Canon software updates

Canon recently updated a number of their photography related applications.

As always, you can download the updates from the Canon website. Unless mentioned otherwise, the updates are for both the Windows and Mac versions of the software.

Digital Photo Professional (DPP) – raw photo editing software: 3.13.51

• Addition of Digital Lens Optimizer applicable lenses.
• Mac version: A phenomenon in which font settings are sometimes not reflected on print contact sheets has been fixed.

EOS Utility – camera communication and control software: 2.13.40

• A function has been added to allow the loading of just protected images into the PC.

Picture style editor – edit and save pictures styles: 1.13.30

• Supports EOS 70D, EOS Kiss X7 / EOS Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D, EOS Kiss X7i / EOS Rebel T5i / EOS 700D, EOS-1D C.

Image Browser EX for Mac OS X – image management software: 1.1.0

• Up to 100,000 images can be registered to the database.
• Organizing and searching image functions are newly added.
• Quicker Search by Faces.

PhotoStitch for Mac OS X – panorama stitcher: 3.2.6

• Support added for Mac OS10.7.
• QuickTimeVR has been removed from the supported image type when saving a composite image.

Nikon releases NikonView 2.8.3

Nikon has released an update to its NikonView 2 application.

Updated in View NX2.8.3

Windows version

• Compatibility with Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise has been added.

Macintosh version

• Compatibility with Macintosh OS X version 10.9 has been added.
• Support for Mac OS X version 10.6 has been eliminated.

As always you can download the updates from the support sites: EU / US

Tamron announces new 150-600mm Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens

Tamron just announced a “revolutionary new 150-600mm Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for full-frame and APS-C format DSLR cameras”. The new SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) boast a super tele range of 150 to 600mm. The (variable) maximum aperture of 5-6.3 has made it possible for the designers to keep the weight down (it weighs less than 2kg), whilst still allowing enough light to pass through for most autofocus systems to work^*1.

This all-new ultra-telephoto zoom lens features VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization, USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), and eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating to reduce the unwanted light reflections that cause flare and ghosting. It will be available with a Canon, Nikon, or Sony mount (the Sony model comes without VC as that is built into the Sony cameras already). If you live in Japan, the lens is expected to be available from the 19th, the rest of the world will follow soon thereafter. Price indications for this lens seem to be around $1069, which is pretty cheap for such a nice focal range! If image quality is good, this may be a great lens for sports and wildlife shooters!


^*1 Modern Canon and Nikon cameras actually allow fully functional autofocus of up to f/8 (for some of the AF points). For most cameras, however, AF is fully functional only using lenses with a maximum aperture of up to f/5.6 (or even bigger). Using a lens with a smaller maximum aperture (e.g., f/6.3, like this lens), does not mean AF will not work at all, just that it won't work as fast/reliable as when using a lens with a larger max aperture in similar cases.

Firmware update 2.0.5 for the Canon EOS 7D

Canon has just released a firmware update for their EOS 7D camera. Firmware version 2.0.5 just contains one fix, a fix for “a phenomenon in which the image files cannot be transferred using the FTP protocol via USB cable after the EOS 7D camera has established a wireless connection to the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E5 (A/B/C/D).”

You can download the update from the Canon Website. (Note that if the 2.0.5 update does not show up under the OS you are currently running, try an earlier OS version)

Adobe releases Lightroom 5.3 and Camera Raw 8.3 (for Photoshop CS6 and CC)

Adobe has just released and update to their raw processing engine. Bringing some new functionality to both Lightroom and Photoshop (note that for Photoshop CS6, the enhancements are limited to new camera support, lens profile support, and bug fixes, you'll need Photoshop CC for the full range of enhancements). If you have an older version of Photoshop, you can make use of the DNG Converter which has been updated to 8.3 as well.

Notice that this will be the last release of ACR compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Mac OSX 10.6. For continued support, you will need to upgrade your OS.

Nikon firmware updates for the D3100, D3200, D5100, and D5200

Nikon just released firmware updates for the D3100, D3200, D5100, and D5200.

The new firmware improves the handling of the rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14a:

• The remaining battery charge is now accurately detected for the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14a.
• EN-EL14a performance is maximized so that more images can be captured (battery life) than when an EN-EL14 is used.

Firmware download links (Nikon EU support site):

• Nikon D3100 firmware update 1.02
• Nikon D3200 firmware update C 1.02
• Nikon D5100 firmware update 1.02
• Nikon D5200 firmware update C 1.01

Nikon goes retro with the Df

And now for something completely new old, we present you the Nikon Df.

With this latest camera, Nikon actually goes back in time and delivers a modern digital camera in an old fashioned camera body. With the sensor of the D4 and lots of other nice specifications, this is not a camera gimmick (eh, mister Leica), but a full blown workhorse. While it has some noticeable advantages (size and price for starters) over its sibling, the D4, whether or not this new retro Df camera is something for you, you'll have to decide for yourself…

Oh, and being a retro photo camera, the Nikon Df does no video ;-)

Nikon releases Nikon Capture NX2.4.5 and Nikon View2.8.2

Nikon has released an update to their Nikon Capture NX2 and Nikon View 2 applications.

Updated in Capture NX2.4.5

• Support for RAW images captured with the D5300, and Df has been added.
• The Better Quality 2012 option under Noise Reduction in the Camera Settings portion of the Develop section in the Edit List palette has been changed to Better Quality 2013.
  Applicable from this version, Intensity and Sharpness can now be adjusted separately for both Luminance and Color. Therefore, when images to which Better Quality 2012 was applied with Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.4.4 or earlier are opened in Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.4.5, the effects of Noise Reduction adjustment may change.

