Canon and Sony News for Feb 2012 (Page 2)

On Jan 16th, Nikon sent a letter stating that "Nikon Inc. has decided that it will no longer make repair parts available for purchase by repair facilities that have not been authorized by Nikon, Inc. to perform camera repairs." All Nikon repairs will be handled exclusively by Nikon authorized repair facilities.

As you would expect, many are not happy with this decision - including ifixit.org. (thanks Huy)

Adobe has provided a Photoshop CS6 Content Aware Sneak Peek:

Very nice.

The Canon Store is estimating the Canon PowerShot G1 X ship date as Feb 21, 2012

Preorder the PowerShot G1 X at B&H - or the Canon Store.

I have added MTF chart comparisons to the review placeholder pages for the new Canon lenses:

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Review
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS Lens Review

I'll try to get more commentary up in the next couple of weeks.

As reported by Alan Murphy, an unmarked van carrying $150,000 (£100,000) worth of Nikon gear destined for the Dublin NPS Roadshow was stolen sometime before 10:00 on Sat night. Taken in the heist were demo Nikon D4 & Nikon 800 DSLRs.

The stolen equipment will likely be sold. Download the full inventory list with serial numbers here.

Nikon has made the Capture NX 2.3.1 Updater available for download: USA | Europe.

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions:

• Support for RAW images captured with the D4, D800 and D800E has been added.
• Extra High 1 (Extra High) and Extra High 2 items have been added to the Active D-Lighting pulldown menu under Camera Settings in the Develop section of the Edit List.
• When "Always use the latest Color Reproduction Process" in the Picture Control Utility Preferences is selected for images captured with cameras released prior to the D4, these items will be displayed.
• Event ID can now be displayed under File Info 2 in the File & Camera Information section of the Metadata palette for images captured by, and to which IPTC information has been added using the IPTC item in the camera’s setup menu, the D4.
• Display format for the following items in the Edit List has been modified.
• Active D-Lighting under Camera Settings in the Develop section
• Color Moiré Reduction under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section
• An issue that prevented sufficient application of vignette control enhancement for RAW (NEF) images captured with the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1 with A firmware Ver. 1.10 or 1.11 and B firmware Ver. 1.10 installed has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented accurate display of lens information in the Metadata palette for images captured with the Nikon 1 V1 or Nikon 1 J1 and a 1 NIKKOR lens has been resolved.
• When certain images with GPS information attached were saved in JPEG format, Capture NX 2 sometimes quit responding. This issue has been resolved.

Note: "Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.3.0 must be installed before proceeding with this update."

Nikon Capture NX 2.3.0 Full Version is available for download: USA | Europe.

The Reikan FoCal Automatic AF Microadjustment Calibrator Utility has been updated to version 1.2.

"All possible Canon cameras now supported with addition of Canon EOS-1D Mk III and 1D Mk IV"

The full list of FoCal-supported cameras can be found here. (thanks Scott)

You might find this Reikan FoCal discussion useful.

PhotoShelter is offering a free How to Grow a Wedding Photography Business guide via email.

Canon has released Digital Photo Pro Version 3.11.4

The changes:

Supports Mac OS X 10.7.

Fixes a phenomenon where, on occasion, the color aberration compensation causes false-color images.

Nikon ViewNX Version 2.3.0 is now available for download: USA | Europe

Modifications enabled with version 2.2.5:

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

• Support for the D800, and D800E have been added.
• Save and Save As... items have been added to the File menu.
• Original image files (original format, size, resolution, etc...) can now be sent as e-mail attachments from View NX 2 using the Email function.
• A Margins function has been added to Index Print settings in the Print dialog.
• Slideshows were sometimes not displayed properly when run with Auto-Hide Slide Controls selected for Toolbars in the slideshow Settings Dialog. This issue has been resolved. (64-bit version of ViewNX 2 only).

Additional modifications to the Windows version

• View NX2 and the Picture Control Utility now function as native 64-bit applications under 64-versions of Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
• When the decimal symbol used by the OS was set to anything other than a period (.) or comma (,) from the Regional and Language Options in the operating system's Control panel, position information was not correctly displayed. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented the editing of informaiton in the Metadate palette for images saved to Windows shared folders has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented smooth playback of Motion Snapshot files with some systems has been resolved.

Additional modifications to the Macintosh version

• View NX 2, the Picture Control Utility, and Nikon Transfer 2 now function as native 64-bit applications inder Mac OS X versions 10.6 and 10.7.

 
Wireless Transmitter Utility 1.3.0 is also now available: USA | Europe.

Lensbaby has today announced the latest addition to their Optic Swap System, the 80mm Edge 80 Optic.

Amazon.com is now accepting preorders for these new lenses:

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

Just posted: Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review

The Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 Lens review was created in conjunction with its wider-aperture sibling lens review - the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon T* ZE Lens Review. You will find comparisons being shared by these reviews.

Nikon NEF Codec 1.13.0 is now available. Support for the Nikon D4 has been added.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted a new article entitled Canon EOS Error Messages: An Explanation and Understanding.

The owner's manual for the Canon PowerShot G1 X is now available for download.

