Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Oct 2012 (Page 3) Report News & Deals  ►

Nikon Europe has published a compatibility chart for its Nikon battery packs.

From Canon USA:
 
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 17, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a new firmware update in response to user requests which further enhances the capabilities of Canon's flagship EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera. The EOS-1D X will now be capable of AF point illumination during AI Servo AF and cross-type AF for maximum apertures as small as f/8. The new firmware update is available now at no charge from the Canon U.S.A. website and can be downloaded by end users or through Canon Factory Service Centers.
 
AF Point Illumination During AI Servo AF
To support the needs of wedding, portrait, sports, wildlife, and theatrical performance photographers working in low light, the new firmware allows AF points in the EOS-1D X's viewfinder to be illuminated in red when the shutter button is pressed halfway during AI Servo AF, for easy viewing of the selected point. This valuable feature will enhance the photographers' ability to aim the camera accurately in low-light conditions, and when photographing dark subjects. To preserve exposure-metering accuracy, illumination is intermittent, not continuous. Three choices will be selectable from the menu system - Non-illuminated, Illuminated (Normal) and Illuminated (Brighter).
 
Cross-Type AF Support at f/8
The EOS-1D X is equipped with an innovative 61-point High Density Reticular AF System featuring up to 41 cross-type AF points, depending on the lens in use. The cross-type AF points recognize a wide variety of subject matter, making them highly desirable for maximum autofocus performance. Until now, cross-type AF on the EOS-1D X has been limited to EF lenses and lens/extender combinations with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger. The new firmware allows cross-type autofocusing with the center AF point even when the maximum aperture of a Canon EF lens/extender combination becomes as small as f/8. Ideal for wildlife photographers and others who often use EF super-telephoto lenses with extenders, this new feature greatly expands the range of EF lens/extender combinations that support autofocus when used with the EOS-1D X.
 
If AF point expansion is selected with an f/8 maximum aperture lens/extender combination, the four AF points surrounding the center point will act as AF Assist points. This option effectively expands the size of the AF detection area to enhance autofocus performance with subjects that are small in the frame and difficult to track, such as small animals and birds in flight. AF points above and below the center will be sensitive to vertical contrast, while points to the left and right will be sensitive to horizontal contrast.
 

 
Please visit the following website for complete information on the firmware update:
 
http://www.usa.canon.com/eos1dxfirmwareupdate
 
The Canon 1D X is in stock at B&H, Adorama and Amazon.

I'm tackling a huge backlog of sample pictures this week. To get things started, sample pictures have been added to these reviews:
 
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens Review
Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera Review

The new Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras expected to hit shelves October 15 have been delayed. B&H has updated the Canon EOS M's expected availability to October 31.

From Epson:
 
Epson’s Two New Perfection Photo Scanners Deliver Exceptional Scan Quality and Easy Scan-to-Cloud Functionality
 
October 16, 2012
 
Epson Perfection V37 and V370 Photo Scanners Allow Photo Enthusiasts, Families and Creative Hobbyists to Access, Share and Organize Scanned Documents Anywhere and Anytime
 
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Oct. 16, 2012 - Epson America, Inc. today introduced two new additions to its award-winning line of Epson® Perfection® scanners – the Epson Perfection V37 and Epson Perfection V370 Photo scanners. The new products give photo enthusiasts, families and creative hobbyists an affordable scanning solution with 4800 x 9600 dpi optical resolution for incredible detail and clarity. In addition to offering leading scan quality, the new models also provide easy scan-to-cloud capabilities to scan, access, organize and share documents directly through cloud services like Google Docs, MS SharePoint®, Evernote®, and other leading providers.1
 
“Epson’s latest Perfection scanners are built to perform, delivering versatile, high-quality solutions whether scanning to create eye-catching scrapbook pages or to simply digitize and store your most important photos and documents,” said Stacey Tieu, product manager, Photo Scanners, Epson America, Inc. “Furthermore, Epson’s latest scanners cater to today’s increasingly mobile lifestyles, giving consumers an even more value-packed solution with scan-to-cloud capabilities to access documents on their mobile device, anytime and from anywhere.”
 
The Epson Perfection V37 and V370 Photo scanners both offer exceptional scan quality, along with a high-rise 180-degree lid for scanning oversized artwork, 3D objects, photo albums and documents. For added performance and flexibility, the Epson Perfection V370 Photo includes a built-in 35mm Transparency Unit for scanning mounted slides, negatives and film strips.
 
