Category: Digital SLR Cameras
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.3 for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update fixes/improves the following:
- Added new functions for communicating with the Speedlite 580EX.
A color temperature information transmission function has been added to stabilize the white balance.
- Reduced noise when shooting bulb exposures.
Reduced the noise when shooting bulb exposures (astronomical shots, etc.).
- Fixed sensor-cleaning operations.
Fixed the problem of the shutter not opening if sensor cleaning was performed immediately after taking bulb exposures.
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.3 for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR. This firmware update fixes/improves the following: - Added new functions for communicating with the Speedlite 580EX. A color temperature information transmission function has been added to stabilize the white balance. - Reduced noise when shooting bulb exposures. Reduced…
Bob Atkins has followed up his translation of an interview with one of the Canon directors, Mr. Iwashita, with a look at some of the other Canon interviews that have been published on the web recently.
“What I get out of all this is the impression that the technology is still evolving and technology is still the limiting factor in camera development, even at the high end where cost isn’t so much of a factor. My guess is that maybe in a few years it will be at a point where Canon can offer a single high speed, full frame camera. which is as fast as the 1D, but with 1Ds (or better) quality.”
Bob Atkins has followed up his translation of an interview with one of the Canon directors, Mr. Iwashita, with a look at some of the other Canon interviews that have been published on the web recently. “What I get out of all this is the impression that the technology is…
Nikon UK Press Release 06/10/04
Wednesday October 6, 2004
Nikon UK Introduce D70 Consumer Promotion
The D70, Nikon’s first consumer digital SLR camera, is tipped to be this year’s hot Christmas purchase and to give a little extra to customers purchasing the D70 in the run up to the festive season, Nikon UK today announced the introduction of the D70 voucher booklet.
The voucher booklet allows D70 customers to claim over £300 worth of savings when they purchase a selection of top D70 accessories to support the camera.
Some of the exciting savings available to D70 customers include £15 off Nikon Capture 4.1, £20 off an SB-800 Speedlight, £50 saving on bookings of level 1 & 2 Nikon D70 training courses, £30 off a 10.5 mm F2.8G DX fisheye Nikkor lens and £70 off a 70-200 mm F2.8G AF-S VR IF-ED zoom Nikkor lens to name a few.
The voucher booklet is available to customers who purchase a D70 between October and December 2004 when they register on-line. For further information about the voucher booklet and to register your purchase please visit: http://www.nikon.co.uk/d70voucher/
Nikon UK Press Release 06/10/04 Wednesday October 6, 2004 Nikon UK Introduce D70 Consumer Promotion The D70, Nikon’s first consumer digital SLR camera, is tipped to be this year’s hot Christmas purchase and to give a little extra to customers purchasing the D70 in the run up to the festive…
Following on from my previous post, another new firmware update has just been released for the Canon EOS 20D DSLR, along with the following apology from Canon!
“We have discovered that the version 1.0.4 firmware released on October 4 had a bug in the program that handles the update. In cases where the update was performed with a lens attached to the camera, there were situations in which the firmware could not be updated correctly.
In cases where the firmware was not updated correctly, the camera might not power on, the camera might not communicate properly with the lens and flash, or similar malfunctions might occur.
Canon offers its sincerest apologies to customers who have been inconvenienced by this situation.”
Version 1.0.5 is exactly the same as 1.0.4. It just fixes the version 1.0.4 bug where if the update was performed with a lens attached to the camera, there were situations in which the firmware could not be updated correctly. Full details can be found at the following URL:
Website: Canon EOS 20D Firmware Version 1.0.5
Following on from my previous post, another new firmware update has just been released for the Canon EOS 20D DSLR, along with the following apology from Canon! “We have discovered that the version 1.0.4 firmware released on October 4 had a bug in the program that handles the update. In…
After the rather stange disappearance yesterday of the new firmware update for the Canon EOS 20D DSLR, Canon USA have issued the following statement to try and explain exactly what is going on.
Canon Inc. has acknowledged the EOS 20D lock-up issue as follows:
Canon is aware of this [EOS 20D lock-up] issue; it is currently being investigated. It seems to occur very rarely, under extremely limited conditions. If it does occur, you can remove and reinsert the battery to restore your camera to its normal condition. Please note that this issue does not affect images taken with the camera. We plan to release a firmware update for download from the Web when the appropriate countermeasures are determined; we will let you know the schedule for this release when it becomes available.”
