Canon issues A650 IS service notice
Monday, 8 October 2007 10:35 GMT
Canon has identified a light leak affecting a limited number of its Powershot A650 IS cameras. The affected cameras have a zero as the fifth digit of their serial numbers and Canon have pledged to repair them at no charge via their local factory service centers. More info after the jump.
Service Notice: Light Leak
PowerShot A650 IS
To owners of the PowerShot A650 IS digital camera:
October 3, 2007
Thank you for using Canon products.
We have recently discovered that, under specific shooting conditions a problem may occur in images taken with this product. The details of this problem are described below.
PhenomenonWhen shooting with the camera's variangle LCD monitor open under sunny skies, where sunlight shines directly on the exposed back of the camera, problems like the one shown in the image below may occur.
Affected CamerasPowershot A650 IS digital cameras that have a zero in the fifth digit from the left (xxxx0xxxxx) in the serial number listed on the bottom of the camera are affected.
However, even for cameras with the serial number described above, if there is a marking on the inside of the battery cover like the one in the image below, this problem has already been corrected and the camera may be used as is.
SupportCanon USA, Inc. will repair affected cameras for residents in the USA and Puerto Rico free of charge at our Factory Service Centers.
Please note that if you use an affected camera without repairing it first, you can work around this problem by shooting with the variangle LCD monitor closed, as shown below.
We offer our sincerest apologies to customers who have been inconvenienced by this problem. We will continuously strive to improve our quality management to ensure that our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Latest news
Latest news
Monday, 22 October 2007
Just Posted! Our review of the Canon PowerShot A570 IS, one of a whole batch of new A series compacts launched earlier this year. The A570 IS is a keenly-priced, fully featured 7MP camera with a 4x stabilized zoom and a wide range of photographic control on offer. Sounds like a bargain, but is it any good? Find out after the link... (15:20 GMT)
Having launched and then postponed availability of its AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens back in August, Tamron is now to re-launch the lens on October 26th. Canon user will be the first to try out the new optically stabilized superzoom with a Nikon mount following early in 2008. More details after the click. (10:15 GMT)
Datacolor has updated its Spyder monitor calibration and print profiling system, featuring the only seven detector color engine on the market and boasting 400% extra light sensitivity for increased accuracy. Other new features include a built in ambient light sensor, combined desktop cradle and tripod mount and 'before and after' SpyderProof proofing capability. Initially available as the $279 Spyder3Elite which deals with displays only or the $599 Spyder3Studio with printer profiling, the range is compatible with Mac OSX (10.3 and higher) as well as Windows 2000, XP and Vista 32/64. (11:30 GMT)
if(typeof(window['ord'])=='undefined') ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000;
document.write('');
Friday, 19 October 2007
Just Posted! Our concise review of the Canon SD870 IS (or IXUS 860 IS if you live in Europe). The replacement for the popular SD800 IS has the same versatile 28-105mm wideangle zoom but ups the resolution to 8MP and screen size to a whopping 3.0 inches - and throws in a few new features to boot. Find out if SD870 IS improves on its well-respected predecessor after the link... (15:30 GMT)
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Sony today announced its HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album - an 80 GB storage and slideshow unit featuring HDMI output. Able to import photos from flash media CD/DVD or Ethernet and featuring powerful slideshow-creation software, photos may be shared via card or disk and a compatible printer may be hooked up to its USB port for hard copies. With viewing, sharing, printing and archiving all in one 'living-room friendly' box this looks set to be a big hit with those who love digital photography but not the computer time that goes with it. The HDMS-S1D will be available from October priced at $400. (16:25 GMT)
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Sandisk today announced the imminent availability of its highest capacity Extreme III SDHC card to date. The 8GB media is bundled with a free Sandisk MicroMate USB 2.0 reader worth $20 and is a class 6 SDHC device guaranteeing write speeds of 6MB/s or faster. The pair are expected to ship within 30 days and will retail for around $179.99. (14:05 GMT)
Alongside the E-3 Olympus has also released four new Zuiko Digital lenses, three of which feature Olympus' Supersonic Wave Drive focus system and splashproofing. Let's kick off with the 12-60 f/2.8-4.0 which offers a 5x 24-120mm equiv. zoom range and 25cm closest focus as well as the aforementioned SWD and weathersealing. Next up is the 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 which Olympus claim is twice as fast to focus as its predecessor thanks to SWD. Splashproofing and a polarizer-friendly lens hood also boost its appeal. No other manufacturer can offer a 28-70 equiv. lens at f/2.0 but the 14-35 f/2.0 is just that - a fast, high quality 'normal' zoom with quiet and swift focus which doesn't mind the occasional soaking. The 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 is a little more humdrum but offers Four Thirds users a 140-600mm field of view in a compact and versatile package. Also announced is a new 2.0x teleconverter - the EC-20. The 12-60, 50-200, 70-300 and EC-20 should be available come November 2007 with the 14-35 following in early 2008. (10:20 GMT)
