Digital Camera News: Firmware Updates, Casio Trade In Program, Canon EOS 20Da Discontinued

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Canon, Casio, Olympus Firmware Updates

Canon has released some firmware updates for the Canon EOS 30D, EOS 5D, and EOS-1D Mark II N.  See the following links and descriptions to check out the updates.

• Canon EOS 30D - Version 1.0.4 corrects display problems when using the Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese languages on the camera.
• Canon EOS 5D - Version 1.0.5 fixes the phenomenon where the images are monochrome and fixes the phenomenon where the shutter cannot be released when using the EOS 5D + EF85mm F1.2L + Speedlite580EX.
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N - Version 1.0.4 fixes the phenomenon where the images are monochrome and fixes the phenomenon where the images are overexposed when using Focusing Screen Ec-S.

Casio has released a firmware update that provides keystone correction on the Play menu on the Casio Exilim EX-S600 and Casio Exilim EX-Z500.  The keystone correction can be applied to an image to "straighten" an image taken of a rectangular object (like a whiteboard) at an angle.  A new copy of the image will be recorded at 1600x1200. 

• Casio Exilim EX-S600 v1.0.1 firmware update
• Casio Exilim EX-Z500 v1.0.1 firmware update

Olympus has released v1.2 firmware for the Olympus E-500 that will allow you to exchange the AEL/AFL button and One Touch WB bbutton.  Also, exposure when using the built-in flash will be improved.  Camera performance will improve when using Sigma 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC, and 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC lenses.

Casio Trade In Program

Casio has announced a fun "Trade In & Up" program that will get you discounts on Casio cameras when you trade in your current camera.  All you have to do is buy a Casio camera from an authorized reseller and create an account at their Trade-in Center.  From there, you can print a prepaid shipping label for your old camera and within 7 days, you will receive a check for the value of your trade-in plus any applicable bonus offers.  Until 7/8/2006, if you buy a Casio Exilim EX-Z600 or Exilim EX-Z850, you can get a $20 bonus.  Any trade-ins need to be completed by January 31, 2007.

Canon to Discontinue EOS 20Da Astronomy Camera

Reported by the folks over at Engadget, Canon will be discontinuing the EOS 20Da astronomy camera.  A variant of the EOS 20D with a special filter and live LCD focusing was targeting a very specific niche.  If you want to get one, then you'll need to order this month - according to some reports I've seen, April 21 is the cut off date.