Canon and Sony News for Nov 2012 (Page 3)

From BlackRapid:

Metro Camera Strap

Metro is BlackRapid’s strap designed for lightweight camera gear. Without sacrificing any of BlackRapid’s famous Grab, Glide and Click, the Metro has a more compact shoulder pad for easier packing and convenient storage. BlackRapid’s “Built for Speed” functionality, like the FastenR and ConnectR hardware system, are identical to BlackRapid’s other R-Straps.

Metro is the compact version of the R-Strap, recommended for photographers who use the Micro 4/3 cameras, mirrorless systems, more serious compact cameras and various interchangeable lens systems. Additionally, because the shoulder pad is slim and compact, Metro folds up small to occupy very little storage space in a shoot bag or carry-on luggage.

The strap is supplied with a FastenR and ConnectR.

Technical Specifications

• Topside: Ballistic nylon
• Underside: Foam pad with knitted mesh
• Strap length with pad: 160cm
• Length of shoulder pad: 38.5cm
• Width of shoulder pad: 3.75cm - 6.5cm
• Width of webbing: 2.5cm

Wrist Strap

Wrist Strap combines BlackRapid’s patented ConnectR hook with a comfortable and secure wrist strap. Wrist Strap is designed as an add-on for BlackRapid’s R-Strap systems; it hooks naturally to any camera with an existing BlackRapid FastenR (sold separately).

The strong wrist strap is smooth for comfort, and has an integrated corrosion-resistant anodized ConnectR hook. The carabineer style hook has a twist lock on the gate, for added security.

Technical Specifications

• Soft nylon webbing
• Strap length with ConnectR: 24cm
• Width of webbing: 2.5cm

B&H has the BlackRapid Metro Camera Strap and the BlackRapid Wrist Strap in stock.

Sigma Global Vision has just posted a very detailed, well-illustrated website with an array of information on the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM preorders:
B&H: Canon Mount | Nikon Mount
Adorama: Canon Mount | Nikon Mount

From Adobe:

Lightroom 4.3 RC:

Lightroom 4.3 is now available as a Release Candidate on Adobe Labs. The ‘release candidate’ label indicates that this update is well tested but would benefit from additional community testing before it is distributed automatically to all of our customers. The final release of Lightroom 4.3 may have additional corrections or camera support.

Bugs Corrected in the Lightroom 4.3 Release Candidate

The following bugs that were part the Lightroom 4 releases have been corrected. The team appreciates the very detailed feedback the community has provided on Lightroom 4 and we’re excited to correct a number of issues experienced by our customers. These issues have been FIXED:

• Unable to upload a large panorama to Adobe Revel via the Revel Publish Plugin
• Unable to add a second photo to a page layout in a Book. This only occurred when the “Show Unused Photos” filter is selected in the filmstrip.
• A photo can be flagged as both a “Pick” and “Reject” at the same time when using the Toolbar to apply flags
• Using multiple fonts within the same text cell inside a Book can sometimes cause Lightroom to crash
• Exposure becomes the active adjustment slider in the Basic panel (within Develop) when moving from image to image
• Customers using Photoshop Elements 11 were unable to upgrade their catalogs in Lightroom 4
• Custom Cell padding options in the Book Module reset in between Lightroom sessions
• 1080p video files shot on iPhone 4S flicker on replay
• Leaving the Book Module after using multiple text colors in the same text cell can sometimes cause the book to be lost.

Please provide feedback on your experience with the Lightroom 4.3 Release Candidate in our Feedback Portal.

New Camera Support in Lightroom 4.3 Release Candidates

• Canon PowerShot S110
• Canon PowerShot G15
• Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
• Casio Exilim EX-ZR1000
• Casio Exilim EX-FC300S
• Nikon D600 *
• Olympus PEN E-PL5
• Olympus PEN E-PM2
• Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 iHS
• Panasonic DMC-GH3
• Pentax K-5 II
• Pentax K-5 IIs
• Pentax Q10

* denotes Full Support. Preliminary support was available in Lightroom 4.2

Release Notes

• Lightroom 4.3 RC now supports HiDPI displays within the Develop Module.

Photoshop Camera Raw 7.3 RC:

Welcome to the Adobe® Photoshop® Camera Raw 7.3 plug-in release candidate on Adobe Labs. A "release candidate" label indicates that this update is well tested but would benefit from additional community testing before it is distributed automatically to all of our customers. The Camera Raw 7.3 update includes support for many new cameras and lens profiles. A release candidate build of DNG Converter 7.3 is also provided.

