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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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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: Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Canon USA, J&R, Digitalrev, eBay, rent it at Borrow Lenses

[via DPreview]

Image credit: Michael Comeau

This cam was laying on the bottom of a creek for three years, was found and returned to the owner, Michael Comeau (thanks to the fact that the memory card was still working!).

The latest Rebel is the T4i (EOS 650D in Europe), price check: Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Canon USA, J&R, Digitalrev, eBay, rent it at Borrow Lenses

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Philip Bloom made a short movie with the purpose of testing the EOS-1D X video capabilities. The 1D-X was announced a long time ago, 8 months if I am not wrong, and is just by now getting stocked in the major shops. The video was partially shot using also a Canon C300. A long and detailed review, with lots of insights in the workflow. Definitely worth to be seen and to be read. About the EOS 1D-X P. Bloom has to say:

Is it worth the extra money? Yes and no. As a stills camera, it is second to none. Video wise, the video is much better than the Mk3, it’s better than the D800. Is it that much better taking into account the price? Yes and no. The Mk3 is still great and much smaller, lighter and cheaper. I wish the Mk3 image looked as smashing as this…I really hope Canon bring out a 7D replacement and a 60D replacement with All-I and the video quality that this camera produces.

Check the following shops to order the EOS 1D-X: Amazon US (click here), DigitalRev (click here), Adorama (click here) and B&H (click here). The usual list price is $6,799.

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iPhones are massively used to shot pictures (think Instagram, social networks etc). That's probably the reason why video web artist Adam Sacks thought that

[s]ince people only use their iPhones to take photos of food, Apple rethought everything about the iPhone 5.

The result is a hilarious little video that shows what the next iPhone should/could/may be. And then, hey, the camera in the video looks very much like a Canon DSLR. Are Apple and Canon joining forces to make the ÜberPhoneDSLRInstaEverything supergadget? Just kidding…

[adamthinks, via gizmodo]

Canon released a firmware update (download here) for the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM ($199, click here) lens. The lens had a problem with AF if

pressure is applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching the lens cap while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), the autofocusing function of the lens may stop working.

Firmware rel. 1.2.0 addresses the problem. Your lens is affected only if

the third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, or 2 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, or xx2xxxxxxx).

To upload the firmware you need a compatible DSLR. These are the EOS-1D X, the EOS 5D Mark III and the Rebel T4i/650D.

Product advisory:

Thank you for using Canon products.

Canon has released a firmware update for the EF40mm f/2.8 STM Interchangeable Lens for Canon Digital SLR Camera.

Affected Product
EF40mm f/2.8 STM

Details
Firmware Version 1.2.0 addresses the following phenomenon.

1. If pressure is applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching
the lens cap while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), the autofocusing function of the lens may stop working.

Firmware Version 1.2.0 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.1.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.2.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

The lenses with the following serial numbers are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.0:

The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, or 2 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, or xx2xxxxxxx).

Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.2.0.

● If an extender, or extender tube, is attached to the lens, the firmware may not be successfully updated, so make sure that you detach
the extender or extender tube before the firmware is updated.
● A supported camera* is required for the firmware update.

Cameras that can be used for the firmware update:
Canon EOS-1D X, Canon EOS 5D Mark III (*), or Canon EOS REBEL T4i

*When using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III for the firmware update, please make sure to update the camera’s firmware to Version 1.1.3 or
later. If a Canon EOS 5D Mark III equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.2 or earlier is used, the lens may stop working.

Customers who do not own any of the cameras listed above, but wish to have the firmware of their lenses updated, are asked to contact our service centers.

The new Firmware Version 1.2.0 can be downloaded by clicking here.

Support
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register your EF 40mm f/2.8 STM. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when future service updates are available.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone:	1-800-OK-CANON
	1-800-652-2666
TDD:	1-866-251-3752752
Email:	carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support