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Action Fun!
Apperently this Photoshop action can remove the black dots in your images from the 5D Mark II. I have not tested it out. Let me know how it goes if you’re affected by the issue.
Download the action: http://actions.home.att.net/5D_MarkII_Black_Dots.html
Discussion: http://www.prophotohome.com/forum
Thanks yitzy
cr
Something different
Weekends can be pretty slow for news and rumors, but I still want to add content. So I’m going to try a few history lessons for the folks out there. I’m in the process of collecting various Canon cameras. I’ll give a brief history lesson every so often about each of them.
Canon’s first SLR Camera Body
I finally acquired one of these historical Canon camera bodies yesterday.
Released: March 1959
Discontinued: August 1959
Production: 17,000 Units (Compared to the Nikon F which shipped 862,000.)
Weirdness: Bottom winder. You could wind pretty fast, but don’t try to use a tripod!
Feature: Removable Pentaprism
CR Guy's Canonflex
You can read more about the Canonflex here: http://www.cameraquest.com/canonflx.htm
cr
Some ideals of specs out there
I’ve read some various things around the web about the next incarnation of the 1Ds line. Some stuff is from conversations I’ve had as well.
mp: 28-38
proc: Dual DIGIC V 16bit?
LCD: 3″-3.5″
FPS (Still): 5-7
FPS: (Movie): Variable, 1-120fps.
AF: A new 45 point system
Feature: WiFi
Feature: GPS
I’m not sure Canon cares much about WiFi and GPS in camera bodies. I wouldn’t hate having wifi, I might use it. I have no clue why I’d want GPS in a camera though, Google Earth applications aside!
I’ll be weighing closer to its release. I have it penciled for launch in the first half of 2010.
cr
Clarify again
People have noticed a Sonic Camera ad on the web site and commented about it. I will try to clarify this again.
Google is responsible for the ads the appear on this site. Currently I have the Google capped maximum of 200 scam/bait and switch/annoying web sites blocked from advertising on this site.
I can not stop them all. and wish I could. I appologize for that.
Canon Rumors Public Service Announcement
If it’s too good to be true, it is.
http://www.resellerratings.com if you need to lookup an online retailer.
We recommend Amazon, Adorama, B&H, Henrys and Vistek.
cr
Get this for yourself
You deserve it.
If I was Ken Rockwell, this would be my webcam.
From Vincent Laforet
thanks moophisto
cr
From a reader
Hi, I’m currently in Hong Kong and there seems to be quite an abundance of 5Dmk2 in the shops – especially the kit with the 24-105 lens.
It seems with the economic uncertainty, coupled with the blackdot scare, a lot of people have dropped their names from the waiting list. Prices however are still high and most of the reputable stores like Man Shing, Wing Shing and Citi are charging around $20800 HKD ($2683 USD) for the body only and $28000 HDK ($3612 USD) for the kit.
It’d be nice if this slowdown happened in Canada so I could get one. I’m not bitter.
thanks Billy
cr
It’s coming
We know there’s a firmware update coming. I’ve been told it’ll arrive on Monday from one source, and another says the first week of January.
One interesting thing I was told is that a new functionality could be added in the update (24p). I’m not too sure about that, Canon hasn’t really been know to add features in firmware updates. Welcome to the rumors.
Official Canon Statement on the Black Dot Issue
Service Notice
EOS 5D Mark II Body support
Support & Service
Black dot phenomenon and Vertical banding noise
Posted on: December 17, 2008
To Owners of the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera :
Thank you for using Canon products.
We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera have indicated two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.
1. “Black dot†phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noiseWe are currently investigating ways to improve and/or mitigate these phenomena. An announcement will be made on the Canon Website when measures to address these phenomena have been decided.
The phenomena are likely to occur under the following shooting conditions.
1. “Black dot†phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black) When shooting night scenes, the right side of point light sources (such as lights from building windows) may become black. The phenomenon may become visible if the images are enlarged to 100% or above on a monitor or if large prints of the images are made.
2. Vertical banding noise If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background. The following camera settings can reduce the phenomenon.* Set the recording format to RAW or JPEG.
* Set C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority to 0: Disable if the recording format is set to sRAW1.
* The vertical banding noise is not noticeable if the recording format is set to sRAW2, but please set C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority to 0: Disable if you are concerned about noise.Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience these phenomena may have caused. We appreciate your kind patronage and support.
cr
Moving forward in 2009
As mentioned before, the xxD line of cameras has been moved to a 1 year product cycle. The release of the 50D in the fall cemented that.
The disappointing thing for Canon? The 50D hasn’t been very well received. It’s not moving the units Canon wants. This could partially be because of the economy, but as we’ve seen from the 5D2, people are willing to spend. The xxD line reached its peak with the release of the 20D. It was basically the first truly affordable prosumer camera. Then came the 30D, which was lamented pretty hard for its very conservative improvements over the 20D. The 40D saw a bit of a comeback in the line, the camera was a bargain when it launched and is a super bargain today. I can’t with any honesty recommend the 50D over the 40D based on their current pricing.
I’m told Canon is completely rethinking the line and needs to create some separation from the Rebels in specs. Some points made from my conversations today. Not all will happen, but it’s stuff that’s being and been talked about:
- Canon is developing an AF system for the midrange cameras. They don’t feel the 60D buyer really needs 1D AF, which I tend to agree with. The user does deserve a better performing AF system than the Rebel user.
- More AF points. There is a notion in a lot of circles that more AF points matter in image quality. I’ve heard stories from retailers that have proven to me that this is true. They won’t be flooding the line with 45 AF points, but you could see 11-13.
- It’s time for full weather sealing in the line. The cost to do it is minimal, but they’re even playing catchup to the likes of Pentax and Olympus in the area.
- They feel there is definitely a market for the APS-C sensor and will continue to develop for it. The marketing department may not get their way in the future as far as pushing more megapixels as the sole reason for an upgrade. Expect that to slow down significantly. They’re finally discovering consumers are becoming smarter than that.
- The APS-H (1.3x) sensor has no future in the xxD or 1D line.
- With the resurgence of prime lenses in the market place, there could be a chance of ef-s primes or 2nd tier primes getting upgraded. Most likely the latter. This wouldn’t happen until the 2nd half of 2010 at the earliest.
- The line will definitely see movie mode.
- As always, GPS and Wifi are being talked about. There could be a grip that does both that doesn’t cost $1000!
- The line will most likely get chipped batteries. Canon trying to maximize on lifetime value sales.
I’ve had some interesting conversations lately about the line and look forward to hearing a lot more in the near and distant future. There won’t be a 60D until the fall. It may also not be called a “60D”. Nikon has taken a lot of market, Canon is going to be very aggressive in getting it back. There’s no doubt in my mind they will be successful.
cr
