Canon releases EOS 5D and 30D Firmware updates
Canon has release new firmware versions for Canon EOS 5D and 30D DSLR cameras.
Canon 5D Firmware Version 1.1.1 - Download Here
Canon 30D Firmware Version 1.0.6 - Download Here
The following fixes and improvements have been incorporated for the 5D:
- It now supports high-capacity CF cards.
Previously, when using an 8GB CF card or greater (e.g.,12GB, 16GB), even after initializing the card in the camera, the CF card capacity could not correctly be detected.
This phenomenon has been fixed so that the camera will correctly recognize high-capacity CF cards.
- It allows the latest lens names to be recorded in the Exif information of images taken.
The lens IDs of lenses released after EOS5D are not in the camera; so these lens names could not be recorded in the Exif information of images. The lens IDs for the follwing new lenses are now included, so that the correct lens names will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
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- EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
- EF 50mm f/1.2L USM *1)
- EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM *2)
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
The correct lens names for the lenses above marked *1) will be recorded in the Exif information of images. The lens marked *2) has been added, if the firmware is version 1.1.0 or later.
- Lenses that are compatible with the Digital Photo Professional 3.2 lens aberration correction function have been added.
More lenses will be supported by the lens aberration correction function of Digital Photo Professional 3.2, Canon’s RAW image viewer/editing software.
Specifically, the four lenses listed in item 2 above have been added.In images taken with these lenses and cameras updated to v1.1.1, the lens aberration correction function can be used.
For other supported lenses, see the user manual for DPP 3.2.
The following fixes and improvements have been incorporated for the 30D.
- It allows the latest lens names to be recorded in the Exif information of images taken.
The lens IDs of lenses released after the EOS30D are not in the camera; so these lens names could not be recorded in the Exif information of images. The Lens IDs for the following new lenses are now included, so that the correct lens names will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
- EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
- EF 50mm f/1.2L USM *2)
- EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM *2)
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (Not sold in Japan) *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II (Not sold in Japan) *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II USM *1)
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS *1)
- EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS *1)
The correct lens names for the lenses marked *1) above will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
Lenses marked *2) are added if the firmware is version 1.0.5 or later.
- Lenses that are compatible with the Digital Photo Professional 3.2 lens aberration correction function have been added.
More lenses will be supported by the lens aberration correction function of Digital Photo Professional 3.2, Canon’s RAW image viewer/editing software.
Specifically, the ten lenses listed in item 1 above have been added. In images taken with these lenses and cameras updated to v1.0.6, the lens aberration correction function can be used.
For other supported lenses, see the user manual for DPP 3.2.
Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 24 January 2008: Canon today launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D. Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market.
The EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.
“The EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”
The EOS 450D features:
- 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 3.5 frames per second
- 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
- 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
- Picture Style image processing parameters
- DIGIC III image processor
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
- Compact and Lightweight body
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
The EOS quality advantage
With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.
Built for better photos
The EOS 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the camera features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.
Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.
Live View
Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera.
For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.
Other improvements
The EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.
Software
The EOS 450D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything the photograph needs to manage and process images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.
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.
Canon Releases new 40D Firmware version 1.0.5
Canon has released firmware version 1.0.5 for its EOS-40D DSLR. Available now via Canon Japan’s website, the update contains bug fixes and a couple of modifications to the camera’s image playback.
This firmware update (Version 1.0.5) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
- When playing back images just after recovering from Auto Power Off, the display now shows the last image played back.
- During remote shooting, images are now displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor right after they are taken.
- Corrects a warning message in Korean that appears when updating the firmware.
- Corrects errors in the Spanish menu screens.
- Corrects a phenomenon that prevented printing with some print systems.
- Corrects a rare phenomenon in which file numbers or image numbers were sometimes skipped.
The Version 1.0.5 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.4. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.5, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
Click here for more information and for a download link.
Two new Sigma lenses for APS-C sensors announced: 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM and 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM hopefully for Canon EOS
Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM
- Fisheye lens designed specifically for APS-C digital SLR cameras
- 13.5cm minimum focusing distance and 1:3.3 maximum magnification allows close up
photography - Equipped with HSM allowing full-time manual focus override
- Equisolid angle projection system is possible for art and scientific use
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM lens.
This autofocus fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C size image
sensors. The Nikon version produces a diagonal angle of view of 180° (154° for Sigma, 167° for Canon).
The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and
distortion. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3 allows
subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens’ front element. This close focusing capability allows
close-up photography and also it is possible to make use of large depth of field that covers wide range of
subjects. The Integral hood blocks out extraneous light and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare
and ghosting, creating superior image quality. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures fast and quiet
autofocusing and allows full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring. This lens is supplied
with a gelatin filter holder at the rear, allowing the use of gelatin filters.
Sigma 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM
- The first 180 degree circular fisheye lens designed specifically for APS-C size digital SLR cameras
- Fast F2.8 maximum aperture making it ideal for low light photography
- Minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm and a maximum magnification of 1:6
- SLD glass minimizes color aberration
- Equipped with HSM with full-time manual focus override
- Equisolid angle projection method is possible for art and scientific use
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR
FISHEYE HSM lens.
