[Review] Rebel T4i/650D With 18-135mm IS STM Reviewed And Compared

Cameralabs published a detailed review of the Rebel T4i/650D with the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens. One of the highlight of the T4i/650D is the Auto-Focus system (emphasis mine):

The hybrid CMOS AF sensor combined with improvements to the stand alone phase detect AF provides the T4i / 650D with one of the most sophisticated focusing systems of any Canon DSLR, particularly for continuous autofocus during movie recording. Coupled with one of the new quiet STM lenses its movie autofocusing is on a par with that offerred by touch-screen mirrorless compact system cameras.

It’s the same AF that is featured on the recently announced EOS M. We wrote before about how much the Rebel T4i/650D was a testbed for the technologies later employed on the EOS M. Camerlabs compares the T4i/650D to Nikon’s D3200. The Rebel T4i/650D gets a “highly recommended” final score. From the verdict:

With the Rebel T4i / EOS 650D Canon has neatly addressed […] issues. The Hybrid CMOS AF sensor improves AF capability in Live view but, more importantly, makes this the first Canon DSLR to provide truly effective continuous AF during movie recording, putting it on a par with Sony’s SLT models and touch-screen mirrorless CSC’s like the Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix GX1.

Its 3 inch touch-screen […] is intended to pull in compact upgraders and will succeed, but even those who love to use physical controls will find it enhances the handling characteristics in a very positive fashion. Other enhancements, like built-in stereo microphones, 5fps continuous shooting, the Multi shot noise reduction stacking mode and built-in correction for chromatic aberration make the Rebel T4i / EOS 650D an excellent all-round performer and a hard act to beat for first time buyers with a little extra in the budget or those looking to move up to the next level. I highly recommend it.

[via Cameralabs]

Canon EOS 1D X And Multiple Exposures – An Olympic Showcase

Multiple Exposures means the ability to take a number of pictures all on the same frame.This functionality was tested at the London Olympics by Reuters photographer Mike Blake. His experience can be read on the Reuters Blog (with lots of images). What multiple exposure can do for you is best summarized in the following statement: “capture and combine sequences of images conveying the action and movement of disciplines such as gymnastics“. This is feasible since the 1D X can produce composite images combining multiple shots (the individual shots are also saved)

Image Credits: Reuters

For the time being the EOS 1D-X can be pre-ordered for $6,799.00 at Adorama (click here), B&H (click here), Amazon US (click here) and DigitalRev (click here). Canon 1D-X features:

  • Newly designed 18.1 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-51,200 (L:50, H1: 102400, H2: 204800) for shooting from bright to dim light and next generation Dual DIGIC 5+ Image Processors for enhanced noise reduction and blazing processing speed
  • New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF including 41 cross-type AF points with f/4.0 lens support including 5 dual diagonal AF points (sensitive to f/2.8), plus EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF for accurate subject tracking
  • EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis) powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor, featuring a 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor with subject and color recognition for reliable AE
  • EOS HD Video with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) /24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p) with 4GB automatic file partitioning (continuous recording time 29 minutes 59 seconds) with selectable “All i-frame” or IPB compression
  • Outstanding shooting performance: up to 12.0 fps continuous shooting (14.0 fps in Super High Speed Mode) using a UDMA CF card
  • Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability tested up to 400,000 cycles, exclusive dust-and-weather resistance and new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC) for improved vibration-based dust removal
  • Intelligent Viewfinder with superimposed LCD display, approximately 100% field of view, wide viewing angle of 35 degrees and 0.76x magnification
  • 3.2-inch Clear View II LCD monitor, 170 degree viewing angle, 1,040,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing
  • Improved handling with the addition of new customizable controls and enhanced recording options with Dual Card Slots, Gigabit-Ethernet terminal and compatibility with optional Canon Wireless File Transmitter and GPS Receiver
[DPreview via Reuters]

New EOS 7D Firmware (ver. 2) Available For Download

Canon eventually released the massive firmware update for the EOS 7D (refurbished at Canon Store for $1,359, click here) announced some months back. You can find 7Ds also on eBay, starting refurbished from , and new from (). This is a huge update, introducing new features and tweaking others. To download the firmware click here (you have first to choose your operating system, then you can download the file). New features/tweaks:

Firmware Version 2.0.0 incorporates the following improvements, new functions, and fixes.