Updated in View NX2.8.2

• Support for RAW images captured with the D5300, and Df has been added.

As always you can download the updates from the support sites:

• Nikon Capture NX2.4.5: EU / US
• Nikon ViewNX2.8.2: EU / US

Canon EOS 5D Mark III firmware update

Canon has updated the firmware for its EOS 5D Mark III camera.

You can download it from the Canon website.

Firmware Version 1.2.3 incorporates the following improvements and fixes (from the release notes):

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the flash may not fire depending on the timing of when the shutter button is pressed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value may change.*
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may show a line of false color along boundaries of high contrast.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the histogram of a LiveView image is incorrectly displayed when an HDMI cable is connected.
• Enables the brightness of the camera's LCD monitor to be adjusted even when an HDMI cable is connected.

*The phenomenon listed in 2 was addressed with Firmware Version 1.2.1, and has been further improved with Firmware Version 1.2.3.

Review: The Nikon D4 after more than a year of usage

I've been using the D4 for over a year now, so it is high time I evaluated it and gave it a practical review (as compared to my earlier, more theoretical, review based on pre-production models).

When the D4 was introduced, I was happy about many of its improvements. But there was also slight disappointment; not all I would have wanted to see in the new camera was done. And when I compared the new specs to Canon's 1Dx, I was almost tempted to switch (not really, but it goes to show how much I appreciated the improvements Canon put in their flagship camera). No wonder it took me 8 months to decide to finally buy the D4 as my primary camera, making the D3 a good second body for added flexibility (and backup). Great e.g., when shooting wildlife when having different focal lengths at the ready can be very helpful.

In the past year I have been using the D4 (and D3) in a wide range of shoots, from interior and architecture to wildlife. Both in good an (very) bad light. So how did the D4 hold up?

Noise

Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia)
Shot at ISO 6400, click to see crop at 100%

Though the D3 was no slouch at low light/high ISO photography, I had higher expectations of the D4 (certainly as the D3s already showed there was room for improvement here). I was not disappointed: with the D4 I am happily shooting up to ISO 6400 without bothering about noise, where with the D3 I was reluctant to go beyond ISO 3200. Sure there is visible noise at pixel level, but not only can you get rid of that by applying some mild noise reduction, it won't really show up in print anyway. I am picky by the way, and strive for optimal quality and resolution. If you're not too fussed about losing a bit of resolution, you can apply some more noise reduction and have adequate shots up to ISO 12800 for sure! Not bad.

An interesting note here is that from more than one Nikon / Canon switcher I have heard the story that they find their 1Dx to best the Nikon in the noise department. To be honest, I don't think this to be true though; it is a well known fact that where Nikon takes a very mild approach to in-camera processing, Canon is much more aggressive. I find it therefore very likely that Canon's results have had much more noise reduction applied than Nikon's and if you would apply the same noise reduction to both, Nikon's results should look at least as good. In this respect I trust the purely technical and objective measurements as done by DxO labs.

Verdict: Positive

Video

With the D4 I now finally have a camera capable of video. I'm not much of a videographer (yet?), but I have shot a couple of video's with it and all I can say is that I'm quite happy. Especially the 2.7x crop mode where 1 video pixel is exactly one sensor pixel is very nice as it allows you to massively zoom in to your subject. Below video was shot in Denmark with a 600mm/f4 lens using the 2.7x crop mode, making it effectively a 1620mm lens, quite impressive…



Verdict: Positive

Handling

Here I can basically repeat what I wrote in my earlier report: I've always liked the handling of Nikon cameras, the new D4 has improved this even more. Especially the minor changes to the layout of the D4 as compared to the D3/D3s are very nice. Buttons are even better positioned and, the D4 held vertically now handles (almost) exactly as when held horizontally. The extra knob for changing the focus point took a bit of getting used to, but now I can no longer envision working without it! It's position and the fact that one is present in both horizontal and vertical orientation of the camera make this a really great addition.

On the handling side of things, the D4 now is finally capable of taking a series of bracketed shots in one go when using the self timer. Something Canon has had implemented for a long time already. Coupled with the exposure delay mode (minimising blur due to mirror-slap), you basically don't need to use a cable release any longer when taking bracketed shots for e.g., HDR photography. Nice.

Verdict: Positive

Memory Cards and Speed

Ok, it took an extra investment of a couple of new XQD cards and a card reader, but man, these new cards really fly! Shooting at ten frames a second for 7.5 seconds before your buffer runs out is really something. So much better than the just two seconds I had with the D3 (sure I could have invested in the buffer upgrade, but I thought €500 a bit much for it). The fast (and big) cards are also a boon for videographers. It is therefore surprising to see no other camera is yet using the new XQD format. Ah well, at least we now have a choice in cards from either Sony or Lexar which has brought down prices slightly.

Verdict: Neutral to Positive

Batteries

Due to regulation changes in Japan, Nikon was forced to downgrade their very high capacity batteries to lower capacities. This has led to much aggravation amongst photographers as you ended up with yet another charger and set of spare batteries to buy (and they are not cheap!). The stupid thing was that even though the form factor stayed the same, there was no way to charge your old (e.g., D3) batteries with the new D4 charger. A big mistake. Interestingly there now seems to be an accessory available from Nikon to allow this, trouble is this BT-A10 adapter only works with a new MH-26a charger, not with the original D4 charger (MH-26). Sigh.

Verdict: Negative

Auto Focus

The specifications promised us better autofocus. And in one respect they certainly did deliver: I can use the autofocus under much worse lighting conditions than I could before. In this respect, the new AF system is definitely, and welcome so, improved.

