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Speedlite 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT issue

When shooting with the Speedlite 600EX-RT and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT, linked shooting and wireless flash shooting with radio transmission will not work in some setting modes when seven or more units are linked. This phenomenon does not occur when six or fewer units are linked. Units with a combination of 3rd and 4th digits in the serial number in the ranges shown below are affected.  ■ Speedlite 600EX-RT: ■ Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT: [xx 01 xxxxxx] ~ [xx 13 xxxxxx] [xx 01 xxxxxx] ~ [xx 03 xxxxxx]  Note:  If the battery compartment of an affected unit contains the marking illustrated below, the product is NOT affected by the phenomenon described above, even if the serial number is within the ranges mentioned above.                 Speedlite 600EX-RT                                    Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT  A repair service will begin on 4 January 2016.  To arrange to have an affected unit inspected and serviced for this phenomenon at no cos

Canon commemorates 80 millionth EOS camera

Canon  has reached a new camera-manufacturing milestone. The combined production of its film and digital EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras surpassed the 80-million mark on November 10, 2015. The 80-millionth camera produced was an EOS 5DS R. Production of Canon EOS SLR cameras began in 1987 and rapidly increased following the spread of digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras in the early 2000s. Introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of autofocus SLRs, EOS cameras were the world’s first to incorporate an electronic mount system enabling complete electronic control throughout the entire camera, not just the lens and body. Canon has successfully maintained the No. 1 share worldwide within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the 12-year period from 2003 to 2014. This new milestone comes after Canon’s EF interchangeable lenses, launched alongside the EOS SLR camera system, celebrated a new manufacturing milestone in June 2015 with the production

Canon winter cashback

Canon is inviting you to capture the action this winter and receive up to £150 on selected products in the UK, as well as the chance to win a VIP trip to St Moritz in Switzerland. Registering with Canon to claim cashback on any of the selected products will give you the chance to win a luxury trip to St Moritz to see and shoot every minute of the thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled action of Skijoring. Whether you're looking to buy the perfect Christmas gift or a new piece of kit for yourself, the cashback is available from 14 October 2015 to 13 January 2016 for eligible products purchased from selected UK or Republic of Ireland retailers. Eligible EOS cameras and lenses and their cashbacks are listed below. To see the entire range in the offer (which also includes PowerShot cameras, Legria video and PIXMA printer), together with the applicable retailers, visit www.canon.co.uk/wintercashback . EOS 6D £100/€135 EOS 70D £60/€80 EOS 760D £50/€70 EOS 750D £50/€70

EOS M10 – DSLR performance in a small package

Canon has announced the EOS M10 – a new Compact System Camera that offers digital single-lens reflex photography in a compact body. Also announced is the EF-M 15-45mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM - a new standard zoom lens for the EOS M10, as well as every other camera in the EOS M range. Clarity and detail in every photo With a DIGIC 6 processor, the EOS M10 picks up more light in every pixel and reduces noise, from the camera’s 18 Megapixel APS-C sized sensor. Thanks to Hybrid CMOS AF II and a 49-point autofocus system, the EOS M10 can focus accurately in an instant and shoot movies with continuous focus. When used with compatible lenses, including the EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, Dynamic IS stabilises camera shake for steady footage when shooting on the move. Intuitive design, customisable control  Inspired by EOS DSLR cameras, the EOS M10 offers intuitive handling via minimalistic controls and a 7.5cm (3.0 inch) LCD touchscreen, with customisable menus allowing you to tailor the

EOS 1200D firmware update

Firmware Version 1.0.1 for the EOS 1200D / EOS Rebel T5 fixes a phenomenon in which the captured image may exhibit uneven exposure when the camera is used with a TS-E 17mm f/4L or TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II lens which is shifted or tilted during shooting. To download the firmware update  visit the Canon website For a full guide to updating your EOS firmware, see EOS magazine October-December 2012 issue,   (available to buy as a back issue for £4.95 from EOS magazine shop) . You can also  download a copy of this article for free .

