Category: News

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Canon EOS-1D Mark III released!

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Finally, the wait is over! Canon has just announced the EOS-1D Mark III, its update to their professional 1–series digital SLR. With its recent advancements in its technology, the new 1D is undoubtedly the best in its class today, putting the competition way behind.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

The Canon EOS-1D Mark III now sports a 10.1–megapixel CMOS sensor with data passed through a dual DIGIC III processor, enabling it to churn through information much faster than before. The new APS-H sensor is now capable of reaching ISO 3200 with ISO 50 and 6400 as sensitivity extensions/expansions, it being touted as Canon’s most light-sensitive and innovative sensor developed to date. The improved processing pipeline can now handle a burst of up to 110 Large JPEGs or 30 RAW files, an impressive number that matches this camera’s superb performance.

And performance is where the Canon EOS-1D cameras have always been known for. This update now has 19 high–precision cross–type AF points instead of 7, a highlight of the brand–new autofocus system. Now capable of bursts of 10 frames per second, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is indeed today’s fastest digital camera available. Another unique feature is the Live View LCD, a first for a Canon DSLR and something not many were actually expecting.

More information on the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is available from Canon’s official press release. With the announcement of this camera, Canon has thrown down the gauntlet by establishing their advantages in digital imaging. Will the likes of Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony produce an answer anytime soon?

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

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News Software

Digital Photographer: Upgrading to Windows Vista?

If you’re the early adopter type who buys gear even before the first published reviews are out, you probably owned pioneering products like the floppy–saving Sony Mavica and the Canon EOS D30. Of course you paid a premium, but having first crack on new technology indeed has its price.

However, if you’re contemplating on replacing your Windows–based notebook or workstation for the more recent Core 2 Duos with the Windows Vista operating system, be aware of a metadata issue in the said OS. As Gizmodo has reported, using the built–in tagging tools in Vista ruins parts of the image metadata, making them unusable for apps that use them, like Adobe Photoshop.

A significant concern for this would be those that shoot with the RAW format, since their data will be made useless if modified by Vista’s tools. For now, do not tag your photos within Vista using their provided apps!

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Preview: Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro

Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro

Fujifilm announced in Photokina 2006 their newest digital SLR, the Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro. This camera will replace the S3 Pro with lots of improvements and new features. The company has not been up to pace with their development compared to rivals Canon, Nikon, and Sony, though they certainly have a good following backed by the imaging advancements they’ve made in the past few years.

Our friends from LetsGoDigital were able to get their hands on a pre–production sample of the S5 Pro and expectedly, sensor technology and imaging quality are among the Fijifilm body’s strengths. Still, the verdict is wide open especially when compared to the excellent Nikon D200, a direct competitor of the S5 Pro.

Will the Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro stand out against the rest of the DSLR field? In a few months, we should find out.

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Fujifilm announces Finepix S5 Pro

Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. has recently announced their latest digital SLR, the Finepix S5 Pro. This camera is especially aimed at wedding, portrait, and studio photographers with features specifically useful to the said type of photography. Developed since Photokina 2006, this new Nikon–based body is scheduled to hit the market in February 2007 with a retail price of $1,999.

Further enhancements in Fujifilm’s sensor technology makes this camera a tough contender, especially when it comes to color and image quality. The PR states:

One is an expanded dynamic range from the double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels) of the camera’s Super CCD SR Pro sensor that is approximately 400% wider than that of a CCD working on a single-pixel design. In addition, the FinePix S5 Pro goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm’s new RP Processor Pro for smoother tonality from brightest light to the darkest shadows. An ISO equivalent sensitivity of 3200 is also available on the FinePix S5 Pro, thanks to the RP Processor Pro technology.

Face detection technology is another feature for this new camera. This feature is now steadily making it to consumer compact digitals though not in digital SLRs; perhaps the Finepix S5 Pro is one of the first bodies to sport this consumer–friendly technology.

Fujifilm’s article on this product release also boasts of improvements in ergonomics, weather sealing, and a 100,000–cycle shutter mechanism. Familiar? Of course, I think the Finepix S5 Pro is essentially a Nikon D200 fitted with Fujifilm’s imaging sensor and electronics. Just like previous incarnations of Fujifilm’s S-series professional bodies. This camera will likely be a favorite of portrait photographers if Fujifilm manages to improve on their already good color and image rendition. Reportedly however, just like the models before it, the Finepix S5 Pro is rumored to have the same sluggish performance that may be a little slower compared to today’s digital SLRs, even against the entry–level offerings from Sony, Nikon, and Canon. Will the Finepix S5 Pro make significant strides into the digital SLR market? We should see in the next few months, though I wouldn’t be expecting much.

