Canon and Sony News for Apr 2013

From Canon Australia:

Firmware Version 1.2.1 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes.

• Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
• Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
• Improves the speed of the camera's acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite's AF-assist beam.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display Err 70 or Err 80 when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
• Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
• Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
• When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an "O" will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an "X" will be displayed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM lens.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
• Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the "Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO" option.

* Items No.1 through 12 have been incorporated into firmware version 1.2.0.
* Items No.1 through 14 have been incorporated into firmware version 1.2.1.

Firmware Version 1.2.1 is for cameras with firmware version 1.2.0 or earlier. If the camera's firmware is already version 1.2.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Notes:

• Once the EOS 5D Mark III camera is updated to version 1.2.1, it cannot be restored to a previous firmware version (Version 1.0.7 through 1.1.3).
• It is recommended that the latest application software*1 be used, once the EOS 5D Mark III is updated to the new firmware version 1.2.1 from older firmware (versions 1.0.7 through 1.1.3). Certain previous versions of these applications do not support functions which are added by the new firmware.
• In order to use EOS Utility software with the updated EOS 5D Mark III, the EOS Utility software must be updated to the latest version.

When cameras, or images taken with cameras, have been updated to the new Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0), and are used with the old version application software, the following phenomena will occur.

EOS Utility

• The "HDMI output" function, "HDMI output setting" or "HDMI output frame rate setting" cannot be registered to My Menu of the camera.
• The lens aberration compensation data cannot be registered to the camera.

Digital Photo Professional

• If the Lens Aberration Correction Window is chosen when working with a RAW image taken with a camera running Firmware Version 1.2.1 or 1.2.0, the adjustment window will automatically shut down and the adjustment (correction) cannot be made.
• Due to the differences in the camera firmware versions, the following phenomena will occur.
• RAW images taken with a Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0) camera cannot be processed on cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.3 or before.
• When images taken with a camera running Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0), are read by a camera running Firmware Version 1.1.3 or older, Direct print is not possible.

RAW images taken with a Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0) camera cannot be processed on cameras with Firmware Version 1.1.3 or before.
When images taken with a camera running Firmware Version 1.2.1 (or 1.2.0), are read by a camera running Firmware Version 1.1.3 or older, Direct print is not possible.

• Accompanying the enhancements to the functions, the instruction manual has also been revised. Users are asked to download both the latest firmware and the instruction manual. You can download the latest instruction manual from our Web site.

Download the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Update (.zip). (thanks Ben)

Canon Autralia has published an updated Canon EOS 5D Mark III Owner's Manual that addresses the changes in firmware version 1.2.x. (thanks Gus)

Manual Notes:

This manual is for the EOS 5D Mark III installed with firmware version 1.2.0 or later. Please refer to the pages below for further information about the new functions added by firmware version 1.2.x.

There are also updated versions of the following manuals available for download:

Canon Digital Photo Professional v 3.13 - Windows | Macintosh
EOS Utility v 3.13 - Windows | Macintosh

Nikon Professional Services has published some D800/D800E Tips that included a list of lenses ideal for use with the D800E.

From NPS D800/D800E Tips:

Aperture and Complex Subjects

With cameras like the D800E, which are suited to photography of visually complex subjects, maximizing lens resolution is vital. Though results will vary from lens to lens, the greatest contrast all the way to frame peripheries can generally be achieved at an aperture setting two to three stops down from maximum aperture. Some lenses that offer excellent resolution are listed below.

• AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED
• AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G
• AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
• AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II
• AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
• AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED
• AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
• PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED
• PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED
• PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D

The D800E offers better resolution at aperture settings with which diffraction is not an issue. As the aperture setting has more influence on resolution with the D800E than with the D800, D800E users should always keep the possible effects of diffraction in mind.

B&H carries the Nikon D800 and D800E DSLR cameras.

The full Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD Lens Review is now available.

Canon has published a series of time lapse photography videos by Vincent Laforet. The first two parts of the series can be seen in high definition on Canon USA's youtube channel. All four parts of the series can be seen on the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Gear used in the various time lapse videos:

• Canon EOS-1D X
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
• Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
• Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt Shift
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
• Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift
• Canon Timer Remote Control TC-80N3
• Think Tank Photo Pixel Pocket Rocket
• Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
• Manfrotto 057 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head

"This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending April 27th, 2013.

In the news...

