Alpine Labs have announced the upcoming launch of their "Pulse" camera release. Offering a pocket-sized solution to wireless control of DSLRs and CSCs, Pulse facilitates remote control from your mobile device using Bluetooth connectivity and a free mobile app. Unlike other remotes that utilise a camera’s trigger port, the USB connection allows Pulse to wirelessly control ISO, shutter speed, aperture, start / stop video, preview images on the screen of your device, and boasts an operational range of up to 100 ft. Expected to retail for $99, Pulse is currently available to preorder via the website below.
Chainfire has released an app that allows you to remotely control your Canon EOS digital SLR camera via USB using a smartphone or tablet running Android 2.3.4 or later. Currently in Beta, the DSLR Controller app does not require you to hook the camera up to a computer - all you need is a compatible DSLR (the app has been tested with the Canon EOS 600D, 550D, 60D, 50D, 7D, 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV models), a compatible smartphone* or tablet and the right USB cable. Features include the display of the Live View feed with histogram, grid overlay etc., LV autofocus by touch, and the ability to remotely change a large number of settings on your camera. As this is a Beta version, you should expect intermittent freeze-ups and error messages, the developers say. The DSLR Controller Beta app can be purchased and downloaded now from the Android Market.
*Note that apparently the only compatible smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy S2, with the 2.3.4 KG series firmware (or newer). The app should work with most Honeycomb-powered tablets though, Chainfire says.
Via Rob Galbraith
Canon has released a firmware update for the Canon EOS 50D digital SLR camera. Version 1.0.8 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
1. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
2. Fixes incorrect indications in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai and Turkish menu screens.
Website: Canon EOS 50D Drivers & Software
Canon UK has issued a notice to Canon users regarding AF operation with certain camera-lens combinations. Specifically, those using the Canon EOS 7D, 40D, 50D or 60D camera with one of the lenses below may find that the peripheral AF points work as line sensors rather than cross sensors, and are therefore sensitive to vertical OR horizontal detail only, but not both at the same time. Normally, if you use any EF or EF-S lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, all AF points on these cameras should work as cross-type AF points, but this does not apply to the lenses listed below. These are quite old lenses - all of them were released between 1990 and 1995.
We've selected our top picks for this year's Holiday season, all the way from the cheapest digital compact up to the most expensive DSLR and everything in between. So no matter what your budget, make sure that you consult the Photography Blog Holiday Gift Guide for 2010 before splashing out your hard-earned cash.
The EOS 60D is a new kind of DSLR camera from Canon, blending features from the cheaper 550D / / Rebel T2i and the more expensive 7D to exactly occupy the middle ground between the two. Aimed at the well-heeled amateur with a penchant for video, the 60D is the first EOS camera to offer an articulated LCD screen, making it easier to shoot both stills and importantly video. Read our expert Canon EOS 60D Review to find out if Canon's new prosumer DSLR is a worthy addition to the EOS range.
First impressions of the new 18 megapixel Canon EOS 60D DSLR camera, including some full-size sample photos.
The 18-megapixel Canon EOS 60D is a replacement for the 50D featuring a vari-angle LCD screen and Full HD video capture with full manual control including a variety of user-selectable frame rates. The Canon 60D can shoot 18-megapixel stills at up to 5.3 frames per second for up to 58 frames in a row (in JPEG format). Boasting a 9-point, all cross-type autofocus AF system, the EOS 60D also features Canon’s iFCL metering system, first introduced with the EOS 7D, with a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor. An Integrated Speedlite Transmitter provides in-camera control of multiple EX flash units for more creative lighting. The new 3-inch LCD monitor has a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 1,040k dot resolution and full articulation for overhead shots or ground-level photography. The Canon EOS 60D’s standard ISO range of 100-6400 is extendable to 12800. The EOS 60D is available from October priced at £1099.99 / €1309.99 / $1,099.00 for the body only. It will also be sold in four different kits ranging from £1199.99 to £1999.99 depending on the bundled lens.