What matters for me most though is the ability to follow a moving subject and keeping that in focus. Nikon was always well respected in this area, especially compared to Canon who were struggling here a bit sometimes. My hopes where therefore quite high.

I can't say I'm overwhelmed though. In fact, I have the feeling the D4 might actually be slightly worse than the D3 in this respect. The D4 does seem to focus faster, but it doesn't seem to follow as well as the D3. This is just a feeling though and I haven't done any scientific testing here. It is probably also the case that I am pushing my gear a bit more than before, but still. It kinda makes me jealous of the Canon 1Dx which I hear really shines in this area…

Verdict: Negative to Neutral

Conclusion

I do like the D4, and it certainly was a great upgrade to my D3, but I still think Nikon could (should) have done better in a lot of respects.

End verdict: Neutral to positive

Here's a (non-exhaustive) list of remarks/findings:

Positive

• Two axis virtual horizon – no more need for a separate bubble level
• Self timer multi shot – mostly gets rid of the requirement of a cable release
• Buffer size – being able to shoot for 7.5 seconds at 10fps is awesome
• Video – Full HD and a very versatile 2.7x crop mode
• Noise – The ability to shoot up to ISO 6400 without too much noise is awesome
• Auto ISO – Very easy to switch between auto and non-auto ISO
• Ergonomics – Improved over the D3 (which was already good), the extra button for changing the focus point is also welcome

Neutral

• Megapixels – 16 is adequate, would have liked around 20 better though
• Frame rate – 10fps is nice
• Battery life – even though the battery is of lower capacity, I still get about the same number of shots as with my D3
• Memory cards – XQD is really nice and fast but its a new format and only one slot is XQD, the other is still CF

Negative

• Auto focus – doesn't seem to be as good as hoped
• Saving settings – the use of memory banks for saving common settings is still a mess (luckily you don't really need them much as all frequently changed settings are at the press of a button anyway)
• Battery – while I can sort of live with the fact that Nikon had to introduce a new battery, I can not live with the fact that you can't charge your old batteries in the new charger
• Auto ISO – Why oh why do they still not allow you to configure you auto ISO settings from the “my menu”?

Wishes

• Fix all the negative points (some should even be doable in a firmware update, I think)
• More megapixels so DX crop is still usable
• A separate shooting menu for video and photography (so you can have e.g., different white balance settings, colour space, picture control, etc. for video an photo)

New Nikon Lens: 58/1.4

On top of the two new cameras, Nikon also announced a new lens: the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G. This new lens brings back memories to the famous Noct-NIKKOR lenses and is designed to perform best wide open, delivering a silky smooth bokeh.

Type	Type G AF-S lens with built-in CPU and F mount
Focal length	58mm
Maximum aperture	f/1.4
Minimum aperture	f/16
Lens construction	9 elements in 6 groups (including 2 aspherical lens elements, and lens elements with a Nano Crystal Coat)
Angle of view	Nikon film SLR and FX-format D-SLR cameras: 40° 50′ Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras: 27° 20′
Focusing	Autofocus controlled by Silent Wave Motor with separate focus ring for manual focus
Minimum focus distance	0.58 m (1.90 ft) from focal plane
Maximum reproduction ratio	0.13x
No. of diaphragm blades	9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Diaphragm	Fully automatic
Aperture range	f/1.4-16
Filter-attachment size	72 mm (P = 0.75 mm)
Dimensions	Approx. 85 mm maximum diameter x 70 mm (distance from camera lens mount flange)
Weight	Approx. 385 g (13.6 oz)

New Nikon DSLR: the D5300

In addition to the recently introduced D610, Nikon also just presented an update to the D5x00 series: the new D5300. A DX format camera with built in Wi-Fi (a new feature for this type of camera!).

Full specs (from Nikon)

