Canon Announces the New Digital Rebel XS / 1000D and Speedlite 430EX II

In a very surprising move, Canon recently unveiled the Digital Rebel XS/1000D which is its newest entry-level DSLR only four months after the release of the Rebel XSi/450D. Apparently, the 1000D was developed alongside the XSi. Canon decided to release a new lower cost model to the Rebel 450D instead of keeping the Xti/400D in the line-up.

In terms of specifications and looks, the 1000D is definitely a cross between the 400D and the 450D. Like the 400D it has a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor but this time incorporates Live View capabilities. It uses the new DIGIC III image processor which should improve image quality specially in high ISO settings. The 1000D uses the LP-E5 battery pack which gives approximately 100 shots more than the 400D's NB-2LH. Like the the 450D, it still uses SD cards as its media. View the 1000D's full specifications here.

The suggested retail price on Canon UK's website is at 499.00 GBP. Units will start shipping by the end of July. View the complete press release here.

The Speedlite 430EX II was also recently announced which will replace the 430EX. The Speedlite 430EX II offers fast, silent recycling and full control via the menu system of compatible EOS cameras. It is ideal for both amateurs and professionals seeking a versatile, all-purpose flash.

For maximum flexibility and ease of use, the Speedlite 430EX II incorporates a number of new features. Recycle times have been reduced by approximately 20%, with the recycle process performed silently to minimise distraction. A new metal mounting foot with redesigned connection pins provides ultra-stable communication between the camera and flash; for rapid connection to the camera, a new quick release and locking mechanism is also incorporated. Unit costs 209.99 GBP and will also ship by the end of July. View the full press release here.

You Know You Need a Support Group When...

via DPReview and Adipap

Canon EFS 55-250mm Lens Review

We first heard of this lens during one of our visits to our local Canon shop. We were just browsing through their list of lenses when we found the EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. We were surprised that it cost just under $300 considering its maximum focal length and the fact that it had Image Stabilization. We immediately pre-ordered it and they said that it was going to be delivered by mid-October. For some reason, we got ours nearing the end of December. Was it worth the wait?

Once you open the box, the only thing you will get is the lens unit and the manual. The lens hood (ET-60) is sold separately unlike the other more expensive Canon lenses.

The EFS 55-250mm is the lightest and most compact in its class. Its weighs 340g which is just 15g heavier than Lisa's EF 28-105 II USM. The lens feels really solid considering the build is mostly plastic. The focus ring has a smooth feel to it unlike the zoom ring that feels a little tight. This, however, can be a good thing since the lens does not suffer from zoom creep, meaning the zoom does not extend on its own when you point the camera down like other heavier telephoto lenses.

Canon claims that their Image Stabilization technology allows you to shoot up to four stops than what would usually be recommended to avoid shake. I can definitely tell you that this is true as seen by the photos below which were taken with very slow shutter speeds.

Taken at 78mm, f/5.6, 1/15

Taken at 171mm, f/5.6, 1/8

The image quality is excellent throughout the entire focal range. We have yet to encounter any barreling or chromatic aberration since we started using it. By rule of thumb, lenses are at their best when used near the midpoint of its focal length. With that being said, this is an excellent lens for people who love taking portraits since the recommended focal lengths for portrait use of 80-110mm is where the lens is at its best.

The only thing we noticed is that you will get some vignetting when shooting near its maximum length in low light. The lens is also constructed with a fully circular aperture that produces better bokeh effects. More on this here.

Taken at 250mm, f/20, 1/320
Taken at 250mm, f/20, 1/320

Since the lens does not have USM, its auto-focus motor does take a while to lock on in low light. This can be negated if the lens is paired with a fast focusing camera like the EOS 40D. The motor is also noticeably quieter than other non-USM lenses we own. We actually noticed the sound of the Image Stabilization more that the focusing mechanism.

So was it worth the three months of waiting? Yes it was. This is one of those times that you will actually get more than your money's worth. The lens doesn't disappoint, and it certainly won't be leaving my camera anytime soon.

For a more technical, in-depth review, go here.

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The Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D

We interrupt this mini hiatus of ours with breaking news. Canon just released an announcement regarding its new upgrade on the Digital Rebel line - the EOS Rebel XSi / 450D. Here are the features:

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.5 frames per second
• 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
• 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
• Picture Style image processing parameters
• DIGIC III image processor
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
• Compact and Lightweight body
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

We heard rumors but we didn't think they'd push through with it this soon. Jeff, the XTi/400D user, is having a cow at the moment. I, on the other hand, am lovingly caressing my 40D. Will be updating this blog as soon as Jeff recovers.

Canon Releases Firmware Update for EOS 40D

The firmware update (Version 1.0.5) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. When playing back images just after recovering from Auto Power Off, the display now shows the last image played back.
2. During remote shooting, images are now displayed on the camera's LCD monitor right after they are taken.
3. Corrects a warning message in Korean that appears when updating the firmware.
4. Corrects errors in the Spanish menu screens.
5. Corrects a phenomenon that prevented printing with some print systems.
6. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which file numbers or image numbers were sometimes skipped.

