Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Officially Available

5D Mark III Firmware

The firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (price & specs) is now officially available for download (click here).

Canon EOS 5D Mark III price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Details
Firmware Version 1.2.1 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes:

  1. Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.

  2. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.

  3. Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.

  4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display Err 70 or Err 80 when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.

  5. Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.

  6. Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.

  7. Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.

  8. When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an “O” will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an “X” will be displayed.

  9. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.

  10. Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM lens.

  11. Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.

  12. Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.

  13. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.

  14. Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the “Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO” option.

* Items No.1 through 12 have been incorporated into firmware version 1.2.0.
* Items No.1 through 14 have been incorporated into firmware version 1.2.1.

Firmware Version 1.2.1 is for cameras with firmware version 1.2.0 or earlier. If the camera’s firmware is already version 1.2.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
When updating the firmware of your camera, please first review the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware.

Support
The new Firmware Version 1.2.1 can be downloaded by clicking here.
For more information on this improvement, please visit the Canon website to download the latest version of the EOS 5D Mark III instruction manual.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.  Please register the EOS 5D Mark III. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON
1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: [email protected]
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Review (The Phoblographer)

Tamron 90mm f/2.8
Image courtesy: The Phoblographer

The Phoblographer reviewed the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC US lens (price & specs). A Canon EOS 5D Mark II (price & specs) was used for the test. With a price tag of $799 this lens is rather affordable. The review comes with lots of sample images, it’s definitely worth to be read if you are looking forward to get this lens.

Pros

  • Extremely sharp image quality
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Simple design
  • Fairly compact for a long lens
  • Extremely light
  • Included lens hood just makes the images look so much nicer
  • Fast focusing except when going down to the macro levels
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Our version needed a bit of micro-adjustment
  • We wish there was weather sealing incorporated into the lens

Conclusion:

Macro lenses are very fun to use. Not only do they give you some outstanding close focusing abilities, but they’re also usually characterized as being extremely good as portrait lenses. In our time with the lens, we couldn’t find a single reason to not purchase this lens if you’re in the market for a telephoto macro optic. One potential flaw may be that one may want an f2 lens instead of f2.8, but keep in mind that you’ll get the best results with this lens (and mostly any lens) if you incorporate the use of flash to emphasize the specular highlights that really make this lens shine.

Indeed, it was a pleasure to use this lens. It breathed lots of life into my Canon 5D Mk II and I’m going to miss the lens. However, I personally don’t shoot enough macro images to justify this purchase. And as far as portrait lenses go, I’m very happy with Sigma’s 85mm f1.4 EX–which is in some ways a competitor to a lens like Tamron’s latest addition.

But in the end, this lens renders color so well, we’re pleased to say that it is right up there with Zeiss and Rokinon. Though the three companies render color totally differently, the colors from this lens will appeal to many pros interested in a lens like this.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC US price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

  • 90mm Macro Prime Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-32
  • 1:1 Maximum Reproduction Ratio
  • Vibration Compensation
  • Internal Focus System
  • Ultrasonic Silent Motor Drive
  • eBAND Hybrid Lens Coating
  • Extra-low Dispersion Optical Elements
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction

Tamron 90mm f/2.8

[via The Phoblographer]

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM vs EF-S 18-55mm IS II Comparison (Resolution and more)

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM resolution at 18mm – Image courtesy: dicahub.com

Korean site dicahub (translated) posted a comprehensive Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM the EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens review and comparison. How does Canon’s new STM lens, the EF-S 18-55mm IS STM (price & specs) compares to the previous 18-55mm kit lens? The EF-S 18-55mm IS STM was announced along with the Canon Rebel Sl1/EOS 100D (price & specs).

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM core specs:

  • 28.8-88mm Zoom Lens (35mm Equiv)
  • Aperture Range: f/3.5-38
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Stepping Motor, Internal Focusing System
  • Supports Movie Servo AF Feature
  • Smooth and Quiet AF Ideal for Video
  • EF-S Mount for APS-C Format EOS Cameras
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Manual Focus Override in AF Mode
  • Accepts 58mm Filters

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM price check:  B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA [via dicahub]

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
Resolution comparison #1 – Image courtesy: dicahub.com
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
Resolution comparison #2 – Image courtesy: dicahub.com

In Stock: Zeiss 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar T* ZE ($2122, Limited Quantity)

Zeiss 135mm f/2

The Zeiss 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar T* ZE Lens is in stock at B&H with a limited supply for $2122 (click here). Not a lens for those on a budget but then: you get what you pay for, and that’s a lens with outstanding build quality and optical performance.

  • 135mm Telephoto Prime Lens
  • Fits Canon EF Mount Cameras
  • Aperture Range: f/2-22
  • Minimum Focus Distance of 2.62′ (0.8 m)
  • Apochromat Lens; Minimal Aberrations
  • Nine Blade Circular Aperture
  • Anti-reflective Coatings
  • Precise Manual Focus
  • Compact Design; All-Metal Barrel

Product description:

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon EOS 650D vs. EOS 700D Comparison Video (which one is best for you)

DigitalRev’s Kai wants to know the differences between the Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i (price & specs) and EOS 700D / Rebel T5i (price & specs). Does the EOS 700D have enough nw features to make it worth over the EOS 650D?

Canon EOS 650D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA Canon EOS 700D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA