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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens

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The Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens is the third lens that Nikon has announced since February of this year (and I’ve been told they’re just rolling their sleeves up).  The new lens serves as an update to the original 200-400mm f/4 lens.  As was the case with the previously announced lenses (AF-S 16-35mm f/4 VR II and AF-S 24mm f/1.4), the new 200-400mm lens carries on the trend of lenses compatible with Nikon’s growing FX-format line of DSLRs.

Like the AF-S 300mm f/2.8 VR II lens released near the end of 2009, the new AF-S 200-400mm lens gets more of a facelift in updates, as opposed to a complete redesign.  Obviously, the VR II feature is one of the headliners, which Nikon claims delivers an additional 4-stops of handholdability.  The new 200-400mm also receives a new nano-crystal coat on the glass to reduce ghosting and flare.  The lens also gets a third focusing mode, A/M, which prevents slight and unintentional movements of the focus ring from canceling the autofocus while shooting.

The 200-400mm VR II lens includes 4 ED elements for what should be exceptional image quality, if we assume the results of the updated 70-200mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/2.8 will transfer to this lens as well.  The increased resolving power of the ED elements should pave the way for future, higher-resolution Nikon DSLRs, which are sure to come.

The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens will carry a retail price tag of $6999.95, which is about $900 over the current street price of the existing model.  The new lens should be available sometime in late May 2010.

Check availability on B&H Photo, Amazon and Adorama.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

 

Canon Rebel Instant Rebates

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Canon Rebel Rebates

Canon has introduced a new rebate program for the Rebel XS and Rebel T1i DSLR cameras.  The rebates are instant and apply to the basic kits as well as offering increased savings with the addition of an EF 75-300mm or EF-S 55-250mm IS lens.  These instant savings will apply through June 5, 2010.

A list of the applicable rebates is below. [Read more…]

Nikon DSLR and Lens Rebates Expiring Soon

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Nikon Rebates

Nikon’s Instant Rebates for select DSLR and lens combos is set to expire on May 1 (that’s next Saturday) May 29 (updated).  You can get some significant savings (up to $400) on these combos by taking advantage of the Instant Rebates.  One of the best things about the new Instant Rebate approach that Nikon and other camera manufacturers are taking is that there are no forms to mail in and wait 6-8 weeks for your check to show up in the mail.

Here’s the list of deals: [Read more…]

Pentax Adds More Color to the K-x in America

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Pentax K-x in Color

The Pentax K-x has become a hit entry-level camera, and has been available in black, white, red and navy blue since its US release.  However, it’s also been available in a ton of colors in Japan.  Now, it seems US shooters will get a few more color options for the Pentax K-x – 4, to be exact – bright blue, orange, green and purple.

I’m generally not a fan of a DSLR in any other color but black; however, that orange camera is drawing me in.  Go Vols!

What about you?  Which color? And why?

In any color, the K-x will continue to retail at $649.95 as a kit with an 18-55mm lens.  The new color options aren’t available on B&H Photo, Amazon or Adorama at the time of this post; however, you can get a pre-order at Pentax USA’s website if you can handle the wait.

Pentax DSLR Firmware Updates

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Pentax has issued updates for four of its DSLRs – the K-m/K2000, K20D, K200D and K10D.  The new firmware is designed for “Improved stability of recording image for some SDHC Memory card.”

You can download the firmware at Pentax’s website via the following links.

Pentax K-m/K2000 Firmware Ver. 1.11

Pentax K20D Firmware Ver. 1.04

Pentax K200D Firmware Ver. 1.01

Pentax K10D Firmware Ver. 1.31

Nokia VP Says Cell Phone Cameras Will Replace DSLRs

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Apparently, Anssi Vanjoki, Executive VP at Nokia, has been sippin’ a bit too much of grandpa’s cough medicine.  According to a report from Reuters, Vanjoki was quoted as saying that cell phone cameras would soon “revolutionise the market for system cameras” and that “[t]here will be no need to carry around those heavy lenses.” [Read more…]

Redrockmicro DSLR Micro Remote with iPhone App Focus Control

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Redrockmicro, maker of all sorts of great DSLR video products, is working on a DSLR remote for its follow focus system that can be controlled wirelessly by an iPod Touch or iPhone.  The follow focus remote is pretty cool on its own, but add in the ability to control and program focus from an iPhone and it looks absolutely magical. [Read more…]

Canon 7D Firmware Version 1.2.1

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Canon 7D

Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS 7D.  The new firmware version 1.2.1 includes the following updates and fixes:

  1. Extends the timing at which the high temperature warning indicator is displayed and the timing of automatic shut down of the camera due to a rise in internal temperature during Live View or EOS Movie functions.
  2. Optimizes program shift when the ISO setting of the camera is set to AUTO.
  3. Corrects a misspelling in the French-language menu.
  4. Corrects a phenomenon in which vertical magenta-colored banding appears in still images taken in movie-shooting mode.
    (This only occurs when in Manual exposure mode and when the ISO speed is set to “H”. Note that this phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.0)

The firmware update can be downloaded from Canon’s website.