Canon and Sony News for Jul 2010

The main sample images gallery page was getting too large, so I have created a new Images Gallery menu that allows selection of sample images galleries by gear type (such as Canon Zoom Lens Sample Pictures).

By request, I have modified the image galleries to be able to show more gear (tripod, tripod head, filters, extenders ...) specifically used for each image. And by more-specific request, the American Southwest Gallery has been updated with this gear. I don't know if I will get time to retroactively update other images on the site, but I will add this information to all new images.

B&H has the Kirk SGH-1 Super Grip Handle in stock. I know some of you were looking for something like this and wanted to make you aware of it. Looks like a great way to securely carry a big lens - or even a camera. Might even make a decent ground pod in the right conditions.

A new specification, 47.25" x 31.5" (1200mm x 800mm) Subject Framing Distance, has been added to the Lens Specifications and Measurements Tool.

This is the laser measured distance from the camera sensor plane to a subject framed the specified size at the specified focal length. Use these values to compare lenses or to determine if a lens will meet your needs. Most Canon and Nikon lenses and many other third party lenses have this information included in the database.

I would not be surprised to see a Canon EOS 60D arrive this fall, but DxO Labs is apparently sure enough to publish the it. Update: Now Removed: The Canon EOS 60D is listed on the DxO Optics Modules Roadmap for inclusion in November.

I caution against making plans based on unsubstantiated rumors, but thought you might find this interesting. Canon typically makes new DSLR-related gear announcements in August.

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart and Lens Specifications and Measurements Tools have been added to the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Lens page.

I added a Packing for a Landscape Photography Trip page to the tips section of the site.

Posting the American Southwest Photo Gallery generated some interest in what gear I took with me, so I'm sharing this along with the American Southest Grand Tour itinerary I followed.

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart, Lens Specifications and Measurements and Standard Product Image Tools have been added to the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens Review page.

Canon has released EOS 7D Firmware Version 1.2.2.

Firmware Version 1.2.2 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

2. Fixes the AF point-selection behavior of the C.Fn III-7 (Manual AF pt. selec. pattern) custom function when set to [1].

3. Fixes the AF point display for the viewfinder electronic level when shooting in the vertical position.

4. Corrects misspellings in the Spanish and Thai menus for applicable products.

New to the site: American Southwest Photo Gallery

In this gallery, I share some of my favorite images from my recent American Southwest "Grand Tour" trip. Of course, camera and lens settings are included along with some commentary and tips.

I increased the size of the photos in this gallery relative to what I have been posting. Please let me know if the larger size causes you problems - and remember that "CTRL-" and "CTRL+" decreases and increases viewing sizes in most browsers.

Enjoy!

Canon USA as announced new PIXMA Printers and CanoScan LiDE Color Image Scanners (press release).

The printer press release headline reads "NEW FULL HD MOVIE PRINT FEATURED IN FIVE NEW CANON PIXMA PRINTERS".

My first thought was - wow - now we can print HD flipbook movies! (my second thought was - what a great way to sell ink.)

The movie print feature allow selection of a specific movie frame for printing. A useful feature for smaller prints. Read the press release for more details.

According to a Reuters article, Masaya Maeda, head of the Canon Image Communication Products division, indicated that Canon is "... working on a smaller version of its upmarket single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras in a bid to compete with the new breed of mid-range so-called "mirrorless" cameras ..." [Reuters]

Maeda commented that a smaller camera does not necessarily mean mirrorless.

Adorama has the awesome Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens in refurbished condition for $4,899.95. (thanks Guthrie)

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart Crops have been added to the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Lens Review page.

The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Lens and I are off to a rocky start. The first copy backfocused at all focal lengths. The second copy backfocused at 24mm. And by backfocusing, I'm talking about the lens focusing behind the subject by an unacceptable amount (not just a tiny distance) on both a 50D and a Rebel T2i. The third purchased-retail lens appears to be focusing accurately.

I have added ISO 12233 Chart results from the last two lenses (select the specific lens results to view using the drop-down box) - I was hoping the wide open results from the first-tested lens were an anomaly, but ... they apparently were not. You will not want to use this lens wide open very often.

THK Photo Products has announced the HOYA PRO1 Digital ND16 Filter (press release).

Bibble Labs, Inc. has released Bibble 5.1 Pro & Lite.

"This release includes Healing & Cloning, Perfectly Clear® one-touch image optimization, web gallery output, support for 10 additional RAW camera formats (including Panasonic G2 and G10, Sony a450, NEX-3 and NEX-5 and Olympus E-450 and E-600 and more) as well as several smaller features."

According to DCFever.com (link is to Google Chinese-to-English-translated page), Canon will be introducing a new line of camera raincoats. Three sizes will be available in July and the price as reported is low (HK $490 = US $63.05). Hit the link for pics and more information. (thanks David)

The English version of the Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 PRO FX Lens Press Release is now available.

Roger Cicala (LensRentals.com) is the latest to provide an addition to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Mug Review.

Roger has discovered a no-additional-cost source for Canon lens mugs:

I would add though, that for those who don't want to pay the high prices being asked on eBay, it is not to hard to not only make your own lens mug from existing lenses you have around the house. The do-it-yourself method allows you to make mugs in various sizes - and mugs that can serve in other useful capacities.

After some trial and error, I've found it usually is best to drop the lens, sans hood, face down on a concrete floor from about 4 feet. The remaining work takes little time and can be accomplished with some sturdy pliers and a bit of superglue.

I'm sure Roger's creative method voids the manufacturer's warranty.

Canon USA has launched a new website. Though much of the content remains the same, the design is significantly changed.

The content you are likely most interested in is here

Don't forget - the rebates end today.

ISO 12233 Chart results have been added to the Tamron 60mm f/2 Di II Macro Lens Lens Review placeholder page.

Canon has posted Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Firmware Version 1.0.8.

Firmware Version 1.0.8 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves unexpectedly when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

2. Corrects misspellings in the French and Spanish menus for applicable products.

Canon has posted Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8.

Firmware Version 1.0.8 incorporates the following fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves unexpectedly when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

Read the Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 PRO FX Lens Press Release for information about this new lens coming to Canon and Nikon mounts in the near future.

The Manchester Evening News is reporting that 20,000 fake camera cases have been seized.

"The counterfeit cases, branded as Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Pentax and Kodak, were discovered at a house in Bowdon."

"The haul was found after a sting by Trading Standards and Canon, which carried out a number of test purchases after finding the items on sale online."

Sigma has announced the Sigma APO 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens APS-C Hood Adapter. This adapter will be provided with new lenses and will be provided at no charge to current owners of this lens.