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Lightroom 4.1 test version adds Canon 5D Mark III support

Well, that didn't take long.

Less than four weeks after Adobe Systems released Lightroom 4, the company has issued a release candidate for Lightroom 4.1 to squash bugs and add support for one of the hottest cameras going right now, the Canon 5D Mark III.

The 22-megapixel, full-frame SLR brings new low-light sensitivity, faster performance, overhauled autofocus, and other improvements over its 3-year-old predecessor. But until now, Lightroom fans who have the coveted $3,500 camera could only see its raw files by converting them into the Digital Negative format with Adobe's DNG Converter software.

Other improvements … Read more

Apple update supports Nikon D4, Canon G1 X

Apple has released an update to let Mac users view and edit raw files from several new high-end cameras, including the new $800 PowerShot G1 X, Canon's answer to the parade of high-end mirrorless compact cameras with interchangeable lenses.

Also supported is Nikon's new flagship SLR, the D4.

Raw photo formats, taken directly from the image sensor without in-camera processing into a JPEG, permit greater flexibility and quality for editing. But they require manual processing with software, and this update means Apple's iPhoto and Aperture can handle the shots. The proprietary raw formats aren't standard, so … Read more

Nikon caught using Canon 5D Mark II video footage

It seems Nikon Thailand made a little boo-boo. Netizens discovered that part of its latest promotional video for the D800 was both shot with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II instead--and took clips from TSO Photography's "The Mountain" without Norwegian photographer Terje Sorgjerd's knowledge.

As if that wasn't bad enough, some parts of the promotional footage also contained video clips taken from a short film, "The Art of Flight." It was produced by a Phantom HD Gold camera, which isn't even a dSLR. … Read more

New Canon EF 17-40mm F2.8-4 lens in the works?

Japanese site Egami seems to have discovered a Canon patent filing detailing a replacement for its 17-40mm F4 L USM zoom lens.

Sporting a brighter F2.8 to F4 variable aperture range, the new lens could enable users to capture sharper images in low-light conditions, due to a brighter F2.8 aperture at its 17mm wide end. This provides a one-stop improvement over its predecessor.

The Canon 17-40mm F4 L USM lens has always been one of Canon's most popular lenses, thanks to its constant F4 aperture and its ability to capture an ultrawide-angle perspective, when used on a … Read more

Will you splurge on the Canon 5D Mark III? (poll)

The Canon 5D Mark III made its glorious debut yesterday, sending many a photographer's heart aflutter.

With such improvements as a new 22.3-megapixel sensor, enhanced video capabilities, faster continuous shooting, and a better viewfinder (to name just a few features), we're sure many of you are fantasizing about picking up the full-frame dSLR when it starts shipping in a few weeks. Its steep $3,500 price tag, however, just might snap you back to reality.

Given that the camera calls for such a large chunk of change, it should come as no surprise that there's renewed buzz around the 5D Mark III's predecessor. As CNET digital-imaging Senior Editor Lori Grunin rightly points out, though the 5D Mark III is obviously a big deal, Canon's plan to drop the price of the 5D Mark II is news in and of itself. … Read more

The long wait ends: Canon 5D Mark III (hands on)

I've found that photographers fall into two camps: those who use their camera till it drops dead of exhaustion before considering a new model, and those who feel the need to update as often as possible.

I think the wait for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III has been killing both those groups. It's been so long that a lot of hard-used 3-plus-year-old 5D Mark IIs are ready to surrender, and the frequent updaters have been buffeted on a sea of rumors and delays. But the 5DM3 is almost here--shipping within a few weeks, in theory--and it looks like it will have what it takes to please them both.

While the 5DM3 is obviously big news, Canon's intent to drop of the price of the 5DM2 (to what, I don't know yet) and keep it on the market is pretty important, too: $3,500 is pretty steep for a lot of people who want to go full-frame, and it helps keeps Canon in competition with the newly price-reduced Nikon D700.

As you'd expect, the 5DM3 consists of a combination of technologies, features, and design updates rolled out in the EOS 7D and the more recent 1D X. The result is a camera that looks similar to its predecessor but that's otherwise almost completely different. … Read more

Canon delays EOS-1D X

Are you patiently awaiting the powerhouse Canon EOS-1D X dSLR?

To those planning to buy the 18-megapixel shooter this March, well, we have some bad news. The release date is now "late April," according to Canon press releases in various regions (including Europe and Japan).

There's not much information explaining the inconvenience, aside from an ambiguous note about a "delay in development."

The company says it's also delaying many EOS-1D X accessories to match the new launch time frame. These include the GPS receiver (GP-E1), wireless file transmitter (WFT-E6B), battery charger (LC-E4N), battery pack (LP-E4N), wide strap (L7), and focusing screen (EC- CV).

(Via AV Watch and Imaging Resource)… Read more

Rumor Has It, Ep. 21: Why would you want a PS Vita OS phone? (podcast)

We finally put the celebratory Champagne away after last week's episode, just in time to bring you a ton of new rumors, hot off the rumor mill press.

Wouldn't that make our jobs so much easier? If there were an actual rumor mill press? Since there's not, Emily divulged that she did some research on Wikipedia and IMDb this week. She really pulled out all the stops!

In honor of our 21st episode, because we always find something to celebrate, we brought on special guest Madissen De Turris! And she even brought us presents! We love that. … Read more

Top 5 compact cameras for bargain hunters

There are really only two times a year that camera manufacturers drop prices on compact cameras: late winter/early spring and holiday shopping season. The latter is for current-year models, the former is for clearing out the prior year models.

The five cameras below are 2011 models (well, except for the LX5, though it got a major firmware update), picked for their features and photo quality in relation to their original and current price. These aren't necessarily inexpensive models; there's a difference between a cheap camera and one that offers you more for your dollar.

Canon, Panasonic, and Nikon seemed to have the best deals going right now. However, if none of these cameras interest you or you know a specific model you want from 2011, keep an eye on prices over the next few months. That's when retailers will start making more room for spring 2012 models. … Read more

Three new Canon Pixma multifunctions target creatives

Canon just added three new Pixma multifunction printers to its arsenal of media devices that include Wi-Fi to match the company's 2012 point-and-shoot lineup, also announced today.

The announcement details the Pixma MX372, MX432, and MX512 that all feature 802.11n wireless pairing, but only the $150 MX512 lets users hook up to a network using an Ethernet port on the back.

Like past models, the Pixmas are all compatible with AirPrint and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) that connects to compatible routers with a single button push.… Read more