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Want this camera for half the price? It may be possible…

This will not make happy many people, and for some it will be utterly irritating. In an interview with EOSHD a Canon Europe product manager said that the main difference between the EOS-1D X ($6,799 – click here for specs) and the EOS 1D C ($12,999 – click here for specs) is…a piece of software.

Canon confirmed me today the 1D C 4K DSLR is a 1D X with a firmware update. Identical hardware. [...] I also had a impromptu talk to a Canon Europe product manager who was very open and honest about Canon’s approach with this camera.

The 1D C is a 1D X with a 4K firmware update. Canon’s man told me that the only hardware change was to do with the flash sync jack (or one of the other jacks if my exact memory fails me). So essentially the 1D X hardware – sensor, processor, everything – is capable of 4K video, 100%, no heat or bandwidth issues either.

The first thing that jumps into mind is if it is possible to upgrade the EOS 1D X to a 4K cam through a firmware update. Nope!

Although technically possible, not surprisingly Canon replied that this wouldn’t be happening

There is an issue with European tax laws:

The tax issue is that the 1D C is classed as a video camera, at a much higher import tax tarrif to the 1D X. Any firmware update that would turn a 1D X into a 1D C would not go down well with the tax people.

So, if I got it right…: The EOS 1D C is the same hardware as the EOS 1D X for twice the price. I wonder how long it will take for some skilled hacker to bring all the EOS 1D C features on the EOS 1D X.

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This cute little 7:35 video comes from Canon Australia (emphasis mine):

Chris McLennan talks about his experiences as an international wildlife photographer and gives hints and tips about flash photography, using natural light, macro shots and how to shoot wide angles for some amazing results. Join in, find the inspiration for your photography and share at www.canon.com.au/worldofeos

B&H (click here) and Amazon (click here) both have the EOS 5D Mark II down to $1,899. $100 less on eBay (click here), where you can have the EOS 5D Mark II for $1,799. As usual I list only reputable, top rated sellers.

• 21.1 Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor
• 3.0″ High Resolution LCD Display
• Live View Mode
• 1080p Movie Mode
• Dust & Weather-Resistant
• Self Cleaning Sensor
• Broad ISO Range (50-25600)
• 3.9 fps Burst Mode

EOS 5D Mark II price check: Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Canon USA, J&R, Digitalrev, eBay, rent it at Borrow Lenses

This showed up in the CR forum. An Amazon video about Canon’s remote app shows the app’s header saying “4D”, at least it looks like (at the 19 seconds mark). Funny

Does it say “Canon EOS 4D”?

[via CR]

On September 17th Canon announced it will start a cloud storage solution that let you upload, organize and share your precious pics. It’s beta for the time being, and only on invite. Strong integration with Facebook. Consumers interested in the beta can register at www.Project1709.com.

Project 1709 – key features

• Store a lifetime of your images
• Find any image when you need it
• Access all your photos anytime, everywhere
• Enjoy and make the most of your photos
• Improve your photos to make them the best they can be

Press release:

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The new Distagon T* 1,4/55.

Zeiss announced it will develop a new lenses family aimed at high resolution full frame DSLRs.

Carl Zeiss is heralding a particularly powerful new full-frame SLR lens at photokina 2012.  Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Product and Program Manager in the Carl Zeiss Camera Lenses Division, is addressing strengths and technical details of the new high-end SLR lens family in a Q&A.

The lenses are expected for Autumn 2013 (sigh) and will cost around $3000 since “the lenses are more demanding in terms of material selection and construction than our previous ZE and ZF.2 lenses“. The lenses will be available also for the EF bayonet (ZE).

What does “uncompromising image quality” mean?

The new lenses will achieve extremely high image quality throughout the entire picture including edges even at maximum aperture. At the same time, chromatic aberration is extremely low.

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