mechanical design that is already significantly ahead of the competition, as can be seen with the Contax G lens adapters for Micro 4/3 and Sony NEX with ultra-wide focusing rings and smooth manual focus action, and the ALPA lens to Leica M adapter with rangefinder coupling. Now, incorporating leading-edge electronic technology from Canada brings forth a new breed of adapters that not only truly integrates the lens with the camera body but offers the best workmanship, accuracy and reliability as well.

B&H is accepting Canon EOS C300 Cinema Preorders:
 
Canon EOS C300
Canon EOS C300 PL
 
Canon CN-E Lenses

From ILFORD:
 
ILFORD REDEFINES ITS GALERIE RANGE; ESTABLISHES PRESTIGE TO MEET THE EXACTING STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
 
Rebranded as ILFORD GALERIE Prestige, the ILFORD GALERIE Lineup Retains Same High-Quality and Permanence Standards, and Adopts a Star Rating System for Instant Classification
 
Avon, CT & Marly, Switzerland – 17 January, 2012 – ILFORD (http://www.ilford.com), a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes, today announced that it is rebranding its popular ILFORD GALERIE range as ILFORD GALERIE Prestige (5*). While the packaging has changed, the media inside remains the same leading inkjet paper that professional photographers rely on to produce breathtaking prints with superior permanence qualities.
 
The evolution to GALERIE Prestige (5*) paves the way for a series of new product additions to be introduced in 2012 that combines state-of-the-art inkjet technology with in-demand artistic styles. The additions will compliment the already robust line of best-in-class media developed for professional photographers and creative professionals. In addition, the GALERIE range is now categorized in a star rating system, enabling professionals and consumers to quickly recognize the media that best suits their printing needs.
 
GALERIE Prestige (5*) is developed for professional photographers and imaging professionals who demand high precision and accuracy. The specialty coating provides superior images and consistent results when used with a wide array of printers. This range includes the Gold Fibre Silk, Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss that recently received high print permanence ratings from Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., the world's leading independent permanence testing laboratory. Smooth Fine Art and Smooth Lustre Duo are also included in the range.
 
“ILFORD has a long tradition of providing the marketplace with media that delivers perfect images for every style, from traditional portraits to contemporary, highly-saturated commercial images,” said Jane Dixon, Director of Global Marketing for ILFORD. “With the introduction of ILFORD GALERIE Prestige, both professional photographers and photo enthusiasts can be sure the choices they make will best deliver the print results they desire. In addition, the advanced coatings on all ILFORD media, and on-going development from our in-house research and development team, ensure that all ILFORD media will continue to be compatible with a wide range of printers currently on the market and new printers that will hit the market in the future.”
 
To further guarantee photographers exact the finest prints from each sheet of ILFORD GALERIE Prestige, and all ranges, detailed instructions for using ICC profiles are available at the ILFORD website. A ReadMe file is available in the profile download section offering intuitive, step-by-step instructions. The carefully defined printer settings, created by technicians on the ILFORD Research and Development team, ensure optimal print results for the entire range.
 
About ILFORD
 
Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media and other consumables for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes. The worldwide digital imaging and color photographic businesses, which include R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP. ILFORD hosts its U.S. sales operations from its offices in Avon, CT.
 
The ILFORD name is well established in the history of imaging and today continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities.
 
For more information on ILFORD, please visit http://www.ilford.com/
 
B&H carries ILFORD products.

The refurbished Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens is featured as an eBay Daily Deal (via aSavings) for only $149.00 shipped.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens is currently featured as a Daily Deal on eBay (via aSavings) for only $599.00 Shipped.

B&H has the Zeiss 25mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens (Canon mount) in stock.

B&H has the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens back in stock - only $339.00.

I have a large selection of used Canon-mount DSLR lenses and accessories for sale at the moment. Most of the prices have been lowered for a second time. Browse the list - let me know if there is something you want.

Standard product images (included in the comparison tool) and additional on-camera images have been added to the following review placeholder pages:
 
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro Lens Review
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens Review
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Lens Review
Samyang 35mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens Review
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Lens Review
Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro FX Lens Review
Tokina 17-35mm f/4 AT-X Pro FX Lens Review
Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review
 
On-camera product images have been added to the following review placeholder pages:
 
Zeiss 28mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review
Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar T* ZE Lens Review
Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens Review

Amazon.com is featuring the Canon Rebel XS with EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens as their Gold Box Deal of the Day - only $399.99 shipped.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:
 
Explorer of Light Bruce Dorn has been teaching Speedlite techniques around the country for years through Canon Live Learning and his own workshops. With the Canon Digital Learning Center's exclusive tutorials series on Environmental Portraits with Speedlites, now even more photographers can watch and learn.
 
This series was designed to appeal to a range of users, from photo enthusiasts to full-time professionals. Featuring a wide range of equipment, techniques, accessories, subject, and locations, there is useful insights and tips for every skill level.
 
An intro and two educational videos are available now.

From Kirk Enterprises:
 
New Sure Grip Coating from Kirk Enterprises
 
Now available on all lens feet is a KES Sure Grip Coating. This new coating makes carrying your long lens by our lens foot with this coating safer and more securable.
 
The KES Sure Grip Coating is textured, not allowing the lens foot to slip in your hands even if they are wet. Our lens foot is still anodized and then the Sure Grip Coating is applied. We will still offer our current anodized lens feet and as an option offer the Sure Grip Coating. Also you can send in your old Kirk lens foot and we will apply the Sure Grip Coating for $15.00 plus the return shipping.
 
Look for other Kirk Products to have our new KES Sure Grip Coating in the future. Remember, Kirk Products are manufactured and assembled in the USA.
 
B&H carries Kirk Enterprises gear.

I am intrigued by the large sensor in the Canon PowerShot G1 X; and therefore, I intend to review this camera (at least the image quality from it). To get started, I have added a Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera Review page to the site.
 
Already included on the Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera Review page are:

• USA and UK press releases
• Information and videos from Canon Professional Network
• A sensor size chart and comparison table
• Interactive camera size comparisons
• Dozens of product images including a lens extension comparison

Can you spot the anomoly between image #16 and #17 near the bottom of the page (thanks Max)?

Abe's of Maine has the Lexar 16GB Professional 400x UDMA CompactFlash Card for $41.95 shipped (compare at about $50).

Use coupon code BELIEVE to get 50% off of an 8x8", 14 page Photobook at AdoramaPix. These books are now $11.95 (regularly $23.95).

AmateurPhotographer.co.uk is reporting that one of two existing preproduction Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS Lenses has gone missing at CES.
 
Sigma staff were reportedly "mystified" when they discovered the lens missing on the second morning of the show.

From Corel:
 
Corel® Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Roxio® Business from Rovi Corporation
 
Corel Expands Digital Media Product Line on Windows® and Mac® with Popular Titles Including Roxio® Creator® and Roxio® Toast®
 
CES – Las Vegas, Nevada – January 12, 2012
 
Corel® today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Roxio® product line from Rovi Corporation. With this deal, Corel will expand its product portfolio to include Roxio’s broad range of digital media and security solutions. The acquisition includes Roxio® Creator®, the industry’s most popular digital media suite and Roxio® Toast®, the leading optical burning software on the Mac® platform. The deal is expected to close in February. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
 
There are both technology and business advantages to this acquisition. From a technology perspective, Corel will draw upon the complementary video, photo, audio, and disc burning technologies found in both Roxio and Corel software to deliver even more capabilities to users and further enhance the customer experience offered across Corel’s product portfolio.
 
From a business perspective, Corel will take advantage of its well-established global infrastructure to dramatically broaden distribution of Roxio products into new international markets. Moreover, the company sees significant opportunities in combining the strengths of Corel’s and Roxio’s established retail and direct sales channels, OEM relationships, and large customer bases.
 
“We’re excited about this deal for a number of reasons, most notably the fact thatupon completion of the acquisition, we will be able to offer our customers a wider range of products, both in our digital media and WinZip product lines,” said Shawn Cadeau, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing at Corel. “Roxio has a large install base, with over 350 million units sold worldwide, and our products are offered through similar channels spanning retail, direct, OEM and enterprise sales. On the digital media side, we will have a full blown multimedia suite and a new offering on the Mac platform. For WinZip, we will be able to further expand our suite of tools, with new data protection and security software.”
 
Acquired Roxio Titles Further Expand Corel’s Product Portfolio
 
Upon completion of the acquisition, Corel will own the Roxio product line, including the following well-known titles:

• Roxio Creator – Software to enhance, preserve, capture and share your digital media
• Roxio Toast – The ultimate multi-media toolkit for your Mac
• Roxio Toast – The ultimate multi-media toolkit for your Mac
• Roxio® Game Capture – Software to record your PC and console game play
• Roxio® Easy VHS to DVD – Preserve irreplaceable memories by transferring them to DVD
• Roxio® CinePlayer® DVD Decoder – Watch your favorite DVDs on Windows Media Player
• Roxio® CinePlayer® DVD Decoder – Watch your favorite DVDs on Windows Media Player
• Roxio® BackOnTrack™ Suite – Complete media protection solution that automatically keeps your memories safe and protects your PC from both hardware and software disasters
• Roxio® Secure – Powerful encryption for optical media and USB flash drives

Added Mr. Cadeau: “Roxio is a great fit for Corel. By combining the best of Corel’s and Roxio’s technologies, we can provide even more value to customers. In addition, by leveraging Corel’s global sales and distribution platform, we will be able to put the Roxio product line into the hands of many more customers around the world. We are looking forward to welcoming Roxio’s employees and customers to Corel as we continue to develop high-quality products that are recognized as leaders in the industry.”

