Canon News: 7D problem - firmware out soon ***UPDATE***

Canon have confirmed there's a minor problem with their new 7D - subtle artifacts from previous shots can be seen under certain continous shooting bursts. Details here and firmware expected very soon.

UPDATE: In fact, it's now been released, as version 1.1.0, available to download here.

Pentax News: New firmware for K-7 DSLR

Pentax have released an updated version of their firmware for the K-7. Now at version 1.02, it adds a fine sharpness setting, as well image processing performance and stability in certain situations. Available to download from here.

Microstock News: Shutterstock provides legal guarantee

In an attempt to provide some differentiation in the competitive microstock industry, Shutterstock* has announced it will legally guarantee any image/footage sale up to $10,000, against any legal costs or direct costs associated with the use of one of its licences.

Microstock News: Fotolia on the offensive

In the increasingly consolidating and competitive microstock industry, Fotolia has turned the heat up a notch - this time in trying to attract top contributors to their site, away from others. In launching 'Operation Level Ground*', if you have at least 1000 active images on another site, they will reward you with a status as if those downloads had been made on Fotolia. Only available until the end of the year (although why wouldn't they extend it?).

Canon News: EOS 5D Mark II - new firmware and wireless conntroller

Canon have taken the unusual step of updating its users with news that they're going to be launching an update to the firmware for the 5D Mark II. It will enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps, meaning it's no longer been overtaken by the recently announced 7D. It should be released in the first half of 2010.

Alongside the Mark IV announcement and its wireless transmitter, Canon have also announced a new controller for the 5D Mark II - the WFT-E4 II. Info here.

Canon News - Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Announced

After much anticipation, today Canon announced their successor to the EOS 1D Mark III, with the predictably named Mark IV:


Although almost identical externally, there are some key new features to convince you to buy/upgrade:

• Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, with 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points
• Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting
• 16-Megapixel Resolution
• Outstanding ISO Sensitivity (up to 102,400)
  
• Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates

To accompany the new EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR camera, Canon is also announcing a new accessory, the WFT-E2 II A wireless file transmitter providing photographers with a wide range of professional digital connectivity options, details here.

Full press release here.

And Canon's micro-site here.

And their white-paper here.

As for me, I can't afford one, so I'll just upgrade my 'dream camera' from the Mk III to Mk IV version!!