Northern Lights pictured using a 5D Mark II

This is a beautiful time-lapse video showing northern lights (Aurora Borealis) made using a EOS 5D Mark II. There is a lot of discussion going on about gear, about new gear, and there is no one among us who never thought that better gear would make her or him a better photographer. We all know this is not true, but I bet we all have had this idea. Hence, it is always good to see what awesome stuff you can produce with a camera that is not the newest gear. The following setting and lenses were used:

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PowerShot D20 Digital Camera in stock at B&H – Limited Quantity

The water and shock-proof PowerShot D20 (with GPS!) is in stock at B&H at limited quantity for $349 (click here). Core specs:

  • 12.1Mp High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor
  • 3.0″ Pure Color System LCD
  • 28mm Wide-Angle Lens
  • Waterproof and Shockproof
  • Temperature Resistant Down to 14 Degrees
  • GPS Tracker
  • 5x Optical Zoom
  • Intelligent IS
  • DIGIC 4 Image Processor
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Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Lens in Stock at B&H – Limited Quantity

The new Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Lens for Canon mount is in stock again at B&H, for $1,299 (click here).

  • Wide-Angle 24-70mm Full-Frame Zoom Lens
  • Built-In Image Stabilization
  • Ultrasonic Silent Drive for Silent AF
  • LD, Aspherical Elements for Sharp Images
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Compact (3.5×4.6″) & Lightweight (29oz)
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Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO in stock and Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD ready for pre-order

Two new lenses for Canon DSLR’s. The Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO is in stock at B&H for $1,099 (click here). The 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO is a fast f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens with a 50-150mm focal length (75-225mm equivalent in 35mm format) designed for cameras with a Canon EF mount. This long autofocus telephoto gets you close to the action, and it has an optical image stabilization system that makes it possible to hand-hold the lens at up to four shutter speeds slower than usual, while maintaining sharp, shake-free images. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) gives you quiet, high-speed autofocus, and also allows full-time manual focus override. Core specs:

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EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Hack: Magic Lantern is Coming

Magic Lantern running on a 5D Mark III

Canon released a firmware update for its EOS 5D Mark III and the file was analyzed by the hackers who brought us the Magic Lantern firmware hack for Canon cams. Looks like Magic Lantern can be ported to the EOS 5D Mark III. This is good news, since the hack brings a lot of improvements for video, IQ and usability. Would also be the first to work with the DIGIC 5 CPU. If you are into coding here is the link to the developer forum.

[via EOSHD]

Another exploded Nikon D800

Canon may have problems with the light-leaking issue of the EOS 5D Mark III, but Nikon has also some problems to deal with. Nikon’s new full-frame flagship, the D800, is reported to “explode”. This is the second forum post I found about this issue (another one here). So, if you want a new FF camera you can choose between one that’s leaking light through the top LCD panel, or to get one that will explode in your hands. :-) Hard times for photographers!

UPDATE [thanks to Bobby]: nikon rumors reports that Nikon is recalling batteries that are used on various cams, the D800 included:

Today Nikon recalled some of the EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion batteries […] that are used with the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1 cameras. The described reason for the recall is overheating. There were no overheating cases reported from users, the problem has been discovered during the manufacturing process.