Canon has announced updated firmware version 1.0.7 for the 5D Mark II.

According to Canon this firmware "improves and mitigates" the black dot phenomenon and vertical banding.

Canon also suggests updating Digital Photo Professional and Picture Style Editor.

Link to firmware update: Canon

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Canon Australia has issued the following statement on the "black dot" issue with the new 5D Mark II:

 

To Owners of the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

 

 

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera have identified two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noise

We are currently investigating and analysing the causes, and examining measures to reduce or eliminate these phenomena by providing correction firmware. An announcement will be made on www.canon-europe.com as soon as measures have been determined.

Details of the phenomena and shooting conditions under which they are likely to occur are as follows.

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
When shooting night scenes, the right side of point light sources (such as lights from building windows) may become black. The phenomenon may become visible if the images are enlarged to 100% or above on a monitor or if extremely large prints of the images are made.

2. Vertical banding noise
If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background.
▪ Vertical banding noise is not noticeable if the recording format is set to sRAW2.
▪ Vertical banding noise does not occur if the recording format is set to RAW or JPEG.
▪ Noise can be reduced if C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority is set to 0: Disable.

Canon apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks photographers for their patience.

 

 

 

Adobe had released Lightroom 2.2, adding raw support for seven new camera models including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon PowerShot G10, and Panasonic DMC-LX3.  The update also includes enhanced performance of local adjustment tools.

Download Links:   Mac   Windows

Nikon has announced then 24.5 megapixel D3X, to ship in December at a suggested retail of $7999.

You can read Nikon's onine brochure here.

 

Adobe has released updates to its Camera Raw Plug-in for Photoshop CS4, Version 5.2. 

This update covers seven new cameras, including Canon's 5D Mark II and G 10, and Panasonic's LX3.

In addition, Adobe has added some new features such as output sharpening, targeted adjustments and storage of adjustment steps for application to other images.

 

Mac update can be found here:  link

Windows update can be found here:  link