Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO in stock and Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD ready for pre-order

Two new lenses for Canon DSLR’s. The Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO is in stock at B&H for $1,099 (click here). The 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO is a fast f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens with a 50-150mm focal length (75-225mm equivalent in 35mm format) designed for cameras with a Canon EF mount. This long autofocus telephoto gets you close to the action, and it has an optical image stabilization system that makes it possible to hand-hold the lens at up to four shutter speeds slower than usual, while maintaining sharp, shake-free images. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) gives you quiet, high-speed autofocus, and also allows full-time manual focus override. Core specs:

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EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Hack: Magic Lantern is Coming

Magic Lantern running on a 5D Mark III

Canon released a firmware update for its EOS 5D Mark III and the file was analyzed by the hackers who brought us the Magic Lantern firmware hack for Canon cams. Looks like Magic Lantern can be ported to the EOS 5D Mark III. This is good news, since the hack brings a lot of improvements for video, IQ and usability. Would also be the first to work with the DIGIC 5 CPU. If you are into coding here is the link to the developer forum.

[via EOSHD]

Powershot G1 X DxO-Mark Scores and Lens Test

DxO Labs just published the measures for Canon’s Powershot G1 X, and the little cam scores good, very good. DxO Labs’ interpretation of the scores:

  • You have a reflex-quality sensor in camera of the same volume as a G11.
  • You can use this camera even under relatively difficult conditions.
  • If you’re an amateur photographer, this camera can satisfy pretty much all of your needs (especially if you want to take great family photos, for example). If you’re a professional photographer, this can be a good backup camera.

Compared to other, similar cameras, the G1 X outperforms almost all of them (overall score is higher in any case) or has a score that can hold up with Canon entry level DSLR’s. Read more after the break.

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Canon Patent for Improved Auto-Focusing Method

Canon secured a patent (EP20120151498) for an auto-focusing algorithm (and unit) to speed up auto-focusing operations of a digital DSLR while tracking moving objects (at least this is what I understood by reading the patent). Is this the next generation of Canon’s AF systems?

A focus control method is provided that performs focus control by sensing a plurality of images of an object while moving a position of a focusing lens and determining in-focus positions in auto focusing areas located at a plurality of positions. The focus control method calculates an in-focus position of the focusing lens based on the focusing lens position at the time of reading an image signal of each of the auto focusing areas and a degree of focused state of each of the auto focusing area that is based on the image signal of each of the auto focusing areas.

The patent aims at resolving issues caused by the rolling shutter method used to control an electronic shutter. This works as follows:

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New EOS 650/Rebel T4i Rumor

Reported by northlight-images, the EOS 650D could be announced by mid May. No news about the specs (improved 18MP & Digic 5, more details here). The “EOS 650 for Dummies” book (in French) is still in offer at various Amazon shops (Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Germany and Amazon Canada, the last one saying it will be available starting from May, 7).

Good time to check for Rebel T3i/EOS 600D deals in the box below.

Automatic EOS 600D/Rebel T3i price check: [shopcountry 333] [shariff]

Another exploded Nikon D800

Canon may have problems with the light-leaking issue of the EOS 5D Mark III, but Nikon has also some problems to deal with. Nikon’s new full-frame flagship, the D800, is reported to “explode”. This is the second forum post I found about this issue (another one here). So, if you want a new FF camera you can choose between one that’s leaking light through the top LCD panel, or to get one that will explode in your hands. :-) Hard times for photographers!

UPDATE [thanks to Bobby]: nikon rumors reports that Nikon is recalling batteries that are used on various cams, the D800 included:

Today Nikon recalled some of the EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion batteries […] that are used with the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1 cameras. The described reason for the recall is overheating. There were no overheating cases reported from users, the problem has been discovered during the manufacturing process.