BG-E11 User Preview
A reader of the site sent in some pics of the new BG-E11 battery grip for the 5D Mark III. It was noted a view new features and differences between it and the BG-E6 for the 5D Mark II.
Finally! We’ve had spottings of the BG-E11 showing up in Australia and the UK. They should make their way around the rest of the planet fairly quickly. I’m told we’ll be able to get them in Canada next week, I assume it’s the same in the United States.
From Canon USA
To Users of the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lenses with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera.
Thank you for using Canon products.
We have confirmed that when the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and some units of the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lenses are used with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera, the Lenses may emit an abnormal noise.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera does not need to be repaired as a result of this phenomenon.
The support measures for this phenomenon have been decided and they are as described below.
Phenomenon If either of the lenses is attached to the camera with the Image Stabilizer switch on the lenses set to ON, the Image Stabilizer will synchronize with the autofocusing (AF) function and an abnormal noise may occur. This abnormal noise does not affect captured images.
This phenomenon only occurs when the camera is used with either of the lenses, and does not occur when the camera is used with other lenses.
Affected Products
EF200mm f/2L IS USM Lens
EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens
*This phenomenon does not occur with cameras other than the EOS 5D Mark III.
*If the fifth and sixth digit of the six-digit alphanumeric number that is imprinted on the lens mount of the above EF lenses is of any of the following numbers, the lens is affected.
EF200mm f/2L IS USM: If the fifth and sixth digit is 00, 01, or 02.
EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM:If the fifth and sixth digit is 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, or 06.
How to Identify Affected Products: Please check the six-digit alphanumeric number as indicated in the image below.
Support The Canon lenses affected by this phenomenon will be inspected and repaired free of charge starting from May 21, 2012. If you own one of the affected lenses, please contact our Customer Support Center.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc
What if you’re not in the USA?
Other countries should follow suit shortly.
Canon Rumors Sponsors a Short Film Project My friend Mitch from Planet5D decided to make a short film with another new friend Barry Andersson from Deodand Entertainment. Mitch asked if I wanted to provide some funding, and I obliged. The film is the first I’ve seen shot entirely with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, and that’s what drew me into the project. I hung out with both of these guys at NAB and was quite impressed by how serious they took the project, from the story, execution and casting. I hope to help more in the future.
Barry Andersson, director and co-producer, said: “The film was designed to fit a budget that many filmmakers and still photographers can afford. My team tailored our shooting schedule, equipment and techniques to be accessible to all budget levels. My goal was to show that people can get absurdly good results with a DSLR camera with a smaller price tag than they realize.”
The film and summary after the break.
Incident on Marmont Avenue (Based on true events) On November 12, 2011 the police were called to an incident at 1701 Marmont Avenue. This film is the story of what happened that night.
This project is one of the first narrative films to showcase the Canon 5D Mark III. We are excited to present a project that shows what DSLR technology can do for independent filmmakers at any budget. The entire film was shot on Zeiss CP.2 lenses courtesy of Carl Zeiss (zeiss.com/cine/cp2).
Get ready to watch our incredibly talented cast whose credits range from The Artist, Mad Men, 24, Lost, Scrubs, Sin City, Shawshank Redemption and more.
For optimized viewing please consider the following: We have done an audio mix to split the difference for those listing on a laptop and those listening with headphones and/or good speakers. You may have a hard time hearing some of the subtle sound design just listening through your laptop speakers. We recommend listing with headphones or a good audio system.
5D Mark III at Adorama Adorama has informed me that they will be filling all their preorders today, and will have stock of the 5D Mark III left over and ready for sale.
It shows out of stock at present, but there ARE some extras ready to go.
From Norman Camera The fine folks at Norman Camera have notified us that they have 5D Mark III (Body Only) in stock and ready to ship. They will be the fixed cameras with serial number notifier “3″ and not the affected “1″ or “2″.
Scheduled There is apparently going to be new 5D Mark III firmware before the end of May. It will address a few bugs, as well as adding some “features”. No mention of what the features might be. It was mentioned there is a possibility of a bug fix firmware update before the “feature” update, a two part strategy if you will.
There have been no mentions of additional features for video.
Introducing the new AquaTech DC5-V3 Sport Housing AquaTech is happy to announce the release of the new DC5-V3 to suit the new Canon 5D MKIII. This housing is now available through all your normal outlets and features the same dependable controls that are conveniently placed at your fingertips to ensure smooth and reliable control over your camera.
AI servo A lot of people, myself included are quite annoyed at the black AF points when using AI servo mode on the 5D Mark III. It’s nearly impossible to see in some situations, especially in low light. I think most people would like the ability to turn on the red AF point you see when you lock focus in one shot mode. I’m not sure if this was by design, or if it’s actually something that was overlooked in testing.
I will say that the AF works terrific in AI servo mode, it’s just tough to see the AF point at times.
Firmware fix?
I am told by a couple of people that the above issue is known by Canon and they will fix it with a firmware update in the future. The fix may take some time though.
Here’s hoping they also add the ability to change the image review zoom button mapping back to the top right.
Planet5D with Chuck Westfall Chuck Westfall actually talked to Mitch at Planet5D about the two issues above. If I read anything into it, it seems the red AF point illumination is a priority and remapping the zoom button less so.
The issues come up at about the 8:00 minute mark, but the rest of the interview is worth watching too.
