Canon Rebel T2i DSLR might debut some time next week

While it’s not confirmed yet, rumors are spreading that Canon  might announce a new digital SLR model, the EOS Rebel T2i, as soon as next week.

A follow-up to the Canon Rebel T1i, Canon Rumors is reporting (based on an unknown source) that the T2i will apparently have an improved LCD screen with higher resolution, a new battery and a customizable FPS setting for video recording. There might even be a new shape for the latest model in the traditional Rebel series. How rebellious.

However, no one seems convinced on the new SLR coming with an articulating screen.

(Credit: ZDNet.com)

Join for discussion at canonrumors.com

Canon celebrates production of 50 million EF lenses

The FINANCIAL — Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced on January 29 the achievement of a new EF lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company’s 50-millionth lens, an EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the company’s Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four production facilities including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in Japan. EF lenses reached the 10-million-unit milestone after approximately eight and a half years in production, followed by the 40-million-unit mark in April of 2008. Owing to the popularity of the EOS Digital series, production then increased 10 million units to reach the current 50-million-unit milestone in December 2009 after a mere one year and eight months.

Read more at finchannel.com

Canon Earnings Outlook Lift Japan Stocks

Japan stock indexes gained 1.6% as Canon reported better-than-forecasted fourth quarter results.
The camera maker said net profit rose five-fold in the December quarter to 61.56 billion yen from 11.62 billion yen in the same period a year earlier.
Canon projects that its net profit to increase 52% to 200 billion on an 8% sales increase to 3.45 trillion yen.

Read more at 123jump.com

Canon issues EOS-1D Mark IV firmware update

Canon has posted a firmware update for its latest professional DSLR, the EOS-1D Mark IV. Firmware version 1.0.6 enhances autofocus tracking performance of the camera in specific circumstances. The firmware is available for immediate download from Canon’s website.

Go to firmware download page

(Credit : DPReview)

Tokina AT-X 116 11-16mm f/2.8 the first alpha mount lens

Tokina has launched its first lens in Sony’s Alpha mount. The AT-X 116 Pro DX 11-16 mm f/2.8 lens will be available in Japan from from February 24th, 2010 at an approximate retail price of ¥94,500 (around US $1046 / RM3560). This announcement means Tokina becomes the last of the big three third-party lens makers to support the Sony format.

Press release (Japanese)

(Credit: DPreview)

First Nikon centre opens its doors in Malaysia

The largest Nikon centre in Malaysia as well as in South-East Asia opened at Berjaya Times Square, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang in January 2010.

The centre, which spans 2,700sq ft, is a one-stop venue for amateurs and professionals alike to get up close and experience the latest Nikon cameras and accessories.

Read news release at The Star press

Credit: DPReview

5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. The lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters’ photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use

As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

Read more / See specifications at DPReview

View the MTF Charts comparisons between Canon 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, IS and IS II at the-digital-picture.com

We jingles you away with lotsa attractive prices. Range from DIGITAL SLR PRO to COMPACT. Enjoy superb crazy prices from the period of 14th – 26th December 2009. See you there!!

You may visit their Facebook group to find out more.

PS: We are not affiliated with any merchants on this website. We are just doing good deeds spreading the news around benefiting the masses!

PRESS RELEASE: The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM.

This large aperture standard zoom lens offers an aperture of F2.8 at the 17mm focal length and is ideal for many situations such as portraits, sports, macro and general photography. The OS (Optical Stabiliser) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an anti-shake function. As the compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. The maximum aperture of F2.8 produces an attractive background blur and improves autofocus speed.

This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 22cm (8.6 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, making it ideal for close-up photography. It is possible to focus as close as approximately 4.7cm from the tip of the lens to the subject making this lens particularly useful for close-up photography.

Three aspherical lenses and one ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass element 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 and provides high contrast images. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high speed AF. This lens has a rounded 7 blade diaphragm which creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarising filters.

Credit to Canon Rumors

mylensdb’s take on this lens

The release of Sigma 17-70 OS HSM as the successor of the non-OS version of Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM. This lens would be a good contender against Tamron’s new 17-50mm f/2.8 VC.

In Canon’s world, it sits in between of the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS and the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens.

And what’s interesting here is that it can still it’s stabilizing feature when fitted on bodies with built-in stabilizer feature.

Let’s see how it fares when it gets reviewed later on.

Canon 7D New AutoFocus King…

the 7D “bested every camera on our Auto Focus Torture Test when using the center focus point only. It came in second only to the revamped Canon 1D MKIII when using all 19 focus points. So, if you’re looking for a camera that can pass the autofocus torture test- on a budget- this camera simply can’t be beat.

Read the whole article here.