New Canon Firmware Updates

Canon has released updated firmware for three of its digital SLRs and the WFT-E2/E2A wireless transmitter.

Version 1.2.4 for the 5D Mark II adds support for the WFT-E4 II/WFT-E4 II A transmitter and "corrects a phenomenon in which visible noise may appear in images taken by continuous Bulb shooting."

Version 1.3.0 for the EOS-1D Mark III and v1.2.0 for the EOS-1Ds Mark III enable these cameras to work with the WFT-E2 II/WFT-E2 II A. Also, v2.0.0 of the firmware for the WFT-E2/E2A allows this transmitter to function with the soon-to-be-released EOS-1D Mark IV.

Links: Canon EOS 5D Mark II v1.2.4 | Canon EOS-1D Mark III v1.3.0 | Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III v1.2.0 | WFT-E2/E2A v2.0.0

Nikon 70-200 Price Drop at Tallyn's!

Attention Nikon shooters! We have just reduced the price on our NIKON AF-S 70-200mm F/2.8G IF-ED VR (Mark I) to make room for the new $2400 Mark II version. It was previously $2114 and is now just $1945.

(From Nikon:) Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful super-quiet operation. VR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 3 stops faster. In addition, active vibration mode selection is possible. For using in an active situation such as in a car, boat or plane. VR ON/OFF mode available. 5 ED elements reduce chromatic aberrations providing superior optical performance - even at maximum aperture. Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance. M/A mode enable instant switching from autofocus to manual with virtually no lag time even during AF servo operation. Rounded diaphragm (9 blades) for natural blur. Focuses as close as 4.9ft (AF) 4.6ft (MF). Detachable tripod mounting collar provided. Filter attachment does not rotate with focusing.

Canon EOS 7D new firmware update

Canon has released a new version 1.1.0 for the EOS 7D. This firmware "Corrects a phenomenon that in images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible." Click here to download firmware 1.1.0 for the EOS 7D.

Nikon November Instant Savings

Through November 21st, purchase the NIKON AF-S 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR with a D90, D300s or D700 and get back $200 instantly. If you have been considering upgrading or replacing your Nikon body, this would be an ideal time to take advantage of this offer and get a great deal on an already affordable long-range zoom lens.

D300s Price Drop

We have just reduced the price on the Nikon D300s from $1799.95 to $1699.95! Nikon's pro-level DX-Format body features a 12.3 Megapixel CMOS with Nikon's Expeed Processor to deliver rich tones and low noise even at high ISO's and is available now from Tallyn's.

Canon Error Codes Revealed

Direct from a source at Canon, we have the basics to shed at least a tiny bit of light on the various error codes Canon is using for the 5D Mark II and beyond. While none of these error codes reveal enough information to allow you to do repairs on your own, any amount of information can be comforting when dealing with these errors if they occur.

10 - Malfunction related to files has been detected.

20 - Malfunction related to the mechanical mechanism has been detected.

30 - Malfunction related to the shutter has been detected.

40 - Malfunction related to the power source has been detected.

50 - Malfunction related to the electric control has been detected.

60 - not used on 5Dm2

70 - Malfunction related to images has been detected.

80 - Malfunction related to the electric control of images has been detected.

90 - not used on 5DM2

These error codes relate specifically to the 5D Mark II but our source says they probably apply "across the board to all cameras after the 5D Mark2." So if you see any of these error messages in your camera, don't hesitate to send it in to Ted at Tallyn's for a warranty repair or repair quote. You can also join Canon Professional Service, which offers various levels of priority and attention to qualifying members.

Free AC5 RF Shield Available for PocketWizard TT5 Users

PocketWizard has announced that they will offering a free AC5 RF Shield for customers who have already purchased a TT5 receiver for Canon Speedlites.

Click Here for PocketWizard's Signup Form
(will be available by end of day)

The AC5 RF Soft Shield provides RF shielding from certain Canon flashes emitting high levels of radio interference that impedes the AC5 from "hearing" the triggering information being sent from your transmitting PocketWizard and thus limits its operating range. The Canon flashes that need shielding are the 430EX, 580EX and the 580EX II. If you own the 430EX II or 550EX you do NOT need the AC5 as these flashes do not emit high levels of interference.