The Camera Raw plug-in provides easy access within Adobe Photoshop CS6 to the raw image formats produced by many leading professional and midrange digital cameras. For more information on the Camera Raw plug-in please visit the Camera Raw pages on Adobe.com.

The Camera Raw team would like the community to help verify the quality of the plug-in through normal usage as this will ensure that the plug-in is tested on a diversity of hardware and software configurations not available internally at Adobe. If you do experience an issue with this release candidate please report it within the Camera Raw discussion forum.

New Camera Support

The following new cameras are now supported:

• Canon PowerShot S110
• Canon PowerShot G15
• Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
• Casio Exilim EX-ZR1000
• Casio Exilim EX-FC300S
• Nikon D600*
• Olympus PEN E-PL5
• Olympus PEN E-PM2
• Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 iHS
• Panasonic DMC-GH3
• Pentax K-5 II
• Pentax K-5 IIs
• Pentax Q10

New Lens Profile Support

• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM - Canon

Fixed Issues

The following issues have been fixed in Camera Raw 7.3 release candidate:

• The Windows taskbar appeared on top of the ACR window when operating in Full Screen mode. (Windows 8 only)
• Unable to open TIFF files in Photoshop from Bridge. Browsing TIFF images caused Bridge to crash.

Download the Camera Raw 7.3 release candidate.

From RØDE:

RØDE Microphones is proud to announce a new addition to its line of broadcast and AV products, the Reporter.

Designed for handheld interview and presentation applications, the Reporter features an omnidirectional dynamic capsule that is designed to allow the user freedom of use, without the technique related issues typical of directional end-address microphones.

Additionally its frequency response has been specially tailored for voice reproduction, to maximise intelligibility and deliver crisp, clear results in almost any condition.

The microphone features a durable die-cast aluminium alloy body coated in a discrete matte black anti-glare finish. An innovative multi-layer mesh basket protects the microphone from environmental noise without the need for a bulky and distracting foam wind shield. It is supplied with a removable microphone ‘flag’ that can accommodate high-visibility branding.

The Reporter is covered by RØDE’s industry-leading support guarantee, with a twelve month warranty ‘out of the box’ that is easily increased to ten years free of charge, following online registration of the microphone at rodemic.com.

For more information on the RØDE Reporter, visit the Reporter product page.

B&H carries RØDE products.

Have you ever wanted to see what the inside of a Nikon D600 DSLR camera looked like? The team over at ifixit.com has posted a teardown of the D600 with comments regarding the camera's components and repairability.

From Delkin:

Delkin Introduces Lightest, Least Expensive Carbon Fiber Monopod and Tripod

Poway, CA. November 5, 2012 – Delkin Devices is proud to announce the newest additions to their extensive Fat Gecko product line, the Fat Gecko Monopod and Tripod. Both made of carbon fiber material, the Fat Gecko Monopod & Tripod are the lightest, most durable, and inexpensive Carbon Fiber products currently on the market. All components of the Fat Gecko Tripod and Monopod, including the carbon fiber and steel parts, are made in America.

The Fat Gecko Monopod is made of 8 layers of carbon fiber using a Z-weave pattern. It is highly durable and sturdy, making it able to hold up to 30lbs without bending. In addition, its folded height of 16 inches and weight of only ¾ lb. makes the monopod easy and convenient to carry around. The monopod can reach a height of 57 inches when assembled. Carbon Fiber will also neither corrode nor rust, and is not affected by heat, cold or sun. Its unique 5-section design also allows the monopod to set up and break down in a matter of seconds. Simply unstrap the monopod and it will practically assemble itself. For extra stability, a metal spike, with removable rubber stopper, is built into the bottom of the leg for use on either rocky or uneven ground. The Fat Gecko Monopod and Tripod both come with a standard ¼”-20 locking ball head, which is compatible with all DSLR, Video and Action cameras. The head is removable, meaning that any brand of head on the market can be mounted on a 3/8” post.

The Fat Gecko Tripod is made of 7 layers of carbon fiber, using the same Z-weave pattern, and can hold up to 30 lbs. It can also fold down to 22 inches, reach up to 67 inches when the middle column is fully extended, and weighs in at only 1 lb. Like the monopod, the tripod’s unique 3-section design allows it to set up and break down in a matter of seconds.