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Is this the Nikon D40?

Nikon D40

Just a few days ago, several photos were leaked on the web on what is supposed to be Nikon’s latest digital SLR, the Nikon D40. This new camera is positioned to take the place of the budget D50, the lowest model on Nikon’s DSLR lineup. Price is expected at around $499 for the body only, with the kit going for $599. The kit will include the G-II version of the 18-55mm which was featured in the D50.

The Nikon D40 has a 2.5 inch LCD that has been very common for all recent cameras. It will have the same 6.1 megapixel CCD from the D50 and an ISO range of 200 to 3200. Despite having just 3 AF points and lesser dedicated controls at the back of the camera, this should be a bestseller especially if it pops up at the rumored price. 500 dollars for a digital SLR body — times are good for us digital enthusiasts!

Compatibility with older Nikkor lenses (those not designated AF-S) is one of the D40’s downsides, though this wouldn’t be much of a limitation for first–time DSLR users, the target market of this camera. For the casual shooter just toying with the DSLR idea, the Nikon D40 should be a good match. But for those with a more serious plan and looking forward to more options in terms of accessories and lenses, the Nikon D80 should be of better value.

For a more thorough analysis of this new Nikon offering, Ken Rockwell’s article on the Nikon D40 should prove to be very helpful. By the way, have you noticed that Nikon seems to be producing better cameras for the past few months? Somehow it feels like my Canon EOS D60 wants to pair up with a Nikon D80. ;) Though seriously, a two–system approach to camera gear is almost impossible unless you’re a seasoned pro with a fat paycheck. And even professionals at the highest level rarely do a Canon + Nikon gear lineup. Just not possible, financially and especially emotionally. ;)

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Lenses News Product Announcements

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro

Sigma 18-50 mm F2.8 EX DC Macro

Around two weeks ago in Photokina 2006, Sigma announced the Sigma 18-50 mm F2.8 EX DC Macro which appears to be an updated version of its original Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC from more than a year ago.

This new lens now has the “macro” designation, with an increase in filter size from 67mm to 72mm. This change resulted in a minimum focusing distance of 20cm/7.9in, very similar to that of the popular Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro that has been selling for several months now. I really think that this new lens is a hybrid of the older 18-50 and the new 17-70, combining the better attributes of these two good lenses.

I just got the Sigma 17-70 a few months ago but this new lens has me thinking again, though I don’t think I’m buying it soon. If you have the older Sigma 18-50 F2.8 or the Sigma 17-70, buying this one doesn’t make much sense unless you need both the F2.8 max aperture and the macro focusing. Now imagine this: what if Sigma combined all the best qualities of the lenses mentioned above without compromises, like a 17-70 F2.8 with macro and optical stabilization to boot? I know I’d be in line for them right away. Let’s hope the OS technology from the newly announced 18-200 OS dwindles down to their other lenses, as well as their progress in making consumer zooms with constant F2.8 max aperture at relatively cheap prices.

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Apple Aperture 1.5 released

Just a quick note for our Mac–based readers: if you’ve been doing your workflow with Apple Aperture, version 5 was just released. As reported by our favorite DPReview:

Apple has announced the latest release of its Aperture photographic workflow application. Major improvements include a much improved RAW conversion engine, better performance and compatibility, image manipulation and adjustment, improved IPTC metadata handling as well as scripting either as AppleScript or Automator.

Link: Apple Aperture 1.5 @ DPReview

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Lenses News Product Announcements

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS

Sigma has just announced the new Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS, similar to its previous 18-200 offering but now with its optical stabilization technology, simply dubbed as “OS”. Quite obviously, this lens is just a refresh of the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC it had for some time now. This move is definitely targetted at Nikon’s relatively new wonder lens, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED released almost one year ago.

The addition of optical stabilization surely makes the 18-200mm all–in–one combos seem useful now, making it the APS-C equivalent of the 28-300mm of which Canon has an L version. Considering that the digital SLR market is now opening up to snapshot hobbyists as a result of ever–cheaper prosumer models, long zooms will certainly appeal to a percentage of shooters longing for a single lens solution.

