Firmware update for Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 5D Mark II

New firmware update for Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 5D Mark II. Version 1.1.0 and 2.0.9 respectively will correct some minor bugs / translation errors and also improve write/read speeds with CF cards.

EOS-1D Mark IV Changes (download here )

This firmware update (Version 1.1.0) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
  2. Fixes a phenomenon that occurs when using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards: If either a CF card with only a little available space remaining or the battery is removed and then reinserted into the camera, and then the user attempts to start shooting movies immediately, shooting may stop.
  3. Corrects some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese.

EOS 5D Mark II Changes ( download here )

This firmware update (Version 2.0.9) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

  1. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
  2. Fixes a phenomenon that occurs when custom function C.Fn III-2 is set to [5: IS start] to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens: When used with lenses that do not have an AF stop button, the IS function will not work.
  3. Corrects some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai.

Canon 5D Mark II Body Only is currently in-stock on Amazon for $2700 ( check )

Sony SLT A35 and NEX C3 Full Specifications Leaked

I guess it becomes normal that full camera specs will be leaked just before the announcement date. And now , via PhotoRumors, we have full specs of Sony SLT A35 and Sony NEX C3 :

sony-a35-and-nex-c3

Sony NEX C3:

  • Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with aprox. 16.2 effective megapixels
  • BIONZ image processing engine
  • Contrast-detection AF (25-point Multi / Center / Flexible Spot)
  • 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec. shutter speeds
  • 200-12800 ISO sensitivity settings
  • 49-segment Multi, Center-wighted average, and Spot metering modes
  • HD movie recording (MP4, 1280 x 720p)
  • 3-inch, 921,000-dot, tiltable Xtra Fine LCD monitor with TruBlack technology
  • iAuto (intelligent Auto) mode
  • Scene Selection modes
  • Photo Creativity modes )Background Defocus ? Color ? Brightness / etc.)
  • Picture Effect (Toy Camera / Pop Color / Posterization / Retro Photo / High-key / Partial Color / High Contrast Monochrome, see previous Photo Rumors post on the new picture effects)
  • Face-detection AF/AE/AWB and Smile Shutter (for still photos only)
  • Creative Style
  • Auto HDR
  • D-Range Optimizer
  • Soft Skin Effect
  • 5.5 fps Speed Priority Continuous shooting
  • 10x precision digital zoom
  • Sweep Panorama / 3D Sweep Panorama modes
  • Anti-dust system
  • Customizable Soft Keys
  • Shooting Tips and Help Guide
  • MF assist and Peaking function
  • Grid lines
  • MS Duo / SDXC multi memory card slots
  • HDMI, PhotoTV HD, and BRAVIA Sync support
  • Hi-speed USB 2.0 support
  • Smart accessory terminal
  • Automatic LCD monitor brightness control
  • Eye-Fi ready
  • Built-in stereo microphone and monaural speaker
  • 400-shot battery life

Sony a35:

  • Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting
  • 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors
  • Quick AF movies (AVCHD: 1920 x 1080)
  • Quick AF Live View (with the main image sensor)
  • Tru-Finder with 100% frame coverage
  • High-quality, Xtra Fine LCD monitor (TruBlack)
  • Newly developed 16.2 MP, Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • Fast, high-quality BIONZ image processing engine
  • Wide ISO range: ISO 100 –12800
  • Multi Frame NR (equivalent to max. ISO 25600)
  • Auto HDR
  • D-Range Optimizer
  • Hand-held Twilight
  • 11 Picture Effect types
  • 2D / 3D Sweep Panorama
  • AUTO+ (AUTO Advanced) mode
  • Creative Style settings
  • 1200-zone evaluative metering
  • Compact and 433 g lightweight
  • Face detection AF
  • Built-in SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization
  • Grid display
  • Built-in anti dust system

 

Samsung medium format camera rumor

Very interesting rumor come from mirrorlessrumors.com’s source about Samsung’s new medium format camera. According to the source, Samsung is about to finish their new camera (currently in phase 2 of 3 ) and will make an announcement soon. And we also got some specs:

  • 36mm x 36mm square sensor
  • 3 sensor type will be available : 18 mp and two 34mp sensor
  • It has a shorter lens-sensor distance than other medium format cameras
  • in-progress, AF lenses, EVF and optional accessories like grip, flash and screen

The price will be competitive. Less than Pentax 645D ( $9900 ) and similar to pro full-frame DSLRs from Nikon/Canon.

source : mirrorlessrumors

Sony A580 review by DPReview

DPReview finally published their full review on Sony A580 DSLR.  This is interesting camera because many people thought that its sensor is also used by Nikon D7000 (and D5100) . DxOMark test results on both cameras are also similar ( see )

The Sony DSLR-A580 is an excellent all-round performer but also offers a range of innovative features. It’s a great alternative to more ‘traditional’ DSLRs and Sony’s unique dual live view system makes it the ideal compromise for those who like the option of shooting in live view but can’t or don’t want to live without an optical viewfinder.

Read the full review

another news on Sony A850 : according to B&H , Sony already discontinued the product. Another room from new camera? sony A950 perhaps :)

Nikon D5100 Amazon Instant Rebate

Save up to $100 by buying Nikon D5100+Kit and one of two lenses : Nikkor 55-200mm or Nikkor 55-300mm. Offer valid until May 28th, so quick .. only 5 days left.

d5100-amazon-rebate

click to see how it works

Sony A77 latest info: price and release date

According to SonyAlphaRumor’s source , Sony will announce the Sony Alpha A77 on July 7th, 2011. The price will be competitive , $1099 with Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.

To give you an idea , here are prices from Sony camera with “translucent mirror technology”

with that price tag, the camera will be a serious competitor for Nikon D7000. can’t wait to see the review

sony-a77-prototype

Sony A77 camera prototype

via SAR

Sony NEX C3 leaked menus and promo

Plenty of leaked Sony NEX C3 photos : menus and promo/ads. The camera also available in three different colors: white, black and pink. Sony NEX C3 will be announced at June 3rd, 2011 along with Sony Alpha A35 , 30mm f/3.5 macro lens and new External Flash for Sony NEX.

sony-nex-c3-menus

Menus : defocus function, creative style, liveview

Read more »

new Lumix GF camera already?

According to 43rumor’s source , Panasonic will announce a new GF camera and also the highly anticipated 25mm f/1.4 Leica branded lens soon. What could it be ? GF2 is only 6 months old and already being replaced ? No further info about the rumor but 43rumors feel confident that it’s 99% true. I think it could be

  • an improved version of GF2 with new G3′s sensor .. GF2s ??
  • completely new camera , GF3 ??

can’t wait to see more rumors about it :)

via 43rumors

AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G will be released earlier

According to Nikon Japan , AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G will be released earlier than expected. New release date will be June 2nd, 2011. Previous Nikon USA press release stated that the expected date for lens availability is June 16th, 2011.

nikon-afs-50mm-f1.8

The lens is still available for pre-order at Amazon , B&H , and Adorama