For a limited time you can get a free eyepiece with Think Tank Photo’s Hydrophobia Rain Covers.
 
The Hydrophobia 70-200 and Hydrophobia 70-200 Flash rain covers accommodate a DSLR with up to a 70-200 lens and, in the latter, a flash. The Hydrophobia 300-600 rain cover protects a DSLR with a super telephoto lens (300 f2.8 up to a 600 f4) attached, with the lens hood in position. These heavy-duty rain covers provide protection during even the toughest downpours, wind storms, or other challenging conditions. What's more, you can actually attach your DSLR and simply carry it by the rain cover. The sleeves are big enough to not only let you control the camera (with the help of a clear window around back), but swap out batteries or memory cards as well. When you check out of the shopping cart you will be asked which eyepiece you would like to receive for free.
 
Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia Rain Covers

Updated (new URL): The Canon CES 2012 Brochure is available for download.
 
The Canon EOS 1D X and Canon PowerShot G1 X are featured.

B&H is accepting Nikon D4 preorders again.

Abe's of Maine has the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens in Canon mount bundled with a $50.00 gift card for only $484.00 shipped using promotion codes Loyalty15 and LENS50.

Abe's of Maine has the SanDisk 32GB Extreme CompactFlash Card (60MB/s) for only $94.95 using promotion code Abesaves5. Compare at $139.95. Offer ends 1/21.

Back in November, Adobe announced changes to the Creative Suite 6 upgrade policy - basically stating that only CS5.x owners qualified for the upgrade version of CS6.
 
Adobe took a lot of criticism for this policy change - and has now announced a special upgrade offer for CS3 and CS4 owners. From Adobe:
 
We’re very excited about the upcoming release of Adobe® Creative Suite® 6 software and Adobe Creative Cloud™. CS6 will be a major new release of our creative desktop tools, with huge improvements for every type of creative professional. Adobe Creative Cloud will be our most comprehensive creative solution ever, giving members access to all of the CS6 desktop software plus additional services, new tools, Adobe Touch Apps, and rich community features. In addition, Creative Cloud members will receive continuous upgrades and updates to all products and services as part of their membership.
 
With these great new releases coming in the first half of 2012, we want to make sure our customers have plenty of time to determine which offering is best for them. Therefore, we’re pleased to announce that we will offer special introductory upgrade pricing on Creative Suite 6 to customers who own CS3 or CS4. This offer will be available from the time CS6 is released until December 31, 2012. More details on this offer, as well as any introductory offers for existing customers to move to Creative Cloud membership, will be announced when CS6 and Creative Cloud are released later this year.
 
Read the details about our Creative Suite upgrade policy.
Learn more about Adobe Creative Cloud.

Eye-Fi X2 Card Firmware 5.0001 is now available for download.
 
Included Fixes:

• Improved WiFi performance and interoperability
• Improved camera compatibility
• Direct Mode compatibility improvements
• Direct Mode bug fix implemented
• Direct Mode default changed to 2 minutes for connection wait time

NOTE: For customers with Eye-Fi X2 Cards running firmware version 4.1017 or earlier, the firmware update may result in a failure message after the 30-second countdown. If this occurs, please do not be alarmed and follow the instructions to remove your Eye-Fi Card and reinsert it. If you do not get prompted for a firmware update again after reinserting card, the firmware update was completed successfully despite the erroneous message. This firmware version is for X2 cards only.

J&R is now accepting Canon PowerShot G1 X preorders.

For better functionality on mobile devices, I have added a pair of arrow buttons to the lens comparison tools listed below.
 
When comparing two lenses in these tools, the mouseover functionality still works as it did before (and still does not work on mobile devices). The new buttons, located between the lens names near the top of the pages, can now be clicked to select the lens results to be displayed. Mobile device users should find these buttons to work for them. The results shown after clicking on these arrow buttons will hold until the other button is selected (or a mouseover is used).
 
ISO 12233 Resolution Chart Comparison
Vignetting Test Results Comparison
Lens Flare Test Comparison
Lens Distortion Test Comparison
 
As always, suggestions are appreciated. Thank you to those who made this suggestion.

The Canon Store received a new batch of refurbished Canon EOS DSLRs, lenses and flashes.
 
In stock lenses include the 24 L II, 35 L, 50 L, 85 L II, 100 L, 100 Macro, 70-200 L II and many more. Expect like-new condition.

In a blog post, Adobe has announced that Adobe Carousel has been renamed to Adobe Revel.
 
Starting today – January 10, 2012 – we will be changing the name for Adobe Carousel to Adobe Revel.
 
Visit the blog post for more details.

To answer some of the questions I'm receiving, I'm sharing my 2011 Central California photography trip itinerary below.
 
I planned my trip for this time of the year for a few reasons. First, I wanted to be in Yosemite before schools let out for the summer - so that the crowds would be light. I also wanted the Yosemite waterfalls to still be flowing strongly. And, I wanted Glacier Point and Tioga roads to be opened.
 
I was very successful with all but the last goal. While Glacier Point Rd opened the day we arrived, a 200% of normal snowpack (most in 70 years I was told) meant that Tioga Rd over Tioga Pass did not open until mid-July or so.
 
Wed 5/25: Big Sur
Flew into San Francisco. I planned to arrive in time to shoot the sunset from the Monterey area, but a late flight meant that I drove into Big Sur around midnight. We stayed in a small cottage at Ripplewood Resort.
 
Thu 5/26: Big Sur
Explored the Big Sur area south to a road slide-out below Gorda.
 
Fri 5/27: Big Sur
Explored the Big Sur area north including Monterey and Carmel. Arrived at the Holiday Inn Express in Paso Robles around midnight. The original plan was to explore the southern Big Sur area on day two, making Paso Robles a nice stop-over point on the way to Sequoia National Park. With RT 1 being closed, I adjusted the schedule. Flexibility is always important when traveling.
 
Sat 5/28: Sequoia National Park
Drove from Paso Robles (after having the front license plate on the rental SUV "reinstalled" at the local GMC dealer), through the Central CA valley (sampled the excellent fruit growing there), through Visalia and into Sequoia National Park on RT 198. Note that RT 189 entering Sequoia National Park is an amazing road. Spent the rest of the daylight hours exploring Sequoia National Park and drove to Kings Canyon National Park after dark. We stayed in the John Muir Lodge for two nights.
 
Sun 5/29: Kings Canyon National Park
Explored Grant Grove and the entire Kings Canyon.
 
Mon 5/30: Yosemite National Park
Left Kings Canyon National Park. Drove to Fresno - did laundry, got food (including more fresh fruit such as oranges). Drove to Yosemite National Park. Checked into Yosemite View Lodge. Yosemite View Lodge is located just outside of the Yosemite National Park entrance - it is at an ideal location for photographers concentrating on the Yosemite Valley.
 
Tue 5/31 through Sat 6/4: Yosemite National Park
Lots of driving and hiking around Yosemite National Park. On Sat, drove to Cavallo Point in Sausalito, CA. Cavallo Point is a few notches above the lodging quality I'm used to, but a winter deal made this ideal location for photography available to me.
 
Sun 6/5 - Tue 6/7: San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore
Explored these areas until flying out of San Francisco at 11:20 PM Tue night.
 
List of Central California Photo Galleries:
 
Big Sur, California Pictures
Sequoia National Park Pictures
Kings Canyon National Park Pictures
Yosemite National Park Pictures
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Pictures
Point Reyes National Seashore Pictures
 
Hopefully you find some of these pictures inspiring. I intended to give you somewhat of a tour of the photographic potential of these areas.
 
Weather does not always cooperate with those of us with only a short amount of time to spend in an area. More time in an area increases the chances for great images, but the competent, passionate locals will always get the best shots.

From Phase One:
 
Phase One Releases Media Pro 1.2
 
World’s best digital visual assets manager just got better
 
COPENHAGEN, January 10, 2012 — Phase One today released Media Pro 1.2. Media Pro is a powerful photography assistant for finding, organizing, and sharing digital images and videos no matter where the files are stored. Media Pro supports very large photo libraries, with support for photo and video files from more than 100 different cameras.
 
New in this release you’ll find:

• Better support for exporting annotations/metadata to XMP sidecars;
• Now, catalog sets, custom fields and hierarchical keywords may be exported to XMP sidecars so they will always be included when extracting metadata;
• Two new general preferences increase the flexibility of importing annotations/metadata;
• Now people and event annotations/metadata also map according to the IPTC-Extended definition.
• More camera support: supports images from additional cameras when using the Phase One renderer.
• Bugfixes on Mac: fixed an issue with Import Items > From Camera for German language.
• Bugfixes on Windows: Fixed an issue with the crash reporter not always appearing correctly.

Availability and Pricing
 
Media Pro is available via download for 199 USD and 139 EUR through Phase One’s Online Store and from top pro photography dealers worldwide. You can learn more about the new release at: http://www.phaseone.com/media-pro
 
Media Pro 1.2 is available as a free upgrade to existing Media Pro customers.
 
About Phase One
 
Phase One is the world’s leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions. Phase One medium format cameras, digital backs and lenses are designed to deliver superior quality image capture and investment value. Phase One’s Capture One and Media Pro software helps streamline capture and post-production processes for both medium format and DSLR cameras. Phase One products are known for their quality, flexibility and speed enabling pro photographers shooting in a wide range of formats to achieve their creative visions without compromise.
 
For more information, please visit Phase One at http://www.phaseone.com. Follow Phase One on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PhaseOneWW and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phase-One/184811514906561
 
Phase One is an employee-owned company based in Copenhagen with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Cologne and Shanghai.
 
