Canon has announced its intention to acquire the .canon gTLD (generic Top Level Domain) Name.

Think Tank Photo has launched a huge new equipment case - the Logistics Manager.
 
The Logistics Manager is available now from Think Tank Photo. I want one.

ISO 12233 Chart results, measurements, product images (for comparison) and some additional product images have been added to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review page.
 
I'm not comfortable making any final conclusions yet (and have a second copy of this lens arriving today), but the new lens is looking very good so far.
 
The version II lens is overall, sharper wide open than the version I - you can compare the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS I and II USM Lenses using the mouseover feature in the ISO 12233 chart tool. Increase the focal length for both lenses to see how this improved image quality carries over to extender results. CA (Chromatic Abberation) is also improved - noticeable in the corners (bottom crop) at 200mm.
 
The 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II Lens focuses very fast - even faster than the version I lens. IS is quiet and well-behaved (very little jumping image in viewfinder). Build quality is excellent - though somewhat large, the lens feels great in use.
 
B&H Photo is accepting orders for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens (should ship soon).
 
Adorama is taking preorders.

Adorama has both the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Body and the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Kit in stock!
 
We have seen the with-kit-lens version of the T2i available before, but this is the first body-only version I've seen available. I plan to have the full Canon EOS T2i / 550D DSLR Review online this week.

Canon has posted EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Version 2.0.3 for download.
 
Firmware Version 2.0.3 incorporates five enhancements to the movie function and a fix to the manual sensor cleaning function of the EOS 5D Mark II camera.
 
1. Adds or changes the following movie frame rates.
 
NTSC:
◦1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
◦1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
◦640×480 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
 
PAL:
◦1920×1080 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)
◦1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
◦640×480 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)

 
2. Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels).
 
3. Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure.
 
4. Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies.
 
5. Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.
 
6. Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.)
 
For more about this firmware update, visit the Canon Digital Learning Center's EOS 5D II Firmware Version 2.0.3 page.

Have you seen the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Travel Mug? Canon Canada was using them for promotional purposes at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Here is a video from one lucky mug owner:
 

 
Of course, we all want one. The good news is that these will become available for purchase - at least in Canada (now sold out). (thanks Christian)
 
Henrys still has them available for preorder. I would skip the extended warranty on this one. (thanks Scott)
 
I wonder if the Canon Mini Cooper will be available for purchase.

Sold out in a few minutes: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock.

B&H Photo now has the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock!
 
Sold out: Adorama also has the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens in stock.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted many short Canon EOS 7D Tutorial Videos. View them online - or on your 7D's LCD.

Tamron celebrates their 60th anniversary by announcing the Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens (press release).
 
Notable features of this lens include image stabilization (VC - Vibration Control), ultrasonic focus drive (USD) with full-time manual focusing and a fixed lens size.

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just been updated. There are 119 items showing as available right now and many ship for free.
 
Dig through the Point & Shoot cameras to find many Canon DSLR cameras (including the EOS 5D II and the EOS 7D) and lenses available. Expect like-new gear with a 1 year warranty.

The Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.5.1 Updater is now available for download. (thanks Johnny)

Canon has released a new DSLR camera and lens rebate program with rebate amounts ranging from $15.00 to $1,000.00 with $50.00 - $130.00 being more typical amounts. The new feature to this rebate program is the rebate amount being doubled with the purchase of a 5D Mark II. Also welcome in this round is the Canon EOS 7D ($100.00/$200.00).
 
These are instant rebates available to anyone in the world buying through a Canon USA authorized dealer (B&H Photo). They are in effect from Mar 7, 2010 (Sunday) through Apr 3, 2010. This is an unusual time of the year for a significant Canon rebate program - it is likely in response to Nikon's current rebate program.
 
If you are buying a 7D or 5D Mark II, definitely pick up a Canon PIXMA PRO 9000 printer at the same time - there is a $400 rebate on the combo. Just sell the printer if you don't need/want it.
 
Here is the list of DSLRs, lenses and flashes included in the program along with their respective rebate amounts:
 

Lens	Instant Rebate Amount
Canon EOS 7D	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ EF 70-300mm IS Lens)
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens	$80.00 ($160.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens	$45.00 ($90.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Lens	$80.00 ($160.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens	$100.00 ($200.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens	$130.00 ($260.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens	$30.00 ($60.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens	$65.00 ($130.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 With Softfocus Lens	$35.00 ($70.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM Lens	$500.00 ($1,000.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash	$25.00 ($50.00 w/ 5D Mark II)
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	$25.00 ($50.00 w/ 5D Mark II)

 
Looks like it is a good time to buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark II .
 
As always, you can download the rebate forms (announcements) from the Canon Digital SLR Camera & Lens Rebate page.

A few Rebel T2i image quality comparisons have been added to the Canon EOS T2i / 550D DSLR Review page.

Hot Deal: Adorama has the Canon EOS 7D Refurbished for $1,399.95. (thanks Sean)

B&H Photo has just started accepting orders for the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens.
 
When B&H accepts preorders for a new item, the new item is typically in route to their warehouse and will be ready to ship in the very near future. And, the number of preorders accepted typically matches the incoming inventory quantity. You order, you get the lens - and soon.
 
Amazon.com has also just started accepting orders for the new 70-200mm II.

Canon UK has issued a Canon EOS 5D Mark II Firmware 2.0.3 Press Release.

Lowepro has introduced the Lowepro Toploader Zoom AW (press release) toploading DSLR camera bag series.

Sold Out: Adorama has the Lexar 32GB Professional 300x UDMA Compact Flash Memory Card 2-Pack for only $99.95 shipped!
 
These cards are selling elsewhere for $170+ each - here is Amazon.com's Lexar product page for example.

"This is [snip] to inform you that firmware upgrade 2.0.3 for the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera will be coming in March of 2010. 2.0.3 meets the demands of both professional movie producers and aspiring filmmakers alike by adding 24p video acquisition and changing the 30p video frame rate to 29.97 to comply with TV production standards. In addition, audio capability is enhanced for professional use, adding manual audio level control, and increasing the audio sampling frequency to 48KHz from 44.1KHz.
 
Attached please find an announcement image [snip] with more details.
 
Not responsible for typographical errors. All images and effects are simulated.
 
© 2010 Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon and EOS are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in the United States and may be registered trademarks or trademarks in other countries."
 
Canon U.S.A. PR Team

Gone: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock again.

Canon USA has posted the Digital Photo Pro 3.8.0 Updater to their website.
 
Also available on the same page are EOS Utility 2.8.1, Picture Style Editor 1.7.0 and Original Data Security Tools 1.8.0 Updaters. Select your OS on the landing page to see the available downloads. (thanks Johnny!)

As I'm sure you have already noticed, the site has a new look. The primary change is the addition of the full-width navigation bar at the top of all pages. The news page also gains a new layout with more clear separation between days.
 
Hopefully you find the new look to be an enhancement. The changes made were deep - I have not been able to test every page on the site, so let me know if you find any layout problems. Thanks for your support!

Canon USA explains EOS Movie Plugin-E1 for Final Cut Pro in a new article posted to the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Apple has released Aperture 3.0.1 Updater.
 
This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3, including:
 
Upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture
Importing libraries from iPhoto
Importing photos directly from a camera
Memory usage when processing heavily-retouched photos
Face recognition processing
Adding undetected faces using the Add Missing Face button
Printing pages containing multiple images
Printing photos and contact sheets with borders and metadata
Editing photos using an external editor
Display of images with Definition and Straighten adjustments applied
Zooming photos in the Viewer and in the Loupe using keyboard shortcuts
Accessing Aperture libraries on a network volume Selecting and moving pins on the Places map
Adding and editing custom locations using the Manage My Places window
Switching between masters when working with RAW+JPEG pairs.
 