This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively
designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital
SLRs with APS-C size image sensors, it produces circular image within the frame.
The F2.8 large aperture value produces a bright image in the viewfinder and allows photographers to take pictures in low light conditions, making it an ideal lens for Astrophotography and Aurora photography. Due to the quantifiable angle/area relationship it produces, this lens can be used for scientific and arts applications such as solid angle measurements of cloud distribution over the sky or vegetation distribution of the forest.
The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly
useful for close-up photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass provides effective compensation of
chromatic aberration. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare and ghosting. It is equipped with
an inner focusing system that creates high definition and good image quality over the whole frame. The HSM ?Hyper Sonic Motor? ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and allows full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring.
Hopefully both of these will make there way onto Canon’s APS-C sized DSLRs like the EOS 40D, 30D, 20D, 400D (Digital Rebel XTi ), 350D (Digital Rebel XT), 300D (Digital Rebel). These would be a great addition to the lens selection for these bodies, and usually at a price break over a Canon alternative. What remains to be seen is the quality, so we’ll watch for those reviews to come shortly after release.
Canon EOS 1D Mark III Blue Dot Autofocus Fix Update
Rumors are now surfacing that this is only affecting a certain serial number ranges of the 1D Mark III - or at least new models are out in the wild that are “fixed”.
It seems that if you buy a 1Dmk3 right now, and get fresh, new stock, that you may be in luck - look for a blue sticker on the box.
Anyone get a new one? Was there a blue dot on the box? Are the issues resolved? Leave a note in the comments. This could be great new for the 1D mark 3 users out there - this problem has been lingering for too long as it is.
Update: The 1D MKIII “blue dot” body. Serial # 546562 or above sounds likw the new one, and there are some lower that have been repaired by Canon.
Update #2 (from here):
Any bodies currently being shipped to dealers in the USA, says Westfall, already contain the fix and have a serial number outside the range noted above. In fact, he says, any EOS-1D Mark IIIs that shipped from the factory since early in October 2007 to Canon sales companies globally - including the USA - already contain the sub-mirror fix. It’s a safe bet that dealers around the world have been receiving fixed bodies into their inventory since roughly mid-October, though various factors mean that some dealers will have started receiving fixed bodies sooner than that, and others later than that. In the USA, and perhaps elsewhere, the box containing a fixed EOS-1D Mark III will have a round blue sticker on the UPC code label.
Official Canon EOS 1D Mark III Autofocus Fix on the way
Rob Galbraith has updated his June 19th article about the 1Dmk3 AF performance issues with some new information from Chuck Westfall, who is Canon USA’s Director of Media and Customer Relationships.
Beginning October 17 in the U.S. and presumably other regions as well, Canon began informing EOS-1D Mark III owners that a fix for the camera’s AI Servo autofocus problems has been developed. Chuck Westfall, Canon USA’s Director of Media and Customer Relationship, says that Canon USA staff at their factory service centres, call centre as well as pro market field representatives have been briefed on the fix and are able to speak about it to EOS-1D Mark III shooters.
We spoke with Westfall this morning about what customers are being told regarding the fix. What we’ve learned has been rolled into an update to our June 19 article analysing EOS-1D Mark III autofocus performance.
Take a look, great news for the 1D mark III owners.
Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS and 800mm f/5.6L IS in development!
A press release from Canon here talking about these two new lenses.
CANON U.S.A. TO EXHIBIT TWO NEW TELEPHOTO LENSES UNDER DEVELOPMENT AT PHOTOPLUS EXPO
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 15, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the development of two all-new telephoto lenses for use with its EOS SLR cameras: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM*/** and the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM*/**. The Company will exhibit prototypes of the new lenses at PhotoPlus Expo (booth #318), taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 18 to 20.
The new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, both of which are L (luxury)-series lenses incorporating a high-performance Image Stabilizer, feature optical systems utilizing special optical materials such as fluorite to correct chromatic aberrations, making possible high-resolution, high-contrast shooting performance.
The Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM, targeting users who seek a brighter lens for portraiture and indoor sports photography, realizes a large aperture of f/2. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, expected to deliver telephoto performance surpassing the current top-of-the-line EF600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lens, is being developed in response to requests from users working in the fields of sports and news photography who are looking for a high-performance lens that offers a longer focal length.
“These new lenses demonstrate that Canon is continuing to respond actively and flexibly to the wide-ranging needs of professional and advanced amateur users, with the aim of contributing to the expansion of photographic possibilities for SLR cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Canon’s EOS System is the premier brand of Digital SLR cameras, and we take great pride in offering the world’s largest selection of interchangeable autofocus lenses.” ***
As these new lenses are currently under development, pricing and availability information is not yet available.
I can’t wait to see the pricing, and the (hopefully) downward pressure on some existing glass.
Here’s the direct links to the large size images of the lenses:
200/2L IS : here
800/5.6L IS: here