Canon Recalls 68,200 T4i/650D Due To Possible Allergic Reactions

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]

Voigtlander 40mm f/2.0 SL-II In Stock & Ready To Ship (and more deals from B&H)

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.

[Review] Rebel T4i/650D With 18-135mm IS STM Reviewed And Compared

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]

More Rebel T4i/650D Affected By Rubber Grip Changing Color

EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

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.

EOS 650D

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.

Check Button

EOS 650D

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]

Rebel T4i/EOS 650D With EF-M 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM In Stock And Ready To Ship (Update)

Edit: I was referring to the wrong lens, it is a 18-135mm IS STM.

Update: Check sample pics shot with a Rebel T4i/650D and the 18-135 IS STM lens – click here

Great news if you live in the States and can’t wait to get your hands on Canon’s new Rebel, the T4i/650D. B&H has the T4i as a kit with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens available for (free) shipping ($1,199.99 click here). Limited quantity, so be quick before others are. Core specs of the T4i/650D:

  • STM Lens Support for Quiet AF in Movies
  • 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touch Screen LCD
  • ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
  • Full HD Movie Mode with Continuous AF
  • 5.0 FPS Continuous Shooting
  • 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System
  • Multi Shot Noise Reduction
  • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Click here to open the rest of the article

[Review] Just Another Rebel? The T4i/650D As A Technology Sandbox

I have to say that I feel I am neglecting the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP). I am not part of the “just another Rebel” party, nor do I have an elitist approach to photographic gear. Nevertheless, I didn’t dedicate too much time to the latest Rebel (so far). That’s a shame, because Canon’s last iteration of the Rebel series (the xxxD series in EU) has a lot of advanced and cue-giving tech inside. So much that it should make us curios what it is about. I reported time ago that Canon may sandboxing and testing the technology (i.e. the touchscreen) that could possibly be used for its upcoming mirrorless system camera (expected for July 23). Now, there are more hints that the Rebel T4i/650D sports features and functionalities that would be more than just useful on a mirrorless camera.

Le me start saying that the T4i/650D is Canon’s first DSLR having full-time auto-focus in video mode. To accomplish this, you can use different focusing approaches, such as the contrast-detect method (used in previous Canon DSLR, slow and imprecise) or phase detection sensors in the camera (causes a blackout during live view, when the mirror flips down). But there is a third way to get auto-focus through phase detection: mixing phase detection sensors with pixels on the sensor itself. That’s what the folks at chipworks discovered when they tore down a T4i/650D. The cool thing is that such a technical solution would make up for a fast and reliable AF on a mirrorless camera. The technology is not new and was seen on Nikon’s Aptina sensor sported on the V1 and on the Fuji F300EXR. Differently from Nikon, which uses regular lines to implement the phase detection sensors, Canon uses an irregular pixel pattern. This is not totally new, as Canon two years ago published a patent for such a technology.

What are your thoughts?

Canon patent for phase detection AF

[via photographybay, chipworks]