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June 23, 2009

KODACHROME Discontinuation Notice

Filed under: Analog (Film), Industry

KODACHROME 64 Film / KR

Kodak discontinues KODACHROME

KODACHROME Discontinuation:

Eastman Kodak Company announced on June 22, 2009 that it will discontinue sales of KODACHROME Color Film this year, concluding its 74-year run as a photography icon. Sales of KODACHROME, which became the world’s first commercially successful color film in 1935, have declined dramatically in recent years as photographers turned to other films or digital capture. Today, KODACHROME represents just a fraction of one percent of Kodak’s total sales of still-picture films.

Despite all its outstanding features, KODACHROME involves a highly complex development process that led photographers to experiment with and adopt newer KODAK films that deliver outstanding color images through a simpler workflow.

Although KODACHROME has very distinct characteristics and no film will give the exact same results, current users are encouraged to try other Kodak films. Kodak continues to bring innovative new film products to market, having released seven new professional films – over the last three years alone.

KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA 160NC and VC Film
KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA 400 NC and VC Films
KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA 800 Film
KODAK PROFESSIONAL T-MAX 400 Film
KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTAR 100 Film

Q&As:

Why has Kodak decided to stop offering KODACHROME?
Due to declining customer demand for KODACHROME, continued production of this film in no longer viable. Over the years people have moved from KODACHROME to other methods of capture, be it new films or digital. Simply put, not enough people are shooting KODACHROME for us to continue offering it.
What are recent sales of KODACHROME?
KODACHROME currently represents a fraction of 1% of Kodak’s still film sales. While KODACHROME is a truly iconic product that has served photographers very well for 74 years, the simple truth is that people have moved on and are no longer purchasing it in sustainable volumes.
How long will Dwayne’s continue processing KODACHROME?
Dwayne’s has informed us they plan to continue to process KODACHROME through December 31, 2010

Dwayne’s Photo Service
415 S. 32nd Street
Parsons, KS 67357
(620) 421-3940
Toll Free: 1-800-522-3940
Fax: (620) 421-3174

In Europe, where KODACHROME Film is sold along with a prepaid mailer, Kodak will continue to accept those mailers for processing through November 30, 2010.

Kodak Photo Service SA
Case Postale
Ch-1001 Lausanne
Switzerland, CH

How long will Kodak continue to accept KODACHROME (PK) processing mailers, which were sold separately in the U.S.?
In the U.S., Kodak will continue to accept PK processing mailers though December 31, 2009, provided the mailer has a valid expiration date or no expiration date. Expired mailers will not be accepted.
How long do you expect the current supply to last?
Based on usage patterns, we expect KODACHROME to remain on store shelves until the early Fall 2009.
What product do you recommend KODACHROME shooters transition to once it is no longer available?
There’s no doubt that KODACHROME is a unique look, and no film will give the exact same results. That said, we believe KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTAR 100 Film and KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film E100G offer features that current KODACHROME shooters would appreciate.

June 9, 2009

Release of Phocus 1.2 for Mac

Filed under: Digital, Cameras

Phocus 1.2 for Mac has been released and features a number of major enhancements!

Version 1.2 has been improved dramatically with regards to speed and performance, plus been endowed with several new features and workflow enhancements.

Highlights

• Speed & Performance
• Improved tethered capture performance
• Improved export speed
• Improved viewer performance
Tools
• Grey scale tool
• Navigator tool
• Workflow
• Export direct from 3FR raw file
• Export to PSD 8 & 16 bit
• Improved viewer sharpness
• Ejecting of volumes from file browser
• Custom Date format via name preset
• Tool bar control for show/hide options of main window
• Improved print functionality
Queue:
• Drag of thumbnail direct to queue
• Pause button
• Fast previews showed in queue
Sizeable queue
• Badges on thumbnails indicating:
• File edits
• Export progress
• Multi-shot (4)
• Crop

June 2, 2009

Canon 5D Mark II Firmware 1.1.0

Filed under: Digital, Cameras

Canon has released the newest firmware update for the Canon 5D Mark II Camera. This adds the much awaited manual exposure while shooting video.

Download and learn more about the Canon 5D Mark II Firmware 1.1.0 here
Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
1. Includes a function to enable the manual exposure setting when shooting movies.
2. Disables the function of the depth-of-field preview button when images are played
back or when the menu screen is displayed on the LCD panel.
3. Fixes a phenomenon where the peripheral illumination of images cannot be
properly corrected, even if the images were captured with the lens peripheral
illumination correction function set to Enable. *Digital Photo Professional
software version 3.6.1 or later (for Windows and Macintosh) can be used to
automatically correct the peripheral illumination of RAW and JPEG images
that were captured in the Peripheral illumination correction setting with cameras
that have Firmware Version 1.0.7 or earlier.
4. Fixes the algorithms of the Auto Lighting Optimizer function when Custom
Function C.Fn II-3 Highlight tone priority is enabled.
5. Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish, and
Ukrainian menu screens.
6. Changes the battery information displayed on the camera when using the
optional Battery Grip BG-E6.

