• Improved response times (no more “processing” message while waiting for display of pictures, faster power-off, faster dial response times)
• Shading and aberration compensation now available on the following lenses:
  • SAL-24F20Z (Carl Zeiss)
  • SAL-85F14Z (Carl Zeiss)
  • SAL-135F18Z (Carl Zeiss)
  • SAL-70300G (G Lens)
  • SAL-35F18
  • SAL-50F18
• Faster and more precise AF

All details from Sony.

• A77 firmware (for PC)
• A77 firmware (for MAC)
• A65 firmware (for PC)
• A65 firmware (for MAC)

Sony is also announcing that some of the new features of the Sony Alpha 35 will be made available for the older Sony Alpha 33 and Sony Alpha 55.

• Support for the ‘Picture Effect’ function featured on the new α35
• High-Speed Synch is supported during wireless operation with a compatible external flash (α55 only)
• Revised menus and a new mode that lets users switch shooting parameters overlaid on-screen for clear, uncluttered composition
• The a33 and a55camera’s Digital Level Gauge can also be displayed when shooting via the optional CLM-V55 external LCD monitor
• Frequently used features can now be custom-assigned to the D-RANGE button for rapid, menu-free access

To be downloaded as early as June 20 from http://www.esupport.sony.com.

• Canon EOS Rebel T3 / EOS 1100D / Kiss X50
• Canon EOS Rebel T3i / EOS 600D / Kiss X5
• Olympus E-5
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
• Pentax K-r
• Pentax K-5

It also addresses processing issues for the following cameras:

• Nikon D7000
• Nikon Coolpix P7000
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Supported Languages: Deutsch, English, Français, 日本語, Español, Italiano, Nederlands.

photo credit: yellowcloud

Pentax has announced a tsunami of firmware updates for its SLR photo cameras:

• Pentax K-5 firmware v1.02
• Pentax K-r firmware v1.01
• Pentax 645D firmware v1.01

Canon offers a new firmware (v1.0.8) for the Canon EOS 60D.

It fixes a phenomenon in which captured images may become overexposed when using the camera’s built-in flash or an external Speedlite in combination with the lenses listed below:

a) EF300/4 L IS USM
b) EF28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM
c) EF75-300/4-5.6 IS USM
d) EF100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

Download freely from Canon.

The main news seem to be the added support for the following SLR cameras:

• Nikon D7000
• Nikon D3100
• Pentax K-5
• Pentax K-r
• Samsung NX100
• Sony Alpha 560
• Sony Alpha 580

Download freely all these upgrades from the Adobe web site: http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/ (in English).

Detailed changes

New Camera Support

• Canon         PowerShot G12
• Canon         PowerShot S95
• Nikon          D7000
• Nikon          Coolpix P7000
• Nikon          D3100
• Olympus     E-5
• Panasonic  DMC-GF2
• Panasonic  DMC-GH2
• Pentax        K-5
• Pentax        K-r
• Ricoh          GXR, GR LENS A12 28mm F2.5
• Samsung    NX100
• Samsung    TL350 (WB2000)
• Sony           A560
• Sony           A580

New Lens Profile Support

**These lens profiles were in the previous release but have been updated to address quality concerns.
NOTE: The Pentax, Tamron and Sigma profiles are the result of collaboration between Adobe and the respective lens manufacturer.

