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.