This update is recommended for all users of Aperture 3.

Adorama has just made the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens available for preorder!
 
I expect this lens to be in high demand and hard to get for a considerable amount of time. Preorder immediately if you think you want one.

Sold Out: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock!

Sold Out: J&R also has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock!
 
Sold Out: Adorama also has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock!

Adorama has the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Kit in stock!

Sold Out: B&H has the new Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Kit in stock!

Canon has posted EOS Rebel T1i / 500D Firmware Update Version 1.1.0
 
Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following fixes and improvements.
 
1. Enhances the reliability of Live View shooting
2. Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, English, and Swedish menu screens

Sigma has announced five new lenses and new optical glass:
 
Sigma APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Lens
Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens
Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens
Sigma FLD ("F" Low Dispersion) Optical Glass

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Captures Super Bowl XLIV (Canon USA Press Release)

I have added a handful of sample images to the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review.

Canon USA has listed a price for the new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens - $2,499.00.
 
I'll make you aware of pre-order opportunities - these should be available soon.

Canon's Digital Photo Pro version 3.8, shipping with the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D, can adjust the angle of an image!
 
DPP could always rotate an image by multiples of 90 degrees, but in version 3.8, it can rotate an image in .01 degree increments (+/- 45 degrees). Leveling horizons and correcting other horizontal and vertical lines no longer requires additional editing software. I personally requested this feature from Canon (I'm sure I'm not the only one who did) - I thought it was the biggest hole in DPP's capabilities. I'm excited to see this feature go live!
 
You can read about the new angle adjustment feature on page 35 of the DPP 3.8 User Manual - it is downloadable from the Canon EOS T2i Download Page on Canon USA's website.

Happy 20th Birthday Adobe Photoshop!

Sold Out: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock!
 
ACT FAST! - These will not last long!

Lowepro has announced an update to the SlingShot AW Series (press release)

A popular lens in its day, the Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Lens has officially been discontinued.

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Owner's Manual (5.6MB PDF) is now available for download.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV: AI Servo AF Custom Function & ISO Speed Settings Guide (5MB PDF)

Canon USA has announced a new EOS Rebel XS instant rebate.
 
From Feb 14th through Mar 13th, you will instantly save $70 on the Canon EOS Rebel XS with EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens Kit. The instant rebate amount increases to $170 if the Canon EF-S 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens or Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens is purchased at the same time.
 
B&H has the Rebel XS Kit for $499.

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D DSLR Camera Review placeholder page is now live on the site with preorder opportunities, eye candy (product images), USA & Europe press releases and comparison images & tables.
 
 
Adorama has Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 for only $199.95. That is $50.00 off the normal price. Of course, keep in mind that version 3 is coming.

Adorama also has the Lowepro Primus Minimus AW Backpack (Black) for only $99.95 ($60 off)

Tamron Celebrates 60th Anniversary (press release)

Get $15 off a $150 purchase at J&R using Coupon Code PRESDAY. Offer is valid February 11 - 16.

Apple has introduced Aperture 3 - with over 200 new features.
 
Apple has also released Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.0 that includes support for Canon mRAW and sRAW files.

Sold Out: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock!
 
ACT FAST! - These will not last long!

Just announced: Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Digital SLR Camera (press release)

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review

Chuck Westfall's January Tech Tips are online at TheDigitalJournalist.

"Canon's EOS E1 video plug-in for Apple's Final Cut Pro was released today. This new plug-in allows simple and easy transfer of video content from Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro. The EOS E1 video plug-in takes advantage of Final Cut Pro’s powerful Log and Transfer feature, which allows users to select and mark the video directly while it is still on the camera, add custom metadata and ingest the clips in the background so the editing can begin immediately.
 
The EOS E1 video plug-in is a free download available at:
 
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/finalcutstudio/.
 
The plug-in is compatible with Final Cut Pro 6 or higher and currently supports Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 1D Mark IV cameras." [Canon USA]

The Canon Refurbished inventory at Adorama has just been updated. There are 112 items showing as available right now and many ship for free.
 
You will find many great Canon DSLR cameras and lenses available including the 5D, 5D II, 50D, T1i, XSi, 1Ds III (only $4,499.95), EF-S 10-22, EF-S 17-55, EF-S 18-200, 24-70 L, 24-105 L, 28-300 L, various 70-200 Ls, 70-300 DO, 100-400 L, 15mm Fisheye, 50 f/1.4, EF-S 60, 85 f/1.8, 100 f/2, 100 Macro (only $499.95), 135 L, 180 L, 400 f/5.6 L, 400 f/2.8 L, 500 f/4 L, Speedlite 430 EX II, Speedlite 580 EX II and many more.
 
Expect like-new gear with a 1 year warranty - Act fast - the good gear doesn't last long.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens will now be arriving in April (not late March) according to Canon USA's website.
 
We also have a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens price. Unfortunately for those of us in the USA, the price, listed on the Canon Japan website, is in Japanese Yen - ￥300,000 to be specific. Don't run off to a currency converter to figure out what you will be required to pay - the USA lens price will be much lower than the conversion rate suggests.

The-Digital-Picture.com is now hosted in a new data center.
 
I donned my IT hat this past week and migrated the site to a new physical location. The site is now running on multiple, load-balanced servers in a scaleable configuration at a closer-to-tier 1 data center. Images continue to be served from Amazon's S3 service (for performance reasons) and the forums remain on their same server.
 
While not everything went smoothly, hopefully the only change you have noticed is that site pages load faster. The small percentage of you that were having trouble viewing images should no longer have this problem.

On a side note, I'm loving my Mark IV. I'll try to get the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review completed this week.

PocketWizard has announced a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee Promotion in USA

Canon celebrates production of 50 million EF lenses (press release)

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Firmware v1.0.6 is now available.
 
This firmware update (Version 1.0.6) incorporates the following enhancement.
 
1. Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance.*
 
* AF performance has been enhanced for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens was $1,049.00 $999.00 but is now only $944.00 shipped at J&R and $949.00 at at B&H Photo. (thanks neuroanatomist)

J&R has the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens for only $1,699.00 shipped.
 
 
Exercising great timing (it is flooding in large parts of the US right now), Think Tank Photo has introduced the Hydrophobia 70-200 (press release)

Announced: 3 4 new Kenko TelePlus DGX Teleconverters (press release)

Canon Europe has made an announcement regarding a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV firmware update that is coming in the next week or so. Here is the information provided by Canon Europe:
 
FAQ: Announcement regarding AF tracking performance of the EOS-1D Mk IV
As a result of further enhancement, Canon is working to release a firmware update for the EOS-1D Mark IV. This firmware update further enhances the AF tracking performance and is scheduled to be available for download from the Web starting from late January.
 
We will update this announcement on once this firmware update is ready for download.
 
Details of the enhancement: Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance of the EOS-1D Mark IV for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.
 
Support: Once the new firmware is ready for download, this announcement will be updated.

Deal: The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens is now only $1,059.00 shipped ($140 off the 2-week-ago price) at B&H Photo and J&R. (thanks Chris)

Canon last week announced the Story Beyond the Still Digital Image Contest with Vincent Laforet and Vimeo.
 
I'm sure this will not be an easy contest to win, but the prizes are nice. Winning will be a great way to gain exposure.

The Adorama 5D II deal has been sweetened - an additional LP-E6 battery is now included along with the SanDisk 16GB Extreme IV CF Card and Slinger Camera Bag:
 
Canon EOS-5D Mark II Body Kit - $2,439.00 shipped
Canon EOS-5D Mark II Body + 24-105mm L IS Lens Kit - $3,239.00 shipped
(prices are after $60 SanDisk MIR for a Visa prepaid card)
 
Again, you will want to order the Canon PIXMA Pro 9000 Mark II Inkjet Photo Printer at the same time to get the $400 rebate.

Deal: The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens was $1,199.00 on Tuesday - It is only $1,099.00 ($100 off) right now at: B&H Photo and Adorama.
 
Or save another $100 by purchasing the Refurbished by Canon version of this lens.

Deal: The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens was $1,049.00 but is now only $999.00 ($50 off) at B&H Photo and Adorama.
 
(thanks to Bill for the deal notices)

The Canon rebates end on January 16th.
 
Canon Zoom Lens Reviews
Canon Lens Reviews
Canon EF-S Lens Reviews
Flash & Lighting Accessory Reviews

Bogen Imaging Rebrands Internationally as Manfrotto Distribution (press release - thanks Greg)
 
Manfrotto Distribution U.S. Named Master Distributor for Datacolor's Spyder Calibration Solutions (press release)

You will love the sound of this: A Canon EOS 1D Mark IV 10 fps Burst (MP3).
 
In case you were not able to count the frames, that was 34 shots in RAW format.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II has just seen a $200 price drop! Here are the best deals:
 
Adorama has the Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body Kit with SanDisk 16GB Extreme IV CF Card and Slinger Camera Bag for $2,439.00 shipped after $60 SanDisk MIR (Visa prepaid card).
 
Add the excellent $1,199.00 Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for only $800 more (a $399.00 savings) - Adorama has the Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body + 24-105mm L IS Lens Kit with SanDisk 16GB Extreme IV CF Card and Slinger Camera Bag for $3,239.00 shipped after $60 SanDisk MIR (Visa prepaid card).
 
You will want to order the Canon PIXMA Pro 9000 Mark II Inkjet Photo Printer at the same time. The price of the printer is $446.95 but the 5D II/printer combo then qualifies for a $400 rebate. Sell the printer if you don't need/want it.
 
The 5D II in Refurbished by Canon condition is $2,199.95.

Sold Out: B&H has the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV in stock!
 
ACT FAST! - These will not last long!

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review page has been updated with resolution and color block noise comparisons.

B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D + 18-55mm IS + 75-300mm III Lenses for only $509.90 shipped.
 
The $669.98 price will show on the B&H product pages but the deal price will show in the shopping cart.

Canon has announced three new Wireless File Transmitters (press release).
 
The new WFTs are for the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon EOS 7D.

Reminder: The Canon rebates end on January 16th.
 
Lens and flash deals seldom get better than when there is a rebate available for them. If a Canon EF 200mm f/2 L IS USM Lens is on your to-buy list, don't miss the $500 instant rebate available right now.

Just announced: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens (press release)
 
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens Review placeholder page is now on the site with product images, an MTF chart comparison, specifications and press releases (USA & Europe).

Now we likely know the update that caused many of the lenses to disappear from Canon's site. And a retraction on my part ... I said yesterday that your favorite lens was not discontinued. Well, if your favorite lens was the same as mine (though I have many favorite lenses) - the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens, it indeed has been discontinued! The good news for current owners is that the new lens will likely be significantly more expensive than the already-excellent current model. Thus the value of the original 70-200 f.2.8 L IS will remain high.
 
I'm excited about the new model - It looks very nice and has an excellent MTF graph. I expect this lens to be a big hit and hard to get. I'll let you know when preorders begin to be taken.

Firsthand news: The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is shipping in the USA.
 
I expect this body to remain hard to get in the near future.

Many new sample pictures from various lenses and cameras have been added to the site. Some image pages have short tips included.
 
 
Some of you have noticed that a significant number of lenses are missing from the Canon USA website at this moment. You can rest assured that your favorite lens has not been discontinued - Canon USA has "... identified the issue and will have it fixed as soon as possible".

The new (and very nice - I have all three) Lowepro Toploader Pro camera cases are now readily available. B&H's Used Department is clearing out the remaining also-nice original Lowepro Toploaders in new condition and at nice prices.

The Tamron Cold Cash Winter 2010 Rebate Program (PDF rebate form) has been announced.