Update: We have added a gallery of large product images provided by Canon. Click through / scroll down to view the photos.
Canon UK has announced new cashback offers on select Canon EOS digital SLR cameras. The offers expire on 31 May. Those who buy the Canon EOS 500D before this date can claim £30 / €33 back. Those who purchase the Canon EOS 550D are entitled to a cashback of £50 / €55, whilst new Canon EOS 50D owners can get back £65 / €70 from the retail price. The offers are valid in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The Canon EOS 550D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T2i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts a class-leading 18-megapixel and the ability to shoot 1080p high-definition videos. Other key features of the 550D / T2i include continuous shooting at 3.7fps, a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-12,800, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 4 processor. Is the Canon EOS 550D / T2i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Canon has announced instant rebates on a range of Canon EOS DSLR kits. According to Photography Bay, you can save $100 on the Canon Rebel XS double-lens kit including the 18-55mm IS and 75-300mm III lenses. Those buying either the Canon 50D with the 28-135mm IS USM + 70-300mm IS USM lenses, or the Canon Rebel T1i with the 18-55mm IS + EF-S 55-250mm IS, or the Canon Rebel XSi with the 18-55mm IS + EF-S 55-250mm IS are entitled to an instant rebate of $200. These offers are valid through 21 November 2009.
Via Photography Bay
The Canon EOS 7D is a brand new 18 megapixel DSLR camera, complete with 8fps continuous shooting, high-res 3 inch LCD screen, Live View and Full HD movies. The Canon 7D also features a number of significant improvements to its auto-focusing, metering, viewfinder and flash systems, which all add up to make this one of the best-ever specified EOS cameras. Find out if the Canon EOS 7D can also take great pictures by reading the World's first expert review...
Epson has issued a free firmware update for its P6000 and P7000 Photoviewers, which enables tethered shooting with the Nikon D90, D300, D700, D3, D3X and Canon EOS 40D, 50D, 5D Mark II, 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III cameras. The new firmware allows images to be captured directly onto the Photoviewer by remotely controlling the firing of the camera shutter up to a distance of seven metres from the camera body. Once a photograph has been taken, the image can be immediately previewed on the Photoviewer’s screen. Photographs are saved to both the camera memory card and the Hard Disk Drive of the Photoviewer, bypassing the process of transferring images whilst simultaneously backing up all photos.
Website: Epson Firmware Update
Canon has issued a firmware upgrade for the Canon EOS 50D digital SLR camera. Version 1.0.7 corrects a phenomenon where captured images may tend to appear somewhat magenta depending on the shooting scene. Plus, it also fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, and Ukrainian menu screens.
Website: Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Canon EOS 50D
The new Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera is one of the big surprises of 2009, offering a multitude of desirable features in a compact, weatherproof body. The K7 is the latest DSLR to feature a HD movie recording mode, in addition to its 14.6 megapixel still images. Other highlights include a dedicated HDR mode, improved 11-point auto-focus, high-res 3 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Can the Pentax K-7 take on and beat the likes of the Nikon D300 and Canon EOS 50D? Read our in-depth review with test shots, JPEGS, RAW files and movie to find out...
The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a new DSLR-like camera that can shoot both still photos and high-definition video. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Panasonic GH1 takes all the good points of the original G1 camera and adds a plethora of advanced movie-making functionality into the mix. Available now in black, red and gold for $1499.95 / £1299.99, Mark Goldstein finds out if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is the best ever DSLR / video camera.
The newest update to Mac OS X Leopard, version 10.5.7, adds system-level raw support for 14 new cameras and digital backs. These include four Leaf cameras and backs, six DSLRs, two interchangeable-lens rangefinders and two advanced compacts. Click through / read on for the full list of newly added cameras and backs.