Nikon’s 18-200 VR is one good lens since it has been known to be sharp throughout its range, making both ends of zoom range very usable. The addition of Nikon’s VR technology made it very usable even at maximum telephoto. Ken Rockwell raves about his 18-200 in his review, and Thom Hogan seems very happy with it as well. The big question: will the Sigma 18-200 OS be anywhere close to the Nikon 18-200 VR? If it rates at 80% of the Nikon, the Sigma will sell. Of course that’s assuming their OS technology is as good as Nikon’s VR or Canon’s IS.

For more details on the lens, DPReview has coverage just as the Sigma website. For comparison, here’s DPReview’s page for the Nikon 18-200 VR.

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Canon EOS 400D Reviewed @ pipho

Canon EOS 400D Reviewed at pinoyphotography.org

Remember the first few photo samples and initial impressions we posted a few weeks ago on the Canon EOS 400D/XTi? Regie Fernando now has his complete review of the new Canon body on the pipho forums. It was actually published several days ago, and it seems several enthusiasts are now shooting with this camera.

If you’re a fellow Filipino shooter lurking in the pipho forums, you might want to take advantage of this wonderful offer provided by Henry’s Camera: Canon EOS 400D for 46,000 pesos, with a two–year warranty, an extra battery, and several other freebies. This is a good deal and seems a bit cheaper compared to other Hidalgo shops. Some are reportedly selling the 400D body only, for 42,500 pesos — a very tempting deal. Once prices drop below the 40k range, the temptation would be too hard for me to resist. ;)

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Sigma SD14

Sigma SD14

Ever heard of Sigma’s new DSLR? They’re building up the anticipation until the actual launch on the 26th of September in Cologne, Germany. The Sigma SD14 is expected to use a new iteration of the Foveon sensor that touts better color capture capabilities. However, is this a case of too little, too late? With Canon, Sony, and Nikon fiercely battling it out in the consumer level, this new body better be catered to a more pro–inclined market. Sadly, this market is also Canon’s and Nikon’s turf. But with their supposedly revolutionary advantages, we should know in a few more months if they manage to get a good part of the digital photography pie. And if all else fails, they can always still sell value third–part lenses that are favorites of bargain shooters like me. :)

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Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

Along with the release of the new Nikon D80, Nikon has released a Nikkor lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED. DPReview reports on the major features:

  • Offers a broad 18-135mm focal range (7.5x zoom) for use in a wide variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format).
  • ED glass and hybrid aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
  • Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
  • Delivers high-level optical performance, specially designed for use with Nikon DX format digital SLRs.
  • Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural out-of-focus blur.
  • Two focus modes, auto[A] and manual [M], with manual override in auto mode.
  • Enables focusing from as close as 45cm (17.7 in.) from the subject through the entire focal range
  • Internal Focusing (IF) design enables compact size and eliminates front element rotation, enabling the use of circular polarizing filters
  • Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-32 (provided) greatly reduces image degradation from stray light

Ken Rockwell has reviewed the lens and rates it fine, though questions its value for the price its currently selling for. Still, if getting a Nikon body with this as an option for a kit lens instead of their 18-55 or 18-70, the 18-135 is the lens to pick.

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Improved grip on the 400D

350D (XT) grip compared to 400D (XTi) grip.

Did you know that the 400D has an improved hand grip? We are referring to the much maligned grip on the 350D which has always been the complaint of shooters with larger hands. The addition of the BG–E3 vertical battery grip somehow makes things bearable, but the standard grip used to be just a bit too small. On the Canon EOS 400D, the camera specification shows that the change has been minimal, equivalent only to 1mm. Yes, 1 millimeter.

400D rear and grip area compared to 350D.

Looking closely on the photos though, you would notice that despite the almost negligible adjustment in dimension, the grip appears larger than it was before. The rear part has been made thicker by extending the CF card cover, and the front part has a small bulge in the middle but tapers at the bottom. Our observations should be correct, as early reviewers have reported better handling with the new body, as reported on Imaging Resource as well as Tekgik’s insights. Will this help in making the camera appeal more to a larger audience? What do you think?

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Canon EOS 400D Hands On

Canon EOS 400D

As Canon’s update to its entry level digital SLR slowly makes its way to the worldwide market, we now see a surge of opinions and reviews on the new camera. The Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi is still very much like the previous models, though packs a few surprises and still keeps photography enthusiasts very excited.