Phase One and Capture One are registered trademarks of Phase One A/S. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Sold out: eBay / Beach Camera (trustworthy) has the Canon EOS 5D Mark II with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for only $2,499.00 shipped! Act immediately as these will sell out fast.

B&H has the refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T3 with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens in stock for only $399.95 shipped.
 
Many other refurbished Canon cameras and lenses are available.

From Epson:
 
New Epson Artisan 1430 Takes Wide Format Photo Printing to the Next Level of Performance with Wireless Connectivity
 
Latest Artisan Printer Offers Gallery-Worthy Prints up to 13” X 19” for a Range of Creative and Professional Projects
 

 
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Jan. 9, 2012 – Epson America, Inc., a leading provider of superior performing desktop printing solutions, today introduced the Epson Artisan® 1430 wide-format printer. Offering brilliant, Ultra Hi-Definition prints as large as 13”x 19”, convenient wireless networking and mobile printing, the Artisan 1430 enables photo enthusiasts and professionals alike to complete a wide range of creative and professional projects.
 
The Artisan 1430 delivers professional quality photos by leveraging Epson’s exclusive Advanced MicroPiezo® print head with DX5™ technology for accurate ink placement, smooth gradations and amazing skin tones. The Artisan 1430 offers Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDTM n1 wireless networking to easily share the printer with anyone on the network – as well as Epson iPrint app – to print and share from a smartphone, iPhone®, tablet or other device. With superior media handling capabilities to create gallery-quality prints on a host of popular borderless sizes – including 4”x6”, 13”x19” and 12”x12” – and Adobe® Photoshop® Elements bonus software, the printer is ideal for a range of projects – from brochures and posters to photo enlargements and personalized CDs/DVDs.
 
“The Artisan 1430 was designed with the creative professional and photo enthusiast in mind, delivering superior photo quality, unprecedented media handling capabilities, and convenient wireless connectivity that continue to set the Artisan line apart from the competition,” said Gregg Brunnick, group product manager, Epson America, Inc. “Consumers will be amazed at the level of performance and results they are able to achieve with the all new Artisan 1430 wide-format printer.”
 
Additional High-Performance Epson Artisan 1430 Features:

• Ultra Hi-Definition photos that are smudge, scratch and water resistant2
• PC-free printing and sharing documents and photos from a smartphone, iPhone®, tablet or other mobile devices3 with Epson iPrint
• Photos last up to 200 years in storage and up to 98 years on display under glass4
• Customized photo enlargements, brochures, posters and scrapbook pages
• Professional-looking ink jet printable CDs/DVDs
• Image enhancement tools for automatic color and lighting correction and red eye removal
• Range of eco features and environmental qualifications including, ENERGY STAR® and RoHS compliance, and is designed to be recycled5

Pricing and Availability
 
The Epson Artisan 1430 ($299.99*) will be available in February through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site, www.epsonstore.com. For more information, please visit www.epson.com.
 
About Epson
 
Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product line-up ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for enterprise and the home, to sensors and other microdevices. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 78,000 employees in 99 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. To learn more about Epson, please visit: http://global.epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica and http://twitter.com/EpsonEducation) and YouTube (http://youtube.com/EpsonTV).
 
# # #
 
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Epson is registered trademark, and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

1. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n certified; level of performance subject to the range of the router being used. Visit www.wi-fi.org/files/11nbasics_glossary.pdf for more information.
2. Smudge, scratch, water and fade resistant on Epson photo papers. For CDs/DVDs, resistant only on specially-treated discs.
3. See www.epson.com/mobileprinting for a list of supported/compatible devices and apps.
4. Display permanence based on accelerated testing of prints displayed under glass in indoor display conditions; album permanence based on accelerated testing of prints in dark storage conditions. Actual print stability will vary according to media, printed image, display conditions, light intensity, temperature, humidity and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee the longevity of prints. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or UV filter or properly store them.
5. See our website for convenient and reasonable recycling options at www.epson.com/recycle.

 
B&H carries Epson products.

From SanDisk:
 
SANDISK INTRODUCES WORLD'S FASTEST 128GB SDXC CARD-IDEAL FOR CAPTURING FULL HD 3D VIDEOS AND HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOS

• Can capture up to 10 hours of Full HD 3D video-enough capacity to film an entire day at the Consumer Electronics Show
• Features up to 45 megabyte per second read and write speeds for faster shot-to-shot performance and quick data transfers
• Shipping worldwide in 64GB and 128GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $199.99 and $399.99 respectively

Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, January 9, 2012- SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today introduced the 128 gigabyte (GB)1 SanDisk Extreme® SDXC™ UHS-I card. The new card is ideal for photography enthusiasts capturing Full HD2 3D videos and high-resolution photos.
 
Video Recording Drives Growth of User-Generated Content
 
Advanced DSLR cameras and HD camcorders enable imaging enthusiasts to capture Full HD 1080p videos, even in 3D. According to IDC3, user-generated video from digital cameras and flash memory-equipped camcorders will increase more than 50 percent, from 4 exabytes in 2011 to 6.8 exabytes in 2014.
 
"Consumer video capture is driving user-generated content creation," said Chris Chute, research manager, worldwide digital imaging solutions, IDC. "This is the first year that more than half of all video captured will be in HD, and that number is set to reach nearly 80 percent in 2014. This trend highlights the need for memory cards that are fast enough to handle a massive data flow while offering enough capacity to store the resulting files."
 
The 128GB SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I card is based on the new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) architecture and is designed to capture hours of top-quality video footage. The card's UHS Speed Class 1 rating surpasses the recording requirements of demanding video use cases-from home movies captured on a DSLR to high-quality 3D footage.
 
"Five minutes of Full HD video can consume one gigabyte of storage space," said Susan Park, director, product marketing, SanDisk. "Our new SanDisk Extreme SDXC card can capture up to ten hours of Full HD 3D video, enough to film an entire day here at the Consumer Electronics Show."
 
The SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I card is designed to help imaging enthusiasts shoot like the pros, with the speed and capacity needed to capture not only high-quality videos but also high-resolution RAW+JPEG photos, which can reach up to 30 megabytes in size.
 
Faster Shot-to-Shot Performance, Faster File Transfers
 
The SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I card features up to 45MB/sec read/write speeds4, enabling photographers to capture sequences of high-resolution photos using their camera's burst mode and then quickly transfer the files to a computer.
 
The card's fast shot-to-shot performance lets photographers capture the images that matter most to them-whether using a point-and-shoot camera to take photos of a young child's first steps or a DSLR to capture a high school track star racing across the finish line. The card's fast file-transfer speed lets photographers offload an hour-long Full HD video in five minutes or a batch of 500 high-resolution photos in as little as one minute5.
 
The SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I card is backed by SanDisk's reputation for quality-professional photographers trust SanDisk. The card provides consumers with the reliability and durability they need to capture photos anytime, anywhere, and includes a built-in write-protect switch to help prevent accidental data loss. For added protection, the card includes a one-year downloadable offer for RescuePRO® Deluxe data recovery software (a $59.99 value), which can bring accidentally deleted images back to life.
 
Pricing and Availability
 
The 64GB and 128GB SanDisk Extreme SDXC UHS-I cards are shipping worldwide with MSRPs of $199.99 and $399.99 respectively.
 
About SanDisk
 
SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) is a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, from research and development, product design and manufacturing to branding and distribution for OEM and retail channels. Since 1988, SanDisk's innovations in flash memory and storage system technologies have provided customers with new and transformational digital experiences. SanDisk's diverse product portfolio includes flash memory cards and embedded solutions used in smart phones, tablets, digital cameras, camcorders, digital media players and other consumer electronic devices, as well as USB flash drives and solid-state drives (SSD) for the computing market. SanDisk's products are used by consumers and enterprise customers around the world.
 
SanDisk is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States. For more information, visit www.sandisk.com.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
1 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes. Some capacity not available for data storage.
2 Full HD video (1920x1080x30fps), HD and 3D video support may vary based upon host device, file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content, and other factors. See:www.sandisk.com/HD.
3 Worldwide User Generated Video Content and Archive 2010-2014 Forecast: The Video Bible (IDC #227749, April 2011). Worldwide Digital Imaging User Generated Content 2010-2014 Forecast: The UGC Bible (IDC #227692, April 2011)
4 Up to 45 MB/sec (300X) read/write speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes. X = 150KB/sec.
5 Approximations: results will vary based on file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content, host device, computer, pre-loaded files and other factors.
 
SanDisk, the SanDisk logo, RescuePRO and SanDisk Extreme are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. SDXC is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder (s).
 
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including expectations for new product introductions, applications, features, markets, and customers that are based on our current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: the market demand for video capture products may grow more slowly than our expectations, or our products may not be available in the prices, the geographies or the capacities that we expect, or our products may not perform as expected, and the other risks detailed from time-to-time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K. We do not intend to update the information contained in this press release.
 
B&H carries SanDisk products.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Beta is now available for download.
 
"New tools let you extract more detail from highlights and shadows, make a wider range of targeted adjustments, and easily share your images and video clips on social media and photo sharing sites."
 
Free Lightroom 4 Beta Delivers Unparalleled Image Processing and Workflow Efficiency for Photographers
 
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jan. 10, 2012 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 4 beta for Windows® and Mac. Available as a free public download from Adobe Labs, Lightroom is the essential digital photography workflow solution helping amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, enhance and showcase their images. Lightroom 4 beta is a preview of new features and capabilities that will be offered in the final release of Lightroom 4, expected in early 2012. The beta features refined technology for superior shadow and highlight processing, expanded management capabilities including enhanced DSLR video support and the ability to create beautiful photo books from within Lightroom. Adobe encourages photographers to try the beta release and provide feedback to the product team.
 
