Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Zacuto Joins Pro Video Scene for Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II

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Zacuto is another (remember Redrock?) video accessory maker that has joined the trend of pimping out your DSLR for video use.  By the way, did you see the latest Canon videos?  The Reverie video is back, as well as a wedding video – both with the 5D Mark II.

Zacuto has got kits designed specifically for the new Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90.  Don’t expect them to go for the price of a nice tripod though (no prices listed yet for the DSLR mounts).  One of the other base model kits, the DOF Docu Baseplate Kit, goes for a meager $1216.  Granted, that may be a bargain in video world, but pulling in traditional photographers at those prices may be a tough sell.

It’ll be interesting to see how well these accessories are received among photographers (or budding videographers).  What do you think?  Is there a Zacuto mount on your Christmas list now?

 

Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update Version 1.0.3

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Canon has released a firmware update for the new EOS 50D. This firmware update (Version 1.0.3) incorporates the following fixes.

  1. Corrects a phenomenon in which an image becomes overexposed when C.Fn.II-3 Highlight tone priority is set to “1” together with other camera settings. (This correction has already been incorporated in the Version 1.0.2 and later firmware.)
  2. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which “busy” blinks on the camera’s display panel and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of battery installation.
  3. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which “Err 99” appears on the camera’s display panel and LCD monitor and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of pressing the shutter button.

To download the Version 1.0.3, visit Canon’s website via the following link:

Canon 50D Firmware Version 1.0.3

Canon PowerShot G10 Review at PhotographyBLOG

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PhotographyBLOG has published a review of the Canon PowerShot G10.

The G10 is undoubtedly the best ever Canon G-Series camera, and is a serious alternative to both an entry-level DSLR and other similar compacts (most notably the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and the Nikon Coolpix P6000).

We’ll have more news and reviews as they come in at Photography Bay’s Canon G10 Reviews and Resources.

Canon 5D Price Dropping

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The Canon 5D Mark II has not even begun to ship yet and we’re already seeing the original Canon 5D take a hit in price.  Just last week, I noticed the Canon 5D + EF 24-105mm L lens was around $2700 for the kit at Amazon.  Now, the original 5D combo is available for $2590.  Also, the Canon 5D body is now selling for under $2k.

So, if you can’t swing a 5D Mark II, you might consider the original 5D at a substantial discount.  Personally, I’m drooling over the kit’s price point right now.

Canon Rebel XSi Steal at $599.99

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Dell has a killer deal on the Canon Rebel XSi at $599.99 after $80 off with coupon code $GLW7$3SFZ930$

It was a great deal a couple weeks back when it was $629.99 for a day. This is awesome though, particularly considering that Amazon is selling it for $654.95.  I paid $900 for this kit 6 months ago – *sigh.

You must use the coupon code above to get your $80 off. The promotion is good through October 30, 2008 or after 500 purchases, whichever comes first.

Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90: Accessorized for Video

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It was only a matter of time until some industrious company stepped in and filled this niche.  Redrock Micro “Redrock Micro designs and sells a line of high quality cinema accessories for independent filmmakers, film educators and students, and budget-conscious moviemakers” and has just upped the ante for the mainstay of DSLR accessory makers that have been resting on their fat laurels.

The above contraption is a video platform designed to the specs and functionalities of our two video-capable DSLRs, the Canon 5D Mark II and the Nikon D90.  So, what’s it do?

Redrock accessories for video DSLRs transform video DSLRs into production-ready cinema solutions by providing:

  • Rock-solid 15mm support system
  • Follow focus for accurate and repeatable focusing
  • Swing-away mattebox for light management and easy access to changing lenses
  • Shoulder mount and handgrips for steady handheld use
  • Support cage for enhanced stability and low angle shot

[via Redrock Micro]

Canon Fall 2008 Rebates

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Today, Canon has launched its Fall 2008 rebate program, which applies to a variety of lenses and three flashes. Purchases eligible for this rebate must be made between October 19, 2008 and January 17, 2009.

As has been the case for the past couple of years, all of these savings are instant rebates, which means they are applied to your purchase at the time it is made – no worries about mailing in UPCs and receipts.

The full set of lenses and flashes are listed below along with the rebate amount. Links take to the Amazon pages for each particular item. I also recommend Adorama and B&H Photo as trustworthy and reliable online retailers.

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM $125
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM $100
EF 300mm f/4L IS USM $85
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM $80
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM $80
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM $75
EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM $70
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM $50
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM $50
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM $100
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS $50
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM $50
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM $35
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM $30
Extender EF 1.4x II $25
Extender EF 2x II $25
Speedlite 580EX II $50
Speedlite 430EX $30
Speedlite 430EX II $30