The Canon EOS R6 Mark III that was announced in November 2025 and the Sony A7 V that was revealed in December 2025 have similar key specifications, so which of these 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III versus the Sony A7 V.
We've kicked off our review of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III full-frame mirrorless camera with an overview, product shots, sample images, specifications and more...
The brand new Canon EOS R6 Mark III and the three-year-old EOS R6 Mark II look almost exactly the same, so which full-frame sensor mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III versus the Canon EOS R6 Mark II.
We've kicked off our review of the Canon EOS C50 cinema camera with an overview, product shots, sample images, specifications and more...
Want an affordable hybrid mirrorless camera aimed firmly at content creators and vloggers? Then look no further than the new Canon EOS R50V mirrorless camera, an unashamedly video-centric version of the R50 APS-C model that won't break the bank. Check out our full review complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The Canon PowerShot V1 is a powerful compact camera aimed at vloggers and content creators looking for an affordable all-in-one solution. Find out if this is the camera that best suits your needs in our in-depth review...
Panasonic are back with a bang with the launch of their enticing new full-frame flagship camera, the Lumix S1R II. Find out why you should seriously consider this all-singing, all-dancing 8K/30p / 44 megapixel hybrid all-rounder in our S1RII review, complete with full-size sample images and videos...
The EOS R5 Mark II is the eagerly awaited successor to Canon's hottest full-frame camera, the R5, which was released way back in 2020. Still offering 45 megapixel resolution and 8K video, the R5 II ups the ante by greatly improving the auto-focus system, burst shooting speeds, image stabilisation and video recording performance. Check out our in-depth Canon R5 Mark II review, complete with full-size sample JPEG and RAW photos!
A detailed head-to-head comparison of the Panasonic Lumix S1R II vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II mirrorless cameras.
The OM-3 is a new mirrorless camera that combines a gorgeous retro design with the best specs that OM System have to offer. We take an in-depth look at what this new Micro Four Thirds camera is all about in our OM System OM-3 review...
A detailed head-to-head comparison of the OM System OM-3 vs OM System OM-1 Mark II mirrorless cameras.
Sony have just launched their new flagship mirrorless camera, the A1 II, a 50 megapixel, 8K video, 30fps burst shooting model that's designed to be the ultimate all-rounder. Is it a worthy replacement for the original Alpha 1 and can it challenge the likes of the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II? Find out by reading our Sony A1 II review so far, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The Canon RF 50mm F1.4L VCM is a brand new standard prime lens for EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras. Read our Canon 50mm F1.4 review so far, complete with full-size sample images, to find out if it's worth the asking price...
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II that was announced in July 2024 and the original Canon EOS R5 that was revealed in 2020 have similar key specifications, so which of these prosumer 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II versus the Canon EOS R5.
The EOS R1 is Canon's new professional full-frame mirrorless camera for sports and action photographers. The R1 features a new 24.2 megapixel back-illuminated stacked sensor, dual image processors, 40fps burst shooting, 6K/60p Raw and 4K/120p video recording, a 9.44M dot viewfinder with eye-control autofocusing, and an integrated vertical grip design. Check out our Canon R1 review so far, complete with full-size sample JPEG and RAW photos!
The OM System OM-1 Mark II that was announced on 30th January 2024 and the OM System OM-1 that was announced on 15th February 2022 have very similar key specifications, so which of these Micro Four Thirds sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the OM System OM-1 Mark II vs OM System OM-1.
The 2023 Sony A9 III and one of its main rivals, the Canon EOS R3 from 2021, have similar specifications, so which full-frame sensor mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Sony A9III versus the Canon R3.
At just £490 / $480, the EOS R100 is the cheapest mirrorless camera in the Canon range, offering 24 megapixels and 4K video recording in a tiny body. Can you really buy a decent camera for such a small amount of money? Find out now by reading our in-depth review of the Canon EOS R100 APS-C mirrorless camera, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The Fujifilm GFX 100 II is a 100-megapixel, 8K video, 8-stop IBIS, 8fps continuous shooting, medium-format monster that is light enough to use all day, indoors and out. Find out just how good it is by reading our in-depth Fujifilm GFX 100 II review, complete with a gallery of full-size sample JPEG / Raw images and videos...
The A6700 is the new premium model in Sony's extensive range of APS-C mirrorless cameras, but can it beat both its main rivals and its cheaper siblings? Find out now by reading our in-depth Sony A6700 review, complete with full-size sample images and videos.
We're bringing you an in-depth Sony A6700 vs Canon EOS R7 head-to-head comparison to help you choose between these two APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras.
The Canon EOS R100 and the Canon EOS R10 are both aimed at beginners and smartphone users looking to upgrade to a "proper" camera, so which mirrorless model is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R100 versus the EOS R10.
The Canon EOS R100 and the Canon EOS R50 are both aimed at beginners and smartphone users looking to upgrade to a "proper" camera, so which mirrorless model is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R100 versus the EOS R50.
The Nikon Z8 that was announced in May 2023 and the Canon EOS R5 that was revealed in July 2020 have similar key specifications, so which of these flagship 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Nikon Z8 versus the Canon EOS R5.
The new Canon EOS R8 full-frame mirrorless camera integrates the image quality and autofocusing from the more expensive EOS R6 Mark II with the smaller, lighter and simpler body of the cheaper EOS RP. Is the resulting camera a resounding success or a terrible mish-mash? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon EOS R8 review...
The Canon EOS R50 and the EOS R10 are both aimed at beginners and smartphone users, so which mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R50 versus the EOS R10.
The Canon EOS R50 is a super-compact mirrorless camera with an APS-C crop sensor that can shoot at 15fps and record 4K/30p video. Can the R50 compete with the likes of the Fujifilm X-S10, Nikon Z30 and Sony ZV-E10? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon R50 review with full-size sample photos and videos.
The brand new Canon EOS R8 and the EOS R7 are similar in both name and price, so which mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R8 versus the EOS R7.
The EOS R6 Mark II is the successor to one of our favourite full-frame mirrorless cameras, principally adding a new 24 megapixel sensor, 40fps burst shooting and improved auto-focusing. Read our in-depth Canon EOS R6 II review now, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The brand new Fujifilm X-T5 and the Canon EOS R7 share similar key specifications and features, so which APS-C sensor mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Fujifilm X-T5 versus the Canon EOS R7.
The new EOS R6 Mark II is Canon's fastest ever full-frame mirrorless camera, offering blistering 40fps burst shooting, 24.2 megapixel stills, 6K/60p video recording and 8-stops of IBIS.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II body is priced at £2,779.99 / €3,149.99 / $2,499.00 in the UK and Europe.
The EOS R6 Mark II is the 2022 replacement for Canon's popular mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera, the original EOS R6 that was released two years ago.
We got hands-on with the R6 II recently, so find out what we think of this new mirrorless model by reading our detailed first impressions...
The Sony A7 IV and the brand new Canon EOS R6 Mark II that was unveiled today have similar key specifications, so which of these 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R6 II versus the Sony A7 IV.
The brand new Canon EOS R6 Mark II and its predecessor the EOS R6 are virtually identical in appearance, so which full-frame mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II versus the EOS R6.
The brand new Sony A7R V that was unveiled today and the Canon EOS R5 from 2020 have similar specifications and prices, so which of these 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R5 versus the Sony A7RV.
The Canon EOS R10 is a tiny new mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor that can shoot at up to 23fps and record 4K/60p video. Can the R10 compete with the likes of the Fujifilm X-S10, Nikon Z50 and Sony A6400? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon R10 review...
Canon is back in the APS-C game with the much-anticipated launch of the EOS R7, a very capable prosumer camera with a clear focus on speed. Billed as the mirrorless successor to the much loved EOS 7D Mark II DSLR, does the new R7 have what it takes to compete against the likes of Fujifilm and Sony? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon R7 review...
At first glance the brand new flagship Fujifilm X-H2S and the 2-year-old Fujifilm X-T4 have similar specifications, so which APS-C sensor mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Fujifilm X-H2S versus the X-T4.
Canon has launched a brand new APS-C sensor EOS R System, including the EOS R7 and EOS R10 cameras and the RF-S 18-45mm and RF-S 18-150mm kit lenses.
The EOS R7 will be available in June 2022 priced at £1,349.99 / €1,649.99 / $1,499.00, while the EOS R10 will cost £899.99 / €1079.99 / $979.99 when it launches in July 2022.
The new OM-1 flagship is both the last ever Olympus camera and the first ever OM System camera. Confused? Well no need to worry, as we take an in-depth look at what this new Micro Four Thirds flagship has to offer in our OM System OM-1 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The Nikon Z9 is a professional level, full-frame mirrorless camera for photographers and videographers that features a 45 megapixel stacked BSI sensor, 8K/30p and 4K/120p video recording, 30fps burst shooting and a dual-grip design. Read our in-depth Nikon Z9 review complete with full-size sample photos and videos to find out just what this flagship camera is capable of...
The OM System OM-1 that was announced on 15th February 2022 and the older Olympus E-M1 III and E-M1X models have similar key specifications, so which of these Micro Four Thirds sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the OM System OM-1 vs Olympus E-M1 III vs Olympus E-M1X.
The Leica M11 is a brand new digital rangefinder camera for 2022, offering a 60 megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, 64Gb built-in memory, longer battery life and USB-C charging. Oh, and did we mention that Leica have dropped the removable baseplate, a feature that has adorned M-series cameras for literally decades? Find out if this is the best ever fusion of old and new tech by reading our in-depth Leica M11 review, complete with full-size sample photos.
The Canon EOS R3 is a professional full-frame mirrorless camera for sports and action photographers that features a 24 megapixel stacked BSI sensor, 6K/60p Raw and 4K/120p video recording, 30fps burst shooting, eye-control autofocusing and a dual-grip design. Read our in-depth Canon R3 review complete with full-size sample photos and videos to find out just what the all-action R3 is capable of...
The new Sony Alpha A7 IV is a new 33 megapixel, 4K/60p video, 10fps burst shooting, cutting-edge auto-focusing hybrid full-frame mirrorless model that pulls no punches in its bid to be the only camera that you need. Find out why we think this is one of the best all-round cameras of 2021 by reading our in-depth Sony A7 IV review...
Canon has just announced firmware updates for the EOS R5 (firmware v1.50), EOS R6 (firmware v1.50) and EOS-1D X Mark III (firmware v1.60) mirrorless cameras which add several key features from the flagship EOS R3, including vehicle recognition when autofocusing.
The EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III firmware updates will be available to download from 2nd December 2021.
The Sony A7 IV is the successor to the popular A7 III full-frame mirrorless camera, with both models offering lots of features to appeal to hybrid stills and video shooters. How does the new version compare to the old? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Sony A7 IV versus the Sony A7 III.
The new Fuji GFX 50S II is the most affordable medium-format ever released - it's so cheap that it competes with high-end 35mm full-frame cameras like the Sony Alpha 7R IV, Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z7 II. But surely there's a catch - is it just too affordable for its own good? Find out now by reading our in-depth Fujifilm GFX 50S II review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The Sony Alpha 9 II and the brand new Canon EOS R3 that was unveiled today have similar key specifications, so which of these 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R3 versus the Sony A9 II.
Canon have revealed their answer to the Sony Alpha 1 and the Nikon Z9 in the shape of the new EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera.
The Canon R3 will feature a brand new, Canon-developed 24.1 megapixel back illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, DIGIC X imaging processor, 6K/60p RAW video recording and oversampled 4K/120p video for up to six hours of regular video, 30fps burst shooting with full AF/AE tracking, and an integrated grip design with professional levels of weather-proofing.
The EOS R3 features Canon's most advanced autofocusing system ever, with Auto Focus (AF) tracking for motorsports including racing cars and motorbikes, focusing in extreme darkness at light levels down to -7EV, and an innovative new autofocus Eye Control Function.
There's also a 5.76 million dot electronic viewfinder with 120fps refresh rate, 5-axis IBIS providing up to 8-stops of protection against camera shake, and a fully articulating 4.1-million dot touch-screen display, and compatibility with Canon’s Mobile File Transfer smartphone app.
The Canon EOS R3 is priced at £5,879.99 / €6,689.99 / $5,999.00 and it will be available in November 2021.
The Sony Alpha 1 that went on sale in March 2021 and the brand new Canon EOS R3 that was unveiled today have similar key specifications, so which of these flagship 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R3 versus the Sony A1.
The Canon EOS R3 that was announced today is a brand new flagship camera that sits above last years Canon EOS R5. Which of these 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R3 versus the Canon R5.
The Canon EOS R3 that was launched today and the EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR look very similar, so which of these flagship 35mm full-frame sensor cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R3 versus the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.
The brand new Canon EOS R3 that was announced today and the Nikon Z9 that was revealed earlier in 2021 have similar key specifications, so which of these flagship 35mm full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras is right for you? We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Canon R3 versus the Nikon Z9.
Wondering what the differences are between the new Fujifilm GFX 50S II and the 3-year-old GFX 50S medium format mirrorless cameras?
Then check out our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Fujifilm GFX50S Mark II versus the GFX50S.
The Sony Alpha 1 camera, or Sony A1 for short, is the best camera that Sony have ever released, and currently the best all-round camera on the market. It's also one of the most expensive, so read our in-depth Sony A1 review complete with full-size sample JPEG and Raw photos and movies to find out if it's truly the One for you...
The EOS M50 Mark II is Canon's newest entry-level mirrorless camera for 2021. With 4K/25p and 1080/60p video modes, a flippy LCD screen and a number of vlogger-friendly improvements, plus a 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, 10fps burst shooting and Canon's excellent Dual Pixel AF system, could it be the perfect affordable camera for YouTubers, TikTokers and stills photographers alike? Find out now by reading our Canon EOS M50 Mark II review...
The new 100-megapixel medium-format Fuji GFX 100S is smaller, lighter and more versatile than the flagship GFX 100, and crucially, significantly cheaper too. So much so that it steps on the toes of high-end 35mm full-frame cameras like the Sony Alpha 1, Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z7 II. Does the GFX 100S really prove that medium-format is "More than full-frame", and is it really better than the GFX 100? Find out now by reading our in-depth review, complete with a huge gallery of full-size sample images and videos...
The RF 70-200mm F4L is a brand new telephoto zoom lens for Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras that's smaller and more affordable than the F2.8 version. Read our in-depth Canon RF 70-200mm F4L lens review, complete with a gallery of full-size sample images, to find out what this remarkable lens is capable of...
Sony sell a huge range of premium cameras, covering everything from compacts to APS-C and full-frame mirrorless models. Here is our definitive guide to the very best Sony cameras that you can buy today.
Canon sell every type of camera that you can possibly imagine, from point-and-shoot compacts to mirrorless and DSLRs. Here is our definitive guide to the best Canon cameras that you can buy today.
The all-singing, all-dancing Sony A1, also known as the Sony Alpha 1, that was announced this week is billed as "one camera without compromise", the pinnacle of Sony's extensive full-frame camera range and potentially able to be the only camera that you'll ever need. We take a closer look in our detailed head-to-head comparison of the Sony A1 versus the A7R IV, A9 II and the A7S III to find out if it really can out-perform them all...
The Nikon Z7 II full-frame mirrorless camera is the 2020 update of the original Z7 model, principally improving the autofocusing, buffer and video and adding a second memory card slot. Are these changes enough for it to compete with its main rivals like the Sony A7R IV and the Canon EOS R5? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z7 II review, complete with full size sample photos and videos...
The EOS-1D X Mark III is Canon's flagship DSLR camera for sports and wildlife photographers. With a price tag of £6499 / $6499, does it have what it takes to outpace the likes of the Nikon D6 and the Sony A9 II? Read our Canon 1D X Mark III to review to find out...
The brand new Nikon Z7 II and Nikon Z6 II are very similar in appearance, so which full-frame mirrorless camera is right for you? We take a closer look in our head-to-head comparison of the Nikon Z7 II versus the Z6 II.
The Canon EOS 850D is that rare thing - a new DSLR camera in 2020. In a world where mirrorless cameras rule (well, almost), can the Canon 850D still cut it? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 850D review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The Panasonic S5 is a brand new hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that's equally as capable at shooting both stills and video. In an ever more crowded market, does the Lumix S5 offer enough to stand out against the likes of the Sony A7 III, Canon EOS R and Nikon Z6? Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic S5 to find out, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The EOS R5 has been the hottest full-frame camera on the block ever since Canon pre-announced it back at the start of 2020, thanks to its headline grabbing twin features of a 45 megapixel sensor and 8K video recording. We've seen it a few times since then, but now we can finally bring you our final Canon R5 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos!
The EOS R6 is the best ever Canon mirrorless camera - there, we said it! If you want to find out why, carry on reading our in-depth Canon EOS R6 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
“Re-imagine mirrorless” is the official strapline for one of Canon's biggest ever product launches, as they introduce 11 new products in total today, including the hotly anticipated Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera with its 45 megapixel full-frame sensor and ability to record 8K video.
Canon are still keen to point out that they are not stepping away from their other DSLR and APS-C mirrorless systems, just focusing on full-frame mirrorless for the next 6 months at least.
We've spent a little hands-on time with the Canon's brand new flagship camera, so ahead of our full review, check out our first impressions of the Canon EOS R5 now...
Canon have launched four new RF lenses and two RF extenders today, bringing telephoto capabilities to the RF line-up as well as additional portrait and macro photography creative possibilities. The four lenses are the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM, RF 600mm F11 IS STM and RF 800mm F11 IS STM, and the RF 85mm F2 MACRO IS STM.
We've spent a little hands-on time with the brand new Canon EOS R6 mirrorless camera, so ahead of our full review, check out our first impressions now...
Canon has again maintained the number one share of the global market for DSLR and Mirrorless cameras for the 17th consecutive year, running from 2003 to 2019.
From the debut of the breakthrough EOS 300D in September 2003, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products. Canon released six interchangeable-lens camera models in 2019.
ON1 Photo RAW 2020.1 is now available,adding user interface updates, some new features, and plenty of performance enhancements along with new cameras and lens support.
A 30-day free trial of ON1 Photo RAW 2020.1 is available for download now. If you previously ran the trial of ON1 Photo RAW 2020, the trial period is reset in version 2020.1, so you can also try this newest update free for another 30 days.
Canon have announced the development of the new EOS R5 flagship mirrorless camera, which offers cinematic-quality 8K movie recording using the full width of the sensor at up to 30p and support for Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, high-speed 20fps electronic / 12fps mechanical burst shooting, unparalleled in-body image stabilisation which works in combination with the lens stabilisation system, dual memory card slots, advanced animal AF recognising dogs, cats and birds, and support for the new image.canon cloud platform service.
The Canon EOS R5 will also have a fully articulating LCD screen and a thumb-operated AF joystick, rather than the divisive MFn bar used on the EOS R.
Richard Shepherd, Pro Product Marketing Senior Manager, said: “We’re confident that the EOS R5 will shake up the global mirrorless market and we’re excited to see the content photographers and filmmakers will be able to capture with this outstanding new device in their hands...The EOS R5 will become the new flagship Canon mirrorless camera, delivering exceptional image quality and video capture."
The official launch date and price of the exciting new Canon EOS R5 camera have yet to be announced.
A preview of the Canon R5 will be on display at the 2020 WPPI Show (February 25-27) in Las Vegas.
Reference exhibits for the EOS R5 and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x will be on display in the Canon booth at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2020, to be held from February 27 to March 1 at the Pacifico Yokohama convention hall in Yokohama, Japan.
Designed to showcase exactly what Canon's full-frame mirrorless camera system is capable of, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is an amazingly fast, incredibly expensive, no-holds-barred portrait prime lens. Read our in-depth Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM review to find out if this ultra-fast lens can really be worth £2799 / $2699...
Pricing, specifications and a full list of features for the flagship Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera have now been revealed.
The Canon 1D X Mark III will go on sale in February 2020 priced at £6,499.99 / €7,599.99 / $6,499.
This year Black Friday falls on 29th November, but the best camera deals have already got underway in the week leading up to it.
We've been busy scouring the internet and checking our groaning email inbox to bring you the hottest deals on DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts, lenses, accessories and software.
And if you see a great deal that we've not listed here, make sure to let us know!
The Canon EOS M200 is an interchangeable lens camera aimed at new photographers. The M200 offers 24.1 megapixels, 4K video recording, a 180-degree tilting LCD and a touch-screen interface. Read our in-depth Canon EOS M200 review now to find out if it's the perfect camera for beginners...