The Canon EOS 500D is the latest DSLR camera to jump on the HD video bandwagon, offering 1080p and 720p quality settings. Also known as the Digital Rebel T1i, the successor to the EOS 450D features a 15 megapixel CMOS sensor, 940,000 dot 3-inch LCD screen, Live View and ISO range of 100-12800. At $799.99 / £869.99 body only or $899.99 / £969.99 with the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS kit lens, find out if the Canon EOS 500D is the best consumer digital SLR in our expert review.
Andrey Tverdokhleb has announced version 3.9.5 of his Mac-only raw developer, Raw Photo Processor. The new release includes entirely new camera profiles for the Canon 5D MkII, 1Ds MkIII, 50D, the Sony A900, the Olympus E620, E3, E30, the Panasonic G1 and LX3 and more accurate profiles for the Sony A700, A350, A300, A200, A100, the Olympus E410, E420, E510, E520 and the Kodak SLR/c, SLR/n, 14NX, 14N and ProBack. Furthermore, it adds support for the Canon EOS 500D (T1i, KISS X, pictured), the Canon SX1 IS and the Kodak Z1015 IS.
Website: Raw Photo Processor
Canon have released firmware updates for three of its DSLRs, the EOS 50D, 450D (XSi, pictured) and 1000D (XS). In all three cases the new firmware update supports the AF assist beam feature of the new Speedlite 270EX flash, which was introduced alongside the Canon EOS 500D digital SLR a month ago. In addition, the 50D firmware update also changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera and addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon.
Website: Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update Version 1.0.6
Website: Canon EOS 450D Firmware Update Version 1.1.0
Website: Canon EOS 1000D Firmware Update Version 1.0.5
Canon have just unveiled the 15.1-megapixel Canon EOS EOS 500D / Rebel T1i digital SLR. The new camera is the first Rebel to feature HD video capture - 720p at 30fps as well as Full HD 1080p at 20fps. Other highlights include a Digic 4 image processor, 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, a three-inch, 920,000-dot rear screen, Auto Lighting Optimiser, Creative Auto Mode and Live View. Continuous shooting is available at 3.4 frames per second, for up to 170 JPEG or 9 raw images when using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card. The Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments, along with two additional high-speed ISO settings – H1: 6400 and H2: 12800. Live View comes in three flavours, Quick, Live and Face Detection Live. To combat any dust particles that may have settled on its 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / EOS 500D has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i / EOS 500D digital SLR is scheduled for delivery in May, at an estimated body-only price of $799.99. Throwing in an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit zoom will set you back an additional $100. In Europe, the recommended retail price is £869.99 / €999.99 for the body and £969.99 / €1139.99 for the afore-mentioned kit including VAT. There’s also an additional 500D kit with the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens priced at £1399.99 / €1639.99.
Canon USA are offering $200 off the purchase of an EOS DSLR, EF lens and a Speedlite flash. Purchases must be made between February 11, 2009 - March 1, 2009. Qualifying Products:
Cameras - EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 50D, EOS 40D
Lenses - EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
Flash - Speedlite 580EX II
Website: Canon $200 Mail-In Rebate
The new Olympus E-30 is the first mid-range DSLR camera from Olympus, positioned between the cheaper E-520 and more expensive E-3 models. Going head-to-head with the likes of the Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D90, Olympus have decided to try a different approach with the E30 by offering a number of creative possibilities built into the camera. The Olympus E30 offers six Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole), and there’s also a Multiple Exposure mode for combining images and nine separate aspect ratios, all of which can be previewed on the free-angle 2.7” LCD screen. Olympus certainly haven’t forgotten the more traditional features, with fast 11-point autofocus, 5fps sequential shooting, shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec, Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system and built-in image stabilisation all on offer. The Olympus E-30 retails at $1300 / £850 body only or £1200 with the new 14-54 Mark II kit lens. Mark Goldstein gets in touch with his artistic side in our latest in-depth review.
