It’s Nikon Night!

Canon Rumors
1 Min Read

Joy!
Are you waiting for the launch of the D3000 and D300s? I am! New 70-200 possibly too.

Maybe Nikon will update the worst line of P&S cameras on earth. Canon needs to be pushed a bit more in the segment.

Follow it at my pals site: http://nikonrumors.com

D3000: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09073005nikond3000.asp

D300s: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09073007nikond300s.asp
Hands on: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09073006d300Shandson.asp

A new 70-200 and 18-200 as well.

Nothing to change systems over. :)

cr

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124 Comments
  • Yes, I’ve been following nikon rumours tonight. The improved 70-200mm F:/2.8 lens will certainly be followed by a new Canon version.

    I am interested in Canon’s response to the D300S, the D300s is a minor upgrade to the D300, and Canon has a opportunity to leapfrog it like they did with the 5D MK II against the D700.

    The rumored 1.3 crop new model sounds very interesting right now. If 15 MP, and the larger sensor, it might surpass the D300S. But only with improved autofocus and weather sealed body.

  • I see this as a nice opportunity for Canon to catch up in this level of camera. Nice thing is, Canon will be able to make their announcements after Nikon, which has seemed to always be the other way around in the last few years.

  • How did the 5D Mark II “leapfrog” the D700? Aside from pixel resolution, the D700 seems to fare just fine against the 5D Mark II. How’s that autofocus again?

  • Yeah IF canon made a new 1.3 crop model i think you would see a good amount of shifting in the market.

  • stop right now before it started again. There’s no point of a shooting match of who is better who is not.

    That being said, D700 is not “inferior” to 5D Mark II in the area of photography.

  • I agree that there’s no point in debating it. I just object to the idea that the 5D Mark II “leapfrogged” the D700 in any meaningful way, particularly considering that high-powered resolution isn’t something its sensor was intended for. The 5D II is an excellent camera, and is aggressively priced. The D700 makes up for the comparative lack of resolution with its own strengths. Hence my objection.

  • Looks like you just started a tradition tonight :)

    So what’s the next bet gonna be?

  • If nikonrumors correctly “rumored” all four Nikon releases tonight, then canonrumors would put up nikon!

  • have u seen the sample images at nikon? low light of the 2 new camera sucks big time.. you can see grain even at ISO 200, worst on ISO 400 taken by Nikon D300s (the lady with lamp) check it.

  • LOL, this is hilarious! Good work nikonrumors and canonrumors! Keep up the excellent work!

  • Hmmm…. It looks like that Nikon roadmap that was leaked a few weeks ago was not particularly accurate. :)

  • This is good. Time for Canon to make the rumours into reality. LOL

    24-70 2.8 IS anyone?! ;-)

  • canon just need to catch up with auto focus system, the lowlight capability of canon was superior with nikon.

  • Sorry Ed, but the D700 and 5D2 do not compete against each other

    12mp vs 21mp
    5 to 8 FPS vs 3.9 FPS
    51 AF points vs 9+6 AF points
    Proper weather seals vs highly questionable weather seals

    And I shoot Canon, I would take a 16mp version of the D700 over a 5D2 any day.

  • Full disclosure, I’m a Nikon shooter.

    Can’t we just acknowledge that the competition between Nikon and Canon ultimately benefits all of us? Both systems are great and frankly you can’t go wrong with either one.

    I love my Nikons and I can’t imagine ever buying a Canon. It doesn’t mean the Canon isn’t good…It just isn’t for me.

    BTW, comparing the D300s to the 5DMkII is a terrible comparison. It should really be compared against the D700. Video doesn’t really interest me right now, so I don’t really care about it.

    Let’s also not forget about the best DSLR in production right now…. the D3. Canon users get a hard-on just thinking about the D3 (admit it… it’s okay). But here’s the great part: Canon will put out something even better sooner or later, which means Nikon will have to respond with something even better than that. In the end the consumer wins.

  • 1080p HD, but I suspect the D700s will have 720p when it comes out, and they’re both low-noise, high-ISO cameras but the 5D2 is twice the MP.

  • I’m not sure a 50D/D300 comparison is completely valid. I think a better comparison might be against the D90. I’ve never used a 50D, so I can’t say for sure, but it still seems like a pretty kick-ass camera (so is the D90 for that matter).