A fast 24-70mm zoom is the staple lens of any self-respecting camera system, so it's no surprise to see Canon release the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM for their EOS R / RP cameras. Is this an essential lens for all Canon full-frame mirrorless users? Find out now by reading our Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM review, complete with full-size sample images...
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a new mid-range mirrorless camera with a 32 megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K video recording, 14fps burst shooting, a tilting touchscreen and optional electronic viewfinder. Can it beat the likes of the Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T30 cameras? Find out now by reading our Canon EOS M6 Mark II review...
2019 is Olympus' official Centenary year (Congratulations!), and following the launch of the E-M1X camera back in the Spring, the company are now reportedly gearing up for the launch of a much more affordable successor to the popular OM-D E-M5 Mark II (pictured), somewhat predictably called the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Read on for everything that we know so far...
Update 1: Internet giant Amazon has now confirmed the price and launch date of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III - it will apparently cost £1,355.60 and be available on November 18th 2019. It will feature re-engineered 5-axis image stabilisation for handheld shooting, a new OLED electronic viewfinder, and be weather-resistant. Amazon have predictably pulled the leaked product page...
Update 2: The full specifications and US price for the E-M5 Mark III have now been leaked by 4/3rumors.
Photography Blog attended the UK launch of the new Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera in central London - find out what we thought of Nikon's brand new camera by reading our detailed first impressions...
Nikon released their full-frame mirrorless camera range last year with the launch of the Z6 and Z7 (pictured). Now, according to widespread rumors, it looks as though they're about to introduce an APS-C sensor lineup with the introduction of the Nikon Z50. Read on for everything that we know so far...
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2020 offers an abundance of new and updated features, including facial recognition and detection features, focus stacking, HDR, blended clone, and text tool updates.
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2020 is available for a lifetime license for $149.99 USD or through a subscription starting at $69/year, which provides users access to regular updates and upgrades.
We've spent some time shooting with the Canon EOS M6 Mark II and the EOS 90D DSLR cameras. Here are our initial first impressions...
Canon's PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a brand new compact camera that offers a lot of bang for your buck, for both stills photographers and vloggers alike. Find out just what the latest generation of this camera is capable of by reading our in-depth Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review, complete with full-size sample JPEG and Raw images...
DxO has announced the release of the Nik Collection 2 by DxO, a major upgrade to the famous plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Elements. DxO is expanding the plugin suite with over 40 new creative presets and high-resolution monitor support for Windows. In addition, the Nik Collection 2 now comes with DxO PhotoLab 2.3 ESSENTIAL Edition, DxO’s recently released advanced RAW photo editing software.
The Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF is a brand new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras, boasting a fast, constant aperture of f/2.8 and an appealing price-tag. Read our in-depth Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF review now, complete with full-size sample images...
The EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM is a significantly upgraded version of Canon's popular 70-200mm F4 lens for full-frame and APS-C sensor DSLR cameras. Read our in-depth Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM review to find out just what the new Mark II version has to offer, complete with full-size sample images...
The Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 is a new entry-level DSLR aimed at people buying their first interchangeable lens camera. It improves on the previous EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 model principally by implementing 4K video recording, a better live view mode, more sophisticated auto-focusing, and longer battery life. Is this the best interchangeable lens camera for beginners? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 250D review...
The Panasonic S1 is the more sensibly specced and sensibly priced sibling of the flagship S1R full-frame mirrorless camera. It lowers the number of megapixels whilst upping the video capabilities, promising a more well-rounded camera at a more affordable price-point. Does the new Lumix S1 have what it takes to compete with the likes of the Sony A7 III, Nikon Z6 and Canon EOS R? Read our detailed Panasonic S1 review to find out...
The Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 is the world’s lightest DSLR with a moveable screen. Key features of the EOS 250D (Europe) and Rebel SL3 (USA) include a guided user interface for easy operation, a 24.1 Megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS APS-C sensor, DIGIC 8 processor, 4K movie capability, super-fast and responsive autofocus, and excellent connectivity to smart devices.
In Europe, the Canon EOS 250D will be available in black, silver and white from 25th April 2019 for £529.99/ €599.99 body only and £599.99/ €709.99 for the body with a EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens.
In the US, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 will be available toward the end of April for purchase in black and white color options for an estimated retail price of $599.99 for the body only and $749.99 for the body with a EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens.
Panasonic have enjoyed a lot of success with their Micro Four Thirds camera range, and now they've turned their attention to the full-frame market with the release of the exciting new Lumix S1R. This is a 47 megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera with 187 megapixel high resolution mode, class leading electronic viewfinder, 6-stop IBIS, and a robust weatherproof body. Read our in-depth Panasonic S1R review now to find out more about this impressive camera...
The Canon EOS RP camera follows hot on the heels of last year's EOS R model, offering full-frame mirrorless tech and 4K video recording at an even more affordable price-point than before. Find out just what the cheapest full-frame mirrorless camera on the market is capable of by reading our in-depth Canon EOS RP review, complete with full-size sample JPEG and RAW images, videos and more...
The Canon EOS RP is a new full-frame mirrorless camera, offering 26 megapixels and using the Canon RF lens mount.
We were shown a final version of the EOS RP by Canon ahead of today's launch. We weren't allowed to take any photos with the camera or of the presentation slides, but did get some hands-on time with the EOS RP.
So read on for our initial first impressions of the new Canon EOS RP full frame mirrorless camera...
The Panasonic S1R and Panasonic S1 are two new full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering 47 megapixels and 24 megapixels respectively and using the Leica L-mount. In development for the last 4 years, the Lumix S Series promises to offer “Full frame without compromise”.
We were shown a very early prototype version of the S1R/S1 back in September 2018 by Panasonic. We weren't allowed to take any photos of the camera or presentation slides, such was the high level of secrecy at the time.
Early prototype versions of the S1R and S1 were then displayed under glass at Photokina 2018, with a promised simultaneous launch date for both models of “early 2019”.
Fast forward to 31st January 2019, and we've been able to shoot with a working version of the Lumix S1R and S1 at the Global press launch in Barcelona, Spain. We've updated our initial first impressions of the cameras and new lenses with some more detailed observations.
So read on for our first impressions of the new Panasonic S1R and S1 35mm full-frame mirrorless cameras...
The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports is a brand new, no-holds-barred, fast telephoto zoom lens for Nikon and Canon full-frame cameras. Read our in-depth Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens review to find out if it's the ultimate telephoto zoom for DSLR owners, complete with full-size sample images...
CamFi Pro Plus supports wireless tethering feature for 500+ cameras, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Pentax and more. All DSLR cameras which support USB tethering can be supported by CamFi Pro Plus.
The price of CamFi Pro Plus is $339. All existing customers of CamFi Pro can order the upgrade service for $40.
The Fujifilm GFX 50R is a rangefinder-style medium-format mirrorless camera with a 50 megapixel sensor, 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, electronic viewfinder, ISO range of 50-102400, dual memory card slots and 3fps continuous shooting. Oh, and it only costs £3999 / $4499, making it the cheapest medium format camera on the market. Read our detailed Fujifilm GFX 50R review now...
The EOS R is Canon's first ever full-frame mirrorless camera, joining the likes of Sony, Nikon and Panasonic. Can it beat its main rivals, and is it a real alternative to a more traditional DSLR? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon EOS R review, complete with full-size sample images, videos and more...
The Z7 is Nikon's first foray into the brave new world of full-frame mirrorless cameras, and what an entry it is. Boasting 45.7 megapixels, 4K video recording, built-in image stabilsation, a 3.6-million dot EVF and a 2.1-million dot tilting screen, can the exciting new Nikon Z7 give market-leader Sony a run for its money? Find out by reading our in-depth Nikon Z7 review, complete with full size JPEGs, Raw files and movies...
Venus Optics have unveil 8 new and unique Laowa lenses, including the 25-100 T/2.9 Professional Cine lens, the first professional cinema style zoom lens offered by the company. Together with the 4 new lenses showed earlier in Beijing P&E, a total of 12 new Laowa lenses will make their European debut at Photokina next week.
All 12 new lenses will make their European debut in Venus Optics’ booth (Hall 2.1, D-040) at Photokina, Cologne during 26th-29th Sept. Pricing and ship date are to be confirmed.
We've just spent two days shooting with the new Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless camera at the official Fujifilm UK press event in the heart of rural Hampshire and at the Goodwood Revival motor festival. Ahead of our full review, check out our detailed first impressions of using the Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless camera now...
The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera features the Worlds fastest autofocus of 0.05sec which is functional down to -6EV, a 30 megapixel full-frame sensor, touch and drag AF with 5,655 AF positions that can be selected virtually anywhere in the frame, a magnesium alloy body, 4K video recording, truly silent shooting, and an EVF with 100% coverage and 3.69 million dots.
The Canon EOS R system has now been officially announced – “This is the first chapter of a new story”. Development of an entirely new mount, plus full-frame sensor, that has been built from the ground up. A new 54mm internal diameter lens mount with short back focus allows for greater freedom for optical design, with a 12-pin data communication system.
The EOS R is made for video, offering 4K recording with full audio control, 10-bit output over HDMI, a vari-angle screen, 12 stops of dynamic range at ISO 400, and 5-axis movie IS.
The Canon EOS R is “Our most personal camera yet” – almost every control on the camera is customisable. Adapters are an integral part of the EOS R system, with 3 new lens mount adapters allowing backwards compatibility with almost all EF lenses ever released.
There are 4 new RF lenses:
RF 50mm f/1.2L USM – fastest AF in its class
RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM – great for video, 5 stops of OIS
RF 28-70mm f/2L USM - world’s first f/2
RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM – affordable, high-quality lens
UK/Europe Pricing
The Canon EOS R is available to pre-order from 12th September 2018 and available to purchase from 9th October 2018 with the following RSPs:
• EOS R body and mount adapter - £2,349.99/ €2,729.99
• EOS R body, mount adapter and RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens - £3,269.99/ €3,819.99
• RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens - £2,349.99/ €2,729.99
• RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens - £1,119.99/ €1,319.99
• Mount adapter EF-EOS R - £99.99/ €119.99
• Control mount ring adapter EF-EOS R - £199.99/ €239.99
Available to purchase from December 2018 with the following RSPs:
• RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens - £3,049.99/ €3,549.99
• RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM lens - £519.99/ €599.99
US Pricing
The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2299* for the body only. It will also be sold as a body-and-lens kit with the new RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $3399*.
