Comments or feedback should be addressed to Robert Scott

Canon's Autumn Collection

Just a reminder that full details of EOS products announced last month are available on our website at EOS magazine

The products are the EOS 1D Mark II N, EOS 5D, EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM and Speedlite 430EX.

Big files for Alamy

We published an article about the internet picture library Alamy in the September 2005 issue. This has generated lots of feedback asking how they can possibly request a filesize of 48MB when none of the current EOS cameras (except the EOS 1Ds Mark II) is capable of such a feat.

The answer is interpolation. This is the creative resizing of an image to make it larger than it originally was. There are several bits of software that allow you to do this well, each employing their own algorithms to produce a good result. We will be looking at some of them in the December issue of EOS magazine, and giving you our views as to which is best. So if you want to get the bigger picture, don't miss out.

Incidentally, several readers talked about EOS digital cameras only producing file sizes of 3.5MB, or similar. This is the size of the compressed file saved to the CompactFlash card. Open a Large/Fine image file from the EOS 350D, for example, and you will find that the uncompressed size is about 22MB.

New wireless controller

The Wireless Controller LC-5 was first announced back in February, but has only recently become available in the UK. It is a replacement for the now discontinued LC-4, addressing problem areas that were raised by users of the LC-4.

It offers three channels to ensure no interference from other wireless users, a single-shot mode, continuous shooting mode and a 3.5 second delay mode. As with the LC-4, it features an N3 connector making compatible with a wide range of current EOS cameras. The RRP in the UK is GBP 349.99.

A feature on wireless controllers is scheduled for the December 2005 issue of EOS magazine.

Tiger, Tiger

If you use a Macintosh computer, you may be aware that a significant upgrade to the operating system is available. Mac OS 10.4 - also known as Tiger - was launched at the end of April, but an unwritten rule at EOS magazine is that we never load the first version of any revised OS. However, Tiger is now up to version 10.4.2, so we updated one of our computers a few weeks ago.

The first attempt, using the 'Upgrade' option was unsuccessful - the computer would not restart correctly. This forced us to try the 'Erase and install' option, which worked perfectly. 'Erase and install' does what it says - it erases your start-up disc and then installs the new system. Scary. But there is a new feature called 'Tiger Migration'. This will import into Tiger all the applications, documents, preferences, network settings, e-mail accounts and other data (except system files) from the hard disk backup copy you made before upgrading the system.

You didn't make a hard disk back-up? Sorry, you've just lost all of your data! (You should never, ever upgrade a computer operating system without first making at least one complete back-up - some people make two back-ups for extra security).

One or two smaller applications failed to work in the new system, but free upgrades were available from the developers' websites. Otherwise, everything operated as normal.

Some readers have reported problems with Canon printers and scanners. This is usually because the driver software is incompatible with the new system. Make sure you are using the latest drivers (available from http://software.canon-europe.com/). However, be aware that even some of the latest drivers may not be compatible with Tiger, and there is no guarantee that all the drivers will be updated.

We are successfully using a Canon i965 printer and CanoScan 9950 with Tiger, but cannot say what other printers and scanners will work. If you are using other Canon equipment with Tiger, please let us have the details so that we can pass them on the other readers.

The new features in Tiger are very nice, but you may feel that a working printer and scanner are more important. Our advice is not to upgrade until you are sure that compatible drivers are available (manufacturers' websites may have details, or you can check user forums.)

Southampton Photo Show

UK Canon dealer London Camera Exchange in Southampton is running the LCE Digital Photo & Optics SHOW 2005. This major one-day event will be held at the Novotel, 1 West Quay Road, Southampton, SO15 1RA on Sunday 4 December.

As in previous years, visitors will be able to see and try many of the latest digital still cameras, digital SLRs and digital camcorders. For the first time a range of binoculars and spotting scopes will be included, along with the return of astroscopes by popular demand. As usual, a wide selection of lenses, printers, accessories and peripherals will also be on show, providing a huge selection all under one roof.

The LCE Digital Photo & Optics Show 2005 is also the perfect opportunity for Christmas gift shopping or to treat yourself to some outstanding show-only deals. Expert advice is on-hand with the latest products from a host of major brands, including Canon.

Entrance is free. Doors are open from 10.30am until 5pm. For more information visit the LCE website.

EOS mail order

All the mail-order items featured in EOS magazine are now available online. The latest additions are a range of Speedlite diffusers. Also new is the 'Soft Screen' – a small diffuser which clips to your camera and softens the illumination from the built-in flash. Go to EOS magazine sales.

Back issues now available online

You can now order back issues of EOS magazine online. They cost £3.50 each, plus postage, and can be despatched worldwide. For more details go to EOS magazine back issues

Free issue when you subscribe online
If you are not already a subscriber to EOS magazine, visit the EOS magazine website to see what you are missing. Subscribing online gives you the bonus af a free back issue.