For a few days there are the news of the improvement of Pocket Wizards. These are the brand new PocketWizard FlexTT5 and MiniTT1. It seams that all the time that Pocket Wizard stood quietly without any release news or anything, they secretly were developing an improved version.
So to get out of the confusion the MiniTT1 it’s a transmitter and the FlexTT5 is a transceiver (meaning that it can act as transmitter and receiver).
Here’s what new PocketWizards can do:
You can control your strobes in TTL mode. You can use 20 channels in TTL photography or 32 standard channels in manual flash photography.
When using multiple strobes you can use HyperSync™ Technology to push your shutter speed up to 1/500th.
You can even push your ControlTL system to get flash sync with shutter speeds beyond 1/500 and and even up to 1/8000. To do this you will automatically get into FP/High-Speed sync mode.
You can connect your PocketWizars to your PC via USB and configure it or update it’s firmware.
FlexTT5 has an Auto-Sensing Transceiver Technology that enables it to switch back and forth between Transmitter and Receiver modes as needed for greater flexibility on the job.
The new system of PocketWizards can still be used with older ones like PlusII or MultiMAX but you will need a FlexTT5 as transmitter.
If you want to know more you can go to their website and watch the video below:
And some last info, the PocketWizards will be available by 1st of March for Canon and Q2 2009 for Nikon.
I cant’ wait to test them to see if it worths the money.
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 8, 2009 in Camera Gear, News
A few days back I sadly talked aboutthe failure of Canon with their new two cameras: 5D Mark II and 50D.
Well, today, with my smile on my face ( I’m a huge fan of the 5D Mark II), I can say that the “black dots” and “banding issues” on the 5D Mark II are fixed with the new firmware update ( at least that’s what Canon says).
The black dot problem is fixed due to this test made by Andrew Yip. For you 5D Mark II owners ( lucky bastards ) out there here is the link to the official Firmware 1.0.7.
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 6, 2009 in News
Today it’s been 50 years since Canon launched its first single lens reflex camera. In all this time canon produced 53 million units which begun with the first model, Canonflex, in May 1959 as stated by Canon. Here is the full press release:
2009: THE START OF A NEW ERA FOR CANON’S SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERAS, COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS SINCE CANON LAUNCHED ITS FIRST IN 1959
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 6, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is honoring 50 years of SLR camera sales, beginning with the sale of Canon’s first SLR camera in 1959. 2009 is a milestone year, commemorating the passing of 50 years since Canon sold its first single-lens reflex camera. Canon’s single-lens reflex cameras have evolved with the times, incorporating advanced and groundbreaking technology. Exceeding a cumulative total of 53 million units, they have garnered extensive support from photographers around the world. Looking to the future, Canon will continue its efforts to develop its single-lens reflex cameras and lead image culture for the next fifty years.
Canon’s history with 35mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959, when Canon Inc. launched the Canonflex. Thereafter, the Company continued to introduce cameras that embodied solid technology and innovation, including the F-1, its first professional model (1971); the AE-1, the world’s first single-lens reflex camera with built-in CPU (1976); and the T90, a state-of-the-art T Series model (1986).
Additionally, in March 1987, Canon adopted the world’s first electronic mount and launched the EOS650, a new-generation AF single-lens reflex camera with electronic control that was originally between the lens and the body and then encompassed the entire system. The EOS Series, which has continued to the present day, has rapidly expanded users in both the professional segment, with the top-of-the-line EOS-1 (1989), and in the entry segment, with the EOS Rebel (1993), for which size and weight reductions were accomplished.
Since the year 2000, an era of full-fledged digitalization has been dawning, beginning with the EOS D30 (2000). With speed, ease and high image quality as its key concepts, the EOS Digital Series has constantly been a leader in the evolution of single-lens reflex cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors, the high-performance image processor DIGIC and an EF lens group that boasts outstanding optical performance and an abundant line-up.
Last year, in 2008, Canon released four models, including the EOS Rebel XSi, which has acquired the top market share in numerous countries around the world, and the EOS 5D Mark II, which is equipped with the first full high-definition movie recording functions for a single-lens reflex camera. With the introduction of these camera models, the Company has successfully created an even more powerful line-up.
As we review this half a century of history, Canon is truly grateful to all of its photographers for their support and seeks to continue the challenge of creating single-lens reflex cameras that provide the best image quality and reliability for the next generation.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 5, 2009 in News
A team of researchers from the University of Glasgow from Scotland, are currently developing small nano-structures that would be used on image sensors. The research is funded by half a million pounds from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council. This new sensor will enable cameras to capture sharper and more colorful images.
Professor David Cumming of Glasgow University who is leading the research team claims that “We’ll be using nanotechnology to manipulate particles, so as to take advantage of the properties of electrons to create a new optical effect.” He also added “Digital imaging has come a long way in recent years and this project aims to further improve the ability of digital devices to produce high-quality pictures”
The project is expected to last until the middle of 2012.
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Dec 29, 2008 in Camera Gear
Surfing through the net I came across some negative oppinions, and sadly, I have to agree, even if I am a Canon fan/owner.
For example the new Canon 5D Mark 2 has 2 major problems like Vertical Banding Noise and Black Dot. To this problems it’s added the promise that it will be launched by November and we almost get into yeah 2009 and still Canon hold back the 5D Mark II until it’s if fixed. Although sounds reassuring (they are working to make it better) a lot of people that have back-ordered the camera didn’t had the camera in their arms until the joyful Christmas. You can read more about this here: Canon EOS 5D Mark II: Barely worth it!.
But I have to say they did a lot of good things with the new 5D Mark II, and I still crave to buy it. The only problem is that they rushed to launch an still “beta” camera, without thoroughly testing it and fixing all the problems.
And about that 50D camera, well, it’s way overpriced and a lot of people still choose the 40D which is a bargain. You can read more here: Rebirth of the xxD?
Anyway, I wish Canon a bunch load of good luck, because they will need it, a lot of Canon users started to think that it would be a lot better with Nikon, including me.
Due to fact that I love shooting landscapes, I am in love of the new Canon 5D Mark II. Talking a lot about it a friend asked me what’s that special with this camera compared to my Canon 40D. And it all came to one major difference: the 5D Mark II has a full frame sensor and the 40D has a crop sensor. So in this article I will try to explain the “Crop factor” notion, and the difference between them.
Full frame notion. A full frame sensor has an area of 36 x 24 mm and it’s close to the area of a 35mm film camera, back in the film days.
Crop factor. Well many of the digital cameras, from compact to DSLR cameras, have different image sensors with different dimensions. Most of the sensors have sizes equal or smaller than 36 x 24 mm. Because of the smaller sensor, the camera tends to capture less than an image giving the effect of cropping. There are a lot of crop factors starting from 1x (the Full Frame) and going all the way to 2x (Olympus), for DSLR’s and going even further than 6x for compact cameras. A 2x crop factor refers to a sensor size 2 times smaller than the full frame meaning a roughly 18 x 12 mm sensor size.
Now let’s see how this translates in the actual size of the image:
For a few days there are the news of the improvement of Pocket Wizards. These are the brand new PocketWizard FlexTT5 and MiniTT1. It seams that all the time that Pocket Wizard stood quietly without any release news or anything, they secretly were developing an improved version.
A few days back I sadly talked about 
) out there here is the link to the official 
A team of researchers from the University of Glasgow from Scotland, are currently developing small nano-structures that would be used on image sensors. The research is funded by half a million pounds from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council. This new sensor will enable cameras to capture sharper and more colorful images.
