In depth explorations of the latest canon cameras...

Canon White Papers:
Beyond the Manual

Canon's White Papers are not manuals. They are:

* A detailed, in-depth look at the major features within each specific camera

* An exploration of new system enhancements, with an explanation of the technology behind each one.

* A comprehensive overview of Canon software and accessories compatible with each model.

White Papers are traditionally created for product marketing -- but we also want to offer these informative documents to any photographer wanting to learn more.

All of the White Papers below are free to download, easy to read, and we hope they help Canon shooters take the fullest possible advantage of their cameras.

NEW! EOS 5D Mark II
Click here to download the EOS 5D Mark II White Paper (4.2 MB)

EOS 5D
Click here to download the EOS 5D White Paper (1.4 MB)

NEW! EOS 50D
Click here to download the EOS 50D White Paper (4.2 MB)

EOS-1Ds Mark III Click here to download the EOS-1Ds Mark III White Paper (2.3 MB)

EOS-1D Mark III
Click here to download the EOS-1D Mark III White Paper (3.3 MB)

EOS-1Ds Mark II
Click here to download the EOS-1Ds Mark II White Paper (2.6 MB)

EOS-1D Mark IIN
Click here to download the EOS-1D Mark IIN White Paper (1.1 MB)

EOS 40D
Click here to download the EOS 40D White Paper (2.8 MB)

EOS 30D
Click here to download the EOS 30D White Paper (1.5MB)

EOS 20D
Click here to download the EOS 20D White Paper (996 KB)

EOS Rebel XTi
Click here to download the EOS Rebel XTi White Paper (5.1 MB)

EOS Rebel XT
Click here to download the EOS Rebel XT White Paper (3.7 MB)

CMOS Sensor
Click here to download the CMOS White Paper (1.1 MB)

Adobe Reader is required to view and print the White Papers. Click here to download Adobe Reader.

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Live-View and Movie-Mode with any SLR

how to get live-view and movie-mode with a 5D :), originally uploaded by miami fever.

DIY Canon 5D mkII

From Carlos aka- Miami Fever over on Flickr. Perhaps this is Canon Inc's inspiration for including video into their new 5DmkII. Even if it isn't the idea is genius. Now all of us SLR users can reap the benefit of the live view and movie modes available in nearly all of today's point and shoots.

From Miami Fever's Flickr photostream:

"I would find myself having to put down the 5D when I wanted to shoot a video, and vice-versa.
It's really nice to be able to shoot a video of some subjects whose motion and sounds (such as cars) add interest as you photograph them.
I don't do this for street shooting, since discretion is key, the 5D is big enough as it is, and video wouldn't really be as interesting as a still.
This should work with any camera with a hot-shoe and any point and shoot with movie mode and a standard 1/4" tripod mount."

Carlos gives the details of the hardware used in his custom mount over at flickr where he goes by Miami Fever. Pay him a visit and let him know how much you like his creation! You can also compliment him on his amazing street photography taken on the streets of Miami. Most of his great images are what can be described as available dark, capturing the vibrant night scene in Miami without the use of a flash. It doesn't hurt that his images often include many of the beautiful women seemingly roaming the streets of Miami. You can also check out Carlos's blog: http://www.miami-fever.com/ where he posts additional photos and information about his photo documentary of life in Miami.

Carlos is also adept at converting all manner of lenses for use on his Canon 5D. Check out his flickr "Gear" set to see many of his lens adaptations. Additionally Carlos runs a photography and gear oriented blog: Ask Carlos where he elaborates and answers questions about photo equipment, lens compatibility, and his overall shooting technique.

And remember...

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Free Canon RAW Image Processor - DPP

Canon Digital Photo Professional
Free RAW photo editor
Updated version to 3.2 with new website and tutorials.

Canon has released another free update to its free RAW photo processor. DPP (Digital Photo Professional) 3.2 is now available.

Digital Photo Professional 3.2 is software
exclusively for editing and converting RAW
images shot by EOS Digital cameras.
Users of EOS Digital cameras can install
Digital Photo Professional 3.2
by downloading Digital Photo
Professional 3.2 Updater for Windows.

DPP 3.2 also has a new website devoted to the
new version with updated video tutorials.

DPP 3.2 features:

1. Added support for EOS 40D and EOS-1Ds Mark III.

2. Added Lens aberration correction function
(for correcting peripheral illumination, distortion,
chromatic aberration, and color blur). 

   Please refer to User's Manuals (PDF)
for the supported models
and the target lens in Digital Photo Professional 3.2.

3. Highlight/shadow warning function has been added.
Now check for blown highlight and shadowing on the screen. 

4. High speed (moiré reduction off) has been added to the
High Quality display mode for RAW images. 

5. Retain sort order function in the
main window has been added. 

6. 100% has been added to the enlargement ratio that
appears on the Quick Check window.
(Previously 50% only) 

From my earlier DPP post:

I generally shoot in RAW format, and I rely heavily on the DPP program. With the release of Version 3 Canon has given its customers a fantastic tool for free. I can often achieve fantastic results processing my RAW images in DPP and never have to adjust them in PhotoShop.

The ability to shoot RAW images is a feature of higher end cameras and allows for you to have all the raw sensor data from the digital camera without the camera making any automated image enhancements like it would to make a .Jpg image.

This RAW file really is raw data, think of it like a film negative, and must be processed in conversion software and made into a .Jpg or .tiff file.

