Archive for May, 2010
1Ds Mark IV
A link has been spread across the web showing a 1Ds Mark IV price, as well as the ability to order the camera.
For the moment I have not published the link, as I’ve been burned before by products being added to store sites and getting free click through advertising.
In this case, I need more than a model name and a megapixel count, I posted terrible 1Ds4 info in the past and I do not want to do it again.
50D Stock
Stock of the 50D has been depleted by a bunch of stores in Canada. Future Shop has none in their warehouse and do not anticipate ever seeing anymore arrive. London Drugs in Canada have also ceased sales of the 50D in Canada I’ve been told.
I spoke with Canon Canada and they have none in stock and gave me the usual “2 weeks” to get more.
60D Camera Images
I’ve been sent a lot of links to 60D shots, all of which are less than well done Photoshop jobs.
“There will be no 60D”
This has been reported, but none of my sources agree with the sentiment. One has said the xxD line will continue, however the camera could take a slightly different form this time around.
cr
680EX?
The 580EX II will remain in the lineup.
Direct email quote.
An all new Top-Line Master Controller Flashgun tentatively named 680ex will be launched offering:
- Master/Slave
- GN 68 @ 105mm
- Separate Master/Slave switch previously found on 580EX
- Zone Control
- Better switches and improved Screen and Menu
- Fully Weathersealed
- Scheduled Launch Date: July-Dec 2010
- New Generation of Flashguns to be compatible with 40D onwards with Generation 2 Menu Interface.
cr
The Sigma 85 f/1.4
You can preorder this lens from Amazon.
Preorder for $899 USD
Left: Nikkor 85 f/1.4 Right: Sigma 85 f/1.4
Canon 85 f/1.2L II MTF
Thanks Jackola
cr
An evolving prime lineup.
Received a very cryptic email this AM about some upcoming lens upgrades. The following 3 lenses were mentioned.
50 f/1.2L II
Improved AF performance and new coatings. Optical elements to remain the same.
85 f/1.2L III
Improved AF speed and new coatings. Optical elements to remain the same.
135 f/2L IS
Image stabilization added, as well as the new coatings. Optical elements to remain the same.
Probability?
I’m not sure, I’ve received snippets of info about the 85 and 135 getting upgraded.
If all they’re doing with the 50 and 85 is adding new electronics and coatings to the lenses, it’s quite possible they’ll get an upgrade. Adding IS to the 135L makes some sense.
I’m still surprised I haven’t heard anything about a 35L upgrade.
CR1 this one with a smaller grain of salt than you’d think.
cr
Best Buy
Best Buy has always given clues as to what was coming.
Currently Best Buy Canada is selling the 50D as a body only. It doesn’t appear kits are available on the site anymore.
From a birdie
If you want some tidbits of info, here’s one.
Canon attempted to purchase Pentax.
There’s a concern within Canon about Sony’s position in the DSLR market. They’re proving to be very committed in gaining marketshare.
It was insinuated that Sony has interest in Pentax and its user base, whereas Canon doesn’t necessarily want the same thing.
It was an interesting talk. I don’t have lots of info, but the source is good.
Enjoy :)
cr
Regarding 2.0.7
According to Canon RCC Nordic, the new firmware also fixed some banding issues with the 5D Mark II and firmware 2.0.4.
Stealth fixes happen from time to time.
Cheap Primes
I’m receiving information from around the globe about shortages of Canon’s cheap prime lenses. Some are being listed as backordered until June 30, 2010 at a couple of European retailers.
EF non L prime lenses coming?
cr
Updated
As reported a couple days ago, a new 5D Mark II firmware has been released.
Firmware Changes
This firmware update (Version 2.0.7) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
- Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.
- These phenomenon only occur with the Version 2.0.4 and Version 2.0.3 firmware.
The Version 2.0.7 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 2.0.4. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 2.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
Download: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html
cr
5D Mark II Firmware Upgrade
Expect a new firmware upgrade for the 5D Mark II to address the “iris jitter”.
Timeframe for the release is unknown at the moment.
Do not expect any other functionality to be added (i.e. 60fps).
House & the 5D Mark II
Mitch over at Planet5D reported to me that Fox will only be using the 5D Mark II for special lighting circumstances and for a few other types of shots. Apparently post production costs were as high as standard film with the 5D Mark II’s files.
50 f/1.0L
The timing is off for me to buy this thing, but you can. I swear this lens was on the 5D Mark II in the final bathroom scene during the House finale. I could be wrong. :)
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/901471/0?keyword=canon,50#8494486
Editorial: A Little 1D Mark III Love (Don’t yell at me)
Some people are curious about what I’m shooting with.
Well, I sold my 1D Mark IVs and moved back to the 1D Mark III.
Why? I honestly prefer the files from the 1D III. My shooting conditions never triggered the AF issues. It also AF’s better in low light than the Mark IV.
I’m also not a pro sports photographer, I had no need to have that much money tied up in camera bodies.
I’m also good with having the 5D Mark II for video. Although my video skills leave a lot to be desired.
So if you want a camera that I feel is better than the 7D in IQ, build & AF’s as well, give a 1D Mark III a try. They’re getting very inexpensive. I’ve seen some below $1800 USD.
If you love your Mark IV, I’m happy as heck. It’s a great camera. If you want a steal, try a Mark III out.
Lens Rentals Canada
We’ve added more stock over at Lens Rentals Canada to meet great initial demand.
If you haven’t checked us out, do so!
http://www.lensrentalscanada.com
cr
Cheap prime!
The story goes a US tech rep said Canon was going to be putting out a lens to compete with Nikon’s popular 35 f/1.8 lens.
I’ve heard it from two places, one saying 30mm and the other 35mm.
It could be time for some new affordable primes.
thanks Edina
cr
New Waterproof Soon
A sign a new waterproof camera is on its way is Canon Canada seems to be replaceing broken D10′s with whole new cameras, instead of fixing them.
I’ve seen this once before with a midlevel PowerShot, and sure enough it was replaced shortly after.
There are lots of factors that probably go into these decisions, but cost of warehousing them is definitely a factor. A discontinued PowerShot is a hard sell for retailers outside of the G series.
Theres also perception issues and high administrative costs to just pricedrop a camera to get rid of them.
Entire 2010/2011 Season of House By Canon DSLR?
I received information that the makers of House plan to shoot the entire next season with the 5D Mark II and possibly the 7D.
However, this time they would be adapting PV & possibly PL lenses.
cr
