Canon EOS 50D has the firmware update to version 1.0.7 and made ​​available for downloading.

Fixed a bug in the white balance, subject to certain conditions which gave the images a magenta color cast. The effect occurred in situations where the background showed little contrast (the sky or white wall) and the camera was not set to automatic white balance (AWB).

In addition, errors in the menus of the languages ​​Arabic, Romanian, Spanish and Ukrainian fixed.

The firmware can be update by the user himself. A manual (in English) is provided by Canon to download the below address.

• Firmware 1.0.7 for EOS 50D

Tags: Canon , EOS , Firmware , Camera , Technology

Canon Inc., Japan, presents a world first for use in interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras: the hybrid-compensated image stabilizer (IS-hybrid), the camera shake during pivoting movements and shifts of the camera. USM zahlreiche weitere, bildstabilisierende Objektive entwickelt. As early as 1995 Canon was able to score with the idea of the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras with an optical image stabilization to minimize blur from and after the EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM developed numerous other image-stabilizing lenses. The launch of a first lens with the new hybrid technology is planned for later this year.

Canon Hybrid Image Stabilization

According to Canon, compensates for the new Canon Hybrid IS technology effectively blurring that can result from inadvertent pivoting motions (rotation) and displacements (linear) of the camera. By camera movement (movement parallel to the main motif) caused blurring occur mainly in macro photography and close-ups such as summed up tight portraits. In standard situations cause sudden changes of camera angle often significant blurring.

Two sensors are used in the new technology is used: an angular velocity and an acceleration sensor. The angular velocity sensor detects pan and recognizes Mitziehbewegungen. He was already part of all previous methods for optical image stabilization. The acceleration sensor allows the detection of camera shake caused by moving the camera. It also uses the hybrid image stabilizer, a new algorithm that takes into account the readings of both sensors and lenses in the lens moves in such a way that both types of image blur are reduced considerably. This optimizes the previous image stabilization and is perfect, especially in macro photography, in the conventional image stabilization methods have proven particularly difficult.

Back in the 80s Canon began research into methods to compensate for camera shake. USM das weltweit erste Wechselobjektiv für Spiegelreflexkameras mit einem optischen Bildstabilisator zur Minimierung von Verwacklungsunschärfen. In 1995, Canon then presented with the EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras with an optical Image Stabilizer to minimize camera shake by. Since then the company has developed many other interchangeable lenses with image stabilization. USM , das Aufnahmen mit einer bis zu vier Stufen längeren Verschlusszeit ermöglicht. In the current range are 21 of these lenses including the EF 200mm 1:2 L IS USM, the recordings with up to four stops slower shutter speed allows.

Canon provides integrate the new hybrid IS technology into a variety of products.

Technology Policy:

Image Stabilizer (IS = Image Stabilizer engl.):
Camera shake is a major cause of blurred images, especially when used without a tripod or when shooting at slow shutter speeds in poor lighting conditions. Canon's image stabilization technology, characterized by the initials IS (Image Stabilizer for) in the product, uses a shift system to detect and correct slight camera shakes. By pressing the shutter button halfway, the image stabilization is activated. Tiny gyro-sensors detect lens vibrations and send a signal to a microcomputer, which in turn controls a stabilizing element to compensate for the movements along the horizontal and vertical axes of the camera. To avoid that intentional panning and tilting is seen mistaken for camera shake, some telephoto and zoom lenses with IS mode to work second For some selected lenses the IS mode 2 is activated automatically. Takes a movement in a certain direction longer than a predetermined time, in such a case the image stabilizer is disabled for this direction of movement.

EF lenses with IS technology enable precise, brilliant images with up to four stops slower shutter speed than conventional lenses - ideal for situations where flash photography is not permitted or desired.

Tags: image stabilization , Canon , EF , EF-S , EOS , Lens , technology

In a press release announcing a firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II on. Contrary to the usual practice of updating not only errors were corrected, but introduced new features. It allows the users manual exposure control during video recording.

By popular request, it is the research and development department of Canon to an expansion of the video feature introduced in September 2008 has the EOS 5D Mark II decided. For a firmware update is available from the 2nd June 2009 on the disposal.

The following manual controls for video recording will be possible after the firmware update:

• manual aperture selection
• manual ISO dial: Auto, 100-6400, and H1 (12,800)
• Manual shutter speed range: 1/30-1/4.000 seconds

This update would make his first Canon SLR with video recording for professional filmmakers interesting.

Additional references:

• Canon firmware updates for SLR

Tags: Canon , DSLR , EOS , firmware , hardware , camera , art

Canon yesterday released three firmware updates for digital cameras, the EOS series. Including the long awaited update for the EOS 50D .

