Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware Update Version 1.1.2

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Canon has updated the firmware for the 1Ds Mark III to Version 1.1.2.

This firmware update (Version 1.1.2) incorporates the following improvements.

  1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
    1. Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
    2. Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
  2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.

The Version 1.1.2 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.6. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.2, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

To download the updated firmware visit the official Canon site here.

 

Canon Prices Are Going Up

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Interested in a new Canon camera, lens or other accessory?  Well, the price is going up for dealers on May 1, 2008.  The price adjustment on the consumer end is sure to follow.  Thinking of grabbing a new Canon lens or flash?  Maybe you should speed up the process, eh?

Note, the price increase does not affect Canon DSLR bodies or kits.

(via Rob Galbraith)

Canon Rebel XSi Preview at DPReview

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DPReview has posted a hands on preview of the new 12.2 megapixel Canon Rebel XSi.

. . . you’ll find a detailed breakdown of all of the changes and updates compared to the EOS 400D but the headlines are; a larger 3.0″ LCD monitor, Live View with both passive and contrast detect AF, Spot metering, improved auto-focus, 3.5 fps continuous shooting a larger viewfinder and a switch SD/SDHC for storage . . . .

For more news, reviews and info on the XSi, check out Photography Bay’s Canon Rebel XSi Reviews and Resources.

Canon 5D Mark II and 3D Rumors Gone Wild

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The rumor mill is in full swing across a variety of camera brands right now.  While I’m happy to pass them along, remember folks, these are still rumors.  I do my best to point you to the sources when I can find them. Additionally, there are a ton of rumors that I simply pass over because they are so obviously false.


Looking back at some of the comments made by Photography Bay readers on the Canon 5D Mark II rumor regarding a purported screenshot of a Canon.de webpage (see here), I was almost certain that it’s a fake.  Additionally, I’m inclined to disregard the information that appeared with it.

However, I want to point out one additional observation.  A commenter going by the name “Phil” found what appears to be the source of the screen shot over at PBase (here’s the link).  Phil actually didn’t link to the 5D Mark II screenshot.  He linked to a screenshot of a Canon EOS 3D from Canon.it (Canon Italy).  When I saw it, I figured I would post something a little later tonight; however, it’s gone now and the following message appears in it’s place:

The images have been removed.  We simply had to remove them.  Why?

Well, a very well-known lawyer sent us a long letter on behalf of an extremely irritated marketing department of a dreadfully famous company.

Guess what happened?

Well it seems we slightly messed up the plans they had for the launch of a product . . . sorry but it was not our fault.

Peace & be happy.

You can take it for what it’s worth.  Frankly, I don’t know if PBase’s message isn’t a worse marketing headache for Canon than the screenshot.  I was ready to write off the screenshot as a dummied up page by someone trying to stir the pot.  Now, I’m scratching my head a bit.  Also, the presence of this message on the Canon 3D screenshot page makes me wonder even more.  I’m still trying to dig up a cached image of the Canon.it screenshot, but haven’t had any luck yet.

For now, you can keep up with the rumors on the Canon 5D Mark II Rumors page or the Canon 3D Rumors page.

EOS 5D Mark II Displayed on Canon Germany Website

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UPDATE:  The Canon 5D Mark II has been officially announced.  Visit Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources to learn more about this 21.1 megapixel DSLR.

Several trusted online vendors already have the Canon 5D Mark II available for pre-order.

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Amazon.com

Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – Amazon.com

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Adorama

Canon 5D Mark II w/ 24-105mm L lens – Adorama

Canon 5D Mark II (body only) – Ritz Camera

Stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources for the latest.

This screenshot has popped up on web, which shows the Canon EOS 5D Mark II on the German version of Canon’s website.  The story goes that the camera appeared on the page for a little while and was then taken down.  There has been a number of debates in various forums regarding the authenticity of this screenshot.  I’m inclined to think that there may have been some Photoshopping done on it as well. Below, I’ve zoomed in and cut out the portion which references the 5D Mark II.

If you have any thoughts or insights on this screen capture, feel free to fire away in the comments below.


If you’d like to know more about rumors and speculations of the 5D Mk II, you can read up on it via Photography Bay’s Canon EOS 5D Mark II Rumor page.

Canon 5D Mark II Rumor Update – April 24 Announcement

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A DPR forum poster dropped in a tidbit of info that he got while shopping for a Canon 5D:

Well, I was a bit sceptical about all the 5d MKII rumours. I stepped into my local camera shop as I was about to buy the current 5D when the salesman said I should rather wait until the 24th of April as the worldwide launch of the new 5D is happening then. (via)

As some astute forum members pointed out, this may be a situation where the salesman is just reading rumors online and pumping them up a bit.  See this previous rumor on an April 22nd announcement.

Regardless of the propriety of this recent rumor, stay tuned to the Canon 5D Mark II Rumors page for the latest updates.

Canon Rebel XSi Review at Camera Labs

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Camera Labs has posted its review of the new Canon Rebel XSi

In use, the 450D / XSi feels very responsive and quicker than its predecessor. The viewfinder is visibly a little bigger than the 400D / XTi, which itself is bigger than the Sony A350’s. The continuous shooting may only be half a frame per second faster than the 400D / XTi, but you really do get 3.5fps in practice and it’s much quicker than the 2.35fps reality of the A350.

For more news and reviews, be sure to check out Photography Bay’s Canon Rebel XSi Reviews and Resources page.

Canon EOS 40D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8

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Canon has updated the firmware for the Canon EOS 40D to version 1.0.8.  The firmware update is available for download here.

This firmware update (Version 1.0.8) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. Fixes a phenomenon in which Image Stabilization operation emits a sound when certain buttons are pressed, with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens attached to the camera.
  2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Image Stabilization operation emits a sound from the lens when IS lenses are attached to the camera.
  3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a part of the image looks unnatural when reviewed on the LCD.
  4. Corrects errors in the Spanish and Norwegian menu screens.

The Version 1.0.8 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.5.  You can read further details and instructions on how to install the firmware on the download page.