The Fat Gecko Monopod and Tripod are available now at Delkin.com, B&H, Adorama and many other quality camera stores worldwide. Retail price for the Fat Gecko Tripod is $119.99, while the Fat Gecko Monopod is priced at $69.99. Retail prices may vary. Delkin’s Fat Gecko product line, distinguished for its versatile photography mounting equipment, includes over a dozen other products that guarantee “Impossible Shots, Made Possible.”

B&H and Adorama carry the new Delkin Carbon Fiber products.

DxO Optics Pro 8.0.1 now supports the Nikon1 J2 and the Sony NEX-5R. More than 200 new camera-lens combinations have been added since the last version.

More information can be found here.

B&H carries DxO products.

From Canon:

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 7, 2012 – In the wake of the devastating effects from Hurricane Sandy, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today made a donation of $100,000 to AmeriCares to be used toward the relief efforts.

"On behalf of all employees at Canon U.S.A., we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those affected by Hurricane Sandy," said Joe Adachi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A.

AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs - and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs - for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.

From Adobe:

We want to make sure you're aware of an important change to Adobe's upgrade policy that may affect you.

Beginning January 1, 2013, only Creative Suite customers with licenses for CS5 or CS5.5 versions will qualify for upgrade pricing to CS6.

Due to this change, we will only continue offering CS3 and CS4 customers like you special upgrade pricing through December 31, 2012.*

* Owners of CS3 and CS4 individual products and suite editions will be eligible to receive upgrade pricing to CS6 until December 31, 2012. After that date, only customers on CS5 or CS5.5 will qualify for upgrade pricing to CS6.

You can purchase upgrades at the Adobe Store.

B&H and Adorama carry the full versions of Adobe products.

From Tamron:

TAMRON PROVIDES FREE SOFTWARE WITH RAW IMAGE DEVELOPMENT PROCESSING FOR TAMRON’S SP LENSES

"SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0 for Tamron" produced by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory

November 6, 2012, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, will start providing software free of charge for Tamron’s SP series lenses that have been on the market since 2012. The software is based on the RAW image development processing software “SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0,” produced by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory.

Features of SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0 for Tamron
The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0 software can develop high-quality images from RAW data, incorporating taste adjustments such as white balance, color, sharpness and tone curve recorded by digital cameras.

The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0 for Tamron provides a range of functions, in addition to the basic adjustment capabilities, such as correcting aberrations (chromatic aberrations of magnification, distortion, peripheral light fall-off), based on the optical data. Used in tandem with Tamron’s SP series lenses - renowned for their high-depiction capability - this advanced technology efficiently produces images that meet photographers’ most exacting demands.

Lens compatibility
Compatible with the SP70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009) and the SP90mm F/2.8 Di Macro1:1 VC USD (Model F004), which is scheduled to be on the market on November 30. Lens data for the SP series to be marketed in the future will be released eventually. The product is also compatible with the SP24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007), which was released in April this year. SP lenses marketed before March 2012 are not compatible with this software.

Languages - Available in 10 languages
SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0 for Tamron can operate in the following languages: Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (traditional Chinese/simplified Chinese) and Korean.

OS Compatibility
Windows 8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X 10.5-10.8 /PowerPC not supported.

Software Distribution
Software distribution will start on November 30 at this Download Site (http://www.tamron.com/en/download/silkypix/)

Inquiries
Please note: For inquiries concerning SILKYPIX software, contact Ichikawa Soft Laboratory at http://www.silkypix.com Upgrades in SILKYPIX for new cameras will be carried out according to Ichikawa Soft Laboratory’s schedule.

Nikon has posted sample images from the newly announced D5200 DSLR camera.

Canon MTF chart comparisons have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Review and Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens Review pages.

Canon has just announced the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens and EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens (Canon USA press release).

I have prepared previews of these new lenses on the review placeholder pages - including comparison charts:

Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens Review
Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens Review

Preorder the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens at: B&H, Adorama

Preorder the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens at: B&H, Adorama

I've been complaining about Canon's antiquated side-pinch-only lens cap design for years. Finally, Canon has listened and announced new side-and-center-pinch caps. Hopefully they will sell these in bulk packs.

From Canon UK:

New lens caps – designed for greater ease and convenience

Canon's 'Mark II' centre-pinch lens caps. From left to right: 82mm, 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, and 58mm.

Both new lenses also come with newly-designed Mark II lens caps, which incorporate a hook mechanism in the centre of the cover, as opposed to the sides. Simply pinching the hook allows users to quickly remove and replace caps mid-shoot, especially when using lens hoods. The re-designed lens caps will start to be rolled out across Canon’s entire EF lens range from the beginning of January 2013, and will also be available to buy separately.