Canon is also introducing a new compact and lightweight Speedlite, the EL-100. Designed for photographers who are just beginning to use an external flash or are in need of a secondary unit, the new Speedlite delivers both soft and natural lighting reproduction. The Canon Speedlite EL-100 will be available for purchase in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $199.99.
The Canon EOS M50 is a surprisingly capable mid-range mirrorless camera, at least on paper, offering a specification list that in many ways out-does the company's flagship M5 model. Does it live up to it's full potential though? Find out by reading our Canon EOS M50 expert review...
Yesterday we spent some time shooting with the new Sony A7 III compact system camera in Surrey, UK, at the official Sony Europe press event. Check out our first impressions of using the Sony A7 III camera now...
The new Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO introduces a new focal length for Canon’s specialist range of tilt shift optics. This professional L-series lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 49cm, tilt, shift and rotate movements, plus 1:2 macro functionality. Read our Canon 135mm tilt shift lens review now, complete with full-size sample images...
The new Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L MACRO is a specialist portrait and product lens for full-frame Canon DSLR cameras. This professional L-series lens offers tilt, shift and rotate movements, plus 1:2 macro functionality. Read our Canon 90mm tilt shift lens review now, complete with full-size sample images...
The new Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO is a specialist lens for full-frame Canon DSLR cameras that offers tilt, shift and rotate movements, plus 1:2 macro functionality. Read our Canon 50mm tilt shift lens review now, complete with full-size sample images...
Ahead of our full review, here are some sample JPEG and Raw images taken with the new Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L MACRO lens, mounted on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II 35mm full-frame camera.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV is a super-zoom camera with a 24-600mm lens and 20 megapixel sensor that can shoot still images at an amazing 24 frames per second, complete with full-time auto-focusing. Is this the only camera that you'll ever really need? Find out by reading our detailed Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review...
The Canon EOS M100 is a new compact system camera aimed at beginners. The M100 offers 24.2 megapixel resolution, Bluetooth connectivity, full HD 1080p high-definition video, a 180-degree tilting LCD and a touch-screen interface. Read our expert Canon EOS M100 review now...
Canon today announced they have reached two major production milestones — a cumulative total of 90 million interchangeable-lens EOS cameras and 130 million EF-series interchangeable lenses. The EOS 5D Mark IV (pictured) was the 90 millionth EOS Series camera range to be produced, while an EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM became the company’s 130 millionth interchangeable lens. Canon’s EOS system debuted alongside the EF series of interchangeable lenses in March 1987 as the world’s first fully-electronic mount system for film AF SLR cameras. Over the years, both product lines have continued to expand, gaining support among users ranging from first-time users to professionals. Production accelerated in the early 2000’s with the spread of digital SLR cameras. Canon’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 14 consecutive years since 2003.
Adorama will be showcasing select photography gear and accessories from Adorama-exclusive brands Flashpoint, Orlit, 3Pod and Glow at PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2017. Only sold at Adorama, Flashpoint is known for its budget-friendly studio flash solutions. Attendees to the PhotoPlus Expo can visit the Adorama booth for a demo of the newest monolights, including the Studio 400 and Studio 300, the XPLOR 600 HSS TTL battery-powered monolight (pictured), the eVOLV 200 TTL Pocket Flash and the Rapid 600 HSS monolight with built-in radio remote system, alongside additional Flashpoint accessories. Orlit offers a lineup of TTL and HSS studio monolights designed for Canon RT, Nikon and Sony photographers looking for powerful lighting with wireless control. PPE attendees can get demos of the Orlit RoveLight RT 610 TTL monolight, the ORLIT RoveLight RT 601 HSS battery-powered monolight, and the ORLIT RoveLight RT 800AC TTL studio monolight with integrated RT radio remote.
The new EOS 6D Mark II is Canon's latest 35mm full-frame DSLR camera. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the EOS 5D Mark IV, the EOS 6D Mark II features 26.2 megapixels, latest DIGIC 7 processor, 45 point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. Read our expert Canon EOS 6D Mark II review now...
Canon has been awarded three prestigious accolades from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The EOS 5D Mark IV (pictured) has been named ‘EISA Professional DSLR Camera 2017-2018’, the EOS 77D has been awarded ‘EISA Consumer DSLR Camera 2017-2018’ and the Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM has been awarded ‘EISA Professional DSLR Lens 2017-2018. “Canon has a long-standing reputation within the industry for delivering high-quality products that enable users to tell the best story of their lives through unlocking their creative shooting potential with the support, reliability and consistency needed,” commented Lee Bonniface, Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe. “Feedback on our products through award recognition such as EISA, is paramount as we strive to produce pioneering and class-leading solutions that enable photographers around the world to discover, capture and share their own unique stories through photography.”
Canon has been awarded three accolades from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The EOS 5D Mark IV (pictured) has been named ‘EISA Professional DSLR Camera 2017-2018’, the EOS 77D has been awarded ‘EISA Consumer DSLR Camera 2017-2018’ and the Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM has won the ‘EISA Professional DSLR Lens 2017-2018’ title. “Canon has a long-standing reputation within the industry for delivering high-quality products that enable users to tell the best story of their lives through unlocking their creative shooting potential with the support, reliability and consistency needed,” commented Lee Bonniface, Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe. “Feedback on our products through award recognition such as EISA, is paramount as we strive to produce pioneering and class-leading solutions that enable photographers around the world to discover, capture and share their own unique stories through photography.”
Canon have unveiled their latest professional large-format inkjet printer - the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000. At 60-inches wide, the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 printer is the largest 12-ink printer on the market today. “With the introduction of our largest model, the imagePROGRAF PRO-6000, we round out our full line of high quality PRO Series printers,” said Toyotsugu Kuwamura, executive vice president and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Our PRO Series now offers an expansive lineup of large-format inkjet solutions and sizes for a broad range of applications in the photo, fine art, proofing and graphics market segments.” The imagePROGRAF PRO-6000 printer is expected to be available in August 2017 with an MSRP of $11,995.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the latest generation full frame DSLR camera. The EOS 6D Mark II features a full frame 26.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 7 processor, 45 point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II will be available in July 2017 with an RRP of £1,999.99 / €2,499.99 body only. The EOS 6D Mark II can also be purchased with an EF 24-105 STM kit with an RRP of £2,379.99 / €2,944.99
In the USA, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR camera is scheduled to be available in late July 2017 for an estimated retail price of $1,999.00 for body only, $3,099.00 with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II lens and $2,599.00 with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 STM lens.
The new Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i DSLR camera is positioned between the cheaper EOS 1300D and more expensive EOS 77D, attempting to offer most of the same features as the 77D in a more beginner-friendly design. Find out if it succeeds by reading our expert Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i review...
The new Canon EOS 77D DSLR slots in between the cheaper EOS 800D and more expensive EOS 80D, attempting to blend together the best of both cameras. Find out if it succeeds by reading our expert Canon EOS 77D digital SLR review...
The Canon EOS M6 is a new compact system camera that offers 24.2 megapixels, 9fps continuous shooting, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, full HD 60p high-definition video with 5-axis in-body electronic image stabilisation, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M6 include a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, ISO range of 100-25600, and wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. Read our in-depth Canon EOS M6 review now...
The Sony A9 is a new 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at professional sports and action photographers. It boasts a 24.2 megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, expandable ISO range of 50-204800, 693 focal plane phase detection AF points, 20fps burst shooting, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation and 4K UHD video recording. We've spent some time getting to know the Sony A9, so check out our Hands-on Review of Sony's latest full-frame mirrorless camera...
The Fujifilm GFX 50S is a new medium-format mirrorless camera, offering a 50 megapixel sensor, a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD and a removable electronic viewfinder in a body that's no bigger than a 35mm full-frame DSLR. Read our in-depth Fujifilm GFX 50S review now...
The Hasselblad X1D-50c is a new medium-format compact system camera, offering a 50 megapixel sensor, a 3-inch touchscreen LCD and an electronic viewfinder in a stunningly-designed body that's smaller than many DSLRs. Read our in-depth Hasselblad X1D-50c review now...
RNI have released a new version of RNI All Films. The new RNI All Films 4.0.4 for Adobe Lightroom and ACR brings customised camera profiles for a number of new cameras including the Leica TL and M10, the Phase One IQ3 100MP, the Fujifilm X-100F. GFX 50S, X A3, X A10 and X T20, the Canon EOS M5 and PowerShot G9 X Mark II, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, the Panasonic FZ80, GF9 and GH5, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, and the Sony DSC-RX100 M5. Additionally, film grain is now turned off by default. You can use RNI Toolkit in Lightroom to set the desired level of film grain (ISO 100/21° – ISO 1600/33°).
Iridient Digital has released Iridient Developer 3.1.4, a raw file conversion and photo processing application for Mac OS X. This update brings support for the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and EOS M6, the Fujifilm GFX 50S, X-T20, X100F. and X-A10, the Panasonic GH5 and FZ80, the Pentax KP, the Leica M10 and the Sigma sd Quattro H. The company also launched Iridient X-Transformer 1.0 beta 3 for both Mac OS and Windows, adding support for the Fujifilm GFX50S, X-T20 and X100F.
ON1 has released the first major update to ON1 Photo RAW 2017. The application offers one of the fastest ways to cull photos making it easy to tag, rate, make color and tone adjustments, or add effects to photos. The non-destructive workflow utilises sidecar files to store edits and allows photographers the ability to edit and adjust photos locally, in the cloud, or on file servers. This also allows photographers to access their photos from multiple computers and/or allow colleagues to access and edit the same photos from where they left off. Version 2017.0.2 includes support for over a dozen new cameras - including the Olympus SH-2, E-M5 MKII and E-M1 MKII, the Pentax K5 II, the Nikon D5600, the Panasonic DMC-FZ2000, DMC-G2, DMC-G5, DMC-LX15 and DMC-TZ80, the Leica M10 and Leica TL, and the Canon EOS 500D -, improved raw processing results, updated support for Fujifilm camera files, better highlight recovery, and other performance tuning and bug fixes.