Type
Type	Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Effective angle of view	Nikon DX format; focal length equivalent to approx. 1.5x that of lenses with FX format angle of view
Effective pixels	24.2 million
Image sensor	23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels	24.78 million
Dust-reduction System	Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Storage
Image size (pixels)	6000 x 4000 (Large). 4496 x 3000 (Medium). 2992 x 2000 (Small)
File format	NEF (RAW): 12- or 14 bit, compressed. JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression. NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System	Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
Media	SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards
File system	DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 2.3, PictBridge
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage	Approx. 95% horizontal and 95% vertical
Magnification	Approx. 0.82 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1)
Eyepoint	18 mm (-1.0 m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens)
Diopter adjustment	-1.7 - +1.0 m-1
Focusing screen	Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen
Reflex mirror	Quick return
Lens aperture	Instant return, electronically controlled
Lens
Compatible lenses	Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses. Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M, but the camera exposure meter will not function. The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Shutter
Type	Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Speed	1/4000 - 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV; Bulb; Time
Flash sync speed	X=1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slower
Release
Release mode	Single frame, continuous L, continuous H, quiet shutter release, self-timer, delayed remote; ML-L3, quick-response remote; ML-L3; interval timer photography supported
Frame advance rate	Continuous L : Up to 3 fps. Continuous H : Up to 5 fps (JPEG and 12-bit NEF/RAW) or 4 fps (14-bit NEF/RAW). Note: Frame rates assume continuous-servo AF, manual or shutterpriority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, Release selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection), and other settings at default values.
Self-timer	2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1-9 exposures
Exposure
Metering mode	TTL exposure metering using 2016-pixel RGB sensor
Metering method	Matrix metering: 3D color matrix metering II (type G, E, and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses). Center-weighted metering: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame. Spot metering: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68 °F)	Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV. Spot metering: 2-20 EV
Exposure meter coupling	CPU
Mode	Auto modes (auto; auto (flash off)); programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M); scene modes (portrait; landscape; child; sports; close up; night portrait; night landscape; party/indoor; beach/snow; sunset; dusk/dawn; pet portrait; candlelight; blossom; autumn colors; food); special effects modes (night vision; color sketch; toy camera effect; miniature effect; selective color; silhouette; high key; low key; HDR painting)
Exposure compensation	Can be adjusted by -5 - +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV in P, S, A, and M modes
Bracketing	Exposure bracketing: 3 shots in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV. White balance bracketing: 3 shots in steps of 1. Active D-Lighting bracketing: 2 shots
Exposure lock	Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)	ISO 100-12800 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 12800; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Active D-Lighting	Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, Off
Focus
Autofocus	Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft 8 in.-9 ft 10 in.)
Detection range	-1 - +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °/68 °F)
Lens servo	Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status. Manual focus (MF): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus point	Can be selected from 39 or 11 focus points
AF-area mode	Single-point AF, 9-, 21-, or 39- point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-area AF
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Flash
Built-in flash	Auto, portrait, child, close up, night portrait, party/indoor, pet portrait, color sketch, toy camera effect: Auto flash with auto pop-up. P, S, A, M, food: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide Number	Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F)
Flash control	TTL: i-TTL flash control using 2016-pixel RGB sensor is available with built-in flash and SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, SB-400, or SB-300; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering
Flash mode	Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off
Flash compensation	-3 - +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Flash-ready indicator	Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoe	ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)	Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
Sync terminal	AS-15 sync terminal adapter (available separately)
White balance	Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning.
Live View
Lens servo	Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F). Manual focus (MF)
AF-area mode	Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
Autofocus	Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)
Automatic scene selection	Available in auto and auto (flash off) modes
Movie
Metering	TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Metering method	Matrix
Frame size (pixels) and frame rate	1920 x 1080, 60p (progressive)/50p/30p/25p/24p, high/normal. 1280 x 720, 60p/50p, high/normal. 640 x 424, 30p/25p, high/normal. Frame rates of 30p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) and 60p (actual frame rate 59.94 fps) are available when NTSC is selected for video mode. 25p and 50p are available when PAL is selected for video mode. Actual frame rate when 24p is selected is 23.976 fps.
File format	MOV
Video compression	H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Audio recording format	Linear PCM
Audio recording device	Built-in or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable
ISO sensitivity	ISO 100-12800; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 12800
Monitor	8.1 cm/3.2-in. (3 : 2), approx. 1037k-dot (720 x 480 x 3 = 1,036,800 dots), vari-angle TFT monitor with 170 ° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Playback	Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 12, or 80 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, picture rating, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
Interface
USB	Hi-Speed USB
Video output	NTSC, PAL
HDMI output	Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Accessory terminal	Wireless remote controllers: WR-1, WR-R10 (available separately). Remote cords: MC-DC2 (available separately). GPS units: GP-1/GP-1A (available separately)
Audio input	Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter); supports optional ME-1 stereo microphones
Wireless
Standards	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Communications protocols	IEEE 802.11b: DSSS/CCK. IEEE 802.11g: OFDM
Operating frequency	2412-2462 MHz (channels 1-11)
Range (line of sight)	Approximately 30 m/98 ft (assumes no interference; range may vary with signal strength and presence or absence of obstacles)
Data rate	54 Mbps. Maximum logical data rates according to IEEE standard. Actual rates may differ.
Security	Authentication: Open system, WPA2-PSK. Encryption: AES
Wireless setup	Supports WPS
Access protocols	Infrastructure
Location data
Receiving frequency	1575.42 MHz (C/A code)
Geodesics	WGS84
Supported languages	Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Power source
Battery	One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL14a battery
AC adapter	EH-5b AC adapter; requires EP-5A power connector (available separately)
Tripod socket	1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions/weight
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 125 x 98 x 76 mm (49.2 x 3.9 x 3 in.)
Weight	Approx. 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz) with battery and memory card but without body cap; approx. 480 g/1 lb 0.9 oz (camera body only)
Operating environment
Temperature	0 °C - 40 °C (+32 °F - 104 °F)
Humidity	85% or less (no condensation)
Supplied accessories	BS-1 accessory shoe cover, DK-25 rubber eyecup, BF-1B body cap, EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery (with terminal cover), MH-24 battery charger, AN-DC3 strap, UC-E17 USB cable, EG-CP16 audio/video cable, DK-5 eyepiece cap, ViewNX 2 CD, Reference CD (contains the Reference Manual)

Nikon releases Camera Control Pro 2.15.0

Nikon released a new version of their Camera Control Pro application for remote control of a camera from a computer using either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The only change in version 2.15.0 is the added support for the D610 camera.

The new version can be downloaded from the Nikon support sites: EU / USA.

Nikon releases ViewNX 2.81

Nikon has released an update for it's image browsing and editing program ViewNX. The new 2.81 version adds support for the new D610 and Nikon 1 AW1 cameras.

Fixes and Enhancements

Both Mac and Windows versions

• Support for the D610, and the Nikon 1 AW1 has been added. 

Mac version only

• Frame rate settings of 50fps and 60fps have been added for Size settings of 1280 x 720(16:9) and 1920 × 1080(16:9) in the Create movie dialog when File > Create Movie... is selected in Nikon Movie Editor.
  However, the following two conditions must be met to select a Frame rate of 50fps or 60fps.
• Movies added to the storyboard must have been recorded at a frame rate of 50p or 60p, and they must be originals (unedited by any movie editing software).
• File type must be set to a type other than MOV (MotionJPEG/Linear PCM).

As always you can download the new version from the Nikon support sites: EU / USA.

