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Canon Announces 50 Millionth EF Lens

January 30th, 2010 | 67 Comments | Posted in Canon General

London, UK, 29th January 2010: Canon today announces a significant milestone by celebrating the production of its 50 millionth EF lens for its renowned EOS range of cameras, marking over 20 years of innovative technology and drive to provide photographers with the best quality products.

This landmark was achieved during the manufacture of the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and illustrates the incredible story that has seen Canon achieve the production of over 10 million lenses in just under two years.

The story began in 1987 with the birth of the first camera in the EOS system, the EOS 650, and has since seen many groundbreaking advances in technology, including:

1987 saw the first lens with an Ultrasonic Motor – EF 300mm f/2.8L USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers

In 1995 Canon introduced the worlds first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer – EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for sports and wildlife enthusiasts

In 2001 the first lens to incorporate Canon’s multi layered diffractive optics elements – EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers on the move

2008 saw the first lens to use Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) – EF 24 mm F/1.4L II USM for professional landscape photographers

Then in 2009 the worlds first lens with Hybrid IS – EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM for close ups was launched

Most recently in 2010 Canon has launched the new high-quality, telephoto zoom lens the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM for all types of professional photography.

“Today’s announcement shows an immense achievement in our ability to grow and adapt to reach this impressive target in such a short space of time,” said Kazuyuki Suzuki, General Manager,Lens Products Marketing Management Div. Canon inc. “We are proud to support so many photographers of all abilities through our extensive range of DSLRs, including the recently launched 7D designed to create a whole new photographic experience.”

Canon currently offers the world’s most extensive range of D-SLR lenses with over 60 models currently available across the globe. In the coming years, Canon will continue to promote technical innovation, from optical design to electronics and production engineering, with the aim of further contributing to the creation of a new photo culture.

cr



*UPDATE* 5D Mark II Firmware

January 30th, 2010 | 65 Comments | Posted in Canon 5D Mark II, Canon Firmware

*UPDATE*
This info apparently comes from the Super Meet event in San Francisco. Canon is a sponsor of the event.

This information isn’t official from Canon that I can find.

Not in February…
We’re told the 5D Mark II feature firmware update will not be available in February. Another thing not in line for the firmware is 720p mode.

Thanks Andrew

cr

2 Unknown Camera ID’s

January 29th, 2010 | 120 Comments | Posted in Canon 1D Mark 4, Canon 550D, Canon 60D, Canon Firmware

From inside the 1D Mark IV 1.0.6 Firmware
52b2b6 [GYO]CameraModleID = K252 = 500d
52b2d6 [GYO]CameraModleID = K215 = 1ds 3
52b2f2 [GYO]CameraModleID = K169 = 1d m3
52b30e [GYO]CameraModleID = K176 = 450d
52b32a [GYO]CameraModleID = K190 = 40d
52b346 [GYO]CameraModleID = K218 = 5d m2
52b362 [GYO]CameraModleID = K250 = 7d
52b56e [GYO]CameraModleID = K270 = unknown!!!
52b58a [GYO]CameraModleID = K261 = 50d
52b5a6 [GYO]CameraModleID = K281 = 1d m4
52b5c2 [GYO]CameraModleID = K287 = unknown !!!
52b5de [GYO]CameraModleID = K254 = 1000d
52b5fa [GYO]CameraModleID = OTHER

Model ID’s are from http://www.sno.phy.queensu.ca.

I’m literally pulled over other side of the road making this post. I haven’t had time to check this info out. Have at her.

Isn’t USB internet great? The iPad would have actually been handy right now. :)

thanks ARM

cr

1D Mark IV in Canada

January 29th, 2010 | 9 Comments | Posted in Canon 1D Mark 4

I know where you can get one!
……I guess I will tell you

Camera Canada has at least one available for sale and may have more. They received their order today.

www.cameracanada.com

This is where I bought mine and they’re great folks.

cr

PowerShot Rumors [CR2]

January 29th, 2010 | 10 Comments | Posted in Canon PowerShot

Two More Announcement Dates?
I  received confirmation of 2 replacement PowerShots that will be available in March. The SD780 and SD1200 will have direct replacements. They’ll basically be the same size with corners that are a bit more rounded.

I have no specs.

The interesting 2nd part of the mail was there would be another compact available for June. No word about the compact. It’d be unusual for Canon to have 3 separate announcements for PowerShot cameras in one season.

Who Cares? dSLRs!!
All is quiet for the moment. Sorry I can’t be more of a help!

cr

1D Mark IV 1.0.6

January 28th, 2010 | 21 Comments | Posted in Canon 1D Mark 4, Canon Firmware

This firmware update (Version 1.0.6) incorporates the following enhancement.
Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance.*

*AF performance has been enhances for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

Firmware Version 1.0.6 is for cameras with firmware up to version 1.0.4. If the camera’s firmware is already version 1.0.6, it is not necessary to update the firmware. (Please note that there is no Firmware Version 1.0.5.)

Download Here

cr

New Canon Patent Finds

January 26th, 2010 | 81 Comments | Posted in Canon Patents

More Patent Fun
A couple of New Patents filed by Canon this month.