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Back in May 2001 Olympus began to make noises about a professional five megapixel Four Thirds format digital SLR, two years after that in June 2003 they revealed the E-1. After much hinting, several 'accidental' leaks and some four and a half years, Olympus has today announced the ten megapixel E-3 professional digital SLR. We had been promised an E-3 before embargo to enable us to produce a preview but that for reasons best known to Olympus this fell through so all we can provide you with is a press release, specs and a couple of images. Body only price will be £1099 in the UK. (22:00 GMT)
If the four colors in which Olympus offers its tough little ยต 790 SW don't quite float your boat, there's no need to panic. There is now a fifth option in the form of this fetching shade of lime green. Guaranteed to attract the attention of any (conscious) subject you should choose to aim it at, the camera also promises exclusivity with a mere 5000 to be distributed across Europe. The pricing should remain the same as the 'standard' edition. (12:40 GMT)
Canon has given the world a glimpse of its lens development program, unveiling two all-new super telephotos. First up we have the EF200mm f/2L IS USM - aimed at portrait and indoor sports photographers and the seeming successor to the legendary 200 f1.8L USM (discontinued in 2004). The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM meanwhile slots above the current 600mm f/4L, whose performance it is said to surpass. Further details on the lenses are scant but they are due to be shown at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City from October 18-20. (10:15 GMT)
Monday, 15 October 2007
Jobo today announced its latest portable storage device - The GIGA one ultra - promising doubled transfer speeds compared to the previous GIGA one. This means up to 5.47 MB per second or 1GB in around three minutes. The new device will be available in four capacities ranging from 40 GB to a whopping 200 GB with US pricing expected to be $149 - $329 depending on capacity when it arrives in stores at the end of October. Europeans can expect to pay the same figures in Euros. More after the jump. (15:05 GMT)
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Just Posted! After a longer than anticipated delay we're finally all set up to start posting reviews again, starting with one we've had sitting around for a while now, Sony's ultra compact Cyber-shot DSC-W80, an ultra-slim 7.2MP model with 3x zoom and HDTV output. And for those of you waiting for our reviews of the current 'headline' cameras - fear not; they're well under way! (21:45 GMT)
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
The Photo Marketing Association (PMA) has released an initial list of exhibitors for PMA 2008, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada between Jan. 31 and Feb. 2 next year. With over 600 exhibitors occupying a floor area in excess of 12 acres, the show promises to be as hard on the feet as ever. Click through for the concise list with links to the full line-up. (13:30 GMT)
Monday, 22 October 2007
Just Posted! Our review of the Canon PowerShot A570 IS, one of a whole batch of new A series compacts launched earlier this year. The A570 IS is a keenly-priced, fully featured 7MP camera with a 4x stabilized zoom and a wide range of photographic control on offer. Sounds like a bargain, but is it any good? Find out after the link... (15:20 GMT)
Having launched and then postponed availability of its AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC lens back in August, Tamron is now to re-launch the lens on October 26th. Canon user will be the first to try out the new optically stabilized superzoom with a Nikon mount following early in 2008. More details after the click. (10:15 GMT)
Datacolor has updated its Spyder monitor calibration and print profiling system, featuring the only seven detector color engine on the market and boasting 400% extra light sensitivity for increased accuracy. Other new features include a built in ambient light sensor, combined desktop cradle and tripod mount and 'before and after' SpyderProof proofing capability. Initially available as the $279 Spyder3Elite which deals with displays only or the $599 Spyder3Studio with printer profiling, the range is compatible with Mac OSX (10.3 and higher) as well as Windows 2000, XP and Vista 32/64. (11:30 GMT)
if(typeof(window['ord'])=='undefined') ord=Math.random()*10000000000000000;
document.write('');
Friday, 19 October 2007
Just Posted! Our concise review of the Canon SD870 IS (or IXUS 860 IS if you live in Europe). The replacement for the popular SD800 IS has the same versatile 28-105mm wideangle zoom but ups the resolution to 8MP and screen size to a whopping 3.0 inches - and throws in a few new features to boot. Find out if SD870 IS improves on its well-respected predecessor after the link... (15:30 GMT)
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Sony today announced its HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album - an 80 GB storage and slideshow unit featuring HDMI output. Able to import photos from flash media CD/DVD or Ethernet and featuring powerful slideshow-creation software, photos may be shared via card or disk and a compatible printer may be hooked up to its USB port for hard copies. With viewing, sharing, printing and archiving all in one 'living-room friendly' box this looks set to be a big hit with those who love digital photography but not the computer time that goes with it. The HDMS-S1D will be available from October priced at $400. (16:25 GMT)