B&H is listing the Canon PowerShot G1 X expected availability as Mar 5, 2012.

Nicely done: PetaPixel has unveiled the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS L Lens (humor warning).

Get the details: The-Digital-Picture.com is Hiring!

Another sad day for Kodak:

Kodak Focuses Consumer Business On More Profitable Growth Opportunities

Plans to phase out dedicated capture devices business

ROCHESTER, N.Y., February 09 --

Eastman Kodak Company (the “Company”) (OTB: EKDKQ.PK) announced today that, as a result of its ongoing strategic review process and commitment to drive sustainable profitability through its most valuable business lines, it plans to phase out its dedicated capture devices business – comprising digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames – in the first half of 2012. Kodak will instead expand its current brand licensing program, and seek licensees in these categories. Following this decision, Kodak’s Consumer Business will include online and retail-based photo printing, as well as desktop inkjet printing.

Kodak has contacted its retail partners, and is working closely with them to ensure an orderly transition. Kodak will continue to honor all related product warranties, and provide technical support and service for its cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.

“For some time, Kodak’s strategy has been to improve margins in the capture device business by narrowing our participation in terms of product portfolio, geographies and retail outlets. Today’s announcement is the logical extension of that process, given our analysis of the industry trends,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Businesses, and Kodak Chief Marketing Officer.

Upon completion of the phase out, Kodak expects to achieve annual operating savings of more than $100 million. Kodak expects to incur a charge related to separation benefits of approximately $30 million resulting from the exit of the business.

In addition to its Consumer Businesses segment, Kodak has a Commercial Businesses segment that includes the Digital and Functional Printing, Enterprise Services and Solutions, and Graphics, Entertainment and Commercial Films units. Kodak’s digital businesses now comprise approximately three-fourths of total revenues.

Kodak continues to have a strong position in the personal imaging market. While photos are increasingly taken on multi-function mobile devices, Kodak technology makes it easy for consumers to produce a broad range of photo products, anywhere, anytime – from prints to photobooks, photo greeting cards and personalized calendars. These items can be made on Kodak products, with Kodak quality at retail, at home, and ordered for delivery to home.

Kodak’s continuing consumer products and services will include:

• Retail-based photo kiosks and digital dry lab systems, a market in which Kodak is the clear worldwide leader. Kodak pioneered the retail-based kiosk market, and the company now has more than 100,000 kiosks and order stations for dry lab systems around the world, with some 30,000 of those units connected to the most popular photo-sharing sites.
• Consumer inkjet printers, where Kodak has outpaced overall market growth for several years. Kodak consumer inkjet printers provide consumers with high-quality output and the lowest total ink replacement cost. Consumers can send documents and photos to Kodak printers from anywhere, using any web-connected device.
• Kodak apps for Facebook, which make it easy for consumers to obtain photo products using photos from their Facebook albums.
• Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com), a leading online digital photo products service. Kodak Gallery enables consumers to share their photos, and offers product and creation tools that enable people to do more with their photos.
• The Kodak camera accessories and batteries businesses. These products are universally compatible with all camera brands, and extend into other consumer product segments such as charging units for smartphones.
• The traditional film capture and photographic paper business, which continues to provide high-quality and innovative products and solutions to consumers, photographers, retailers, photofinishers and professional labs.

From Gitzo:

Vintage Collection

After celebrating in 2007 the 90th anniversary, Gitzo continues to recall the golden ages of photography with an exclusive celebratory Vintage collection. This unique collection consists of two kits and it is dedicated to really affectionate photographers. It is a genuine replica of Gitzo Seventies supports, that in those days, like today the Gitzo 6X carbon fiber tripods, represented the cutting edge and most advanced supports in the market. The Gitzo classic logos, the old style graphics and finishing and the stylish details, make these items the quintessence of history and emotion. From a technical point of view, these tripods are a phenomenal combination of old and new features that makes them incredibly versatile.

The upper casting configuration provides a great compactness and a great stability of the upper disc that sits directly on the large casting top end. The two section telescopic column, a key Gitzo innovation in those days, allows for a convenient height adjustment while maintaining a small foot print. These “old days” smart features are combined to the latest and most advanced Gitzo technologies, like G-Lock, Ground Level Set, Anti Leg Rotation, the new 1,2mm Aluminum tube, Power Disc and PTFE treatment for the heads. Both kits come with a vintage bag, a stylish and well designed carrying solutions which meets Gitzo’s tough standards in terms of functionality and attention to details. The bag design and the materials used are inspired to the 60s and 70s golf and sport bags. The classic Gitzo logo enriches and gives an “old fashioned” flavour, consistent with the genuine Gitzo vintage spirit.

The bag shoulder strap can also be used directly on the tripod as a smart carrying solution, embedded in the kit for additional use flexibility. The Vintage tripods are in fact provided with two rings compatible with the shoulder strap clips for a fast and convenient snap-on action. The bag features a side pocket, in genuine vintage style, sized to fit most of compact cameras in the market and any other accessory you might want to carry with you.

The Vintage collection kits are available in Series 1 and 2, four section compact size and include a smart Gitzo display cleaner and a convenient vintage anti dust bag for storage and packing.

