Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware v1.0.6
Canon has released firmware Version 1.0.6 for the EOS-1Ds, which improves the reliability of communication with some CF cards and fixes a phenomenon that occurs in some cases involving color cast and vertical lines appearing in images. The Version 1.0.6 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.5. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.6, it is not necessary to update the firmware. You can download this latest firmware version here.
Canon Produces 30 Millionth EOS Camera
Press Release:
TOKYO, December 20, 2007— Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a new camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of the company’s EOS-series film and digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras passed the 30-million mark. Additionally, production of EOS Digital-series SLR cameras has passed the 10-million unit threshold.
The achievement coincides with Canon’s 70th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the launch of its EOS line of SLR cameras. Shipment of EOS cameras began in 1987 from Canon Inc.’s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon Inc.), with production later moving to Canon Inc., Taiwan and the company’s current main production base at Oita Canon Inc. In 1997, the 10th anniversary of the series, production reached 10 million units, and in 2003 it passed the 20-million mark. And now, a mere four years later, Canon reached the 30-million level.
In March of 1987, Canon’s 50th anniversary, the company introduced the EOS 650 AF SLR camera, the first model of the EOS series. The EOS 650 incorporated the world’s first fully electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras. Standing for “Electro Optical System” while also carrying the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, the EOS series marked the dawn of an impressive range of innovative technologies and new heights of technological development.
Designed to realize Canon’s key concepts of high speed and ease-of-use, EOS cameras garnered high acclaim from a wide range of users. In 1989 the company introduced the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model, and in 1992 the EOS 5 QD (EOS A2/EOS A2E or EOS 5 in regions outside Japan), equipped with Eye-Controlled Focus, a groundbreaking AF function that allowed users to select a desired focusing point just by looking at it. The following year, in 1993, Canon succeeded in expanding the company’s user base with the compact, lightweight EOS Kiss (EOS Rebel XS or EOS 500).
In 2000, Canon formally ushered in the age of the digital SLR camera with the introduction of the EOS D30, equipped with the company’s proprietary CMOS sensor. In addition to developing in-house such key components as CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC digital image processor, Canon offers an extensive lineup of EF lenses and has launched cameras aiming to fulfill the company’s new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.
This year, commemorating the 20th year of the EOS series, Canon has further bolstered its digital SLR camera lineup with the launch of the top-of-the-line EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III, featuring a fully revamped camera system, as well as the EOS 40D, which has won praise from a wide range of users, from first-time SLR camera owners to advanced amateurs.
Canon, through continued technological innovation with the EOS series, and by strengthening its marketing activities to deliver enhanced product quality and services, will continue its efforts to deliver all-around user satisfaction with an even more attractive lineup of products, contributing to new directions in the future of photographic expression.
Canon to announce new DSLR at PMA according to Swedish VP
According to this link (in swedish), Swedish Canon VP Robert Westin says Canon will announce a new DSLR the week of January 24, just before the PMA 08 show, where Canon and all other camera makers announce new products each year.
My money is on a successor to the Canon 5D with a Mark II version, or maybe a Rebel XTi replacement like a 450D or something. They are both at or over the typical 18 month lifespan Canon sticks to.
Two more new Sigma lenses: Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM and Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM
Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM
Sigma has updated their ever popular 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM lens. I’ve got the first-gen DG version and love it. The decreased minimum focusing distance on the macro versions makes it even better. Features include:
- Improved optical performance with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in and maximum magnification of 1:3.5
- Two SLD and three ELD glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations
- Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting
- HSM ensures quiet, high speed autofocus with full time manual focusing
- APO Tele Converter is available
This large aperture zoom lens has improved optical performance and retains close-up ability with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in and maximum magnification ration of 1:3.5. This lens is suitable for taking all type of subjects such as portraits, landscape, and close-up pictures. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and three ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming systems. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling. A removable tripod collar (TS-21) is included as a standard component.
When this lens is used with the optional 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters, it becomes a 98-280mm F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm F5.6 AF telephoto zoom lens respectively.
Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM
Sigma has announced a new version of the popular 50-150mm f/2.8 HSM lens. This large aperture telephoto zoom lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors and its compact, lightweight body provides freedom of movement and versatility.
- Compact, lightweight, large aperture telephoto zoom lens
- SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and the super multi layer lens coating assured high image throughout the entire zoom range
- The new lens design ensures high image quality at the minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4 in.
- Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with full-time manual focus override
- Compatible with Sigma 1.4x EX DG and 2x EX DG APO Tele-Converters
The minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in. and the high-resolution power layout have improved the strength of the lens in close-up photography. This lens offers a large aperture of F2.8 and its large depth of field offers greater freedom of creative expression. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8. Four SLD glass elements are used for maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduce flare and ghosting and ensure sharp images throughout the entire zoom range.
The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming system. As the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, convenient handling is ensured. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system allows quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override by just rotating the focusing ring.
The addition of the optional 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 70-210mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.