Website: Olympus E-30 Review
DxO Optics Pro 5.3.2 adds support for the Canon 5D Mark II and the Canon G10, along with 32 new DxO Optics correction modules. In addition, this new version includes various improvements, including installation of the plug-in version for Adobe Photoshop CS4. DxO Optics Pro v5.3.2 and upgrades are available immediately for Mac and Windows platforms.
Capture One 4.6 is a new release with improved performance and additional camera support. Processing, Browsing, Folder viewing and Color Editor have all been improved, and the new Camera Controls tool allows users to remotely control key camera settings. New supported cameras include the Phase One P 65+, Canon G10, Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30. Capture One 4.6 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners.
As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our DSLR camera reviews from the past year. There are 20 in-depth reviews in total, which is proof of just how quickly the DSLR market is expanding, and how busy we’ve been this year! You should be able to find the right DSLR camera for you from this round-up.
DxO Optics Pro 5.3.1 adds support for the new Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D90 DSLR cameras. In addition, a 33% discount is available on all DxO Optics Pro editions and upgrades until December 31st 2008, up to 90 € in savings. All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since August 1, 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.
Canon has released a new version of its RAW codec, which lets you view Canon RAW files within Windows. Version 1.5.0 now supports the EOS 50D, EOS 5D Mark II, and PowerShot G10 (pictured) cameras.
Website: Canon RAW Codec 1.4.0
Phase One have released a new version of their RAW workflow software, Capture One 4 Pro. Version 4.5.1 for Windows adds support for Canon EOS 50D and 5D Mark II RAW files, and enhances the general performance of the software.
Website: Capture One 4.5.1
The RAW converter software Silkypix Developer Studio now supports the Nikon D90, Nikon Coolpix P6000, Canon EOS 50D and Leica D-LUX 4 cameras. Version 3.0.25.1 is available as a free upgrade for registered users. Silkypix Developer Studio 3.0 costs $149.00 and a free trial version is available.
Website: Silkypix Developer Studio 3.0.25.1
Apple have just released the Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.3 for Mac OS X 10.4.11 and OS X 10.5.2. This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto ’08 for the following cameras:
Canon EOS 50D, Nikon D90, Sony DSLR-A900, Nikon Coolpix P6000
It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.
Website: Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.3
Canon have launched a new ad campaign, Make Photography New Again, for the new 5D Mark II and 50D DSLR cameras. Photographer Rick Guest was creatively challenged to explore new ways of interpreting four photography themes (light, detail, speed and motion), shooting in and around London, UK. Gregory Kukolj, Marketing Communications Director Canon Europe commented: ”The driving force behind ‘Making Photography New Again’ is the pursuit of powerful images through natural exploration and experimentation of light, detail, speed and motion without post production touch ups.”
Sigma’s range of EO-ETTL II flashguns do not work with the Canon EOS 50D DSLR camera. The Autozoom function does not work properly, and exposure is not set correctly. Sigma are supplying a free-upgrade service to their customers to solve the problem. All new products shipped after today already include the updated firmware.
Canon have released a new firmware update for the EOS 50D digital SLR camera. This firmware update (version 1.0.3) incorporates the following fixes:
1. Corrects a phenomenon in which an image becomes overexposed when C.Fn.II-3 Highlight tone priority is set to “1” together with other camera settings. (This correction has already been incorporated in the Version 1.0.2 and later firmware.
2. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which “busy” blinks on the camera’s display panel and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of battery installation.
3. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which “Err 99” appears on the camera’s display panel and LCD monitor and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of pressing the shutter button.
Website: Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update 1.0.3
Adobe has added RAW file support for 15 digital cameras to Lightroom 2.1 and Camera Raw 5.1, including the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 50D. The Lightroom 2.1 update also includes improvements to Photoshop integration, Web module stability for Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit operating systems, performance with 64-bit Mac OS X 10.5 Macintosh computers, and Keyword migration from Lightroom. In addition, Adobe has released a new set of camera profiles available on Adobe Labs.