Just as we have posted links to sample photos from this camera, the camera is now officially here in the Philippines and sent for review to media people as well as prominent Canon users. One lucky guy is pinoyphotography.org’s Regie Fernando who has just posted sample photos and his initial insights on the camera in this thread and on his weblog.

The sample photos appear to be very inspiring, though it is worth noting that he used the Canon 17-40 f/4L USM and not the included kit lens. We (yes, including me!) are eagerly waiting for his in–depth review to know if the 400D is really worth the money, as I might just get one as soon as prices stabilize.

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Flickr Top 10

A big chunk of the digital photography market is composed of today’s typical geeks, the ones that take their photography online almost instantly. Flickr has been one of the better photo–sharing sites for several months now, so any marketing trends related to this service is valuable information to digicam makers and consumers alike. If we were to take their data as an authority, which camera should you buy? Yahoo’s shopping blog answers this for us:

  1. Nikon D50
  2. Nikon D70
  3. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
  4. Canon EOS 20D
  5. Canon EOS 350D Digital
  6. Nikon D70s
  7. Cybershot
  8. Canon PowerShot S2 IS
  9. Canon EOS Digital Rebel
  10. Nikon D200

Look at the trend: The list is 80% DSLR! Digital SLR photography is definitely the way to go now, with prices falling sharply as newer products are introduced. Notice the Canon EOS 350D/Rebel XT making it on the list twice, suggesting how strong its sale must be worldwide. The Nikon D50 takes first place for being a good value–for–money camera, one that makes the film to digital transition affordable and simple. Also worth noting is the Canon Powershot S2 IS, which at number 8 is the first among non–DSLR cameras. Cybershot at number 7 probably refers to several Sony models being counted as one, maybe because they produce inadequate EXIF tags making them difficult to count individually. A significant conclusion from this data is that entry–level DSLR photography is a huge market. This explains why Sony is now joining the fun, and Canon just released an equally interesting response in the Canon EOS 400D/XTi.

For a continuously updated tally of the top cameras on Flickr, this list can be very helpful.

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New Canon products confirmed!

Canon EOS 400D with the 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Yesterday’s news of new Canon products are almost officially confirmed as of this hour. We now have a live link for the Canon EOS 400D we mentioned yesterday at the Canon Australia website. They also have a running story on their new products which also includes the Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM and the Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM. Rob Galbraith also have coverage on the new consumer body and the new L lenses.

With these new leads, I’m definitely sure these three products are good as real. The next question is: Does Canon have a few more surprises?

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Lenses News Product Announcements Rumors

Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM

Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM

On the list of Canon products set for announcement, the new Canon 50mm f/1.2L USM is one special lens. This will be the first 50mm in years to be designated an “L” after the discontinued 50mm f/1.0L, Canon’s mark of excellence for its lenses. The f/1.4 and f/1.8 version of the 50mm has long been available but neither has been perfect, so the clamor for a 50mm L never died.

This new lens will have a ring–type USM providing accurate and silent autofocus performance, and at the same time allowing for full–time manual focus override, negating the need for toggling an AF/MF switch when the need for manual focus suddenly arises.

One possible drawback for this lens could be price. If you recall the recently new 85mm f/1.2L USM MkII, what used to be a 1500 USD lens crossed the 2000 USD barrier after being revised. We could see the 50L above the 1000 USD point, making it not too affordable for everyone. If they sell it at slightly above twice the price of the 50mm f/1.4, it will still be in the 750-900 USD range — fairly affordable. They should sell it at that price and see it fly like hotcakes, like the 17-40 f/4L which happens to be in the same price range.

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Lenses News Product Announcements Rumors

Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Along with the recent news leak revealing the Canon EOS 400D, there will be a new lens to be announced with the new body, the Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM.

The original 70-200mm f/4L USM is one of Canon’s best–selling lenses, it being one the most affordable while delivering excellent performance for a variety of uses. A good percentage of the Canon shooting population have long dreamt of an image–stabilized version of the lens which makes it a worthy alternative to the 70–200mm f/2.8L USM without the weight burden. Now, the dream walkaround telephoto zoom is here for real. Since this is based on the non-IS original, sharpness and details should be just as good.

