Canon Rumors

5D Mark II Firmware [CR3]

It’s coming
The new firmware has missed a few of the supposed release dates I was told. I’ve been told the new firmware has been held up for extra testing.

I’m told again that Canon could be doing some PR moves with the firmware and adding a feature or 2. 24p perhaps? It would be a smart move by Canon for sure.

I’m told you’ll all have it before the end of January for sure.

cr

5D Mark II - User Review

From Adam
You can read Adam’s thoughts on the camera here. It’s a good read.

http://forums.canonphotogroup.com/showthread.php?t=2508

cr

5D2 Black Dot Removal Photoshop Action

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

5D Mark II Firmware Part 2

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 noise

We 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

Reader Remarks - 1Ds Mark III vs 5D Mark II

From Bill Wadman
Like I’ve said in the past, I love write ups by real people. This is a good quick read.

http://www.ontakingpictures.com/2008/12/5d-mark-ii-initial-thoughts.html

Thanks Bill

Just curious…. how many people cover the “Canon” badge on their cameras?

T-Shirts
I’m going to give away one more T-Shirt. This one is simple, send me a great photo… just one. Best photo gets the T-Shirt.

Submit to: buzz@canonrumors.com

Try to keep the images under 1024px H & W. I’ll post the winning shot here with your contact info and a link to your photos if you’d like.

cr

A Fix for the 5D Mark II Black Dots? *UPDATED*

UPDATE
It appears the “fix” isn’t solving all the problems folks are having.

Oh well……..

Perhaps
It appears if you turn off highlight tone priority, lighting optimizer and noise reduction, the black dots and artifacts disappear.

from [DPR]

Anyone that has had trouble with black dots, let me know if this fixes your issues.

cr

5D Mark II Impressions - From a Reader

A review by regular contributor sfwrtr
I like real world impressions from people. Sometimes review sites get a bit too blase when doing reviews. It’s bound to happen when you do 100 of them a year!

I also can’t seem to get my hands on a production model, so this is all I have to go on.

http://www.luiswatkins.com/5dmarkii/index.htm

Thanks for the link sfwrtr

Canon Software
A reader sent in a comment with something that annoys him with Canon.

“What about canon software? Its about time they release a bundle that is upgradeable by the click of a button like all other softwares. Who is not sick of looking through the website for the correct update. come on lets make this happen!!”

Canon Rumors agrees.

DXO Sensor Testing
A reader (our new Nikon guy!) has sent in some impressions about DXO’s sensor testing and what is inside Nikon & Sony cameras.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/DxOMark-Sensor

“Now check the D3 (D700) sensor and the Sony A900. Close enough in performance to be identical. D3 (D700) and A900 use the same sensor but use different processing, hence the insignificant difference. How can a 12MP and a 24MP have identical performance? Hmm, if the sensors used in the cameras were identical then the performance would be identical. The D3X uses the same Sony 24MP FF sensor as the D3 and when DXO gets a D3X the test result will be the same. D3 = A900 = D3X. How have your search results gone for a Sony 12MP FF Cmos Sensor?”

To answer your question, I’ve found nothing about a FF 12mp Sony Sensor. I keep hearing from various sources that Sony is manufacturing Nikon designed sensors. I’m not sure if I’m fully behind the idea that a Sony sensor factory is producing stuff that Sony can’t use. That just isn’t a very Sony thing to do.
Switzerland Pricing
Apparently the Swiss think so highly of the original 5D, they have priced it accordingly!

Pricing Link

5D - 3115 CHF = $2554 USD
5D Mark II - 2982 CHF = $2445 USD

Thanks Marcel

cr

5D Mark II Poll

Let us know
I have yet to handle a production 5D Mark II (boo), so I have no first hand knowledge of the issue. What about the ones of you that have?

 Loading ...

cr

5D Mark II Sensor Issues?

…………………………
There are 2 different forum threads speaking of the issue with black dots and other oddities.

Thread 1 iStock

Thread 2 DPR

cr

Henry’s Pulls the 5D Mark II From Their Site

We hardly knew ye
It was pointed out to me that Henry’s (Canada) has pulled the 5D Mark II from their web site. Why? Not sure. It could be to get people to stop inquiring or a database booboo.

We’ll see.

Thanks for the tip

cr