DxO Optics Pro v5.3 is a major new release of the automatic image quality enhancement solution for digital SLR and compact camera users. DxO Optics Pro 5.3 adds more RAW support, 64-bit Windows compatibility, support for Adobe Lightroom 2, and new DxO Optics Correction Modules. “The noise removal technology for RAW images featured in DxO Optics Pro 5.3 opens up exciting options to photographers providing them with up to a 2-stop gain at photo capture, as if digital grain never really existed,” says Cyrille de La Chesnais, director of the photography business at DxO Labs. “This translates into a dramatic increase in capture flexibility.”
Adobe have released the final versions of Camera Raw 4.6 and DNG Converter 4.6 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Newly supported camera models in Version 4.6 include:
Canon 1000D (Digital Rebel XS/EOS Kiss F), Canon 50D, Fuji FinePix IS Pro, Kodak EasyShare Kodak Z1015 IS, Leaf AFi II 6, Leaf AFi II 7, Leaf Aptus II 6, Leaf Aptus II 7, Nikon D700, Nikon D90, Nikon Coolpix P6000, Olympus SP-565 UZ, Pentax K2000 (K-m), Sigma DP1, Sony A900
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.6 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.6 (Mac)
Announced just one year after the 40D, the new EOS 50D is Canon’s latest semi-pro DSLR camera. With a price-tag just over £1200 / $1399 body only, the Canon 50D is firmly aimed at the prosumer, who will use it as their main camera, and the pro photographer looking for a reliable and relatively inexpensive backup body. The main headline-grabbing feature is the 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, which makes the 50D the market-leading APS-C camera in terms of megapixel count. Canon have also massively expanded the ISO range, with a top speed of 12800 matching the more expensive Nikon D700 / D3 cameras, while the new Digic 4 processor promises to maintain the usual high image quality that we’ve come to expect from a Canon DSLR. A high-resolution VGA LCD screen, new Live View mode with Face Detection, HDMI connectivity and a number of user interface refinements complete the list of major improvements. Is the Canon EOS 50D a worthy upgrade to the 40D and a real competitor to its closest rival, the Nikon D300? Mark Goldstein found out…
Website: Canon EOS 50D Review
The Canon EF 24mm f1.4L II USM lens is a new fast aperture prime lens. Completely redesigned, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM replaces the original Mark I model. Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Pricing and availability are still to be announced.
We didn’t have long to wait since last week’s leak before Canon made the EOS 50D DSLR official. As per the leaked spec, the new Canon 50D has a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, with an extensive ISO range of 100-12800, which matches the Nikon D700 / D3. Continuous shooting speed of 6.3 frames per second, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, improved Integrated Cleaning System, 9-point AF, 14-bit image processing, a new Live View mode with Face Detection, and a 3.0” Clear View VGA LCD complete the 50D’s headline features. The Canon EOS 50D (body only) is available from the end of September 2008 priced at £1199.99 / €1599.99 / $1399.00, or £1499.99 / €1949.99 / $1599.00 with the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens.
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a new 11x zoom lens. Offering an equivalent focal length of 29-320mm, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is designed exclusively for use with EOS cameras featuring an EF-S lens mount. The EF-S 18-200mm features a 16 element, 12 group construction, close focusing distance of just 45cm, and 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer. The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is available from the end of September 2008 priced at £549.99 / €729.99 / $699.00.
Canon China have leaked the full specification of a new DSLR camera, the Canon EOS 50D, successor to the popular 40D model (pictured). The eagle-eyed editors over at Photography Bay quickly copied and pasted all the details of the Canon 50D before the product page was pulled down. Apparently the EOS 50D will be a 15 megapixel DSLR with a 3-inch, 920,000 dot LCD screen and ISO range of 100-12800 (rivalling Nikon’s recent DSLRs). Other standout features of the Canon 50D include a magnesium alloy body, new Digic 4 image processor, 6.3fps continuous shooting, and Live View mode.
Website: Photography Bay - Canon EOS 50D