To receive your free AC5 RF Soft Shield you must already own one or more PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceivers. You will need to provide the serial number from each FlexTT5 Transceiver you own. AC5's will begin shipping on a first-come, first-served basis beginning mid to late November. PocketWizard will post a news update when they begin shipping on their News page and Facebook pages.

The AC7 RF Shield, a hard plastic shield with 1/4-20 mounting inserts and umbrella holder, will also be available in November. If you are also interested in the AC7, you may indicate this on the form and we will contact you when they become available. With either the AC5 or AC7 in use you will see a significant gain in operating range.

New Tech Tips Video on YouTube

We have completed two new Tech Tip videos this month. Both of them are on the Mini and Flex Control TTL Pocketwizards. Each video Tech Tip demonstrates a different scenario and step-by-step setup for the new TTL Pocketwizards. Enjoy all the Tech Tips Videos on the Tallyn's website or YouTube channel.

Canon Instant Rebates

Canon Instant Rebates for Winter '09 are now available! Save on 12 of Canon's best lenses as well as EX II Speedlites. These are Instant Rebates - taken right off the sale price - No rebate forms, No waiting! Visit our Canon Instant Rebates Page for a full list of eligible items, and get your orders in soon to ensure quick delivery.

New & Updated Wireless File Transmitters

Alongside the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon has also announced a series of updates to their Wireless File Transfer systems, notably the new WFT-E2 II A which features added support for 802.11a wireless (along side 802.11b & g) and a revised HTTP mode called WFT Server which enables new remote camera triggering capabilities.

WFT Server brings new a remote viewing capability that taps into the camera's Live View feed and allows you to remotely adjust shutter speed, aperture, ISO and other settings as well as remote shutter release functions all from the web browser of a linked computer, iPhone or similar smartphone. Canon has released screenshots of the WFT Server mode running on a wirelessly connected iPhone.

There is some backwards compatibility between the new Wireless File Transmitters and the 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III. The original WFT-E2A will function on the 1D Mark IV without access to the new features like WFT Server. Alternately, the newer WFT-E2 II A will be compatible with the 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III once a firmware update has been released.

This brings the combinations of usable pro Wireless File Transmitters to include all of the following:

• 1D Mark IV w/ WFT-E2A or WFT-E2 II A
• 7D w/ WFT-E5A
• 5D Mark II w/ WFT-E4A or WFT-E4 II A
• 1D Mark III w/ WFT-E2A or WFT-E2 II A
• 1Ds Mark III w/ WFT-E2A or WFT-E2 II A

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Announced

It has been made official. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV has been announced and is available for Preorder. This camera replaces the sports & action photography oriented 1D Mark III and the continued emphasis on autofocus, frame per second rate and wide continuous shooting file buffer size continues that tradition.

- New 45-point Area AF sensor including 39 cross-type AF points with f/2.8 support plus new AI Servo II AF with improved algorithm.
- ISO 100 - 12800 (expandable to L: 50, H1: 25600, H2: 51200, H3: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light with low noise levels.
- EOS HD movie with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p).
- 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed.
- 10.0 fps continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGS or 28 RAW using a UDMA CF card.
- 3.0-inch ClearView II LCD monitor, 160° viewing angle, 920,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.
- Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 300,000 cycles and exclusive dust- and weather-resistance.
- Fully compatible with over 50 EF lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories.

Tallyn's is now taking preorders at our website, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, and by phone at 800-433-8685. Release dates and additional information will be made available here on our blog and on our Facebook page as they become available.

Canon 7D Firmware Update

Canon has released an update to the firmware for the new EOS 7D. Firmware Version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes:

1. Improves AF accuracy during Live View shooting.
   
2. Corrects a phenomenon where in rare instances, movie images shot by the camera may exhibit abnormal colors.
   
3. Corrects a phenomenon that at certain timings, the shutter cannot be released when the camera's built-in flash or an external Speedlite is used for shooting.

Download the firmware update file from the link above and follow the instructions provided to update your camera. We will continue to post links to firmware updates as they are made available.

Products We Use: Lastolite Cubelite Studio pt. 2

After yesterday's article about the Lastolite Cubelite Studio, I realized there was a major element I neglected to include - a real world walkthrough. In about ten minutes this afternoon I knocked out a capture of a used Canon lens we took in on trade. Here's how I did it:

3:40 - Got the lens from Ryan, grabbed our Canon 1D Mark III w/ 24-70, CF card & Quantum Radio Slave 4i Sender.

