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Canon 50D firmware update fixes vertical banding issues
Listen up Canon users, the mothership just issued firmware updates for its EOS 50D, Rebel XSi (450D), and Rebel XS (1000D) DSLRs. The updates provide support for the AF assist beam on Canon's Speedlight 270 EX flashgun. More importantly perhaps, is firmware version 1.0.6 that "addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon" for owners of the 50D. By addresses we presume Canon means fixes but we won't know until we hear your feedback. Well?[Via Digital Photography Review]
Canon acknowledges, doesn't fix black dot and band problems on 5D Mark II
It's been released, unboxed, and adored by many. But, like other eagerly anticipated bodies from Canon, the 5D Mark II hasn't been entirely trouble-free for the early adopters. The company is at least stepping forward and confirming that the new model's two most commonly reported problems do indeed exist -- but isn't going so far as to fix them just yet. The first issue is called the "Black dot" phenomenon, where bright point light sources (like streetlights at a distance) result in a grouping of dark pixels immediately to their right, as seen above. The second issue is ugly vertical banding, apparently appearing only in sRAW1 mode. Canon has no advice on the first problem, but says you can avoid the other one simply by not shooting in sRAW1. Surely millions of photogs are wondering why they didn't think of that.[Via Digital Photography Review, image courtesy of Stephan Hörold]
Sharp's slashing prices on 1080p Aquos LCDs
Since the only thing we like more than HDTVs are cheap HDTVs, this latest news about Sharp's Aquos line can't help but make us smile. According to TWICE, MAP (minimum advertised pricing) on certain models the company's older D62 line has been removed entirely, and dropped prices on others, including its more recent D92U, D82U and D72U series LCDs. The 1080p, 46-inch LC-46D62U that launched to such fanfare last October with an MSRP of $3,499 is now available for as low as $1,824 on Amazon. Meanwhile, the newer D92U series with 120Hz at the same size will still cost you $2,549. If horror stories of uneven banding haven't scared you off yet, this is a great time to go 1080p while manufacturers and retailers make room for upcoming models.[Update: corrected Model #, thanks Dominic!]
Sharp LC-52D92U 1080p LCD reviewed
CNET got their hands on the 52-inch version of Sharp's latest 1080p HDTVs, the LC-52D92U, that we first saw at CES. The good news is that it shares the deep black levels of its Aquos D62 predecessor, the bad news is it also brings along the unfortunate banding issues that plagued the previous generation. They also looked into the newly added 120Hz refresh rate that we're seeing in so many LCDs, and compared to a cheaper unit from Vizio, couldn't really tell the difference, even during fast moving action scenes. They didn't find many other issues with the set, commending its upscaling abilities and plenty of connections, but until the banding problems get resolved, Sharp's 8G-based panels will be a skip for most keen-eyed HDTV watchers.
Sharp Aquos LC-46D62U 1080p LCD reviewed
1080p LCDs are taking over this fall, and CNET quickly grabbed Sharp's new Aquos LC-46D62U to review. They had a lot of good to say, particularly when it came to the advertised 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, saying that the screen reproduced a deeper level of black than any non-CRT screen they have ever tested, plasma and RPTVs included. From the glossy black frame to off-angle viewing, praise is in abundance. The D62 series was also noted for its Dot-by-Dot mode to enable pixel perfect mapping of 1080-line sources without overscan. The only negatives came in the areas of color accuracy, as well as the lack of a dedicated PC-input and merely average scaling of 480i sources. CNET also mentioned the reports of banding issues with the D62 series, but had no problems with their review unit. Still, for the price, resolution and plasma-fighting black levels, it doesn't seem to get much better than this.
Sharp Aquos 1080p D62 LCDs now shipping
A reader dropped us a line that Sharp has sent out emails to prospective buyers informing them that its new 1080p 52-, 46- and 42-inch LCDs should be on store shelves near you, if not already, then very very soon. Best Buy, Crutchfield and Circuit City are among the stores listed as stocking the screens, and seem to be selling them at about a $200 discount off the MSRPs originally announced. The Aquos line has had a good reputation, and the 52-inch LC-52D62U was just pointed out by BusinessWeek as its favorite new HDTV. Still, you may want to take a long look at test patterns before laying down the cash as some early purchasers at AVSForum are complaining of banding and color washout issues. The complaints appear to be limited to some of the 52-inch and 46-inch LC-46D62U models rolling off the line at Sharp's newest 8G LCD plant, and may be isolated to screens manufactured in September. The 42-inch LC-42D62U is based on older technology and seems to be unaffected. Still, if 2-million+ pixels, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 4ms response times are what move you, it can't hurt to go down to the store and have a look...just a look.[Thanks, Karterius]Read - Sharp Aquos 42D62U/46D62U/52D62U Owner's ThreadRead - TV: It's A Flat World, After AllRead - Sharp D62 Product page
Dell fesses up to 2007WFP banding problems
Here's one situation where we'd rather Apple would take a page out of Dell's book. After receiving reports of severe color banding issues on certain users' new 2007WFP LCD displays, Dell looked into the issue, found the problem to be pretty rare, and caused by the monitor's active color management chip which switches between desktop, multimedia and gaming modes. Turns out the reported banding is caused by the "desktop" mode, and Dell has now updated the firmware to disable this mode (alright, so maybe Apple shouldn't follow this plan 100 percent). Dell has provided contact information for help with the firmware fix, and will also straight up replace your 2007WFP if you'd like. The roughly one month response time from rumblings to solution could be improved, but it's good to see a company take at least some responsibility for its faulty products.[Via PC World]
2007WFP experiencing severe banding on gradients?
It's difficult at this point to tell precisely how many people are experiencing the issue due to the intense echo chamber that are internet forums, but a number of Dell customers have begun complaining about severe color banding issues on their new 2007WFP. The banding, as mocked up above using a screen shot of the issue, apparently makes normal color gradients impossible, kind of like knocking your monitor back down to 256 colors after all these years. There a number of Anandtech (1, 2, 3) and Dell forums (linked below) threads on the topic; one user blamed the LG panel, as the issue has seemingly cropped up in some shipments of the L2000c, their 20-inch widescreen presumably based on the same panel, while others are claiming it's the DVI input. Anyone here seen this issue themselves, care to share your experiences?[Thanks, Ciber]
