[Humor] Welcome The iCanon Überphone

iPhones are massively used to shot pictures (think Instagram, social networks etc). That's probably the reason why video web artist Adam Sacks thought that

[s]ince people only use their iPhones to take photos of food, Apple rethought everything about the iPhone 5.

The result is a hilarious little video that shows what the next iPhone should/could/may be. And then, hey, the camera in the video looks very much like a Canon DSLR. Are Apple and Canon joining forces to make the ÜberPhoneDSLRInstaEverything supergadget? Just kidding…

[adamthinks, via gizmodo]

EF 40mm f/2.8 STM New Firmware Released

Canon released a firmware update (download here) for the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM ($199, click here) lens. The lens had a problem with AF if

pressure is applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching the lens cap while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), the autofocusing function of the lens may stop working.

Firmware rel. 1.2.0 addresses the problem. Your lens is affected only if

the third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, or 2 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, or xx2xxxxxxx).

To upload the firmware you need a compatible DSLR. These are the EOS-1D X, the EOS 5D Mark III and the Rebel T4i/650D.

Product advisory:

Thank you for using Canon products.

Canon has released a firmware update for the EF40mm f/2.8 STM Interchangeable Lens for Canon Digital SLR Camera.

Affected Product
EF40mm f/2.8 STM

Details
Firmware Version 1.2.0 addresses the following phenomenon.

1. If pressure is applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching
the lens cap while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), the autofocusing function of the lens may stop working.

Firmware Version 1.2.0 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.1.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.2.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

The lenses with the following serial numbers are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.0:

The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, or 2 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, or xx2xxxxxxx).

Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.2.0.

If an extender, or extender tube, is attached to the lens, the firmware may not be successfully updated, so make sure that you detach
the extender or extender tube before the firmware is updated.
A supported camera* is required for the firmware update.

Cameras that can be used for the firmware update:
Canon EOS-1D X, Canon EOS 5D Mark III (*), or Canon EOS REBEL T4i

*When using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III for the firmware update, please make sure to update the camera’s firmware to Version 1.1.3 or
later. If a Canon EOS 5D Mark III equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.2 or earlier is used, the lens may stop working.

Customers who do not own any of the cameras listed above, but wish to have the firmware of their lenses updated, are asked to contact our service centers.

The new Firmware Version 1.2.0 can be downloaded by clicking here.

Support
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 your EF 40mm f/2.8 STM. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when future 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: 1-866-251-3752752
Email: [email protected]
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Reuter’s Ayana Morali Loves The EOS 60D (and uses it for her investigative journalism)

Brooklyn-based Ayana Morali, Senior Producer for Reuters Investigative and Special Programming Unit, “was asked to do a piece on a big issue in New York City that was all over the news outlets – stop & frisk – I realized no one had really gone into the neighborhoods and spoken to the citizens who were affected by this policy“. She took a EOS 60D with the mighty EF 50mm f/1.8 for her (video) assignment. Verdict: Good tool for the job, and she loves the 60D. I was surprised that she chose the 50mm. It’s a “cheap” lens, which means lots of plastics, light weight and yet a very good performance. I own this lens and have used it on various bodies. It costs around $90 and it is a must have for every Canon DSLR shooter. You get f/1.8 on a $90 lens. And, hey!, I like that professionals are using this gear for their job.

Until September 1st the EOS 60D can be bought with a $100 rebate (click here) at B&H. The rebate applies to body only and to various kits. Adorama is also offering the rebates (also until 9/1), click here to see all bundles. They also have a refurbished 60D for $799.95 (click here).

EOS 60D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

I also found a short video on Youtube that was made using the same gear (60D + 50 f/1.8).



[via dslrnewsshooter]

 

[shariff]

[Hack] Magic Lantern 2.3 Now Available For Download

I wrote before about this cool firmware hack (and here too). Magic Lantern 2.3 now is here and can be downloaded (click here). Magic Lantern is a firmware replacement for Canon DSLRs, specifically for the EOS 5D Mark II (get it refurbished at the Canon Store for 1,759.20), EOS 60D, EOS 50D, Rebel T3i/600D, Rebel T2i and Rebel T1i. New and improved features: customizable menus, shortcuts, automatic HDR bracketing, timelapse, advanced fps and ISO control, contrast and adjustment in liveview, image analysis, fast playback.