Canon U.S.A. is returning as a Sustaining Sponsor to the 2017 Sundance Film Festival held in Park City, Utah. The company will welcome invited 2017 Sundance Film Festival attendees to the Canon Creative Studio (open 21-24 January, from 11am-6pm) for interactive displays of Canon equipment, live panel discussions, and a relaxing lounge stocked with coffee, snacks, and wireless internet connection. Here, guests will be able to explore Canon’s new flagship cinema camera, the Canon EOS C700 Digital Cinema Camera (pictured), the 4.5 million ISO Canon ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera, and the Canon CN-E 50-1000mm CINE-SERVO lens, among other gear on display. On the output side, guests will be able to see the colour accuracy and HDR capabilities of Canon’s line of 4K Reference Displays.
The winners of the 3rd International Landscape Photographer of the Year (ILPOTY) competition have been announced. From 2394 entries, the winner of the third International Landscape Photographer of the Year (based on a folio submission of at least 4 images) is Alex Noriega from the USA, while the winner of the third International Landscape Photograph of the Year (awarded for a single image) is a picture by Hougaard Malan, from South Africa (reprinted above), who also won the Waterfall Award. Runners-up include Kath Salier, Peter Poppe, Simone Cmoon and Eberhard Ehmke. The Black & White Award went to Guy Havell, the Dominant Sky category was won by Leonardo Papèra, the South America Award was given to Kalan Robb, while the Squarial (square aerial) Award was won by Ignacio Palacios.
The KeyMission 170 is Nikon's first attempt at an action camera, featuring 4K video recording and a 170-degree lens. Can it compete with the similarly priced GoPro Hero 5? Find out by reading our Nikon KeyMission 170 review.
The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is one of the kit lenses for the new EOS M5 compact camera, but is it any good? Read our in-depth Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM review to find out...
The Canon EOS M5 is a brand new compact system camera that offers 24 megapixels, 9fps continuous shooting, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, full HD 60p high-definition videos, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M5 include a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, ISO range of 100-25600, and wi-fi and NFC connectivity. Is Canon's new mirrorless model the camera that enthusiasts have been waiting for? Read our Canon EOS M5 review to find out...
Adobe Camera Raw 9.8 is now available through the update mechanism in Photoshop CC and the Creative Cloud application. This update adds support for the Canon EOS M5, Fujifilm XA3, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Hasselblad X1D, Leica TL, Nikon D5600, Olympus EM1 Mark II (preliminary), Olympus PEN EPL8, Panasonic LUMIX DMCFZ2500 (DMCFZ2000 and DMCFZH1), Pentax K70 (pictured), Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Sony Alpha a6500 (ILCE 6500), Sony Alpha a99 II (ILCA99M2) and Sony DSCRX100 Mark V cameras, and dozens of new camera-lens profiles. Creative Cloud users can select Help>Updates to use the update mechanism in the Creative Cloud app.
Adobe Lightroom CC 2015.8 is now available. This version introduces a new view mode witin the Develop Module called Reference View, which allows you to compare 2 different images in order to make them visually consistent. This is helpful when making a group of images from a single event look similar or setting the white balance appropriately in mixed lighting conditions. Additionally, Adobe Lightroom CC 2015.8 adds support for raw image files generated by the Canon EOS M5, Fujifilm X-A3, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Hasselblad X1D, Leica TL, Nikon D5600, Olympus E-M1 Mark II (preliminary), Olympus PEN E-PL8, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2500 (DMC-FZ2000 and DMC-FZH1), Pentax K-70, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Sony Alpha a6500 (ILCE-6500). Sony Alpha a99 II (ILCA-99M2) and Sony DSC-RX100 Mark V cameras, plus tethered shooting support for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV SLR. Creative Cloud users can select Help > Updates to use the update mechanism in the Creative Cloud app.
Animal shelter advocate and photographer Guinnevere Shuster has been selected as the latest "real life rebel" in Canon's Rebel With A Cause campaign. To build awareness of the overcrowding within shelters and the 3,000 animals euthanised each year*, Guinnevere captured a "dog's best day" with shelter dog, Willa. “Four years ago, I started photographing shelter dogs. With millions of animals still in shelters looking for their forever home, I wanted to try and make a difference and do my part to change people’s opinions of animal shelters and their residents,” said Shuster. “It’s been amazing working with Canon to change the portrayal of shelter animals by showcasing how to use photography to capture dogs in their natural state, having fun, rather than the stereotypical pictures that show shelter animals behind ‘bars.’” Click through / scroll down to watch the full #WillasBestDay film, shot entirely on Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR cameras.
Canon has announced firmware upgrades for both the Canon EOS C300 and EOS C300 Mark II digital cinema cameras. These updates add support for the Canon EVF-V70 OLED Electronic Viewfinder, WFT-E8 Wireless File Transmitter, Shutter Angle Priority, and a variety of lenses. The upgrades are scheduled to be available on December 13, 2016.
The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is an ultra-zoom lens for Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. Crucially offering built-in image stabilisation, the Sigma 18-200mm offers an effective focal range of 28-300mm and a minimum focusing distance of 14.7 inches. Read our Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM review to find out if it's too much of a compromise or not...
The Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports is a new professional hyper-telephoto prime lens for DSLR cameras. Costing thousands of dollars/pounds less than comparable lenses from Nikon and Canon, is this third-party lens worth considering? Read our Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports review to find out...
The long-awaited Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR has now arrived, improving on its predecessor, the incredibly popular 5D Mark III, in almost every way. Does the new 5D Mark IV offer enough to justify the £3629 / $3499 asking price? Read our Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review to find out...
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is a brand new premium standard zoom lens for DSLR cameras. Retailing for £1129 / $1099, is the Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens a worthy successor to the hugely popular original model? Read our in-depth Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM review to find out...
Announced in the run-up to Photokina 2016, the EOS M5 is the new flagship mirrorless camera in Canon’s range, joining the entry-level EOS M10 and the mid-range EOS-M3. Join us as we explore this exciting new product in our first hands-on preview.
Phew, what a day! Press Day at Photokina 2016 turned out to be much bigger than we expected, with flagship products seemingly being announced on the hour, every hour. So here's a handy roundup of all the highlights if you haven't been able to keep up. We'll be adding more products as they're announced.
Day 2 Update: We've taken a closer look at the Fujifilm GFX 50S, Sony A99 II and Canon EOS M5 cameras and Sigma's new lenses, as well as having an in-depth discussion with Olympus about the new flagship E-M1 Mark II camera. There have also been further announcements from the likes of SanDisk, Lexar, Phase One, Metz, Bowens, Broncolor and Kodak, all of which are listed below.
Day 3 Update: We've been busy bringing you hands-on photos of all the important new cameras, lenses and accessories that have been launched at Photokina, plus taking time to chat with Canon, Nikon and Sigma.
Day 4 Update: More hands-on looks at more interesting new products, including a variety of lenses, plus an interview with Kodak about their new 4K360VR camera.
Day 5 Update: An interview with Hasselblad, plus hands-on photos of 3 Nikon Coolpix cameras, an array of Zeiss, Meyer-Optik and Voigtländer lenses and a number of interesting accessories.
We sat down with Richard Trestain from Canon Europe to discuss the new Canon EOS M5 compact system camera that has just been unveiled at Photokina.
Canon has now produced 120 million EF lenses. On August 26, 2016, Canon's 120-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras was an EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens.
Photography Blog attended the recent UK press launch of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in central London. As one of the first people outside of Canon to actually get their hands on the new EOS 5D, here are my initial thoughts...
Want to see exactly what the new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera looks like in the flesh?
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera, including a side-by-side comparison with the previous 5D Mark III, and the new EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lenses.
The new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the most versatile EOS DSLR camera yet. Featuring a 30.4 megapixel CMOS sensor with wide exposure latitude, 7 frames per second (fps) high speed shooting, internal 4K movie recording and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, the 5D Mark IV fuses speed and resolution with excellent low light capability and movie functionality. The EOS 5D Mark IV is also the first EOS camera to premiere the innovative Dual Pixel RAW file format, allowing photographers to fine-tune images in post-production by adjusting or correcting the point of sharpness, shifting the foreground bokeh or reducing image ghosting.
Canon have also added the new EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM and the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM to their extensive lineup of lenses.
Finally, Canon have announced a new firmware update for the EOS-1D X Mark II. Adding IPTC support and LCD colour tone as featured in the EOS 5D Mark IV, the update also improves the network and GPS functionality. The firmware will be available in September.
Pricing
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - RRP £3,629 / €4899.99, available September 2016
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L II USM - RRP £1,129 / €1,449.99, available Q4 2016
Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L III USM - RRP £2,349 / €2,999.99, available October 2016
Canon has been honoured with four product awards from the European Imaging and Sound Association. The EOS 80D (pictured) has been named the ‘European DSLR Camera 2016-2017’, while the EOS-1D X Mark II took the title of ‘European Professional DSLR Camera 2016-2017’ and the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM and the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 received awards for ‘European Professional DSLR Lens 2016-2017’ and ‘European Photo Printer 2016-2017’ respectively. “At Canon, we understand photography doesn’t end with the press of a shutter, and are consistently striving to produce high-quality products that help novices and professionals alike to get the best from their photographs,” said Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “Be it capture, print, store or share, every element matters, and we’re committed to ensuring Canon quality comes through at every step. Each of the awards we’ve received demonstrate our dedication and commitment to creating pioneering products and once again we’re extremely proud to have been recognised by the esteemed EISA panel.”
The Sigma 50-100mm F/1.8 DC HSM Art is the second ever zoom lens to offer a fast constant aperture of F/1.8 throughout its range. Retailing for £999 / $1099, read our in-depth Sigma 50-100mm F/1.8 DG HSM Art review to find out if it can replace several lenses in your camera bag...
The Canon EOS M10 is an entry-level compact system camera that offers 18 megapixels, 1080p high-definition videos, simple controls and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M10 include a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, ISO range of 100-25,600, wi-fi and NFC connectivity, and a built-in flash. Is Canon's new mirrorless model perfectly suited to its beginner target audience? Read our Canon EOS M10 review to find out...
Alpine Labs have announced the upcoming launch of their "Pulse" camera release. Offering a pocket-sized solution to wireless control of DSLRs and CSCs, Pulse facilitates remote control from your mobile device using Bluetooth connectivity and a free mobile app. Unlike other remotes that utilise a camera’s trigger port, the USB connection allows Pulse to wirelessly control ISO, shutter speed, aperture, start / stop video, preview images on the screen of your device, and boasts an operational range of up to 100 ft. Expected to retail for $99, Pulse is currently available to preorder via the website below.