Overview:

• 24MP DX-format CMOS sensor (same as in the D3200)
• EXPEED 3 processor (same as in the D3200)
• ISO range: 100-6,400 (expandable up to 25,600)
• 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor (same as the new D600)
• 39 AF Points
• 5fps
• 3" Articulating Screen 920K dots

From Nikon:

A Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels, extremely precise 39-point AF system, and a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor for superior basic performance
A full-scale entry-level model that enables flexible expression with a side-hinged vari-angle LCD monitor

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D5200. This camera is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.1-million pixels and an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into the D4 flagship camera. It offers the superior basic performance needed for full-scale photography in a compact and lightweight body.

The D5200 offers the same side-hinged vari-angle monitor as the D5100 that enables flexible shooting from any angle, high or low, making even self portraits possible. It is an entry-level model that meets photo enthusiasts’ demands for full-scale photography capabilities with its new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24-million pixels as well as an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into high-end Nikon D4, D800, D800E, and D600 digital SLR cameras for superior resolution, and image quality with very little noise at high sensitivities.

The standard range of sensitivities covers a broad range of ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with support for additional expansion to equivalents up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2). It also offers the most focus points available in its class–39–for fast and reliable focus acquisition and tracking. The Scene Recognition System, made possible with the same 2,016-pixel RGB sensor found in high-end Nikon cameras, more accurately analyzes scene brightness and color information, which is then reflected in autofocus, automatic-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white-balance control.

The D-Movie function supports recording of full-HD 1920 x 1080 60i/50i movies for sharp HD movies exhibiting excellent detail. The D5200 is also equipped with Special Effects mode that enables the application and adjustment of special effects with shooting. Combining a variety of effects with a vari-angle LCD monitor that enables shooting from a wide range of angles significantly broadens imaging expression possibilities with both still image and movie recording.

What’s more, the D5200 is compatible with the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a and the new Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10/WR-T10 (both available separately) for collaboration with smart devices and more possibilities for remote control over the camera, making the D5200 more convenient than its predecessor. When the WU-1a is connected to the camera, images can be transferred to a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet*, and the smart device can also be used to control camera shooting remotely. In addition, the new WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) enable remote control over the camera from greater distances and broader angles than are possible with infrared remote controls for simple and convenient remote control even through obstacles. The WR-T10 can be used to control the camera to which the WR-R10 is connected. However, it can also control multiple cameras to which WR-R10s have been connected, enabling smooth remote control over a number of cameras.

• * The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device’s app store).

