Apple stole headlines this week with a surprise update just seven days after refreshing their Mac line. The new 4GB iPod shuffle is even smaller than the original, using an in-line remote and VoiceOver spoken tracknames to get around the absence of a display. Apple also released iTunes 8.1, while rumors of a multitouch 10-inch netbook flourished as first Chinese then US press picked up on the capacitive panel trail.
Our mission at Canon’s booth while attending PMA 2009 was a failed epic. We’ve got the “hot on the heel” Panasonic’s GH1 video clips, Sigma’s newest 24-70mm IF DG HSM samples and Olympus E-620 high ISO test shots, but the permission to test on the World’s widest Tilt-n-shift TS-E 17mm f/4L was gracefully denied by Canon! So sorry folks, no sneak peek on the TS-E lenses, however we have Canon’s tech guru, Brian Matsumoto on video explaining the 17mm’s TS-E feature, briefly.
Canon 5D mark II might have won award for its 21MP brilliant image quality at $2,699, but there are not many accessories yet worth any award. The BG-E6-battery grip is not as nice as many has expected, retailed at $380 ($275 street), it features the same old design with no significant improvement but the higher price. If you’re in market for one, hold on your horses, 3rd party battery grip for 5D mark II is coming at half the cost.
Canon has today announced firmware update and issued another AF patch for the much-controversial EOS 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III. The latter is additional to the sub mirror fix released couple years ago, which requires camera to be returned to company’s service location; while the new firmware addresses liveview hiccup, USB communication bug and corrects error codes.
In addition to implement better AF, Canon also published a service notice to the dared “Err 99” occurrence that’s related to mirror operation. A common operation error code that’s designated for all Canon’s DSLR.
The fixes mean the much confused and many “dot” series of current Mark III production would get even more complex. The upside is issues are being addressed but would definitely hurt resell value.
Canon may have slowly losing its professional-ground in DSLR camera’s market, but not in optics department. From the last few years, they have redesigned, and in most cases, introduced a variety of premium L-prime from 800mm 5.6L, 200mm F2.0L IS, 85mm II 1.2L , 50mm II 1.2L to a decently pair of 17mm and 24mm tilt-shirt lens.
If you were an architecture or a landscape photographer, you would love that 17mm Tilt-Shirt lens. Pairing it with the cheapest 21mp available — 5D mark II — would result in the world’s widest 35mm format angle of view setup; but as expected, the new L glasses will cost you an arm and a leg as usual. They are up at Amazon for pre-order and are priced at $2,499 and $2199 for the 17mm and 24mm II, respectively.
In today’s image sensor standard, image qualities are nearly identical from one technology to another, availability of glasses is more important, at least to me. The 17mm tilt shift godness really got me thinking about robbing a bank or two. ( smiley )
Divers seek out occasional videos or pictures of underwater sea life and adventure, now have more affordable options with Canon’s waterproof case tailored for its upcoming Vixia HF20 and Vixia HF200 Full HD Flash Memory Camcorders.
Canon first introduced the 20X Ultra-zoom SX1 IS Powershot back at PhotoKina 2008. It was the company’s first compact digicam to honor its CMOS 10MPimage sensor but only made available to Europe markets. Not anymore, Canon USA has announced the ultra-zoom to be released in US region coming this April, better yet, a firmware update to unleash RAW file capability.
Architecture and wide landscape photographers take note, Canon has announced a pair of tilt and shift lenses, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and an ultra-wide TS-E 17mm f/4L today. These two new lenses features new barrel design, UD glass, specially coated aspherical elements, and Canon’s latest SWC to have better control over the positioning of the focal plane while keeping optics distortion at minimum.
A website glitch early today has revealed a pair of new 12.4 megapixel PowerShot IS Digital ELPH cameras at Canon USA. Apparently Canon is prepping to launch a stylish SD960 IS and its slimmest SD780 IS Digital ELPH digicams for PMA 2009, but their “HTML” squad have jumped the gun to display them on company’s web site before the official releases. At the time of writing, the cameras have disappeared from main page but still presented from product comparison section. Details of the digicams after the cut.
The Canon 5D Mark II launched six months ago but it didn’t get shipped until late November, and today, it’s still nowhere to be found. There’s no question that the 21mp DSLR is incredibly high in demand, and logically, you wouldn’t be able to find any discounts on this camera; but now you can.
Canon USA has launched a $200 MIR program for a list of products which includes the newest EOS 5D Mark II DSLR. It’s slightly tricky, as you have to purchase an additional Speedlite 580 EX II and a high dollar (nearly $1000) lens to be eligible for the rebate. Nevertheless, those are must have items for a much-serious photography, they worth every penny and now you can take advantage of an additional saving.
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