In Focus Blog

Two weeks ago I went to Photoshop World in Orlando.  With the nice weather we’ve been having lately you would think I’d be outside soaking it up.  But instead, I’ve been glued to my computer trying all the new techniques I learned.  I went down on Tuesday for a pre conference workshop with Richard Harrington on shooting video with a DSLR.  We filmed a Celtic rock band called Seven Nations.   The next three days were filled with Photoshop and Lightroom classes given by great instructors like Scott Kelby, Katrin Eisman and Rick Sammon (to name a few.)  My brain is full! 

During the opening keynote we got a sneak peak at CS5, the new version of Photoshop that comes out on April 12^th.  Looks like they’ve packed this upgrade with a lot of exciting new features!  The content aware fill is going to save me so much time when retouching photos I might actually get to go enjoy some of this beautiful weather!

Also while I was in Orlando, Adobe released Lightroom 3 Beta 2.  Some exciting new features are the ability to shoot tethered, DSLR video management and noise reduction (that really works!)   I just started using Lightroom recently and now I can’t live without it!  Shooting and processing RAW files is so easy, it has really streamlined my workflow.

As you may (or may not) already know, YouTube’s M.O. is useless videos, which is why it’s one of the most popular sites on the web. People love useless stuff – I know I do! But buried within the millions of pointless videos on YouTube is the occasional useful one. Nay, you may say? YouTube and useful in the same sentence? Pfft!

LumiQuest has (somewhat) recently made a YouTube Channel specifically dealing with using flash and flash diffusers. It has some really good info on there and I recommend checking it out.

View more useful LumiQuest videos at www.youtube.com/lumiquest.

Now that we’ve got the lame “useful” video out of the way, here’s one that’s not useful. At all.

Now that’s what the internet was made for.

As much as we are nerds here at the camera store, we’re generally pretty jaded when it comes to firmware updates. It’s usually the standard “fixes banding issues when shooting at ISO 3200 in RAW mode with the white balance set to cloudy and the moon is beginning it’s waxing phase”. But! Every now and again they like to surprise us with something that’s actually useful.

Canon just released a firmware update which deals specifically with HD Video in the Canon 5D Mark II. Normally, when doing video with the Mark II, there’s not a lot in terms of manual controls. Actually, none at all. This new firmware update gives you full manual freedom when doing video.

Follow the link to download and for more info:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=MultiMiscPageAct&key=EOS_5DMKII_Firmware&fcategoryid=139

If you’re having trouble installing the firmware, feel free to stop by the store and we’d be more than happy to help you out.

New Nikon specials this week! $80 savings on the L100, $30 on the new touch-screen S230, plus other great deals. Limited time only and stock is limited.

Nikon Flyer – Page 1
Nikon Flyer – Page 2

*Flyers are in .pdf file format

As of February 1st, 2009, Nikon USA will be issuing a price increase on most of their lenses and accessories.

If you are looking into any additional Nikon accessories for the summer now is the time to invest, as time and stock is limited.

Nikon has some great pre-Thanksgiving Holiday Specials on DSLR’s and Point & Shoot Digital Cameras available at Bergen County Camera. Have a question – call 800-841-4118.

View the complete Nikon Pre-Thanksgiving flyer

Bergen County Camera’s Holiday Guide is available here with daily updates and specials.

Canon has found a new processor for printer and video rebates. All previously issued rebate checks can now be deposited. If you have experienced any difficulties with your rebate checks, you can call Canon at 1-800-OK-CANON

Full information is available at Canon’s website

If you need to mail a rebate please do not mail to CPG, instead mail to Canon’s new rebate processor:

Canon USA Rebates
P.O. Box 342140
Bartlett, TN 38184

Don’t cash that Printer rebate check dated prior to November 14, 2008.

Please don’t mail your Canon Rebate in until Canon finds an alternate processor.

Canon has informed us that rebate checks issued by their 3rd party provider CPG are not valid and will bounce if deposited. Canon will make good on this and will be contacting those impacted as soon as alternate processing can be arranged. Until further notice, please direct all inquiries to Canon’s Customer Call Center 1-800-OK-CANON. Also do not submit rebates until Canon posts new instructions on their website.

Please read the canon-rebate-notice here.

Canon will also update their website as information becomes available.