On Monday, Canon announced that its EOS line of interchangeable-lens digital cameras had consistently ranked number one in volume sales for the last 10 years running. Canon first gained the leading position after its introduction of the Digital Rebel a decade ago.

Also on Monday, we posted a YouTube video featuring Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s tips for photographing from the International Space Station. Chris’s advice? Be patient, look for lines and textures, and use the small “sun glint” angle of reflection window for striking water scenes.

On Wednesday, Sigma announced pricing and availability for its 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM lens and USB Dock. The lens will retail for $3,599.00 while the USB dock will retail for $59.00. Note: I forgot to mention - the lens is expected to be available May 15 while the dock is expected to be available May 18.

And speaking of the USB Dock, Sigma posted a demo video of its Optimization Pro software. Using the new USB Dock, the software allows you to update a compatible lens’s firmware and perform independent microfocus adjustments based on focal range and focus distance.

On Thursday, Canon announced the “Project Imaginat10n” film contest. Canon invites filmmakers of all skill-levels to create films inspired by ten crowdsourced photos and based on ten storytelling themes: Character, Mood, Goal, Backstory, Setting, Obstacle, Relationship, The Unknown, Time and Discovery.

And, for our deal of the week…

On Friday, we posted a deal from Adorama where you could get a Zoom H2N Handy Digital Audio Recorder for $50.00 off – or $129.99 with free shipping. This audio recorder should come in handy when you’re making your “Project Imaginat10n” film.

This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!"

From Toshiba:

World's fastest class of CF memory cards with latest Video Performance Guarantee Profile 2 (VPG-65) for high-end DSLR

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that its new line of high performance CompactFlash® (CF) memory cards1, the EXCERIA PRO™ series2, will go on sale from April 27th in the Japanese market. Sales will also follow in Asia, Europe and North America. The initial line-up of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB cards offers the world's highest level read and write speeds3 and complies with the new Video Performance Guarantee Profile 2 (VPG-65) standard.

The EXCERIA PRO™ CF cards integrate Toshiba's high performance NAND flash memory and specially developed dedicated firmware. They achieve a read speed of 160MB/s and write speed of 150MB/s4, the highest level yet reported.

The new cards are compliant with the CompactFlash Association (CFA) standard CompactFlash® Specification Revision 6.1 and compatible with the UDMA7 high speed interface, ensuring they can support high performance DSLRs to the full. The cards are also compatible with the latest "Video Performance Guarantee Profile 2" standard, VPG-65. VPG-65 secures Full HD video capture streams at a minimum write speed of 65MB/s for compatible host devices and recording media. VPG-65 enables 4K resolution (a digital movie file format with horizontal resolution of approx. 4,000 pixels and vertical resolution of approx. 2,000 pixels) movie shooting and high quality Full HD video capture at high frame rates with no dropped frames.

The market for DSLR is expected to grow by some 50% from 2012 to 2015 and demand for CF cards will grow with it. Toshiba will be developing high performance memory cards to meet those needs of the market.

Main Specifications:

The Canon Camera Museum has published a Technical Report on the PowerShot N digital camera.

B&H carries the Canon PowerShot N digital camera.

From Canon:

Canon U.S.A., Ron Howard And Bryce Dallas Howard Announce "Project Imaginat10n" Film Contest Where Five Consumer-Directed Films Will Premiere At The "Project Imaginat10n" Film Festival In Fall 2013

Now the Public Can Select 10 of the Winning Photos from Project Imaginat10n to Inspire Short Films, the same Creative Exercise as Eva Longoria, Jamie Foxx, James Murphy, Georgina Chapman and Biz Stone

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 24, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the "Project Imaginat10n" Film Contest, which will provide the public with a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities by taking a seat in the director's chair.

Helmed by Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard, filmmakers of all skill levels will each have the chance to embark on the same creative exercise as five celebrity directors - Eva Longoria (film and TV actress), Jamie Foxx (Academy Award(r) winner), Biz Stone (co-founder of Twitter), Georgina Chapman (designer and co-founder of Marchesa) and James Murphy (founder of LCD SOUNDSYSTEM) - all of whom are directing short films inspired from ten Project Imaginat10n winning photographs.

Selecting from the same pool of 91 winning photos, the challenge is to create a short film inspired by ten crowdsourced photos and based on ten storytelling themes: Character, Mood, Goal, Backstory, Setting, Obstacle, Relationship, The Unknown, Time and Discovery. The Discovery photo will be the same in each film, "Discovering limits," as selected by Ron Howard as a thematic tie. All 91 photos can be seen at imagination.usa.canon.com.