So I guess all you 20D owners will have to sit tight and wait for a new version of firmware to appear that will fix this issue once and for all.
After the rather stange disappearance yesterday of the new firmware update for the Canon EOS 20D DSLR, Canon USA have issued the following statement to try and explain exactly what is going on. Canon Inc. has acknowledged the EOS 20D lock-up issue as follows: Canon is aware of this [EOS…
The technology website G4techTV have published a brief and enthusiastic review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.
“While it’s a pricey piece (the body alone costs $999), the D70 is considered the “Holy Grail” in many a photography circle as it deftly combines optical precision, quality and flexibility of a fully manual film camera with the efficiency and convenience of a digital recording device. Add to the mix the D70’s compatibility with virtually all conventional and “for digital” Nikon lenses (known by the brand Nikkor using a Nikon F mount) and you’ve got a nest of Nikon faithful ready to drop some cash in the name of digital.”
Website: G4techTV - Nikon D70 Review
The technology website G4techTV have published a brief and enthusiastic review of the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR. “While it’s a pricey piece (the body alone costs $999), the D70 is considered the “Holy Grail” in many a photography circle as it deftly combines optical precision, quality and flexibility of…
A few days ago Canon released Firmware version 1.0.4 for the EOS 20D DSLR. Yesterday the firmware was pulled from their BeBit website, with only the words “Firmware update service is not available temporarily” left to show that the firmware was ever there. It seems that some people have installed the new firmware and experienced problems (like the camera not actually working) - let me know if you were one of them.
Website: Canon EOS 20D Firmware Update
A few days ago Canon released Firmware version 1.0.4 for the EOS 20D DSLR. Yesterday the firmware was pulled from their BeBit website, with only the words “Firmware update service is not available temporarily” left to show that the firmware was ever there. It seems that some people have installed…
Although they’re very different cameras aimed at very different sections of the market, Digital Outback Photo have decided to compare the image quality of the Canon EOS 20D digital SLR and its more expensive brother, the 1D Mark II. Find out which camera won the shootout by clicking the following link…
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Comparing 20D vs. 1D Mark II Images
Although they’re very different cameras aimed at very different sections of the market, Digital Outback Photo have decided to compare the image quality of the Canon EOS 20D digital SLR and its more expensive brother, the 1D Mark II. Find out which camera won the shootout by clicking the following…
Rob Galbraith have just reviewed a new product called the Sensor Brush that cleans the sensor inside a digital SLR camera.
“Finally! A digital SLR sensor cleaner that really works.
The Sensor Brush and its companion Sensor Clean liquid/swab combo, from Canadian company Visible Dust, are the first products of their type we’ve used that can remove dust, dirt and other particles effectively with little chance of either streaking or scratching of the cover glass over the image sensor.
We’ve been cleaning our arsenal of digital SLR cameras since mid-summer with Visible Dust’s new products and couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”
Website: Rob Galbraith - Sensor Brush Review
Rob Galbraith have just reviewed a new product called the Sensor Brush that cleans the sensor inside a digital SLR camera. “Finally! A digital SLR sensor cleaner that really works. The Sensor Brush and its companion Sensor Clean liquid/swab combo, from Canadian company Visible Dust, are the first products of…
DPReview have posted 21 photos taken with a pre-production version of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR:
“As promised we have today been out shooting with our pre-production Maxxum 7D and have put together a samples gallery of twenty one images including daylight low ISO and indoor high ISO shots. So far the results are impressive, especially low noise at high sensitivities and the very capable Anti-Shake system which allowed us to shoot as slow as 1/2 or 1/4 sec without a tripod (slower speeds do also seem possible but we can’t be 100% confident without proper testing). Otherwise the images have good tonal balance, color response and a conservative approach to image sharpening (perhaps considered soft in appearance).”
DPReview have posted 21 photos taken with a pre-production version of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR: “As promised we have today been out shooting with our pre-production Maxxum 7D and have put together a samples gallery of twenty one images including daylight low ISO and indoor high ISO…
Bob Atkins has published an interesting translation of an interview with one of the Canon directors, Mr. Iwashita, with Bob’s personal viewpoint interweaved into the interview text. It doens’t contain very good news if you are one of the people that wish Canon would release a digital version of their popular EOS 3 film SLR:
“It seems that Canon are currently happy with the 3 tier system of DSLRs, the consumer level Digital Rebel, the “prosumer” level EOS 20D and the pro level EOS 1D mark II and 1Ds mark II. There are no current plans to introduce a digital version of the EOS 3. The current 3 tiers don’t really compete with each other and sales are good. There’s no reason to add a 4th level between the 20D and 1D models.”
