Canon has released the much-anticipated fimware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which brings 24 and 25fps movie recording to this DSLR camera. Version 2.0.3 also adds a function for manually enhancing the sound recording level, Tv and Av exposure modes for video recording and a histogram display for movies, plus changes the audio sampling frequency to 48 kilohertz, and fixes a bug.

Website: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firmware 2.0.3

A hands-on preview of a Pentax 645D beta unit is now available. Posted by Japanese website DC Watch, the Pentax 645D hands-on preview focusses on the camera’s exterior, lens compatibility, comparative size, menus and a few key features including the virtual horizon and interactive status screen. For heaps of product shots and screen grabs, head to the website below.

Website: Pentax 645D Hands-On Preview at DC Watch

Via Rice High

DxO Labs have posted detailed raw-based sensor data for the Pentax K-x digital SLR camera, which achieved the best result of any Pentax camera tested so far. With a DxOMark Sensor score of 71.9, almost the same as the Nikon D5000, the Pentax K-x finished on 19th place. Especially spectacular is the Pentax K-x’s performance in terms of dynamic range, where it is bested only by the Nikon D3X, the Fujifilm S3/S5 Pro (both built for maximum dynamic range) and medium-format backs.

Website: Detailed image quality data for Pentax K-x

Leica has announced a partnership with UK celebrity and fashion photographer, John Wright, for the Leica S-system. As part of the agreement between Wright and Leica, photographers will be able to experience the S-system first hand through a series of activities including interviews and photographic sessions, and workshops at the Leica Store Mayfair ‘Studio S’. John will also use the camera for a number of high profile shoots throughout the year. John Wright said, “Leica is one of the premier camera manufacturers in the world and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to be involved with the S-system. My initial experiences have been extremely positive. Ease of use, reliability and incredible image resolution are all essential in my work, and the S2 has delivered in every department.”

Nikon has launched a new advertising campaign throughout Europe, featuring commercials filmed with the Nikon D3S itself. The TV spots, which premiere in the UK over the Easter weekend from 2nd – 5th April 2010 on ITV, Channel Four and Channel Five, were shot on location in Egypt, Germany and Spain over nine days by Ralf Schmerberg. The print advertising campaign was shot by Sven Jacobsen on location in South Africa using Nikon D3X camera, with NIKKOR 35mm, 85mm and 28-70mm zoom lenses.

Website: I AM Nikon

Canon UK has announced a cashback offer on the Canon EOS 450D digital SLR camera for residents of the EU. Those buying the 450D in any configuration from now until 30 April 2010 can claim up to £30 / €35 cashback. Claims must be received by 28 May 2010. This promotion is only available on purchases made in the UK or the Republic of Ireland from participating retailers.

Website: Canon EOS 450D Cashback Claim Form

Mamiya has announced the price of the new, 40-megapixel Mamiya DM40 medium-format DSLR camera. The Mamiya DM40, which features two user-selectable shutter systems, a peak capture rate of 0.8 seconds per frame and a sustained capture rate of 60 frames per minute, can be yours for $21,990 in a bundle with the 80mm f/2.8D lens and Capture One / Leaf Capture software. While this might seem extremely steep to us mere mortals, the Mamiya DM40’s nearest competitor - the 37.5-megapixel Leica S2 - actually costs more without a lens. The Mamiya DM40 digital SLR camera will be shipped to retailers later this month.

Via 1001 Noisy Cameras

The much-anticipated firmware upgrade for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which enables 24 and 25fps movie recording with this DSLR camera, has been announced. Additionally, a new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) has been added, and exposure modes will also be available in movie mode. Improved audio functionality will allow users to set sound record levels manually using a sound-level meter displayed on the LCD screen. The audio sampling frequency has also been increased from 44.1KHz to 48KHz, providing the optimum audio signal typically required for professional or broadcast material. The firmware (v2.0.3) will be available as a free download from mid-March from the Canon website.

The German subsidiary of Sigma has unveiled the prices of the Sigma DP2s large-sensor compact and the Sigma SD15 digital SLR camera. The cameras, which share the same almost-APS-sized Foveon sensor, were on display at PMA in Anaheim but at that time, the prices were not revealed. According to the official German website of the company, the Sigma DP2 carries an RRP of €799, while the Sigma SD15 is expected to retail for €899.