Firmware update v1.0.5 for EOS 7D Mark II

Canon has release the latest firmware update for its popular EOS 7D Mark II camera. Version 1.0.5 incorporates the following fixes and improvements: 1. Improves AF accuracy when used in combination with the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM lens or EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens. 2. Fixes a phenomenon in which, in very rare cases, the Peripheral Illumination Correction (PIC) is applied inconsistently. 3. Fixes a phenomenon in which, while performing an EF lens firmware update, the progress bar displayed on the LCD monitor may freeze at 100% even though the update has been completed. 4. Fixes a processing error in relation to the leap second for the 'Geotag information appended to image' and 'Log data' GPS functions. 5. Fixes a phenomenon, where at the time of shooting in very rare cases 'Err 70' occurs, or the shutter does not release. After updating the firmware, you should reconfirm any AF Microadjustment you may have set for your EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM or E

Next generation imaging devices from Canon

Canon is developing a Cinema EOS System 8K camera and professional-use 8K reference display that will support the production of next-generation 8K video content, along with a still-image single-lens reflex camera equipped with a CMOS sensor featuring approximately 120 million effective pixels.  The Cinema EOS System 8K camera being developed will be equipped with a Canon Super 35 mm-equivalent CMOS sensor that makes possible high-resolution 8,192 x 4,320 pixel (approximately 35.39 million effective pixels) imaging performance even at a frame rate of 60 frames per second with 13 stops of dynamic range and a richly expressive wide colour gamut.  Additionally, featuring a body size that realises outstanding mobility and a design that delivers high levels of operability, along with an EF mount that offers compatibility with the majority of Canon’s extensive interchangeable EF lens lineup, the camera will support diverse shooting styles and means of visual expression.

Canon develops CMOS sensor with approx. 250 megapixels

A camera prototype equipped with the newly-developed CMOS sensor (shown with an EF 35mm f1.4 USM lens Canon Inc. is developing an APS-H-size (approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm) CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels (19,580 x 12,600 pixels). This is the world’s highest number of pixels (as of 7 September 2015, based on a Canon survey) for a CMOS sensor smaller than the size of a 35 mm full-frame sensor. When installed in a camera, the newly-developed sensor was able to capture images enabling the distinguishing of lettering on the side of an airplane flying at a distance of approximately 18 km from the shooting location. This image capture employed a combination of optical and digital zooming while distinguishing of image content was realised through the magnification of an approximately 1/40,000th-sized area of the captured image.  With CMOS sensors, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays a

Firmware update 2.0.8 for EOS-1D X

Firmware Version 2.0.8 for the EOS-1D X fixes a phenomenon which occurs when the 'Shutter button half-press' menu item, configured in 'C.Fn5: Operation' > 'Custom Controls Menu', is set to metering start only. Depending on when the shutter button is half-pressed, it may initiate AutoFocus. To download the firmware update  visit the Canon website

Canon and Getty images reveal iconic photographs and launch photo competition

Canon Europe and Getty Images have revealed a series of iconic images which, shot by some of the world's leading photographers, represent defining moments from the past decade and bring to light the power of photography and the role it plays in helping to affect change around the world. Known for enabling people to tell the stories that need to be told, the Canon EOS 5D series celebrates its 10 th  anniversary with an initiative that showcases 10 amazing images that tell some of these stories. From exposing the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian army, to uncovering illegal logging of rare and endangered trees in Madagascar, the EOS 5D has been the camera of choice for many professional photographers over the past decade and has captured some of the world’s most significant and important moments. See the images at: http://www.canon.co.uk/get-inspired/come-and-see/showcase/canon-eos-5d-10th-anniversary/ Canon invites you to share your iconic images To further ce

10% off used gear at Clifton Cameras

Clifton Cameras is offering 10% off all used equipment until midnight on Bank Holiday Monday. Use code HOLIDAY10 if shopping online. The discount is also available in store (28 Parsonage Street, Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 4AA). Plenty of Canon gear is available. See: www.cliftoncameras.co.uk/Used_Equipment

Get up to £150 cashback on selected Canon lens purchase

Canon has a new cashback promotion for lenses. It runs from 28 August to 26 October 2015. The promotional lens products and applicable amount of cashback are: EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - £35 EF 85mm f/1.8 USM - £35 EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM - £45 EF 35mm f/2 IS USM - £45 EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM - £45 EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM - £45 EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM - £75 EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM - £75 EF 50mm f/1.2L USM - £110 EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM - £150 EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM - £150 EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM - £150 It is important to read the full details and terms and conditions at: www.canon.co.uk/lens-cashback