  • Canon I really hope you have something awesome ready to drop. The D300s looks like a nice cam with great specs.

    I need Canon to take the glory from Nikon on this one, other wise I might have found a new camera.

  • Nothing to switch systems over! Nikon 18-200 improved greatly for DX format users. Canon better do something very good in the EF-S line to meet this. Something with Ring USM and non-reotating front, none of this DC motor crap that Canon have fitted to a lot of EF-S lens’ recently. Either an 18-200mm II with Ring USM motor or and 18-105mm again with Ring USM motor. Both would be good but one of them would be acceptable. Or I might switch systems. We deserve good EF-S glass Nikon can make good DX glass.

  • are you talking about the nikonusa pics?
    I don’t see “(the lady with lamp)”
    do you have a link to the pics?

    Nikon D300s has over 40/50D:
    better 51-point AF
    2 card slots
    better weather sealing
    ~100% frame coverage ~0.94x magnification viewfinder

    Canon…. time to step up to the plate and put it out of the park!

  • I am shooting Canon but am not very too much yet invested in expensive glass, so I keep a watchful eye on both canon and Nikon, and even Sony while I save for better glass.

    Nikon today confirmed it is the leader in the camera department and made another claim for a very food lens line-up. It also confirmed you have to pay quite dearly for having all that top equipment.

    Canon will respond, no doubt about that. The 60D will definitely have the popularity of the 40D. It will not compete with the D300/D300s though, and Canon needs to think about competing there. Either that or introduce another FF camera in teh 5D2 price league with lower resolution (13-15MP)and pretty much similar with D700 for the rest. Yes that would have to include a version of the 1D3’s AF system if they want to keep wedding and event photogs.

    The good news is Canon stays cheaper, both in terms of lenses and bodies. So if you don’t require the absolute highest quality in the semi-pro segment of the D300, you can have right now a nice 40D and a couple of nice lenses (such as 70-200 F4IS + 85mm F1.8) for the price of just that new Nikkor 70-200. So when CanonRumors says there is nothing to switch systems it should also be taken into consideration that for the price of a D300/s or D700 + the Nikkor trinity 14-24; 24-70; 70-200 and an 85 F1.4, which I suspect is the backbone of many current semi-pro and pro systems, one can get a lot more in Canon gear and one has a diversity not found in the Nikon camp. Not yet, that is, but this will change. The question is who will be more aggressive inbringing new things to market: Canon with better bodies or Nikon with more diverse better lenses?

    Tough choices ahaed, and the bad economy does not help here…

  • It seems that nothing will happen this summer.
    I have read in Chasseur d’Images that Canon 2000D is expected for the end of the year. I dont know if there are right.

  • Now make the decision even harder to choose between the Nikon D300s and Canon 500D. now tell me, do I buy the 500D or wait for the availability of D300s?

  • Dual slots SD & CF on the D300s!
    Canon, listen: I do want this for the 60D!!!

    (yes, and 7 fps, too)

  • D300s and 500D aren’t in the same league. D300s is a way better camera unless you think 500D’s 1080p video at 20fps is superior.
    I would go with the Nikon D300s or wait for the canon 60D.

  • Nikon’s 10-24 is not optically better than the Canon 10-22. They do not offer anything equivalent to the 17-55 f/2.8 IS. I can’t care less about the cheap DX lenses

  • Hmmm… better weather sealing…

    Whenever I claim the D300 is weather sealed in a discussion, all the Nikon owners will jump on me to tell me it’s NOT any better than the 50D. Weird…

  • Canon management: “hey lets slap 1080 video on the 50d and we got ourselves a winner!”
    not..

  • I am a documentary photographer who switched from Nikon to Canon.
    I have worked six months with d700 and Nikon prime and zoom lenses and published many photos in newspapers.
    The camera got the grip completely unsticked and there was not any choice in lenses. Few and old lenses.
    Everybody says that Nikon has a better building than Canon.
    It’s one of the most stupid thing I always listen to : is not possible to have a pro camera with a completely unsticked grip after only few months of work.
    The d300s is another disappointment: the same old sensor with an amateur video mode. I am very happy to have sold the d700 + all lenses to get 5d mk II with a bigger choice of sharper lenses.

