Canon EOS 5D Mark II review roundup

This one's been a long time coming, but we wanted to make absolutely sure you had quite enough reading material to make the most informed decision on this incredibly expensive (albeit quite valuable, as you'll soon find out) DSLR. Reviews the web over shout practically the same thing: the EOS 5D Mark II is astounding. In most every important area, the device simply excelled. Image quality was remarkable, the 1080p video capture was stellar (though the lack of Auto Focus was a legitimate knock against it) and low-light performance was simply awesome. Hailed as a respectable upgrade from the original 5D, it was found to strike "a great balance between resolution, quality and performance," and most outlets found it worthwhile even if you're not interested in capturing video. Frankly, we can't even begin to scratch the surface of all the nuances here, but we'll certainly point you in the right directions to get all the knowledge you need.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: 5d, 5D Mark II, 5dMarkIi, camera, canon, DSLR, EOS 5d Mark II, Eos5dMarkIi, review, review roundup, reviewed, ReviewRoundup ]

Quarter Million Dollars of Digital Photo Gear in a Single Photo [Beijing Olympics]

Here's a common scene—but still impressive—at the Beijing Olympics: dozens of photographers firing the most expensive digital photography gear available on the planet at full speed. The sound of all those shutters re-clacky-clicketing alone must give goosebumps to any photo aficionado, but the total price of all this machinery would actually make anyone faint. How much does this all cost? In this image alone I can count 23 cameras. I can see loads of Canon L-Series EF and Nikkor AF-S 500mm super telephoto lenses—each around $5,800 a pop—, a few 400mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm here and there. Let's assume a conservative average of $6,000 per telephoto lense. That's $138,000 total just on lenses. Most of them are probably using the biggest and baddest Canon and Nikon cameras, so we can assume an average $5,000 price tag per camera, which brings the grand total to about a quarter of a million dollars. Now, there are 1,100 accredited photographers at the Beijing Olympics, which we can assume will have more than just one set of lenses and, at least, one secondary camera, just in case the first one breaks or they want to have two different set of lenses ready to shoot at any time. A good low-estimate per photographer would be $20,000 minimum, which brings the grand total to $22 million in professional digital photography equipment at the Olympics. [Stern via Dark Roasted Blend]

[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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Canon 5D Mark II Field Guide Listed on Amazon, Points Toward Sept. Photokina Announcement [5d Mark II]

While this isn't the word of God (or Canon), it's another piece in the pile of evidence that the 5D Mark II is on its way, and soon. Amazon has a listing for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Field Guide by Charlotte Lowrie, who's written field guides for a smorgasbord of other Canon cameras. Unfortunately the pub date is listed as November, which points more toward a late September announce at Photokina than the early June date we'd heard before. Either way, sit tight, 'cause it's coming.
[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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Canon Patents Fuel Cells (For Cameras, Of Course)

A new patent application by Canon reveals that the company is interested in fuel cell technology for their cameras—or at least feel that they've developed an idea that no one else should use. Wired aptly compares the technology to inkjet printer cartridges, actually using multiple fuel cells to provide varying levels of current depending on camera function. These fuel cells can work alone or combine to tackle the especially power-hungry functions. But as you can see in diagram A, this news leaves the traditional Canon battery grip seething with anger. [Patent via Gadget Lab]

[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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