“Giving early customer access to new versions of Lightroom has helped our team deliver an outstanding battle-tested product that really stands up to the demands of photographers worldwide,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of Digital Imaging Products, Adobe. “The much anticipated release of Lightroom 4 beta continues this tradition and shows how much Adobe values customer insights into photography workflows.”
 
New Features in Lightroom 4 Beta
 
Lightroom 4 beta is a major software update adding a broad range of new capabilities based on feedback provided by the photography community. All new basic tonal adjustment controls extract the entire dynamic range from cameras for stunning shadow details and highlights. The software features additional local adjustment controls, including Noise Reduction, Moire and White Balance.
 
New native video support gives photographers the capability to play, trim and extract frames from video clips shot on DSLRs, point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones. Many standard Lightroom image adjustment controls can also be applied to video clips and adjusted videos can be exported as a H.264 file or published directly to Facebook or Flickr.
 
Lightroom 4 beta provides photographers the tools to create impressive photo books with rich text controls and a variety of easy-to-use templates, as well as a direct link for photo book creation from within the new Book module. Also, a new intuitive Map module displays images already assigned a location, provides location tagging controls and saved locations for effortless assignment of a photographer’s common locations.
 
In the Develop module, the addition of soft proofing helps photographers tune images in a destination color space to ensure prints and Web content look their best. In addition, customers can now email images directly from Lightroom using an email account of their choice including Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail.
 
Adobe Photoshop Family
 
Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended are at the heart of the Photoshop family, joined by solutions for users at every level who want to bring out the best in their digital images either at home, in the office or on the go. Photoshop Lightroom 4 beta addresses the workflow needs of amateur and professional photographers, helping them create, manage and showcase images in impactful ways. Photoshop Elements 10 provides consumers with powerful yet easy-to-use tools that organize, edit, create and share photos memories. For mobile devices, Photoshop Touch app transforms images with core Photoshop features custom-built for tablets; and Photoshop Express is a free app for simple photo fixes and enhancements, and sharing to social networks.
 
Pricing and Availability
 
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 beta is available immediately as a free download on both Windows and Mac at http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/. Customers can submit feedback on the community powered feedback site: http://feedback.photoshop.com. Users can also connect with the Lightroom team directly on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lightroom), via Twitter (www.twitter.com/lightroom) or on the Adobe Lightroom blog (http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal). For Lightroom how-to videos, visit http://www.youtube.com/lightroom.
 
 
Lightroom Journal has lots of useful and important information. (thanks Sean, Tony & Mark)

From Canon USA:
 
Canon U.S.A. Showcases Latest Products And Technologies At The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show
 
LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, kicks off 2012 with highly anticipated products at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). On display will be six new VIXIA HD camcorders*, along with three new additions to the PowerShot line-up. As a special treat for CES attendees this year, Canon U.S.A. will unveil a crowd-sourced music video in its booth (#13304, Central Hall), which showcases photographs taken by attendees at Canon's "Legends in Imaging" PIXMA PRO-1 launch event where legendary artist Herbie Hancock performed his iconic song "Chameleon."
 
Visitors to the booth will be able to explore the full range of video, photography, printer, scanner and projector products that make up Canon's complete imaging system. From stunning scene-capture to ultra-high quality print and display, Canon's products champion image quality and demonstrate that each and every moment of life is worth capturing with the excellence it deserves.
 
Canon products showcased at CES include:
 
Canon VIXIA HD Camcorders
 
Canon unveiled a new line of six VIXIA High Definition flash memory camcorders, including three compact VIXIA HF M-series models (HF M52*, HF M50*, HF M500*) and three entry-level VIXIA HF R-series models (HF R32*, HF R30*, HF R300*) which include improved functions and features to capture HD videos with high-resolution and superior quality. Tapping into social sharing experiences, Canon equipped select models with Wi-Fi connectivity and DLNA compatibility, as well as the option to capture videos in MP4 format. Through the new Wi-Fi functions, users can share, view and store videos wirelessly, including the ability to upload videos directly to YouTube and Facebook, or to mobile devices such as an iPhone or iPad.
 
Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera
 
Ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot G1 X features the largest image sensor to date for a Canon PowerShot model. The camera packs a large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range and incredible light gathering ability up to ISO 12800. The camera is also equipped with an amazing 4x Optical Zoom lens, featuring a 28mm-equivalent wide-angle setting, with an incredible f/2.8 to f/16 aperture range for beautiful images that make an impact. The PowerShot G1 X shoots 1080p Full HD video with optical zooming and continuous AF, includes HDR Shooting and comes fully equipped with Canon's latest DIGIC 5 processor that enables the High-Speed Burst HQ1 feature.
 
Canon PowerShot ELPH Digital Cameras
 
Two new chic PowerShot ELPH models will also be on display at the show, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS. Both PowerShot models are equipped with Canon's leading HS SYSTEM, featuring Canon's exclusive DIGIC 5 image processor that allows the cameras to achieve quality images in low-light settings, faster operation and improved spot-on color accuracy. The contemporary and radiant looking Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS features a 10.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, an ISO range up to 3200 and the world's thinnest 12x optical zoom with a 28mm-equivalent wide-angle setting.2 With easy operation, compact design and a no-compromise performance, the ELPH 110 HS shoots 1080p Full HD video, includes a 24mm-equivalent wide-angle 5x Optical Zoom lens and offers a High-Speed Burst Mode to help ensure the perfect shot.
 
Herbie Hancock Crowd Sourced Music Video Premiere
 
A first-of-its kind music video featuring iconic recording artist and technology pioneer, Herbie Hancock, will premiere at the Canon Booth during CES. Shot at Canon's "Legends in Imaging" event in October 2011, Herbie Hancock partnered with Canon to create a "crowd-sourced" video shoot where guests were invited to take photos using Canon EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark II cameras of Herbie's performance of his hit song "Chameleon." 1,800 high-quality stills were then printed with the new PIXMA PRO-1 and edited together using time lapse and stop motion film production techniques. Check out the premiere of Herbie Hancock's Crowd-Sourced Music Video at the Canon Booth #13304 or at www.facebook.com/CanonUSA.
 
Unrivaled Capture
 
Alongside the newly launched products, visitors to Canon's booth will be able to handle some of the more recent additions to its imaging system, including Canon's EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera which helps bring professional photography to a whole new level. Thoroughly redesigned from the inside out, it features a completely new 61-Point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System (the first of its kind for a DSLR), fast shooting up to 12 frames per second (fps), a newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Image Sensor, Full HD Video Recording, and many other advancements.
 
Bringing decades of innovation and expertise to the world of motion picture production, Canon launched the Cinema EOS System, highlighted by its first product, the EOS C300 digital cinema camera, in November 2011. Featuring a unique Super 35mm Canon CMOS sensor, revolutionary Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor and a Canon 50 Mbps 4:2:2 codec, the EOS C300 provides outstanding cinema quality movie capture. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to handle a cinematographer's dream.
 
For PC and Mac users on-the-move, Canon will be showcasing its imageFORMULA P-215 Scan-tini personal document scanner. Complete with a built-in card reader, and weighing just 2.2lb, the P-215 scanner's compact size, simple use, and high-quality imaging bring sophistication to mobile and portable information capture, storage, and collaboration.
 
Meanwhile, office users can sample the style and quality of the Canon imageFORMULA DR-C125 Document Scanner. The DR-C125's innovative space-saving design makes it a standout in any office environment, while its flexibility and high image quality are only surpassed by its ease-of-use.
 
Exceptional Output
 
Images captured with exceptional input deserve only to be paired with equally exceptional output capabilities. Canon will demonstrate a range of its leading printer products at CES 2012, showing visitors how to get the best from their digital content.
 
On display will be the recently announced Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Inkjet Printer. The new PRO-1 is the first and only A3+ printer that will utilize five distinct monochrome inks in a 12-ink systemi designed to yield the absolute truest prints possible. From capture to output, users can look forward to maintaining every incredible nuance and color with the utmost accuracy and precision.
 
Continuing the theme of unrivaled picture printing, Canon's imagePROGRAF iPF6300, 24-inch Large Format printer will be on display at the Canon booth, demonstrating how professional designers and photographers can achieve extraordinary quality in their printed materials. Also on display, the 24" imagePROGRAF iPF610, is ideal for general poster printing and offers office environments media input flexibility with a cassette holding sheets up to 17" x 22".
 
Meeting the demands of small office/home office (SOHO) users and workgroups, Canon will be showcasing some of its imageCLASS multi-function printers (MFPs), including three machines that support wireless connectivity.ii The Color imageCLASS MF8380Cdw, as well as the imageCLASS MF5950dw and MF4570dw multi-function printers allow end-users to print from virtually anywhere in their home or small office. The imageCLASS MF3010 multi-function printer is a great fit for a consumer seeking an entry-level compact laser MFP.
 
For those with more space available, Canon will be showing its REALiS WUX4000 D, a high-performance WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution installation projector employing Canon's AISYS-enhanced LCOS technology and interchangeable Genuine Canon lenses. With 4000 lumens of brightness, it delivers spectacularly clear and rich images.
 
For more information on all of Canon's products, please visit booth #13304 in the Central Hall at CES, or www.usa.canon.com.
 
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
 
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility.
 
###
 
* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
 
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
 
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
 
Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice.
 
i This information as of January 9, 2012.
 
ii Wireless printing requires a working network with 802.11b/g/n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
 
1 The PowerShot G1 X camera's continuous shooting speed at high resolution is approximately 4.5 shots at 6 frames per second.
 