Firmware Version 1.1.0 is for EOS 5D Mark II cameras with firmware up to version 1.0.7. If the camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Note:
When updating to Firmware Version 1.1.0, please also update the Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor software, which can be downloaded from Drivers/Software Selection.

Caution:
A power failure during the firmware writing operation may disable the camera.
- Use a fully charged Battery Pack or dedicated AC Adapter Kit (Optional) ACK-E6
for the firmware update.
- Do not shut off the power during the firmware writing operation.
- Do not open the CF card slot cover during the firmware writing operation.
- Do not press any camera buttons during the firmware writing operation.

May 27, 2009

Canon Enables Manual Exposure in Video on EOS 5D Mark II

Filed under: Digital, Cameras

Canon UK Press Release

Canon Enables Manual Exposure in Video on EOS 5D Mark II

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland , 27th May 2009: Canon announced today it will release a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II allowing users to manually control exposure when shooting video. The new firmware will be available for download from 2 June 2009 on Canon Europe’s support web site.

Following the launch of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, Canon’s Research and Development team has listened closely to customer feedback to develop additions to the camera’s movie recording functionality.

Allowing EOS 5D Mark II owners to achieve even more stunning video results with the camera, the firmware update will include the following manual controls when shooting video:
Full aperture selection
ISO speed: Auto, 100 – 6400 and H1
Shutter speed: 1/30th – 1/4000th second

The EOS 5D Mark II integrates full HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera; opening a multitude of new possibilities for photo-journalists and news photographers. Since its launch the camera has proved its appeal to professionals working in diverse fields, from studio and wedding to nature and travel. Now, following customer feedback, Canon has improved functionality for professional video users, further unleashing the potential of the EOS 5D Mark II for cinematographers and photographers alike.

May 21, 2009

iPhone App from onOne

Filed under: Digital, Cameras, Software

onOne iPhone DSLR Remote App

onOne Software has just announced a very unique application for the iPhone App Store.  The new application is called DSLR Remote and it does just what you think.  It is a wireless cable release for Canon EOS DSLR cameras.

Here is a quick rundown of how it works:

  1. You need either an iPhone or iPod Touch
  2. You need a supported Canon EOS DSLR
  3. A laptop or desktop computer running the free companion DSLR Remote Server software
  4. A USB cable to connect your Canon EOS DSLR camera to the computer running the server software

The DSLR Remote app running on your iPhone communicates via WiFi to the computer to control:

  • shutter speed
  • aperture
  • white balance
  • fire the shutter
  • if Live View enabled camera,  you can see a live stream of the Live View from your camera.
  • Intervalometer for  time lapse photography
  • more!!!

It’s just been submitted to the app store, so keep your eyes open for it.  Should be about $19.99 normally with an introductory price of $9.99.  A ‘lite’ version will also be available to only fire the shutter.  The required server software for the mac or windows computer is a free download from the onOne website.

Looks like a killer app for photographers!

May 15, 2009

Service Notice: EOS-1D Mark III/EOS-1Ds Mark III: Oil Spots on LPF Surface

Filed under: Digital, Cameras

This is a notice from Canon regarding the two cameras below.

You can also read this article at CanonUSA.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have discovered that images taken by some EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras may exhibit ring-shaped spots. We would like to convey the details and our service policy.

We offer our most sincere apologies to customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Going forward, we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Phenomenon
Images taken may exhibit large ring-shaped spots.

EOS-1D Mark II/EOS-1DS Mark II Spots

Cause
These ring-shaped spots are the images of oil lubricant on the surface of the low pass filter (LPF), which is located in front of the CMOS sensor.

This oil is used inside the Mirror Box to lubricate some of the camera’s moving parts. If the oil is applied too liberally when the camera is manufactured, it can become scattered onto the surface of the LPF through normal camera operation.

The image above shows the top of the mirror box when the main mirror is flipped up. The white spots in the red circles are excess lubricant oil.

Affected Products
EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras

Support
We ask that customers who are encountering this phenomenon or, who have noticed that oil is visible on the surface of the back side of the mirror, please contact our Customer Support Center. To prevent oil from scattering, which may seriously affect images, our Customer Support Center will arrange free cleaning of the mirror box to affected customers to remove the excess oil.

Oil Lubricant Used in Cameras
Measures are being implemented to control the amount of lubricant applied during manufacture in order to reduce the occurrence of oil spots. However, because this lubricant is required to ensure proper operation of the camera’s precision mechanical parts, it is impossible to eliminate all instances of oil scattering. If you require CMOS sensor cleaning, please contact our Customer Support Center.

Thank you for your patronage and support of Canon products.

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.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon U.S.A., Inc. Customer Support Center
1-800-828-4040 (toll free)
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
Click here for support options and hours of operation.

May 4, 2009

PocketWizard ControlTL Firmware v4.250 Optimizes HSS/FP Sync

Filed under: Digital, Firmware

New feature provides amazing energy savings for faster recycling, more shots per battery while enabling greater working distances.

5D Mark II now compatible with on-camera flash with ControlTL system.