3:42 - Turned on the lights that power our Cubelite Studio, a two-head pack system triggered by the Quantum Radio Slave 4i Remote. When we initially set up the Cubelight, some basic testing determined that an ideal exposure could be attained with both lights on 100w/s, with the camera set in full manual for 1/100th, f/10, ISO 100.

3:43 - Put the lens in the Cubelight, took a custom white balance with the Lastolite Grey Card and snapped off the first shot, shown here cropped but not edited:

(The greying background can easily be knocked out in post processing. Since with the Cubelite, the background lighting and main lighting are coming from the same source, they can't be individually adjusted. Getting the proper exposure on the subject is what counts.)

3:45 - Decided I didn't like the wrap around lighting that makes the edges of the lens on the left and right appear to fade out into the background. This can be remedied through subtractive lighting; Creating a gobo to block the direct sidelight. For this, I cut up a cardboard box to get the following image:

(Again, cropped but unedited. The cardboard sides block the light that hits the sides of the lens, but still allows the front of the lens and background to be unaffected.)

3:47 - I loaded the last image into Photoshop, removed the cardboard box gobo and used a quick level adjustment layer mask (the most important thing to know in Photoshop IMHO) and was left with this final result:

There it is. Ten minutes to a softly lit product shot, achieving the 'floating in white' look that is ideal for web product display. You can take more time as needed for shooting more demanding products and situations, but take my word that it is comforting to know that the lighting, diffusion and platform for product shooting are already set up and ready to go. If you find yourself shooting a lot of product for commercial clients or eBay product sales, the Lastolite Cubelite Studio is a strong choice towards creating a system for quick, straight-forward and repeatable results.

Products We Use: Lastolite Cubelite Studio

The Lastolite Cubelite Studio is the ultimate solution for product photography, and at Tallyn's, have been shooting new additions to our catalog as well as Ebay & Web Clearance items in it for over a year. The larger 37" version (left below) replaced our glass sweep table in the main showroom with a setup that takes up a third of the space and provides even more control over reflections and shadows while tying up less lights and softboxes than the glass sweep table demanded. It was such a success that we purchased the 28" version (right below) for a back room when we expanded our used equipment and Ebay sales setup.

It allows for control of the light from below and all other directions allowing you to give products that floating look with no shadows. The tensioned diffuser fabric means the reflections on even the most reflective surface are kept to an absolute minimum, while the front opening can be closed to mask reflections as well. I have experienced issues shooting lenses and other curved forms and getting excessive wrap-around, but that problem was easily remedied with a cardboard box cut to create a gobo that would block some of the side lighting.

As you can see in the images above, the Cubelite Studio only requires two heads to fully light your subject - one mounted above by means of either a boom arm or a resting softbox (as we have done here at Tallyn's with the Aurora 28x28), and an a second light mounted inside of the lower portion, best supported by a Bogen Backlight Stand 012B.

We have both the 28" & 39" versions in-stock and available now, as well as the experience to guide you through the construction, lighting and use of this versatile but strait-forward setup.

New Nikon D3s and DX MIRCO 85mm f/3.5

Nikon has announced the speedy 12.1 Megapixel D3s. Improvements include the expandable ISO up to 102,400 and a larger buffer for 48 RAW in continuous shooting mode. New on the D3s is the 720p 24fps HD movie mode and in-camera RAW processing. This camera is made to preform for any job anywhere.

Also announced was the AF-S DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G ED VR. The new Micro lens provides 1:1 life size magnification. This lens is also outfitted with the VR II system, providing 4-stops of vibration reduction at slow shutter speeds. Another big plus on this lens is internal focus. The barrel of the lens does not change length when focusing.

Handy New Strobe Bracket available

How many times have we wanted to connect a Speedlight or Q-flash strobe to a bigger studio soft box?

The new Mini-Max Z-Bracket from Aurora solves this. This handy bracket will allow the attachment of any Aurora or Westcott soft boxes (and many others) right to any Hotshoe Speedlight or Quantum Q-flash. It also has screw mounting hardware for a radio slave and mounting bar for a battery belt clip.