For more information, visit Gitzo.

B&H carries Gitzo products.

J&R just started accepting Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E preorders.

This is another chance to get on the top of a preorder list for this very popular new Nikon DSLR.

OneCall is also now taking Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E preorders.

From Tom Nickell & DeluxGear:

Protect Your Investment in DSLR Lenses

Help Develop Lens Guards for Large Primes and Zooms

Lexington, KY, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 — DeluxGear announces the development of 3 new Lens Guards for large lenses. It’s teaming with Kickstarter to fund Lens Guards to fit lenses from 3.6 inches (8.6 cm) in diameter all the way to 6.6 inches (15.8 cm).

The new XL, XX-L, and Jumbo Lens Guards will protect 200mm through 800mm prime lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma and others. They will also cover popular zoom lenses, like the Nikon 14-24mm, 80-400mm and 200-400mm, the Sigma 80-400mm, 100-300mm, 50-500mm, and 300-800 mm, and the Tamron 200-500mm.

“These lenses cost thousands of dollars, and yet there have been no solutions to protect them while on your camera....until now,” states Tom Nickell, the CEO of DeluxGear. “Anyone who has one of these larger lenses, including outdoor and sports photographers, will find Lens Guards to be an inexpensive form of insurance.”

The larger size Lens Guards offer the same quality and protection as DeluxGear’s current Lens Guard line. Each is a padded cover that fits snuggly over the end of the lens to protect lenses and filters and help avoid costly trips to the repair shop. The cushiony, shock-resistant inner core is made of 0.25” (6mm) thick closed-cell neoprene and is encased in a tough 0.08” (2mm) Santoprene outer cover. This powerful combination absorbs impact and prevents scrapes, scratches, and dents to lenses. According to Lens Guard inventor, Michael Dowell, “It is like the bumper of a car, providing more protection than lens caps, filters, or hoods.“

Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Anyone can become a “Backer”, pledging any amount for projects they support. Backers of this DeluxGear Kickstarter project can choose from several reward levels, and can receive limited edition Lens Guards at a price less than they will be sold for after the product launch. The funding goal of $8,000 must be reached by March 5th.

“Customers regularly ask for larger size Lens Guards,” according to Nickell. “Our designs are nearly complete. With Kickstarter, we can prepare for production. This project is engaging the photo community to get these Lens Guards into the market so photographers can begin using them!”

Pledges raised through Kickstarter will go towards molds, dies, raw materials, and completing the first production run. The Lens Guards will be Made in the USA.

For more information on the campaign, or to make a pledge, go to Kickstarter at: http://kck.st/w7Cze3

About DeluxGear

DeluxGear is a Lexington, Kentucky-based manufacturer and marketer of innovative camera accessories. DeluxGear was founded in May of 2007 by Michael and Sandra Dowell. Michael is a professional photographer and inventor of the patented Lens Cradle TM, Lens Guard TM, and PinPoint TM. DeluxGear sells to professional and amateur photographers all over the world.

B&H carries DeluxGear products including the currently-available Lens Guards.

CPN Europe has launched a new section of their website devoted to Canon's new Cinema EOS system.

I have not made it a secret (to you or Canon) that I want a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 IS L USM Lens. With today's announcement of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens, my hopes for such a lens in the near future are certainly diminshed.

If you want IS and don't need the f/2.8 aperture to stop action in low light and to maximize background blur within this focal length range, consider getting the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens.

Interesting that the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens was announced only one day prior. The performance of this lens, of course, remains to be determined.

A big question is: Will the 24-70 L II be worth the $930.00 ($1,030 after instant rebate) price premium over the 24-70 I ($2,299.00 vs. $1,369.00/$1,269.00)? Canon has been turning out some excellent zoom L lenses recently and my hopes are high that this will be another one of them. My prediction is that the II will be worth the price premium - just as the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens was worth its premium price over the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens.

It is normal for a new lens model to be priced significantly higher than the previous model. But when the price disparity is this high, the used price of the old model can actually go up instead of down. I've heard from several of you hoping that a copy of the old model might be had at a much reduced price. That the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens price (both new and used) is not going to drop is my (wild) guess.

I have submitted a request to Canon USA PR to receive a call from a Canon technical expert (such as Chuck Westfall) to answer some questions I have (the protocol that Canon USA now requires media outlets to follow), but that call has not yet be returned. I will be sure to update you with what I learn.

The new Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens and Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens look interesting. At their relatively high price point, I'm not sure why Canon did not choose to make them "L". These small and light lenses could be very useful. Their performance will of course determine how useful they will actually be.

Nikon D800 information has been showing up all over the web today. Here is a compilation of some of it:

The Nikon USA D800 product page has plenty of information.

The Nikon Imaging D800 Product Page includes product images, key features, features explained, specifications, system chart, full resolution D800 and D800E sample photos, a downloadable PDF brochure and a link to the Nikon D800 microsite which features the work of Benjamin Antony Monn, Cliff Mautner, Jim Brandenburg and Rob Van Petten.

Cliff Mautner has a blog post as does Rob Van Petten and John Wright.

Rob Van Petten has a video: