An image worth investigating
Below are some screencaps that I received today from a Chinese forum called “Weibo”. In it, you will see a blurred out Canon camera, which isn’t all that significant.

However, on the strap we see what appears to be “EOS 3D”, I do not see a fold in the strap that would possibly be hiding a “0″ for the 30D, nor is it a 7.

What do you think?

Also appeared on [PR]

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From BuyDig.com
Canon Rumors partner BuyDig.com has started a limited time promotion on the following Canon Gear.

5% instant rewards on select Canon Gear – 5% rewards are applied instantly with a price reduction at final checkout! USA shipping is FREE

All camera deals below have 5% instant rewards and also include:

• Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements 11 ($99 value)
• Lexar 32 GB Professional 400x SDHC UHS-I Card

Cameras

• Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III w/24-105 f/4L IS
• Canon EOS 6D Body
• Canon EOS 6D w/24-105 f/4L IS

Prime Lenses

• Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L
• Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8
• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro

Zoom Lenses

• Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II
• Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

Flashes

• Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

From B&H Photo
B&H Photo is now accepting preorders for the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 DC lens. Keep in mind a “DC” lens is for a crop body.

Preorder the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC $799

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Various reports say it is
We’ve heard from a few people that the EF 70-200 f/2.8L is in the process of being discontinued.

A few people have said they have attempted to get broken lenses fixed and have been told by Canon USA that parts for the repair are no longer available and will not be in the future either.

Another report says an EF 70-200 f/2.8L that was in disrepair was replaced with a refurbished EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II at no extra cost. However, don’t go breaking your lenses, as this may have been a one off.

I would imagine the current stock of the lens at retailers will probably be the last of them. I’ve heard nothing about a replacement for the lens, even though I do think there is a place for Non-IS lenses such as this one.

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L at B&H Photo $1299

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Another patent
This is probably the third separate patent I have seen for an EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS over the last 24 months. A zoom ring version does exist in the wild. We’re told the push/pull is finished and we’ll get a properly sealed 100-400. The cost will be north of $2500 USD and we could finally see it announced before the end of the year. Also appearing in the patent is a 70-300.

The breakdown below is Google translated

• Patent Publication No. 2013-105053
  • Publication date 2013.5.30
  • Filing date 2011.11.15
• Example 1
  • Zoom ratio 4.01
  • Focal length f = 72.48-135.49-290.86mm
  • Fno. 4.58-4.94-5.85
  • Half angle ω = 16.62-9.07-4.25 °
  • Image height Y = 21.64mm
  • 143.42-175.48-201.87mm overall length of the lens
  • BF 39.98mm
• Example 3
  • Zoom ratio 3.75
  • Focal length f = 104.16-166.66-391.00mm
  • Fno. 4.60-5.20-5.80
  • Half angle ω = 11.73-7.40-3.17 °
  • Image height Y = 21.64mm
  • 221.48-252.31-300.68mm overall length of the lens
  • BF 70.65-87.69-113.37mm
• Canon patent
  • I want to put in the first group the anomalous dispersion optical element
  • It is possible correction and lateral chromatic axial chromatic aberration, but spherical aberration of color and field curvature occurs
  • By optimizing the placement, the correction and field curvature, the spherical aberration of the color of g-line

Source: [EG]

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Development announcement before years end?
There has been a bit of discussion lately about the upcoming “big megapixel” camera body from Canon. The camera is slated for release some time in 2014. We’re told that there is a possibility that the camera will get a development announcement before the years end.

We’re told there is still discussion in regards to form factor of such a camera. There’s probably an even 50/50 split in preferences between an EOS-1Dx style body or a EOS 5D Mark III style body. I fall into the latter category, the smaller, the better for me. However, there are lots of people that love the ergonomics of the EOS-1D X. I guess it’s possible there could be a mix of both styles of body.

A different source says there are 3 different sensors currently in development, all of which are above the 35mp pixel count. Canon is apparently quite motivated to make industry leading sensors again, as we should see some of that in the EOS 7D Mark II and perhaps even the 70D in the summer.

The EOS-1D X is apparently slated for replacement in late 2014 or early 2015, and Canon would like to have a large megapixel camera on the market before that happens.

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New Review
Our review of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II has been posted. Justin was eager to know whether or not it was worth the money over the very good EF 17-40 f/4L.

For the type of event work Justin does, it looks like he does think it’s better. Although I’d be less inclined to recommend it over its cheaper cousin if you’re primarily shooting landscape. The corner softness on the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II isn’t any better than the EF 17-40 f/4L, the filter size difference could also be an issue for some people. However, if you need that stop of light, the EF 16-35 f/2.8L II is really your only choice in the Canon lineup.

Says Justin
“The 16-35mm f/2.8 L II beats my 17-40 f/4L in all aspects hands-down, except for cost. While I won’t find myself making the upgrade anytime soon, I did find the superior optics and faster aperture a boon in many situations I was in while working with the 16-35. The weight difference became less significant, and I actually mistook one lens for the other while packing my kit one day.”

Read the full review

Buy the Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L II Lens
B&H Photo $1499.00 | Amazon $1498.89 | Adorama $1499.00

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New fast primes
The often talked about 50 f/1.4 and 135 f/2 have appeared in a new patent this week. We’ve heard that a replacement to the 50 f/1.4 would come first. A new 135 f/2L is a desired lens if they put IS into the upgrade. We’ve also heard a new 85 f/1.2L with reduced weight and approved AF performance was also on the horizon.

• Patent Publication No. 2013-114133 (Google Translated)
  • Publication date 2013.6.10
  • Filing date 2011.11.30

• Factors that chromatic aberration of magnification chromatic aberration or axial chromatic aberration occurs
  • Reducing the total length
  • Focal length for a long time
• Glass material Abbe number 70-90, of 1.4-1.5 refractive index
  • Possible correction of axial chromatic aberration
  • Must increase a curvature, spherical aberration and curvature of field is generated
• Canon patent
  • I use a glass material having an anomalous partial dispersion of the predetermined
  • Consisting of organic and inorganic compound

Source: [EG]

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 10, 2013 — Adobe today announced the availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 5 for Mac OS® and Windows®. The product is available as an individual license or as part of Adobe Creative Cloud™. Designed for both photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, Lightroom 5 adds critical photo editing capabilities and creates groundbreaking workflows. Lightroom 5 was initially released as a free, public beta in April 2013.

“Lightroom was originally conceived through the requests of Adobe customers, and this feedback continues to drive each new iteration,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “As the digital photography landscape advances and evolves, Lightroom is the best solution for photographers and passionate hobbyists who want to get the most out of their digital images.”

New Features in Lightroom 5

Lightroom 5 adds powerful new editing tools to help photographers create better images faster. The Advanced Healing Brush enables customers to fix irregularly shaped imperfections such as dust spots, splotches, and other distractions with the precision and flexibility of a fine brush. The Upright tool analyzes each image to automatically straighten objects such as buildings and level horizons. Radial Gradients offer customers the control to make photo subjects stand out by applying off-center and multiple vignettes in a single image.

Lightroom 5 also brings extended sharing and publishing capabilities. New video slideshows enable customers to combine still images, video clips and music in a creative HD slideshow that can be viewed on almost any device. Updates to the Book module bring the ability to create, personalize and print elegant photo books from a variety of tailored, easy-to-use templates, as well as create customer-specific templates.

Smart Previews, new in Lightroom 5, enable photographers to make edits to their images offline, without bringing their entire library of original files with them. Edits and metadata changes to Smart Preview files are automatically applied to the original images when they are reconnected.

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 is available now for immediate download for Adobe Creative Cloud members. Standalone software is available at Adobe.com and participating retailers for US$149 or US$79 for upgrades. For more detailed information about product features, upgrade policies, pricing and language versions, please visit www.adobe.com/go/lightroom.

Customers can also connect with the Lightroom team directly on Facebook, via Twitter or on the Adobe Lightroom blog. For Lightroom how-to videos, visit http://www.youtube.com/lightroom.