Lightroom 3.3 Bugs – Fixed

• Edit in PS CS4 from LR 3.2 did not give option to render to TIFF/PSD
• Process Version defaulted to PV 2003 when Lightroom’s installed Develop Presets are applied on Import
• All Auto-ISO values were not properly handled for the Nikon D3s
• An error could be generated when sorting by “User Order” in Collections
• There was an incorrect Profile Name tag for Canon 18-55 and 17-40 lens profiles
• Facebook album selection only displayed up to 25 albums
• Lightroom 3 could fail to launch Photoshop CS5 if Photoshop CS4 was uninstalled after the Photoshop CS5 installation
• Numerous cloning or healing spots could have caused Lightroom to become unresponsive
• Lightroom could have crashed when the metadata filter is selected and the grid is displaying all images in the catalog
• Lightroom 3.2 could have failed to import all of the images from an iPhone 4
• Some Sigma X3F raw files were rendering incorrectly
• Choosing the “Make a second copy to” option on import would result in incorrect folder structure for the second copy
• Resetting the crop angle by double-clicking the Angle slider removed a custom aspect ratio
• A tooltip for the Japanese language version of Lightroom 3 displayed the wrong keyboard shortcut for “Flag as Pick”
• Paste Settings did not apply to all images in the Develop module Filmstrip
• Smart collections in Lightroom 3 did not use the same definition of “All Searchable Metadata” previously available in Lightroom 2
• Text watermarks or portions of text watermarks could have failed to be applied to images on export
• SmugMug publish collection dialog included a mixture of English text  when using a language setting other than English
• Lightroom would not import files from the Panasonic LX5 that were shot with the iZoom Function set to above 90mm
• Choosing the Limit File Size option in the export dialog could have stripped certain EXIF fields from the exported file
• The Targeted Adjustment Tool may have performed slowly in the Lightroom 3.3 release candidate
• A single image published to multiple collections for a single publish service did not display comments properly
• Updating an existing Develop preset with all settings could have failed under certain conditions
• The watermark drop shadow settings behaved differently in Lightroom 3.2 when compared to Lightroom 3.0.  They have been returned to the Lightroom 3.0 behavior.
• The YYYYMMDD file renaming option was not available when the Lightroom language setting was set to Dutch
• An existing Smart Collection updated to filter for all photos with “Ratings is Zero” would show all images in the catalog
• Publishing an empty category to SmugMug would cause an error
• JPEG exports in the Lightroom 3.3 Release Candidate were significantly slower than the same export process in Lightroom 3.2.
• A graphical Identity Plate included in output was not correctly color managed
• Deleting all images in a Flickr photoset could have caused Lightroom to return an error message
• Changing the sort order to “User Order” while in Survey View on the Mac may have caused an error to appear
• Lightroom could have failed to respond when viewing an image containing numerous cloning or healing spots at 1:1 view
• RGB values were not displaying properly in the white balance tool
• The Smart Collection criteria “Folder starts with” was not working properly
• The navigator panel in the Develop module would incorrectly display threshold information when holding down the alt or option key and applying adjustments
• Applying a flag, star or label setting to an image via the toolbar in the Develop module while in auto-advance mode would result in an incorrect setting display for the subsequent image
• The application of color noise reduction at low color temperatures (e.g., tungsten or candlelight) could have provided results below our quality standards

Camera Raw 6.3 Release Notes
These items have been FIXED in Camera Raw 6.3:

• Camera Raw would not correctly read files from the Panasonic LX5 that were shot with the iZoom Function set to above 90mm
• The scroll bar could stop working properly with over 150 images in the filmstrip
• The DNG Converter could prevent customers from setting a “Destination” folder outside of their Home directory
• Some Sigma X3F raw files were rendering incorrectly
• Embedding GPS information into a Sony ARW file using third party solutions utilizing Exiftool could result in a color shift
• All Auto-ISO values were not properly handled for the Nikon D3s
• Updated Camera Raw default settings were not respected in Bridge thumbnails or previews after applying a rating
• JPEG and TIFF Previews re-rendered as over-exposed after cropping in Camera Raw
• Adjustment settings via the numeric entry field could have failed with multiple raw files selected

Known Issues in Lightroom 3.3/6.3

• A Japanese language file name is not properly preserved when uploading images to SmugMug

Known Issues in Lightroom 3.3/Camera Raw 6.3

• Raw images shot with the Nikon D7000 in Multi Exposure Mode have a strong magenta color cast.  The cast can be partially corrected by setting the white balance using the eye dropper tool. The issue will be corrected in a future update.