2 This information as of January 9, 2012.

B&H is now accepting preorders for the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens.

From Nikon:
 
5th Notice on the damage from the flood in Thailand
 
January 10, 2012
 
This is to advise you of the latest situations of Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon Corporation in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand, which is suffering damages from the flood.
 
1. Latest situations
 
Operations at the Nikon Thailand had been suspended since October 6. After completion of water pumping-out on November 26, we have been putting all our energy into restoring infrastructure and production equipment. We are now pleased to announce that partial operation at the factory resumed on January 3, earlier than expected, and production of certain digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses has started on the same day.
 
2. Recovery and latest estimation
 
Manufacture of production equipment and some parts is already being carried out at our Group facilities in Japan, and alternative and limited production of digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses is also continuing at our partner factories in Thailand since the end of November. With partial operation restart at Nikon Thailand, our plan remains unchanged to resume production of digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses to the normal level of volume by the end of March 2012.
 
Estimated impact on business results for the financial period ending March 31, 2012 remains unchanged from our announcement on November 4, we assure you to immediately advise new findings once it is judged there will be an important change for it.
 
We deeply apologize for your inconvenience caused by the disaster such as short supply of our products.

Just announced: Sigma APO 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS Macro HSM Lens

From SD Association:
 
SD ASSOCIATION ADDS STANDARDIZED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TO WORLD-LEADING SD MEMORY CARD STANDARDS
 
New Wireless LAN feature extends SD memory card convenience so consumers can transfer pictures and videos wirelessly from their cameras
 
LAS VEGAS – CES Booth South Hall 4 #36231 -- Jan. 9, 2012 – A new SD memory card standard can transform millions of everyday consumer electronics into wireless LAN devices with portable storage and communications. The Wireless LAN SD standard announced today is the SD Association’s first wireless SD memory card standard combining storage and wireless capabilities. Consumers will be able to transfer pictures, videos and other content wirelessly from most existing digital cameras and digital video cameras to web-based cloud services and between SD devices over home networks.
 
The Wireless LAN SD standard combines the world-leading memory card storage standard with the ubiquitous wireless standard IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, part of the Association’s strategy to expand SD services and features by incorporating other global standards. This standard is applicable to full size SD/SDHC/SDXC and microSD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. It taps into a billions-strong SD standards market for which manufacturers can develop products and consumers can reliably use Wireless LAN applications.
 
“As cloud servers and wireless technologies continue to penetrate the consumer experience, wireless accessibility will become increasingly more important,” said Michael Yang, senior principal analyst, memory and storage, IHS iSuppli. “The addition of wireless capability to the existing SD memory card standard, will enable SD memory cards to remain relevant to shifting market demand, and add value to consumers and manufacturers of new cameras, tablets, and mobile phones.”
 
With wireless communication capabilities in their familiar SD memory cards, consumers around the world will be able to:
 

• Upload family, vacation or sports photos and video wirelessly from a camera or video camera to a computer or server for sharing or backup.
• Wirelessly download pictures from servers with cameras and video cameras using Wireless LAN SD memory cards. Consumers can share pictures and videos without email or physical card transfers, including peer-to-peer picture and video transfers from cameras to smart phones and tablets wirelessly without an access point.
• Use Wireless LAN SD memory cards as wireless control points for other devices, such as TVs, in a home network.

The Wireless LAN SD memory card standard defines two interface types:
 

• The Web interface supports server upload and peer-to-peer functions;
• The home network interface supports server upload and home network communication functions.
• A Wireless LAN SD memory card can provide both of the wireless communication types, designated by both symbols.

“Wireless LAN SD offers you a standardized approach to transfer pictures, video, documents and other content easily with most existing cameras and video cameras,” said Norm Frentz, chairman of the SD Association. “The Wireless LAN SD memory card standard demonstrates how SD Association innovation continues to respond to market demand and improve consumers’ digital lives.”
 
For more than a decade, SD standards have increased the value, usefulness and longevity of consumer electronics by allowing consumers to easily upgrade storage instead of replacing devices and creating more electronic waste.
 
SD Association
 
The SD Association is a global ecosystem of more than 1,000 technology companies charged with setting interoperable SD standards. The association encourages the development of consumer electronic, wireless communication, digital imaging and networking products that utilize market-leading SD technology. The SD standard is the number one choice for consumers and has earned more than 80 percent of the memory card market with its reliable interoperability and its easy-to-use format. Today, mobile phones, Blu-ray players, HDTVs, audio players, automotive multimedia systems, handheld PCs, digital cameras and digital video cameras feature SD interoperability. For more information about SDA or to join, please visit the association’s web site, www.sdcard.org.

B&H is now accepting Canon PowerShot G1 X preorders.

It did not take Corel long to bring the Bibble Labs software under the Corel brand name:
 
Corel® Releases New Photo Workflow Solution: Corel® AfterShot™ Pro
 
Delivers Unrivaled Speed, Flexible Photo Management and RAW Power on Windows®, Mac OS® and Linux®
 
Las Vegas, Nevada - January 9, 2012
 
Corel is pleased to announce the exciting expansion of its digital photography portfolio with the introduction of Corel® AfterShot™ Pro. The total photographic workflow solution for professional and enthusiast photographers will be displayed today at Pepcom®’s Digital Experience!® and tomorrow at Showstopper® at CES. Providing complete RAW workflow, flexible photo management, advanced, non-destructive editing and breakthrough performance, AfterShot Pro offers a powerful and affordable alternative to products like Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® and ACD Systems ACDSee™ Pro. Based on technology from Corel’s acquisition of Bibble Labs, Corel AfterShot Pro provides Windows®, Mac OS® and Linux® users with the tools they need to get the most out of their photos.
 
“Today’s photographers, whether they’re professional or enthusiast, are coming from shoots with hundreds, if not thousands of photos,” said Chad Kinzelberg, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media at Corel. “They want to be able to bring in their photos and get right to work finding their best shots and making them better. With AfterShot Pro we are delivering a powerful RAW workflow solution to help photographers power through their photo workflow and get back to doing what they love – taking great pictures.”
 
Flexible Workflow Gives Photographers Great Results - Fast
 
Fully multithreaded and optimized for multi-core and multi-CPU computers, Corel AfterShot Pro delivers fast RAW processing and incredibly color-accurate images with regular support for an ever-increasing number of major camera manufacturers and models. Unlike current competitors, AfterShot Pro offers workflow capabilities that enable you to work with photos virtually any way you want, such as quickly accessing images from existing file folders or memory cards or importing them into searchable catalogs. Corel AfterShot Pro’s powerful, non-destructive editing tools let you make your photos look their best, while unique selective editing capabilities provide incredible control over image adjustments by letting you apply them exactly where you want them. Corel AfterShot Pro key features include:
 

• Breakthrough Performance: Corel AfterShot Pro is designed for speed and allows those with and without the latest hardware to process their images fast. AfterShot Pro is fully multithreaded and optimized for multi-core computers by taking advantage of every CPU at its disposal to maximize the speed of onscreen preview, adjustment and output generation.
• RAW power: Corel AfterShot Pro is designed to help you make the most of the extra detail and data in your RAW images by offering fast RAW processing and incredibly color-accurate images.
• Flexible photo management: Whether reviewing, adjusting or exporting RAW, JPEG or TIFF images, Corel AfterShot Pro gives you the freedom to work the way you want. Create custom or even portable catalogues that can be moved to another computer, or if you already organize your photos in folders on your computer, you aren’t required to catalogue them at all. Work with photos wherever they are, whether they are in folders on your hard drive or on a memory card.
• Robust Metadata tools: Browse and search your photos with ease using the powerful metadata features in Corel AfterShot Pro. Easily find your images with automatically imported EXIF data such as camera settings, lenses and dates. Add your own keywords, ratings, labels and tags or use industry-standard IPTC Metadata, such as captions and copyright. Tailor metadata sets to display only the information you want to see or use AfterShot™ Pro Presets to attach information to your photos for easy searching.
• Advanced, Non-destructive editing: With the non-destructive editing tools in Corel AfterShot Pro, refine and enhance your photos without ever altering your original image. Apply intelligent automatic or manual adjustments—including complete exposure and tone control, color correction, white balance, noise reduction, curves and levels, lens correction and many more—knowing you can always revert to an earlier version of the image at any time.
• Selective editing: The unique Regions and Layers capabilities in Corel AfterShot Pro give you incredible control over image adjustments by letting you apply them exactly where you want them.
• Easy Photo-Editing Software Integration: When you’re ready to get into deeper photo editing and advanced image manipulation, Corel AfterShot Pro lets you to bring your image into Corel® PaintShop™ Pro, Adobe® Photoshop® or the image editor of your choice from directly within the application.
• Batch processing: Corel AfterShot Pro saves you time with some of the most advanced and flexible batch processing tools available. Use them to rename multiple files, apply adjustments to groups of similar files with the same settings, or convert and export files to one or more pre-defined image formats and sizes.
• Speed to output: When you’re ready to create image files to print, share online or access in other applications, Corel AfterShot Pro offers lightning-fast output generation. Plus, use Batch Output to quickly process images according to predefined output settings like JPEG and PDF, create contact sheets or standard print sizes, and more. It’s easy to modify Batch settings or create a custom Batch process that suits your workflow.

 
Pricing and Availability
 
Corel AfterShot Pro is available in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian and Japanese immediately as an electronic download (ESD) from www.corel.com. Box versions will be available from Corel's global resellers later in January 2012. North American pricing is $99.99 (US and CDN). The upgrade version is available for $79.99 (US and CDN). To be eligible for the upgrade you must own a previous licensed version of: Bibble Pro or Lite 5, Corel® Paint Shop Pro® Photo X2 or higher, Adobe® Lightroom® or Apple® Aperture®.
 