This conversion software allows me to make decisions on brightness, tone, contrast, color temperature, color saturation, and grain sharpness. By allowing me to make these decisions I can fine tune my pictures, often far better than the logic built into the camera.

Canon in addition to providing the RAW software DPP provides a detailed 106 page user manual, and goes one better providing intensive online tutorials that are easy to understand with video examples by world class photographers and Canon reps.

Unfortunately Canon's Digital Photo Professional will only work with RAW files generated by its EOS line of Digital SLR's. For those with RAW files generated by Canon p&s cameras like the G6 or other manufactures RAW files they will sadly not work with DPP.

And remember...

Please share this link, and let everyone know you found it here at: freephotostuff.blogspot.com

Thanks.

All the free photographic information you will ever need!

POTN
Photography on the Net
Canon Digital Photography Forums

If you have a digital camera and it's a Canon then you need to know about POTN Canon Digital Photography Forums. Even if you do not have a Canon brand camera over 50% of the website will still apply to the general digital photographer.

Created in 2001 by Finnish photographer and internet guru Pekka Saarinen its simple and free forums have attracted a vast array of photographers of varying experience from all over the world. These members all join together to provide a pleasant and welcome environment for a wealth of knowledge and ideas.

The major sections of the forum fall into 3 major sections with many sub-categories.

Equipment talk deals with the operation and details of the Canon digital cameras, lenses, and accessories. This section is the only Canon specific section and thus the least useful for non Canon users.

Photo Sharing is all about posting and discussing members photos. Broken into 15 separate areas of photography it is a fantastic place to share your photos and get comments, critiques, and advice, as well as inspiration from the works of others.

Sharing Knowhow is dedicated to discussing the technical aspects of photography including, post processing and printing, the business of photography, critique corner, and more.

There is also a members marketplace and a general discussion area if you want to discuss something other than photography with your friends at POTN.

POTN is such a helpful and useful resource that you really need to check it out if you have a digital camera. It is easily one of the simplest ways to help you improve and expand your photography skills, and it's free!

Of course POTN is not alone in providing fantastic photographic forums on the internet. Nearly every camera manufacture has a few forums dedicated to them. POTN is however one of the biggest and busiest that can provide a benefit to all photographers.

If you have a free forum you would like to recommend please leave a comment at the end of this post or e-mail me: freephotostuff@gmail.com and I will get a list together of free photography forums.

And remember...

Please share this link, and let everyone know you found it here at: freephotostuff.blogspot.com

Thanks.

Canon's DPP Updated to 3.0.2

Canon's

Digital Photo Professional (DPP)

Free Software to unleash
the RAW power of the EOS Digital SLR

Canon Inc. has just released the latest update to their free RAW processing and workflow software DPP. Version 3.0.2 replaces 3.0.1.5 and includes a major update for Windows Vista and a couple of minor fixes for Mac and non-Vista users.

I generally shoot in RAW format, and I rely heavily on the DPP program. With the release of Version 3 Canon has given its customers a fantastic tool for free. I can often achieve fantastic results processing my RAW images in DPP and never have to adjust them in PhotoShop.

The ability to shoot RAW images is a feature of higher end cameras and allows for you to have all the raw sensor data from the digital camera without the camera making any automated image enhancements like it would to make a .Jpg image.

This RAW file really is raw data, think of it like a film negative, and must be processed in conversion software and made into a .Jpg or .tiff file.

This conversion software allows me to make decisions on brightness, tone, contrast, color temperature, color saturation, and grain sharpness. By allowing me to make these decisions I can fine tune my pictures, often far better than the logic built into the camera.

Canon in addition to providing the RAW software DPP provides a detailed 106 page user manual, and goes one better providing intensive online tutorials that are easy to understand with video examples by world class photographers and Canon reps.

Unfortunately Canon's Digital Photo Professional will only work with RAW files generated by its EOS line of Digital SLR's. For those with RAW files generated by Canon p&s cameras like the G6 or other manufactures RAW files they will sadly not work with DPP.

Canon's DPP software can be downloaded here:
Digital Photo Professional 3.0.2

The DPP manual (106 pages) is here:
support page

Visit the Online learning center for DPP tutorials and video lessons:
DPP Canon's Digital Photo Professional

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EF Lenswork III The Eyes of EOS

Canon makes a stunning hardcover book showcasing their full line of lenses called "Lenswork"

If you have a Canon EOS system and want to master your camera & lenses you need a copy of this! It has MTF charts for all the current EF lenses, examples of shoots, element diagrams and detailed sections on all of Canon's lens technology.

It also looks back at the history of Canon cameras & lenses, as well as looking into the future of digital with insight into lens and sensor design and theory.

This is THE book for Canon lenses and their performance.

The latest version is available in a beautiful Hardcover, coffee table book, as well as on line in PDF format:

THE EF LENS CONCEPT

CANON'S CHALLENGES

THE EF LENS WORLD (SINGLE FOCAL-LENGTH LENSES)

THE EF LENS WORLD (ZOOM LENSES)

THE EF LENS WORLD (EF-S LENSES)

EF LENS ACCESSORIES & VARIETY IN THE CANON LENS WORLD

THE BASICS OF LENSES & CORRESPONDENCE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO TECHNIQUES

EF LENS TECHNOLOGY

OPTICAL TERMINOLOGY & MTF CHARACTERISTICS

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS & LENS MAPS

An older version covering Canon's FD camera system -Canon Lenswork 1986- is also available on Christian Rollinger's fine website, The Canon FD documentation project

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