Magic Lantern Unified
EOSHD – “A quick test of the beta version of Magic Lantern Unified. This ports all the latest Magic Lantern features including HDR Video, easy to use menus and AF based follow focus to the 5D Mark II.”

More Info at Planet5D (video) &  EOSHD (video below)

5D Mark II Bundle @ B&H $1999

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From Canon USA
Canon USAs site is showing download links to a new 5D Mark II firmware. Version 2.1.1. At the time of posting this, the download links do not work.

No release notes as to what the firmware will fix/add.

thanks Victor

cr 

When you get your 5D Mark III…..
Why not convert your 5D Mark II to an infrared camera?

Keith over at Northlight has been using an infrared 5D Mark II for a while now gives his thoughts with examples about the medium

Well it takes practice to get consistently good results. Focus needs care and it helps to bracket exposures to allow for the variable amounts of IR light in a scene compared to what you can see.

The ‘creative’ aspects of IR photography are more difficult to pin down from my own point of view.

There is that initial burst of enthusiasm for something different – that urge to explore and see just what you can do.

Read the article

cr

New Cameras?
No, there are no direct replacements coming soon.

The issue with shortages is to do with the floods in Thailand and parts needed to manufacture the cameras. Nikon is having the same troubles and the D7000 is experiencing the same issues.

I haven’t heard if any other Canon DSLR is affected.

cr

5D Mark II  - Canada
In Canada, the 5D Mark II body only is out there for $1999 at Henry’s and Vistek.

5D Mark II – USA
There will be an instant rebate on the 5D Mark II in the USA starting September 25 and running until October 29, 2011.

Let me know if your country sees a big rebate on the 5D Mark II

cr

Firmware 2.0.9 for 5D Mark II
Firmware Version 2.0.9 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Improves writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.

2. Fixes a phenomenon where the IS function will not work when custom function C.Fn III-2 is set to [5: IS start] and the lens attached does not have an AF stop button. This is because custom function C.Fn III-2 allows users to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens

3. Corrects misspellings in the menu screens displayed in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai languages.

Download Here

thanks Qing

cr

Effective December 6, 2010, Canon will start to provide as a chargeable service, a locking mode dial modification for the “EOS 5D MarkII” and “EOS 7D” digital single-lens reflex cameras.

This modification is available, for a fee, to owners of these cameras who would prefer a Mode Dial which locks in place and can’t be accidentally moved during normal camera operation.

For USA residents, the pricing of the locking mode dial modification service for EOS 5D Mark II and 7D cameras has been set at $100 per camera as of December, 2010. (Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.) For further details, see contact information for inquiries below.

Once modified, users must first press and hold down the central lock-release button in order to turn the Mode Dial. The modification is intended to prevent the Mode Dial from accidentally moving, once set to a particular exposure mode by the user.

Applicable Products
EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras
EOS 7D Digital SLR Cameras

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This firmware update (Version 2.0.8) incorporates the following changes and fixes.

• Fixes a phenomenon in which movies are not taken at the shooting mode registered in the user’s settings if a shooting mode Aperture priority (or Shutter priority) is registered in any of the camera’s user settings (C1, C2, C3) and the user attempts to shoot a movie.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the shutter will not release when pressing the shutter button when the auto power off function is set to “on”.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which overexposure occurs when shooting a Live View shooting simulation with the ISO speed set to L.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT-24EX) and slave flash do not sync while shooting wirelessly.

Download: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html

thanks everyone

cr

35 f/1.8
A source is nearly positive Canon will be releasing this  for Photokina.

70-300 f/4.5-5.6 IS II?
As we reported before, the current version was heavily backordered. A local store has had 3 on order for nearly 2 months. One has been shipped, the other 2 have not yet.

This sort of backorder behavior has lead to replacements in the past.

Other significant backorders?
In Canada, 5D Mark II kits with 24-105 f/4L IS lenses have been backordered for over a month with some retailers.

A lot of retailer info has been coming in globally about 5D Mark II shortages. There could be manufacturing reasons for this, as we expect at least 2 new camera bodies for Photokina and perhaps a 3rd in Q4 2010.

I’ve also had 52mm drop-in filters for supertelephotos on backorder for nearly 2 months. Replacement! :)

cr

5D Mark II
The 5D Mark II currently has an instant $500 rebate in Canada.

I do not recall ever seeing that big of a rebate on a camera body. The 800 f/5.6 which costs about 5 times more than a 5D Mark II has a $1000 rebate.

I’ve received some info about a new Hybrid camera for September that is a giant leap forward.

I’m not saying 5D Mark III, but that’s a big rebate for an “affordable” camera.

D700 replacement imminent?

60D
Various reports of reps saying a 60D is on the near horizon.

A lot more stores reporting a dried up inventory of 50D’s and inability to get more.

100-400 Replacement
More reports of a 100-400 replacement.

I’m going to say it isn’t coming based on past experience ordering products that are about to be replaced. The 100-400 is still very easy to get from Canon Canada.

I’ll monitor this closely.

One thing that may suggest it’s coming is Nikon is preparing a replacement of the 80-400 I’m told. If we go by the 70-200 f/2.8 replacements, we could expect Canon to upgrade theirs as well.

I will note the 100-400 is a massive seller for Canon as it sits.

500 f/5.6 or 600 f/5.6
I’ve heard a couple request for both of these lenses. With the ISO abilities of camera bodies now, why do we need to lug around f/4 supertelephotos?

A replacement of the 400 f/5.6L with a 500 f/5.6L IS makes a pile of sense. A lot of people take the 100-400 over the 400 prime. A 500 prime at f/5.6 could cost $3000-$4000 and sell very well.

A 600 f/5.6? A lot less likely. I’d expect to see a 600 DO first.

Canon G12
The next “G” will be CMOS equipped and shoot HD video. I’m told I can guarantee it. Not really a reach after seeing the SD4000. :)

Another suggestion is a form factor change and a better optical VF.

Gearing up for Rumor Season
A lot more little things are coming in now. Expect things to take off soon.

cr

Hybrid Camera
I received an email today that stated Canon has a new Hybrid camera (video & stills) coming in September.

It wasn’t stated whether or not it was a new DSLR or a new form factor camera.

It was supposed to be used around the globe shooting promotional video, but due to budget constraints it will not leave Japan.

I am trying to get a bit more info as to what is being classified a “hybrid” camera.

Sony and Panasonic have both shown us new types of camcorders, maybe this is in the same area.

iPad, 5D Mark II and Space Shuttles
This is a fun read.

An Apple WiFi iPad, a Canon 5d Mark II with a WFT-4e II A, a three-year-old linksys broadband router, a first gen REV. A, a Sprint Aircard and some duct tape … watch out, Macgruber, you’ve got nothing on us. And what did all of the above give us? A camera that took wicked awesome photos on an iPad out the window of the Reuters trailer at the Kennedy Space Center and all from the comfort of the Hampton Inn in Titusville, Florida.

Read More: http://scottaudette.com/?p=218

thanks Scott

More Shuttle Stuff
The following is one of our lenses at Lens Rentals Canada that made the voyage to the last space shuttle launch. This is courtesy of Sean Tamblyn

Lens Rentals Canada - 800 f/5.6L IS

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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