Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Nov 2010 Report News & Deals  ►

In a press release issued today, ElcomSoft claims to have discovered a vulnerability in the Canon Original Data Security System.
 
Thanks Robert, Miko (www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=10221)

Willoughby's Established 1898 via Amazon.com has the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens in stock.

I added a gallery of Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Sample Pictures to the site. You will quickly notice the ultra-wide angle theme that this lens invites.

Today, the USA celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday. While this holiday celebration is typically a time spent with friends and family, it is also a time to reflect on how blessed we are and to express "thanks". And one of my hearty expressions of THANKS goes you. I have greatly enjoyed meeting (virtualy) and getting to know so many of you. And without you, this site would not exist - It's really as simple as that. The site's support comes soley through your purchases made using the links on this site and through your referrals of others to the site who do the same.
 
As you do your Christmas shopping this year, please keep this site in mind. Most or all of the retailers below here have a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal page(s) that will list all of their bargains. Experience no lines, no traffic and no parking hassles.
 
Again, Thanks! And happy Thanksgiving!
 

   

     

Canon EOS 7D Firmware Update Version 1.2.3 is now available.
 
Firmware version 1.2.3 incorporates the following fixes.
 
1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off.
 
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT24-EX) and slave flashes do not sync while shooting wirelessly.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Firmware Update Version 1.0.9 is now available.
 
Firmware version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes.
 
1. Fixes a phenomenon in which tone jumps become noticeable in some images, depending on the shooting scene, when shooting with the Auto Lighting Optimizer settings (Low / Standard / Strong).

PDN's PhotoPlus Virtual Event will be held on Wed, Dec 8th.
 
Registration is free.

"CF 6.0 Introduces Performance and Feature Enhancements"
 
Cupertino, California – November 18, 2010 – The CompactFlash Association (CFA) announces the CF 6.0 specification, a new CFA logo, and a refreshed website coinciding with the CFA celebrating fifteen years of performance leadership in flash memory card markets.
 
The CF 6.0 specification adds performance and functionality to the current CF 5.0 specification based on the PATA (Parallel ATA) interface while maintaining backward compatibility. In conjunction with this new specification, CFA has completed a refresh to both the CFA logo and website allowing for improved navigation, future product and market application information along with enhanced member benefits. The CF 6.0 specification includes a new Sanitize Command, Trim Usage Guidelines and an Operating Temperature Range function along with adding Ultra DMA Mode 7 which supports 167 MB/second speed. The new CF 6.0 specification is available for immediate download from the new enhanced CFA website.

Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Review
 
This is a fun lens.

November 19, 2010
Tamron Co., Ltd.
 
Regarding Inventory Sufficiency of the SP70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005)
 
Since Tamron released in Japan the SP70-300 F/4.5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005) telephoto zoom lens in August 2010, orders have greatly exceeded expectations. Tamron is extremely grateful for this stong consumer response, but an unfortunate side effect has been the difficulty of production volume to keep pace with demand. We would like to reassure all customers who are waiting for this product that we are currently doing everything we can to meet demand levels, and offer our sincerest apologies for such resulting inconvenience.
 
We appreciate the patience and understanding of Tamron customers as we promptly address these temporary inventory issues. Tamron reiterates its commitment to maintaining the satisfaction that its loyal customers have come to expect over the years.
 
The lens still appears to be available in the USA - and at $399 shipped after mail-in rebate, the price is right:
 
Canon Mount: B&H (taking preorders) | Adorama | Amazon.com
 
Nikon Mount: B&H | Adorama | Amazon.com

From Think Tank Photo:
 
NEWLY REDESIGNED HYDROPHOBIA® 300-600 RELEASED
 
We have upgraded our rain cover for super telephoto lenses, the Hydrophobia 300-600. The Hydrophobia 300-600 V2.0 pre-mounts to the lens hood to be quickly deployed during inclement weather. If bad weather is intermittent, the rain cover can stay in the pre-mounted position but pulled out to cover the camera when needed. The rain cover now offers a larger clear window on back for increased view of the camera and LCD screen. Version 2.0 also features a tethered lens hood cover to keep moisture or debris from hitting the front lens element, while the camera is not being used.
 
For smaller lenses up to a 70-200 we also have the Hydrophobia® 70-200 and the Hydrophobia® Flash 70-200 with built-in flash protector. They feature side arm holes for focusing and accessing switches. And now, without exposing your expensive bodies and lenses to the elements, you can change memory cards and batteries without taking off the rain covers. The external Camera Strap (included) eliminates the need to remove the strap attached to the camera body. Click here for a video showing the Hydrophobia 70-200 in action.
 
NEWLY REDESIGNED CAMERA STRAPS RELEASED
 
We have completely redesigned our Camera Straps. The Camera Strap V2.0 features non-slip material on both sides so the strap will not slip off the shoulder, even if the strap is upside down! Designed for less bulk and increased portability, the Camera Strap V2.0 also attaches to Think Tank backpacks and harnesses by using the Camera Support Straps (sold separately).

Standardized test results have been added to the Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens Review page.
 
Update: I have temporarily removed the ISO 12233 chart results for the Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens and the Zeiss 100mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar T* ZE Lens review pages. While both lenses show excellent resolution right into the corners, the results are showing some flaring around the edges of the details in the chart. Zeiss does not think this should be happening, so I'm going to test a Canon lens simultaneuosly with a Zeiss lens - and perhaps test using two camera bodies. Stay tuned for the results (probably next week).

B&H has announced that ground service into Canada via Purolator is now available.
 
This service requires that you prepay all necessary VAT and HST / PST / GST fees at checkout, but doing so allows Purolator to expedite your package and allows B&H to offer an economical shipping solution to Canadian customers.
 
Note that some of the items B&H sells cannot be exported to Canada due to manufacturer or government restrictions. You will receive an on-screen notice if you attempt put an item in your shopping cart or attempt to check out with items that are restricted.
 
B&H to Canada Estimated Shipping Timetable:
 

Shipping To	Estimated Delivery
Calgary	4-5 Business Days
Edmonton	4-5 Business Days
Halifax	3-4 Business Days
Moncton	3-4 Business Days
Montreal	2-3 Business Days
Ottawa	2-3 Business Days
Quebec	2-3 Business Days
Regina	4-5 Business Days
Saskatoon	4-5 Business Days
St. John’s	5-6 Business Days
Toronto	2-3 Business Days
Vancouver	5-6 Business Days
Winnipeg	3-4 Business Days

Standardized test results have been added to the Zeiss 50mm f/2 ZE Makro Planar Lens Review page.

I love the idea: Inflatable Photo Studio