Using patented image optimization technology, JPEG Mini Pro reduces the file size of your photos significantly (up to 80%), while preserving their full resolution and quality. Read our JPEG Mini Pro review to find out if those claims hold true...
Phase One has released an update to Capture One Pro 9. Version 9.1.2, which is free to all Capture One Pro 9 license owners and Capture One Pro subscribers, adds support for the Canon EOS-1DX Mark II, EOS 1300D and EOS 80D, the Nikon D5 and the Panasonic G70 cameras; as well as the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 8mm Fisheye 1:3.5 and M.Zuiko ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO, the Zeiss Loxia 2/35, Loxia 2/50, Loxia 2.8/21, Touit 2.8/12, Touit 1.8/32, Touit 2.8/50 and Batis 2.8/18, the Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS, the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f3.5-5.6, and the Rodenstock HR Digaron-SW 5.6/90 mm/Aerial and ALPA HR Alpagon 5.6/90mm lenses.
Canon U.S.A. has just released its inaugural Photography Trends Study. This survey of 1004 adult U.S. consumers has revealed a surprising degree of self-confidence among amateur photographers, with 80% of respondents claiming to have "good-to-excellent" photography skills, and 62% boasting that their snapping skills have improved in the past two to five years. Food photography appears to be one of the favourite genres, with more than half of consumers taking food photos to show off a personal creation or new recipe. More than one in four respondents admit they share photos of food to brag and to give friends and family "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). The survey has also revealed that more people take photos of their pets than of themselves, even as 57% confess to taking selfies on a regular basis. Less surprisingly, the majority (80%) are capturing photos during family gatherings and holidays. Interestingly, photos at the gym are only taken by 16% of U.S. consumers.
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II is a brand new flagship DSLR camera for professionals. Aimed at sports, press and nature photographers, the 20 megapixel 1DX Mark II builds on the success of the previous 1D X camera with a wealth of improvements, including 4K video recording, a new 20.2 megapixel sensor, 16fps continuous shooting and an expanded ISO range. Can the Canon EOS 1D X Mark II justify its £5,199.99 / $5,999.95 price-tag? Find out by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 1D X Mark II review...
Canon today announced two new accessories for the EOS system – the Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash (£549.99/€749.99, pictured) and the DM-E1 Directional Stereo Microphone (£279.99 / € 389.99). Firing up to 50% more flashes continuously compared with its predecessor, and a 100% increase when used with the new CP-E4N battery pack; the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT has an improved heat measure technology which prevents overheating and allows longer bursts of flashes. A guide number of 60m at ISO 100 allows you to creatively light your subject over a wide range of distances and large areas, ideal for capturing the whole congregation at a wedding. Thanks to a wide lens coverage, from 20mm to 200mm, or to 14mm via the built-in adapter, photographers can easily control how light is spread across a subject. The radio control function provides further creative freedom. The DM-E1 is a compact stereo directional microphone featuring a classic shotgun design with three directional sound pick-up modes. Switching to the 90- and 120-degree modes provides stereo sound for sources that are spread over wider areas, such as an orchestra in a concert hall. Both new accessories will become available next month.
Canon has been awarded five accolades by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The "Best Professional/High-Res DSLR" title went to the Canon EOS 5DS / 5DSR (pictured), while the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has been named the year's "Best Photo/Video Professional Camera." The Canon IXUS 285 HS has won the "Easy Compact Camera" category, and the Canon PowerShot G5 X has received the "Best Expert Compact Camera" award. Last but not least, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 has been selected as the world's best photo printer.
The EOS 1300D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T6 in North America) is Canon's new DSLR camera for beginners. The Canon 1300D / Rebel T6 offers built-in wi-fi connectivity, an 18 megapixel sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, 1080p movies, 63-zone metering, and a 9-point auto-focus system. Read the World's first Canon EOS 1300D / Rebel T6 review now...
Canon is celebrating its 13th year at number one in the interchangeable-lens digital camera market. The success story began in 2003 with the introduction of the EOS 300D, the first affordable digital SLR camera that combined a competitive price with a compact, lightweight design and captured the top global market share upon release. The entire EOS series is supported by Canon’s extensive EF lens collection, with production surpassing the 110 million unit mark in June 2015, and currently comprises a total of 98 models.
The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a relatively lightweight and compact telephoto prime lens for sports and wildlife photographers. Read our in-depth Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM review complete with full-size sample images...
Adobe has released Lightroom CC 2015.5 / Lightroom 6.5 plus Adobe Camera Raw 9.5. The updates add support for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS 80D and EOS 1300D, the Nikon D500 and D5, the Olympus PEN-F and SH-3, the Panasonic DMC-CM10, GF8 and TZ100, the Samsung NX3300, the Sony Alpha A6300 and the Yuneec CGO4, and fix a number of bugs.
Canon today announced the expansion of the imagePROGRAF PRO Series with four large-format inkjet printers. The new models include the 11-Colour plus Chroma Optimizer 44-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 (pictured) and 24-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-2000, designed for the fine art and photographic markets, as well as the eight-colour 60-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S and 44-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-4000S aimed at the production signage industry. “From the time a photo is taken, to the time it is reproduced in print, imaging professionals require output solutions that accurately preserve the detail and vibrancy of that moment,” said Toyotsugu Kuwamura, senior vice president and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new imagePROGRAF PRO Series models not only deliver an impressive and well-appointed design equal to Canon’s EOS digital cameras, but are also equipped with advanced technology features to faithfully reproduce high-quality photos taken by Canon’s EOS digital cameras with outstanding image quality.” The imagePROGRAF PRO-4000 is available for an MSRP of $5,995. The imagePROGRAF PRO-2000 is available for an MSRP of $2,995.
Canon have posted nine full-resolution sample images and a reduced-size sample video recorded with the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark II digital SLR camera. Taken with a variety of lenses including the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM; the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II sample photos were captured at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 100 - ISO 25,600.
Website: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Sample Images & Movies
Just in time for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera is a brand new flagship DSLR camera. Outwardly the EOS-1D X Mark II looks very similar to its 4-year-old predecessor, but inside it boasts a lot of cutting-edge features. These include a brand new 20.2 megapixel full-frame sensor with an on-chip analog to digital convertor, 14fps continuous shooting with full auto-focus and metering and up to 170 RAW file buffer (16 fps in Live View mode) and an ISO range of 100-51,200, expandable to 50-409,600.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a new flagship DSLR camera that's capable of shooting 14 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking and 16 fps in Live View mode. With the new CFast 2.0 card capability, the camera can deliver a burst of unlimited JPEGs or 170 RAW images in continuous high speed shooting. The EOS 1D X Mark II features a new 20.2 MP full frame CMOS sensor and new Al Servo AF III+, improved 61-point AF system with 41 cross-type AF points, new 360k RGB+IR metering sensor, Dual “DIGIC 6+” processors, 4K video capture up to 60p and an ISO range of 100 to 51200 (expandable from 50 up to 409600).
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II will be available in the UK in May for £5199.99 body-only.
In the USA, the estimated retail price for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is $5999 (MSRP) for the body or $6299 for the Premium Kit which includes a 64 GB CFast memory card and card reader. The new camera is scheduled to begin shipping to authorized Canon USA dealers in April 2016
At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A. will challenge attendees to "see the impossible" at booth #13106 in the Central Hall. The booth will feature a Canon 8K Ride Experience where attendees can experience, firsthand, the physical and emotional reactions that take place when an 8K video projected on a large screen simulates a physical journey. There will also be an 8K Photo Gallery that displays precise moments from an 8K video. At the booth’s center, attendees can navigate up the Canon Lens Tower, which showcases large and long-zoom lenses from Canon’s line of more than 103 Canon EF Series lenses as well as Canon’s innovative CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm lens capable of shooting brilliant 4K video at up to 1500mm with its built-in 1.5x extender. The tower will offer a unique and innovative 360 degree visual perspective of the CES show floor. Canon service and support technicians will be on hand to answer questions via live chat as well as demonstrate Canon Maintenance Service live in the booth.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile telephoto zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Offering a bigger zoom ratio and much cheaper price than comparable lenses from Nikon and Canon, is this third-party lens worth considering? Read our Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary review to find out...
Schneider-Kreuznach are showcasing an FF-Prime lens with Sony E-Mount for the first time at the International Broadcast Conference (IBC). Up to now, Schneider-Kreuznach's Xenon-branded FF-Primes - which were first announced in 2013 - have been available in Canon, Nikon and PL fit. The FF Prime lenses with Sony E-Mount will become available later this year in 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm focal lengths (all with a maximum aperture of T/2.1), priced from €2,998-€4,320.
As Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2015, Canon is giving customers the chance to win one of 50 pairs of tickets when they buy a selected Canon product. The offer runs until 31st October 2015 for eligible products purchased from UK or ROI retailers. Eligible products include the Canon EOS 7D Mark II (pictured), EOS 750D and EOS 760D digital SLR cameras, the EOS M3 compact system camera, the PowerShot G7 X, SX60 and SX710 compacts, and the PIXMA MG7550, PIXMA MG6650 and SELPHY CP910 printers. Customers purchasing one of these products will also receive a free Gilbert Official Rugby World Cup 2015 Replica Ball.
We've just tested the brand new Sony A7R II compact system camera with the Sigma 24mm, 35mm and 50mm f/1.4 Art lenses.
Here are 95 JPEG and 95 Raw images taken with a final production version of the Sony A7R II compact system camera with the Sigma 24mm, 35mm and 50mm f/1.4 Art lenses and the <a href="http://www.metabones.com/products/details/MB-EF-E-BT4">Metabones Canon EF Lens to Sony NEX Smart Adapter (Mark IV)</a>.
Note that auto-focusing is only supported on the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens, and it's very fast indeed (certainly as fast on mounting the same lens on the Canon EOS 5DS R). Unfortunately, only manual-focus is currently supported on the Sigma 24mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses, although the Sony A7R II's excellent viewfinder and focus-peaking makes it easy to accurately focus, if not as quick as auto-focusing.
