Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
It seems like during every round of product releases over the past couple of years or so there have been rumors of a refreshed version of Canon’s popular 70-200mm f/2.8 IS and non-IS lenses. Well, we may be in luck for a replacement soon. [Read more…]
DSLRs continue to evolve. And, this evolution will continue. There’s no stopping it.
A few years ago, purists scoffed at chimping on the preview screen to see how exposures looked. Then, a loud minority (of probably the same purists) cried afoul when Live View displays began showing up on just about every DSLR released. The latest purist revolt has come as a result of the inclusion of video capture as a “must-have” feature in almost every DSLR released.
Just hop on about any photo gear forum and you’ll find plenty of critical comments concerning the latest bells and whistles attached to DSLRs. Many proclaim that they will not buy a given camera because it has a specific feature – again, the latest villain is video.
If you think the above examples of departure from a pure SLR camera are annoying, you may very well consider the addition of a touchscreen on a DSLR to be heresy. Chris posed the question of whether photographers want a DSLR with a touchscreen (among other features) back in July. The handful of well-reasoned comments brought up issues regarding interaction with the camera and accessibility to its features. One commenter noted, “Just because it’s possible doesn’t make it desirable. I have one DSLR that only displays the settings on the LCD on the back of the camera; it is bulky and time consuming to take my eye away from the camera, select the setting and walk through a menu to set it.”
While the above image appears to have been produced by my 7-year-old, I can assure you that is not the case. The image actually appears in US Patent Application No. 12/422,695, which was originally filed by Canon on April 13, 2009 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 22, 2009.
The patent clearly exposes Canon’s implementation of a touchscreen DSLR.
We already know that a 24p update for the 5D Mark II is coming next year. At least now we know that we can cross it off for early on in the year. See Matthew_BH’s comment on the bottom.
The image is from the Online Tradeshow hosted by PDN.
Canon’s DSLR rebates expired last week; however, they reinstated them for the rest of the holiday season and extended them through January 16, 2010, which is also when the Canon Lens Rebates expire.
The camera and lens combos are listed below, along with links to product pages for each package at B&H Photo and Adorama. Remember, this is an instant rebate, so there’s no UPC to clip and mail-in while you wait 6-8 weeks for a check to come back. Prices should be reflected in your checkout cart.
Canon 50D Kit w/ 28-135mm IS USM lens + EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens = Save $200
Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama
Canon Rebel T1i Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200
Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama
Canon Rebel XSi Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200
Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama
Canon Rebel XS Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens = Save $100
The guys over at 4/3 Rumors say that a reliable source has tipped them on the upcoming introduction of a Canon EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) camera, saying that it’s going to be announced soon. [Read more…]
Photography Bay reader, Alan, wants a Canon DSLR, but also likes the swivel LCD found on other cameras.
Alan’s Question: I am looking at upgrading to a DSLR and have come to the conclusion that Canon is my preferred choice (namely the 500D). However I really am taken by the swivel Nikon D5000‘s LCD flip down swivel screen. Not only does it fold up back wards to proteck the screen it also offers excellent viewing of screen at strange angles. SO my question is does any one know of any rumors if future Canon models with this swivel screen feature.
My Answer: There’s certainly been speculation regarding a swivel LCD on Canon DSLRs. A few months back, Canon asked about the importance of this feature in an EOS customer survey. I think Canon is definitely thinking about it. I also think it’s very possible that it could be a feature in the next Rebel model. Would I bet money on that? No. However, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see it.
The Canon 500D / Rebel T1i is a great camera, which can be had at a very reasonable price now. If you really want a DSLR, there’s always a reason to wait for the next model. Most of those reasons, however, are not justified in my opinion.
I’ve used the the T1i and the D5000 both. I don’t think a swivel LCD changes the way I shoot anything but video. And if you want the camera for video, for most people there are better solutions than a DSLR. If you want a still image camera, I’d say jump on the T1i and don’t worry about the lack of a swivel LCD. Just my two cents.
For more on these cameras, you can check out the following resources here on Photography Bay:
Canon Rebel T1i Reviews and Resources
Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources
Do you have advice for Alan, or maybe some unique knowledge about whether Canon will be plugging a swivel LCD in the next Rebel? Leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you.
The Canon G11 is a 10-megapixel point and shoot camera. It’s not just any point and shoot camera though. The G11 is more of a casual camera for serious photographers. [Read more…]
You knew the Canon 7D could capture video, right? The better question is whether you know how to take advantage of this capability.
In case you missed it, Chad Mumm of Engadget posted a nice little piece on his impressions of the Canon 7D as a filmmaking tool. Chad’s the video producer over at Engadget and he clearly knows a little more than the average bear when it comes to shooting video. He’s also got some great advice about working with mics and sound.
His points will largely apply to the Canon 5D Mark II as well.
So, if video DSLRs are your thing, you might want to check out Mumm’s word on the 7D.
If you were thinking about picking up a Canon DSLR package for someone for Christmas, Canon’s package rebates (up to $200) expire today (Saturday, Nov. 21).
Here’s the rundown on the deals:
Remember, this is an instant rebate, so there’s no UPC to clip and mail-in while you wait 6-8 weeks for a check to come back. Prices should be reflected in your checkout cart.
Canon 50D Kit w/ 28-135mm IS USM lens + EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens = Save $200
Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama
Canon Rebel T1i Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200
Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama
Canon Rebel XSi Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200
Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama
Canon Rebel XS Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens = Save $100
Adorama has several refurbished Canon cameras lenses and flashes in stock – the inventory has just been replenished. This might be a good opportunity to save a few bucks on Canon gear.
Adorama’s listings for Canon cameras and lenses are here. Canon 50D for $929.95, etc.
Nikon users, you can find your Nikon refurbished gear here.