  • I think the D300 owners won’t upgrade their cameras for the D300s, I don’t see any reason for it…

    Is the D300s suppose to take Canon cameras owners?????????

  • EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 Yet another highly expensive lens that most amatuers cannot afford. My point was to make some good quality yet inexpensive EF-s lens’s. Nikon in DX format make 18-200mm, 18-135, 18-105, 35mm prime as well as others. Maybe not the best quality but not the worst either given there price, they are ideal for entry level amatuers how want good if not excellent image quality at an affordable price, It is about time Canon catered to those of us that don’t have an endless supply of money. Since when did photography become purely a rich persons hobby.

  • Arg, more cameras to considers. I think the Nikon D300s is out of my price range. The D3000 looks like it would be a pretty decent camera but I was looking to spend around 800 or so. Have to see what Canon does I suppose and see how prices change.

    Why can’t Canon and Nikon get along and have lens that work for both?!

  • There is good reason why they don’t offer anything as good as the 17-55 f/2.8 IS because for Nikon DX is for afforable lens’s 17-55 f/2.8 IS is overpriced for a crop lens’s with a short zoom range. Image quality maybe be excellent but the 18-55 IS is not bad either but is no where near as expensive. The only thing missing from the 18-55 IS is ring usm. All lens’s should have ring USM.

  • indeed. The D700 blows the 5D2 out in still performance anyday. but the 5D2 is the sweetheart of video for now, at least until the D700x leapfrogs it this fall.

  • canon better low at light? where have you been living? It must be a place where it doesn’t get dark :)

  • if they did they would have to rely on making good products instead of locking you into their system with a lens investment :) welcome to planet greed.

  • +1

    I figured Nikon would include that to keep up with the Jonses. Hopfully now Canon can return fire.

  • Quote: “…for Nikon, DX is for afforable lens”

    You are WRONG. The Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 WITHOUT image stabilization costs more than the Canon equivalent and it optically inferior (albeit Nikon has better built).

  • Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 D IF-ED

    Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 G IF-ED DX

    I think they will be as god as EF-S 17-55 f/2.8

  • Nikons DX range whips Canons EF-S range in every possible way. They better sort it.

  • Hi,

    I am not at this level of price, i have a 50D. But Nikon new camera are not much better than what Canon offers recently. 300Ds is a joke, just video feature in a good but 2 years old camera.

    some people complained about the 40D->50D upgrade but it is much more worth than D300 -> D300s.

    We will see if Canon can catch up (if they intend to).

  • Well I was perhaps wrong in that regard but Nikon still has more DX lens’s than Canon has EF-S and that sure must tempt in beginners.

  • Canon is going to do the same:

    60D/50Dn -> 50D with 1080p Video

    2000D -> 450D leftovers with 720p Video

  • Amazing, in less than 2 years Nikon has succeeded into doing a Canon on their fanbois. This D300s is like the 20D-to-30D transition, LOLOLOL. This is as boring as heck. And that D3000 is a rebadged D60 which was a rebadged D40X… Way to go Nikon!!11 You’re well on your way to becoming what Canon was a few years ago.

    Now its time for Canon to step up to the plate and walk all over these two warmed-over Nikon releases.

  • 720p is a fairly half hearted effort. Perhaps the D700s will have 1080p being FF and more of a competitor to the 5D2. But if Canon makes the 60D a major upgrade (new AF, 7 fps, lower noise, weather sealing) from the 50D and gives it 1080 30p they’ll have trumped Nikon in the $1800 price range.

  • “blows the 5D2 out…”

    ok, take a still photo from the D700, set the image size to 5616 x 3744 pixels and put it next to the same size photo from the 5D2 and watch the D700 suck canal water…lol get real

  • hmm… “a few years ago” ?

    20D-to-30D is exactly the same as the 40D-to-50D (and I guess also 60D-to-70D).

  • Oh, by the way, sorry to the fanbois, but there’s only a snowball’s chance in hell that the 60D would even be a match to the D300/D300s. Stop expecting Canon’s $1300 camera to match the competitor’s $1800 one, it will never happen. Unless, of course, you are willing to tolerate the xxD price to rise to the level of the Nikon Dxxx.

