Canon, Nikon and Sony News for May 2013 (Page 2) Report News & Deals  ►

Canon Japan has released some information regarding a firmware update for the Canon EOS-1D C camera. It seems that a new firmware update (version 1.2.0) will be available soon.
 
Below is an updated translation regarding the changes in the firmware update.
 
Firmware Changes:

1. Provides support for 25.00p (fps) video recording frame rate (PAL settings) at the camera’s maximum 4K resolution.
2. A function to disable the image size selection button has been added.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a difference in exposure appears on every other shot when shooting continuously and the auto-lighting optimizer is turned on (on weak, standard or strong).
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which video recorded onto an external recorder sometimes becomes two-layered if it has been recorded through HDMI output.
5. The video frame rate now displays two additional decimal places, e.g. 24p -> 23.98p (fps).
6. Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the “Auto ISO Range” option.
7. Corrects errors in the Portuguese language menu.

From what we understand, customers will have to send their cameras into Canon Service to perform the firmware update. The turnaround for the firmware update is expected to be about a week.
 
B&H carries the Canon EOS-1D C camera.

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 29, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced its parent company, Canon Inc., has reached a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of its 90-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras. Canon turned out its 90-millionth lens, an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM (released in September 2012), on May 23, 2013.
 
The production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex film cameras began in 1987 at the Company's Utsunomiya Plant. Since that time, supported by a wide range of users, demand has steadily increased and production has expanded. Today, Canon produces EF lenses at four of the Company's manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan.
 
EF lens production surpassed the 10-million-unit mark in 1995, doubled to 20 million lenses in 2001, and went on to reach 30 million units in 2006 and 40 million units in 2008. Afterward, due to the rapid spread of EOS digital SLR cameras, production of EF lenses gained further momentum, crossing the 50-million-unit threshold in 2009, reaching 60 million units in January 2011, and hitting the 70-million-unit mark in October of the same year. In August 2012, lens production reached 80 million units and now, a little over nine months later, the company commemorates its latest manufacturing milestone of 90 million lenses.
 
Canon's proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element, and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology.
 
With the introduction in May this year of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, super-telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x extender that makes possible a 200-560 mm focal length range, along with EF Cinema Lenses for digital cinematography, Canon's extensive EF lens-series lineup now comprises a total of 84 models.
 
Canon will continue refining its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers-from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals-while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.
 
Click here to see a high-resolution sample of the image above.
 
B&H carries Canon EF Lenses.

Canon has released EOS 1D Mark IV firmware versions 1.1.3.
 
Details:

1. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with the EF 200-400mm F4L USM Extender 1.4X lens and an Extender, whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which abnormal images may result when continuous shooting mode is enabled and the image size is set to “RAW” or “RAW+JPEG.

Canon has released EOS 1Ds Mark III firmware versions 1.2.2.
 
Details:

1. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with the EF 200-400mm F4L USM Extender 1.4X lens and an Extender, whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.

B&H expects a shipment of Sigma USB Docks to hit their inventory on or before Thursday. If you haven't already placed your preorder, now would be a good time to get in line.

B&H now has the Vello Bounce Dome Diffuser for Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT in stock.
 
If you don't have a Canon 600EX-RT, check out the Vello Dome Diffusers for other flash models

Samyang has just announced a new lens for APS-C sensor cameras – the Samyang 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC Lens – via its Facebook profile.
 
The new lens will feature 13 elements in 11 groups, 2 aspherical lenses, and a 77mm filter mount. A Facebook comment left by Samyang hinted at a late-June to mid-July release date.
 
To see the original announcement, click on the "Photos" section of the Facebook profile.

The Canon Camera Museum has published a technical report on the EOS Rebel T5i and SL1 DSLR cameras.
 
B&H carries the Canon EOS Rebel T5i and SL1 DSLR cameras.

 
While Google Glass is certainly an intriguing and promising piece of technology, I'm not quite sure it's well-suited for replacing traditional camera equipment for up-and-coming photographers. ;-)

 
Even if you've been shooting for several years, there's a good chance you may never have worked in a studio environment. This AdoramaTV video by Mark Wallace highlights ten things you should know when working in a studio environment.
 
Be sure to watch the video all the way to the end to see some humorous outtakes.
 
Gear Used in the Video:

• Matthews Baby Jr. Triple Riser Stand with Wheels
• Permacell Gaffer Tape 25 Yards x 2"- Black
• Profoto Acute2 1200 Watt-Second Generator
• Matthews Cordura 15 lb Capacity Sandbag, Color: Orange
• Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp without Stud (#035)

 

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending May 25th, 2013
 
In the news...
 
