DPreview wanted to have a closer look at Canon’s recently introduced Hybrid Auto-Focus system. This AF-system is featured on the Rebel T4i/650D and the EOS M. Does the AF-system improve AF in live view? How well is this technology suited for mirrorless cameras? The videos show how Hybrid AF works (video above), and compares this AF-system both to the conventional phase-detection AF and to the Panasonic DMC-G5 (video below). If you live in Europe you can pre-order the DMC-G5 at Jessops, or find it on ebay. If you live in the US you can pre-order pre-order at B&H and Adorama). Whereveer you are located, you may pre-order at DigitalRev. An EF-S 18-135mm STM was used for the test, this lens has been designed specifically for Canon’s hybrid AF-system.

EOS M pre-order links:

USA & world-wide:
EOS M page on Amazon (click here), Adorama (click here), B&H (click here)
EOS M Black at Amazon (click here), Amazon UK (click here), Adorama (click here) and BHphoto (click here).
EOS M White at BHphoto (click here).
EOS M 22mm pancake at Amazon (click here), Adorama (click here) and BHphoto (click here).
EOS M 18-55mm kit lens at Amazon (click here), Adorama (click here) and BHphoto (click here).
EOS M adapter at Amazon (click here) and BHphoto (click here).
EOS M Flash at Amazon (click here), Adorama (click here) and BHphoto (click here).

Germany (Amazon DE):
EOS M black with EF-M 18-55mm 1:3,5-5,6 IS STM lens and Speedlite 90EX for €849 (click here)
EOS M white with EF-M 18-55mm 1:3,5-5,6 IS STM lens and Speedlite 90EX for €849 (click here)
EOS M red with EF-M 18-55mm 1:3,5-5,6 IS STM lens and Speedlite 90EX for €849 (click here)
EF-M 22mm 1:2 STM Pancake lens for €249 (click here)
EF-EOS M Adapter for €129 (click here)
wexcameras.de (click here)

Italy: Amazon IT (click here)

UK: Amazon UK (click here)

More pre-order options here.

[via dpreview]

Conventional approach (left) and patented approach (right)

Egami (machine translated) spotted another patent filed by Canon and related to methods that aim to improve the performance and accuracy of the phase-detection AF. This is the second patent in a few days – the first one can be seen here. Such an AF method is featured on the Rebel T4i/650D and on Canon’s recently announced mirrorless camera, the EOS M. Note that such an AF method is particularly useful on a mirrorless camera, given that such cameras, since they are missing the mirror, can not focus in the “traditional way”.

As far as I can tell, the patent details methods to increase AF performance by eliminating problems caused by the angle of incidence of the light: “[...] reduce the diffraction limit by a high refractive index layer“. Another discussed issue is the reduction of the pixel size (higher resolution??). I am more and more confident that both patents are related to an upcoming sensor which, I guess, will be at the heart of the more pro-oriented mirrorless camera most of us are expecting to be announced in September at Photokina.

• Patent Publication No. 2012-151367
  • 2012.8.9 Release Date
  • 2011.1.20 filing date
• The diameter of the spot light focusing of the micro lens
  • Determined by the numerical aperture and λ the wavelength of the incident light
  • By the wave nature of light, not smaller than the diffraction limit
  • When the pixel size below the diffraction limit, pupil division is impossible
  • ⊿ = 1.22 * (λ / n * sinθ) diffraction limit
  • ※ This angle θ is half the chance of lens optical system was synthesized in the micro-lenses and layers
• Related art
  • There is a light flux can not reach into the openings of the light-shielding layer of the phase difference AF pixel for the image plane, the light-receiving efficiency is reduced
  • Although the distance can be shortened and the photoelectric conversion unit if microlens back-illuminated (BSI), if the pixel consists of a low refractive index layer in the layer lens +, for total internal reflection occurs, can not be expected to increase the angle
• Canon’s patented
  • To reduce the diffraction limit by a high refractive index layer
  • Structure of the pixel
    • Within a layer lens, and light shielding layer formed between the microlens
    • The high refractive index layer, filled between the lens and the light-shielding layer in the layer
    • The low refractive index layer, a light shielding layer filled between the microlens and
    • Optical system consisting of micro-lens and lens in the layer, connecting the focal point in the PD
    • A case
      • Λ = 540nm wavelength of the incident light
      • 1.6 refractive index of the microlens
      • 1.45 refractive index of the low refractive index layer
      • Layer of high refractive index lens and in the layer refractive index n = 2.3 (silica Sio ₂ of the prior art is n = 1.46)