10% off Canon L-series lenses

Available this bank holiday weekend only, London Camera Exchange stores (27 branches nationwide) are offering a 10% discount off their normal prices on any Canon L-series lens. This offer is only available in-store. It is not available online. Find details of all the stores here: www.lcegroup.co.uk/Branch-Finder/

EF 35mm f1.4L II USM lens with BR optics

Canon has announced a new wide -angle L-series lens designed for photographers wanting to capture the world with a natural perspective. The EF 35mm f1.4L II USM has been crafted following feedback from Canon’s community of professional photographers and includes a range of advanced optical technologies to deliver outstanding image quality.  The lens is the first to include BR optics, a new pioneering Canon-developed lens technology featuring an organic optical material which has been engineered at a molecular level to help significantly reduce chromatic aberration and produce sharper images via its ability to refract blue light. The BR Optic is integrated into a compound element in the lens. Together with Canon’s high performance lens coatings, including Subwavelength Structure Coating, the EF 35mm f1.4L II USM delivers results with improved contrast and minimal flare and ghosting. Natural, reportage-style images Perfect for capturing images with a documentary fe

Get closer the the action at Rugby World Cup 2015 with Canon

As Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015, Canon is giving customers the chance to win one of 50 pairs of tickets when they buy a selected Canon product. Lucky winners will receive a pair of tickets to attend a Rugby World Cup 2015 match held at one of 13 venues around England and Wales. With Canon’s starting line-up of products, including the EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 750D and PowerShot G7 X, customers can get closer to the action to capture those all-important sporting moments.  Plus they will also receive a free Gilbert Official Rugby World Cup 2015 Replica Ball with every selected product purchased. The offer runs until 9 October 2015 for eligible products purchased from UK or Republic of Ireland retailers. Terms and conditions apply.   For more information visit:  http://www.canon.co.uk/promotions/rugby-world-cup-2015/ Eligible products: DSLR                                         EOS 7D Mark II EOS 760D EOS 750D COMPACT SYSTEM CAME

EOS M3 USA debut

The Canon EOS M3 digital camera will soon be on sale in North America. This CSC (Compact System Camera), or mirrorless, model was announced in February 2015, but is currently only available in Europe and Asia. Pricing and Availability The EOS M3 is scheduled to be available in early October 2015 for an estimated retail price of $679.99. An EOS M3 EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens kit will be available in the customer's choice of black or white for an estimated retail price of $799.99. Additionally, a two-lens kit featuring the EOS M3 digital camera with the EF-M 18-55mm IS STM lens and the EF-M 55-200mm IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price of $1,049.00. The following Canon lenses will also be available in early October: -  EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM wide-angle zoom lens for an estimated retail price of $399.99 -  EF-M 22mm f/2 STM compact prime lens in silver for an estimated retail price of $249.99 -  EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM telephoto zoom lens f

Three EISA awards for Canon

Canon has received three prestigious awards from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). Voted for by panels of editors representing nearly 50 prominent magazines from across 20 European countries, the EISA Awards honour products which combine the most advanced technology, intuitive design and sought-after features, while also providing genuine value to end users.  Each of the awarded products has been received with great acclaim since launch and the EISA award recognition is further testament to their exceptional quality and performance. Discussing the three awards, the EISA panel said: EUROPEAN PROSUMER DSLR CAMERA 2015-2016 Canon EOS 7D Mark II The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is one of the best APS-C DSLRs ever made, offering features normally only available in professional full frame models. The 65-point AF system gives fast and responsive focusing in a wide range of conditions, even when tracking fast moving subjects. It can shoot at 10 frames per second, with a huge buf

Win a unique photography experience at Rugby World Cup 2015

As an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015 Canon is offering fans the chance to win one of eight unique photography experiences. Winners will get to shadow a Getty Images photographer at an official RWC 2015 open training session for one of the participating nations. The prizes include: •  Pre-event preparation with the Getty Images photographer •  Loan of Canon equipment (DSLR Kit Bag) •  Shoot the open training session (approximately 15-30 minutes) •  Post event review at a Getty Images or Canon location •  A pair of tickets to a RWC 2015 match For details of how to enter go to: http://www.canon.co.uk/canonrugbywin