South Burlington, VT – Through-the-shoe communications allow PocketWizard radios, with version 4.250 ControlTL firmware, to significantly boost the performance of the High Speed Sync (HSS) feature of Canon Speedlite flashes. This means more light (which equals greater working distance), faster recycling times and more flashes per battery set when shooting in Canon’s HSS/FP Flash mode.

Because the new MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver communicate through-the-shoe with the camera system, they can control the HSS burst duration.  By precisely matching flash duration to the shutter speed, large gains in efficiency were found, as much as 60% in many cases, for both remote and on-camera flashes.

This gain in efficiency is immediately translated into shorter recycle times, allowing faster HSS shooting, more shots per battery set, and up to 1 ½ stops more output potential which enables greater working distances between the subject and the flash.

The new firmware also allows photographers to disable HyperSync™ mode in the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5, allowing use of HSS for shutter speeds down to 1/320 second. This is especially useful for the Canon 5D and 5D MK II whose shutter mechanisms can’t take full advantage of the HyperSync mode.

PocketWizard has also found a solution to allow on-camera flash with the 5D Mark II when using the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5.  Earlier firmware was not capable of firing a flash mounted on the hot-shoe of the MiniTT1 or FlexTT5 working on the camera.

These incredible new features are available for both the MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver running firmware version 4.250.  Units running older firmware may be easily updated to the latest release via a firmware upgrade by going to the maintenance tab of the PocketWizard Utility and click “check for updates” or go to PocketWizard.com/support/downloads to download the utility. Learn more about the new ControlTL Firmware v4/250 here or Download Manual Addendum v4.250 here.

May 1, 2009

Service Notice: PowerShot G10: Lines Appear in Captured Images

Filed under: Digital

This is a message from Canon about the PowerShot G10 Digital Camera. Free repairs will be offered to effected customers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To Owners of the PowerShot G10 digital camera

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have discovered that in rare instances, lines may appear in images captured by some units of the PowerShot G10 digital camera. Accordingly, we would like to convey the details and our service policy concerning this phenomenon.

We regret that some of our customers may have been inconvenienced by this issue and would like to offer our apologies to them. Canon will continue to strive to provide our customers with high quality products that they can use with confidence. Thank you for your kind understanding.

To learn more about what to do if your G10 is behaving this way, please visit Canon USA by clicking here.

April 15, 2009

Nikon releases D40 / D40x Firmware Updates

Filed under: Digital, Cameras

D40 Firmware Update A 1.12

Download the update for windows  -  Download the update for Mac

D40x Firmware Update v1.01

Download the update for windows  -  Download the update for Mac

About this firmware update
This download provides software for upgrading D40 A firmware to v1.12. The camera’s B firmware must be Ver. 1.11 to upgrade A firmware to Ver. 1.12.  Be aware that proper operation of your D40 is not guaranteed with the combination of A firmware Ver. 1.12 and B firmware Ver. 1.00 or Ver. 1.10.

The following issues has been resolved in A firmware version 1.12.
With firmware Ver. 1.11 and earlier, the number of images that could be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a was used was less than when an EN-EL9 was used. By upgrading A firmware to Ver. 1.12, EN-EL9a performance is maximized so that more images can be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a is used than when an EN-EL9 is used.

Number of shots possible (battery performance) with EN-EL9a (1,080 mAh)

- Single-frame shooting mode:  Approximately 510 shots (with testing according to CIPA standards*)

- Continuous shooting mode:  Approximately 2,400 shots (with testing according to Nikon standards*)

Aperture 2.1.3 Update

Filed under: Software

This update improves overall stability and provides fixes for issues related to the integrity of the Aperture Library database and compatibility with specific file types. The update is recommended for all Aperture 2 users.

Automatic Software Update:

  • Choose Software Update from the Apple () menu to automatically check for the latest Apple software.

What’s new in this update?

Image Compatibility

  • Nikon images imported using a direct camera-to-computer connection now display thumbnails correctly in the Import window.

Aperture Library

  • Fixes an issue that could cause unwanted duplicate image versions to be created after rebuilding a library or after importing projects. These duplicate versions appear in the Browser as gray boxes or square thumbnails and show a Pixel Size of “0 x 0″ in the Metadata panel. The word “(null)” may appear in the name of these versions. If your Aperture Library contains these duplicate versions, you may be able to eliminate them by rebuilding your library after updating to Aperture 2.1.3. To rebuild an Aperture Library, hold down the Option and Command keys while opening Aperture, then click the Rebuild Now button. If rebuilding the Aperture Library does not remove these unwanted duplicate versions, you can manually delete them.
  • Addresses a library issue that prevented the operation of the Relocate and Consolidate commands in some circumstances. This situation could occur if you renamed images using the Relocate Masters command, and then subsequently rebuilt your Aperture Library. If you are unable to Relocate or Consolidate Masters, you may be able to remedy the issue by rebuilding your Aperture Library using Aperture 2.1.3, as described in the previous paragraph.
Note: There is no need to rebuild your Aperture Library after updating to Aperture 2.1.3 unless you see the specific issues described here.
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