What seems pretty simple could well be a revolution for those who loose too easily the position of this dial and find themselves shooting in a mode very different from those they expected (personally, on a Sony A700, I shot quite a number of pictures, unwillingly in manual or sunset mode…)

Price is still unknown but probably a little over $100 or 100€. Whenever it will come to Europe.

photo © 2010 yellowcloud | more info (via: Wylio)

Update: This is now confirmed and the firmware can be downloaded freely.

According to SonyAlphaRumors.com, Sony will present tomorrow a new version of the firmware for the Sony Alpha 850 and 900 SLR Full Frame photo cameras. It should bring:

• Faster Autofocus
• Maximum exposure compensation range: Increased from ±3EV to ±5EV
• Increased exposure bracketing range for HDR: from a maximum of 4.0EV (three shots at -2EV, 0EV, +2EV) to a maximum of 6.0EV (-3EV, 0EV, +3EV).
• Shutter release, even when the camera body doesn’t detect an attached lens.

Download the new (free) firmware from Sony. As soon as it is available. Right now!

The direct link: http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?site=odw_fr_FR&f=FW_DSLR_A850_A900_V2_WIN_MAC&m=DSLR-A850

Canon EOS 7D Firmware Update Version 1.2.3

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT24-EX) and slave flashes do not sync while shooting wirelessly.

Download Firmware Update Version 1.2.3

Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D Firmware Update Version 1.0.9

• Fixes a phenomenon in which tone jumps become noticeable in some images, depending on the shooting scene, when shooting with the Auto Lighting Optimizer settings (Low / Standard / Strong).

Download Firmware Update Version 1.0.9

• Increased number of maximum pictures taken in continuous shooting in RAW, throughout the sensitivity range. For instance, in RAW, this firmware increases the number of pictures from a maximum of approx 8 frames to approx 20 frames
• Improved stability for general performance

Download the firmware v1.01 for Pentax K-5

Availability: Somewhere in November 2010.

Source : QueSabesDe.com

A firmware update (version 2.0.8) for the Canon EOS 5D Mk II.

• Fix for not using the user mode (C1, C2, C3) in video capture
• Fix for not releasing the shutter when Auto Power is set to “on”
• Fix for an over-exposure in LiveView mode when ISO setting is on L
• Fix for resetting the Speedlite transmitter ST-E2 when the camera and the transmiter are both set to Auto Power “off”
• Fix for a wireless sync bug when using Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT-24EX)

Download freely right now: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html

• The lower key (advices) will allow:
  • Exposure modes
  • Guide/advices
  • Digital Zoom
  • Sensitivity (ISO)
  • White Balance
  • Metering Mode
  • Flash Correction
  • DRO / HDR
  • Creative Modes
  • MF guide
• The central key in the middle of the control ring will allow:
  • AF zone
  • Sensitivity (ISO)
  • White Balance
  • Metering Mode
  • Flash Correction
  • DRO / HDR
  • Creative Modes

Then, during video capture, it will become possible to change the aperture. This was a feature relatively easy to add and requested by many (some were very vocal about it).

Beware: You will have to wait 3 or 4 weeks to be able to download this v3 version. But I’m sure that the users of the NEX-3 or NEX-5 will be patient, since some people feared that these features would only arrive in a future NEX-7 (not disclosed at the Photokina) and they come to the existing models.

On top of this, the Alpha SAM or SSM lenses (equipped with an AF motor that the NEX bodies do not have) will become fully usable on the NEX via an adapter ring which will transmit the needed AF electronic data.

Finally, we learn that Sony is preparing 4 lenses for NEX, but they are short on details (I even feel cheated on this):

• A wide-angle Zeiss
• A tele-zoom
• A macro lens
• A lens for portraiture

We’ll talk about them later when we have something to discuss. For the time being, let’s appreciate the neat improvements that will come in a few days with this NEX firmware v3.

This new version of Camera Raw, with its new improvements in digital noise management, brings new options of automatic lens defect correction (vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberrations) as shown in the presentation video from Downloadsquad just below. But the best is still to go and download the beta version (unless you would prefer to avoid testing a version which is not 100% debugged by Adobe).