Website: Bob Atkins - Canon’s Digital Plans
Bob Atkins has published an interesting translation of an interview with one of the Canon directors, Mr. Iwashita, with Bob’s personal viewpoint interweaved into the interview text. It doens’t contain very good news if you are one of the people that wish Canon would release a digital version of their…
LetsGoDigital have published a number of hands-on product shots of the new Olympus E-300 DSLR that was officially announced yesterday.
Website: LetsGoDigital - Photokina Show
LetsGoDigital have published a number of hands-on product shots of the new Olympus E-300 DSLR that was officially announced yesterday. Website: LetsGoDigital - Photokina Show
Kodak Press Release 27/09/04
New KODAK KAF-8300CE Image Sensor Helps Camera Manufacturers Deliver High Quality, Affordable, Next Generation SLR Cameras
COLOGNE, Germany, September 27 - Eastman Kodak Company is delivering new technology that allows digital SLR cameras to provide higher quality, more versatility and greater affordability than ever before.
The company’s new KODAK KAF-8300CE image sensor has been selected by Olympus Corporation of Japan for use in the new Olympus EVOLT E-300 (E-300 in Japan and Europe) camera system, the second digital camera designed by Olympus for the growing Four Thirds System standard (see today’s related news from Olympus, “Introducing the Olympus E-300 digital SLR”). The KAF-8300CE image sensor allows Olympus to manufacture an affordable, standardized camera for the advanced amateur and professional photography markets.
Kodak Press Release 27/09/04 New KODAK KAF-8300CE Image Sensor Helps Camera Manufacturers Deliver High Quality, Affordable, Next Generation SLR Cameras COLOGNE, Germany, September 27 - Eastman Kodak Company is delivering new technology that allows digital SLR cameras to provide higher quality, more versatility and greater affordability than ever before. The…
Kodak Press Release 27/09/04
Kodak Delivers Software, Firmware Upgrades for its Digital SLR Cameras that Enhance Performance, Workflow, Via Faster Processes
Pro Photographers Will Get Upgraded Software in October; New Firmware Available Now
COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 27—Eastman Kodak Company announced significant refinements to the software and firmware for its KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Pro SLR cameras that will enhance performance and workflow through faster processes, among other new features.
The upgraded versions of DCS Photo Desk software v4.3 and DCS Camera Manager software as well as a new version of the ERI File Format Module will be posted to Kodak’s website in October. New DCS Camera firmware already is available online. The cameras’ processing architecture enables substantial updates and new feature enhancements without replacing hardware. This pleases photographers who aren’t always eager to trade in their current cameras and relearn on new ones.
Kodak Press Release 27/09/04 Kodak Delivers Software, Firmware Upgrades for its Digital SLR Cameras that Enhance Performance, Workflow, Via Faster Processes Pro Photographers Will Get Upgraded Software in October; New Firmware Available Now COLOGNE, Germany, Sept. 27—Eastman Kodak Company announced significant refinements to the software and firmware for its KODAK…
Digital Media Thoughts have spent a week with the new Canon EOS 20D DSLR and published their thoughts as a review.
“One of the most important features of a camera is how comfortable it feels in your hand. This one felt pretty good to me. The magnesium alloy body, which should be familiar to 10D shooters, had a much denser balanced feel than the plastic body of the 300D. The rubber curved grip fit my hand nicely. At 1.5 pounds, the camera is a near perfect balance between a weighty feel without being overly heavy.”
Digital Media Thoughts have spent a week with the new Canon EOS 20D DSLR and published their thoughts as a review. “One of the most important features of a camera is how comfortable it feels in your hand. This one felt pretty good to me. The magnesium alloy body, which…
Luminous Landscape have published a field test report on the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.
“I found the higher resolution of the 20D over the 10D to offer a very worthwhile increase in the amount of cropping that’s possible while still permitting adequate print sizes. Some photographers are cynical about ever-increasing pixel count, and it’s true that for many for whom an A4 (8X10”) print is considered “big”, higher pixel count may well be regarded as redundant. But for those that want A3 prints, as well as those who find that they need to crop a shot because they couldn’t get close enough, 8 Megapixel files will be most welcome.”
