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Comments or feedback should be addressed to Robert Scott

EOS 30D replaces EOS 20D

Canon has announced the EOS 30D camera - an update of the 20D. The new camera has features - such as a 2.5 inch monitor and Picture Style presets – previously only seen on more expensive models. Details of the camera and a full specification are available by following the link from the home page of our website.

The next issue of EOS magazine will carry a detailed examination of the differences between the EOS 30D and the EOS 20D

Two new lenses

Along with the EOS 30D, Canon is also introducing two new lenses. The EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM is the first high-end EF-S, with optics to rival professional L-series lenses. The EF 85mm f1.2L USM II is the first update to the popular 85mm lens introduced in 1989. For more information, follow the link from the home page of our website.

EOS Forums attract nearly 1000 members

EOS Forums, which we launched at the end of last month, has almost reached 1000 members, with over 4600 posts in over 550 topics. That's a lot of chat, comment and information in less than four weeks. Take a look at what's going on at EOS Forums.

You don't need to log in to view the posts, but you will need to register if you want to reply, start a new topic or ask a question. Registration is free.

Check your firmware version

Firmware is rather like a computer operating system. It gives the instructions which control the procedures of the equipment. And like computer software, it is often upgraded to fix bugs or add new features. Canon often releases firmware upgrades, so it is worth checking every month or two that you are using the current version.

There is an option on your digital EOS menu which tells you the version in the camera. To check the latest version, follow the News link from the EOS magazine home page to find firmware links for EOS digital models.

Focus-on-Imaging

Just a reminder than the UK's annual Focus-on-Imaging show takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham, from 26 February to 1 March 2006.

There will be no Canon stand at this year's event, but Canon equipment will be available on some of the dealer stands. For details of the exhibition, see the Focus-on-Imaging website.

Next EOS magazine

We are relaunching EOS magazine with the spring 2006 issue, and also taking the opportunity to move the publication date. The issue will now publish in the middle of March, rather than February (which means we do not have to delay publication when Canon introduces new equipment). Subscription renewal dates will also move forward a month. Full details of these changes will be published in the March issue.

Articles in the next issue include advice on cleaning digital image sensors with brushes and swabs, a fresh look at PIC modes, and a review of Canon wireless controllers.

Magic and Morocco

Our friends at Photo Travellers offer a range of holidays with photographers in mind. One taking place later this year is 'Magic and Morocco'.

The tour, from 1 to 9 June, includes four nights in Marrakesh; two nights in Ouazazate on the Sahara side of the Atlas mountains and two nights in the town of Ouirgane in the foothills of the Atlas.

The tour cost of £1395 includes flights London Heathrow - Marrakesh; eight nights accommodation; all breakfasts and six dinners; transport by private coach; an excursion to the seaport of Essaouria and a local guide throughout.

Full details are on the Photo Travellers website.

Guardian competition

Guardian Weekend magazine has launched its first photography competition in association with Windows XP. The theme of the competition is ‘Passion’ and it will be judged in three categories — portrait, reportage, and fashion. The overall winner, the best of the three category winners, will win £5,000 and a Weekend commission, to be published in the magazine in May. The two runners-up will each win £1,500, and all three will receive a Windows XP Media Centre Edition PC.

The three winning images and 25 commended entries will be displayed in an exhibition at the Proud Gallery in central London from 7 to 20 April. Dozens of entries will also be displayed at the Guardian’s online gallery.

Although the closing date is 1 March 2006, there is still time to enter as it is possible to upload your entries. Full information is at The Guardian.

EOS-mail archive

If you accidentally delete this newsletter, or want to refer back to earlier issues, you will find them at the EOS-mail archive.

We hope to have the newsletters online within the next couple of weeks.

Free issue when you subscribe online

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