Canon at IAAF World Championships, Beijing 2015

Canon is an Official Partner of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Athletics Series, sponsoring a total of 15 IAAF World Athletics Series events from 2013 to 2016. The IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015, which begins on August 22, is a global competition that will bring together more than 2,000 athletes from over 200 countries and territories. The previous Championships, held in Moscow in 2013, was broadcast in 192 countries and regions, attracting strong interest from a wide international television audience. At the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015, Canon will display the Company's logo on signage within the venue, provide support through its products, technologies and services, and carry out a range of related activities. Camera service centre for photographers covering the competition  At numerous sporting competitions both in Japan and overseas, Canon provides behind-the-scenes support to members of the press covering these events

See the unseen: video camera captures colour images at ISO 4,000,000

ME20F-SH Key features: ·           Ultra low-light performance at ISO 4 million ·           High quality Full HD 1080p/1080i/720p output ·           Flexible control with auto and custom settings ·           Compatible with a wide range of EF lenses ·           Remote control of camera settings and built-in ND and IR cut filters possible ·           Small and lightweight for ease of integration Canon has announced the the ME20F-SH, a professional multi-purpose video camera capable of capturing full colour images in extremely low-light environments. Boasting an industry leading unrivalled maximum ISO in excess of 4 million (+75dB), the ME20F-SH is designed to be as small as possible whilst delivering high quality professional grade Full HD footage. Supporting image capture in situations where it previously would not have been possible, the ME20F-SH is ideal for use within specialist applications such as TV productions of night-time wildlife, deep sea/cave explor

Canon celebrates production of 110 million EF lenses

Canon has announced a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of their 110-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens on 22 June 2015 - an EF 11-24mm f4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom. Production of Canon’s interchangeable EF lenses began in 1987 at the Utsunomiya Plant, when the series was first introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system. Since then the global demand for Canon’s EOS products and lenses has continued to gather pace and garner support from a wide range of users. In order to meet demand, production has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan. The EF lens series line-up currently comprises a total of 71 models - including EF Cinema Lenses for digital cinematography. 

Canon unveils the Speedlite 430EX III-RT

Canon has expanded the EOS system with the introduction of the Speedlite 430EX III-RT, which replaces the Speedlite 430EX II. It provides a collection of advanced features, including integrated radio control, opening up a world of creative lighting options for enthusiast and professional EOS photographers alike.   The new unit is Canon’s most capable mid-range Speedlite flash to date. A maximum guide number of 43 (metres, ISO 100) provides enough power to light subjects in a wide range of conditions. With a lens coverage range from 24mm to 105mm, or to 14mm via the built-in adapter, the Speedlite offers a wide or narrow spread of light which is controllable by the user. The Speedlite 430EX III-RT enables users to experiment with off-camera lighting set-ups, working alongside Canon’s existing radio or optical wireless flash control systems as a master or slave. Also compatible with cameras that feature an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter, including the EOS 7D, 60D, 70D, 600D,

Canon at Birdfair 2015

Canon will be in Rutland, Leicestershire, from the 21 to the 23 August 2015, at Birdfair 2015. They will have the latest EF lenses for capturing birds in flight and you will be able to get hands-on with the full EOS line-up. One-day admission tickets cost £13.50. For further information go to: http://www.birdfair.org.uk/

Digital Photo Professional version 4.3

Canon has released an updated version of Digital Photo Professional 4 (DPP 4) RAW processing software. This expands the support to include the EOS 1200D, 60Da, 60D, M2 and M. The new update – version 4.3.0 – also incorporates two critical fixes, including a phenomenon in which the picture style set on the camera is not transferred to Digital Photo Professional properly and a phenomenon in which the copy and paste command using keyboard shortcuts cannot be used for the folder name. Key features •  Faster, real-time adjustments •  Improved RAW file workflow •  Better, more approachable user interfaces •  Compatible with 64-bit native environments •  Colour adjustments for specific colour gamuts •  Improved highlight recovery provides expanded tonality •  Improved shadow recovery function •  Support for movie playback •  Auto Lighting Optimiser can be applied to JPEG images •  Better integration with EOS Utility 3 software Supported cameras are the EOS-1D Mark IV, 1D X, 1D

EOS magazine in merger to provide one-stop resource for EOS enthusiasts

Robert Scott Publishing, the owner of EOS magazine, has joined forces with the EOS Training Academy. By adding the Academy to its existing range of EOS activities, the company now provides a unique one-stop solution for keen photographers wanting to learn how to use their Canon EOS camera, lenses and accessories for the best results. The EOS Training Academy provides practical courses and one-day workshops for EOS photographers. Combined with EOS magazine’s existing classroom-based programme, this will broaden the reach and accessibility of EOS-specific training within the UK. The extended programme will offer in excess of 100 courses and events in 2016, from camera-specific workshops to practical events at varied locations. Alongside the workshop programme sits the EOS Online Training Academy, a subscription-based video streaming service which currently features over 320 video tutorials. First launched in January 2014, this library of EOS-specific training modules offers phot

Recommended lenses for EOS 5DS and 5DS R

Which EF lenses are good enough to match the 50.6 megapixel resolving power of the EOS 5DS and 5DS R sensor? The designers of Canon lenses have obviously been aware of this high-resolution sensor for some time. Canon says that EF lenses introduced since the second half of 2013 will give maximum performance with the new cameras.  Canon has been testing other lenses in its range and has now published a list of lenses which offer the required resolution. You will find details here (scroll down until you reach the heading 'Recommended lenses'): http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_slr/eos_5ds/ Of course, any EF lens will fit the new cameras, but the results might not match the performance of the latest lenses.

Firmware update for GP-E2

Canon has updated the firmware for the GPS receiver GP-E2 to make it compatible with the latest EOS cameras. Version 2.0.0 incorporates the following fixes and improvements: 1.  Fixes a phenomenon in which, in rare cases, the signal acquisition indicator on the GPS Receiver GP-E2 displays “Slow blinking (Signal acquired)” even if a signal is not yet acquired. 2.  Fixes a phenomenon in which new log files may not be saved correctly if the built-in memory of the GPS Receiver GP-E2 becomes full. 3. Support for the EOS 760D and EOS 750D cameras has been added. 4.  Support for the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R cameras has been added. Firmware version 2.0.0 is applicable for GPS Receiver GP-E2 units with firmware up to Version 1.0.9. If the GP-E2’s firmware is already version 2.0.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware. To update the firmware, Map Utility software (bundled with GPS Receiver GP-E2) is required. Before updating the firmware, use Map Utility to save any GPS

Receive up to £250 cashback when you buy a selected camera and lens

Buy one of the following cameras: EOS 5DS, 5DS R, 5D Mark III, 7D Mark II, 750D, 760D or M3 and receive up to £250 cashback on selected lenses. The promotional period and selected lenses vary from camera to camera. The cashback varies from £30 to £250. Visit: http://www.canon.co.uk/lens-promo/ and read the terms and conditions for each camera for full details.

Canon celebrates EOS 5D series 10 year anniversary

Canon is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its iconic EOS 5D series of cameras. Launched in 2005, the EOS 5D transformed the digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) market. It was the first advanced non-professional DSLR to incorporate a full frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9 mm). Available at a competitive price, the camera enabled enthusiast photographers to utilise the camera’s impressive image quality and creative photographic tools that traditionally had been unique to professional DSLRs with 35mm sensors. As such, it contributed to the widespread adoption and success of full frame sensor cameras.

Top honours for Canon in Camera Grand Prix awards

The EOS 7D Mark II camera (launched in October 2014) has been honored with two prestigious Camera Grand Prix (GP) Japan 2015 awards—'Camera of the Year' and 'Readers Award'. In addition, the EF 11-24mm f4L USM  lens (launched in February 2015) was selected for the 'Lens of the Year' award. The Camera Grand Prix (GP) Japan awards, considered one of the most sought-after camera and lens product awards in Japan, are organized by the Camera Journal Press Club, comprising journalists from major photography and camera magazines in Japan. This year marks the award's 32nd time to be held. For more information see: http://www.canon.com/news/2015/may20e.html