Additional features and benefits featured on the new Perfection models include:

• ArcSoft® Scan-n-Stitch Deluxe Software – allows users to easily scan legal, A3 and other large-size pages, section by section, then automatically stitches all portions together.
• Epson’s Easy Photo Fix® Technology – allows users to restore color from old/faded prints, remove dust from scanned film or slides, and reduce graininess.
• Scan-to-cloud with Document Capture Software – easily scan documents directly to a range of cloud services including Google Docs, MS SharePoint, Evernote and more to access documents from multiple mobile devices or share with others.
• ReadyScan® LED Technology – enables fast scan speeds, eliminates warm-up time and decreases power consumption; ReadyScan LED technology is also mercury-free.
• One-Touch Performance – four customizable buttons allow for convenient one-touch scanning, copying, scan-to-email and creating PDFs.
• Compatibility – with all leading operating systems including the newest versions of Microsoft® Windows® and Mac® OS X.

For videos demonstrating the various scanning features with the Epson Perfection scanners, visit Epson’s YouTube Channel and more information is available online at Epson.com.
 
Pricing and Availability
The Epson Perfection V37 (MSRP $89.99) and Epson Perfection V370 Photo (MSRP $119.99) are now available exclusively from Epson.com, and will be available at Staples in mid-November. Both models include Epson’s one-year limited warranty.

From Canon USA:
 
Thank you for using Canon products.
 
The exterior rubber part on some Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A units may change color (turn white) after a short period of time. Canon USA will replace those rubber parts at no charge to the customer.
 
Canon takes pride in the quality and performance of its products, and we offer our most sincere apologies to customers using this product who have been inconvenienced by this issue. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.
 
Affected Product
The rubber on the top surface of some WFT-E7A units produced in certain lots from April 9 through July 13 may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and analysis, that the white substance is zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate).
 
Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product. However, the quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual. As a result the rubber surface may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition. Zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate), which becomes deposited on the rubber surface, is created as a result of this chemical reaction.
 

 
Only certain WFT-E7A wireless file transmitter units produced between April 9 and July 13, 2012 are affected.
 
If the first two digits of the serial number are “03” through “06” and the fifth digit is “1”, the unit is affected.
 
03xx1xxxxx, 04xx1xxxxx, 05xx1xxxxx, 06xx1xxxxx ([x] represents any optional number. )
 

 
Free Repair
Canon USA will replace the rubber part of the affected wireless file transmitters free of charge at our service centers.
 
We anticipate that our free repair service will start in late October or early November.
 
Caution on Use
The amount of zinc bis detected during our testing was minimal. Although Canon has not received any reports of injury or allergic reactions regarding this product, it is possible for zinc bis, in the small amount found in the rubber surface of affected units, to cause allergic reactions, such as a rash, when it comes in contact with skin of sensitive persons. In addition, if eyes are rubbed after contact with the substance, symptoms such as red eyes may develop.
 
As a precautionary measure, thoroughly wash your hands with water if they have come in contact with the rubber surface that has turned white. If any medical symptoms develop, please consult your physician immediately.
 
Contact Information For Inquiries
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
 
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc
 
Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-855-214-3277 or 1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

We now have a properly tuned Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens sample available in the ISO 12233 charts (sample 1).

From Nikon Europe:
 
S800c App for wireless connection to Android Smart Devices
 
An Android App is available for the COOLPIX S800c from the Google Play Store. This app enables wireless connection between the camera and an Android Smart Device. Once connection is established between the COOLPIX S800c and the Android Smart Device a wide range of options are available for sharing and transfering images on social network sites, emails, etc.
 
For full details of functions and compatibility, please see the 'Description' section in the Google Play Store, please click here.
 
B&H carries the Nikon COOLPIX S800c Digital Camera.

From Canon USA:
 
CANON U.S.A., RON HOWARD AND THE PUBLIC SELECT 91 WINNING PHOTOS FOR “PROJECT IMAGINAT10N” WHICH WILL INSPIRE SHORT FILMS DIRECTED BY EVA LONGORIA, JAMIE FOXX, BIZ STONE, GEORGINA CHAPMAN AND JAMES MURPHY
 
Ron Howard Chooses One Winning Photograph, “Unparalled” by Jennifer Harris from New Orleans, LA for the “Discovery” Theme to be Represented in All Celebrity Director Films
 
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 15, 2012 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, Ron Howard and the public, have selected 91 winning photographs from the “Project Imaginat10n,” contest where five innovative celebrities – Eva Longoria (film and TV actress), Jamie Foxx (Academy Award® winner), Biz Stone (co-founder of Twitter), Georgina Chapman (designer and co-founder of Marchesa) and James Murphy (founder of LCD Soundsystem) – will direct short films based on ten of the photos.
 