  • The 20D to 30D was a very small upgrade, the only advantage I see is the addition of spot metering on 30D, nothing else.

    Nikon upgraded the D300 to D300s in a better way than Canon did, but still lack behind 500D which is very disappointed, waste of time to wait for the upgrade, now 500D looks even more attractive.

  • Take a photo at ISO 1600 or higher from the 5D2 and set the size the same as a same photo from the D700 and watch the D700 spit water in the 5D2’s face, er lens… or something.

  • Ohh thank you!

    I wasn’t sure if it was linked with the announcement

    I do hope they continue to do this fun bet on rumors hehe

  • I agree, if it wasn’t for Canon, Nikon wouldn’t have made the best SLRs (both Digital and Film) in the world :)

    haha. I have no complains of Canon. They both produce excellent images in the right hands! To each their own.

  • Wrong again.

    The Nikon 17-35 f/2.8 lens has limited range and is optically POOR by today’s standards.

    The Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 lens is overpriced, weighs a ton, optically not as good as Canon/Tamron and lacks image stabilization.

  • The 18-200, 17-85 and 17-55 f/2.8 lenses are good enough for the masses. Canon need only improve on the optical quality of their 18-200 and 17-85. ;) Range-wise, they are fine.

  • This is a good release, the D300s is certainly something Canon wants to respond to by updating their 50D.

    But I believe canon still have the lead with the 5d2. They offer a high mega pixel body with very good video capabilities for less than it costs to go FX with Nikon.

    I’m currently shooting Nikon and my aim is to upgrade with a possible D700x or D700s that would support video (I would prefer D700s as I do not need 24mp) I like many things about Nikon (14-24 Æ’/2.8, 51 auto focus points, very reliable auto focus, etc) So much that I see the “upgrade from my D300 to 5D2 as both an upgrade and a downgrade. I really want to stick with Nikon but I need full frame and video. If the D700s or D700x don’t offer what I need or are sold for too much, I will have no other choice than getting myself a 5D2 and probably the 16-35mm Æ’/2.8

    Considering the possible cost of a D700x, I’ll probably end up with the 5d2.

  • I think that the Nikon D700 is a wonderful camera, but I would never consider exchanging my 5D Mark II for one.

    When two full frame cameras sell in the same price range, they are competitors, like it or not. Of course, they have different features, the Nikon has weather sealing and fast FPS, the Canon has higher quality images.

    Now, the Canon 40d / 50d is not a direct competitor to the D300 or D300s, since the price is much higher for a D300. Even so, people keep comparing them. Guess what, for a few hundred dollars more, you get a better camera.

  • That right. Nikon lenSES are often more expensive even when they’re not as good.

  • The 18-200 lens looks to be the same lens except for coatings and maybe a improved VR. It weighs lightly more, but the dimensions, number of elements, and MTF curves are the same. Until some reviews are done, we won’t know about any subtle improvements in image quality or autofocus speed.

  • The 70-200mm lens looks to be a new design, 1 less element and shorter, but it is still 70 grams heavier. The MTF curves look a lot better for it, and indicate greatly improved edge sharpness.

    I suspect it will outperform the existing Canon lens easily, but will likely cost $$$ as well.

    Only tests of production lenses will reveal the whole story, but it looks to be a big improvement.

  • yes and no. It’s just an update so that the D300 isn’t left behind when ppl are looking for video capable DSLRs, its not intended to get D300 owners to update.

  • true, but a lot of why is because Canon was dumb and put in so many pixels. I think Canon has better tech, to have 125% of nikon pixels in a slightly smaller sensor and only be 1/2 stop better. Canon just needs to pull their head out of their @$$, they could make a great camera if they just told the marketing department to STFU

  • I agree except for one thing D700 and 5D2 are not comparable. 5D2 and D700x yes, but we should save all comparisons in that area until the D700x release, right around the same time the D3x became available last year, but this year.

  • unlikely. I think Canon will continue to split the difference between the D90 and D300 type cameras.

  • I suspect that it will outperform, but not by much, the current Canon is pretty good. It will be most noticeable improvement for FX shooters. I bet that Canon will respond with improved 70-200/2.8, bringing it up to par with the optics of the 70-200 f/4 and this current Nikon. the question is when?