The excellent images handling software program, IrfanView, has just been upgraded to version 4.27.

• Command line options to handle images with scripts (actions) or filters.
• Addition of a border or a frame.
• Addition of new filters and file formats.
• The screen copies options now allow to handle larger objects like a full web page (auto-scroll is included).

Even better, it stays free.

Firmware v2.0.4

Canon is not much more precise than that yet (some users are speaking about sound issues, though). But if you did not already rush to get this specific (and important) firmware version, I’d suggest you think a little more and wait for some more news and a possible update.

Ready to celebrate the arrival of 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau, a new version of the RAW conversion utility from Adobe is here: Camera Raw 5.6. It supports a whole lot of recent cameras:

• Canon EOS 7D
• Canon PowerShot G11
• Canon PowerShot S90
• Leaf Aptus II 5
• Mamiya DM22, DM28, DM33, DM56, M18, M22, M31
• Nikon D3s
• Olympus E-P2
• Pentax K-x
• Panasonic FZ38
• Sigma DP1s
• Sony A500
• Sony A550
• Sony A850

It also solves an issue in demosaicing of some Raw files on PowerPC Mac.

Download Adobe Camera Raw 5.6.

• Pentax K-7 : site Pentax UK
• Canon EOS 7D : Canon web site
• Canon EOS Rebel XS/1000D : Canon web site

And we are told that Canon prépares a big firmware update to bring full HD video to the Canon EOS 5D MkII in 2010.

• For Windows (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com, 9.2MB)
• For Mac (Download zip from www.pentaximaging.com, 9.17MB)

At the same time, I can indicate that I identified the availability of the Pentax K-7 user manual (ready for a free download).

• Download Pentax K-7 User Manual in English (PDF – 6.8MB)
• Download Pentax K-7 User Manual in Spanish (PDF – 6.8MB)
• Update: Télécharger le mode d’emploi du Pentax K-7 en français (PDF)

D5000 Service Advisory Serial Number Range

The list they established is:

3015209 – 3026100: Positive (has the defect, must be repaired)

3023300: Negative

3023400 – 3026200: Positive

3026300: Negative

3026400 – 3029200: Positive

3029300: Negative

3029400 – 3030000: Positive

3030100 – 3030200: Negative

3030300 – 3032200: Positive

3032300: Negative

3032400 – 3048000: Positive

3048100: Negative

3048200 – 3054100: Positive

3054200: Negative

3054300 – 3073600: Positive

3073700: Negative

3073800 – 3084200: Positive

3084300: Negative

3084400 – 3085200: Positive

3085300: Negative

3085400 – 3112300: Positive

3112400: Negative

3112500 – 3114300: Positive

3114400 – 3515500 : Negative- End of run?

In all cases, I heartily recommend that you use this list only as a secondary source of information (a sales-people/shop may print it and keep it at hand under the counter) and to always confirm by checking the primary source, the on-line tool provided by Nikon.

Nota bene: They even provide the source code to their little software program that is doing the check…

We previously learned that some Nikon D5000 were suffering from an unpleasant issue of not start when switched on, even with a fully charged battery. Nikon now has more details to provide.

• According to Nikon France, there are only a dozen cases in France (most of the bodies already sold are fully immune).
• It is possible to easily know if your camera serial number is in the list of defective parts: Bad serial numbers (the same information will be available on the Nikon US web site, from July 23rd).
• Repair will have to be done in the repair department of Nikon.
• Customers will appreciate to learn that Nikon France is offering this repair: No cost to the customer.

Thanks to Nikon France.

More information

• Links to download firmware v1.10
• PDF manual about how to use the new features in English/French/Spanish
• PDF manual about how to use the new features in Japanese/English/Chinese

Moreover, the users of MacBook Air and recent MacBook Pro systems can use mutli-touch to rotate documents frame.But, sometimes, it turns out (!) being a nightmare if this is too sensitive. So, Adobe decided to offer a free plug-in to optionnally disable the rotation/zoom commands through muti-touch gestures.