1. Improves the maximum burst in continuous shooting. JPEG Large/Fine: About 94 (126) bursts *1 -> About 110 (130) bursts *2 RAW: About 15 (15) bursts *1 -> About 23 (25) bursts *2 RAW+JPEG Large/Fine: About 6 (6) bursts *1 -> About 17 (17) bursts *2 *1 The figures are based on Canon’s testing standards (ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style) using a 4 GB card. The figures in parentheses indicate the number of shots that can be taken with an Ultra DMA (UDMA) 4-GB card, based on Canon’s testing standards. *2 The figures are based on Canon’s testing standards (ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style) using an 8 GB card. The figures in parentheses indicate the number of shots that can be taken with an Ultra DMA (UDMA) 128-GB card, based on Canon’s testing standards.

2. Supports a new accessory, GPS Receiver GP-E2.

3. Adds an ISO Auto maximum setting.

4. Adds an in-camera RAW processing function.

5. Adds a Quick Control function during image playback.

6. Adds a rating function.

7. Adds a JPEG resize function.

8. Adds an auto recording level manual adjustment function.

9. Adds a function to freely set text for file names.

10. Adds a function to make time zone settings.

11. Increases the screen scrolling speed when magnifying images.

12. Fixes a phenomenon where a slow shutter speed may result when an external flash is used to fire intermittent, consecutive flashes.

13. Corrects the color space information in the Exif file for movies.

[via CR]

More Rebel T4i/650D Affected By Rubber Grip Changing Color

EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

This was known since a while, there was a product advisory by Canon some time ago. The rubber grips of the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP) are changing colour after a while of use, and, worst, they may sometimes cause allergic reactions. Only certain serial number ranges were affected. Unfortunately, a few days ago Canon Australia released a new product advisory, which extends the range of possibly affected models.

Canon has identified an issue with the rubber grips on a number of EOS 650D cameras. This Service Notice replaces the Notice released on 6 July, which advised that there were no potentially affected units sold through Authorised Resellers into the Australian market.

Since the 6 July Service Notice, Canon has broadened the serial number range of potentially affected products as a precautionary measure and, as a result, we believe that a small number of cameras in the extended range have been sold in the Australian market.

The following information can be used by owners of EOS 650D cameras to identify whether their camera falls within the extended serial number range and the support available. Canon advises users of EOS 650D cameras who have checked their camera serial number prior to 3 August 2012 to please repeat the process.

Canon apologises for any inconvenience caused by this issue.

Phenomenon

The front rubber grips of some EOS 650D units produced in certain lots between 31 May and 27 June 2012 may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and analysis that the substance zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) is what causes the rubber surface to turn white.

Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product but is created as a result of this chemical reaction. The quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual. As a result the rubber grips may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances causing zinc bis deposits on the rubber surface. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition.

EOS 650D

Identifying Affected Products

Some units of the EOS 650D digital SLR camera produced between 31 May and 27 June are affected. Affected units can be identified by their serial number as follows:

NOTE: The additional serial numbers were added to the checker on 3 August 2012. If you conducted a check prior to this date, please repeat the procedure.

  1. Press the Check button below, and a screen that asks you to enter your camera’s serial number will appear.
  2. Enter the 12-digit serial number on the base of the camera, and then press the Submit button.
  3. One of the following messages will appear:
      • “Your camera is NOT affected” (No action necessary)
      • “Your camera is affected” (Please see the Market Support section and Caution On Use section below)
      • “Invalid Number” (You entered an invalid serial number, check your serial number and re-enter

Note: Please double check the 12 digit serial number you entered before you click on the Submit button.

