Digital Camera News, 12/20/07

Tokina 35mm macro for Canon mount on hold

The wait is not over for Canon users looking to buy Tokina's new 35mm macro. The f2.8, 1:1 magnification lens, expected for release in both Nikon and Canon variants this month, will only deliver on half of this promise as production for the Canon-mount variant has been delayed.

Nikon-mount models are still expected for release in a few days.

A Japanese-language announcement suggests that problems with the focusing system are to blame for the delay.

Firmware update for Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd released

The first firmware update for Fuji's super-zoom Finepix S8000fd was released on Wednesday. Version 1.01 provides a data transfer fix for issues with Windows Vista and Fuji's FinePixViewer software, and fixes black-screen and EXIF issues related to ISO settings.

To download the update from Fujifilm's website, head here.

Bibble Labs improves functionality, adds cameras for version 4.9.9

On Tuesday, Texas-based Bibble Labs released an update to its popular Bibble Pro and Lite RAW workflow softwares. Cameras now receiving support from Bibble include the Nikon D300 and D3, the Canon 1Ds Mark III and G9, the Sony a700, and the Olympus E-3.

Bibble is also hyping tether shooting support for Nikon DSLRs linked to Intel-based Macs. This functionality for Windows and PowerPC-based machines was supported in previous versions.

Version 4.9.9 is priced around $130 for the Pro edition, $70 for the Lite version. Current version 4.x users can upgrade to 4.9.9 for free. New purchasers of 4.9.9 will get free upgrade support to Bibble's upcoming version 5 when it becomes available.

Look for a full review of Bibble 4.9.9 on this site in the coming month.

New Sigma 18-200mm designed for all Nikons

Sigma's recently announced 18-200mm, f3.5-6.3 lens for Nikon features an internal focusing motor for AF compatibility with the full range of Nikon DSLRs, including the D40 and D40x.

The lens, which is sized for APS-C digicam sensors, contains two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lenses, two aspherical elements for aberration correction, and an inner focusing system that elminates front-of-lens rotation and makes using certain kinds of lens hoods and polarizers easier.

MSRP for the new Sigma comes in right at $600.