Canon summer cashbacks worth up to £50

With Canon's latest summer promotion you can get up to up to £50/€60 cashback on selected products in the UK and Ireland. The offer runs from 20 May to 19 August 2015 for eligible products purchased from UK or Republic of Ireland retailers (terms and conditions apply). Included in the promotion are the following products, with their cashback amount: EOS 1200D - £20/€25 EOS 100D (excludes DC Kit versions) - £30/€35 EOS 700D - £50/€60 EOS M3 18-55mm - £50/€60 EF S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM - £25/€30 EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM = £50/€60 EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - £50/€60 EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM - £25/€30 EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - £50/€60 EF 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS STM - £25/€30 EF 40mm f/2.8 STM - £25/€30 EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM - £25/€30 Speedlite 430EXII - £40/€45 Speedlite 270EXII - £25/€30 Also available with cashback are PowerShot and IXUS cameras, Legria camcorders and PIXMA and Sephy printers. For full details visit: www.canon.co.uk/summercashback   

Free repair of EOS 5D mirror detachment ends September 2015

In January 2009, Canon acknowledged that the main mirror of some EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras could detach due to deterioration in the strength of the adhesive. They offered a free repair service for affected products. Reinforcement parts are attached to the right and left sides of the mirror . Canon has now announced that the free-of-charge repair service will end on 30 September 2015. If you have an EOS 5D with a detached mirror, now is the time to get it repaired. Use the link below to find your nearest Canon repair centre. http://www.canon.co.uk/support/consumer_products/services_locator/

Free application lets users add text with a sense of perspective to images

Canon  Japan has released an English version of PERSTEXT for the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. PERSTEXT is a free iOS application that provides users with a new way of having fun with their photos. The Japanese language version of PERSTEXT debuted on November 5, 2014 and by the 22nd of the same month reached the number one spot in the free Photo & Video category of the Japan App Store. PERSTEXT lets you insert dynamic text into saved images, which can then be shared with friends and family via popular social networks, or a printed copy. By enabling the simple creation of images that convey messages with a touch of flare, the application offers new methods of expression and communication. Flexible perspective layouts with assorted editing functions Adding text to an image is as easy as entering the text and then tracing on the screen of the device with your finger to insert the text. Changing the degree of angle gives the text perspective and creates a sense of

Canon launches EF 50mm f1.8 STM

Canon has announced the EF 50mm f1.8 STM, the successor to the popular EF 50mm f1.8 II. The new lens is ideal for portraiture and low-light photography. It can also add an artistic edge to everyday objects and settings, thanks to its wide f1.8 maximum aperture and 50mm focal length. The EF 50mm f1.8 STM features an improved design, Canon’s super spectra lens coating, a 7-blade aperture and STM technology for smooth, near silent focusing. It is compact, lightweight and affordable. Explore creative portraiture and low-light photography It’s easy to capture superb portraits, or bold, artistic photos and movies with the new lens – the wide f1.8 maximum aperture provides precise control over depth-of-field. It gives the creative freedom to pinpoint focus on your subject and let the rest of the frame blend into a smooth blur – instantly drawing the viewer’s attention to a specific area. Additionally, the wide aperture lets more light into the lens, so you can comfortably shoot in dark

Canon software updates

Digital Photo Professional version 4.2.31 •  adds support for the EOS 5DS, EOS 5DS R •  adds support for the camera's Auto: White priority function in the 'White balance' setting •  supports the new picture style 'Fine Detail' (with the exception of EOS M3, this can be applied to images captured by all the supported models.) •  adds a Compositing Tool •  adds an HDR Tool EOS Utility version 3.2.21 •  adds support for the EOS 5DS, EOS 5DS R Picture Style Editor version 1.15.20 •  adds support for the EOS 5DS, EOS 5DS R •  adds support for the camera's Auto: White priority function in the 'White balance' setting •  adds Fine Detail to Base Picture Style (only with images shot on cameras with a Picture Style Fine Detail preset) •  the maximum/minimum tone curve output can now be changed freely You can download the software upgrades by following the camera links from one of these pages: Canon UK Canon USA

White spotting problem with EOS 750D and 760D

Canon has acknowledged that there is white spotting on an optical layer in front of the image sensor in some of their EOS 750D and 760D cameras. Under certain shooting conditions, the white spots on the optical layer of image sensor may result in dark circular patterns on the captured image.  The phenomena does not affect all EOS 750D and 760D cameras. Those which might be affected have serial numbers starting with 01 or 02, as here: 01xxxxxxxxxx or 02xxxxxxxxxx However, cameras that have a ● mark inside the battery cover shown in the figure below are not affected even if serial number as above.  Potentially affected cameras will be inspected and repaired free of charge, regardless of the warranty status. The inspection and repair service will begin on 20 May 2015. If your product is one of those identified as potentially affected by this phenomenon, you should contact a Canon authorisd service facility: http://www.canon.co.uk/support/consumer_prod