[via egami]

Image Credits: engadget.com

These are news I do not like, Holy Whatever! The Rebel T4i/650D is a cute little DSLR, I played around with it and didn’t get any skin rash. Engadget reported it first, let me quote the core of the message:

Hazard: A chemical used in the camera’s rubber grips can result in a reaction that changes the grips from black to white and poses a risk of skin irritation to the consumer.

Ok, no reason to panic. Check if you are involved (click here for the whole story):

Description: This recall involves EOS Rebel T4i digital SLR cameras with a 12-digit serial number that contain a second digit that is a “3″ or “4″ and a sixth digit that is a “1.” Serial numbers are printed on the bottom of the camera. The Canon logo and the model name are printed on the front of the camera.

Sold at: B&H Photo, Best Buy and camera and mass merchandise stores nationwide and Amazon.com and other online retailers between June 2012 and July 2012 for between $850 and $1,200.

Canon will replace the rubber grips free of charge. In the USA you can ring 855-902-3277.

For the time being, according to reports, there is only one customer affected by a «minor rash» after having touched a Rebel T4i.

[cpsc.gov, via engadget]

B&H has the Voigtlander 40mm f/2.0 SL-II in stock ($539, click here). Stock is limited, so, of you were waiting for this particular lens, don’t waste time.

There is more coming from B&H today. They have some cool discounts on battery grips for some Canon DSLRs, the offer is ending August 13th. Get the Vello BG-C2 Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5D Mark II sold for $54.95 (click here), or the Vello BG-C5 Battery Grip for Canon EOS T4i, T3i & T2i for $57 (click here), or the Vello BG-C6 Battery Grip for Canon EOS 60 for $57.50 (click here).

Finally, get a Pixma Pro 9000 Mk II with a Canon camera and save up to $400 (click here). For instance, you can get the Powershot G12 for $309.

Cameralabs published a detailed review of the Rebel T4i/650D with the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens. One of the highlight of the T4i/650D is the Auto-Focus system (emphasis mine):

The hybrid CMOS AF sensor combined with improvements to the stand alone phase detect AF provides the T4i / 650D with one of the most sophisticated focusing systems of any Canon DSLR, particularly for continuous autofocus during movie recording. Coupled with one of the new quiet STM lenses its movie autofocusing is on a par with that offerred by touch-screen mirrorless compact system cameras.

It’s the same AF that is featured on the recently announced EOS M. We wrote before about how much the Rebel T4i/650D was a testbed for the technologies later employed on the EOS M. Camerlabs compares the T4i/650D to Nikon’s D3200. The Rebel T4i/650D gets a “highly recommended” final score. From the verdict:

With the Rebel T4i / EOS 650D Canon has neatly addressed [...] issues. The Hybrid CMOS AF sensor improves AF capability in Live view but, more importantly, makes this the first Canon DSLR to provide truly effective continuous AF during movie recording, putting it on a par with Sony’s SLT models and touch-screen mirrorless CSC’s like the Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix GX1.

Its 3 inch touch-screen [...] is intended to pull in compact upgraders and will succeed, but even those who love to use physical controls will find it enhances the handling characteristics in a very positive fashion. Other enhancements, like built-in stereo microphones, 5fps continuous shooting, the Multi shot noise reduction stacking mode and built-in correction for chromatic aberration make the Rebel T4i / EOS 650D an excellent all-round performer and a hard act to beat for first time buyers with a little extra in the budget or those looking to move up to the next level. I highly recommend it.