To enter another serial number, click on your browser’s Back button after a message appears.

Check Button

EOS 650D

Furthermore, if the sixth digit in the serial number 2 or above, the camera is not affected.

  • Some EOS 650D cameras where the second digit of the serial number is “3” or “4” and sixth digit is “1,” are affected.

Example: x4xxx1xxxxxx ([x] represents any optional number.)

Use the Check button above to see whether your unit is affected.

Market Support

Canon distributors in each country are making provisions to offer free support for the affected products that they distribute in their respective markets.

As market distributor, Canon Australia asks owners of potentially affected cameras purchased through Canon Authorised Resellers to contact Canon directly on 13 13 83 to arrange for a free service.

Purchasers of affected overseas product (direct import from overseas or via local reseller of overseas products) should contact their point of purchase to access the service provisions of their relevant distributor.

Caution on Use

The amount of zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) detected during our testing was minimal. Depending on one’s health and physical condition, in rare cases when this substance comes into contact with skin, allergic skin reactions* may develop. In addition, if eyes are rubbed after contact with the substance, symptoms, such as red eyes, may develop.

As a precautionary measure, thoroughly wash your hands with water if they have come in contact with the rubber grips that have turned white. (If any medical symptoms develop, please consult your physician immediately.)

*Please note that the occurrence of allergic skin reactions depend on the target substance, length of contact with the target substance, one’s health and physical conditions, and sensitivity of one’s skin structure, and not everyone will be affected by allergic symptoms.

[via fstoppers]

[Review] EOS 1D-X By Andy Rouse

Well known wildlife photographer Andy Rouse is among the first (and selected few) to have had an EOS-1D X in his hands. This is more a kind of field-test, less a lab-setting based investigation of camera performance. Auto-focus is tested and described in a comprehensive way. Face detection is also put under stress, with an owl. While I suggest you have a look at the review on your own, i quote some excerpts from the conclusion:

The AF system I found to be astoundingly accurate […] it could lock onto anything […]. The images I have shown here are all razor sharp, again I was surprised to see so many in a sequence with such fast action. I’m quite happy to say that after my limited testing I can see that the AF system is probably the best I have ever used. Yes it is quite complex, but […] for 99% of you they will be fine.

[…] noise performance. I have never seen a Canon file like it, at the kind of ISO’s I like to shoot at, the image quality is great, detail is intense and the noise is not an issue.

For the time being the EOS-1D X can be pre-ordered for $6,799.00 at Adorama (click here), B&H (click here), Amazon US (click here) and DigitalRev (click here).

[via landscapephotographymagazine]

[Review] Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC In Depth Review

Photography blog has another helpful review. This time about the Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC, an affordable lens with excellent optic properties, and with no AF nor electronic metering. However, this lens is a valid alternative if you are on a budget, having a price tag of $699, and are looking for a fast lens (f/1.4!) with very good optical quality and perfomance.

The Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC’s build quality is reassuringly good […] makes an ideal partner to a full-frame like the Canon EOS 5D Mark III t[…]. Focusing manually is straight-forward thanks to the responsive focusing ring […], with Live View mode proving essential for closer focusing distances. […] video shooters will positively embrace the de-clicked aperture version of this lens.

Image quality is generally excellent. Chromatic aberrations are very well controlled, geometric distortion is impressively low for an ultrawide lens […], and the coatings successfully prevent contrast loss attributable to flare. The only real optical issues are obvious corner shading at the maximum aperture, something that every full-frame shooter has to put up with especially when using wide angles, and a lack of sharpness wide-open at f/1.4 and stopped-down at f/22.

Amazon US has a kit with the lens, bundling an UV filter, a cleaning kit, a memory card storage wallet and more, for $699.95 (click here)

Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA