UPDATE Canon updates firmware for EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 5D Mark II

Canon has updated the firmware for its EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 5D Mark II digital SLRs. Firmware versions 1.1.0 and 2.0.9 respectively both improve read/write speeds with UDMA 7-compatible CF cards, and also correct minor bugs and menu language errors. The firmware will be available for download from Canon's regional websites. EOS-1D Mark IV Changes This firmware update (Version 1.1.0) incorporates the following improvements and fixes. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards. 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. Corrects some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese. EOS 5D Mark II Changes This firmware update (Version 2.0.9) incorporates the following improvements and fixes. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards. 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. Corrects some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai. Firmware updates will be available from the software download page of the Canon support area of each country's web site. Buy the Canon EOS 7D from Amazon Canon EOS 7D $2,799.00 Canon EOS 7D $2,479.95 Canon EOS-7D 18-55 IS $1,949.95 Canon EOS 7D SLR Digital Camera Body Only $1,860.00 Canon EOS 7D 18MP SLR Digital Camera + Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens + Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite + 16GB CF + Tripod + Hard Case + Remote Shutter Release + Combined 10-Year Digital SLR & Lens Warranty + Willoughby's Dental/Medical Accessory Package $3,995.00

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REVIEW Just Posted: Our review of the Sony DSLR-A580

Just Posted:  Our review of the Sony DSLR A580. With all the progress Sony has been making with its mirrorless and 'translucent' mirror technologies, it's easy to overlook the company's continued development of its two-sensor liveview DSLRs. The A580 is the latest (and possibly last?) in a line that started with the promising but quirky A350. The A550 was a big step forwards for these feature-packed enthusiast DSLRs and the A580 takes this progress further with the addition of Sony's excellent 16MP sensor. Offering all the usual Sony processing cleverness - such as sweep panorama, in-camera HDR and multi-shot noise reduction - the only apparent cloud in its sky is the existence of the less expensive, full-time liveview sister model, the SLT A55. So, with an in-house competitor threatening to steal the A580's liveview crown, can its more conventional DSLR design offer the best of both worlds? Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 Review Review based on a production Sony DSLR-A580 with firmware version 1.11 The Sony DSLR-A580 is near-identical in terms of design and operation to its predecessor the DSLR-A550, and in terms of image quality very similar to its sister-model the SLT-A55. For this review we have therefore slightly shortened our usual review format, concentrating on the differences to the A550 and A55 respectively. To learn everything about the camera you are interested in, we recommend reading not only this review but also the full reviews of the DSLR-A550 and SLT-A55. The Sony DSLR-A580 was announced, together with the SLT-A55, in August 2010. In Sony's slightly convoluted DSLR line-up it is firmly located in the mid-level bracket, competing with cameras such as the Canon EOS 600D/Rebel T3i and Nikon D5100. Both the A580 and the A55 continue Sony's tradition of designing cameras which are 'a bit different' from the rest. This is especially true for the A55 which, with its translucent fixed mirror and electronic viewfinder, can't even technically be called an SLR. The subject of our review though, the DSLR-A580, comes with a moving mirror and is therefore more of a 'traditional' SLR, but its second live view mode still sets it apart from the more conventional competitors. Like its predecessor, the DSLR-A550, the camera uses a small secondary sensor in the viewfinder to provide live view with fast phase-detection AF, but can also utilize the slower but higher-resolution main-sensor live view system used by all other manufacturers, albeit only with very slow contrast-detect AF. The unusual live view concept is not the only element that the new model has taken over from its predecessor. The A580 body is, apart from some minor changes to the button layout and the color of the top plate (black vs gray), visually indistinguishable from the A550. Inside the body shell it is a different story. The A550 captures its images on the same 16.2MP CMOS sensor that we were pretty impressed with in our SLT-A55 review. With the new sensor the camera also gains a few new features, such as 1080p full-HD video, a sweep-panorama mode and a multi-frame ISO 25600 mode, all of which are available on the A-55 as well. In essence the DSLR-A580 offers an A55 image pipeline in an A550 body which makes it, at least on paper, an ideal solution for those who like the new Sony 16.2 MP sensor's image output but prefer a more traditional DSLR design with an optical viewfinder over the A55's EVF and translucent mirror. The two-mode live view One of the most notable features of the new camera is one that has been taken over from its predecessor - the second live view mode. The A580 sports a small secondary sensor in the viewfinder to provide live view with fast phase-detection AF, but can also utilize the slower but higher-resolution main-sensor live view system used by all other manufacturers. Contrast detect AF is now available in this latter mode which as a consequence is now called 'Focus Check Live View' (as opposed to MF Check Live View). Live view Optical Viewfinder Focus Check Live view Roll your mouse over the above images to see how the light path is redirected between the viewfinder and live view sensor. With the mirror in the up position, the Focus Check mode does not direct any light to the AF sensor at the bottom of the camera and hence can only focus using the slower contrast-detect method. Sony A580 - key specifications 16.2MP (effective) APS HD CMOS sensor Maximum ISO 12,800 (with a quasi-ISO 25,600 'Multi-frame NR' option) 15-point AF system with 3 cross-type AF points Contrast-detect AF in focus check live view mode Electronic level in LCD with pitch/roll indicator Switchable Memory Stick/SD card slots (only one in use at any time) Up to 7fps continuous shooting rate 1080p AVCHD movie mode with continuous AF Hinged 3 inch LCD with 921k dots 3D sweep-panorama Socket for external microphone Face-detection AF (focus via nearest phase-detection AF point) At the same time as the DSLR-A580 Sony also launched the sister model A560. The only difference between the two models is the imaging sensor. The A560 captures its images on a 14.2 MP CMOS sensor instead of the A580's 16.2 MP. Foreword / notes If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used). Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author, we recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision. Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of them, click to display a larger image in a new window. To navigate this article simply use the next / previous page buttons or jump to a specific page by using the drop-down list in the navigation bar at the top of the page. You can support this site by ordering through the affiliate links shown at the bottom of each page (where available). This article is protected by Copyright and may not be reproduced in part or as a whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author. Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.   Print Share: Next > Buy the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 from Amazon Sony DSLR-A580/L $1,399.00 Sony DSLR-A580/L $1,349.00 Sony DSLR-A580/L $1,349.00 Sony DSLR-A580/L $1,349.00 Sony DSLR-A580/L $1,299.00 Click here to view all listings      Support this site, buy the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 from affiliate retailers Adorama Sony DSLR-A580 $899.99 Dell Home Sony DSLR-A580 $899.99 Vanns.com Sony DSLR-A580 $899.00 Buydig.com Sony DSLR-A580 $899.00 Adorama Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens $799.99

CAMERA NEWS Hasselblad H4D-200MS offers 200 megapixel multi-shot images

Hasselblad has announced a camera capable of producing 200MP images based on shifting its 50MP sensor. The H4D-200MS uses an extension of the company's sensor-shift, multi-shot (MS) technology to create a 200 megapixel file from six images taken at slight offsets. It can also use the four-shot mode used by the H4D-50MS that shifts the sensor by one pixel in each direction to capture all colors at each position. The latest approach adds 1/2pixel offsets to increase the captured resolution to 200MP. The H4D-200MS is available for €32,000 or as a €7,000 factory-return upgrade for H4D-50MS owners. Press Release: Hasselblad Launches the New H4D-200MS Hasselblad's latest multi-shot camera, which delivers unprecedented 200 megapixel files, is currently shipping. Upgrades for H4D-50MS cameras are also available. After careful testing for stability and color accuracy, the H4D-200MS - first announced at Photokina last September - is now available. Based on the H4D-50MS platform, the new camera is capable of creating 200 megapixel files for the ultimate in resolution. Since 2000, Hasselblad has continuously developed its multi-shot technology. In 2008, the company announced the first integrated multi-shot camera—the H3DII-39MS—which was followed more recently by the H4D-50MS. As a further development of the H4D-50MS technology, the H4D-200MS utilizes Hasselblad's patented piezo frame module, which now captures 6 shots and combines them into an astounding 200 megapixel file. Designed for studio photographers whose work requires the ultimate in resolution, extremely fine details and exact color information, the H4D-200MS is ideal for capturing images of stationary items such as cars, jewelry, artwork and other high end products where there is no room for compromise in image quality. In addition to its extended multi-shot capabilities, the H4D-200MS offers standard multi-shot and single-shot modes as well. Naturally, this extraordinary capture device offers all the benefits of the H4D family of cameras such as True Focus, Ultra Focus and Digital Lens Correction, to name just a few. The H4D-200MS is available now for 32.000 Euro (plus tax). H4D-50MS owners have the option of upgrading their systems for 7.000 Euro (plus tax) by sending the camera to the factory in Copenhagen, Denmark. While the camera is being converted, the service team will make sure that the firmware and hardware is updated to ensure that the piezo modules' strict tolerances, which are necessary for precise multi-shot capture, are met. For more information, please visit: www.hasselblad.com/H4D-200MS