To download a free fully-functional trial version or for more information about AfterShot Pro, please visit www.corel.com/aftershotpro
 
B&H carries Corel products.

Adorama has the refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T1i with EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens on special for $439.95 shipped ($100.00 off).
 
The Canon EOS Rebel T2i with EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens is on special for $529.00 shipped ($110.00 off).

Use coupon code LOYALTY15 to get the Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera Body for only $890.85 shipped at Abe's of Maine.

Amazon.com just started accepting Canon PowerShot G1 X Preorders.

B&H just started accepting Nikon D4 preorders.

Adorama is accepting Canon PowerShot G1 X preorders.
 
I don't know how strong the initial G1 X inventory will be, but I expect demand for this camera to be quite strong.
 
Adorama is also accepting Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS and Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS preorders.
 
B&H has the Canon PowerShot G1 X product page live.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X, ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS Digital Cameras have been announced.
 
You definitely want to read about the large-sensored Canon PowerShot G1 X.

Canon has announced the VIXIA HF M52 and R32 Flash Memory Camcorders.

From Lexar:
 
Lexar Introduces SDHC and SDXC UHS-I Memory Cards to Enhance Performance for Photographers and Videographers
 
New 600x and 400x SDHC and SDXC UHS-I Cards, Including the First 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card, Offer Blazing-Fast Speeds and Outstanding Reliability
 

 
Key Messages:

• Range of high-speed, high-capacity memory cards, including the industry’s first 128GB SDXC™ UHS-I memory card, improve the experience of capturing, storing, and transferring high-quality photos and 1080p HD videos
• Professional SDHC™ and SDXC™ UHS-I memory cards offer high-speed performance, with 600x (90MB per second) and 400x (60MB per second) minimum guaranteed transfer speeds*
• Include the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software to help recover lost or deleted photo and video files, even if they’ve been erased or the card has been corrupted**

 
Fremont, CA, 9 January, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today introduced new Lexar® Professional 600x and 400x Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC™) and Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC™) Ultra High Speed I (UHS-I) memory cards, including the industry’s first 128GB SDXC UHS-I card. The cards offer outstanding performance, reliability, and compatibility for professional and enthusiast photographers and videographers alike, maximizing the digital workflow experience of capturing and managing large volumes of high-quality images and extended lengths of 1080p full-HD video.
 
The Lexar Professional 600x and 400x SDHC and SDXC cards leverage UHS-I technology, and offer an impressive 90MB per second and 60MB per second minimum guaranteed transfer speed, respectively.* Compatible with all SDHC and SDXC devices, the cards help accelerate the digital photography workflow, helping clear the camera’s buffer for uninterrupted shooting and quickly transferring images and video from the memory card to the computer, especially when paired with a compatible card reader, such as the Lexar® Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader. The Lexar Professional 600x UHS-I cards are offered in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, and the new Lexar Professional 400x UHS-I cards are available in capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, making them great solutions for capturing sustained, rapid-fire images and extended lengths of 1080p high-definition (HD) video with an SDXC- or SDHC-enabled camera.
 
“The speed of my workflow is a top concern since it can ultimately impact my business. How efficiently I take and edit my images determines how quickly I can deliver them to my clients,” said Lexar Elite Photographer Chris McLennan, who is world-renowned for his travel and adventure photography. “Lexar Professional memory solutions have always been a critical part of my workflow, and they enhance my capture and post-production experience while keeping my images safe. If you’re a professional looking for the combination of speed, capacity, and reliability in a memory card, the Lexar Professional 600x and 400x SDXC and SDHC UHS-I memory cards are great options.”
 
“Professional and hobbyist photographers and videographers are always seeking ways to improve how they capture, store, and transfer their captured content,” said Pachi Chen-Wong, senior product marketing manager, Lexar. “Lexar Professional 600x and 400x SDXC and SDHC UHS-I memory cards offer high-performance read and write speeds, making them great options for shooters who need solutions that help them shorten the process of capturing, managing, and editing content, so they can focus more of their time and energy on getting great images and video.”
 
The cards include the latest version of Image Rescue® 4 software to help with the recovery of lost or deleted photo and video files, even if they’ve been erased or the card has been corrupted,** as well as a limited lifetime warranty and free, dedicated professional technical support. All Lexar product designs are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 800 intended digital devices.
 
Lexar Professional 600x UHS-I cards will have MSRPs of $74.99 (16GB), $124.99 (32GB), and $269.99 (64GB). The 16GB and 32GB Professional 600x UHS-I cards will be available in February, and the 64GB capacity will be available in March. Lexar Professional 400x SDHC and SDXC UHS-I memory cards will be available in February with MSRPs of $34.99 (8GB), $49.99 (16GB), $79.99 (32GB), $179.99 (64GB), and $299.99 (128GB). For additional information about Lexar Professional products, visit www.lexar.com.
 
B&H carries Lexar products

I posted two more small galleries to finish off my 2011 Central California trip:
 
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Pictures
 
Point Reyes National Seashore Pictures

The Canon Store has all of their refurbished Canon printers on sale for 20% off.
 
Check out the rest of the Canon Store promos available.

Canon has extended the EOS 7D and 5D Mark II rebates through Feb 4, 2012. Here is the official flyer that explains the up-to-$350 rebates available.
 
The Canon lens and flash rebates were also officially extended through Feb 4th. Check out the excellent Canon lens and flash rebates at B&H.

J&R just opened their Nikon D4 preorder line.
 
J&R is also taking Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens preorders.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II rebates are scheduled to end today, Jan 7th. Adorama has the hot deal:
 
Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera with Canon EF 24-105L IS Lens bundled with: "Sandisk 16GB Extreme Pro CF Memory Card - Slinger Camera Bag - Additional Canon LP-E6 Battery - FREE: Red Giant Adorama Production Bundle for PC/Mac a $599.00 Retail Value" for only $2,799.00 shipped.
 
Alternatively, choose the Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera with Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens bundled with "Red Giant Adorama Production Bundle for PC/Mac a $599.00 Retail Value" for $2,799.00 shipped.
 
B&H has the Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera with Canon EF 24-105L IS Lens for $2,799.00 shipped.
 
Pick up the Canon PIXMA PRO9000 Mark II Printer at the same time as your 5D II to qualify for the additional $400.00 rebate.

dc.watch.impress.co.jp has posted an interview with Masaya Maeda, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Image Communication Products Operation at Canon Inc., discussing the natural disaster setbacks Canon has been dealing with along with new product plans including mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The Japanese to English translation (by Bing) is rough (painful may be a more accurate descriptor). (thanks Kaz)

From Tiffen/Domke:
 
RUGGED BY NAME, RUGGED BY NATURE — THE TIFFEN COMPANY SHOWS ITS NEW LINE OF DOMKE PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR AT CES 2012
 
The world's most recognizable photography bags and clothing on display at the big show; highlights include new RuggedWear bag designs
 
Las Vegas, NV – January 7, 2012 – The Tiffen Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of award-winning accessories for the still imaging, video, motion picture and broadcast markets, is showcasing its new line of Domke® RuggedWear™ and Domke clothing products at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth 31133. "The Domke quality, comfort and functional versatility are legend among photographers," said Steven Tiffen, President and CEO, The Tiffen Company. "No line of camera bags in the world is held in higher esteem by a wider variety of photographers and video shooters than Domke. These practical, supremely durable bags offer more than just a great way to protect and organize your shooting equipment. Their extraordinary accessibility transforms them from being mere cases into active photo accessories that actually help you take better pictures more conveniently. That's why Domke bags are the top choice of so many who use them for everything from nature, sports, reportage, street and outdoor adventure photography to creating memories of the family vacation or covering their kids' soccer games."
 
Domke RuggedWear Camera Bags
 
Domke's new RuggedWear lineup includes a wide range of courier bags, slings and satchels, ergonomically designed for comfort and performance. Like other Domke bags, the RuggedWear collection is durable, roomy, lightweight and versatile. Bags are designed to provide photographers with a solution that is easy to work with while providing the utmost protection. Features include the following:
 

• High-quality, weather-tough cotton canvas treated with special non-solvent, environmentally friendly waxes that give the fabric a lifelong resistance to inclement weather as well as a unique, distressed look
• A soft, well-padded interior that protects camera lenses from scratches
• A flap and oversized YKK zipper for quick and easy access, while steel hardware keeps the shoulder strap safely secured
• Twin tracks of high-friction rubber woven into the thickest, toughest cotton webbing, allowing it to cling to the shoulder
• Interior and exterior pockets for additional storage for accessories

A complete list of RuggedWear™ bags with specifications can be found at http://tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=458&tablename=domke&family=Domke+Camera+Bags&
 
Domke Jackets and Vests
 
Made of durable cotton with multiple pockets that provide plenty of room for camera accessories, Domke jackets and vests offer photographers the perfect combination of function and fashion. As versatile as the camera bags, the jackets and vests offer plenty of pocket storage, ventilation, waist adjustments tabs and more. The jackets are equipped with zip-off sleeves and a stowaway nylon hood that make them usable in almost any type of weather, perfect for photographers who travel and work year-round.
 
For Domke clothing, visit http://tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=439&tablename=domke (jackets) and http://tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=438&tablename=domke (vests)
 
All Domke bags, products, jackets and vests and the RuggedWear collection are made in the USA.
 