The Z-Bracket is also included in a number of kits.

Kits include either a 12" x 36" strip, 24" Octobox or 18" square box, light stand and the Z-Bracket.

$50 ColorMunki Photo Rebate Extended

Now, through the end of the year, get $50 back from X-Rite on the purchase of the ColorMunki Photo - The ultimate tool for calibrating your computer monitor, printer & projectors to a common color profile. Stop assuming that your colors are accurate and know for sure with ColorMunki Photo. Regularly $479, this rebate brings your final cost to $429.
Links: ColorMunki Photo on Tallyns.com

Canon Pro Printer Rebates

Through the end of January, Canon is offering Mail-In Rebates on their two newest and most popular Pro Pixma Printers, the Pro9000 II and Pro9500 II.

Purchase a Pro9000 II and get a $100 stand alone mail-in rebate (MIR), or purchase the Pro9000 II with a T1i, 5D Mark II or 50D and get the $100 stand alone MIR plus an additional $300 bundle MIR for a total savings of $400. That makes the Pro9000II $399 when purchased alone, or $99 when purchased with a qualifying camera body.

Purchase a Pro9500 II and get a $200 stand alone MIR, or purchase the Pro9500 II with a T1i, 5D Mark II or 50D and get the $200 stand alone MIR plus an additional $300 bundle MIR for a total savings of $500. That makes the Pro9500II $649 when purchased alone, or $349 when purchased with a qualifying camera body.

Links: Canon Pro Printers at Tallyns.com | Pro9000 II and Pro9500 II on Canon.com

Nikon October Instant Savings

Through the end of October, Tallyn's is offering a $100 Nikon Instant Savings on the Nikkor 70-300mm VR when purchased with the D300s. The previous D700 $300 instant savings that has been offered in past months was made permanent last month, making the D700 $2699. These are instant savings, which means no rebate forms and no waiting for reimbursement. The discount is taken right off the price you pay. Nikon's Instant Savings for October begin on the 4th and run until the end of the month.

Links: Nikon D70o & D300s on Tallyns.com | Nikkor 70-300 VR on Tallyns.com

Canon's Other Big Release: The EF 100 Macro IS

While the release of the new EOS 7D is the big headline today, quietly released alongside the 7D is the new EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens - A powerful new piece of glass for macro photography & portraiture. This is also the first lens to feature Canon's Hybrid IS, which we covered a couple months ago when the technology was first announced.

As it is a true 1:1 macro lens, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L USM Macro IS will deliver a subject to your sensor at the same size it is in real life. 1x magnification is achieved at the Minimum Focus Distance of 1'. It doesn't take a very big subject to completely fill the frame at this 1x magnification.

If you're the type to be interested in such things, the MTF Chart for this lens is, pardon my hyperbole, INSANE. In a nutshell, what you're looking at is the lens' sharpness (along the y axis) from center (left side of the x axis), towards the corners (right side of the x axis), measured at various apertures.

If that chart is too much for you, and I totally understand that it could be, just take it that this lens is SHARP.... Make that SHARP and IN STOCK.

Links: Canon EF 100 f/2.8L IS Macro at Tallyns.com | Canon EF 100 f/2.8L IS Macro at Canoneos.com | Explaining the MTF Chart at Canoneos.com

An Easy Solution for Runaway Background Paper

Tallyn's has the solution for runaway background paper! Our Seamless Paper Clips quickly and easily slide into the ends of your seamless paper rolls. Roll out your background and insert the clip to prevent gravity from pulling more paper than you wanted, or use the clips to keep a stored roll tightly wound and under control. Available now from Tallyns.com; two-packs for $6.50, singles for $3.95.

We also have a full selection of Seamless Paper Rolls in the standard 107" x 12 yard size. In the past five years, we can count on one hand the number of days during which we have not had Arctic White or Jet Black available for immediate shipment. Make Tallyn's your go-to choice for Seamless Paper Backgrounds.

Links: Seamless Paper Clips on Tallyns.com | Seamless Paper Rolls on Tallyns.com

Full Range of Pro Bodies In Stock Now!