[via Cameralabs]

EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i price check: Amazon, B&H, Adorama, Canon USA, J&R, Digitalrev, eBay, rent it at Borrow Lenses

This was known since a while, there was a product advisory by Canon some time ago. The rubber grips of the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP) are changing colour after a while of use, and, worst, they may sometimes cause allergic reactions. Only certain serial number ranges were affected. Unfortunately, a few days ago Canon Australia released a new product advisory, which extends the range of possibly affected models.

Canon has identified an issue with the rubber grips on a number of EOS 650D cameras. This Service Notice replaces the Notice released on 6 July, which advised that there were no potentially affected units sold through Authorised Resellers into the Australian market.

Since the 6 July Service Notice, Canon has broadened the serial number range of potentially affected products as a precautionary measure and, as a result, we believe that a small number of cameras in the extended range have been sold in the Australian market.

The following information can be used by owners of EOS 650D cameras to identify whether their camera falls within the extended serial number range and the support available. Canon advises users of EOS 650D cameras who have checked their camera serial number prior to 3 August 2012 to please repeat the process.

Canon apologises for any inconvenience caused by this issue.

Phenomenon

The front rubber grips of some EOS 650D units produced in certain lots between 31 May and 27 June 2012 may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and analysis that the substance zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) is what causes the rubber surface to turn white.

Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product but is created as a result of this chemical reaction. The quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual. As a result the rubber grips may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances causing zinc bis deposits on the rubber surface. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition.

Identifying Affected Products

Some units of the EOS 650D digital SLR camera produced between 31 May and 27 June are affected. Affected units can be identified by their serial number as follows:

NOTE: The additional serial numbers were added to the checker on 3 August 2012. If you conducted a check prior to this date, please repeat the procedure.

1. Press the Check button below, and a screen that asks you to enter your camera’s serial number will appear.
2. Enter the 12-digit serial number on the base of the camera, and then press the Submit button.
3. One of the following messages will appear:

• “Your camera is NOT affected” (No action necessary)
• “Your camera is affected” (Please see the Market Support section and Caution On Use section below)
• “Invalid Number” (You entered an invalid serial number, check your serial number and re-enter

Note: Please double check the 12 digit serial number you entered before you click on the Submit button.

To enter another serial number, click on your browser’s Back button after a message appears.

Furthermore, if the sixth digit in the serial number 2 or above, the camera is not affected.

• Some EOS 650D cameras where the second digit of the serial number is “3″ or “4″ and sixth digit is “1,” are affected.

Example: x4xxx1xxxxxx ([x] represents any optional number.)

Use the Check button above to see whether your unit is affected.

Market Support

Canon distributors in each country are making provisions to offer free support for the affected products that they distribute in their respective markets.

As market distributor, Canon Australia asks owners of potentially affected cameras purchased through Canon Authorised Resellers to contact Canon directly on 13 13 83 to arrange for a free service.

Purchasers of affected overseas product (direct import from overseas or via local reseller of overseas products) should contact their point of purchase to access the service provisions of their relevant distributor.

Caution on Use

The amount of zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) detected during our testing was minimal. Depending on one’s health and physical condition, in rare cases when this substance comes into contact with skin, allergic skin reactions* may develop. In addition, if eyes are rubbed after contact with the substance, symptoms, such as red eyes, may develop.

As a precautionary measure, thoroughly wash your hands with water if they have come in contact with the rubber grips that have turned white. (If any medical symptoms develop, please consult your physician immediately.)

*Please note that the occurrence of allergic skin reactions depend on the target substance, length of contact with the target substance, one’s health and physical conditions, and sensitivity of one’s skin structure, and not everyone will be affected by allergic symptoms.

[via fstoppers]