Canon Rumors

5D Mark II Firmware Update [CR1]

On the set
I’ve received informormation from a few folks that the new 5D Mark II firmware is on location on the Iron Man 2 set. Apparently the cameras are in Morocco at the moment.

cr

USA Rebates

A bit more info

Spend the savings on your significant other.

It appears the 70-200 f/2.8L will have a $200 rebate and there will be an $80 rebate on the 24-70. I’m sure other “L” glass will be included as well. I haven’t seen the 100-400 or 35L on a rebate program in a while (in Canada), it’ll be interesting to see if it shows up now.

I would expect to see a “buy more, save more” type of rebate program in Canada as well. The current rebate scheme is pretty lame.

I have no information about rebate programs in Europe. I rarely hear about those before they happen. Feel free to let me know if you work in retail.

thanks steven

cr

A Canon Roadmap? & CR Rating Changes [CR1]

A Note about CR ratings
I changed the rating system and how it is used on the site now.

Check the graphic at the top for the new rating system. I think this is a better and more accurate way of rating stuff. I hope you agree. The old way just wasnt working.

This was the idea of a reader. Thanks!

Canon Roadmap [CR1]
I received an email outlining a Canon Roadmap

Quote:
Canon is going to put all cameras in the xD-line.

1D/1Ds for pros
3D (1D Class for semi-pros)
5D (1Ds Class for semi-pros)

7D (70D) and 9D (600D) for hobby photographers.

There will be no 70D, 600D or 3000D. The 2000D is planned for this June/July. (15.1mpx, 960p video @ 30fps, articulating screen and much cheaper than the Nikon one ;)

CR’s Tak
This seems more like a wishlist of camera models. I think there are too many. The 2000D also appears to be overspecced with the little bit of information. I’d have to see more.

An unlikely roadmap, but I passed it on anyway. Stranger things have happened.

cr

50D, 450D & 1000D Firmware Updates

50D 1.0.6
1.Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.
2.Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera.
3.Addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos50d/firmware.html

450D 1.1.0
1. Supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eosdigital4/firmware.html

1000D 1.0.5
1. Supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eosdigital5/firmware.html

thanks everyone that sent this

cr

1D Mark IV

Reuters?
A real life friend actually told me that he heard that Reuters has signed new NDAs with Canon. The only thing Reuters would care about is pro camera bodies and to a lesser extent, lenses. Apparently the NDA’s are for June through August.

Whether what he heard is true or not remains to be seen.

Going by history, this would put a new camera in the September ‘09 timeframe.

cr

US Rebates in May?

$200 gift from Canon
A reader sent some information they overheard about new rebates coming in May.

Apparently a retailer knocked $200 off of a 50D & Lens purchase because they knew the rebates were coming.

Sounds like a dealer rebate.

thanks Steven

cr

1D Mark IV Rumors

Starting to heat up a bit
Over the last week or so there have been some new 1D Mark IV Rumors. This is a recap and some new information.

Short Specs 1: [NL via XI]
16mp
Full Frame
Lower Noise
Suggests an early summer announcement

Spec List 2: [POTN]
18.2mp
Full Frame
12fps
65 Zone Metering
48 AF Points
Mirror won’t move. (?)
VF Larger & Brighter
WiFi Capabilities built in

Fake 1D4 Shot

If this is real, I'll eat a worm.

The above is from a Fred Miranda forum thread.

New Information
I still have a couple of good sources that say you will not  see a new 1D Mark IV until February. The current fix for the 1D bodies was designed to give people another year with the cameras and correct any outstanding issues.

One source went as far as giving a short spec list.

Specs:
16 mp
11 fps
DIGIC V
3″ LCD
Ergonomic Upgrades
No AF information

If February 2010 is the actual announcement timeframe, then I don’t think any spec list can be 100% accurate. Final specifications would probably not be decided upon.

cr

Ridiculous is Always Cool

SigZilla Field Test

SigZilla | 200-500 f/2.8

This is a field test from the Juza Nature Photography web site. It’s definitely funny and cool at the same time.

Juza Conclusion
“Overall, the image quality is of Sigma 200-500 f/2.8 is good for such an extreme lens, even though it is far from easy to get the best from this lens: at f/2.8 the depth of field is very shallow, and the focus must be perfect…even an error of few centimeters may make the difference between a sharp photo and an out of focus photos.”

Read More: http://www.juzaphoto.com/…

cr