About Domke
 
Domke bags have been the premier choice for photographers and videographers since 1975, when Jim Domke created the original Domke bag, designed specifically for the needs of a photojournalist on the go. Now, more than 30 years later, the Domke line of products includes Domke Classic Bags, backpacks, camera satchels, J-Series Camera Bags, accessory bags, padded inserts, add-on pouches, accessories, vests, jackets and the RuggedWear line of products. Domke produces the official bag of the White House News Photographers Association. All Domke bags and products are made in America of the highest-quality materials.
 
For more information on Domke, please visit http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=domke
 
About Tiffen
 
Tiffen has been a leading manufacturer of photographic filters, lens accessories, software, and camera accessories for the consumer/professional imaging and the motion picture and broadcast television industries for over 70 years. The company has a rich history of innovative product design, superior optical consistency, and unparalleled quality. Tiffen has been recognized for its product and engineering excellence, earning two Technical Achievement Awards and a Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, as well as an Emmy® Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Today, the company offers a wide range of products, which include: Tiffen® filters, Steadicam® camera stabilizing systems, Lowel® light, Listec™ teleprompters, Tiffen Dfx® digital imaging software, Domke® bags, Davis & Sanford® tripods, Zing® camera covers, Stroboframe® flash brackets, Saunders® professional trimmers, and Kodak Wratten® filters. Tiffen continues to enhance its reputation as a leading imaging accessory manufacturer through aggressive growth in the image-making accessory industry.
 
For more information on Tiffen, please visit: http://www.tiffen.com
 
Tiffen is a registered trademark of The Tiffen Company. All other trademarks and products mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.
 
B&H carries Domke and Tiffen products.

In a forum post, Jeff Stephens has announced the release of Bibble 5.2.3 - and that Bibble Labs has been purchased by Corel. Check out the forum post for the details.

Adorama is now accepting Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens preorders.

Adorama has the Datacolor Spyder4 Express & Elite available for preorder.

The Canon Professional Network has posted EOS-1D X on film: Pt. 5 – Using the camera.

Jessops is now accepting Nikon D4 preorders.

Adorama just started taking preorders for the new Nikon D4 DSLR Camera.

Through Mar 31, 2012, rebates are available for the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens ($40.00) and Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro FX Lens ($50.00).

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV DSLR is in stock at B&H and Adorama.
 
B&H also has a 9+ rated used Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

From Sony:
 

 
PARK RIDGE, N.J., Jan 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Giving photo enthusiasts and professional photographers a new level of speed and performance, the new Sony XQD™ memory cards support the recently adopted XQD specification for high-speed, high-performance digital image capture.
 
Using the XQD memory cards, XQD compatible high-end DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera users can capture up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode. In addition to outstanding high-speed data transfer capability, the new cards are highly reliable to protect users' data and images.
 
"Advanced shooters want to capture the moment in the highest quality possible, and that often means dealing with massive files like RAW images," said Viviano Cantu, Director of Consumer Media for Sony Electronics. "Memory card technology has done a great job of keeping pace, but these new cards give an entirely new meaning to speed and performance."
 
The new Sony cards are based on the XQD memory card specification, which the CompactFlash Association recently approved and licensed as an open format. With its ultra high write-speed performance, and when using Nikon's new DSLR "D4," the XQD memory card can record up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode*.
 
The Sony XQD memory card achieves stable continuous shooting of RAW images and blazing fast data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps/125MB/s write and read (based on Sony tests and dependent on host hardware) through the PCIe interface, a computer expansion card standard for serial interfaces.
 
A unique controller and optimized flash memory enables high-speed data processing, resulting in faster write speed and performance that can't be achieved by conventional compact flash cards.
 
Sony is also introducing a USB 2.0/3.0 compatible XQD card reader (model MRW-E80) so users can quickly and easily transfer large quantities of very high capacity data to their PC. Also, an XQD ExpressCard Adapter (QDA-EX1) will be available for use with computers with an ExpressCard™ 34 card slot.
 
"As users' needs continue to evolve," Cantu added, "Sony will also continue to enhance the XQD memory card line-up to meet the future requirements of the high-end digital imaging market."
 
The new Sony products are planned to be available in February and are estimated to sell at the following retail prices:

• QD-H16 card, 16 GB, $129.99
• QD-H32 card, 32 GB, $229.99
• Card Reader, MRW-E80, $44.99
• ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1, $44.99

 

B&H just received the refurbished Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II Tilt-Shift Lens into stock - only $1,709.95.

From Lexar:
 
Lexar Introduces Industry-First 256GB CompactFlash Card
 
64GB, 128GB, and 256GB Capacities Enable Extended Capture of 1080p Full-HD Video and High-Quality Images
 
Key Messages:

• Industry-first 256GB CompactFlash® (CF) card provides enormous storage capacities and impressive performance for capturing more high-definition (HD) video content and high-resolution still images
• Minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 60MB per second supports rapid transfer of content from the card to computer, and allows sustained, burst-mode shooting and extended capture of HD video, significantly accelerating workflow*
• Includes the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software to recover lost or deleted photo and video files, even if they’ve been erased or the card has been corrupted**

 
Fremont, CA, 6 January, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced new Lexar® Professional 400x CompactFlash® (CF) card capacities, including the industry’s first 256GB memory card. Also available in 64GB and 128GB capacities, the increased capacity options provide enormous storage capabilities and impressive performance for photographers and videographers to capture large volumes of high-resolution images and high-definition video. These increased capacities also open the door for new uses in the industrial and commercial markets where higher capacity hard disk drives have previously been used. For additional information about the Lexar Professional 400x CF card, visit www.lexar.com.
 
The new Lexar Professional CF card capacities are speed rated at 400x and provide a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 60MB per second, allowing professionals and advanced photo and video enthusiasts to enjoy extended capture of 1080p full-HD video and sustained, rapid-fire shooting.* When paired with UDMA 7-compatible devices, like the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, the new Professional 400x CF card capacities provide rapid transfer of content from card to computer, significantly accelerating the digital workflow and enabling photographers to spend more time creating and less time waiting.
 
“With enhanced quality available now in the HD video format, I know just how quickly memory space can disappear! My work style is fast and spontaneous and storage capacity is a big issue for me. Having the freedom to keep shooting without having to stop to change cards helps my creative flow tremendously,” said Scott Duncan, Lexar Elite Photographer. “Lexar Professional cards have always given me the large capacities I need to focus on my shooting, and the performance I require to get my footage onto my computer for editing.”
 
All Lexar product designs undergo extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 800 intended digital devices.
 
“More professional photographers and enthusiasts are embracing the fact that they can capture high-quality images and HD video with their digital SLR. As a result, they’re shooting longer and longer, and need a storage solution that won’t interrupt the creative process,” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing for cards, Lexar. “The new capacities of the Lexar Professional 400x CF card empower photographers to just keep shooting, without the need to change cards or risk missing once-in-a-lifetime shots or footage.”
 
The Lexar Professional 400x CF card includes a free copy of the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software, worth $33.99, to help recover lost or deleted photos and videos, even if they have been erased or the card has been corrupted.** Additionally, the Lexar Professional 400x CF card comes with a limited lifetime warranty and free, dedicated professional technical support. The new 64GB and 128GB capacities of the Lexar Professional 400x CF memory card will be available in January, with MSRPs of $299.99, and $469.99 respectively. Lexar is currently sampling the 256GB capacity of the Professional 400x CF memory card to commercial and industrial customers, as well as strategic imaging industry partners, to assure compatibility and reliability with current and future applications. The 256GB Lexar Professional 400x CF card is expected to be released for consumer purchase in the first half of 2012.
 
*Minimum 60MB/s read transfer, write speeds lower. Speeds based on a TestMetrix certified tester. Actual sustained speed may vary depending on host device. x=150KB/sec
**Image or other data recovery is not 100% guaranteed.

Preorders:
 
Nikon D4 DSLR at Amazon (sold out)
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens at Amazon (available for preorder)
 
On Nikon.com:
 
Nikon D4 DSLR: Press Release
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens: Press Release
 
From Nikon UK
 
Nikon D4 DSLR: Press Release
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens: Press Release
 
More From Nikon USA
 
Nikon D4 DSLR: Product Page
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens: Product Page
 
The Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-5 for the D4 was also announced today.
 
Joe McNally was having fun with his D4 prototypes.
 
From Nikon Asia:
 

From Nikon USA:
 
The New Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Prime Lens Combines Practicality with Portability Resulting In A Versatile Portrait Lens
 
New NIKKOR Lens is Ideal for Low-Light, Portraiture and Adding Dramatic Background Blur to Both Photo and Video
 

 
MELVILLE, N.Y. (January 5, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G FX-format lens to its legendary line of NIKKOR lenses. The new 85mm is a fast, fixed focal-length lens with medium telephoto capabilities and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 that is capable of performing a wide variety of imaging tasks with amazing sharpness and clarity.
 
“Whether a professional photographer who needs extreme sharpness or a photo enthusiast looking for an affordable, lightweight lens with amazing clarity, Nikon photographers appreciate and rely on the vast selection and dependability of NIKKOR lenses for their imaging needs,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “The new 85mm f/1.8 is fully optimized for capturing amazing photos and videos, while providing the ability to utilize background blur to compliment the subject of their photo.”
 
A welcome addition to Nikon’s growing line of versatile prime lenses, the new AF- NIKKOR 85mm is ideal for travel, general photography, low-light, landscape, portraiture and capturing movies with extreme depth of field. The 85mm is designed to capture photos utilizing beautiful image blur achieved due to its large maximum aperture. Furthermore, the lens is lightweight, easy to carry, and provides an equivalent focal length of 127mm when attached to a Nikon DX-format D-SLR camera body.
 
The construction of the 85mm f/1.8 consists of nine optical elements, with a seven-blade diaphragm which contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a natural appearance to out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.
 