How Many EF Lenses Are Out There? 80 Millions (and raising)

25 years after the launch of the EOS System, on August 3th, Canon has sold its 80-millionth EF Lens. It was 10 millions in 1995, 20 millions in 2001, 30 millions in 2006, 40 millions in 2008, 50 millions in 2009, followed by 60 millions in January 2011 and 70 millions in October of the same year. How long will it take to get to the 90 millions mark…?

Canon’s Press Release:

Canon Celebrates Production Of 80 Million EF Lenses

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 21, 2012 – Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a new EF lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company’s 80-millionth EF lens on August 3, 2012. Production of EF lenses surpassed the 10-million mark in 1995, doubling to 20 million units in 2001. After reaching the 30 million unit milestone in 2006, Canon celebrated the production of its 40-millionth lens in 2008. Owing to the rapid spread of the EOS Digital series of SLR cameras, production for Canon’s EF lenses then gained momentum to reach the 50 million unit milestone in 2009, followed by the 60 million mark in January 2011 and the 70 million mark in October of the same year. Now, just over nine months later, the EF lens series has reached the 80 million mark on August 3, 2012, adding a distinguished achievement to the 25th anniversary of the launch of Canon’s EOS system.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon Announces PowerShot SX500 IS And SX 160 IS Cameras

PowerShot SX 500 IS price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA PowerShot SX 160 IS price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Today Canon announced two new compact cameras with big zooms, the Powershot SX 500 IS ($329) and the Powershot SX 160 IS ($229).

Powershot SX 500 IS Specs:

  • 16MP CCD Sensor
  • DIGIC 4 Image Processor
  • 24mm Wide Angle Lens w/ 30x Optical Zoom
  • 3.0″ LCD Display with 461,000 Dots
  • 720p HD Video with Dedicated Button
  • Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization
  • HDMI Output for Immediate HDTV Screening
  • 32 Predefined Shooting Situations
  • Zoom Framing Assist for Better Telephoto
  • High Speed Autofocus

The PowerShot SX500 IS gives you all the power of super zoom in a camera that’s sized to go everywhere! The extremely powerful 30x Optical Zoom with 24mm Wide-Angle Lens (35mm equivalent: 24-720mm) gives you true shooting versatility, while the Optical Image Stabilizer ensures crisp, brilliant images at any zoom length. Image quality is spectacular thanks to the 16.0 Megapixel sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor, and you can capture stunningly realistic 720p HD video in stereo sound with a simple press of the movie button. An enhanced Zoom Framing Assist button helps you track and capture subjects for sharp super telephoto photography, and new High Speed AF dramatically reduces lag time so you’ll never miss a shot. Just hold the PowerShot SX500 IS in your hand to experience what makes the new design so special. The camera’s slim, compact body is proportioned in perfect relation to the giant zoom, while rounded corners with angled grips are a natural fit for the palm of your hand. Zoom right onto the field to capture sports action, achieve those wide-angle travel shots, preserve memories of special events as beautiful HD video – it’s all possible with the PowerShot SX500 IS!

Powershot SX 160 IS Specs:

  • 16MP CCD Sensor
  • Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor
  • 28mm Wide-angle Lens w/ 16x Optical Zoom
  • Large 3.0″ LCD Display
  • 720p HD Video with Dedicated Button
  • HDMI Output for HDTV Screening
  • Smart AUTO with 32 Predefined Situations
  • Optical Image Stabilization System
  • High Speed Autofocus
  • AA Battery Convenience

Powershot SX 160 IS. You’ll want to carry this compact, versatile camera everywhere, because it gives every shooting opportunity the potential to become a beautiful image. The spectacular 16x Optical Zoom with 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and Optical Image Stabilizer captures clear, vivid images whether your subject is up close or far away. And with the 16.0 Megapixel sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor, every detail is precisely rendered for truly impressive image quality. The PowerShot SX160 IS captures breathtakingly realistic 720p HD video in stereo sound with the press of a button. You can zoom while shooting your videos and view them easily later on your HDTV through the HDMI connector. Smart AUTO makes shooting stills and video easy because the camera automatically selects the right settings for 32 predefined shooting situations. Shoot freely and naturally with new High Speed AF that dramatically increases focus speed so you’ll capture every shot you want. And because the PowerShot SX160 IS is powered by AA batteries, you’ll always be ready to shoot.