Eos-1dMarkIii
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Canon's EOS-1D / EOS-1Ds Mark III leaking oil all over your precious images
As if the Canon EOS-1D Mark III autofocus issues weren't enough, the company has issued yet another service notice for it and its sibling, the EOS-1Ds Mark III. It looks like the cameras' mirror box has the potential to leak lubricant -- causing the excess oil to end up on the surface of the low pass filter, whereupon your award-winning pictures exhibit large, ring-shaped spots. So there you have it -- it wasn't your lousy photographic skills after all! The company has offered to repair the affected models for free, so make sure you notify customer support to get the ball rolling. Hit that read link for all the details.[Via Adorama]
Canon says EOS-1D Mark III AF issues fixed, now leave us alone
Canon just updated the official status on the auto-focus issue plaguing the EOS-1D Mark III. According to Canon USA, "After the AF mirror Adjustment, including the updated firmware version 1.1.3, the EOS-1D Mark III AF function performed better in our tests than all previous EOS camera models." Unfortunately, they made no comment about those other fixes supposedly in the works. Sounds like Canon is washing their hands of the topic at least until they make the jump to the next EOS-1D product iteration. [Via DigitalCameraInfo]
Canon brewing yet another autofocus fix for EOS-1D Mark III?
Unfortunately, details are extraordinarily scant at the moment, but it appears that Canon is readying one more fix for the EOS-1D Mark III, which has been plagued with an autofocus issue for what seems like ages. Apparently, the forthcoming fix -- which could involve hardware and / or firmware alterations -- will make improvements even over last year's tweak. Reportedly, the firm's AF engineers are confident that they have now realized the "root cause" of the problem, hinting that this solution may in fact be the last. Per usual, there's been no clues handed out as to when users will actually be notified that a fix is available, but we're sure official word will stream out soon enough if there's anything to this.
Canon's EOS-1D Mark III autofocus fix makes strides, stops short
Remember that autofocus fix that Canon was supposedly working up? Turns out, the company isn't quite ready to start accepting faulty EOS-1D Mark IIIs just yet, but it is shipping out upgraded versions to new buyers. Rob Galbraith managed to wrap his hands around not one, but three of the new DSLRs in order to substantiate his findings, and what he found was noticeable improvement. In summary, the sub-mirror fix was said to boost the performance of the AF, as it enabled the camera to deliver "about the same number of in-focus frames whether it was warm or cold." Unfortunately, it seems that the solution still left a lot to be desired; Mr. Galbraith noted that it still couldn't match the EOS-1D Mark II N, and implied that there was still room for betterment. 'Course, we're really just scratching the surface on his thorough (and we mean thorough) look at the sub-mirror fix and v1.1.3 firmware, so if this issue has been hounding you, do yourself a favor and check out the read link.[Thanks, Anand]
Canon pulling the EOS-1D Mark III from shelves?
It looks like Canon is pulling all EOS-1D Mark III units from shelves in response to the autofocus issue plaguing their professional DSLR. In what appears to be a legitimate letter sent to dealers on October 25th, Canon states that they have "decided to stop shipment of all EOS-1D Mark III. We would therefore like to collect all unsold EOS-1D Mark III units from your stock." A shipping recommencement date is promised at a later time. That's a bold move by Canon since the issue only affects some of the units sold so far. Still, with a customer-focused action like that Canon, you've got our loyalties nailed.[Thanks, Anand]
Canon planning fix for EOS-1D Mark III autofocus issue
If you're one of those folks who just refused to fork out thousands of dollars for an EOS-1D Mark III after hearing reports of a seemingly widespread autofocus issue, take heart. Apparently, Canon is fessing up to the problem and is planning a remedy, although a simple firmware update doesn't seem to be it. According to an interview with Chuck Westfall, Canon USA's Director of Media and Customer Relationship, the firm is looking to issue a hardware fix that "adjusts the sub-mirror within the body." The company doesn't seem to think that every one of these beasts are afflicted, and its supposedly gearing up to provide a "simple way for owners to identify if their camera is among those affected." As for dates, US-based owners should be hearing more details about how the process will work by "the end of this month," while buyers that reside elsewhere will likely be informed shortly thereafter. If you're thirsty for more, be sure and hit the read link for the full chat.[Via CNET]
Canon's EOS-1D Mark III DSLR gets reviewed
Although Canon's powerful EOS-1D Mark III has priced itself right out of consideration for a large sect, the niche that has been waiting in tense anticipation to see a solid review of the unit need wait no more. The folks over at Digital Camera Info were able to put the beastly DSLR through a gauntlet of tests, and while it did end up shining gloriously in the bulk of them, one persistent problem seemed to mar the otherwise flawless camera. As expected, the design, speed, live LCD, color accuracy, noise / low light performance and controls were all highly praised, but the white balance and a nagging autofocus problem did prove troublesome. Granted, the reviewers did state that a firmware fix seemed to solve the issue, but it was apparently so aggravating that patient folks (who?) may want to consider holding off until things get ironed out. Nevertheless, the unit was still regarded as a fantastic DSLR, and if you've got five grand just burning a hole in your pocket, why not take some time out and read the full review before taking the plunge?[Via DigitalPhotographyBlog]
Canon's PMA lineup in the wild
Unfortunately we have neither the budget nor the manpower to hit up every trade show that we'd like -- and truth be told, everyone's pretty cranky for about six months after CES -- so instead of getting our hands on the new gear at PMA, we're relying on the pros to capture some quality shots of the fresh releases. To cover Canon's unveiling of six new cams we've got Mark over at Photography Blog, who was able to get some quality face time with the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, the just-revealed A-series PowerShots, and both new Digital Elphs (or IXUS, as they're known overseas) at a London launch event. Plus, if printers are your thing, you can check out the new Pixma lineup as well. All in all a nice set of shots, so if you want to see how these bad boys look when they're not all primped up for glossy press photos, hit the read link for a full gallery (select highlights are after the break).
Canon's EOS-1D Mark III DSLR with live LCD
Canon's latest pro DSLR is officially here as of tonight: welcome the EOS-1D Mark III. This 10.1 megapixel shooter can fire 10fps in bursts of up to 110 large JPEGs or 30 RAW files with is dual DIGIC III processor. It also features a really friggin light sensitive APS-H size 28.1 x 18.7mm CMOS sensor with ISO modes up to 3200 (it's also got a "highly usable" just-in-case 6400 mode sure to kill image quality), but the real winner here is the 3-inch live LCD (with 5 and 10x magnification for locking that zoom). There's also a new WFT- E2A Wireless File Transmitter option for dumping to external storage and even GPS geotagging, the OSK-E3 Original Data Security Kit for file encryption and verification (if your images are just that valuable), the Speedlite 580EX II flash, and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens. We don't yet have word on price or release date, but you know what they say about having to ask.%Gallery-1744%