We have just received shipments recently from both Canon and Nikon. At this time we have in stock for immediate shipment 2x Canon EOS 5D MKII bodies, 1x Canon Rebel T1i, 2x Nikon D700 bodies and 1x Nikon D300s body. We are also stocking a selection of Canon's most popular and powerful Powershot cameras including the A1100 IS and the SD1200 IS, ideal even for pros who want a camera that can be tossed in your pocket and carried literally everywhere.

All of these cameras are available for order by calling (800) 433-8685 or on our website at Tallyns.com.

SYNC: Senior + Youth National Conference

January 29 through February 1, 2010 | St. Pete’s Beach, FL

SAVE $50 on SYNC registration for a limited time!

Senior and Youth National Conference, SYNC is the industry’s leading educational conference in High School Senior portrait photography. SYNC is an affordable conference that provides professional photographers a venue to learn from talented, experienced industry leaders that are willing to share their expertise on senior and youth photography and business tips!

A print competition is available again for 2010 and each evening has unique events planned that will provide even more education, networking and fun. SYNC welcomes the industries top vendors to the trade show pavilion throughout the conference to share the latest and greatest products and services used to help run a successful business. All this under one roof for only $329*! Save $50 (for a limited time)! For details visit www.syncseniors.com.

*Does not include pre-conference registration fees for January 29th. See website for more details.

Manfrotto Rebates

Buy any Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod and Manfrotto head and receive $50.00 back.
Download the Rebate form.

Introducing Strobies from Interfit

Strobies are a new shoe-mount flash light modifier line from Interfit, now availble at Tallyns.com. This line is based around the Flex Mount - essentially a speedring for shoe-mount strobes - which connects to the front of your strobe by pressure and does not require velcro or tape. Flex Mounts are available for the Canon 430EXII/580EXII, Nikon SB-600/SB-800 and the Nikon SB-900.

We have available for order the snoot, soft box, barn doors, beauty dish, 20 degree grid, 30 degree grid and the globe diffuser. We have only found two issues when testing these light shaping tools - The softbox does not connect/disconnect from the Flex Mount as quickly as the other accessories, and the larger accessories may block the TTL sensors on the front of your speedlight.

Links: Strobies on Interfit's website | Strobies available for order on Tallyns.com

The Canon EOS 7D is Official

The Canon EOS 7D has gone from rumor to reality today as Canon announces the newest camera in their EOS lineup. The 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, with captures at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps.

The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles.

Tallyn's will have the EOS 7D available on our website as soon as we have firm pricing available from Canon. In the meantime, please call (800)433-8685 to be placed on our preorder list.

Link: Canon EOS 7D on CanonEos.com | Canon's EOS 7D Press Release

New Nikon D300s Now In-Stock

We have just received our first Nikon D300s in-stock today. This update to the D300 features a 12.3-megapixel, DX-format CMOS image sensor with 24fps 720p HD video recording.

Links: Nikon Pro Bodies at Tallyns.com

Tallyn's Laptop Deck In Stock

Our new Tallyn Series Laptop Deck is once again in stock and available for immediate shipment. Check out the newest issue of Digital Photo Pro magazine for our mention in the New Product Showcase.

Links: Tallyn's Laptop Deck on Tallyns.com

New Nikon Items In Stock

Our Nikon selection continues to grow at Tallyn's. We now have in stock the Nikon Close-Up Speedlight Remote Kit R1, as well as the "Hands-On Guide to Creative Lighting" DVD direct from Nikon. Nikon users (or the Nikon envious) should visit our website for more information about both of these products.

Links: Nikon Close-up Speedlight Remote Kit R1 on Tallyns.com | "Hands-On Guide to Creative Lighting" DVD on Tallyns.com | Nikon's "The World of Speedlights" Minisite

Canon Unveils New Powershot G11

Canon has just announced their new Canon Powershot G11, the successor to the G10, generally seen as the pro level Powershot. We'll let the numerous feature logos speak for themselves:

We have this new camera available for preorder on Tallyns.com Feel free to place an order.

