Archive for March, 2008

Canon EF-S 17-135 IS

There's a thread at POTN in regards to the lens. People seem to be warm to the idea of it. I am too. Not going to 200 would probably allow the lens to be a bit faster and sharper. It also wouldn't impede on possible 70-300 IS sales as the overlap is far less.

I'd assume such a lens would replace the not so great 17-85 and appease the crowd demanding an 18-200.

LINK HERE

Canon 5D Mk II April 22, 2008?

According to this DPR thread , the 5D MkII will be announced April 22, 2008.

Is it real or just some guy testing how easy it is to spread a rumor across the internet… well, I'll be part of his hoax.

I guess it could be real.

Rumored Specs

-15.3 MP full frame CMOS sensor (vastly improved light-gathering capacity per pixel: improved micro lenses; miniaturized micro circuitry; enhanced signal/noise ratio)
- Weather sealing same as 1Ds Mark III
- Dual Digic III with all-new “CXR” NR system reported to best 3rd party NR software. Available as a C.F with 4 levels of customizable parameters.
- 14 bit A/D conversion
- ISO 12800 (C.F. up to 25600)
- Reported 1 2/3 stop sensitivity improvement
- All-new 29-point TTL CMOS sensor
with 12 cross-type for F/2.8 or faster lens
(35% faster than 40D)
- Micro lens fine adjustment for up to 14 lenses
- 300,000 exposure shutter durability
- 6.0 / 3.0 fps
- 3.0″ LCD 922,000 pixels
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- Live View (improved from 450D; latest generation)
- 6/3 fps continuous shooting for up to 68 frames

Having trouble getting stock?

Backordered product this week from Canon Canada that I know about.

40D
50 f/1.8's (huh?)
35 f/1.4
50 f/1.4
SX100
G9

So if you're hunting for any of that stuff in Canada, don't be alarmed if you can't find it, or if it takes a bit of time to order.

Clearing warehouses for year end? Hopefully it passes quickly.

Canon EOS 1d Mark III is fine!

“After the AF mirror Adjustment, including the updated firmware version 1.1.3, the EOS-1D Mark III AF function performed better in our tests than all previous EOS camera models.”

That sums up what Canon thinks about their 1dmk3 AF fix. People such as Rob Galbraith disagree with it working as advertised. I've also talked to a couple of owners of the camera that say it frequently front and back focuses.

Is Canon just throwing in the towel while they work on the camera's replacement? A lot of people think it's going to be announced at Photokina this year, and that there will be some kind of a trade-in program for current 1d3 users.

Others think they're just trying to buy some time before the next round of AF fixes in the future.

Canon Powershot A590 IS

I got my hands on the new supercheap Powershot A590 IS. I might do a small review of it in the coming days.

Initial impressions:

They've changed the looks of the A590 IS pretty drastically from its predecessor the A570 IS. Some darker and shinier plastic. They've also removed the round button setup on the back in favour of a cross of buttons. The front ring you have to remove to put on a telephoto or wide angle converter is quite annoying to take off.

All in all pretty boring.

The best part of the Camera is the $199 CAD pricetag. This will probably ensure Canon will sell as many as they can produce.

Response To Some Emails

Clarification of the Canada Canada 5D staff discount.

If you work for a Canon authorized retailer, there are usually some items that qualify for a staff discount through Canon.

The 5D is currently being discounted by 15% below dealer net.

To qualify; a form has to be filled out by the retailer stating you work for them, and all that jazz.

Hope that clears it up.