Dear readers, sources, friends and critics: I wish you all Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings or Merry Christmas or whatever you are celebrating.

Wherever you are have a nice day and enjoy yourselves.

Thank you !

Update: this has been posted before :-)

New versions of Digital Photo Professional (3.13.51),  EOS Utility (2.13.40) and other Canon software is available for download.

Changes for Digital Photo Professional 3.13.51 Updater for Mac OS X :

• Addition of Digital Lens Optimizer applicable lenses.
• A phenomenon in which font settings are sometimes not reflected on print contact sheets has been fixed.

Changes for EOS Utility 2.13.40 Updater for Mac OS X :

• A function has been added to allow the loading of just protected images into the PC.

The rubber section of the viewfinder of some PowerShot SX50 HS digital compact cameras produced in certain lots from September 1 through November 15, 2013 may turn white after a short period of time. It is not the first time Canon has problems with rubber parts (another one here), this time the issue was found on the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS. Canon product advisory:

Thank you for using Canon products.

The rubber of the viewfinder of some units of the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS compact digital camera may change color (turn white) after a short period of time. Customer support for this phenomenon is described below.

We take great pride in the quality and performance of our products. We offer our sincerest apologies to any customers who may be inconvenienced.

Phenomenon
The rubber section of the viewfinder of some PowerShot SX50 HS digital compact cameras produced in certain lots from September 1 through November 15, 2013 may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and internal analysis that the white substance is zinc bis (N,N’- dimethyldithiocarbamate).

Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product. The reason for the depositing of this material was the use of an improper rubber accelerator by the manufacturer of the rubber viewfinder. As a result the rubber section of the viewfinder may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition. Zinc bis (N,N’- dimethyldithiocarbamate), which becomes deposited on the rubber surface, is created as a result of this chemical reaction.

Affected products
Only a small fraction of the PowerShot SX50 HS compact digital cameras – the ones containing the improper rubber accelerator – are affected by this phenomenon.

This phenomenon may occur in cameras of which the first and second digits from the left in the serial number are “69”, “70”, or “71” and the sixth digit of the serial number is “1”.
(Example serial numbers of cameras that may be affected:
“69xxx1xxxxxx”, “70xxx1xxxxxx”, “71xxx1xxxxxx” (‘x’ can be any number))

Caution on use
The amount of zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) deposited on the affected units is minimal. However, depending on one’s health and physical condition, in rare cases it is possible for zinc bis to cause allergic reactions, such as a rash, when it comes in contact with the skin of sensitive persons. In addition, if the eyes make contact with the substance, symptoms such as red eyes may develop.

As a precautionary measure, thoroughly wash your hands and rinse your eyes with water if they have come into contact with the rubber part of a viewfinder that has turned white. If any medical symptoms develop, please consult your physician immediately.

Since a few days (I guess since they started selling the new MacPro) the Apple Store has a new tab named “Mac Accessories” (has it always been there?) where you can find Canon DSLRs on sale. The EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 7D, EOS 60D, Rebel SL1, and Rebel T3i are on sale. Your better done purchasing the 5D Mark III at B&H for $2699 (click here). Price shows up after checkout, the deal is still live (should have been expired 12/21).

Does that mean Canon DSLRs are the best companion gear for the new MacPro? :-)  The MacPro starts at $2999 and can be pre-ordered at B&H. They have only limited quantity in stock.

The chart was made by Flickr user Sigma Jack and Sigma’s‘ design wizard’ Emi Erata. The entire Sigma line-up is represented, and it is a lens size comparison. The chart contains lots of interesting facts about Sigma lenses, and to easily see everything that’s shown you better get the full sized image of the chart here.

[The Phoblographer via PetaPixel]