Links: Canon Powershot G11 on Canon's Product Website | Powershot G11 on DPReview.com | Powershot G11 Hands-On at Engadget

New Tech Tips Video on YouTube

We have a new video on Youtube this week for our Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand. See it in action here:



Links: Tallyn's YouTube Channel (tallynprophoto) | Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand on Tallyns.com

Manfrotto and Gitzo Tripod Rebates updates

Bogen, the distributor for Manfotto and Gitzo, has updated the current mail-in rebate offer with a new address. New forms are available for download.
The rebates are good for the following (click offer to download rebate form):

Purchase any Manfrotto Aluminum tripod and head and receive a $25.00 rebate*
Purchase a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 tripod and receive a $35.00 rebate
Purchase any Manfrotto Carbon Fiber tripod and head and receive a $50.00 rebate*

Buy a Gitzo Carbon Fiber 6X tripod and receive a $40 rebate (excluding Basalt and Aluminum)*
Buy any Gitzo Head (over $100) receive a $40 rebate*
Buy ANY Gitzo tripod and Gitzo head and receive a $100 rebate (including Basalt and Aluminum)*

This is the Last Week for Canon Instant Rebates

Canon Instant Rebates End August 8.

Don't miss out on instant savings such as
$200 off the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM or
$50 off the Speedlite 580EX II.

To see all rebate items go to the
Tallyn's Canon Instant Rebate Page.

Define 2.0 $20 Instant Rebate from Nik Software

Now through October 31, Nik Software is offering an Instant rebate of $20.00 off Define 2.0.

Dfine 2.0 gives you unprecedented control over exactly how much and where to apply noise reduction. This makes it ultra-easy to eliminate noise in your images while maintaining detail and sharpness, thus improving the quality of every digital photo you take. Dfine 2.0 is designed to prevent the loss of detail other noise reduction tools often introduce.

Nikon D300s & Two New Lenses Announced

By way of Rob Galbraith:

Nikon has officially unveiled the D300s digital SLR camera. The D300s is a strategic upgrade that adds 720p video capture and a stereo mic input, 7fps burst shooting with the standard EN-EL3e battery, twin (CompactFlash and SD) memory card slots and several feature refinements to the D300 it replaces.

Full product information for this, as well as the new D3000 (which we will be offering only as special order) can be found on Rob Galbraith DPI. Concurrently, Nikon has also released information on two new lenses: The new AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II features improved optical performance headlines, while the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II travel lens gains a zoom lock.

Links: Rob Galbraith DPI Covers D300s & D3000 Announcement | Rob Galbraith DPI Covers New Nikon Lens Announcements | Nikon D300s Available for Pre-Order on Tallyns.com | Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II Available for Pre-Order on Tallyns.com | Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G VR II Available for Pre-Order on Tallyns.com

Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update 1.0.7

From Canon, there is a new firmware update for the Canon EOS 50D. This brings the firmware up to Version 1.0.7 and incorporates the following changes.

1. Corrects a phenomenon where captured images may tend to appear somewhat magenta depending on the shooting scene.
2. Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, and Ukrainian menu screens.

Firmware Version 1.0.7 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.6. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

The update file for download as well as full instructions for installation can be found on Canon's website.

Canon Develops "Hybrid Image Stabilization" Technology

Canon has just announced today the development of a new Hybrid Image Stabilization system that not only corrects for lateral or vertical camera shake, but rotational shake as well.

 

From Canon:

TOKYO, July 22, 2009—Canon Inc. announced today the development of Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS), the world's first* optical image stabilization technology that compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake. The technology will be featured in interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009.

Several different preventative methods and corrective procedures have been introduced to compensate for errors caused by camera shake, which occurs when a camera moves while its shutter is open and its image sensor is exposed to light.

Canon began researching methods to compensate for camera shake in the 1980s, and in 1995 launched the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable SLR camera lens to feature a mechanism that compensates for optical camera shake. Since then, the company has continued to produce a variety of interchangeable lenses with image stabilization capabilities, and boasts a total of 21 such lenses in its current product lineup.

Canon's newly developed Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for angle and shift camera shake. Sudden changes in camera angle can significantly alter images taken during standard shooting, whereas shift-based shaking, which occurs when a camera moves parallel to the imaging scene, is more pronounced in macro photography and other close-range shooting.

The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angle-based shaking and is found in all previous optical image stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that synthesizes information from the two sensors to make optimal adjustments, thereby dramatically enhancing the effects of image stabilization during shooting, including macro shooting, which had proven difficult for conventional image stabilization technologies.

Canon is actively engaged in ongoing research and development of interchangeable SLR camera lenses incorporating Hybrid IS technology, and is aiming for the early commercialization and inclusion of the lenses in a wide range of products.