CAMERA NEWS Leica announces V-Lux 30 superzoom compact

Leica has announced the V-Lux 30 superzoom compact featuring an image-stabilized wideangle 16x zoom lens (24-384mm equivalent). The camera also offers 1080i Full HD movie recording in the AVCHD format, 10fps continuous shooting at full 14.1MP resolution, built-in GPS, and can generate 3D images. Rounding off the features set is a 3" touch-sensitive screen. The V-Lux 30 comes complete with Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 software, and will be available from June 2011 at a price of £550. Jump to: Press Release Specifications Press Release: NEW: THE LEICA V-LUX 30 The universal compact camera for carefree photography Solms, Germany (May 26, 2011) - Leica Camera AG presents a new digital compact camera featuring a 15.1 megapixel sensor (14.1 MP effective) – the Leica V-Lux 30. In comparison to its forerunner model, the new camera has a Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with an extended range of focal lengths and a new LCD touch screen display that guarantees fast and simple handling. Together with its numerous automatic features and manual setting options, this makes the Leica V-Lux 30 a compact and universal camera for the whole family. Additionally, its integrated GPS function and video recording in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD make it the ideal companion for all life’s moments from the family vacation to the backyard barbeque. The Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.3 - 68.8 mm f/3.3-5.9 ASPH. 16x zoom lens has an extended range of focal lengths equivalent to 24 to 384 mm in 35-mm format. Thanks to this high performance lens, the Leica V-Lux 30 delivers outstanding image quality and covers a wide range of photographic opportunities, ranging from wide-angle and macro shots to telephoto shots of distant subjects. The newly developed 1/2.33" CMOS sensor of the Leica V-Lux 30 guarantees outstanding image quality and allows photographers to capture image sequences with the camera’s fast, continuous shooting mode. The Leica V-Lux 30 enables consecutive burst shooting at a rate of ten frames per second at a full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with reduced resolution in a choice of individual aspect ratios. This allows users to reliably capture fast moving subjects - for example when shooting sports or wildlife. Its brand new 3D mode lets users take fascinating, creative images. In this mode, the camera combines two suitable shots from a sequence in a “stereo image pair” and saves them as a 3D image in MPO format. An outstanding feature, the Leica V-Lux 30’s video recording mode offers performance comparable to that of digital camcorders. Particularly, the video mode records in efficient, 1080i-AVCHD-Full-HD format with the entire 16x zoom range available during video recording and an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack. As with the complete Leica portfolio, the V-Lux 30 is characterized by timelessly elegant styling and extremely easy handling. With the new 3" LCD touch screen, many camera features can now be controlled simply by touching the screen with a fingertip. This generously dimensioned screen has a diagonal of approximately three inches and displays images in outstanding brilliance with a resolution of 460,000 pixels. This provides users with an ideal tool for reliable and precise assessment of images both during composition and after capture. Thanks to the integrated GPS function, the camera records the geographical coordinates of the location and the local time for every shot and saves them in the Exif data of the image files. When travelling, the V-Lux 30 can also display the sightseeing highlights of the immediate neighborhood (1,000,000 so-called “Points of Interest”). Images posted on social networks, image portals and map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth reveal exactly when and where they were shot.* The Leica V-Lux 30 will be available from Leica dealers beginning June 2011. The camera is supplied with an extensive software package comprising Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 9 for still image processing and Adobe® Premiere® Elements 9, especially designed for video processing. There is also a choice of two different camera cases: The strong and resilient leather case and the soft leather case. * It is possible that GPS tagging may not function in the People’s Republic of China and neighboring regions. Satellite signal reception may be impossible, depending on the location. In such cases, the positioning data may be recorded inaccurately or not at all. Leica V-Lux 30 specifications Lens • Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.3 - 68.8 mm f/3.3-5.9 ASPH • 24 – 384 mm 35 mm equivalent • 12 elements / 10 groups • 6 Aspherical surfaces in 3 elements Image Stabilization MEGA O.I.S. Lens-shift stabilization Digital Zoom 4x Focusing Modes • Normal • Macro • Continuous focusing On/Off Metering modes • Face Detection • AF Tracking • Multi point • 1 point • Spot • Touch Field Focusing range • 50 cm (wide-angle) / 2 m (tele) - infinity (P/A/S/M) • 3 cm (wide-angle) / 1 m  (tele) - infinity (Macro / intelligent / auto / movie) Sensor • 1/2.33" CMOS • 15.1MP total pixels • 14.1MP effective pixels Image sizes 16:9: • 4320 x 2432 • 3648 x 2056 • 3072 x 1728 • 2560 x 1440 • 1920 x 1080 • 640 x 360 3:2 • 4320 x 2880 • 3648 x 2432 • 3072 x 2048 • 2560 x 1712 • 2048 x 1360 • 640 x 424 4:3 • 4320 x 3240 • 3648 x 2736 • 3072 x 2304 • 2560 x 1920 • 2048 x 1536 • 640 x 480 1:1 • 3232 x 3232 • 2736 x 2736 • 2304 x 2304 • 1920 x 1920 • 1536 x 1536 • 480 x 480 3D • 1920 x 1080 (MPO format) Movie clips 16:9 format AVCHD • 1080i: 1920 x 1080 pixels  (max. 60 min per clip) • 720p: 1280 x 720 pixels (max. 60 min per clip) Motion JPEG • 16:9 format: 1280 x 720 pixels (max. 30 min per clip) • 4:3 format: 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels  (max. 30 min per clip) Exposure modes • Program mode (P) • Aperture priority (A) • Shutter Speed priority (S) • Manual Setting (M) Exposure compensation • ±2 EV • 1/3 EV steps Scene modes Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sens., High-Speed-Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo, Pin Hole, Film Grain, Photo Frame, High Speed Movie Metering modes • Multi-field • Centre weighted • Spot White balance • Auto • Daylight • Cloudy • Shade • Halogen • Manual Sensitivity • Auto ISO • Intelligent ISO • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 Shutter speeds • 60s-1/4000s • Starry Sky mode: 15s/30s/60s Continuous shooting • 2 fps: max. number 100 / 14 MP max. resolution • 5 fps: max. number 100 / 14 MP max. resolution • 10 fps: max. number 15 / 14 MP max. resolution • 40 fps: max. number 50 / 5 MP max. resolution • 60 fps: max. number 60 / 3.5 MP max. resolution Flash modes • AUTO • AUTO with pre-flash (red-eye reduction) • AUTO with slower shutter speeds and pre-flash • On • Off Flash range • 60 cm – 5.0 m [W/ISO Auto] • 1.0 -2.8 m [Tele/ISO Auto] Self timer • 2 or10 sec delay LCD display • 3.0” TFT-LCD • A pprox. 460,800 pixels • Touch screen functionality Microphone Stereo Speaker Mono Storage • Approx. 18 MB internal memory • SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards Connectivity • Mini-HDMI (type C) • USB 2.0 • AV output (NTSC/PAL) GPS • Geodetic Data System: WGS84 • 1 Mio. Points of Interest Operating conditions • 0-40°C • 10-80% humidity Battery • BP-DC7 Li-Ion • 3.6 V / 895 mAh • 260 pictures according to CIPA standards Dimensions (WxDxH) • 104.9 x 57.6 x 33.4 mm • 4.13 x 2.27 x 1.31 in Weight 219 g / 7.72 oz (with memory card & battery) PictBridge Yes Supplied accessories • Battery charger (Leica BC-DC7) • Lithium-Ion Battery (Leica BP-DC7) • Carrying strap • AV cable • USB cable • Software DVDs • CD with long instructions (PDF) • Printed short instruction manuals • Touch Pen Supplied Software • Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 9 • Adobe® Premiere® Elements 9