Nikon announces the new D610 DSLR

Today Nikon announced the successor of the affordable Nikon D600 full frame camera. The most notable updates of the D610 are improved improved white balance and shutter mechanism (with new quiet continuous shooting options and a slightly higher frame-rate).

The Nikon D610 will be available in the shops from 18 October at a price of around $1999/€1969.

Full specifications (from the Nikon website)

Quality comes at a price: the new Zeiss 55mm/1.4 lens

The lens is specifically designed for high megapixel (30+) DSLRs and is said to deliver the best results (when compared to similar lenses). The new Zeiss OTUS 55mm f/1.4 APO Distagon T*, comes at a very hefty price though. However, with a price of nearly $4000, it is definitely not a lens for the casual shooter…

Oh, and like the other high quality Zeiss lenses, it is a manual focus only lens (but that should not surprise you).

The lens is available in Canon (ZE) and Nikon (ZF.2) mount.

Nikon Capture NX 2.4.4 released

Nikon has released an update for their Capture NX2 image editing application.

Version 2.4.4 contains the following bugfixes and enhancements.

As always you can download the software from the Nikon support sites (EU, USA, or go to your local Nikon support site).

Windows and Macintosh versions

• Support for RAW images captured with the COOLPIX P7800 has been added.
• An Automatic (Underwater) option has been added to the Auto Distortion pull-down menu under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Adjust section of the Edit List.
  However, the Automatic (Underwater) option is only displayed when all of the following conditions are met.
  
  • The image was captured with an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses that supports underwater automatic distortion control, and a lens that also supports the function.
  • The image was captured in RAW format or in JPEG format with the camera's Auto distortion control function disabled.
• The following issues have been resolved.
  
  • When the slider bar was manipulated while applying settings such as Gaussian Blur, High Pass, or Colorize, flicker in the form of random blocks was sometimes displayed.

Windows version only

• When OK in the Page Setup dialogue opened from the Print layout dialogue was clicked after changing printers using the Print button in the Print layout dialogue, only the default printer (that normally used) was named in the Printer section at top left in the Print layout dialogue.
• "aaa..." was displayed for Artist in the File & Camera Information section of the Metadata palette. (Language versions other than the English version).
• When a date was entered in the Date Created text box in the XMP/IPTC Information section of the Metadata palette, and the user attempted to save the image, an error was displayed and the image could not be saved. (German language version only).
• When an image was edited using the LCH tool in the Adjust section of the Edit List, a message prompting the user to restart the application was sometimes displayed.

Adobe releases Lightroom 5.2

Together with the Camera Raw update, Adobe also updated Lightroom.

Lightroom 5.2 contains the following enhancements and bug fixes.

New Features in Lightroom 5.2

• A Smoothness adjustment slider has been added to the Detail Panel under Color Noise Reduction. This helps to reduce low-frequency color mottling artifacts
• Refinements to the Spot Healing Tool:
  • New Feather control
  • Auto find source method now works better for images with textured areas like rocks, bark, and foliage
  • Auto find source method now prefers source areas within the crop rectangle
• Auto Exposure has been improved to be more consistent across images and across different image sizes.
• Smart Preview size has been updated to 2560 pixels on the long edge.
• Refinements to the Local Adjustment Brush:
  • Right Click (PC) / Control-click (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to bring up a context menu to duplicate or delete
  • Control+Alt+Drag (PC) / Command+Option+Drag (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to clone (duplicate) that adjustment

Newly added support for Tethered Capture in Lightroom 5.2

• Canon EOS 6D
• Canon EOS Rebel T5i / EOS 700D / EOS Kiss X7i
• Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D / EOS Kiss X7
• Nikon D7100

New Camera Support in Lightroom 5.2

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon PowerShot G16
• Canon PowerShot S120*
• Casio Exilim EX-ZR800
• Fujifilm FinePix HS22EXR
• Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR
• Fujifilm FinePix S205EXR
• Fujifilm X-A1
• Fujifilm X-M1
• Leica C (Typ 112)
• Olympus OM-D E-M1*
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72
• Pentax Q7
• Pentax K-50
• Pentax K-500
• Sony DSC-RX100 II
• Sony A3000 (ILCE-3000)
• Sony NEX-5T

* denotes preliminary support

New Lens Profile Support in Lightroom 5.2

Mount	Name
Sony	Sony E 35mm F1.8 OSS
Hasselblad	Hasselblad LF16mm F2.8
Hasselblad	Hasselblad LF18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Hasselblad	Hasselblad LF18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
GoPro	GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition
GoPro	GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition
GoPro	GoPro Hero 3 White Edition
Leica	Leica TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH.
Canon	SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A013
Canon, Nikon, Sigma	SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S013
Nikon	SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013
Olympus, Sony	SIGMA 60mm F2.8 DN A013
Pentax, Sony	SIGMA 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013
Pentax, Sony	SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012
Nikon	Nikon 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2
Sony	Sony DSC-RX1R

Bugs Corrected in Lightroom 5.2

• Output Sharpening and Noise Reduction were not applied to exported images that were resized to less than 1/3 of the original image size.
• Slideshow Exporting process fails for time-lapse sequences.
• Unable to export a Book.  This only occurred after a customer deleted a background photo.
• Catalog containing images processed with PV2003 were adding a post-crop vignette when catalog upgraded to Lightroom 5.
• JPEG decoding produced a red colorcast.
• Unable to scroll through photos when in Full screen mode. This only occurs when more than 1 photo is selected.
• “Store presets with this catalog” preference is not preserved when upgrading catalog from previous versions of Lightroom.
• Crash when scrubbing Size slider with existing spot selected.
• Landscape crop not maintained on portrait oriented photos
• Pressing the Reset button while holding the Shift key results in an internal error.
• Crash when attempting to move brush spots.
• Gray area is shown when zooming in/out after cropping image.
• A row of vertical artifacts appears along bottom edge of photo when applying Grain.
• Defringe Color Sampler is inaccurate on photos that have Upright applied.
• All of the images on a Compact Flash card did not appear in the Import Dialogue.
• Metadata panel displayed incorrect information after modifying published photo. Please note that this only occurred when metadata was changed after the photo was published.
• Soundtrack does not fade at the end of a slideshow.
• The Esc key did not exit the slideshow after right clicking screen with mouse during slideshow playing.
• Import dialog remained blank for folders that contain PNG files with XMP sidecars.

