[Chewy734]

Canon EOS 7D Firmware 2.0.3

Firmware version 2.0.3 incorporates the following fixes.

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera stops working when the auto power off setting takes effect.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the maximum number of images that can be captured in a burst may be less than the actual number displayed in the viewfinder.
• Corrects some errors in the message displayed on the LCD screen when saving RAW images developed in the camera (these errors do not appear in the Japanese and Korean language displays).

Download

[M_Six]

Thanks, Chewy. I'll have to get that installed.

[MaximusJ]

2 updates in two months? Thats nice customer support.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by MaximusJ

2 updates in two months? Thats nice customer support.

I'm happy, but, having bought in 2009, I feel like the August update should have come a year or two earlier.

Dave

[vachss]

Looking at some of the discussion on various forums, the 2.0.0 was the planned update, but it caused a small number of 7Ds to malfunction. 2.0.3 was the fix.

On an entirely different note, the red ringed army in the camera closet has just grown again. Just picked up a used 70-300L that I didn't really need, but for the $800 price I couldn't resist. I used to own the non-L version of this lens and thought that it was plenty sharp, but had so-so build quality. The new one is still plenty sharp(er), but built like a tank. I thought I'd managed to suppress the old lens collection urge, but it never really quits...

[Chewy734]

I wonder what versions 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 were...

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by vachss

Looking at some of the discussion on various forums, the 2.0.0 was the planned update, but it caused a small number of 7Ds to malfunction. 2.0.3 was the fix.

On an entirely different note, the red ringed army in the camera closet has just grown again. Just picked up a used 70-300L that I didn't really need, but for the $800 price I couldn't resist. I used to own the non-L version of this lens and thought that it was plenty sharp, but had so-so build quality. The new one is still plenty sharp(er), but built like a tank. I thought I'd managed to suppress the old lens collection urge, but it never really quits...

Mine hasn't left my 7D since I got it. Great lens.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

I wonder what versions 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 were...

2.0.1 was a fix for the camera as delivered (normal for Canon) and 2.0.2 was a fix of the fix (also normal). Really.

I used to get an occasional, "camera cannot communicate with the battery", which 2.0.3 fixed, along with several other meaningful upgrades. That was a "real" upgrade, also supporting UMDA 7 cards. That camera flies now. Too bad it can't AF to save its life. The 5D MkIII blows it in the weeds.

Looking forward to the 7D MkII.

Dave

[vachss]

Originally Posted by dcstep

The 5D MkIII blows it in the weeds.

and for those looking to buy a 5D3... Adorama is selling a bunch for $2750 this weekend.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by vachss

and for those looking to buy a 5D3... Adorama is selling a bunch for $2750 this weekend.

Wow! So soon. I wonder if the 7D MkII is about to be released.

[vachss]

And they are selling like hotcakes - about 300 of them gone by noon Pacific Time.

I may kick myself for it, but I just can't make myself buy one. For my uses (macro, landscape, night photography) it just doesn't seem to provide a compelling upgrade argument over the 5D2. The better AF is appealing, but I really want that in a high pixel density body (i.e. a 7DII) as most of my fast tracking photography is focal length limited with a 500 + 1.4x.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by vachss

And they are selling like hotcakes - about 300 of them gone by noon Pacific Time.

I may kick myself for it, but I just can't make myself buy one. For my uses (macro, landscape, night photography) it just doesn't seem to provide a compelling upgrade argument over the 5D2. The better AF is appealing, but I really want that in a high pixel density body (i.e. a 7DII) as most of my fast tracking photography is focal length limited with a 500 + 1.4x.

I can confirm that the reason to go from MkII to MkIII is the AF and the 6-fps. DR range is almost identical until you get up over ISO 1600. I haven't shot a lot of high-ISO with my MkIII, but I think it'll be a noticeable pickup, but not huge.

The AF of the MkIII is enough better that it's become my default setup when I shoot the 500mm plus the 1.4X TC. If the 7D MkII gets this AF system and gain a stop of DR at ISO 1600, I'll jump all over it. I DO miss that pixel density and I'm hardly ever taking the 1.4X TC off, which slows AF some. Of course, with the 7D AF with the TC was hopeless for anything moving real fast.

Dave

[gary88]

Cards came in today. They're the luxe cards from www.moo.com. 32pt mohawk superfine paper. If you hold the card between your thumb and pointer finger and apply pressure they don't even bend at all. You can choose to have black, white, green, or red sandwiched between the front and back to give the edge that nice color. Really impressed with the quality. A bit pricey but well worth it.

[- Paul -]

I used Moo for mine - had each card with a different shot on them - excellent quality.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by - Paul -

I used Moo for mine - had each card with a different shot on them - excellent quality.

I did that also. People love it. There's no room for them to write, but it doesn't seem to matter.

Dave

[Chewy734]

New Canon stuff at Photokina. I'm too lazy to link to the actual press releases on Canon's site, but here's the gist:

EOS 6D

Powershots G15, S110 & SX50

Pixma Pro-10 and Pixma Pro-100 printers

I'm curious to see the reviews of the S110, since my dad's looking to buy a new PowerShot.

[gary88]

6D looks nice. Only one cross type AF point is disappointing though, enough to make me keep saving for a 5D3.

[M_Six]

Too many gizmos, not enough guts. I could do without the Wifi/GPS and video. Just give me a FF with a good sensor, great AF, and a fast processor (or two).

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Too many gizmos, not enough guts. I could do without the Wifi/GPS and video. Just give me a FF with a good sensor, great AF, and a fast processor (or two).

They have that... the 5D3.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

They have that... the 5D3.

Part of the cost of that thing is the video capability. I couldn't care less about video. Don't need sound either. Give me a 5DIII minus video and sound at a grand less and I'll buy it.

[M_Six]

Also it's "smaller and lighter than a 7D." That makes me think it's a polycarb body. The shutter life is 100k. Seems more like a geared up rebel than a serious EOS camera.

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Also it's "smaller and lighter than a 7D." That makes me think it's a polycarb body. The shutter life is 100k. Seems more like a geared up rebel than a serious EOS camera.

Yeah, that's true... I feel like it's essentially a FF Rebel.