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.

Tallyn's Laptop Deck Video

We have a new video on Youtube this week for our Tallyn Series Laptop Deck. See it in action here:



Links: Tallyn's YouTube Channel (tallynprophoto) | Tallyn Series Laptop Deck on Tallyns.com

Tallyn's eBay Sales

Those of you who have purchased through our eBay sales desk have probably dealt with Jeremy, our 'eBay Guru!' Today, after more a 1000+ satisfied customers, we earned our status as an eBay Power Seller:

Most of what we sell on eBay is used equipment, one-of-a-kind deals and Tallyn's store overstock. Some of our biggest deals are available only on our eBay listing under user tallynphoto.

Links: Tallyn's Pro Photo on eBay

Fuji Tries Something (Kinda) New

Stereoscopic cameras have been around for at least 50 years in some form or another, but Fuji has decided to try and bring this technology into the digital world for the new millenium:

Via Make Magazine, this is the prototype of the FujiFilm FinePix Real 3D System. Some additional tech details on Fuji's press site. The pair of lenses (positioned about as far apart as your eyes are) opens up some new options, including simultaneous wide and telephoto shooting and wide panorama shooting. The real magic begins, apparently, once you purchase Fuji's special paper and frame capable of creating and displaying 3D prints. 

This camera will be about $600 and the 3D prints are $5 a pop. It's not exactly a replacement for the Fuji S5 by any stretch of the imagination, but it will be interesting to see if professional photographers can find a practical and profitable use for this new technology.

Links: Make Magazine |  Fuji's press site

AstroScope 9350EOS-FF adds night vision to Canon DSLRs

File this one under 'At least we know it's out there.' Highly doubtful that this is something Tallyn's will ever offer, but entertaining nonetheless...

Via Engadget, this is the AstroScope 9350EOS-FF from Electrophysics - A night vision scope designed for full frame Canon DSLR's like the 1Ds and 5DM2. As you can see above, the module fits between the lens and camera body, and maintains all the necessary electrical connections and doesn't impede on features like image stabilization. The module itself will also give you some variable gain control to adapt to different lighting situations and reduce noise, and it supposedly eliminates any vignetting of images, which can be a bit of a problem with other night vision rigs. No word on a price just yet. In fact, it appears that Electrophysics requires you to apply to get a price quote.

$300 Rebate on the Nikon D700

Through August 1st, the Nikon D700 is available with a $300 Instant Savings! Incorporating the same Nikon-original FX-format CMOS imaging sensor developed for the groundbreaking D3, the Nikon D700 delivers immaculately clean images. The combination of the overall precision and light-handling efficiency of this sensor with the legendary performance of Nikkor interchangeable makes Nikon one of the best options available for creating professional quality work.

The D700 features lateral chromatic aberration reduction, designed to overcome unwanted color fringes; an integrated dust reduction system which uses high-frequency vibration to remove dust from the filters in front of ht sensor; clean files from ISO 200 to 6400 allowing you to use higher ISO settings without hesitation or compromise; a 51-point autofocus system to keep your subject in focus even with quick or erratic movement; and an incredible 8 frames per second when combined with the MB-D10 Multi Battery Pack.

We have these camera In-Stock and ready for immediate shipment! Order online and receive Free UPS Ground Shipping and save even more!

Links: Nikon D700 on Tallyns.com

Lexar Rebates Up To $65!

Here are the current Mail-in Rebate offerings from Lexar on 300x UDMA Compact Flash Cards:

Buy Memory Cards Online or call 1-800-433-8685.

Download CF 300x Rebate Form
4GB 300x Compact Flash - $30 Back
8GB 300x Compact Flash - $65 Back
16GB 300x Compact Flash - $55 Back

These rebates are available until July 31, 2009.

Links: Lexar Memory Cards at Tallyns.com | Download CF 300x Rebate Form

New PocketWizard TT1 & TT5 Firmware Updates

LPA Design, the producers of PocketWizard, has released new firmware for the Canon versions of the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 wireless radio remotes. Primarily designed to improve operation with the EOS 5D Mark II, the new firmware implements numerous other tweaks and bug fixes that benefit all compatible cameras, including faster flash recycling after a full power burst, refined remote camera triggering, compatibility with the Speedlite 270EX and more.

Links: Firmware Update from LPA Design

Tallyn Series Laptop Deck Gaining Popularity

The brand new Tallyn Series Laptop Deck has been a big hit amongst professional photographers. We have nearly sold out of our initial run, and we have more on the way.

Professional speakers such as Sandy Puc have helped us spread the word and now we have found out we are going to be featured in the new products section of Digital Photo Pro's September/October issue! Professional photographers are even coming up with their own new applications for the laptop deck we didn't anticipate, including mounting a Wacom pen tablet for presentations with live editing.

In this environment of digital photography, your computer can be as essential a tool as your camera is and the Tallyn Series Laptop Deck is the essential tool for studio and field work with your laptop close at hand.

Links: Tallyn Series Laptop Deck at Tallyns.com | Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand

Canon Instant Rebates Extended

Canon has just announced that the Instant Rebates available for Canon EF Lenses & Speedlights has been extended to August 8th. This is a hugely popular promotion every time Canon puts it out. This is your opportunity to save on some on Canon's most popular lenses, and with everyone trying to save every dollar they can, this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss out on.

Links: Canon Rebate lenses & speedlights on Tallyns.com