EOS magazine news

Firmware update version 2.0.7 for the EOS 5D Mark II incorporates the following improvements and fixes. 1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and aperture-priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses). 2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode. 3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers. These phenomenon only occur with the Version 2.0.4 and Version 2.0.3 firmware. The firmware upgrade can be installed by the user. Full instructions and downloads are available at the >> Canon Download Centre

The combined production of the EOS-series film and digital cameras has passed the 40-million mark. Production of the EOS SLR camera first began in 1987. In 1997 production reached 10 million units and in 2003 passed the 20 million mark. After the rapid spread of digital SLR cameras, Canon went on to reach the 30 million mark during the 20-year anniversary in December 2007, followed by the current 40 million unit production milestone, reached two years and four months later. EOS Digital cameras recorded a production milestone of 20 million units.

4250 individual images shot with an EOS 7D have been stitched together to create the world's largest digital image so far. All the JPG images were captured on a single 32GB CompactFlash card, taking up 27.5GB. The size of the final panorama - a view of the city of Dubai - is 44.88 gigapixels. http://www.gigapan.org/gigapans/48492/ The EOS 7D was mounted on a GigaPan Epic Pro. "Simply attach your camera to it, then the EPIC directs you through the steps to capture a gigapixel image. You then set the upper left and lower right corners of your panorama and the EPIC works out how many photos your camera will need to take, hundreds or even thousands, and automatically organizes them into the correct rows and columns needed to capture your panorama. The robotic arm clicks away, capturing amazing detail in a short amount of time." GigaPan Stitch software is included to help you merge all the images into a single photograph. GigaPan Epic Pro, for DSLR cameras, costs $895. Ep...

The best imaging products of 2010 were voted on at the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) General Assembly held from 8 to 10 April 2010 in New York. The judges were editors of the 28 member photo magazines from nine European countries plus Canada, South Africa and the United States. Canon received the following awards: Best DSLR Advanced - EOS 550D Best DSLR Expert - EOS 7D Best Large Format Printer - Canon imagePROGRAF iPF 6350 Best Multifunction Printer - Canon PIXMA MP990 Best Expert Compact Camera - Canon PowerShot G11 More details are available at www.tipa.com

Firmware Version 1.2.1 for the EOS 7D incorporates the following improvements and fixes. * Extends the timing at which the high temperature warning indicator is displayed and the timing of automatic shut down of the camera due to a rise in internal temperature during Live View or EOS Movie functions. * Optimizes program shift when the ISO setting of the camera is set to AUTO. * Corrects a misspelling in the French-language menu. * Corrects a phenomenon in which vertical magenta-colored banding appears in still images taken in movie-shooting mode. (This only occurs when in Manual exposure mode and when the ISO speed is set to "H". Note that this phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.0) The firmware upgrade can be installed by the user. Full instructions and downloads are available at the >> Canon Download Centre

Canon has launched its new, enhanced after-sales support scheme for professional photographers and videographers, the Canon Professional Services (CPS) programme. The CPS scheme offers professional users of Canon products exclusive, free access to a range of benefits, from CPS support teams at many international and local events, to a priority repair service and direct support from Canon Professional Representatives in selected  European countries. The scheme offers three types of membership to professional photographers, depending on the qualifying equipment registered with the scheme (for a full list of qualifying Canon products go to: www.canon-europe.com/cps Silver membership is available to photographers who register two bodies and three qualifying lenses. Repairs to CPS-serviced equipment will be turned around in five working days. Gold membership is available to those who register two qualifying bodies and three qualifying lenses. Repairs to CPS-serviced equipment...

Canon RAW Codec is a software plug-in that enables the import and display of Canon RAW image files when installed in Windows Vista (including SP1)/Windows XP SP2 and XP SP3. Windows Imaging Component (WIC) supported applications (Microsoft Windows Live Photo Gallery etc.) are required. Version 1.7 adds support for the EOS 1D Mark IV and 550D. Windows 7 32-bit version is now supported. 64-bit operating systems are not supported. You can download the update by going to: http://www.canon.co.uk/ and following the ‘Software and User Manuals’ link under the ‘Quick Links’ heading