A consumer vote helped narrow down the photographs, where one of the selected winners’ photos was chosen by Ron Howard in the “Discovery” category to be a thematic tie across the celebrities’ films. The directors will now each select one additional photograph from the other nine storytelling categories that personally inspire them, ultimately utilizing ten photos to represent their creativity and imagination. In addition to “Discovery,” the themes include Character, Mood, Goal, Backstory, Setting, Obstacle, Relationship, The Unknown and Time. The winning photographs determined by Ron Howard and the consumer vote can be seen at imagination.usa.canon.com.
 
Ron Howard said, “In choosing ‘Unparalled’ for the Discovery category, it was important that I picked an image that was tremendously imaginative, visually fantastic and thematically pliable so that it could give the filmmakers a lot of possibilities to inspire an element of mystery and suspense. Moments of discovery are often what you remember most in a film.”
 
In 2011, Ron Howard and Canon U.S.A. partnered for a similar creative endeavor, “Project Imagin8ion.” Eight photos were selected and influenced an award-winning short film, “when you find me,” directed by Bryce Dallas Howard. For year two of Canon’s “Long Live Imagination” campaign and the next endeavor, “Project Imaginat10n,” Ron Howard will once again mentor the celebrity directors as they begin the filmmaking process to prove that “we’re all creative.”
 
“I am so passionate about the integrity and user-generated process of ‘Project Imaginat10n’ where our celebrity directors can be directly inspired by photographers from all across the country,” said Ron Howard. “As we selected the photographs, I was blown away by the beauty, perspective and intrigue that they conveyed, and was thrilled that so many people wanted to once again take part in this exciting artistic experiment.”
 
The celebrity directors are currently reviewing the winning photos to make their selections, craft their stories, develop their scripts and prepare to produce their own short films with Canon’s Cinema EOS System and DSLR cameras. The films will be produced by Freestyle Picture Company, which also produced “when you find me” in 2011. All five films go into production between Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 and will premiere at a special “Project Imaginat10n” Film Festival. The “10” in “Imaginat10n,” represents ten films that will ultimately be produced – five additional directors will be announced at a later date.
 
The 91 winners of the photo contest span in age from 16 to 67 years-old and are from across the country.
 
You can see the gallery of winners at www.longliveimagination.com/gallery.

The Canon Store has the Refurbished Canon Powershot S95 Camera for $178.49 (discounted price shown in cart) with free shipping. Compare at $379.00 new.

Felix, a polar bear at the Nuremberg Zoo, recently got his paws on a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens. Apparently, the solid build quality made the lens a great chew toy.
 
Photography equipment insurance, anyone? (thanks Brett)
 
Read the full article with pics...

Just Posted: Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera Review

From RØde Microphones:
 
Step Inside the New RØDE Soundbooth for Broadcast Microphones
 
RØDE Microphones has announced the release of a new edition of their ground-breaking Soundbooth online application, extending the functionality so that users can hear and compare the complete range of RØDE broadcast and videomicrophones.
 
Released almost a year ago, the original Soundbooth was the very first online application that allowed users to listen to and compare actual real-world microphones, as they would perform in everyday use.
 
Featuring tracks recorded by renowned producer and engineer John Merchant and focusing on the recording of vocals and musical instruments in a studio environment, the application has been used over one hundred thousand times and has played more than half a million tracks.
 
This new edition of Soundbooth offers twenty three different RØDE microphones, including the NTG8, NTG3, NTG2, NTG1, VideoMic, Stereo VideoMic, VideoMic Pro, Stereo VideoMic Pro, NT4, NT5,Broadcaster, Procaster, Podcaster, Lavalier, PinMic, HS1, K2, NT1-A, M1 and M3.
 
Additionally the application includes three forthcoming microphones for broadcast and field recording that RØDE will announce during the remainder of 2012, and make available for use in the RØDE Soundbooth.
 
The application is split into five different scenarios or applications that broadcast sound engineers would typically encounter, namely indoor and outdoor dialogue, voice over, acoustic music performance and also live reinforced music.
 
Each audio scenario offers a wide range of microphones that users can switch between in real-time, to hear exactly how each one differs acoustically.
 
“We are incredibly proud of the Soundbooth platform and to extend its application to our broadcast and video range is something we are very excited about.” commented Damien Wilson, RØDE’s Global Sales & Marketing Director.
“Here at RØDE we are constantly working on ways to educate our customers on the best mic for their application and with this new broadcast version of Soundbooth that just got a whole lot easier”.
 
A native iPad version of Soundbooth broadcast is currently in development and slated for release in late 2012.
 
Visit rodemic.com/soundbooth now to use RØDE Soundbooth for either broadcast or music.

Photoshelter is offering a free Growing Your Event Photography Business guide via email.

To celebrate its development of NAND flash technology 25 years ago, Toshiba created a humorous video demonstrating the evolution of photography since its introduction of flash memory.