D5200 Primary Features

1. A new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels and support for a broad range of ISO sensitivities for superior image quality and definitionThe D5200 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels. It supports a broad range of standard ISO sensitivities, from ISO 100 at the low end to ISO 6400 at the high end, as well as further expansion to an equivalent of ISO 25600 (Hi 2). This support enables capture of sharp and clear images with very little noise, even at higher sensitivities.
2. When used with NIKKOR lenses loaded with Nikon’s advanced optical technologies, the roughly 24.1-million effective pixels enable sharp rendering of even the finest details.
3. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine made faster and more efficient with optimization for digital SLR camerasThe D5200 is equipped with an image-processing engine equivalent to the EXPEED 3 high-performance image-processing engine built into high-end D4, D800, D800E, and D600 Nikon FX-format cameras. This enables faithful rendering and vivid color reproduction, as well as a broad dynamic range. With capture of still images at high sensitivities, advanced noise-reduction processing effectively suppresses noise to preserve textures and details in images. Noise-reduction processing performed with movie recording results in faithful reproduction of crisp, clear outlines in movies recorded in low-light situations.
4. Excellent basic camera performance and operation for stress-free shooting
• Equipped with an AF system offering 39 focus pointsAdoption of the Multi-CAM4800DX autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Utilizing cross-type sensors for the center nine focus points most commonly used ensures reliable focusing performance with certain acquisition of the intended subject and excellent tracking performance. In addition, the number of active focus points can be limited to 11.
• 2,016-pixel RGB sensor with built-in Scene Recognition SystemThe Scene Recognition System detects subject conditions prior to shooting and then analyzes scene brightness and color information that is then used with autofocus, auto-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white-balance control. The results are most clearly seen with reliable tracking of moving subjects when 3D-tracking is enabled. The system is also able to identify smaller subjects than could the D5100. What’s more, when Face-priority AF is enabled with movie recording in live view mode, or when faces are enlarged with playback of still images, up to 35 faces can be recognized.
• High-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 5 fps*With high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 5 fps*, users will never miss the perfect shot, whether framing images using the optical viewfinder or the camera monitor. The densely packed 39 focus points effectively cover the majority of the frame for certain acquisition and tracking of rapidly moving subjects, such as those participating in sporting events. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 3 fps can also be selected for situations, such as capturing natural human expressions, in which a slower frame rate is preferred. This allows for selection of the optimal frame rate according to the scene.
• *With manual focus, [S] (shutter-priority auto) or [M] (manual) shooting mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default value
5. Vari-angle LCD monitor for stress-free shooting from any angleThe 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle is large and ensures clear viewing. It opens to the left from 0–180°, and can be rotated forward 180° and backward 90° when open. Adoption of a side-hinged vari-angle monitor allows for unobstructed opening and rotation of the monitor when the camera is mounted on a tripod for flexible and stress-free shooting from low angles to high angles, making even self portraits possible.
6. Smooth, cinematic action video with Nikon’s D-Movie with superior picture quality : 1920 x 1080 60i/50iThe D5200 is equipped with the D-Movie function, which enables recording of 1920 x 1080 60i/50i movies exhibiting superior picture quality by simply pressing the movie-record button next to the shutter-release button. The new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels and EXPEED 3 high-speed image-processing engine ensure recording of sharp, clear movies with little noise, jaggies, or moiré patterns. Autofocusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to Full-time servo AF (AF-F) and the AF-area mode to Subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on a subject moving throughout the frame. Manual settings* are also available for those who want to specify recording shutter speed and ISO sensitivity according to their own preferences. In addition to the ability to choose the recording frame rate from 50i or 60i (1080), or 24p, 25p, or 30p (1080) per second, the camera is equipped with a stereo microphone for superior audio quality with movie recording. Stereo sound can also be recorded via the optional ME-1 stereo microphone.
• *Available shutter speeds vary according to the selected movie frame rate. ISO sensitivity can be selected within the range of ISO 200–6400 and Hi 0.3–Hi 2.
7. Special Effects mode for creative imaging expressionThe D5200 offers seven* special effects that can be selected and applied with recording of both still images and movies. Special effects are displayed in the monitor with the view through the lens before shooting or recording begins, allowing users to confirm the results of effect selection or adjustment in real time. Users can easily enjoy dramatic effects like those seen in the movies using special effects. This mode was adopted to respond to the creative intent of users searching for a way to express their own unique style and creativity
• *D5200 special effects: Selective Color, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, Night Vision, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key. Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, and Selective Color can also be applied to images already recorded from the retouch menu.
8. Support for the optional Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a enables wireless image transfer to a smart deviceBy simply connecting the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (sold separately), true, high-quality photos and movies recorded with a compatible digital SLR camera can be easily shared with a smart device.* The view through the camera lens (live view) can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet screen to control remote shooting (remote movie recording not supported), and images captured with the D5200 can be transferred to the smart device over a wireless connection. Using the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a expands the ways in which users enjoy the photos and movies they have recorded with the D5200 and a NIKKOR lens by enabling the immediate transfer of images to family and friends, or uploading to blogs or social networking sites, anywhere and anytime.
• *The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device’s app store).
9. Support for the Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10/WR-T10 enables stress-free remote shootingRemote control is more convenient with the D5200 due to support for the WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) that utilize electromagnetic waves. When the WR-R10 is connected to the D5200, the WR-T10 can be used for wireless control over remote shooting. The WR-R10 and WR-T10 enable remote control over the camera from greater distances and broader angles than are possible with infrared remote controls, and obstacles such as trees between the transceiver and transmitter do not impede communications. Not only autofocus is possible with the shutter-release button pressed halfway but also control over operations such as continuous shooting, movie recording and quiet release mode is possible. Naturally, the WR-T10 can be used to remotely control a single camera to which the WR-R10 is connected, but it can also control multiple cameras to which WR-R10s have been connected1,. The WR-R10/WR-T10 makes photography much more enjoyable as it enables varied expression of scenes using multiple cameras, each with a different lens mounted, and each shooting the subject from a different angle using the vari-angle monitor.