Canon, today introduced their first multi-purpose camera, the new ME20F-SH, which delivers an ISO sensitivity of over 4,000,000. This multi-purpose camera employs an enhanced version of the 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor for Full HD video use that was originally developed by Canon in 2013. It has a pixel pitch of 19μm, and each of its sensor photosites has a surface area of 361 μm2, which is much higher than the corresponding values of the Canon EOS-1D X (6.94 μm and 48.16 μm2, respectively). Furthermore, similar to Canon’s Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography cameras, the ME20F-SH includes Canon Log and Wide DR. The camera employs the same EF mount (Cinema Lock type) as Canon’s SLR cameras and Cinema EOS System-series of professional digital cameras, allowing users to make use of the company's extensive lineup of interchangeable lenses. The Canon ME20F-SH is expected to be available in December 2015 at a suggested retail price of $30,000.
The Canon EOS 5DS R DSLR boasts a massive 50 megapixel sensor with a low-pass cancellation filter to maximise the sharpness of the camera's sensor. Does the brand new Canon 5DS R offer the best image quality from a DSLR? Read our detailed Canon EOS 5DS R review to find out...
Calumet UK have launched a professional LCD viewfinder loupe designed for use with all DSLRs that have a screen size of 3 or 3.2 inches, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Nikon D810. Giving photographers a clear, magnified view of the DSLR’s LCD screen, the Calumet Foldable LCD Viewfinder offers three times magnification and the dioptre allows for lens focus adjustment. The integrated rubber eyecup provides a hood view of the display and is adjustable; simply flip up the eyepiece to switch to standard live view. The viewfinder loupe comes with a quick release mounting plate which simply clips onto the camera’s mounting plate. The Calumet Foldable LCD Viewfinder (£125) is available in store and online now.
The Canon EOS 750D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T6i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 24 megapixels, 19-point autofocus system, Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC pairing and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 750D / T6i include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's latest Digic 6 processor. Is the Canon EOS 750D / T6i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Want to see what the highest-resolution DSLR camera is capable of with the sharpest lens in the world?
You're in luck, as we've just tested the new 50-megapixel Canon EOS 5Ds with the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 lens in the studio and on location.
Here are 25 JPEG (Fine Detail picture style) and 25 Raw images taken with a final production version of the Canon EOS 5Ds DSLR camera with the Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 lens. As always with our sample images, they're straight out of the camera with no post-processing...
Photography Blog recently sat down with Canon UK’s Product Intelligence Professional David Parry to hear more about the features of the new Canon PowerShot G3 X camera, due out in mid July.
The EOS 5Ds DSLR camera has finally arrived, boasting a massive 50 megapixel sensor and proven design. Does the brand new Canon 5Ds offer high enough image quality to justify its £2999 / $3699 asking price? Read our detailed Canon EOS 5Ds review with full-size JPEG, Raw and video samples to find out...
Ahead of our full review, here are 91 JPEG and 20 Raw images taken with a final production version of the new Canon EOS 5Ds DSLR camera, running v1.01 firmware.
The Canon EOS 5Ds is a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 50.6 megapixel sensor.
Canon will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the introduction of their EOS 5D series of dSLR cameras this fall. Launched in September 2005, the EOS 5D was the first 35mm dSLR camera to break the €3,000 barrier, enabling a wider range of photographers to experience the image quality of a full-frame CMOS sensor than ever before. Then, in November 2008, Canon launched the second-generation model in the series: the EOS 5D Mark II. This camera, which was the first in the EOS series to include a function enabling the capture of Full HD movies, facilitated the widespread adoption of DSLR cameras as a tool for capturing video. In March 2012, Canon introduced the EOS 5D Mark III, featuring improvements in still-image and video quality as well as enhanced AF precision and a faster maximum continuous shooting speed. This year, the company launched the latest models in the series, the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R (pictured), which boast a record-breaking 50.6-megapixel CMOS sensor for ultra-high resolution stills.
Canon U.S.A. will showcase its latest 4K digital cinema products in Booth #12 at Cine Gear Expo Los Angeles from 5-6 June. Visitors will have an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest cinema equipment offerings including the new EOS C300 Mark II digital camera (pictured), the XC10 4K digital camcorder, and the DP-V2410 4K reference display introduced in April. The company will also have its new CINE-Servo 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 ultra-telephoto lens and EOS 5DS / 5DS R digital SLR cameras on display. In the Paramount Theatre during the Expo will be three Canon-hosted educational panel discussions, featuring industry professionals discussing their craft, and how Canon products have helped power their work. Click through / scroll down for the panel discussion schedule.
alumet UK are inviting photography enthusiasts to get their hands on the latest Canon products during the Canon Roadshow 2015. From 10am-11am, and 2pm-3pm, renowned photographer David Clapp will be demonstrating the new Canon EOS 5DS & EOS 5DS R with images to show the capabilities of the camera and its generous pixel count. He will also be taking a look at new lenses such as the 11-24mm and the 16-35mm F4 IS, which are making big waves in the industry. Then, from 11am-12pm and 3pm-4pm, Canon Explorer Danny Green will be giving a talk and hosting a Q&A session. The first event will take place on Wednesday 27 May in London, The second one will be held on Thursday 25 June in Glasgow, while the third roadshow event will be on Friday 26 June in Edinburgh.
Ahead of our full review, here are 25 full-size sample images taken with the Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC lens mounted on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III body.
The Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC is a fast standard prime lens for full-frame DSLR cameras.
Canon have unveiled a new 50mm lens. The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM features Canon's proprietary STM stepping motor technology and supports the manufacturer's EOS Movie Servo AF function to provide smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording. Boasting an improved exterior design, including a new focus ring placement, it provides photographers with the most compact Canon EF 50mm lens ever, at just 1.5 inches in length. In addition, this new lens uses a metal mount providing additional stability and ruggedness compared to its predecessor. The new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM standard prime lens is scheduled to be available by the end of May for an estimated retail price of £129.99/€189.99/$125.99.
Apple has posted a Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update, which adds system-level support for raw image files generated by the Canon EOS 5DS, 5DS R, 750D and 760D, the Fujifilm X-A2, the Hasselblad CFV-50c and H5D-50c, the Leica C (Typ 112), the Nikon 1 S2 and D7200, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, the Panasonic Lumix CM1 (pictured) and GF7, and the Pentax MX-1.
The Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM is a fast wide-angle prime lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Retailing for £799 / $849, read our expert Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM review to find out if it's as good as the 35mm and 50mm Art lenses...
At the 2015 NAB Show, Canon will showcase its full line of professional, high definition imaging equipment at booth C432. During the show, the company will feature a live 4K Workflow Demonstration where visitors will have the opportunity to interact with industry-leading colourists and editors in a 4K HDR and DI (Digital Intermediate) suite, and. to demo the full range of Canon Cinema, HD Video and DSLR cameras and lenses. In addition, images taken with the new EOS 5DS 50.6-megapixel DSLR camera will be printed on site on the imagePROGRAF iPF8400 printer, and displayed as wall wraps. Canon 4K Reference Displays will be featured throughout the booth, including a non-linear editing system demonstrating the display’s compatibility with various digital cinema camera solutions. For more information and updates regarding the Canon Live Learning speaker schedule, visit the website below.
We take a look at the brand new Canon EOS 5DS / 5DS R cameras in our detailed hands-on preview...
We take a look at the brand new Canon EOS 750D / 760D cameras in our detailed hands-on preview...
The Pentax K-S1 is a new entry-level DSLR camera that is available in 12 different colour variations. The 20 megapixel K-S1 offers 5.4fps continuous shooting, an 11-point AF system, 3-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and an ISO range of 100-51200. Read our in-depth Pentax K-S1 review...
Born out of a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Lomo Instant is the most advanced instant camera on the planet. Using the widely available Fujifilm Instax Mini film, the Lomo Instant offers advanced features like manual aperture control, a built-in flash, and a bulb mode for long exposures. Read our Lomo Instant review now...
Calumet Photographic has just launched its new Student Photographer of the Year Award for 2015 in partnership with a host of major photographic brands. Designed to recognise photographic talent of students and to provide them with a platform for their work to be recognised, the award is open and available to any student in the UK. Prospective entrants are invited to submit a single photo of their best work - or three if they are a part of the Calumet Student membership programme - and up to 20 words explaining their chosen image. A panel of four judges, including Calumet’s Managing Director, Jon Warner; Professional Photographer, Rory Lewis; Canon’s Product Intelligence Professional, David Parry; Professional Photographer, Tom Barnes, will view all entries and shortlist 10 runners-up and one overall winner who will win an array of prizes worth over £11,000. The deadline for entries is 13 March 2015 and the winners will be announced shortly after.
Canon has released an updated version of its Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software. DPP 4.1.50 adds support for the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 70D, EOS 7D Mark II (pictured), EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 700D and EOS 100D dSLR cameras and the recently launched EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lenses. The update also delivers faster adjustments, an improved raw image file workflow, enhanced highlight and shadow recovery, compatiblity with 64-bit native environments, and much more. You can download DPP 4.1.50 now, free of charge, from Canon Europe’s support site here.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports is a new professional telephoto zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Offering a bigger zoom ratio and cheaper price than comparable lenses from Nikon and Canon, is this third-party lens worth considering? Read our Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports review to find out...
The Lytro Illum is a new light field camera aimed at professional photographers. Boldly billed as "a new medium capable of capturing visual experiences in their purest form", is it worth adding the Lytro Illum to your kitbag? Read our Lytro Illum review to find out...
The long-awaited Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR has finally arrived, boasting improvements to virtually every aspect of its popular predecessor, the 5-year-old 7D. Can an APS-C sensor DSLR camera still compete in the fast-changing photography market? Read our detailed Canon EOS 7D Mark II review to find out...
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 is now available as a final release. The update adds support for raw image files generated by the Canon EOS 7D Mark II (pictured), Canon PowerShot G7 X, Canon PowerShot SX60 HS, Casio EX-100PRO, Fujifilm X30, Fujifilm X100T, Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Silver, Leaf Credo 50, Leica D-Lux (Typ 109), Leica M-P, Leica V-Lux (Typ 114), Leica X (Typ 113), Nikon D750, Olympus PEN E-PL7, Olympus STYLUS 1S, Panasonic DMC-CM1, Panasonic GM1S, Panasonic GM5, Panasonic LX100, Pentax K-S1, Pentax QS-1, Samsung NX1, Sony Alpha A5100 and Sony QX1 models. Additionally, it brings updates to synced collections, supports tethered shooting with the Nikon D810 and D4S, adds a host of lens profiles, and fixes bugs. You can download the update - for both Mac OS and Windows - from the website below.
