Sixty camera and lens combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library.
Phase One has posted Capture One 6.1 for download.
This is a service release improving quality and providing additional camera support.
The following issues are addressed:
• Fixed anissue where LCC files from older versions of Capture One could not be used.
• Improved OpenCL performance and stability in some situations.
• Improved Image Quality for Leica D-Lux5, Panasonic DMC-LX5, Canon 5D Mark II and Pentax K-5, K-r and Olumpus E5.
• Fixed a few issues related to Capture Pilot.
In addition the release contains fixes for a number of other issues.
The Canon EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D and Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D Review pages now have charts and visual comparisons with the other Canon EOS DSLRs.
From Okii Systems:
The new Okii Systems USB Follow Focus gives the photo and video enthusiast a compact yet powerful device that enhances the capabilities of HD video enabled Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, including:
• EOS 5D Mark II
• EOS 1D Mark IV
• EOS 7D
• EOS 60D
• EOS 550D/Rebel T2i/Kiss X4
• EOS 500D/Rebel T1i/Kiss X3
Like Canon's EOS Utility, the USB Follow Focus uses Canon's USB protocol to allow control of a wide range of functions, but without the limitations and bulk of being tethered to a computer. The device is handheld, weighing under 5 oz. including batteries, and less than 3" in diameter.
The USB Follow Focus uses the autofocus motor in Canon USM lenses to control focus, even while recording video. This focus control also works in any Live View modes, which can be useful for photography. The nine other switches located around the central focus knob can be used to access important camera functions, such as recording start/stop, digital zoom, engaging autofocus, saving focus points, and adjusting certain camera settings.
A hard coat anodized aluminum enclosure protects the electronics while a 1/4"-20 mount on the back of the unit provides a way to attach the USB Follow Focus to rigs or other equipment. The buttons can also be swapped out, providing the user with a way to specify certain functions.
It is important that potential users understand how Canon's USB implementation has shaped and enabled the development of the Okii Systems USB Follow Focus. Certain characteristics of Canon's design make it perform quite differently than a mechanical follow focus, so it is recommended that you read the User Guide and the Canon USB Protocol article in the Technical section of the Okii website.
Included is a 30 day money back guarantee, which ensures that you can fully test out the USB Follow Focus with the type of film or photography work you do, along with all of your cameras and lenses.
An example of focus point use is shown in the following video, which displays the ability of the USB Follow Focus to return to four different focus points. Filmed with a 5D Mark II and EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens.
This video shows the responsiveness and potential speed (keep an eye on the focus distance window). Filmed with a 60D and EFS 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens.
For more information, visit okii.net. (thanks Mark)
J&R just started accepting Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L USM Fisheye Lens preorders - and the price is only $1,329.
I expect this lens to be hard to get, so this is a good chance to get your name at the front of a preorder list of a reputable retailer. Canon's "approximate retail price" is $1,400, so I like J&R's price.
February 10, 2011 - DxO Labs is pleased to announce the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v6.5.4 for Mac and Windows that adds RAW support for the Olympus E-PL2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 in both its Standard and Elite editions.
Further, 69 new DxO Optics Modules are now available to DxO Optics Pro users, covering numerous Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras.
DxO Optics Pro is available at B&H.
The RedRock Micro microRRS Adapter Clamp (press release) marries a Really Right Stuff quick release clamp and a Redrock rod clamp/base plate, allowing quick attachment of cameras and lenses to Redrock HDSLR Rigs.
I have added specifications and MTF charts (have you seen these yet? impressive) to the following review placeholder pages:
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens Review
I have added a larger lens picture and a large closeup picture of the intriguing built-in extender to the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review page.
Commentary added as well.
Nikon has just announced an array of COOLPIX cameras - links are to the Nikon press releases:
Nikon COOLPIX P300 / P500
Nikon COOLPIX S9100 / S6100 / S4100 / S3100 / S2500
Nikon COOLPIX L120 / L23
Sigma Announces Pricing and Availability for Feb 2011 Lenses (press release).
Tenba has announced the Vector Series Bags.
"VECTOR is a unique collection of prosumer bags with a striking monochrome design. Every zipper, clip, D-ring, rain cover, lens cloth and piece of fabric is custom-dyed in three of the latest trend colors (plus black) and made to match. Vector bags are extraordinarily lightweight, and constructed of water-resistant fabrics for protection in wet weather conditions. The materials and hardware used in each bag meet the “Crafted Without Compromise” level that has continued to be Tenba’s signature. All bags are available in Krypton Green, Oxygen Blue, Cadmium Red and Carbon Black."
While at least one in this list appears to be a re-announcement, Sigma has today announced four lenses:
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 II DG HSM Lens
Sigma APO 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens
Sigma APO 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens
Sigma 105m f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens
Adorama just began taking preorders for the new Canon cameras and lenses:
Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D Digital SLR Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D Digital SLR Camera
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II USM Lens
Note that a soon-to-be-fixed glitch is preventing these new items from being ordered without an in-stock item included in the order. If you are having problems, add a GTCL3612 (Giottos Anti-Static Microfiber Cleaning Cloth) to the order - and have it removed by customer service later if you don't want it.
Canon has announced that it set a new patent record in 2010. (press release)
"This Marks The First Time A Japanese Company Exceeds 2,500 Patents In A Single Year"