Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

90 Million Canon Lenses in the Wild

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Canon 90 Million EF Lenses

Canon rolled its 90 millionth lens off the production line last week on May 23, 2013 – with the very popular EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM be the lucky lady. This big milestone comes less than 10 months after Canon produced its 80 millionth lens in August 2012. Canon hit the 60 million and 70 million EF lens milestone in 2011.

Canon EF Lens Production Timeline

  • 1987: EF lens production begins
  • 1995: 10 million lenses
  • 2001: 20 million lenses
  • 2006: 30 million lenses
  • 2008: 40 million lenses
  • 2009: 50 million lenses
  • Jan. 2011: 60 million lenses
  • Oct. 2011: 70 million lenses
  • Aug. 2012: 80 million lenses
  • May 2013: 90 million lenses

At this pace, expect that 100 million lens milestone to happen in early 2014, maybe even faster if Canon makes something hot happen with the EOS M system later this year.

Canon Releases 1D Mark IV Firmware Version 1.1.3

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1D Mark IV

Canon has released a firmware update for the 1D Mark IV. Firmware version 1.1.3 adds the following improvements and fixes:

  1. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens and an Extender, whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
  2. Fixes a phenomenon in which abnormal images may result when continuous shooting mode is enabled and the image size is set to “RAW” or “RAW+JPEG”.

You can download the firmware update and get instructions on how to install it here on Canon’s website.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens Shipping this Week

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Canon 200-400mm

The highly-anticipated Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens with the built-in 1.4x extender should be shipping later this week. According to Canon Rumors, the lens has arrived in Canon warehouses in the US and Canada.

Accordingly, we should see the new lens arriving at US retailers later this week. Based on the hype surrounding this lens, including the rave reviews from Olympic photographers, expect there to be some pre-orders stacking up, which could lead to some delays in meeting the demand. You can check availability here at B&H Photo and here at Adorama.

Magic Lantern Hack Enables Raw Video on Canon 50D

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Canon 50D

Just when we thought the Magic Lantern madness couldn’t get any crazier, they go and enable raw video capture on the 5-year-old Canon 50D. By taking advantage of the 50D’s ability to push out a video feed from the sensor for live view, the Magic Lantern crew dug further to apply what they’ve learned from recent 5D Mark III and 5D Mark II experiments to draw raw video out of the 50D. [Read more…]

$75 Battery Grip for Canon 6D Now Available

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Vello Battery Grip for Canon 6D

B&H now has the Vello battery grip for the Canon 6D available and shipping for only $75. Compare that to $229 for the official Canon BG-E13 battery grip for the 6D.

I hadpreviously tested the Vello grips for the Canon 5D Mark II and 7D, and found them to be solid performers – especially considering the price. Check out the Vello grip for the Canon 6D here at B&H Photo.

How Does Third-Party Firmware Affect Canon, Nikon and Panasonic Camera Warranties?

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5D Mark III Magic Lantern

We’ve covered Magic Lantern firmware and the new Canon 5D Mark III raw video feature lately. However, one thing we haven’t touched on is how using and installing third-party firmware on your DSLR affects your camera warranty.

Udi over at DIY Photography contacted Canon, Nikon and Panasonic to see what they had to say about using third-party firmware on their cameras. In short, Canon says that using Magic Lantern firmware won’t void your warranty, while both Nikon and Panasonic say that installing a third-party firmware will void your warranty.

Of course, if your Canon camera is bricked by the Magic Lantern firmware, Canon would charge for the repairs.

More over at DIY Photography.

Canon 70D Due in July?

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Canon 70D Rumors

The latest rumors suggest that we could see the Canon 70D officially announced and replacing the 2.5 year old 60D in July 2013.

The 70D is supposedly in the final stages of testing and units are in the hands of some of Canon’s Explorers of Light. Additionally, Canon is rumored to be in the process of shooting commercials and ad campaigns for the 70D at various locations.

If you see one in the wild, send some photos our way.

Previously rumored specs point to an 18MP sensor and more robust build than the 60D. [Read more…]