From Picture Stories
Apparently ad agencies in New York City are “clamoring” to get name photographers for an upcoming Canon spot. 1Ds Mark IV?

From: http://www.picturestoryblog.com/…..

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Important Update Information for Firmware Update Version 2.0.3
Thank you for using Canon products.

We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera are experiencing issues with Firmware Update Version 2.0.3.

We are working on a new firmware update to address these phenomena, which will be available soon. If you have not registered your EOS 5D Mark II, please register so we will be able to notify you via e-mail when future firmware updates become available for download.

Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience these phenomena may have caused. We appreciate your kind patronage and support.

Official Link: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=MultiMiscPageAct&key=EOS_5DMKII_Firmware&fcategoryid=139

Some of the complaints
“No audio in C modes unless I set my audio levels in one of the “creative” modes (M, Av, Tv, ) first and then go into my C mode of choice. Kinda defeats the purpose of having a C mode if I have to go to another mode first…”

“I have found the same thing. It only seems to work if you move from one of the other creative modes to a Custom mode. If you turn the camera OFF, then go to a Custom mode, turn the camera back ON, and then try to record Manual audio, you will get signal levels on your meters, but no audio is recorded.”

From 5D Mark II Team: http://5dmark2.wordpress.com/

Thanks Jay

cr

2. We are expected to see some breakthrough on 1Ds4 that we’ve never seen on any DSLR, such as the compatibility to USB 3.0.

5D Mark III (Direct Quote) (CR1)
1. The release of 5D3 depends on the successor of Nikon D700. That is, 5D2 has beaten D700 since it was released.

There’s no any other FF DSLR can compete with 5D2 in the current DSLR market; hence, for Canon, it’s not necessary to replace it recently.

*CR’s Note: Presumably this means the 5D2 has outsold the D700.

4. 5D3 will be equipped with better AF system, though it won’t be as good as the 19-point AF system like 7D.

5. 5D3 may not come before October, 2010.

EF-24-70 f/2.8L IS (CR2)
This info comes from a known source who’s been right a couple of times.

The new 24-70 is “done” and is in the hands of the marketing department for release.  There is still no timetable.

cr

Adds or changes the following movie frame rates.

NTSC:
1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed – actual 29.97 fps)
1920×1080 : 24 fps (added – actual 23.976 fps)
640×480 : 30 fps (changed – actual 29.97 fps)

PAL:
1920×1080 : 25 fps (added – actual 25.0 fps)
1920×1080 : 24 fps (added – actual 23.976 fps)
640×480 : 25 fps (added – actual 25.0 fps)

Other Functions
Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels).

Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure.

Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies.

Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.

Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.)

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

Shop
5D Mark II @ Amazon $2469

5D Mark II @ B&H $2499

5D Mark II @ Adorama $2499

Firmware Video @ Planet 5D
Mitch at Planet5D has done an instructional video of upgrading firmware, as well as a demo video.

Check it out: http://blog.planet5d.com/

cr

Weekend Rumor Mill
Two comments came in saying not to expect the 1Ds Mark IV announcement until mid August.

Lenses
A lens announcement in the late spring as well as in August.  As usual, no word on lenses.

There will be a new 300 2.8 & 400 2.8 being tested at the World Cup and not yet for sale.

2011
A 5D Mark III will be coming as well as a new full frame camera below the 5D Mark III.

We will also see a new EF mount video camera system.

Site Design
I’ve had a new site design completed for about a week now and will be doing the switch on Sunday. So expect some minor downtime.

I’m also working to troubleshoot some back end issues that make the site unavailable every so often. The problem has been isolated.

Announcing a niche lens along with more mainstream stuff probably makes a lot of sense. What that mainstream stuff is, remains to be seen.

What about the 15mm?
From the same source, there is no plans to replace the EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye.

cr

Buy From B&H Here: EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II @ $2499

Buy From Adorama Here: EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II @ 2499

*Note: Free shipping from Adorama

thanks Yozi

cr

A source told me that canon have indeed created a raw video option for HDSLR’s. It will utilize the HDMI port on the cameras to output full uncompressed HD content for recording on an external device. Apparently the current 720P output is limited by firmware not hardware so all they need to do is change this setting in the firmware.

The source would not confirm if this was coming to the 5D2 directly. However, the source did make clear to me that they knew nothing of a 1DS4. I was also told that this firmware had been tested on location.

cr

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging technology, is today launching the highly anticipated Studio Solution software for workflow efficiency in professional photo studios. Canon’s Studio Solution software helps professional operations take full advantage of Canon’s core imaging and printing technologies with fully automatic workflows to simplify studio operations and integrate appointments, invoicing, image enhancement and printing into one administrative program. Through electronic input and filing, Studio Solution software helps consolidate scheduling, contracting, image capture, ordering, retouching and printing into one program. Canon will be demonstrating its Studio Solution software today in Booth #401 at the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) trade show, March 8th – 10th in Las Vegas.

Designed to make everyday tasks easier for photo studio managers and staff, Studio Solution allows for greater staffing efficiencies with improved turnaround time, for increased profitability. The software integrates with Canon EOS cameras, imagePROGRAF and PIXMA Pro printers, and helps ensure studio owners and operators are maximizing their time and equipment.

“We are proud to introduce our Studio Solution software as a powerful tool for photographic studios to help them maximize the efficiencies of their Canon equipment,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The simple-to-learn software solution is made possible by combining Express Digital’s technology and workflow along with Canon’s proven image processing expertise. Beginning with administrative scheduling, customer information is entered into the Canon software and will follow all customer jobs through ordering and invoicing. A file is created for each customer with complete order details. Images are then attached to each customer job order for optimal filing efficiency. The Studio Solution software then transitions to a studio sales tool by providing on-screen image previews on various Canon media to give the customer an accurate rendering of how their final print will look on various substrates to assist in the print ordering process.

The most integral software feature is Canon’s core image processing, providing automatic color management, image resizing and image re-touching for stunning prints with minimal monitoring needed. These automatic processes help reduce the need for timely and expensive image editing, allowing for greater margins and uptime in any Canon-equipped photo studio. Once the final job is printed through the software, an invoice is automatically generated, complete with order details and customer information, without additional manual input.

How Much?
Adorama has it listed at $1499.

Check it out

cr

Before the Summer
A source that has been very quiet for the last couple of months has piped up and said we will be seeing a new camera announced before the summer. The camera will be the 1Ds Mark IV.

“There will be no 60D”.

Availability of the camera would be late summer.

Lenses would be announced with the camera, as usual.. there is no definitive info about what lenses.

World Cup
There will be a lot of gear tested at the World Cup in South Africa this year. Some of the new gear will be big white lenses. The source cautions not to expect anything imminent. The next round of lenses will be for the “wedding & niche” crowd.

Everything else is very quiet at the moment. At least we have the 5D2 firmware to look forward to.

cr

CR reader KKL did the smart thing (why didn’t I think of it?), he downloaded the file and checked the setup.ini.

[CAMERA_SEC]
menu0=D60

D60 it is.

Soooo.
I’ve been sent this link about 50 times in the last 24 hours or so. The “60D” appears on Canon Taiwan’s site.

This is the only info I have on a 60D coming, for now I’ll just call it a typo, we’ll see if its still there on Monday.

See here: http://www.canon.com.tw/…

Check the drop down menu.

thanks to everyone

cr

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This image comes from Aden Camera in Toronto, Canada. Is that a new 70-200 f/2.8L IS II available for purchase?

Thanks Ed

cr

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Rebates start Sunday and run to April 3, 2010.

cr

Check the proof!

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Read More: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=835981

Thanks Richard

cr