Additional D5200 Features and Functions

• The D5200 is available in three colors–black, red, bronze–and the connector cover and power connector cover are the same colors as camera bodies.
• Weighing approximately 555 g*, the compact and lightweight D5200 offers superior operation, functionality, and grip.
• The D5200 is equipped with a new graphical user interface (GUI) for intuitive operation.
• *Including battery and SD memory card; excluding body cap.

I picked up a Samyang 24mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens during the Beach Camera sale recently. With this lens in hand, ISO 12233 chart, flare, distortion and vignetting test results along with lens specifications are now available on the Samyang 24mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens Review page.

Canon USA has the Canon EOS M Mirrorless Camera Instruction Manual available for download (38.04 MB).

There is also a smaller Basic Instruction Manual available (8.42 MB).

Part II of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens Review is now online.

I'm very pleased with the AF performance and image quality this lens is delivering. I've used it a lot since part I of this review - especially for fall landscape photography. The results are superb.

I'll add some sample pictures soon.

B&H and Adorama now have the 24-70 L II in stock.

From Nikon:

Modifications in this release:

• Support for the Nikon 1 V2 has been added.
• Focus points are now displayed in images captured with a Nikon 1 camera.

ViewNX 2.6.0 is available for download.

From Canon Professional Services:

Due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy, the Canon USA repair facility in Jamesburg, New Jersey is currently without power and is closed.

If you recently sent a product to the Jamesburg facility and wish to check on the repair status, please enter your Canon Repair Number and ZIP Code into the designated fields at the following Canon USA web site address: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer?pageKeyCode=checkRepairStatus

Recovery operations are underway and we have been informed by the local utility servicing the Jamesburg facility that power should be restored by November 7. However, due to storm-related delays, normal operations and repair turnaround are not expected to resume until November 16. Until that time, please direct any new repair requests to one of the Canon Repair Facilities below:

1. Newport News, Virginia
Canon Factory Service Center
12022 Canon Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23606
(Mail-In Service Only)

2. Irvine, California
Canon Factory Service Center
15955 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618
(Mail-In and Walk-In Service)

When sending in your equipment for repair please ensure the box is marked as CPS Pro Rush Repair to expedite the request.

Assistance is also available to CPS members 24x7 via the CPS Member Hot Line at 1-877-CPS-8122 (1-877-277-8122).

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to return to normal operations in New Jersey as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Canon Professional Services (CPS)
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries
CPS Toll free; 1-877-CPS-8122
24 hours 7 days/per week

Equipment loan requests
cpsloan@cusa.canon.com

Membership
cpsmember@cits.canon.com

Repairs
NJ njcpsservice@cusa.canon.com
CA cacpsservice@cusa.canon.com
VA vacpsservice@cusa.canon.com

From Adorama:

Power Up for FREE at Adorama!

Adorama is happy to announce that we have reopened and want to do whatever we can to help ease your recovery. Many New Yorkers are blacked out, so today and tomorrow on 18th between 5th & 6th, we have set up high-powered charging stations for FREE usage. We invite you to come down with your phones and electronics and charge all your devices at our stations for FREE. This is a free public service for all of New York. Adorama – the official retailer of the NY Giants – is located on 18th Street between 5th & 6th Avenue. We wish you and your loved ones a very safe recovery after the storm.

Also, if you need any charges or cables equipment shipped, see all our accessories HERE. We will do our very best to get it shipped out the same day.

Sincerely,
The Adorama Team

From Canon UK:

When you purchase the EOS 60D or EOS 7D you are eligible to receive 50% off selected Canon accessories*

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer patiently waiting for that perfect shot or a sports photographer who relies heavily on speed and power, these accessories will give you the extra support you need to get the best out of your style of photography.

Canon EOS 60D/60Da or Canon EOS 7D

• BG-E9 Battery Grip
• BG-E7 Battery Grip
• RS-60 E3 Remote switch
• RS-80 N3 Remote switch
• RC-6 IR Remote Control
• TX-80N3 Timer Remote Controller
• LP-E6 Battery
• ACK-E6 AC Adapter

Download the Terms & Conditions and Participating Retailers forms.

Jessops carries the Canon EOS 7D and EOS 60D DSLR cameras.

Nikon has posted their Financial Results for Q2 of the Year ending March 2013 [November 1, 2012].

Financial Results (PDF:339KB)

Financial and Business Data (PDF:88KB)

Presentation Material (PDF:631KB)
1. Financial Results for the First Half of the Year Ending March 31, 2013 (PDF:359KB)
2. Estimation for the Year Ending March 31, 2013 (PDF:364KB)
3. Reference Data (PDF:184KB)