Source: Sigma-Foto via 1001 Noisy Cameras

DxOMark sensor data are now available for the Olympus E-620 and E-450 digital SLR cameras. The findings, which allegedly reflect the sensors’ raw performace, reveal that the two cameras have sensors of very similar quality, with the 10-megapixel E-450 (pictured) enjoying a marginal lead over the 12-megapixel E-620. The DxOMark Sensor scores of these cameras - 55.8 for the Olympus E-450 and 54.6 for the E-620 - are in the same ballpark as most other Four Thirds sensors, but lag behind the rating (63.6) given for the sensor in the Pansonic Lumix GH1 Micro Four Thirds camera.

Website: DxOMark

Canon has issued a firmware update for the Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR camera. Version 1.1.0 enahnces the reliability of Live View and fixes incorrect indications in the Arabic, English and Swedish menus.

Website: Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i / 500D Firmware Update Page

Pentax is launching a limited-edition silver version of the Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera, intended as a perfect match for Pentax’s FA Limited lenses. The silver-coloured body comes with a “golden section ratio” focusing screen (see our image gallery below) installed. The body colour is identical to that of the company’s FA Limited lenses, while the rear LCD screen has been endowed with a highly scratch resistant glass plate. The silver Pentax K-7 ships with the latest firmware version, which provides automatic CA and distortion correction for FA Limited lenses. Production run is limited to 1,000 sets.

Via The Imaging Resource

The Sigma SD15 has been announced again, after it was first shown back at Photokina in 2008. Powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, the SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” image processing engine and features a 3.0 inch LCD monitor, 77-Segment AE sensor, 5-point AF system, and 3fps continuous shooting. The actual availability and price of the much-delayed Sigma SD15 haven’t been announced yet…

Canon’s latest professional digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D Mark IV, was used by pro photographers to shoot Super Bowl XLIV. “Shooting at Super Bowl XLIV with the EOS-1D Mark IV was a night-and-day improvement compared to previous EOS models. It blew them all away. The 1D Mark IV exceeded my expectations quite a bit,” said Daniel Powers, staff photographer, Gannett Co., Inc. “The autofocus and tracking are razor sharp. After the NFL Wildcard Playoff game I was submitting 10 to 12 shot sequences all in crisp focus.” remarked Tom Hauck, of Tom Hauck Photography. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is available now for £4499 / €5499.

Pentax has issued a firmware update for the Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera. Version 1.03 improves the stability of movie recording with certain SDHC cards, and adds a distortion / chromatic aberration removal function for the smc PENTAX-FA 31mmF1.8AL, smc PENTAX-FA 43mmF1.9 and smc PENTAX-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited lenses.

Website: Latest Pentax K-7 Firmware Updates

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, the Nikon D3S (review), the Olympus PEN E-P2 (review) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (review) have just been tested over at DxOMark. The Nikon D3S (pictured), a camera that has recently been awarded our highest Essential rating, received a DxOMark sensor score of 82.4, which is the fourth-best score ever. The Nikon D3S sensor is bettered only by the Phase One P65+ and P40+ medium-format digital backs and the Nikon D3x. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV landed on 16th place with a DxO Mark Sensor rating of 73.6. Out of the two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus E-P2 received a slightly higher score than the Panasonic GF1, though both achieved much lower results than the Lumix GH1 tested earlier on.

Website: DxOMark

Panasonic has provided some more clues about its 2010 plans for the Lumix G camera system. In a presentation at the Panasonic Convention 2010 in snowy Munich, Germany, Pansonic’s main aims for Lumix G, which currently incorporates the Four Thirds (L10) and Micro Four Thirds (GF1, G1, GH1) models, were briefly outlined as follows:

- Expand Lineup
- Pursue Easy Operation
- Expand Lens Lineup

If you live in or near London and own a Canon, Nikon, Olympus or Sony DSLR or an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera, now’s the time to express your thoughts and feelings about it. A market research company called Acumen Fieldwork has been commissioned to conduct a qualitative research among DSLR owners to find out more about their views on their cameras. The focus group discussions will take place in central London, and participants will be paid £60 cash for their time and input. The research firm has not disclosed the identity of the manufacturer that commissioned the study so that it does not infuence the respondents’ replies. If you would like to take part, call Abi Fuller on 0161 482 2507.

DxO Labs have released their sensor-based data obtained from a pre-production Canon EOS 550D digital SLR camera. The Canon EOS 550D / Digital Rebel T2i, which was only announced a week ago, got a sensor rating of 65.6 on a scale of 1 to 100, which is less than some APS-C competitors (Nikon D5000/D90/D300/D300s, Pentax K10D, Samsung GX20, Sony A380/A550/A700) have received in the past, but it has to be mentioned that all of these competitors offer lower resolution and most of them are prosumer rather than entry-level models.

Website: Canon EOS 550D / Digital Rebel T2i Data on DxOMark