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Sandisk today announced the imminent availability of its highest capacity Extreme III SDHC card to date. The 8GB media is bundled with a free Sandisk MicroMate USB 2.0 reader worth $20 and is a class 6 SDHC device guaranteeing write speeds of 6MB/s or faster. The pair are expected to ship within 30 days and will retail for around $179.99. (14:05 GMT)
Alongside the E-3 Olympus has also released four new Zuiko Digital lenses, three of which feature Olympus' Supersonic Wave Drive focus system and splashproofing. Let's kick off with the 12-60 f/2.8-4.0 which offers a 5x 24-120mm equiv. zoom range and 25cm closest focus as well as the aforementioned SWD and weathersealing. Next up is the 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 which Olympus claim is twice as fast to focus as its predecessor thanks to SWD. Splashproofing and a polarizer-friendly lens hood also boost its appeal. No other manufacturer can offer a 28-70 equiv. lens at f/2.0 but the 14-35 f/2.0 is just that - a fast, high quality 'normal' zoom with quiet and swift focus which doesn't mind the occasional soaking. The 70-300 f/4.0-5.6 is a little more humdrum but offers Four Thirds users a 140-600mm field of view in a compact and versatile package. Also announced is a new 2.0x teleconverter - the EC-20. The 12-60, 50-200, 70-300 and EC-20 should be available come November 2007 with the 14-35 following in early 2008. (10:20 GMT)
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Back in May 2001 Olympus began to make noises about a professional five megapixel Four Thirds format digital SLR, two years after that in June 2003 they revealed the E-1. After much hinting, several 'accidental' leaks and some four and a half years, Olympus has today announced the ten megapixel E-3 professional digital SLR. We had been promised an E-3 before embargo to enable us to produce a preview but that for reasons best known to Olympus this fell through so all we can provide you with is a press release, specs and a couple of images. Body only price will be £1099 in the UK. (22:00 GMT)
If the four colors in which Olympus offers its tough little ยต 790 SW don't quite float your boat, there's no need to panic. There is now a fifth option in the form of this fetching shade of lime green. Guaranteed to attract the attention of any (conscious) subject you should choose to aim it at, the camera also promises exclusivity with a mere 5000 to be distributed across Europe. The pricing should remain the same as the 'standard' edition. (12:40 GMT)
Canon has given the world a glimpse of its lens development program, unveiling two all-new super telephotos. First up we have the EF200mm f/2L IS USM - aimed at portrait and indoor sports photographers and the seeming successor to the legendary 200 f1.8L USM (discontinued in 2004). The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM meanwhile slots above the current 600mm f/4L, whose performance it is said to surpass. Further details on the lenses are scant but they are due to be shown at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City from October 18-20. (10:15 GMT)
Monday, 15 October 2007
Jobo today announced its latest portable storage device - The GIGA one ultra - promising doubled transfer speeds compared to the previous GIGA one. This means up to 5.47 MB per second or 1GB in around three minutes. The new device will be available in four capacities ranging from 40 GB to a whopping 200 GB with US pricing expected to be $149 - $329 depending on capacity when it arrives in stores at the end of October. Europeans can expect to pay the same figures in Euros. More after the jump. (15:05 GMT)
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Just Posted! After a longer than anticipated delay we're finally all set up to start posting reviews again, starting with one we've had sitting around for a while now, Sony's ultra compact Cyber-shot DSC-W80, an ultra-slim 7.2MP model with 3x zoom and HDTV output. And for those of you waiting for our reviews of the current 'headline' cameras - fear not; they're well under way! (21:45 GMT)
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
The Photo Marketing Association (PMA) has released an initial list of exhibitors for PMA 2008, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada between Jan. 31 and Feb. 2 next year. With over 600 exhibitors occupying a floor area in excess of 12 acres, the show promises to be as hard on the feet as ever. Click through for the concise list with links to the full line-up. (13:30 GMT)
Monday, October 22, 2007
DIGITAL CAMERAS
E-3
HANDS-ON PREVIEW: Olympus re-enters the high-end SLR camera market with the 10-megapixel E-3, a mid-size SLR with a new autofocus system, a faster, more durable shutter, and a big, bright viewfinder. We had a some hands-on time with a prototype Olympus E-3. It had an impressive feel, good control placement, and snappy performance. The Olympus E-3's 11-point autofocus is all new, each point a double-cross type sensor for greater accuracy, and this digital camera's optical viewfinder is bigger than most of its competition, a big plus for a Four-Thirds camera. Of course, since it's an Olympus digital SLR camera, the Olympus E-3 has Live View mode, now made more versatile with the addition of a swiveling LCD to help you compose images from more angles than ever. Click here to see our Hands-On Preview of the Olympus E-3 digital SLR camera.