The addition of IS will allow for hand–holding at slow shutter speeds, which makes me think that this lens is aimed more towards the amateurs toting 350D and soon 400D bodies. A good percentage of people shooting with these bodies are typical weekend hobbyists, the type that do not prefer to carry bags of gear and almost always do not have a tripod while shooting.

Right now, no price details are available but this lens expected around the 900 USD range. Any higher and it eats into the 70-200mm f/2.8L (non–IS) territory, cannibalizing sales of that great lens. Significantly lower will also put it in direct competition with the original 70-200 f/4L (non–IS), unless they decide to discontinue the old f4L and give us a cheap IS–powered telephoto zoom! At any rate, this will still be a very good lens.

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The new Canon EOS 400D

Canon EOS 400D.

News just broke out at the fredmiranda.com forums pointing to a thread in a Chinese photography forum revealing what will likely be tomorrow’s announcement of Canon’s newest products. Of significant importance is the supposed replacement for the entry–level 350D, the Canon EOS 400D. This new body will also be known as the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTI for selected markets like North America.

This new Canon body boasts of several improvements over the recent Digital Rebel. Among them, most notable are:

  • A brand–new 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, producing a maximum image dimension of 3,888 x 2,592 pixels.
  • Dust Removal System. A first for Canon SLR bodies, this aims to take away some of the supposed advantages of other entry–level DSLRs like the Sony Alpha A100.
  • 9-point wide area autofocus system inherited from the Canon EOS 30D. Yes, this body shares the same high performance AF system from its more expensive sibling, one that is even better than the 20D.
  • 2.5 inch wide angle of view LCD which is now almost standard among cameras released this year, though this one is said to be brighter by as much as 40% over that of the #0D and the 5D.
  • Just like recent Canon bodies, the EOS 400D will have “Picture Styles,” adding more creative options that allows for mimicking various “photographic looks” that we’re made famous during the days of film SLRs.

Many shooters from the forum were speculating that this camera would eat into the 30D sales, though from a consumer’s point of view, that could only be a very good thing. If this camera retails below the 1000 USD range, and it should, Canon probably has another winner in their hands. Looking at the success of the 350D and Canon’s aggressive price reductions the past weeks, the EOS 400D should be fairly affordable and appears destined to be another bestseller.

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Lenses News Product Announcements

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM

Sigma has just announced a new zoom lens for APS-C DSLRs like the Canon EOS 30D and the Nikon D200, the Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM. This tele zoom mimics the range of traditional 70-200 zooms that are widely used in full–frame digital and film SLRs. In addition, it has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout its entire zoom range, making it the APS-C counterpart of the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 as well as the famous offerings from Canon, boasting the same max aperture.

This lens produces an effective field of view of 75 to 225 mm on the recently announced Nikon D80, and 80 to 240 mm on the Canon 1.6x crop bodies. This lens is relatively light for its zoom range and aperture, perhaps a good selling point for potential buyers. It is also equipped with Sigma’s HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) which is their answer to Canon’s USM (Ultrasonic Motor) technology, providing fast and silent AF performance. HSM also allows for full–time manual focus override, negating the need for toggling the manual focus switch in cases where you need manual focus.

The creative possibities with this lens is abundant since it is compatible with Sigma’s 1.4x EX DG APO and 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters, further extending the zoom range to the photographer’s advantage. An important note: the addition of a 1.4x teleconverter makes it a 70-210 f/4 zoom, very much like Canon’s popular 70-200 f/4L. Technical details are available from DPReview.com’s coverage, with some insights from photo.net users.

If the performance of this lens equals or surpasses that of the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro, and it should considering the EX designation, this lens will be another best seller for Sigma being a welcome addition to the advanced amateur’s photography arsenal. I just hope that this lens slots in nicely in the 400 to 600 USD range, since any higher than that and the Canon 70-200 f/4L will appear a better value, for EOS shooters at least.

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HardwareZone Review: Nikon D80

HardwareZone scoops all photography sites by posting the first online review of the recently announced Nikon D80. DPReview.com has a preview of Nikon’s latest DSLR, but contains no sample images. In contrast, HWC’s review has complete details, though their review format/methodology is catered towards prosumers, not typical DSLR shooters or advanced amateurs.

For in–depth technical details on the Nikon D80, go with DPReview.com’s preview of the Nikon body, but get your review fix from HWC’s review. Expectedly, since the new Nikon D80 is almost a Nikon D200, their conclusion is right on the spot.