2008 Sep 22 2008
Autumn Greeting
Just in time for the beginning of astronomical autumn I would like to provide a small picture of the fall of last year and raise it a little anticipation of a (hopefully) golden October.
Autumn Greetings
Monthly Archive for September 2008
Autumn Greetings
2008 Sep 17 2008
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
As the press release this morning I got from Canon, I had to read a section of two times. Since it was actually: "The EOS SLR family grows with: The new EOS 5D Mark II."
A year ago, was counted on the announcement of a successor to the September 2005 introduced full-frame EOS 5D camera. Finally, the disappointment was great when, in the press release at Photokina on 26.08.2008 only one, at that time completely unexpected, EOS 50D has been mentioned. Much has been speculated that a possible technical data "7D" or "EOS 3D" were traded in relevant forums. But now it was time. The wait for fans of the Canon full frame has an end. And you will look like:
In addition to a resolution of 21.1 megapixels lush on the full-frame CMOS sensor (36mm x 24mm) and a sensitivity up to ISO 25600, Live View, which already for the EOS 50D announced DIGIT 4 processor, the camera features a 3 inch Clear-view monitor with 920,000 pixels and an HDMI port. The camera is a continuous speed of 3.9 frames per second on UDMA-compatible memory cards indicated. The weather protective seal, rugged magnesium casing and the rated life of 150,000 cycles, enhance the professional status of this camera body. -Hilfssensoren spendiert um den Autofokus zu verbessern. In addition, Canon has the, current camera models from other known 9 cross-type AF sensors, a further 6 AF assist sensors donated to improve the auto focus.
An entirely new feature, which is not yet integrated into any Canon SLR camera provides the ability to create videos in full HD resolution dar. Having recently had his Nikon D90 asked for a similar function in prospect, already had a discussion about the meaning and flared end of the recording of moving images with an SLR. Whether this, in the compact class inherited feature for DSLRs really proves to be useful only time will tell. It is certain that it will probably soon belong to the standard and opens up the use of interchangeable lenses, new possibilities for filmmakers semiprofesionelle.
Core technical data:
- 21.1 MP full frame CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 processor
- ISO range expandable to 25600
- Recording of Full HD video (1080, 30 B / s)
- 3.0-inch VGA LCD with Live View mode
- Up to 3.9 frames / sec (JPEG)
- 9-point AF + 6 Assist AF points
- Magnesium alloy body
The camera is supposed to end November 2008 for 2499 EUR be available in stores.
Related links:
2008 Sep 17 2008
Canon EF-S 18-200 mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS
To match the current camera announcement of the EOS 50D brings a new lens for Canon cameras with crop factor. 
Sensor einsetzbar. The new lens with a focal length of 18-200 mm (29-320 mm based on the small image size) is developed for the EF-S mount, and thus can only be used on cameras with APS-C sensor. For the first time Canon brings to a super telephoto lens and poaching in the previous domain of third-party. The lens is equipped with an optical image stabilizer and should thus allow one to four stops slower shutter speed.
The structure of the lens comprises 16 lenses in 12 groups. UD and aspherical lenses, special lenses to minimize aberrations and chromatic aberrations. The minimum focusing distance is given as 45 centimeters which corresponds to a magnification ratio of about 1:4.
The lens should be available in late September 2008 for about 599 EUR in the trade.
2008 Sep 17 2008
Canon EF 24mm 1:1.4 L II USM
A day of great new announcements. Canon strengthens its range lens to another lens from the professional segment (L lenses). 
The new lens with a fixed focal length of 24 mm (about 38 mm on an APS-C camera) consists of 13 elements in ten groups and to meet such high demands on the imaging quality. Two high-precision aspherical lenses with GMO technology (Glass Moulded Optics) to correct various aberrations such as field curvature and distortion, while the focus mechanism provides with moving elements for a consistently sharp detail drawing in the entire distance range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberrations that can not be especially high in fast wide angle lenses always be avoided. With a maximum aperture of 1.4, the lens also for more difficult light situations. Additionally it is equipped with an ultrasonic motor for fast focusing.
Technical data:
- Aperture 1:1.4
- Aspherical and UD lens elements to correct chromatic aberrations
- Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which significantly reduces flare and ghosting
- Circular aperture for pleasing defocused effects
- Autofocus with ring-type USM, manual focus at any time
- Lead-free glass (RoHS compliance)
- Incl. Lens hood and lens pouch
The lens should be available in late November 2008. A price has not yet been determined at the current time.
bekannt. Addendum of 19.09.2008: Canon today announces a € 1499 price list for the Canon EF 24mm 1:1.4 L II USM known.
2008 15 Sep 2008
Fast memory - with UDMA CF
Current digital cameras have always higher sensor resolutions. At the same time, the processors are improving the cameras to provide higher burst speeds. A problem arises from this: The images must go somewhere.
The recently announced Canon EOS 50D for example, creates 15 megapixel images at a rate of 6.5 frames per second. In order to banish the resulting amount of data on the storage medium, this camera supports UDMA mode. This allows the image data directly, bypassing the processor to write to the memory card - provided they support the UDMA mode.
Unfortunately this is not exactly obvious. UDMA CompactFlash is designed for only since Version 3.0 of the CompactFlash 2004. Here is a speed of 66 MB / s (UDMA 66) is determined. The current normalization from the year 2006 (CF 4.0) provides 133 MB / s (UDMA 133) before. Therefore, I went again in search of memory cards that support these standards and to make the speeds of the actual camera housing possible.
After I started the search, I quickly had to realize that currently do not have that many CF cards are available that bring the required performance, so any support UDMA. Here is a compilation:
- Lexar Professional UDMA 300x CompactFlash
Lexar is known for high-performance storage devices for professional use. The memory cards are currently available up to 16 GB, 4 GB version costs about 50, the 8 GB memory card around 90 €. - Delkin CompactFlash Pro
Delkin's memory media were previously unknown to me. Information from the manufacturer on its website to find. - Fujifilm 310x
According to a press release should Fujifilm's claims to "fastest memory card in the world" since July 2008 be available in stores. I unfortunately could not find in any reputable shop. The price should be around € 145 for the 8 GB card. - Transcend 300x UDMA CompactFlash
Again clearly the common memory cards are the manufacturer Transcend. Also, this model offers the high performance segment. The 16GB model for € 135, to have 8 GB card for about 80 €. - Sony CompactFlash 300X
Significantly more expensive than the competition show the CompactFlash card from Sony. For the 2 GB Sony takes about 65 €, 4 GB for around 105 EUR. - RAM high speed 320X Compact Flash Components
However, is completely unknown is the manufacturer of these high speed models. The price is approximately level with the Transcend device. If the speed is correct, this should be the fastest currently available cards on the market.
The speed rating (eg 300x) is relative to the speed of a single speed CD-ROM drive, thus corresponds to 150 kb / s. Why exactly this speed was set as the underlying base addition, I really do not. Other models are not known to me, I take notes but welcome.
Each of the different memory cards and their interest rates in different cameras, which is Rob Galbraith CF / SD Performance Database is recommended. English-saving skills are necessary but at least for navigation.