Canon Europe launches city guide series

Canon has launched of a series of downloadable and app based city guides that offer fresh perspectives of six cities across Europe - London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Milan and Amsterdam.  The guides invite people to take a fresh look at familiar landscapes and encourage the discovery of hidden locations from unexpected angles. To curate each exclusive guide, Canon has collaborated with six sets of influencers, local to each selected city. Each personality brings their passion, creative flair and area of expertise to offer their unique perspective on the tour stops mapped out: •  London - Professional parkour athlete and photographer, Scott Bass •  Madrid - Fashion and street style blogging duo, Mike & Gabriel of Cup of Couple •  Amsterdam - Professional photography duo, Andres & Joyce of On a Hazy Morning •  Berlin - Graphic desiger and blogger, Nina of Smaracuja •  Milan – Visual street artist, Alice Pasquini •  Paris – Photographer, Saúl Aguilar All six city guides are availab

Canon Europe acquires Lifecake

Canon Europe is acquiring London-based digital start-up Lifecake. This brings Canon closer to its ambition to play a part in every image taken no matter what device is being used.  Lifecake is the company behind the Lifecake photo-sharing app for families, which allows parents to store, organise, share and relive key moments of their children’s lives.  With Lifecake, parents can create photo and video timelines that the whole family can experience on smartphones, tablets, computers and in printed photobooks. Alberto Spinelli, Director of Digital Services at Canon Europe, says: “Lifecake is an extremely exciting addition to the Canon Group providing a digital service that makes it easy for families to take control of their ever-increasing number of photos. This acquisition fits perfectly with our vision to give everyone taking photos the tools to bring their stories and experiences to life – and engage with them whenever and wherever they choose.” CEO and co-founder of Lifecake

EOS 7D Mark II firmware update version 1.0.4

Firmware Version 1.0.4 for the EOS 7D Mark II incorporates the following fixes: 1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera's AF function may not operate properly at a focal length of approximately 100mm when used with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. 2. Fixes a phenomenon in which, in rare instances, the reduction of the flicker effect cannot be achieved when in AI servo AF mode, despite the 'Anti-flicker shoot' function being set to 'Enable'. 3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Picture Style settings may not be applied to the captured image when the camera is set to custom shooting mode C1, C2 or C3. 4. Fixes a phenomenon in which, in very rare cases, the first still image captured in live view mode may not record the correct date and time. 5. Fixes a phenomenon in which, in very rare cases, image noise may appear in JPEG images when brightness or contrast is corrected by the Auto Lighting Optimizer function. You can download the firmware upg

Sigma lens issue with EOS 750D and 760D

Sigma has found that Live View Mode cannot be used on the EOS 760D / Rebel T6s / EOS 8000D and EOS 750D / Rebel T6i / EOS Kiss X8i with some of their EOS-mount interchangeable lenses. Sigma will shortly provide a lens firmware update free of charge. For more information and a list of affected lenses visit: http://www.sigmaphoto.com/article/notice-to-our-canon-mount-lens-users

Calumet Photographic Spring Open Days

Open days from photographic retailer Calumet Photographic are back this spring, taking place at its stores nationwide during April and May.  The open days will offer exclusive demonstrations and special offers for those wanting to improve their photography skills and knowledge. There will be  a prize draw at every store to win a Manfrotto Befree Tripod. There will also be free sensor cleaning, product demonstrations with experts from top photographic brands including Canon and Fujifilm, and an abundance of great offers and promotions.  This year, Calumet has introduced a weekend open day at Drummond Street to make sure photography enthusiasts don’t miss out. All open days run from 10am-4pm with the exception of London which runs from 10am-6pm. ·         Thursday 23 April – Belfast (4-6 Boucher Rd, BT12 6HR) ·         Thursday 30 April – Manchester (Charlton Place, M12 6HH) ·         Thursday 7 May – Bristol (7 Montpelier Central, BS6 5EE) ·         Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May