From LensRentals.com
Roger over at LensRentals.com has taken some time to test a variety of Canon 400mm lenses, including the new EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x.

Roger’s initial take…
“I can’t say whether it’s worth the price or not, but I can certainly say it’s the sharpest zoom lens I’ve ever seen, with image quality rivaling the most expensive primes.”

He did note however, that the 200-400 is a bit shorter at the long end than the EF 400 f/2.8L IS II. They’ve come to the initial conclusion that it’s about 95% of the 400 2.8 primes focal length.

IMATEST Results for Canon 400mm Lenses

Read the post at LensRentals.com

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x $11,799

• USA: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Norman Camera
• Canada: Camera Canada
• Europe: PhotoCineShop

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New EF-M Ultrawide
Canon today expands its range of EF-M lenses with the introduction of the new EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. Designed for Canon’s Compact System Camera, the EOS M, this is Canon’s first ultra wide-angle EF lens to feature an Optical Image Stabilizer. Offering a versatile wide-angle zoom range, first-class optical performance, and a new retractable design, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is the perfect addition for EOS M users who wish to capture their passion for landscapes and architecture.

Shoot the city, shoot the world
Designed to expand the range of creative possibilities and shooting subjects, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has an 11-22mm focal range which provides an incredibly wide field of view. This allows users to capture the environment around them whilst remaining close to the subject – ideal for adding drama and atmosphere to each shot.

Class-leading optics deliver incredible results
Engineered using the latest optical technologies, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM enables users to capture images with incredible levels of detail and quality. Manufactured using Canon’s professional quality standards, the lens uses Super Spectra Coatings designed to minimise ghosting and flare, providing beautiful results with every shot. Images are crisp and clear thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer, which works to keep image blur to a minimum by correcting camera shake. A 3-stop shutter speed advantage ensures high quality stills, even when light levels start to fade. Shooting smooth Full HD movies is easy using the advanced Dynamic IS mode which combats more exaggerated forms of camera shake that occur when shooting video on the move. Canon’s near-silent STM technology also ensures focus noise is supressed during movie capture, so the audience can enjoy crystal clear sound to match the visual quality of the footage captured.

Designed for performance and style
Incredibly compact and lightweight, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM has been designed to fit easily into the smallest of spaces so it can be carried everywhere. A new retractable lens design – a first for the EF lens range – locked in place by a switch, allows users to retract the lens back into the barrel when not in use. This keeps the body slim and compact, reducing the lens length by 13mm. An integrated full time manual focus ring also provides the freedom to make precise adjustments to focus as needed. Designed to complement the EOS M’s chic styling, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM features a graphite silver, metal exterior, while the knurled focus and zoom rings are comfortable in the hand and provide easy operation.

EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM – key features:

• Ultra-wide 11-22mm EF-M zoom lens
• Compact, retractable lens design
• Smooth, quiet STM focusing in movies
• Dynamic IS for steady movies
• 3-stop optical Image Stabilizer
• High image quality
• 0.15m minimum focusing distance
• Manual focus ring

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Autofocus Speed Boost
Further enhancing the performance and utility of the EOS M, Canon also announces today a firmware upgrade that boosts the AF shutter speed, making One Shot AF up to 2.3x faster1. The new firmware delivers improved performance as a result of a reworked AF Drive Control System and Canon encourages all existing users of the EOS M to download the new firmware version 2 once it becomes available at the end of June 2013.

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Is the EF 24-105 f/4L IS Going Away?
The EF 24-70 f/4L IS will soon be kitted with the EOS 5D Mark III. I’m also hoping we’ll see it with the EOS 6D as well.

The release date for the new kit(s) is June 13, 2013.

As of writing this, we have no pricing. Expect to see some “white box” discounts on the EF 24-70 f/4L IS soon.

I haven’t heard anything in regards to the EF 24-105 f/4L IS getting discontinued, so I’d expect to see that lens in kits for some time to come.

EF 24-70 f/4L IS $1199

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EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
The next EOS M lens will be released soon and it will be an ultrawide.

Here’s a blurry image of the lens, expect an announcement shortly.

EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

Source: [DCI]

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