Res: 10.1mp
Storage: CF I, CF II, xD
Retail Price: $1,699
Kodak
EasyShare Z885
The Kodak Z885 is a bargain-priced digital camera, so you'd think it would have a long list of trade-offs and compromises. But the Kodak EasyShare Z885 has some surprising features, like a 5x optical zoom, Smart Scene modes so you don't have to tell the camera what it's looking at, and very high ISO sensitivity. And though it looks big, the Kodak Z885 is smaller than most digital cameras that use AA batteries. Interestingly enough, the staff split on the Kodak Z885. Some found it an excellent digital camera for vacation photos, others didn't approve of the Kodak Z885's idea of cooperation in Macro mode and low light. See our review of the Kodak EasyShare Z885 digital camera and decide for yourself.
Res: 8.1mp
Zoom: 5x
Storage: SD, SDHC
Compare Price: $152-215
Sony
Cyber-shot DSC-W80
The Sony W80 is a compact bargain, including the hottest digital camera technology Sony has introduced in its 2007 lineup. With its new Bionz processor the Sony Cyber-shot W80 delivers faster face detection technology, High ISO, Super SteadyShot, in-camera editing, and even adds an HD output socket. Among the Sony W80's practical features are a no-nonsense, attractive design, and an optical viewfinder. The Sony W80 camera does give away detail to hold onto color at higher ISO settings, but most users won't mind that tradeoff, particularly if 4x6 prints are all you're looking for. Click to see our review of the Sony Cyber-shot W80 for a close-up look at one of Sony's more popular digital cameras.
Res: 7.2mp
Zoom: 3x
Storage: MS Duo, MS Pro Duo
Compare Price: $205-254
Nikon
Coolpix S200
Nikon's Coolpix S200 is a very slim, very simple take-along digital camera that's modest and stylish at the same time. While you won't find manual exposure controls on the Nikon S200, you will find some Nikon digital camera specialties like Best Shot Selector, D-Lighting, and a One-Touch Portrait mode. The Nikon S200 also has an Interval Time Shooting option for time-lapse photography, and the camera can serve as a digital voice recorder, capturing up to five hours of audio. We found the Nikon S200 appealing for its size and portability, but had some issues with its images. Click to see the Nikon Coolpix S200 review for more!
Res: 7.1mp
Zoom: 3x
Storage: SD, SDHC
Compare Price: $155-200
Sony
Alpha DSLR-A700
Full test shots posted! We just received a production-level sample of the Sony A700 camera, and have been busily shooting all our standard test shots with it. These are now all uploaded and available via the thumbnail index page. Stay tuned over the next day or two for analysis of the Sony A700's test images and other test data, and for a collection of random Gallery photos shot with this exciting new digital camera. Get on over to the Sony A700 review page and check it out!
Res: 12.2mp
Zoom: 4x
Storage: CF I, CF II, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo
Compare Price: $1,399-1,400
Sony
Cyber-shot DSC-T20
The T20 is a stylish and inexpensive digital camera, featuring an 8 megapixel sensor, a powerful Bionz processor, smart face detection technology, and both high ISO sensitivity (to 3200) and image stabilization with Super SteadyShot. Though small, the Sony T20 can give you the big picture with its HD output for stills with built-in special effects and music. See the Sony T20 review for all the details on this affordable pocket digital camera.
