Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Canon 5DMkii firmware update 2.0.7

Today, Canon released firmware update 2.0.7 for the 5DMkii. Not quite as exciting as the April update that allowed users to shoot RAW, full frame video, but includes some rare, needed fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.

If you currently have firmware 2.03 or 2.04, this is a recommended upgrade.

Download firmware

If you are unsure what version of firmware you have, press your < MENU > button and scroll over to the third "settings" tab. The current version will be notated on the last row.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Atari Remote Shutter on Canon DSLR



Thiago Avancini is an R&D Professional/Entrepreneur in Brazil. He has over 12 years of experience and one of his specialties is "Emerging Technologies;" it was only right to experiment with the latest flame in the industry, DSLR "film-like" cameras. In this video, Thiago connects the Atari remote to a Canon T2i. To see a few pictures of the setup, visit Thiago's website.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Canon Releases IXUS 300HS Ultra-compact


img courtesy DPReview.com

With all the new features being added to DSLRS and even different manufacturers stepping into the DSLR game, it comes to no surprise that the compact world is receiving some key updates as well. Many compacts come with basic controls such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, but few take the time to realize it. However, with the price-points of modern technology, more are starting to become keen on "features," though still not as much as the "cool look" of the entry-level [DSLR] camera.

Moderately priced compacts have been known to produce some fantastic images, it just depends on the tools you need for the job. The latest released by Canon is the PowerShot SD4000 IS (IXUS 300HS). One of the stand-out features of this camera is its Super Slow video recording mode at 240fps (no that's not a typo). The only drawback is that you are shooting at 320x240, but this is exciting news as it speaks wonders for future updates across the Canon brand!

The 10MP camera also features Canon's new 'HS' system that improves low light performance over previous models, and also sports an f/2.0-5.3 equivalent lens.

more at DPReview.


PRESS RELEASE:

DESIGN MEETS FUNCTIONALITY WITH THE NEW CANON POWERSHOT DIGITAL ELPH CAMERA: THE POWERSHOT SD4000 IS DIGITAL ELPH CAMERA

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., May 11, 2010 – Placing top-level Canon features in a modern, stylish frame, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the newest addition to the PowerShot Digital ELPH camera series- the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH camera. This new powerhouse point-and-shoot camera is the first of the Digital ELPH series to offer a high-sensitivity system, known as Canon's HS SYSTEM, with a CMOS sensor and bright f/2.0 lens. Offering consumers the most enhanced image quality available in an ELPH series camera, these features help to capture those wonderful moments in low-light conditions. The PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH camera also has high definition (HD) movie-shooting capabilities, providing an additional option for cataloging memorable events. Primarily, the new PowerShot SD4000 IS is great for any user with an attention for up-to-date functionality and style.

Whether attending a relative's sunset wedding or meeting friends in a dimly lit restaurant, these are times where the new PowerShot SD4000 IS showcases its best attributes. The new 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, in conjunction with the DIGIC 4 image processor creates Canon's HS SYSTEM to enhance image quality in low-light situations and helps reduce noise at high ISO speeds. Along with Canon's HS SYSTEM, the f/2.0 lens allows more light to enter, permitting higher shutter speeds, for further reducing the effect of camera shake and increasing image sharpness and quality. In addition, the combination of Canon's HS SYSTEM and the f/2.0 lens enables users to take photos without a flash, resulting in a more natural look while providing greater depth of field, making it an exemplary tool for portrait photography. In addition, the PowerShot SD4000 IS has the fastest high-speed burst rate to date* in a Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH camera with 8.4 frames per second (fps). New to the ELPH cameras, the PowerShot SD4000 IS has aperture and shutter controls allowing for enhanced flexibility and creative control, making this camera great for shooters who are interested in getting even more out of their photography.

"With the introduction of the new PowerShot SD4000 IS, Canon is putting the power of high-quality photography in an ultra-compact size to amplify the experience and quality customers see when shooting with a Canon camera," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "The two functions in the HS SYSTEM allow our customers to capture the clearest pictures in any setting, resulting in more of a professional look."

