New Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Released (ver. 2.0.3)

[shoplink 4119]EOS-1D X Firmware[/shoplink]

Download Firmware Version 2.0.3 for the EOS 1DX

Canon product advisory:

Details
Firmware Version 2.0.3 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes.

  1. Auto focusing performance under low-light conditions has been enhanced when performing focusing before shooting in AI Servo AF mode. The enhancement comes from the improvement in tracking capability for the first image in the low-light conditions.
  2. The number of release parameters settings for the “AI Servo AF 2nd image priority” AF function has been increased to enable improved AF tracking in low light or maintain consistent high frames rates during continuous shooting.
  3. The number of parameters for acceleration/deceleration tracking in the AF Configuration Tool will has been increased.
  4. Exposure compensation can be performed when using manual exposure and ISO Auto.
  5. The minimum shutter speed limit for ISO Auto has been increased with shutter speeds up to 1/8000.
  6. A new function to keep the exposure constant by altering the ISO or shutter speed in manual exposure, when the aperture value changes when zooming or changing lenses has been added.
  7. A new option has been added to orientation linked AF point to enable only the AF point to switch as you change orientation rather than both AF point/ AF area settings
  8. A new option to continue to use the previously manually selected AF point as the initial starting AF point when switching to 61-point automatic selection has been added.
  9. New customization of the Exposure metering and AF controls has been added for more flexibility.
  10. The number of possibilities for controls to switch between one-shot AF and AI Servo AF using custom controls has been increased.
  11. A function has been added to allow the playback and review of protected images only.
  12. A phenomenon has been fixed in which the white balance may be disturbed by the timing of the shutter release when the drive mode is single shooting and a flash (E-TTL）is used.
Click here to open the rest of the article

CES 2014: Lexar Announces World’s Fastest Memory Card

CES 2014

To learn more about this new technology have a look at PetaPixel.

Lexar press release:

New Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 Card Provides Read Transfer Speeds up to 500MB/s* in Capacities up to 256GB

Fremont, CA, January 6, 2014 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced its technological leadership in the digital imaging market with the immediate sample availability of Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards and the Lexar Professional Workflow CFast 2.0 USB 3.0 reader for the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution. The CFast 2.0 specification is the next generation of high performance memory cards designed for professional applications in still imaging and video capture.

Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 Card
With capacities available for sampling in 256GB, 128GB, 64GB, and 32GB, the Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards demonstrate new speed thresholds to capture high-quality images and 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video. Designed to maximize the capabilities of the next-generation of high-definition camcorders and high-resolution digital SLR cameras, the new cards provide a read transfer speed up to 3333x (500MB per second)*, which is three times faster than any CompactFlash card.** Additionally, the new Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards will support the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-65) specification for professional-quality video capture, and includes the latest version of Image Rescue software.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Site Maintenance

Dear all,

I am changing some things on Canon Watch, mainly the look and feel of the site.

In the next days there may some glitches or changes in the theme. Normal use of the site should not be affected.

Thanks for your understanding!

CES 2014: Sigma Announces Redesigned 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM “Contemporary” Lens

Sigma announced a redesigned 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM lens, part of the “Contemporary” line-up. Price and availability to be announced. Press release was made together with the announcement of the new 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM “Art” lens.

Lens Construction 16 Elements in 13 Groups
Angle of View 76.5º-8.1º
Number of Diaphragm Blades 7 (rounded diaphragm)
Mininum Aperture f22
Minimum Focusing Distance 39 cm / 15.4 in
Filter Size (mm) 62mm
Maximum Magnifications 1:3
Dimensions
(Diameter x Length)		 70.7mm x 86mm/2.8in. x 3.4in.
Weight 430g / 15.2oz.

Sigma’s product description:

The Sigma 18-200mm 3.5-6.3 DC HSM OS lens is the second addition to the Contemporary line from Sigma’s Global Vision. The Sigma 18-200mm lens was designed for APS-C sensors and features a new matte black finish, thermally stable composite material in its construction and smaller and lighter design then previous models. With exceptional performance, this 18-200mm camera lens does not sacrifice image quality for versatility. Having the ability to shoot from wide angle to telephoto is highly useful particularly for travel photography, landscape photography, street photography, portrait photography and nature photography. An improved minimum focusing distance of 14.7 inches paired with the use of Special Low Dispersion glass, the 18-200mm excels at bringing out great detail in close-up photography as well. A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, accurate and fast autofocus and an optical Stabilizer (OS) helps compensate for camera shake. Make this lens your all-in-one lens to handle any shooting scenario.