Learn How To Change The Focusing Screens On An EOS 60D

You probably know that you can change the focusing screen on your Canon DSLR. The video above shows hot to do it on an EOS 60D. Btw, until September 1st the EOS 60D can be bought with a $100 rebate (click here) at B&H. The rebate applies to body only and to various kits. Adorama is also offering the rebates (also until 9/1), click here to see all bundles. They also have a refurbished 60D for $799.95 (click here).

There are three focusing screen available for the 60D (the screens cost $36 at the Canon Store and $32.95 at B&H):

  • Focusing Screen Ef-S (Canon Store and B&H). The Canon Ef-S Focusing Screen is optimized for wide-aperture lenses from f/1.8 to f/2.8. Areas that are slightly out of focus appear more out of focus, making it easier to tell when focus is right-on. Ideal for users who frequently manually-focus in dim light with fast lenses.
  • Focusing Screen Ef-D (Canon Store and B&H). The Canon Ef-D Focusing Screen is a precision matte surface with etched grid lines to assist composition. The camera’s AF points remain fully visible. Focus characteristics are suited to most lenses.
  • Focusing Screen Ef-A (Canon Store and B&H). The Canon Ef-A Focusing Screen is a standard precision matte surface. It is ideal with most lenses including zooms f/3.5 through 5.6.
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[Rumor] More EOS 3D(X) Information

NL reports the last murmuring concerning the fabled EOS 3DX:

[…] suggestion (thanks) that an EOS 3D branded camera is on its way, but not until 5D3 and 1D X initial sales demand is met. 1D X sales in particular were very strong at the moment. Currently it was said, there are still at least two major versions in trials, pointing to an announcement no sooner than next spring.

What do you think? I am somewhat cautious about all this 3D rumors. CW also had a 3D rumor some days ago.

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Canon Files Patent For A 300mm f/4 Lens

Egami (translated) spotted a Canon patent for a 300mm f/4 lens, the possible successor of the EF 300mm f/4L IS USM (?). The patent suggests that performance fluctuations that are due to temperature changes, and chromatic aberrations have been reduced. The patent is about a light lens, with lots of plastics to keep the weight down. The patent also suggests a small lens with an overall length of 221mm.

This patent is to contribute to miniaturization, become = 300×0.68 = 204mm optical length simple calculation, pull the flange back of EOS, and = 204-44 = 160mm length products. So product length 221mm

  • Patent Publication No. 2012-159726
    • 2012.8.23 Release Date
    • 2011.2.1 filing date
  • Example 3
    • F = 300mm focal length
    • Fno. 4.0
    • Tele ratio 0.68
    • Inner Focus
    • φr = 68.8mm
    • φg1 = 67.8mm
    • φg2 = 70.2mm
  • Technical background
    • When the miniaturization of the optical system, longitudinal chromatic aberration, chromatic aberration of magnification is remarkable
    • As the focal length becomes longer, the telephoto lens system, chromatic aberration is noticeable
    • There is a method of correcting the aberrations of a material having an anomalous dispersion resin, the resin is difficult to produce high-precision thick
    • There is a method of sandwiching a thin glass resin material, the bonding peeling distortion problem bonding at high temperature
  • Canonpatent
    • Joining three or more optical elements
    • The outer diameter of the resin is increased to reduce the distortion at the time of bonding
      • Not adhere to each other resin outer glass element
      • Between the optical element of the outside is gone, adhesive, the thickness of the adhesive distribution occurs
    • Using a sealing agent to prevent change in shape of the resin and the refractive index change due to moisture absorption
    • Do the black outer peripheral portion of the glass element
      • Prevent flare and ghosting resin at the outer periphery
      • Surface resin glue is not good
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[Review] Rebel T4i/650D/X6i Full Review By DPreview

DPreview published the awaited review of the Rebel T4i/650D. I didn’t expect it to be that positive, final score is 77/100. However, the “biggest disappointment […] lies in the camera’s ‘hybrid’ AF performance in live view and video modes“. No surprise here. The positive aspects:

  • Comprehensive touchscreen interface that is intuitive and efficient
  • High image quality with good balance between detail and noise reduction in JPEG output
  • Good subject tracking AF in viewfinder shooting mode (compared to mirrorless competition)
  • 5 fps with ample buffering in JPEG-only mode
  • Very responsive operation, with menu access available even when buffer is full
  • Good-looking video output with manual exposure and audio controls
  • New ‘hybrid AF’ is a step forward (compared to its predecessor)
  • Built-in lens correction for vignetting and CA
  • Effective HDR, lowlight and noise reduction multi-exposure modes
  • Wireless strobe triggering via built-in flash
  • Eye sensor to toggle LCD on and off
  • Built-in stereo mics
  • External microphone socket
  • Updated LCD screen minimizes fingerprint smudges from touchscreen use
  • High quality raw converter in software bundle

Rebel T4i/EOS 650D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA [via DPreview]