Luminous Landscape have published a field test report on the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “I found the higher resolution of the 20D over the 10D to offer a very worthwhile increase in the amount of cropping that’s possible while still permitting adequate print sizes. Some photographers are…
Olympus UK Press Release 27/09/04
The power to create perfect photos
Introducing the Olympus E-300 Digital SLR
Olympus has a well founded reputation for revolutionising the design and construction of cameras. By challenging the accepted methods and form of camera production great strides have been made in developing the next generation of products for photographers. Olympus has done this most recently with the introduction of the E-system, Digital SLR products that are based on the revolutionary FourThirds technology. The Olympus E-1 was the first product in this series. Now we have the next step in Digital SLR evolution with the introduction of the Olympus E-300.
This 21st century development of Digital SLR products by Olympus mirrors the advances that were made with the Olympus OM-1 and OM-10 in the 1970s. These 35mm SLR cameras transformed picture taking by providing cameras that packed startling performance into a light, compact and affordable body that was loved by millions. And now we are set to see another favourite with the launch of the compact and newly designed Olympus E-300 Digital SLR.
Based on the TIPA Award-winning FourThirds Standard, The Olympus E-300 comes in a kit featuring a new 14?45mm ZUIKO DIGITAL zoom. The impressive features of the kit include:
- Lighter, smaller and more powerful lenses
- A Supersonic Wave Filter to ensure dust does not interfere with image quality
- Nearly telecentric optics construction draws maximum performance from the camera?s Full Frame Transfer CCD
- The TruePic TURBO image processor boosts picture quality and processing speed
- The Olympus E-300 kit includes a 14?45mm ZUIKO DIGITAL zoom
Olympus UK Press Release 27/09/04 The power to create perfect photos Introducing the Olympus E-300 Digital SLR Olympus has a well founded reputation for revolutionising the design and construction of cameras. By challenging the accepted methods and form of camera production great strides have been made in developing the next…
Digital Outback Photo’s have got hold of the new Canon EOS 20D and have started their usual diary-like Experience Report about Canon’s 8 megapixel DSLR.
“Finally we received our 20D review sample. This is a very interesting camera. Not so much because of the 2MP more compared to the Canon EOS 10D but because it seems that this camera gets close in terms of low noise to the much more expensive EOS 1D Mark II which we own and like. We will do lot of comparisons between the 20D and the 1D Mark II.
We also take the 20D to Photokina as our only camera and then after Photokina we will focus mainly gaining real world experience. Please be patient.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 20D Experience Report
Digital Outback Photo’s have got hold of the new Canon EOS 20D and have started their usual diary-like Experience Report about Canon’s 8 megapixel DSLR. “Finally we received our 20D review sample. This is a very interesting camera. Not so much because of the 2MP more compared to the Canon…
Fujifilm UK Press Release 23/09/04
Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro: the digital SLR that’s tuned for image quality
Release Date: 23 September 2004
Any photographer who has thought hard about their choice of film, and whose work is geared towards ultimate image quality, will understand the appeal of the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro.
Representing the company’s pursuit of film photography standards for the digital world, the FinePix S3 Pro introduces Fujifilm’s unique Super CCD SR II - dual pixel technology that is technically inspired by the structure of silver halide crystals in colour negative film.
The new sensor produces 12.34 million effective pixels in 6.17 locations, combining 6.17 million high-sensitivity S-pixels and the same number of low-sensitivity R-pixels. Thanks to a newly developed image processor, the FinePix S3 Pro achieves exceptional image quality with a fourfold increase in dynamic range over non-SR Super CCD sensors, rich colour reproduction, high signal to noise ratio (lower noise at higher sensitivities) and tonality that was previously impossible to generate with digital cameras.
The FinePix S3 Pro’s designers have been able to make full use of Fujifilm’s extensive colour film expertise. For instance, rather than force photographers to shoot in RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has introduced Film Simulation Modes, dynamic range presets and colour space selection.
Fujifilm UK Press Release 23/09/04 Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro: the digital SLR that’s tuned for image quality Release Date: 23 September 2004 Any photographer who has thought hard about their choice of film, and whose work is geared towards ultimate image quality, will understand the appeal of the Fujifilm FinePix…
The Norwegian website Akam.no is one of the first to review the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. If anyone can supply me with a translation, that would be great!
Website: Akam.no - Canon EOS 20D Review
The Norwegian website Akam.no is one of the first to review the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. If anyone can supply me with a translation, that would be great! Website: Akam.no - Canon EOS 20D Review