On Tuesday, Nikon published firmware updates for the D700, D300 and D300s DSLR cameras. The firmware updates added support for the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens.
 
Also on Tuesday, we commented on the extensive changes to Flickr and asked – is it better than it was before? In a nutshell, Flickr overhauled their photostream layout, restructured their accounts, and released an updated Android app.
 
While some of the changes are certainly good – like 1 terabyte of free storage for free user accounts, we noted some issues with the new photostream layout that we’d like to see addressed to achieve an improved user experience.
 
On Thursday, Canon launched PIXMA Comix, an interactive application found its Canon U.S.A. Facebook page that allows users to create personalized photo comic strips for printing and sharing. While the idea is novel, I found the layout program to be a bit awkward to use when I tested out it out earlier this week. Hopefully your experience will be better than mine…
 
In site news and reviews...
 
On Monday, Bryan published the ISO image quality samples and vignetting test results for the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens. Distortion results were added later that day. Check the lens’s review page for full details and links.
 
On Thursday, Bryan posted an update to the site’s Canon Lens Date Code Chart. Unfortunately, 2013 has been a challenging year for predicting Canon’s lens manufacturing dates. The Date Code Chart is still a work in progress. Site visitors are encouraged to let us know if they suspect any discrepancies in the date code chart when examining serial numbers or date codes on newly acquired lenses by emailing us at info@the-digital-picture.com.
 
And, for our deal of the week…
 
On Friday, we posted a deal from DigitalRev where you could get a Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera for $1,679.00 – more than a $300.00 savings off the market’s going-rate.
 
This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"

 
From Gizmodo:
 
"In an attempt to illustrate the harmful effects of using crack cocaine, Talent, a Brazilian ad agency, created a series of posters featuring images of addicts that are slowly eaten away and destroyed by Flour beetle larvae—or mealworms.
 
The posters were actually made of thin sheets of dough instead of paper, to encourage the larvae to thoroughly consume them..."
 
Read the entire article here.

From Adorama:
 
Leading photo and electronics retailer converts Manhattan’s 18th Street into a family festival of food, fun and technology.
 
New York, NY - May 23, 2013 – Adorama, one of the world’s largest photography, video and electronics retailers, is again holding one of New York City’s most popular, free summer family events, its Third Annual Street Fair, on Sunday, June 23, 2013.
 
Last year's festival attracted more than 20,000 attendees. With more rides, games, food and technology vendors confirmed, this year's festival is expected to be even bigger. Major camera and electronics brands who will be at this year’s event include Apple, Nikon, Canon, Dell, Samsung, Verizon, Bogen, Pentax, Adobe, Sony, Panasonic, LG, Intel, Sandisk, Lexar and Western Digital. Adorama has lots to offer, too – Adorama PIX, Rentals, Used and the Learning Center will all have booths to visit at the fair.
 
The Street Fair is a great way for families to enjoy a fun-filled day together, kick off the summer season and participate in a variety of interactive games and activities, including free photography clinics in Adorama's outdoor Learning Center tent. Festival highlights include:

• Carnival Games and Petting Zoo – A host of carnival games and a live petting zoo will be great fun for kids, and kids-at-heart, throughout the day.
• Food! – An amazing variety of food choices – it just wouldn't be a Street Fair without it.
• Prizes and Raffles – Dozens of raffle items and prizes will be given away all day long.
• Vendor Exhibits – Test drive the latest digital imaging technology from some of the biggest brands in photography.
• Celebrity Appearances
• Adorama Technology Learning Center – Learn how to make better photos and videos from some of the best photographers in the world at Adorama's outdoor Technology Learning Center. Learn to shoot like a pro!
• Get a Technology Makeover with special product pricing from Adorama – Bring your old camera gear and upgrade to the latest digital technology. Adorama is offering special pricing and trade-ins for one day only.

Adorama’s Third Annual Street Fair will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., on West 18th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Adorama’s retail superstore is located at 42 West 18th Street, making the street an ideal place for families to take advantage of the technology-related activities happening during the fair.

From Sigma:
 
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM for Nikon is scheduled to start the shipment towards the end of this month.
 
B&H has the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon available for preorder.

Necessitating change is that the site's Canon serial number to manufacturing date conversion chart has been falling apart in 2013.
 
First, I'd like to say "Thanks" to all of you who let me know that your new lens was manufactured at some future date. :) While I jest, I seriously appreciate those of you who did provide that information.
 
We've been researching the necessary corrections. With your help and with the help of Lensrentals.com, I have updated the Canon Lens Date Code Chart
 
While I'm not positive that the new numbers are 100% accurate, they are definitely better than before. And with your help, we will continue to dial them in to perfection (if perfection is indeed possible).