Res: 8.0mp
Zoom: 3x
Storage: MS Duo, MS Pro Duo
Compare Price: $234-297
HANDS-ON PREVIEW: Olympus re-enters the high-end SLR camera market with the 10-megapixel E-3, a mid-size SLR with a new autofocus system, a faster, more durable shutter, and a big, bright viewfinder. We had a some hands-on time with a prototype Olympus E-3. It had an impressive feel, good control placement, and snappy performance. The Olympus E-3's 11-point autofocus is all new, each point a double-cross type sensor for greater accuracy, and this digital camera's optical viewfinder is bigger than most of its competition, a big plus for a Four-Thirds camera. Of course, since it's an Olympus digital SLR camera, the Olympus E-3 has Live View mode, now made more versatile with the addition of a swiveling LCD to help you compose images from more angles than ever. Click here to see our Hands-On Preview of the Olympus E-3 digital SLR camera.
Res: 10.1mp
Storage: CF I, CF II, xD
Retail Price: $1,699
Kodak
EasyShare Z885
The Kodak Z885 is a bargain-priced digital camera, so you'd think it would have a long list of trade-offs and compromises. But the Kodak EasyShare Z885 has some surprising features, like a 5x optical zoom, Smart Scene modes so you don't have to tell the camera what it's looking at, and very high ISO sensitivity. And though it looks big, the Kodak Z885 is smaller than most digital cameras that use AA batteries. Interestingly enough, the staff split on the Kodak Z885. Some found it an excellent digital camera for vacation photos, others didn't approve of the Kodak Z885's idea of cooperation in Macro mode and low light. See our review of the Kodak EasyShare Z885 digital camera and decide for yourself.
Res: 8.1mp
Zoom: 5x
Storage: SD, SDHC
Compare Price: $152-215
Sony
Cyber-shot DSC-W80
The Sony W80 is a compact bargain, including the hottest digital camera technology Sony has introduced in its 2007 lineup. With its new Bionz processor the Sony Cyber-shot W80 delivers faster face detection technology, High ISO, Super SteadyShot, in-camera editing, and even adds an HD output socket. Among the Sony W80's practical features are a no-nonsense, attractive design, and an optical viewfinder. The Sony W80 camera does give away detail to hold onto color at higher ISO settings, but most users won't mind that tradeoff, particularly if 4x6 prints are all you're looking for. Click to see our review of the Sony Cyber-shot W80 for a close-up look at one of Sony's more popular digital cameras.
Res: 7.2mp
Zoom: 3x
Storage: MS Duo, MS Pro Duo
Compare Price: $205-254
Nikon
Coolpix S200
Nikon's Coolpix S200 is a very slim, very simple take-along digital camera that's modest and stylish at the same time. While you won't find manual exposure controls on the Nikon S200, you will find some Nikon digital camera specialties like Best Shot Selector, D-Lighting, and a One-Touch Portrait mode. The Nikon S200 also has an Interval Time Shooting option for time-lapse photography, and the camera can serve as a digital voice recorder, capturing up to five hours of audio. We found the Nikon S200 appealing for its size and portability, but had some issues with its images. Click to see the Nikon Coolpix S200 review for more!
Res: 7.1mp
Zoom: 3x
Storage: SD, SDHC
Compare Price: $155-200
Sony
Alpha DSLR-A700
Full test shots posted! We just received a production-level sample of the Sony A700 camera, and have been busily shooting all our standard test shots with it. These are now all uploaded and available via the thumbnail index page. Stay tuned over the next day or two for analysis of the Sony A700's test images and other test data, and for a collection of random Gallery photos shot with this exciting new digital camera. Get on over to the Sony A700 review page and check it out!
Res: 12.2mp
Zoom: 4x
Storage: CF I, CF II, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo
Compare Price: $1,399-1,400
Sony
Cyber-shot DSC-T20
The T20 is a stylish and inexpensive digital camera, featuring an 8 megapixel sensor, a powerful Bionz processor, smart face detection technology, and both high ISO sensitivity (to 3200) and image stabilization with Super SteadyShot. Though small, the Sony T20 can give you the big picture with its HD output for stills with built-in special effects and music. See the Sony T20 review for all the details on this affordable pocket digital camera.
Res: 8.0mp
Zoom: 3x
Storage: MS Duo, MS Pro Duo
Compare Price: $234-297
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