In 2011, Bryce Dallas Howard took part in a similar creative endeavor, "Project Imagin8ion," where she was mentored by her father, Ron Howard, to create a short film inspired by photographs. After selecting eight winning photos, Bryce directed "when you find me," an award-winning film about two sisters whose childhood bond is tested by a tragedy they are too young to understand.

As the first "graduating" director of the Project Imagin8ion experiment, Bryce will utilize her experience from "when you find me," to act as a mentor for other filmmakers - speaking at select film schools and revealing her tips in an online webisode series, "Bryce's Project Imaginat10n Film Contest Tutorial."

"Directing 'when you find me' was one of the most creatively rewarding endeavors of my career. In addition to the amazing experience of being mentored by my dad, the chance to collaborate with such a vast community of artists and photographers was game changing and challenged the very paradigm of the filmmaking I had grown accustomed to," said Bryce Dallas Howard. "My hope for the Project Imaginat10n film contest is that aspiring filmmakers will feel empowered to showcase their work and explore their own creativity. I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to engage with the filmmakers and support them as they embark on this powerful odyssey into creativity and collaboration."

Submissions will begin on June 4, 2013 at imagination.usa.canon.com (see Official Rules for details). A panel of judges will select twenty finalist films based on overall technical quality, originality, use of imagination and impression. Bryce Dallas Howard and Ron Howard will then select the final five winning films and package them with the five celebrity-directed films as "A Ron Howard Presentation." All ten films will be showcased at Canon's Project Imaginat10n Film Festival in fall 2013.

The Samyang/Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Lens is availabe for preorder at the following retailers:

Samyang Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Lens - B&H | Adorama
Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Lens - B&H | Adorama | Amazon

From Photoshelter:

Our new guide, Creating a Successful Photography Portfolio, is packed with tips from top photography consultants to help you build a better online portfolio to attract clients and win more jobs. In this guide, you’ll learn:

• 11 secrets to a successful photography portfolio website
• 8 portfolio do’s and don’ts
• Tips to set the right tone and attract dream clients
• How you can win jobs by showcasing personal projects
• And more!

Plus, Be Entered to Win a Free Website Image Edit!

Download the guide and also be entered to win a free Website Image Edit* with top photography consultant Amanda Sosa Stone courtesy of our friends at Agency Access. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

*The Website Image Edit includes a review of 250-500 images for your website edit. The winner will be notified by PhotoShelter on May 1, 2013 and have until May 1, 2014 to set up a consulting session with Agency Access’ Amanda Sosa Stone.

Click here to download the "Creating a Successful Photography Portfolio Guide".

While this video was mentioned in the previous announcement by Sigma, I wanted to call special attention to it. This is the first time we've been able to see the USB Dock software in action and, in my opinion, it looks very promising. [Sean]

B&H has the Sigma USB Dock (Canon/Nikon) available for preorder.

From Sigma:

Global Vision products hit shelves in US early May

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., — April 24, 2013 — Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the pricing and availability of the Sigma USB dock and the company’s newly redesigned 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM from the Global Vision Sport lens category.

The updated 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens will be available in early May for the street price of $3,599 in Sigma and Canon mounts. The USB dock, which is compatible with lenses from Sigma’s new Global Vision lineup, will also be available in early May for the street price of $59.

“As the first lens of our Sports lineup to become available, we’re glad to continue the next round of our Global Vision lenses with the 120-300mm F2.8,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Our USB dock is the first in the industry of its kind, and we’re confident that it will be a ground-breaking product in helping photographers as they work.”

With redesigned mechanics and performance, this Sports lens is an update from its predecessor released in February 2011. With a maximum focal length of 300mm and a wide-open aperture of F2.8, this lens eases difficult shooting conditions. It is dust and moisture resistant, and allows users to switch between two custom settings created via the USB dock. The 120-300mm lens has been redesigned and quality-control tested with Sigma’s proprietary modulation transfer function (MTF) “A1” measuring system as part of Sigma’s new Global Vision category restructuring. Under the new Sports category, the lens also has the manufacturing year stamped on the barrel.

