DIWA Press Release

Canon’s latest digital SLR camera, the budget friendly EOS 350D, has passed numerous DIWA tests with remarkable scoring results. Its low price, combined with outstanding image quality, high speed processing and fast response, qualified for a Gold Award from DIWA’s comprehensive and mercyless testing procedure.

Amsterdam, 6. May, 2005 - DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon EOS 350D digital SLR.

EOS 350D is an entry-level D-SLR camera, but performs in many ways better than many of its more expensive rivals. The specifications are outstanding for its class, piloted by its 8.2 Megapixel low-noise CMOS image sensor and the super-powerful on-board DIGIC II image processor. This enables instant startup and super-fast response, as well as high speed continuous shooting, image processing and storing. Even at highest resolution, the EOS 350D can shoot a minimum of 14 frames bursts at 3 frames per second.

Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager says: “With the EOS 350D, Canon has refined the successful pioneer and predecessor, the EOS 300D, by improving all the imperfect details pointed out by DIWA. Both the new 8.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, similar to the one used in the Gold winning semi-professional EOS 20D and the remarkable DIGIC II image processor. Our extensive scoreboard gave results surprisingly close to those of the EOS 20D, revealing no major construction concerns. DIWA experts from Europe and USA agreed that the EOS 350D elevates the “Amateur D-SLR” class pleasantly close to professional cameras, at a fraction of the price.”

The DIWA group of camera experts found the image quality to be on par with the EOS 20D, perhaps the best testimonial any camera can get. This includes lifelike colour rendition, low-noise images even at high ISO speeds and excellent JPEG image processing with a wide range of individual preference settings. Images may be defined in sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space and stored in RAW format as well as RAW+JPEG, for highest degree of flexibility.

Furthermore, the EOS 350D is equipped with a 7-point, high sensitive auto focus system, it is compatible with both EF and EF-S series Canon lenses and features Canon’s advanced E-TTL II flash system. Despite its compact size, the camera is user-friendly, with ergonomic design and control layout. DIWA also honours Canon for the vast choice of languages built into the intuitive menu system. For optimum handling comfort, the optional BG-E3 Battery Grip is available, which also further expands the camera’s long battery life.

About DIWA

A fast growing independent, authoritative, industry organization
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging. DIWA harnesses the collective talent and expertise of its members, resulting in industry awards that command unparalleled confidence and value, both for consumers and the industry, alike. DIWA awards come in the form of bronze, silver and gold medals for various product categories.

Unique bullet-proof test scoring procedure
DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product. A very detailed and comprehensive standardized scoring procedure is employed, tailored carefully for each category of product. Multiple testing eliminates the chance of an isolated, unrepresentative product sample or test error, or even hidden bias, from affecting the trustworthiness of the overall result.

Awards throughout the year
DIWA is also unique in its policy in issuing awards for deserving products throughout the year, culminating in annual best of the year Platinum medal awards.

DIWA Awards members:
- Czech Republic:  www.fotoaparat.cz
- Denmark:  www.digitalmagasinet.dk
- Germany:  www.digitalkamera.de
- Netherlands:  www.letsgodigital.org
- Norway:  www.digit.no
- Poland:  www.fotopolis.pl
- Slovenia:  www.e-fotografija.com
- Spain:  www.nuevafotografia.com
- Turkey:  www.diginorm.com.tr
- United Kingdom:  www.photographyblog.com
- United States:  www.steves-digicams.com

The DIWA multi-lingual Web site
At the heart of the DIWA organisation is its multi-lingual Web site, www.diwa-awards.com, where you can find links to the latest reviews published by DIWA member publications. The site also archives DIWA awards and is designed to aid consumers in their choice of imaging products.

For further information about DIWA please visit our Web site - http://www.diwa-awards.com or email us at [email protected]. Or contact us: DIWA Awards BV - PO Box 56743 - 1040 AS Amsterdam - The Netherlands.