Just remember, not all patents make it to market.

Sensor Based Stabilization?

Sensor Based Stabilization?

The first patent found is for what appears to be sensor based stabilization. Could this be for a powershot, and SLR or perhaps a new EVIL camera system?

US Patent: 20100003025

LCD in Viewfinder

Viewfinder LCD

Viewfinder LCD

This one adds a small LCD in the viewfinder. You can keep the camera up to your eye and see through the viewfinder while reviewing previous images taken.

US Patent: 20100002109

from PetaPixel via Photography Bay

cr

60D & New Rebel

January 26th, 2010 | 148 Comments | Posted in Canon 550D, Canon 60D

New Specs
A regular here at Canon Rumors sent this one in. He notes this person has been been right before.

60D Specs
- Articulating screen
- Metal body, similar To50D
- Upgraded 15.1mp APS-C Sensor
- 720p/1080p Video at 30fps
- Electronic Level
- New battery & battery grip
- Price about $ 1190

550D/600D Specs
- Articulating screen
- Body smaller than 500D
- Upgraded 15.1mp APS-C Sensor
- 720p Video at 30fps
- Price about $ 799

From: http://translate.google.com/….

Apparently the two cameras will be available in May. That’s a big wait if a February announcement is for real.

thanks Yitzy

cr

Canon X1 EVIL [CR]

January 26th, 2010 | 31 Comments | Posted in Canon 1Ds Mark 4, Canon EVIL

A Canon EVIL?
A new rumor has appeared the web about Canon announcing an EVIL camera.

From DPR
Apparently Canon will unveil soon an EVIL system smaller than m4/3.It’ll be based on the APS-C sensor, apparently same sensor as the 7D, but with a reduced Image Circle, 18mm

- It’ll be based on the APS-C sensor, apparently same sensor as the 7D, but with a reduced Image Circle, 18mm.
- 3 New lenses. Zoom Kit EF-X 12-36mm, 36-166mm and 15mm f2.4 Pancake.
- There will be an adapter to use EF and EF-S lenses.
- 720p 30fps video.
- Articulated LCD

This goes against most of what I’ve been told about a Canon entry into the EVIL category. I’ll ask around

1Ds Mark IV
A few reports saying we shouldn’t be expecting a 1Ds Mark IV in the near future.

Other Rumors
It is super slow at the moment. I’m receiving no information. I’ve been able to spend my time healing my thumb and working on a new venture. The new venture will be announced next week if all goes well. It’s mostly for Canadians, but some of you may be interested in it anyway.

1D Mark IV Firmware Update Coming

January 22nd, 2010 | 114 Comments | Posted in Canon 1D Mark 4

Announcement regarding AF tracking performance of the EOS-1D Mk IV
As a result of further enhancement, Canon is working to release a firmware update for the EOS-1D Mark IV. This firmware update further enhances the AF tracking performance and is scheduled to be available for download from the Web starting from late January.

We will update this announcement on once this firmware update is ready for download.

Details of the enhancement:
Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance of the EOS-1D Mark IV for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

From: http://www.canon-europe.com….

cr

MIA & New Camera Info[CR1]

January 20th, 2010 | 155 Comments | Posted in Canon 550D, Canon 60D

MIA
Had a good accident with a kitchen knife and my thumb. Let’s just say I miss what’s gone.

There are no pictures.  :)

New Camera Info
I received some badly translated information about an upcoming camera announcement. I don’t know what model this would be.

Specs
- Articulating screen
- Metal body, but smaller than 50D
- Upgraded 15.1mp APS-C Sensor
- 720p Video at 30fps
-  Electronic Level
- New battery & battery grip

Sounds like a new Rebel with a little more build quality. Maybe a 60D?

cr

Nikon D3s vs Canon 1D Mark IV ISO

January 18th, 2010 | 303 Comments | Posted in Canon 1D Mark 4

So…………
It seems the thing people talk most about with cameras today is ISO performance. So here is some examples/tests of the D3s & 1D4 ISO performance.

By the looks of things, Nikon’s D3s is definitely outperforming the Mark IV at high ISO.

See for yourself: http://www.neutralday.com/

I cannot vouch for the tester/reviewer here.

cr

Next Month… [CR1]

January 17th, 2010 | 144 Comments | Posted in Canon 1Ds Mark 4, Canon 60D, Canon Lenses

Announcements
No specs were given, but I’m told we can expect a 1Ds4 and 60D to be announced in February. There won’t be a Rebel until the “MAM” quarter.

Lenses
Another email says we can expect 3 lenses to be announced in February

More to come I’m sure.

cr

EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS Done?

January 13th, 2010 | 147 Comments | Posted in Canon Lenses

From Germany
I had this info this morning, but I wasn’t given a link or a store name to backup any of the info.

Koch Foto has the lens listed as discontinued.
http://www.fotokoch.de/…..

The info comes from a German forum
http://www.dslr-forum.de/showthread.php?t=608971

The poster was told by Canon Germany that production of the lens had stopped.

Thanks Wolfram

cr