I’m currently at a conference and don’t have my gear with me, so I can’t try it out yet. And, obviously, I suspect that this will void warranties and so on. Therefore, assume the standard “try at your own risk” stuff that you’d expect. That said, I expect to give it a shot as soon as I can.

Without further adieu, go over to the project wiki and check out the Magic Lantern Firmware.

Amazon has the Mark II available for preorder at the MSRP of $2699. Get it while its hot! I would guess that upon launch these puppies are gonna be hard to come buy.

Pre-Order your Canon 5D Mark II

Via PhotographyBay, Carl Zeiss has just announced that they have begun manufacturing a pair of manual focus Canon EF mount lenses called the ZE series. First available, a 50mm f/1.4, will be released on September 29th, and coming later this year an 85mm f/1.4,

I’ve long felt Canon would benefit from a premium quality alternative that differentiates itself from the lower-priced brands such as Sigma and Tamron. Hopefully Zeiss will continue to expand this line to full auto-focus lenses.

Learn more about the lenses and read a firsthand account of the quality in action over at the Zeiss website.

I know this is off-topic from what I usually post, but any Kanye acting silly stories are always a good laugh. Via CNN, apparently Kanye West was a bit cranky at the LA airport this morning and reportedly broke a “commercial photographer’s” aka Paparazzi’s (i would guess) camera, valued at more than $10,000. Must have been a Canon 1Ds Mk III. Anyways, Mr. West was arrested along with his road manager.

When are these guys gonna learn, you cant just go and attack photogs, even if they are annoying paparazzi!

Canon 5D MKII rumors were lit on fire late this week with the launch of a teaser campaign by Canon, teasing what we all must assume is the release of the newest 5D. The image included here comes from Canon’s UK site. They have also launched a sparse teaser site titled “Destined Evolution”.

I think its finally safe to say, after a long, arduous wait, the announcement is imminent, and if Canon feels the new camera is worth all this drama, then we can expect the new Camera to be a game-changer…. something Canon has been needing to keep up with Nikon’s amazing progress recently. More coverage on this from Photography Bay and Engadget.

• 21.1 MP 1.0x
• DIGIC IV
• ISO 100-6400 L:50 & H:12800
• 5 FPS
• 3.2″ High Resolution Screen (LCD)
• 19 point AF
• HDMI Out
• Liveview
• HD Movie Mode
• Viewfinder: 100% Coverage
• Full weather sealing
• EF Lenses only

D-D-D-Digic IV? HD Video mode? 19 Point AF? Full Weather Sealing… I just got chills. Looking mighty fine to me. I of course will bring you more info as I see it.

• 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 6.3 frames per second
• ISO 100-12800
• 3″ 920,000 dot/VGA resolution rear display
• 9 cross-type AF sensors

Read the official press release from Canon here.

Via Strobist, Phoenix Photographer Blair Bunting shares his lighting techniques to make a subject “The scariest person imaginable.” And amazingly, 95% of this is achieved completely in-camera with just basic retouching. Check it out!

Note: Image Copyright Blair Bunting. All Rights Reserved.

It’s now official folks…Nikon has released its mid-range full-frame DSLR and its called the D700. Some brief specs:

• 12.1 MP Full-Frame Sensor (same as D3)
• ISO up to 25,600
• 5 FPS or 8 With battery grip
• 51-Point Autofocus

I also must say to Nikon… WOW! After several years of getting a severe beat-down in DSLRs by Canon, they have really come back huge with the D300, D3, and now the D700. Nikon really brought it with this one… makes me wonder about my recent re-dedication to my Canon gear… If only they would release the 5D Mark II!! Lets see what you got Canon!!!

Gizmodo Coverage
Rob Galbraith Coverage
DPreview Coverage
Engadget Coverage