The Version 1.0.5 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.4. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.5, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Download the update here.

Canon 40D Review

A lot has been said already about the recently released Canon 40D. We will not be giving you it's technical specs or it's new features since those can be found on Canon's website already. Instead, we'll be focusing on our experience with using this camera.

First off, the camera build is amazing. The whole thing just feels right in your hand. It's weight (740g without the battery) is just heavy enough to let you know that you are holding a well built machine. Canon also made small changes on on it's grip but adding a small indentation right below the shutter button to make it more ergonomic. They also introduced some weatherproofing on the battery and CF card compartment but that's about it.

It's viewfinder which covers approximately 95% of the total image is definitely bigger and brighter compared to the 400D/Rebel XTi. The one thing we noticed though is that we needed to adjust the diopter close to +1 to get a clear image on the viewfinder. This was also the case with the 400D that we are currently using. I find this strange since I have 20/20 vision (or close to it).

The 40D also leaves the older models in it's sheer speed in focusing. The wife and I actually did a side-by-side comparison with the 400D and the 40D focuses almost twice as fast and in some low light scenarios, it was still able to get a lock when the 400D couldn't.

The 40D also features extended ISO capabilities up to 3600 but one thing we did notice is that it takes so little for you to blow the highlights. We were out shooting a few days ago and the sky was overcast. The wife was surprised that most of the images she was getting had a lot of blown highlights even after trying different ISO, aperture and shutter speed combinations. She does not have this problem with the 400D.

The most obvious difference when you look at the 40D from the rear from the 30D is or course the LCD. The thing is just huge. Some reviews both online and on print say that the LCD size forced Canon to make smaller and less comfortable menu buttons. We didn't have a hard time navigating the four buttons under the LCD though. I guess it just takes some getting used to if you were a 30D owner. The biggest thing we have a problem with is that Canon has still not upgraded it to a VGA screen like the Nikon D300 and the Sony Alpha 700. The images end up looking soft on the LCD and color rendition seems a bit off. We honestly had a lot more fun looking at images from our 400D than from this camera. I know we're not supposed to judge our shots from the LCD alone but what's the use of the big bad screen if it's way off?

Live view? It's got it, baby! It's really fun switching to live view mode and taking snapshots like you would from a point and shoot camera. It's real purpose though is for high precision focusing since you can frame your subject and use the camera's digital zoom and look at a very, very small detail on the screen and use manual focusing. This should be great for macro and product photography.

Oh yeah, something has to be said about the 40D's shutter sound. Canon has introduced a mechanism that handles both the raising and dropping of the reflex mirror. This has created a muted shutter sound that also minimizes vibrations. In older models, a spring is used to raise the mirror which causes the very distinct sound of an SLR shooting. You can check out this link to watch this video so you'll see (or hear) what I mean. It literally sounds like a silenced machine gun when High Speed shooting mode is selected.

Overall, this is definitely a great buy. We have some small complaints about it but then again, no one has made the perfect camera yet.

~Written by Jeff

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Lisa's note: There is little to no difference in image quality between the 40D and the 5D. See it for yourself here. But damn, I hate that LCD.

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS

The wife has been getting a ridiculous amount of hits on her blog regarding the yet to be released Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS lens. We first heard about this from the Canon store we usually buy our stuff from almost a month ago and at that time, the only information they had was the focal length and the minimum aperture setting. Armed with those two measly things, we still went ahead and pre-ordered it.

Why? First of, it has the longest focal length in the EF-S lineup and for the price it was going for it was practically a steal. Second, it's already using Canon's latest 4-stop compensation IS technology which is supposedly four times more effective in compensating for camera shake.

It's been pretty hard to get information on this model specially it's technical specs but I was finally able to get something substantial from Canon's UK website.

You can read the full article here.

You will probably notice that it was supposed to be released last October, but our Canon Dealer still does not have their stocks in. The anticipation is killing us. See our review here.

~Written by Jeff

Canon Europe Recalls EOS-1D Mark III

There have been reported problems concerning the Auto Focus function of the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III. Apparently, the camera has problems tracking moving objects while using the AI Servo continuous shooting mode under high temperatures. Canon released a statement saying that the problem was caused by a faulty AF mirror in some units. You can read the full statement here and type in case ID: 72525.

The funny thing about the recall is that Canon is not going to replace the faulty units already bought, even though they are pulling out unsold units from their retailers. The only thing they're offering is free repairs. I don't know about you but I would need to work about a year and not eat in order to get one of these bad boys. That is 365 days of starvation and quite possibly homelessness, and the only thing I'd have left to my name is this camera. The fact that they are unwilling to replace the faulty units is beyond unacceptable. We're talking about Canon's flagship model here!

If you are one of the unlucky owners of the EOS-1D Mark III with a serial number between 501001 and 546561 then rest assured you are in our prayers.

~Written by Jeff