dSLR Dad

Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS 40D dSLR Camera. According to Canon, Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

1. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes a low battery indication to be displayed when using the EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens. Depending on the battery check timing of the camera, the battery level displayed on the camera’s LCD data panel may shows Battery will be exhausted soon or Battery must be recharged, even though the battery capacity is sufficient.
2. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes an Err 06 Self Cleaning Sensor malfunction to appear on the camera’s LCD monitor and LCD data panel, even when the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit is operating normally. This message may appear depending on the timing of when the camera is switch to the ON position.
3. Fixes a malfunction that prevents correct colors from being printed when direct printing. RAW images captured using the camera’s custom Picture Styles (Emerald, etc.), which have been downloaded from Canon’s Web site and registered under User Def. 2 or User Def. 3.
4. Modifies the level of subject brightness that causes the AF-assist beam to fire when using an external Speedlite.
5. Enables an external flash connected to the camera’s synchro terminal to fire even when the camera’s built-in flash is popped up.

You can view the complete instructions and download the latest EOS 40D firmware update from Canon Global.

By the way, the 10.1-Megapixel Canon EOS 40D is selling for well under $879 at Amazon.com right now..  I have pointed quite a few dSLR Dad’s this way on Twitter recently.  It’s a really good value for a camera of this caliber.

This year’s Black Friday ads are beginning to pop-up around the internets.  The only question that remains for any dSLR Dad:

Will I be able to find a good deal standing in line when it’s dark and freezing cold outside, or should I just order online?

Circuit City is offering Sony DSLR-A350, Nikon D60, and Canon EOS Rebel XS dSLR camera combinations (two each) for sale.  The Olympus E-420 and Canon EOS 40D dSLR Cameras are also discounted.  For comparison, I have included both Amazon.com and B&H Photo Video prices at the time of this publication:

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Canon has just released a new Firmware upgrade for the EOS 40D dSLR (available at Amazon and B&H Photo). This firmware update Version 1.0.8 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which Image Stabilization operation emits a sound when certain buttons are pressed, with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens attached to the camera.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Image Stabilization operation emits a sound from the lens when IS lenses are attached to the camera.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a part of the image looks unnatural when reviewed on the LCD.
4. Corrects errors in the Spanish and Norwegian menu screens.

Click here to download the latest firmware.

VS.

Popular photography has released the review that every dSLR Dad has wanted to see since last September. American Photo contributor Jonathan Barkey has compared the new Nikon D300 dSLR (available at Amazon and B & H Photo) against the Canon EOS 40D (Amazon, B & H Photo). And even though they named the Nikon D300 dSLR Camera of the Year 2007, head-to-head competition usually produces different results. Just ask the Patriots.

While mid-priced DSLRs from competing manufacturers may excel in different ways, these semi-pro models from Canon and Nikon give you a winning combination of speed, image quality, extensive lens/accessory systems, and an upgrade path to their top-drawer professional brethren.

Of course, pitting the two against each other isn’t entirely fair, since the technology-showcase D300 ($1800), a junior version of Nikon’s tour-de-force flagship D3, costs 50 percent more than the EOS 40D ($1200), which has evolved from humbler “prosumer” models. Still, we found them to be more evenly matched than we expected, based on our evaluations in the key areas detailed below.

You can read the full review here.

So the new Canon EOS 40D only comes in two ways:

1. Canon EOS 40D (body only, at Amazon or B&H Photo)
2. 40D dSLR with the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens (at Amazon or B&H Photo)

You may note that the neither the original EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM, EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (Amazon, B&H Photo), nor the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Amazon, B&H Photo) are offered as part of a kit package like the 20D or 30D did. Hmmm, maybe Canon will introduce a new EF-S lens or two at PMA. Will Canon finally have an 18-200mm IS to compete with Nikon? At a minimum they need something in the 18-135mm range. We shall see in one month……

40D Body only Price of $1,149

Happy Holidays everyone. Nikon ramps up production on the D300, and then all of a sudden, Canon lowers the price on the 40D. Right now, you can get the Canon EOS 40D for $1,149 at B&H Photo. That’s $150 off (more…)

Is it better than the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens through the same range?

PhotoZone puts Canon’s latest entry level EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens (Amazon and B&H Photo) through the test, and the results are impressive for a kit lens:

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is the next generation budget “kit” lens for Canon EOS APS-C DSLRs. It is a long awaited and, frankly, urgently needed successor for the rather mediocre EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II which was not able to convince anymore ever since the release of EOS 20D. However, Canon did not only improve the optical design – they also added an image stabilizer, changed the finish and introduced circular aperture blades for a better bokeh (out-of-focus blur). (more…)

Nikon’s been getting a lot of the press recently, but Canon has new cameras too. The new 40D was announced the same time, but has been shipping since early fall. With that, I present you dSLR Dad’s with all the information you need to justify spending more money. (more…)

(Updated 12/10) As a follow up to yesterday’s post about the Canon IPF5000 17″ Printer for under $800, I have found another great deal for you dSLR Dad’s.

Amazon has the Canon EOS 30D dSLR (Body Only) for $799. That is $100 less than B&H Photo also has it for $799 (a common theme I’ve noticed this Holiday season). Now true, the Canon EOS 40D is a full model change from the 30D, but it’s still $400 more. For those of you dSLR Dad’s who were considering a Canon Digital Rebel XTi for Christmas, this would be a great step up in performance, durability, and resale value for just $250. You can buy it at either the dSLR Dad Amazon Storefront (post comments to let me know what you think of it) or at the regular Amazon site. As always, these links help to support this site. And I would like to thank all of you dSLR Dads who have done so this Holiday season. You have made it possible (more…)

Amazon has the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens available now for order. This has Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology which provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. (more…)