Sigma’s new 120-300mm f/2.8 stabilized lens is now available for pre-order for $3200 at several retailers. Hit the links below for options. [Read more…]
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Now Available
The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is now available via many retailers in the US. The new optically stabilized lens was announced in February of this year, and is available in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Sigma mounts. Check availability via the links below. [Read more…]
Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Review
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is an entry-level digital camera that keeps shooting functions basic, yet delivers great quality images for a camera of its size and price range. There are no shiny bells and whistles to go along with the camera, but it makes good on its fit into the category of “point and shoot.”
To see whether the Canon A3100 IS delivers enough for your needs, read on. [Read more…]
Tamron Announces 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens
Tamron has announced the development of a new 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD for Nikon, Canon and Sony mounts. The new lens is the first from Tamron to incorporate Ultrasonic Silent Drive AF motor for faster autofocus. Additionally, the lens will include Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (except for Sony mount) to reduce shake-induced blur in images.
Tamron will release the Nikon mount version first, and then follow on with Canon and Sony versions. Tamron has not announced a price for the lens at this time; however, it matches up squarely against the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VR and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, both of which are in the $500 range.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Canon Patent Application Shows Sensor-Based Image Stabilization
In addition to the dual image viewfinder system in the recently-published Canon patent applications, the Canon applications also reveal a mechanism for sensor-based image stabilization in a DSLR. Again, the application numbers are 12/495,813 and 12/495,814, and were each filed on July 1, 2009 and published by the USPTO on January 7, 2010.
The relevant description in the patent notes the following:
“The camera performs an image capturing operation. In this state, an image stabilization mechanism, which is connected to the stabilization control circuit, can shift and rotate the image sensor in a predetermined direction to cancel the blur of an image. Thus, the image stabilization mechanism can prevent the image from shifting undesirably and lowering the resolution.” – USPTO App. No. 12/495,813 at ¶ [0049]
Again, these patent applications specifically deal with the functionality of a dual image viewfinder system. This portion of the patent claims was mentioned almost in passing and does not appear to be a material part of these patent applications.
Given Canon’s past marketing claims concerning the superiority of lens-based stabilization systems, however, I found this mention in Canon’s patent worth noting separately.
As I have said before though, this does not necessarily mean that Canon is producing a camera with a sensor-based stabilization system.
For more reading on these patent applications, see the previous post: Canon DSLR Dual Image Viewfinder
4 Principles of Photography Marksmanship
Marksmen use a handful of fundamental principles to take aim, fire and hit their target. Many of these same principles can also be applied by other kinds of shooters – photographers.
When marksmen fail to abide by those principles, they may miss the bulls-eye. When photographers fail to follow them, they may end up with a blurry photo. [Read more…]
New Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 and 60mm f/2.8 IS Patents
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…]