  • “It’s not possible to have a pro camera with a completely unsticked grip after only few months of work.”

    +1

    I totally agree on this. It’s disgusting, even more when it’s hot and huming outside.

  • not really…blow up the Nikon’s 4,288 x 2,848 image to the 5D2’s 5,616 x 3,744 both shot at 1600 and the Nikon image is way worse.

  • Fixed it for you..

    “Guess what, for a few hundred dollars more, you get a MUCH MUCH better camera.”

    I’m a canon owner btw, but quite disappointed with the current offerings.

  • The CR guy was *had* in this “bet”. Nikon gives detailed advance info to the DPReview.com guys, who tip off the NR admin (he even knew exactly when DPReview.com would post their reviews.

    This seems to be payback by the DPReview guys, who are bitter that Canon doesn’t give them the same detailed advance info for Canon product releases:

    http://www.dpreview.com/news/0702/07022208canoneos1dmarkiii.asp
    “Phil: As has become Canon’s approach we had no information on this camera before embargo, this lack of trust they show with their most important (and reliable) publications only continues to damage their image within the industry.”

    I’m LOL’ing that DPReview hold themselves in such high regard!

  • I wish canon would focus on photo quality/photos first. It seems like they’re starting to become overly concerned about video.. *sigh* That’s great and all, but PQ/features are what MOST people care about on a dslr (I have a hg20 for video for now).

    Sure the nikon “only” is 720p, but they got the photo quality/etc in order imo. Great AF system and good PQ, and so-so video. That should be the order.. Here’s hoping canon comes out with a good dslr to rival the d300.. I’m starting to get a little impatient..

  • The D700 & 5D2 are very close in low light. Gizmodo’s comparison test said “Advantage: Draw The D700 does slightly better at high ISO, but the 5D Mark II has a significant upper hand in resolution.”

    Comparing a 12 MP image to a 21 MP is not really fair. To be fair you’d have to blow the 12 MP up to match the resolution, so in my mind they are different animals.

  • It is always good for both systems when new models come out because it fosters more competition.

    The endless debate over which is better will in fact never end.. But I can at least offer this much.. no Nikon shooter I know prefers their operating interface over the Canon for quick adjustment and easy access. IMO the operation of the Dxxx and Dx models are just terrible. For example.. Everyone raves over this 51 point auto focus system, but when I shoot sports or moving objects, I typically only use one point, and I track the object in Servo with my right thumb on the AE Lock control that I’ve switched to a tracking buttom, and I drop the hammer with my index finger. When I want to change points, its done in MAYBE 3-5 seconds without removing my face from the view finder and unlocking switches and trying to choose btwn 51 points.

    And yes, Nikon does make the worst line of P&S cameras (anyone say NOISE??), they just market the hell out of them!

  • For sports photographers (or if that’s mainly what you’re shooting), you’re correct that the 51 point AF system is pointless. However, many of us that are casual photographers tend to shoot portraits/scenic shots more so or even just as much as moving shots, so they are a HUGE benefit imo. It makes it much easier to frame a shot, with all the AF points, compared to just 9 dots. I welcome a similar AF system coming to canon. I realize it’s not “fast” switching the a/f points this way, but for some of us speed is not a concern (myself).

  • I shoot with a 5dmkII and the wife is a nikon D700 troll. When all is said and done and at the end of the day when prints are in.. I can’t tell which were taken with what camera.

  • I find it really hard to buy this idea Nikon trumps Canon in PQ – you have to compare apples to apples, and the fact is the cameras dont evenly match up all the time. For my tastes the 5D2 is way better than a D700 in PQ because you’d have to blowup the 12 MP image to the 21 MP 5D2 and then compare. Plus it has 1080 30p video, but even without the video I’d take the 5D2 over the D700. The D300s is not an even match to the 50D, it’s way more expensive. Both companies are making good stuff. In a year both will be better. The bar gets raised higher and higher in both camps.

  • Gasp! You mean, you just go out and shoot photos with your cameras and you’re both happy with what tools you use?! Heresy!

    Sometimes I think everyone gets a little too wrapped up in what a 12MP shot would look like at another resolution instead of just liking the gear they have.