For the Design-Centric
A treat for the eyes, the PowerShot SD4000 IS has beautifully crafted curves, texture and a modern look that appeals to a design-savvy user. With all of its new features, the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS elevates the current ELPH series, offering advanced settings in a polished, sculpted, compact frame, making it an essential item to tote anywhere.

Get Creative with HD Movie
The addition of the HD Movie feature in the new PowerShot SD4000 IS is one of the most distinguished characteristics that makes this camera a must-have for anyone. This dual-purpose camera allows users to creatively compose video, helping to capture unforgettable moments from a child's first baseball game to a son or daughter walking up to the podium on Graduation Day. Users can also have more fun with HD movie footage by using the My Color function, composed of Color Swap and Color Accent options. In addition, video content is easily downloaded from the camera via USB connection and can be easily played back on your HDTV via an HDMI output connector.

Timing is Everything
As an added bonus, the new Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS has a new Super Slow Motion movie function that allows users to record video at a very high frame rate, possessing the appearance of slow motion when played back at regular speed. The Super Slow Motion movie function captures a subject at 240 frames-per-second (fps), and later plays back the footage at 30 fps, allowing each moment of footage to be appreciated in super slow motion while maintaining great image quality.

Additional Features
# A 3.0-inch wide angle (28mm equivalent) wide screen LCD allows for easy on-camera previewing and reviewing of menus and images.
# A 3.8X optical zoom with optical image stabilization helps to ensure images will be clear and how they were meant to be captured.
# Support of the high-spec SDXC memory cards with the maximum storage of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard.
# Eye-Fi memory card connectivity, where wireless data can directly transfer to PCs.
# New scene modes, such as miniature and fish-eye effects help to increase overall creativity.
# Smart Shutter technology, which automatically takes pictures when a person smiles or winks; resulting in less re-takes.

The new Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS is available in three different color variations: red, black and silver. In addition, while supplies last, there will be an exclusive, limited edition white PowerShot SD4000 IS model available direct from Canon (www.shop.usa.canon.com). Scheduled to be available at the end of May, the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH camera retails for an estimated price of $349.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

# # #


*Depending on the shooting conditions, camera settings and the zoom position, the shooting speed may slow down. As the number of images increases, the shooting interval may take longer.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Availability, specifications and prices subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by the individual dealer and may vary.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are registered trademarks or trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

Monday, May 10, 2010

House Season Finale aires 5/17

Next Monday, the season finale of HOUSE will air and all the waiting will be over. Film geeks (Video geeks) have been waiting for this episode as it was shot on the game changing Canon 5DMkII. The switch to digital came at a surprise as the first 5 seasons were shot on ARRI film cameras. We are all eager to see this episode in glorious 16x9 HD, but for the moment here is a low quality teaser:



International Filmmaker Philip Bloom did an exclusive interview with House Director Greg Yaitanes [long read].

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Jackie Chan T2i



Canon has presented Jackie Chan with the "2010 Jackie Chan Special Edition 550D." The name of the kit is the Eye of the Dragon. Some think this is cheesy, but many can see the cool factor. It's not just a celebrity endorsement, Chan actually uses and enjoys Canon products. This edition of course is aimed at the enthusiasts, and collectors alike. On Chan's blog, he noted that he was very excited about the release and made note of the special attention to detail when designing the kit. It is available for 10,000 Yuan, or $1400USD. It has only been released in China, at a limited production run of 2,010 units.

Canon China

Monday, May 3, 2010

Win an Ipad



The folks over at Aviary are holding a contest to win a free Ipad. If you haven't entered yet, don't worry, there is still about a week left. Deadline for entry is May 12th.

Rules:
Find a celebrity couple (or family) and swap their faces!

Links:

OFFICIAL RULES

Enter Contest

Register