Installation

Either use Lightroom's own update mechanism or download directly from Adobe: Windows | Mac.

Software developers can download the Lightroom 5.2 SDK from Adobe as well: SDK

Adobe releases Camera Raw & DNG converter 8.2

Adobe has released an update for both Adobe Camera Raw and the DNG converter.

Version 8.2 of Camera Raw (for Photoshop CS6 and CC) and the DNG convertor contain the following enhancements and bug fixes (from the release notes).

New Features in Camera Raw 8.2:

• The Histogram is now interactive. This enables the ability to click and drag on the Histogram to adjust the Blacks, Shadows, Exposure, Highlights, and Whites sliders.
• A Color Smoothness adjustment slider has been added to the Detail Panel. This helps to reduce low-frequency color mottling artifacts.
• Added new “rectangle mode” to white balance eyedropper tool. Click-and-drag with the eyedropper tool to define a rectangular pixel area.  Upon releasing mouse, Camera Raw will use all the pixels within the marked rectangle to set the global White Balance.
• Workflow presets are now available and can be selected by context-clicking the workflow link.
• Presets have been added to the Save dialog box.
• Auto Exposure has been improved to be more consistent across images and across different image sizes.
• Refinements to the Spot Healing Tool:
  • New Feather control
  • Auto find source method now works better for images with textured areas like rocks, bark, and foliage
  • Auto find source method now prefers source areas within the crop rectangle
• Refinements to the Local Adjustment Brush:
  • Move brush adjustments by clicking and dragging on brush adjustment pins
  • Right Click (PC) / Control-click (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to bring up a context menu to duplicate or delete
  • Control+Alt+Drag (PC) / Command+Option+Drag (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to clone (duplicate) that adjustment o Alt+Click (PC) / Option+Click (Mac) on a brush adjustment pin to delete the adjustment

New Camera Support in Camera Raw 8.2

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon PowerShot G16
• Canon PowerShot S120*
• Casio Exilim EX-ZR800
• Fujifilm FinePix HS22EXR
• Fujifilm FinePix HS35EXR
• Fujifilm FinePix S205EXR
• Fujifilm X-M1
• Leica C (Typ 112)
• Olympus E-M1*
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72
• Pentax Q7
• Pentax K-50
• Pentax K-500
• Sony DSC-RX100 II
• Sony A3000 (ILCE-3000)
• Sony NEX-5T

New Lens Profile Support in Camera Raw 8.2

Mount	Name
Sony	Sony E 35mm F1.8 OSS
Hasselblad	Hasselblad LF16mm F2.8
Hasselblad	Hasselblad LF18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Hasselblad	Hasselblad LF18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
GoPro	GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition
GoPro	GoPro Hero 3 Silver Edition
GoPro	GoPro Hero 3 White Edition
Leica	Leica TRI-ELMAR-M 16-18-21 mm f/4 ASPH.
Canon	SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A013
Canon, Nikon, Sigma	SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S013
Nikon	SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013
Olympus, Sony	SIGMA 60mm F2.8 DN A013
Pentax, Sony	SIGMA 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013
Pentax, Sony	SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012
Nikon	Nikon 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2
Sony	Sony DSC-RX1R

Bugs Corrected in Camera Raw 8.2

• JPEG decoding produced a red color cast.
• Bridge always recomputed cropped image thumbnails when lens profile corrections are enabled rather than when necessary.
• Feathering for healing brush operations were not the same strength as feathering for circular spot removals.
• When selecting and adjusting multiple images, the Crop adjustment was not applied to the most selected image.
• Local adjustment brush pin were not redrawing properly after moving from one location to another.
• When using Camera Raw as a Filter in Photoshop CC, pressing the “Cancel” button on a Smart Object would rest the Smart Object to default settings.
• There was no visual for the Heads-Up Display when control-dragging to resize a healing brush.  This only occurred when the “Show Overlay” option is turned off.

Installation instructions

You install the Camera Raw 8.2 update using the Update Mechanism found in Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6.

DNG converter 8.2 can be downloaded from the adobe website: Windows | Mac

Nikon ViewNX 2.8.0 released

Nikon has released an update to their free ViewNX2 image browsing and editing suite. Version 2.8.0 has the following enhancements and fixes:

Windows and Macintosh version

• Support for the COOLPIX S6600 and COOLPIX L620 has been added.
• GeoTag in the toolbar has been changed to Map. In addition, "GPS data" and "GPS information" have been renamed "location data".
• The following support has been added for Motion Snapshots.
  - Slideshow function
  - When Short Movie Creator or Movie Editor is selected from the Open With option in the File menu, users can now choose Movies (MOV) and JPEG images or Movies (MOV).
  However, to choose one of the above, Short Movie Creator or Movie Editor must be registered in Open With > Register... > Open with Application beforehand.
• An Add/Edit Directional option has been added to the Map toolbar.
• A Merge Altitude Log with Track Log... option has been added to the Log Matching item.
  A location log saved with a camera, mobile phone, or other commercially available satellite navigation system receiver capable of acquiring location data can now be merged with an altitude (barometer) and depth log* saved using a Nikon digital camera.
  * Altitude (barometer) and depth logs are recorded by Nikon digital cameras equipped with barometers or depth gauges.

Windows version only

• Installation of QuickTime is no longer required.
• Frame rate options of 50 fps and 60 fps are now available for movies created using the Create Movie... item in the Nikon Movie Editor File menu and output at a size of 1280 x 720 (16:9) and 1920 x 1080 (16:9).
  However, the following two requirements apply when 50 fps or 60 fps is selected for Frame rate:
  - Only movies have been added to the storyboard (no still images)
  - An option other than MOV (MotionJPEG/Linear PCM) is selected for File type:

Macintosh version only

• Image display with the slideshow function is now compatible with Retina Display.

New Nikon 18-140/3.5-5.6 DX VR lens and SB-300 speedlight

Nikon has just announced a new 18-140 DX VR lens and a small SB-300 speedlight.

The NIKKOR AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is an all rounder lens for Nikon's DX cameras. Given its versatility, it could very well end up becoming the new kit lens.

The new SB-300 speedlight is a very small flash, meant as a starter's flash, or when you want to travel light but still want to be able to use flash every now and then. The SB-300 is compatible with Nikon's i-TTL flash technology and can be used with all Nikon D-SLR cameras as well as COOLPIX cameras equipped with an accessory-shoe.

Specifications of the NIKKOR AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens:

Focal length	18-140 mm
Maximum aperture	f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture	f/22-38
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups (including one ED glass and one aspherical lens elements)
Angle of view	76° - 11°30'
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m/1.48 ft from focal plane
Maximum reproduction ratio	0.23x
No. of diaphragm blades	7 (rounded)
Filter-attachment size	67mm
Diameter x length	Approximately 78 x 97 mm/3.1 x 3.8 in.
Weight	Approximately 490 g/17.3 oz
Accessories	67 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-67, Rear Lens Cap LF-4, Bayonet Hood HB-32 (optional), Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1018 (optional)

Specifications of the SB-300 speedlight:

Electronic construction	Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry
Guide number (20°C/68°F)	18/59 (ISO 100, m/ft)
Angle of coverage	Covers angle of view of 27 mm lens (FX format) or 18 mm lens (DX format)
Effective flash range (i-TTL)	0.6 m to 20 m (2 ft to 66 ft); varies with ISO sensitivity, bounce angle, and aperture
Options available using camera controls	Flash control mode: i-TTL, manual Flash mode: Fill flash (front-curtain sync), front-curtain with slow sync, rear- curtain sync, and rear-curtain with slow sync
Bounce angle	Flash rotates vertically up to 120° with stops where the flash is pointing directly ahead and at 60°, 75°, 90°, and 120°
Device on/off	Power switch used to turn SB-300 on and off
Power source	Two AAA alkaline or NiMH batteries
Flash-ready light	Charging complete: Lights Warning: Blinks
Flash duration	Lights for about 1/1650 s when fired at full power
Battery endurance and flash recycling time*1	Battery type	Minimum recycling time*2	Endurance*3/recycling time*2
	Alkaline	Approx. 4.0 s	70 or more uses/4.0-30 s
	NiMH	Approx. 3.5 s	110 or more uses/3.5-30 s
Mounting foot lock lever	Locking pin prevents accidental detachment
Other options	Thermal cut-out, firmware update*4
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 57.4 x 65.4 x 62.3 mm (2.3 x 2.6 x 2.5 in.)
Weight	Approx. 120 g (4.2 oz), including two AAA alkaline batteries Approx. 97 g (3.4 oz), body only
Supplied accessories	Soft Case SS-DC1

^*1 Figures are for fresh batteries; actual results may vary with performance and other factors even among batteries of identical ages and makes.
^*2 Time between flash firing at full power and flash-ready light illuminating when flash is fired once every 30 s.
^*3 Number of times flash can be fired at full power with flash-ready light illuminating within 30 s.
^*4 Firmware can be updated from camera.

Sigma announces Mount Conversion Service and 4 years warranty

Sigma today announced a revolutionary new service that will enable owners of Sigma “Global Vision lenses” to change their lens mounts for use on different camera systems. The mount change will costs between $80 and $250 (plus shipping) depending on the lens in question.

The Mount Conversion Service will be operational as of 2 September this year. All current Sport, Contemporary or Art DSLR lenses are applicable for service and can be refitted to either a Sigma, Sony, Pentax, Nikon or Canon mount. Global Vision category lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras can be updated to either a micro four thirds (MFT) or Sony E-mount.

This service is really good news for people who invested heavily in Sigma lenses but are now facing a camera system change (e.g., from Canon to Nikon or vice versa); the fee for the service will be likely (much) lower than the the loss incurred when selling the lens with the old mount and re-buying it with the new mount!

In the same message, Sigma also announced they increased the warranty period of all Sigma products (including cameras, lenses, accessories, etc.) bought after 1 July 2013 to 4 whole years.

Firmware updates for Canon EOS-1D Mark III & IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III

Canon just posted a firmware update for their EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1D Mark IV, and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras.

The new firmware addresses the following two issues:

1. Resolves the following phenomenon: when the camera is not attached to a lens, power consumption may be higher than usual, causing premature battery drain.
2. Resolves a phenomenon in which "Err 70" ("Err 02" on the 1D Mark IV) may be displayed when the shutter is released without a lens attached.

You can download the new firmwares from the Canon USA website:

• EOS-1D Mark III v1.3.2
• EOS-1D Mark IV v1.1.4
• EOS-1Ds Mark III v1.2.3

Nikon posts distortion control data firmware update L1.009

Nikon has released an update of the distortion control data. Distortion control data are used to correct barrel and pincushion distortion during shooting and editing in-camera. The following Nikon cameras make use of distortion control data:

• D90
• D3100 / D3200
• D5000 / D5100 / D5200
• D7000 / D7100
• D600
• D800 / D800E
• D4

You can download the L1.009 firmware update from Nikon here: Mac OS X / Windows.
Installation instructions can be found here: Mac OS X / Windows.

While there is no changelog from the previous (L1.006) version, this new L1.009 version seems to at least have added support for the new AF-S 800mm f/5.6 and its specific TC800-1.25E ED teleconverter.

Canon unveils new EOS 70D camera with dual pixel sensor

Canon today unveiled their newest camera, the EOS 70D. Perhaps the most exciting feature of this new camera is the sensor. Making use of the dual pixel technology allows much faster autofocusing when using live-view as in addition to the relatively slow contrast-detect AF, it can now also make use of the much faster phase-detect AF.

The rest of the specifications of the new Canon EOS 70D are pretty good too. Here are some of the key features:

• 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+
• 19 point cross-type AF System and 7 fps shooting^*
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF^**
• Instant sharing and remote control with Wi-Fi
• ISO 12800 (H:25600)
• Vari-angle 7.7cm ClearView II LCD touch screen
• Intelligent viewfinder (98%coverage, 0.95 magnification)
• Full-HD movies (30/25/24fps 1080p, 60/50/30/25/24fps 720p)

^*UHS-I card required for maximum burst duration
^**Dual Pixel CMOS AF is possible over 80 per cent of the width and height of the Live View frame

Firmware update C1.01 for the Nikon D7100

Nikon today released a firmware update for its D7100 camera.

The update addresses the following issues:

• When images captured using a flash in Manual or Repeating flash flash mode were played back with the “Overview” display enabled, flash output level was displayed in the flash compensation portion of the display. This issue has been resolved.
• When the AE/AF lock button was pressed with Special Effects mode enabled, Selective Colour selected, and the view magnified with selective colour options displayed in live view, the image did not change while live view was active. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that caused the Viewfinder Virtual Horizon to freeze when certain operations were performed has been resolved.
• When images captured with white balance bracketing enabled were played back, a white balance fine-tuning value of 9 (steps) was displayed even for images captured with a fine-tuning value of 10 (steps) applied. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented cursor movement when certain operations were performed in calendar playback mode has been resolved.
• The size of some text displayed in calendar playback mode has been modified.
• Display of focal lengths in 35mm [135] format recorded in image Exif data has been corrected.
• When movie recording at 1920 × 1080/24p in M exposure mode, subject brightness did not change, even when shutter speed was adjusted. This issue has been resolved.

As always you can download the update from the Nikon support site: EU / USA.

Canon EOS 1D X and 1D C Service Notice

Canon just released a service notice for its EOS 1D X and 1D C cameras.

“Thank you for using Canon products.
This notice is to proactively inform our customers of the details of the phenomena described below along with Canon’s support actions. Because we value the trust our customers have placed in us, we are dedicated to continuously improving product quality and delivering industry-leading service and support. We offer our sincerest apologies to any customer who may be inconvenienced.

Affected Products

• EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera
• EOS-1D C Cinema EOS Camera

Phenomena
In some units of the models listed below, there is a possibility that the following phenomena may occur due to wear caused by insufficient lubrication within the camera’s driving mechanism.

1. AF searches but does not lock in on the subject.
   (Caused by minute particles produced by wear mentioned above.)
2. The image shown in the viewfinder is “blurry” or “not steady”.
   (Occurs if wear progresses.)

Potentially Affected Products

1. EOS-1D X: If the sixth digit of the serial number is “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6” or “7”, the phenomena described above may occur.
2. EOS-1D C: If the sixth digit of the serial number is “1”, the phenomena described above may occur.

NOTE: If the camera’s battery compartment contains one of the markings illustrated below, the camera is NOT affected by the phenomena described above even if the sixth digit of the serial number is one of the numbers mentioned above.

Markings of UNAFFECTED cameras

An "A" mark



A black mark on the silver bracket

Support
Potentially affected cameras will be inspected and repaired free of charge. If you own one of the potentially affected cameras please contact our Customer Support Center.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register the EOS-1D X and the EOS-1D C. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera
Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone:	1-800-OK-CANON
	1-800-652-2666
TDD:	1-866-251-3752
Email:	carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Canon EOS-1D C Cinema EOS Camera
Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone:	1-855-CINE-EOS (toll free)
	1-855-246-3367
TDD:	1-866-251-3752
Email:	CinemaEOS@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: pro.usa.canon.com/support

Nikon releases ViewNX 2.7.6 and Capture NX 2.4.3

Nikon just released an update for their ViewNX and Capture NX applications. Only minor fixes in these new releases.

Fixed in ViewNX 2.7.6

• Information for lenses used with the Auto Distortion function under File & Camera Information in the Metadata palette has been updated.
• The destination for the link when the NIKON IMAGE SPACE website is opened from the NIKON IMAGE SPACE area in the Browser palette has been updated from my Picturetown to NIKON IMAGE SPACE.

Fixed in Capture NX 2.4.3

• Information for lenses used with the Auto Distortion function under Camera & Lens Corrections in the Develop section has been updated.

Downloads

You can find the updates at the Nikon support sites:
View NX 2.7.6: EU / USA
Capture NX 2.4.3: EU / USA