  • haha, it’s a nice view.

    just saying the statements here that Nikon’s are always better in PQ is not true, it depends on how the comparison is done, because they are always done on Nikon’s terms, do them on Canon’s terms, at Canon’s native resolutions and the outcome is not in Nikon’s favor.

  • The fact you referenced Gizmodo shows your true colors. Gizmodo are the guys who used a remote clicker to ruin a presentation at CES. Sorry, try again.

    To be really fair, each image should be blown up to standard print sizes and be judged that way.

  • hehe, their test was actually pretty good, but even the better testing places only give the D700 a minor edge in low light, and again, none of the tests factor in resolution because if you try to match the 5D2’s low light at it’s resolution the Nikon can’t come close…apples for apples or stop comparing them ;)

  • Hi. from B&H, durability: Canon and Nikon are both durable cameras. But, I do notice from B&H, that while Canon cameras may look scratched and “dinged” from customers trying them out, I do notice the Nikon grips falling off (from a D700 and D300)!! My friend shoots with a Nikon, and he’s taken his camera hiking, and he has dropped it a few times on solid rock (butt first, thankfully)…and he’s still got it. He has a D200. I have a 20D, and now a 40D. My 20D’s gone to the beach…a fake beach on a rainy day, fell from 3 feet high to a hardwood floor during one of my wedding jobs, and it’s still taking photos up to this day! =).

    So basically…HOORAAH to Canon and Nikon for really kicking each other’s butt! And Hooraah for Sony for joining in! GOod years ahead for us, customers (that is if we don’t get too trigger happy spending on new toys).

  • Perhaps Dave, I haven’t played with those cameras.. I was more talking about the “prosumer” end..

    You’re also right, the d300 is ~$400 more than a 50d, so they’re not *really* comparable.. but.. seeing as how they’re the most closely priced, it’s impossible to not compare them. On that note, comparing the d300 and the 50d, I happen to think the d300 *crushes* the 50d, and DESPITE the d300 being $400 more, I find it to be well worth the extra cost. So, in that sense, they are comparable. If I was looking to purchase a dslr for <$2k, the d300 is hands down the one to purchase now.

    I look forward to canon coming out w/ something to compete with the d300, because right now, I happen to feel the "gap" between the 50d and the next full frame camera is simply too large (dollar wise). Also, for those that are looking for a "prosumer" type camera, and stepping up from the xsi/40d, the 50d is simply not worth it.

  • That is blatantly false. The Nikon 17-55 is an excellent lens, with sharpness that rivals the best primes at F4-5.6.

    It’s also much better built than the Canon 17-55. My own copy handled an accidental hit into a brick wall with nothing more than a tiny ding. The brick chipped off, rather than anything happening with the lens.

    It costs as much as it does because it has excellent build quality and sharpness. Most Nikon shooters who actually use it are satisifed with it. I know I was with mine.

  • The Nikon 17-55 is better than the Canon equivalent. IS is highly overrated and unnecessary for any good photographer.

  • maybe they got a better sensor but in wrong implementation. don’t compare the specs, compare the real world output.

  • I agree the D300 is a great camera, and if all there was to choose from was the D300 and 50D I’d probably go with the Nikon. I have a 50D because I like a crop body in addition to FF ones. Whether I upgrade it to a 60D I’ll have to see what Canon does. I don’t think it’ll go head to head with the D300 though but we’ll see. It’s priced for upgrade from the Rebel line and 2K would be too much a jump from $900.

  • yep, it’s an interesting strategy. The biggest battle is for new DSLR owners, Rebel/500D/D5000 territory – once they get them then it’s what to upgrade to, and Canon plays smart going for the $1200 price point, and giving a fair amount of bang for the buck on the 50D. Where Canon drops the ball though is the leap from $1200 to $2700, a niche for a would-be 7D.

  • Quote “Canon need only improve on the optical quality of their 18-200 and 17-85. ;)”

    Hopefully they will do just that.

  • That is SOOO stupid! How come u will compare 120% crop to 100%… Are you seriously a photographer?

  • I find the Nikon layout of buttons and interface a lot more efficient than Canon’s. I think the ergonomics of the Nikon bodies lend themselves better to quick adjustments actually, and things just make more sense.

  • The lady with the lamp picture is extremely underexposed. Any camera would give noise (even 5D mkII ;)).

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