The new lens also comes equipped with a carefully engineered optical system optimized to deliver superior image quality. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation, which is essential when recording movies. The 85mm also features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additionally, Internal Focus (IF) design prevents the front element from rotating, allowing for the use of filters and attachments.
 
Price and Availability
 
The lightweight AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G will be available in March 2012 for a SRP* of $499.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
 
To see the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

From Nikon USA:
 
When There Is No Second Chance: The New Nikon FX-Format D4 Multi-Media Digital SLR is The Definitive Unification Of Speed And Precision
 
The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content
 

 
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan 5, 2012) – The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.
 
Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color. Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before. The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.
 
“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”
 
Velocity Meets Versatility
 
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences. Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the confidence with consistently great results.
 
The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.
 
The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.
 
All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.
 
Image Quality That Hits the Mark
 
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.
 
Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.
 
Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.
 
There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.
 
Professional Multimedia Features
 
The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.
 
Full HD video recording - Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.
 
Full manual control of exposure - Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.
 
Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View - By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.
 
Audio recording for professionals - The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.
 
Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes - Whether shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.
 
Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor - Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.
 
Full-time AF - In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face detection and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.
 
New LCD screen - The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.
 
Time lapse shooting - This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.
 
Remote shutter operation - Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by the shutter release button -users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.
 
NIKKOR lens compatibility - The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.
 
Professional Construction, Superior Operability
 
The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.
 
The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4’s moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.
 
Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.
 
Price and Availability
 
The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95.*
 
To see the new D4 D-SLR and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

Adorama has the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 v1 (Plain Looking, Fully Functional Briefcase Size Shoulder Bag for Two Pro SLRs, Multiple Lenses & 17" Laptop) for $129.00 shipped (reg $169.00).

The Canon Digital Learning Center has added a new Canon EOS 1D X article:
 
User-friendly AF Adjustment - the AF Configuration Tool

Just posted: Datacolor Spyder4 Elite Display Calibration System Review

Datacolor has announced the Spyder4 Express, Pro & Elite Display Calibration Systems.

eBay has the Canon EOS 7D DSLR Body featured as a Daily Deal - only $1,139.99 shipped via "asavings".

Through Jan 7th, 2012, get free shipping on all Canon refurbished printers at the Canon Store.

Through Jan 31, 2012, save a huge $1,000 on the high end Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and Epson Stylus Pro 9900 printers.

The Logitech Wireless Anywhere Mouse MX is currently my favorite mouse - it is what I'm using at this moment.
 
Amazon.com has the Logitech Wireless Anywhere Mouse MX for PC and Mac featured as Deal of the Day for only $33.99 shipped. Great price for a great mouse.

From Lexar:
 
Lexar Introduces Industry’s First 1000x Memory Card
 
Blazing-Fast 1000x Memory Card Offers the Ultimate Performance for Professionals Shooting High-Resolution Images and Full-HD and 3D Video
 
Key Messages:

• Industry’s first 1000x memory card provides ultimate professional-level performance and dramatically accelerates workflow both in-camera and when transferring images from the card to a host computer for editing
• Delivers minimum guaranteed sustained read speed of 150MB per second, enabling capture of high-quality images and flawless 1080p full-HD and 3D video*
• Lexar® Professional 1000x CompactFlash® card supports the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-20) specification to enable professional-quality video capture at high frame rates with no dropped frames
• Provides outstanding performance, reliability, and compatibility, and comes with award-winning Image Rescue® software to help recover lost or deleted files**

 
Fremont, CA, 5 January, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the industry’s first 1000x memory card, the Lexar® Professional 1000x CompactFlash® (CF) card. The new card provides professional photographers and advanced photo and video enthusiasts with blazing-fast 150MB per second minimum guaranteed sustained read speed.* The Lexar Professional 1000x CF card will be available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities, and supports the VPG-20 specification, meaning the card has been tested and guaranteed for professional video capture streams at up to 20MB per second, ensuring professional-quality video at high frame rates with no dropped frames. In addition, the Lexar Professional 1000x CF memory card helps accelerate the digital photography workflow, helping clear the camera’s buffer for uninterrupted shooting and quickly transferring images and video from the memory card to the computer, when paired with a UDMA 7-enabled reader such as the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual Slot Reader. For additional information about the Lexar Professional 1000x CF card, visit www.lexar.com.
 
"Lexar Professional CF cards are the only media I trust to capture my video images. With a significant performance upgrade and VPG-20 support, I can spend more time behind the camera and less time waiting for footage to transfer," said Lexar Elite Videographer Alex Buono, who is acclaimed for his video production work on Saturday Night Live. “Lexar has always understood how professionals shoot, manage, and edit their captured content, offering the tools and technologies to make the job faster and more efficient. The Professional 1000x CF card will help ensure that a memory card is never the bottleneck in the creative process.”
 
The Lexar Professional 1000x CF memory card is compatible with all UDMA CF and CF devices. The card includes the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software to help recover lost or deleted photo and video files, even if they’ve been erased or the card has been corrupted.**
 
“Professional photographers who shoot both photos and video look to Lexar for storage solutions that will enhance their digital workflow and remove the obstacles that stand in the way of the creative process,” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing for cards, Lexar. “The Lexar Professional 1000x CF card offers some of the best performance available, not only for use in-camera, but also when moving images and video from the card to a computer for editing and processing. Our goal is to allow shooters to focus on capturing great shots, including high-resolution images and HD or 3D video, instead of using up precious time processing in the studio.”
 
The Lexar Professional 1000x CF card provides consumers with the quality and reliability they have come to expect from Lexar. All product designs are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 800 intended digital devices.
 
All Lexar Professional cards include a limited lifetime warranty and free, dedicated professional technical support. The new Lexar Professional 1000x CF card will be available in February, with MSRPs of $169.99 (16GB), $299.99 (32GB), $529.99 (64GB), and $899.99 (128GB).
 
*Minimum 150MB/s read transfer, write speeds lower. Speeds based on TestMetrix certified tester. Actual sustained speed may vary depending on host device.
**Image or other data recovery is not 100% guaranteed.

The Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Owner's Manual is now available for download.
 
B&H has the Nikon SB-910 Speedlight in stock.

I added a new gallery to the site: Yosemite National Park Pictures
 
Kick back and enjoy a photographical tour of the beautiful Yosemite National Park valley as well as some of the areas south of the valley.

Adorama has the refurbished Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

Amazon.com has the Lowepro Rezo 170 AW for only $29.99 shipped (compare at $49.99 or more).
 
Note that Amazon.com is sold out of this item, but they are accepting backorders - find their Add to Cart button on the right side of the page.

Canon USA has informed me that they expect the new Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens and Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens to be available in April.

B&H's site now says "Offer ends FEB 4 '12" for most (not all) of the Canon lenses with "Instant Savings" available for them (click through to the individual product pages). This promotion was scheduled to end on Jan 7th.
 
I'm trying to get confirmation on the extension from Canon USA.
 
Update: Great news! Canon USA has confirmed that the Lens and flash rebates have been extended.
 
The Canon EOS DSLR plus Canon PIXMA PRO9000 Mark II Printer rebate has been extended to Mar 31, 2012.
 
The end date on the Canon EOS DSLR rebates remains Jan 7th.
 
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II with EF 24-105mm f/4 IS L USM Lens for $2,799.00 shipped deal remains a great one.

Amazon.com has the Lexar 32GB Professional 133x SDHC Memory Card featured as their Deal of the Day - only $35.99 shipped.
 
I have 6 of these cards - they work very well.

B&H has the refurbished, hard to find, Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens and Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens in stock.
 
Many other models are available in their refurbished Canon Camera, Lens and Flash inventory.

Adorama has the Sony Cycle Energy AA Low Self-Discharge NiMH Rechargeable Batteries 8-Pack on sale for $14.00 shipped (reg $20.00).

Tamron has introduced a new lens rebate program that runs through April 30, 2012. Here are the rebate-available Tamron lenses along with the mail-in rebate amounts.
 

Model	Rebate Amount
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II Lens	$50.00
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens	$25.00
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC Lens	$50.00
Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II Lens	$50.00
Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens	$50.00
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Lens	$25.00
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC Lens	$50.00
Tamron 60mm f/2.0 Di II Macro Lens	$100.00
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Lens	$50.00
Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro Lens	$50.00

 
Download the Tamron Rebate Form here.

The Canon Store has the refurbished Canon EOS Rebel XS with EF-S 18-55 IS Lens for only $351.99 - a $48.00 price drop.
 
Here are the complete lists of refurbished Canon EOS DSLR Cameras, Lenses and Flashes available at the Canon Store right now.

The Reikan FoCal Automatic AF Microadjustment Calibrator Utility is scheduled to be released today - and is offered at a discount through the end of January.
 
Here is a video from Reikan:
 
"An overview of the new Automatic AF Microadjustment utility from Reikan Technology. This software can completely automate the AF microadjustment calibration for your camera (currently works with Canon EOS 5Dmk2 and 7D on a Windows PC, but more cameras from Canon and Nikon will be added shortly, and a Mac version is in the pipeline)."
 
"This is a quick show of how the software works, giving an example of the Target Setup utility, the Fully Automatic calibration, the Semi Automatic Calibration and Manual mode."
 

 
Visit the Reikan FoCal website for more information. (thanks Scott)

Canon has made a pair of EOS C300 and C300PL white papers available:
 
New 35mm CMOS Image Sensor for Digital Cine Motion Imaging
 
Sensitometric Characteristics of EOS C300 Digital Cine Camera

I wish you a safe, healthy, prosperous and photographically amazing 2012!