Specifically, the operating system for the following Canon SLR is updated: Canon 50D, Canon 450D and Canon 1000D. For all three models was the support of available shortly Aufsteckblitzes Canon Speedlite 270EX added thereto. The update for the EOS 50D, however, was already a long time been expected. Cameras have a service department went through were already a few weeks ago, the firmware versions 1.0.5 and 1.0.6, while available on the website of the manufacturer, only the version 1.0.3.

The version 1.0.6 for the EOS 50D contains therefore some corrections of known errors. So loud Canon, the phenomenon of vertical banding (vertical banding noise) has been eliminated. In addition, learned the error codes a revision. The aim is the future more meaningful and more sophisticated error messages are displayed. This was the famous general error "Err 99", which has been shown for almost all causes of errors that occur less frequently.

As part of the update of the firmware of the camera and the software of the computer must be updated to at least the following versions:

• Digital Photo Professional: Version 3.5.2 (Windows / Macintosh)
• Picture Style Editor: Version 1.4.2 (Windows / Macintosh)
• ZoomBrowser EX: Version 6.2.1c (Windows)
• ImageBrowser: Version 6.2.1c (Macintosh)

The updates are available on the website of Canon at the following links:

• Canon EOS 1000D Firmware Update Version 1.0.5
• Canon EOS 450D Firmware Update Version 1.1.0
• Canon EOS 50D Firmware Update Version 1.0.6
• Canon Software Center Germany

Tags: equipment , Canon , DSLR , EOS , hardware , cameras , software , technology

This is great for the serious amateur photographer: the EOS 500D, which will be on the market in May, it makes its big brother the EOS 5D Mark II to, and acts as a "multifunction device". For not only caused 15.1 Megapixel photos with the 500D, but also impressive movies in full HD quality. At a price of 799 € (RRP) for the camera body, the new is launched and is probably one of the first of its kind to provide even more excitement in the camera market.

To be fitted at the decisive moment right across the board, the EOS 500D is an ideal tool for the ambitious hobby photographers. There must in the first steps of the infant, the wedding vows and rings exchange, the birthday song, or on vacation at the picturesque fishing nets do not eject the short and awkward, the camera can be changed. It is sufficient, as already known from compact cameras, a small twist of the dial to the movie function. Thus, clearing the way for movies that make literally also via HDMI on a full HD TV has an excellent figure. The EOS 500D is still more high-quality camera as a film camera, because ergonomics and operation are designed primarily to meet the needs of photography. And yet, if possible in a movie and image quality to the high standards of "people pictures" justice, the filmmaking is an added benefit, the larger the user with the fun of making pictures once more.

Moving images in cinematic look

In movie mode - this is shown in Live View mode - records the 500D as well as the EOS 5D Mark II movie clips in full HD quality, that is, with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels on. These provide up to 20 frames per second for smooth video, brilliant results with detailed, realistic-looking images. With the APS-C CMOS sensor, the videos get a visual effect, as is known from cinema productions: this can blur the foreground and background can be used creatively. One option that does not even offer high-quality camcorder. Another plus point: During the filming can be individual photos shot with the movie only briefly interrupted and will continue automatically. Also in Movie Mode, the Auto Focus. But it can also be focused manually.

The technology behind the "stage"

The 15.1 Megapixel photo to make large prints or large enlargements possible. The CMOS sensor in APS-C size leads to a focal length of lens by a factor of 1.6.
Thanks to its high ISO sensitivity up to ISO 3200 - expandable to 12800 - the EOS 500D delivers even in low light shooting situations with very high quality picture. For efficient noise reduction features Canon's DIGIC 4 image processor responsible.

For longer videos can be recorded alternatively with a low resolution such as 720p or VGA with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The integrated HDMI ™ interface provides a convenient, fast playback of images and movies on a compatible HDTV.

Attention to detail

The large 7.6-inch Clear View LCD (3 inch) enables reliable image control - either while recording or during the subsequent examination of the material. The LCD is identical to that already from the EOS 5D Mark II known monitor and offers impressive sharp 920,000 points. The Live View mode simplifies not only the inclusion of an unfavorable perspective, it also supports auto focus options based on contrast and face detection parameters. The auto focus with real-time display on the LCD is similar to the ease of a compact camera - ideal for easy entry into digital SLR photography. Sound is recorded through the integrated mono microphone.

Fast signal processing, fast focusing

The Canon DIGIC 4 image processor enables fast continuous shooting at up to 3.4 frames per second, the buffer memory has a capacity for up to 170 JPEG images in succession - depending on the capacity of the inserted SD card. Thanks to Canon's wide area AF system with nine individual sensors - including a high-precision cross-type sensor for measuring the central field for lenses with an aperture from 1:2,8 - the camera is excellent preparation for subjects with a lot of action.

Together with the CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 causes an exceptionally good noise reduction and a 14-bit image processing for accurate color gradations and natural looking colors. DIGIC 4 also makes the extremely fast startup times and near-instant image review after shooting - two important criteria for discerning photographers.

Tags: Canon , Camera , Technology