The Sigma USB dock, an industry first, works in conjunction with Sigma Optimization Pro (SOP) software to connect a photographer’s lens to their personal computer and the internet to update firmware and other parameters. The AF speed, focus limiter and OS function are also customizable for Sports lenses, such as the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM. Upon arrival of the products, SOP will be available via a downloadable copy online here. A video demonstration of SOP software is available here.

Preorder Opportunities:

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon - B&H | Adorama
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon - B&H | Adorama

Sigma USB Dock for Canon - B&H
Sigma USB Dock for Nikon - B&H

From DxO:

04/24/2013

118 new lens / camera combinations have been added to the DxO Optics Modules library, providing support for Canon, Nikkor, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses for Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.

To see supported and planned combinations, click on the link below then select the second tab.

Supported or planned combinations

Canon | Fujifilm | Nikon | Sony

B&H carries DxO Optics Pro.

Nikon has published the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Lens User's Manual.

B&H has the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Lens available for preorder.

Nikon recently published a video promoting its D7100 DSLR camera. Filmed exclusively with the D7100 and Nikkor lenses, "Life in the Waves" follows photograher Chris Burkard as he shoots in his hometown of Pismo Beach, California.

B&H carries the Nikon D7100 DSLR camera.

Canon has released Q1 2013 Financial results. The presentation material PDF provides a graphical summary.

From Reuters:

Canon raises profit outlook as weak yen swells earnings
Canon Inc raised its full-year operating profit forecast by $300 million as a weakening yen triggered by Japan's latest deflation-fighting policies inflates its overseas earnings, despite smartphones sapping compact camera sales.

Canon sees lower compact camera sales in 2013, expects weaker yen
Japan's Canon Inc said on Wednesday it expected to sell 14.5 million compact cameras in the current business year that ends in December, down from its previous forecast of 17 million units, but it expected a weaker yen versus the dollar.

From Nikon:

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• Display accuracy for the virtual horizon has been increased according to the direction in which the camera is pointed.
• The interval between shots with uninterrupted shooting when Auto bracketing is set to Exposure bracketing has been reduced.
• An issue that prevented shutter speeds slower than one second for the second and subsequent shots when shooting with Auto bracketing set to Exposure bracketing has been resolved.

Download the COOLPIX P7700 Firmware 1.1 Update: Windows | Macintosh

Installation instructions (PDF): Windows | Macintosh

B&H carries the Nikon COOLPIX P7700 Digital Camera.

From Canon USA:

Canon U.S.A. has launched the Cinema EOS C500 4K Digital Cinema Camera Menu Simulator. Developed by the Canon Digital Learning Center (CDLC), the EOS C500 Menu Simulator is a fully interactive platform that allows users to familiarize themselves with the camera’s Main Menu and Custom Picture Menu.

With this innovative training tool, prospective users of the EOS C500 can navigate the simulated menu system with a mouse, keyboard arrow keys or their fingers (when using a touch screen device). Ideal for cinematographers, camera operators, camera assistants, producers, and directors, the Menu Simulator provides a platform to research camera behavior and features.

For added convenience, the EOS C500 Menu Simulator has been optimized for use on personal computers and tablet devices so it can be used at home, on set, or on-the-go.

To access this simulator feature please visit: www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/Simulators/c500.shtml

B&H carries the Canon EOS C500 Cinema Camcorder.

If you are a Google Reader user, you are likely aware that Google is shutting down this service in the near future. This shut down leaves many of us concerned about the longevity of the rest of Google's free (or paid) services, but the more immediate need is to find a replacement for Reader.

After a modestly intense search, Feedly has become my replacement web-based RSS feed reader. I have been using the Firefox version of Feedly for weeks now and am pleased with its functionality. Especially nice for those following a large number of feeds is that Feedly will auto-import your Google feeds. Select the List View for each of your feeds to most-closely mimic Google Reader's default view, but also check out the other available options.

Visit: Feedly

From YouTube:

Throughout his ISS mission, CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield has been taking some of the most incredible photos of Earth ever seen. In this video, the Station Commander takes us to the best seat in the house to gaze at the visual splendour of the Earth.

He shares his techniques and his passion for capturing the fleeting glimpses of our changing world that has galvanized a vast and diverse audience of space-lovers. Credit: Canadian Space Agency/NASA

To see more of Hadfield's images of Earth, visit him on Twitter @Cmdr_Hadfield or through his Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AstronautChrisHadfield.

