Heck of a deal. Use the upgrade link below:

Upgrade to Windows 7 for $49 and 99$!

A quick comparison using Lightroom 2.3, DPP 3.6.1.0 and a Canon 50D. People enjoy RAW converter comparisons, and they are truly a part of the overall IQ result. This test used zero sharpening of any kind (defaults turned down for DPP and Lightroom) and was shot with a Canon 17-40L. The “neutral” setting was used for both as well. Images were converted to Jpeg at the highest quality, then cropped in Photoshop. To see the actual correct image, please click it and make sure your browser is fully expanded.

The Lightroom 2 image seems to be rendering more detail, while DPP offers a softer look to the float ring and people on the pier. This could be due to more agressive noise reduction in DPP with the 50D.

More 17-40 and 18-55 IS. This time, I tested the micro adjust feature on both lenses. The 18-55 IS did not need any adjustment. The 17-40 appears to have needed +9 adjustment. Please click the images for the full results:

The 17-40 is greatly improved on the long end after the micro adjust, although it seems to have lost just a touch compared to the previous test at 17 and 19mm. In fact, it is so improved that it surpasses the 18-55 IS from 30-40mm. The 18-55 IS still seems superior at the corners around 35mm, but the 17-40 retakes the sharpness crown at the center.

After auto focus micro adjust of +9, the 17-40L delivers the all around superior performance. A very good example of the color cast from the 18-55 IS is available in the first two pictures. The L jut does an amazing job with color balance there – neutral with no cast. The garage door and driveway have an almost pink/purple cast on the 18-55 IS. For the money, the 18-55 IS is a great performer, holding it’s own with the 17-40L in sharpness, but not in color. Also, the IS on the 18-55 increases its usability. You can’t beat it for the money.

There has been a lot of debate about the new 18-55 IS catching up to and surpassing the 17-40L in image quality. Well, I decided to see for myself.  Based on the 18-55 IS hype, I was certain that my 17-40L was long in the tooth and no longer fashionable, being beat by a $150 kit lens of the future. Well, let’s just say the results are interesting.

Everything was shot using a tripod and remote shutter release on a Canon 50D. Click the thumbnails for larger versions.

Test # 1

(more…)

This is supposedly the list for the Canon 2009 spring rebates, leaked early:

Canon Instant Rebates: May 3 – July 11, 09

Canon lenses:

EF 200mm f/2L IS USM – $500
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM – $130
EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM – $200
EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM – $100
EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM – $100
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM – $100
EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM – $80
EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM – $75
EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM – $70
EF-S 10–22mm f/3.5–4.5 USM – $50
EF 17–40mm f/4L USM – $50
EF 70–200mm f/4L USM – $40
EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM – $50
EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO USM – $35
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 MACRO USM – $30
EF 28–200mm f/3.5–5.6 USM – $30
EF 28–105mm f/3.5–4.5 II USM – $20
EF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS – $15
Flash Units
SPEEDLITE 580EX II – $50
SPEEDLITE 430EX II – $30
SPEEDLITE 220EX – $30
MACRO TWIN LITE MT-24EX – $70
MACRO RING LITE MR-14EX – $50


bodies

Canon cameras:
EOS 50D Kit + EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS – $300
EOS 50D EF-S 18–200mm IS Kit – $300
EOS 50D EF 28–135mm IS Kit + EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS – $300
EOS 50D Kit + EF 70–300mm f/4–5.6 IS USM – $150
EOS 50D EF 28–135mm IS Kit + EF 70–300mm f/4–5.6 IS USM – $150
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (B) + EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS – $200
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (S) + EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS – $200
EOS Rebel XS EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (B) + EF 75–300mm f/4.5–5.6 III – $100
EOS Rebel XS EF-S 18–55mm IS Kit (S) + EF 75–300mm f/4.5–5.6 III – $100

You can download it on their Powershot SX1 page:

Link

Canon’s big PMA announcement! Two very unique and niche lenses for those shooting architecture and landscape.

Amazon is taking pre orders now for both lenses!

Lots of talk about possible new lenses, including a revamped Canon non L 50mm prime and possibly a redesigned Canon 17-40L.

Are those likely? Who knows, but that’s what is being discussed around the net.

These are both non-processed screen grabs from Lightroom 2.2. Note how the library mode just looks far superior in terms of detail and overall sharpness. Any particular reason for this?

Check it out, some good deals to be had(considering the economy).

Amazon camera sale