Full specs after the jump.

Key features:

* DX-format, 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor: The high pixel sensor will give you outstanding colour and detail in pictures and movies you’ll want to see again and again
* New EXPEED 2 image processing engine: Provides enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality. EXPEED 2 maximises CMOS sensor performance for clear, lifelike images that exhibit vivid colours, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations for outstanding photos and movies
* High ISO (100-3200) sensitivity: Extendable up to 12800: Indoor shots or fast-moving children need never be blurry or dull again, even without a flash
* Guide Mode: Simply the easiest way to learn how to get great pictures, without having to read the manual
* D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24fps movie clips: Record beautiful HD movie clips with sound and achieve exceptional image quality with high ISO sensitivity. NIKKOR lenses can be used for cinematic effects and simple edits can be made in-camera. In addition, HDMI connectivity means you can watch your HD movies on an HD television
* Live View with new AF-F mode and Scene Auto Selector: The new Live View provides an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures and it includes a Scene Auto Selector, which automatically selects the best mode to match the scene. The AF-F mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button
* 7.5 cm (3-inch) monitor: A great platform on which to share your beautiful images and movies with friends and family
* 11-point autofocus system: The quick and accurate autofocus ensures everything is in focus so you get the sharpest image
* Active D-Lighting: Bright sunshine need never wash out detail again. The balance of light and shade can be preserved forever
* Picture control: Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot. You can choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape
* In-camera image and movie editing: Why wait for a PC? Retouching, filter effects and red-eye correction can be achieved in the palm of your hand
* Compact, light and durable: It’s the smallest and lightest Nikon D-SLR yet so you can sling it over your shoulder, ready for any picture or movie moment. Also, with improved ergonomics, you’ll now have direct access to shutter release, Live View and movie modes.
* Dual Integrated Dust Reduction System: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images
* New software, ViewNX2 will be bundled with the D3100: It inherits the basic operations of ViewNX whilst providing much enhanced operability, including a refined GUI, and a range of easy-to-use features allowing you to edit photos as well as movie.

This resulted in a 3-part web series that is sure to surprise a lot of you. If you currently own one of these DSLRs, are thinking about purchasing one, already shooting video like a pro or looking to get started this is a very informative and interesting viewing experience.

Head over to www.zacuto.com/shootout and get out your popcorn.

Firmware changes

This firmware update (Version 2.0.7) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.

3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.

These phenomenon only occur with the Version 2.0.4 and Version 2.0.3 firmware.

The Version 2.0.7 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 2.0.4. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 2.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Download it HERE.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=DownloadDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=314&modelid=17662

Go to the product page, use the drop-down menu to select OS-X operating system, and it should be sitting right there.

Further down the page you will find a Quick Start Guide PDF document describing its operation.

Canon recently released their firmware update 2.0.3
Head over to the Firmware Update page and get the low down on how to upgrade your camera to the latest and greatest.

This latest upgrade brings 5 major improvements to the movie function and fixes a bug in the manual sensor cleaning function. Here are the full specs from the Canon website

1) Adds or changes the following movie frame rates.

NTSC:

1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed – actual 29.97 fps)

1920×1080 : 24 fps (added – actual 23.976 fps)

640×480 : 30 fps (changed – actual 29.97 fps)

PAL:

1920×1080 : 25 fps (added – actual 25.0 fps)

1920×1080 : 24 fps (added – actual 23.976 fps)

640×480 : 25 fps (added – actual 25.0 fps)

2) Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels).

3) Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure.

4) Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies.

5) Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.

6) Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.)

Photo © Larry Ditto / DanitaDelimont.com

Although shooting video with DSLR cameras may be intimidating and confusing at first we feel that with the right guidance and information everyone can learn to embrace it and produce quality footage. As we have been moving into the footage market over the past few months we have come across many experts, useful tools, software and hardware that have proven to be very valuable. We are encouraging all of our still shooters to get into this new market and we now can show you how to do so with just a short learning curve and a modest investment in gear.

We are pleased to announce that DanitaDelimont.com will be presenting a FREE 5 week online footage course for our contracted photographers starting April 5th.  Each Monday classes will be streamed live online from the Creative Techs classroom at Art Wolfe’s studio in Seattle and will also be available later for downloading from the Creative Techs website.

The program is titled “Producing Great Stock Footage with Your DSLR”. Each week we will tackle different topics and will have various experts and product representatives leading the discussions. We will be updating you as the schedule is finalized, but be sure to mark Monday, April 5th at 11:00 AM Pacific time and the following four Mondays on your calendar.  There are also seats available in the studio audience so if you are in Seattle, please attend the live session!

We look forward to helping you get acquainted with shooting and processing footage.  Let us help you to add a great new revenue stream to your business with much less effort than you ever imagined!

EOS Rebel T2i EF-S

Canon recently announced it’s newest DSLR with 1080p footage capabilites, the Rebel T2i. This is the most advanced Rebel to hit the market so far, and should be a great addition to the family of Hybrid Footage/Still DSLRs.

Specs:

- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

- DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)

- Continuous shooting at 3.7fps

- Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates

- 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots

- iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor

- Quick Control screen to change shooting settings

- Exposure compensation +/-5 stops (although viewfinder scale is still +/-2 stops)

- Select maximum value for Auto ISO

- External Microphone socket

- Movie crop function

- Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility

Canon 1D Mark IV

I introduce you to the newly announced Canon 1D Mark IV. It shoots 16MP at 102,400 ISO with a 45-point autofocus system, 10fps bursts and also has 1080 video. The sensor is said to be similar in size to a Super 35mm motion picture frame, although is has a 1.3x crop factor so it isn’t considered full frame.

It seems that video is almost the main focus of this camera. It has full manual exposure control, stereo mic input, and 1080p video that shoots at 24, 25 or 30 frames per second. So far the examples are absolutely amazing.

Philip Bloom got his hands on a pre-production Canon 1D Mark IV and took it to Prague to shoot some winter night time footage. What he came up with is nothing short of stunning. These are easily some of the most impressive shots I’ve ever seen from a DSLR. Hope you enjoy and find some inspiration.

Human Prints from julrom1 on Vimeo.

Eos 5D Mark II quick test from Stefano Bozzetta on Vimeo.

Night and Fog from Luke Humphrey on Vimeo.

Ian Provo / Coast Edit 2009 from Ian Provo on Vimeo.

Nostalgia (original version) from Edgar Maguyon on Vimeo.