From Canon:

OKYO, April 22, 2013—Canon Inc. today announced that the company's interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and compact-system cameras) have consistently maintained the No. 1 share worldwide in terms of volume within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the 10-year period from 2003 to 2012.^*1

In addition to the interchangeable lenses, Canon also develops its own key components—the CMOS image sensors and image processors—employed in the company's interchangeable-lens cameras, incorporating the most advanced of these technologies in its flagship EOS-1D series. By applying these technologies to other models as well, Canon has successfully created a powerful product lineup that effectively responds to the needs of a wide range of users, from professionals to entry-level users, which has enabled the company to maintain the top global share.

In 2003, the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D Digital in other regions), a compact and lightweight user-friendly camera that set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market while, at the same time, captured the top share of the global market. Since that time, Canon, in the company's ongoing pursuit of high image quality, has launched a number of models targeting advanced-amateur users that offer among the highest levels of performance for their class, including the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

In 2012, Canon celebrated the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the EOS system and marked its 10th consecutive year as the market's world leader. During the year, Canon launched the compact-system EOS M, aimed at expanding the company's entry-level user base, along with the EOS 6D, the world's smallest and lightest^*2 digital SLR camera equipped with a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor, which contributed to the growth of the advanced-amateur user segment.

This year, Canon introduced the EOS Kiss X7 (EOS Rebel SL1 or EOS 100D in other regions), the world's smallest and lightest^*2 digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C-size sensor, bolstering its product lineup with a model befitting the industry's top brand while targeting its 11th straight year as the world's market leader.

With a history of producing cameras that dates back to the company's founding in 1937, 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.

*1 Based on a survey by Canon.
*2 As of March 1, 2013, based on a Canon survey.

B&H carries Canon DSLR cameras & lenses.

This is The-Digital-Picture.com's Weekend Recap for the week ending April 20th, 2013.

In the news...

On Monday, Adobe announced the availability of Photoshop Lightroom 5 Beta. New features include an advanced healing brush, the ability to straighten images with a single click, radial gradient tool, video slideshow editing, and improved photo book creation.

On Tuesday, Nikon published several firmware updates all addressing the same battery charging issue. In all, fifteen COOLPIX cameras were affected and require the firmware update to correct the issue.

On Thursday, Sigma dropped a bombshell when it announced its 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens – the newest addition to its “Art” lineup. Designed for APS-C sensor digital cameras, the lens features 17 elements in 12 groups, 9 rounded aperture blades, and a constant f/1.8 maximum aperture throughout its zoom range – a unique feature that grabbed a lot of attention this week. Unfortunately, a release date and price has yet to be determined.

In site news and reviews...

Also on Thursday, Bryan introduced a new, more useful homepage for the site. The new homepage was designed to make it easier to access the site’s reviews, tools, tips, and recommendations. Check out the new homepage at The-Digital-Picture.com and let us know what you think on Facebook, Google +, or Twitter!

And, for our deal of the week…

On Monday, we posted an eBay deal where you could get the Canon EOS M Mirrorless camera with the 18-55mm IS STM lens for $399.99 with free shipping. That’s nearly a 30% savings off the normal retail price. Note: Price on auction has changed since publication of post.

This has been the The-Digital-Picture.com’s Weekend Recap. Thanks for listening, and as always, happy shooting!

This change was long overdue. I've been tired of the home page design for a long time and finally carved out the time necessary to do something about it. Check out the new, much more useful The-Digital-Picture.com home page.

The new layout is designed to be your hub to the most-used pages on the site. Take a moment to explore the options now available on the home page. If you like what you see, please use the social buttons at the top of the page to "Like", "Tweet", "+1" or otherwise share the updated page!

This site is all about you, so help us serve you better by sending us your suggestions. Tell us how to tweak the graphic design. Tell us what additional content should be available (or should be removed). Hit the "Contact Us" link at the top of the page or go over to Facebook or Google+ to share these ideas and suggestions with us.

Note that I plan to make similar changes to some of the other category pages on the site. These changes will not be as big - I'll likely not announce these.

A new Canon firmware update for Canon EOS 5D Mark III is scheduled to be available April 30 according to the Canon USA product page.

"A firmware update for EOS 5D Mark III is scheduled to be available on April 30, 2013. Please click here to learn more."

The firmware update will allow autofocusing at f/8 and uncompressed HDMI output support.

B&H carries the Canon 5D Mark III DSLR camera.