Website: Adobe Lightroom Journal
The new Kodak PixPro SP360 is an actioncam with a difference - it can capture a complete 360-degree view of the world. Is the Kodak PixPro SP360 worth considering alongside, or even instead of, the mighty GoPro? Read our in-depth Kodak PixPro SP360 review to find out...
The Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD is a new 10.7x wide-angle ultra-zoom lens for Nikon, Canon and Sony 35mm full-frame DSLRs. Offering built-in image stabilisation and splash-proof construction, the Tamron 28-300mm effectively replaces at least three lenses in your camera bag. Read our Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD review to find out if it's worth seriously considering as a do-it-all lens...
The Canon Cine-Servo 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 is a new broadcast lens offering a focal range of 50-1000mm and a built-in 1.5x extender. With the world’s longest focal length (75-1500mm with its built-in 1.5x extender) and highest (20x) magnification among Super 35mm zoom lenses, the Cine-Servo zoom lens offers cinematographers new possibilities for shooting scenes in HD, 2K and 4K on single-sensor cameras. The lens features a completely removable, updated servo drive unit that enables its use in broadcast-style shooting environments where typical cine lenses are usually impractical. The design has been developed to ensure high levels of ruggedness and reliability, combining the finest quality optics with a weatherproof and shockproof construction that makes it suitable for use in the most hostile conditions when on location. Facilitating cinema-style use, lens-barrel markings are clearly engraved in both feet and meters on both sides of the barrel, and focus indicators on the front side of the lens are marked on an inclined surface to make them easy to see from the back of the camera. Compatible with a wide range of cameras, the Canon Cine-Servo 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 also supports communication between lens and camera and will be available in both EF-mount and PL-mount variants. The lens is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2015 for a suggested list price of $78,000.
The Nikon D810 is a brand new 36 megapixel full-frame sensor DSLR camera with no optical low pass filter. The D810 also offers 1080/60p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 5fps burst shooting. Read our in-depth Nikon D810 review to find out if it can emulate the success of the previous D800/E cameras...
The Canon IXUS 155 is a new stylish and affordable point-and-shoot compact camera. Stand-out features include a 20 megapixel sensor, 10x 24-240mm zoom lens, and a metal body, all for just £110. Read our in-depth Canon IXUS 155 review now...
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM is a fast standard prime lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. The 50mm f/1.4 features 13 optical elements in 8 groups and a HSM focusing system which provides quiet, smooth and fast autofocus with full-time manual focus override. Retailing for £859 / $949, read our expert Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM review to find out if it's the ultimate "fast fifty" lens...
Ahead of our full review, here are 64 full-size sample images taken with the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A lens mounted on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III body.
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A is a fast standard prime lens for full-frame DSLR cameras.
Adobe has released final versions of Adobe DNG Converter 8.4 and ACR 8.4. These updates add support for the Canon EOS 1200D, Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Casio EX-100, Fujifilm X-T1, Hasselblad H5D-50C, Hasselblad HV, Nikon 1 V3, Nikon Coolpix P340, Nikon D3300, Nikon D4S, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Panasonic TZ60 / TZ61, Samsung NX mini, Samsung NX30, Sony A5000 and Sony A6000 cameras, the Phase One IQ250 digital back (pictured) and the DJI Phantom quadcopter; similarly to Lightroom 5.4. Additionally, ACR 8.4 brings support for a host of new lens profiles, implements changes to local corrections and updates to the Preview Controls, and fixes bugs. Camera Matching color profiles for more than a dozen Fujifilm cameras have also been added.
Source: Lightroom Journal
Adobe has released an update to Lightroom 5. Version 5.4 adds compatibility with Lightroom mobile, fixes bugs, and adds support for the Canon EOS 1200D, Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Casio EX-100, Fujifilm X-T1, Hasselblad H5D-50C, Hasselblad HV (pictured), Nikon 1 V3, Nikon Coolpix P340, Nikon D3300, Nikon D4S, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Panasonic TZ60 / TZ61, Samsung NX mini, Samsung NX30, Sony A5000, Sony A6000, Phase One IQ250 digital back and the DJI Phantom quadcopter. You can download the update from the website below.
Website: Adobe
The Canon EOS 1200D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T5 in North America) is a new DSLR camera for beginners. The Canon 1200D / T5 offers an 18 megapixel sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, 1080p movies, 63-zone metering, and 9-point auto-focus system. Available body only from £349 and with a zoom lens from £449 / $549, read our Canon EOS 1200D / T5 review to find out if this brand new budget DSLR is a bargain or not...
Combined production of Canon's compact digital and interchangeable-lens digital cameras surpassed 250 million units on 31 January 2014, the company said in a statement. Canon began producing and marketing digital cameras in the mid 1990s. The first digital SLR cameras bearing the Canon logo - such as the Canon EOS DCS 3 (pictured) - were jointly developed by Canon and Kodak; with the first "true" Canon EOS dSLR - the Canon EOS D30 - being released in 2000. The first Canon digital compact camera, the Canon Powershot 600, had been introduced four years earlier.
Canon has announced a variety of performance updates for cameras in its Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorder line. Designed for the capture of crucial, unpredictable scenes during wedding/event, documentary, news, or wildlife filming, the Continuous Recording Function firmware update for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera enables videographers to insert metadata markers identifying crucial scenes and moments in their footage while continuously recording to the memory capacity. A new Peripheral Illumination Correction firmware update adds the CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens to the seven other Canon CN-E Series Cinema Lenses that share this performance advantage, Finally, there is an optional dual-pixel CMOS autofocus feature upgrade available for the Canon EOS C300 Cinema camera, adding support for continuous AF with all compatible Canon EF series lenses when shooting subjects positioned in the centre of the imaging area. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera will be made available to users through an authorised service centre.
The Nikon Df is a modern digital SLR that harks back to the film past, offering a retro design with a plethora of manual controls, whilst completely removing modern innovations like video recording and a pop-up flash. Find out if less really is more in our in-depth Nikon Df review...
The jury of the 57th annual World Press Photo competition has selected a picture by American photographer John Stanmeyer of the VII Photo Agency as the World Press Photo of the Year 2013. The image shows African migrants on the shore of Djibouti city at night, raising their phones in an attempt to capture an inexpensive signal from neighbouring Somalia in order to get in touch with relatives abroad. The picture also won 1st Prize in the Contemporary Issues category, and was shot for National Geographic using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera with a Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM lens. The image was taken at an aperture f/1.4 and 1/40th second exposure and ISO 10,000. Canon, the competition's worldwide sponsor, congratulated Stanmeyer on winning the contest.
The Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM is a brand new premium standard zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Retailing for £849.99 / $899.99, can the Sigma 24-105mm take on and beat the equivalent lenses from Canon and Nikon? Read our Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM review to find out...
The FinePix F900EXR is the range-topping camera from Fujifilm, sporting a 20x lens with a versatile focal range of 25-500mm. The 16 megapixel F900 EXR also features fast phase-detection autofocusing, wireless image transfer, GPS support, full 1080p movies, a high-contrast 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR review now...
The Sony A7 is the second mirrorless camera in the World to offer a full-frame sensor, but this time it's a slightly more modest 24 megapixels, rather than the A7R's 36 megapixels. The cheaper Sony A7 also offers a more innovative and potentially quicker hybrid AF system, faster flash sync and burst shooting speeds, and a quieter electronic shutter. Is the Sony A7 just as good as its big brother? Read our Sony A7 review to find out...
Big sensor in a small body - that's the USP of the new Sony A7R camera. Offering a 35mm full-frame sensor inside a relatively compact body that takes interchangeable lenses, the A7R is a truly unique and genuinely exciting proposition. Is the Sony A7R the ultimate fusion of DSLR technology and compact system camera size? Read our Sony A7R review to find out...
In the first part of our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, we've selected our favourite DSLR cameras, with something for every budget.
The Nikon D610 is a new full-frame DSLR camera that updates last year's D600 with a new shutter mechanism, faster 6fps burst shooting and a new Quiet Release Burst mode, and an improved auto white balance system. The D610 retains the same 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, 1080p HD video, ISO range of 50-25600, a 39-point AF system, 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage as its predecessor. Read our in-depth Nikon D610 review now...
The Nissin Di600 is a successor to the well-established Nissin Di622 Mark II flash gun. The new model has a similar feature set to its predecessor, but at a better price point. Powered by four AA batteries, the flash has a zooming tilt-swivel head, and the guide number is 44 in metres (at ISO100/21°) at the 105mm setting. A 16mm wide-angle diffuser is built in together with a fill-in reflector. The new gun is available now in Canon and Nikon fit, with Sony fit available in November. The suggested retail price is £145.50.
We take an introductory look at how you can start to use Wi-Fi to streamline your photography workflow.
The Society of Nature and Wildlife Photographers has announced the winners of the Essence of Nature Photographic Competition. David Morton from Wellington, Somerset was chosen as the winner from over 200 images entered in to the competition, with the image entitled ‘Red-Footed Falcons Mating’ (above). The photograph was taken on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EF 500mm f/4 lens, ISO 1250, aperture of f/7.1, shutter speed of 1/500s in the Hortobágy National Park in Hungary. The runners-up are Peter Preece from Studley, Warwickshire and Armindo Pereira Torres from Portugal.
The Delkin CF 1050X UDMA 7 Cinema is a specialised memory card that's designed to excel in high-end recording equipment, such as 4K cameras and medium-format digital backs. Capable of recording data at speeds up to 120 MB/s, the 1050X is the company's fastest card to date. This write speed is necessary to record 4K footage with cameras such as the Canon 1D C, which requires memory cards that are UDMA 7 and have a minimum write speed of 100 MB/s to avoid dropped frames. Additionally, with a read speed of 160 MB/s, the Delin CF 1050X allows for fast image transfers from card to computer, saving valuable time. The CF 1050X Cinema card is now available and comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities for $149.95, $349.95 and $699.95, respectively
The Canon EOS-1D C has recently been independently tested in accordance with European Broadcasting Union standards for HD content acquisition and found to be the first DSLR ever to provide an image of high enough quality for use as a broadcast production tool. Results indicated that the EOS-1D C provides ‘exceptional’ HD resolution from a 4K source with ‘very low’ aliasing, and ‘good’ colour performance and motion portrayal. The test results also confirm that the EOS-1D C camera system and its imaging performance comply with the recommended specification for inclusion in HD Tier 1 for HD production.
Canon has unveiled a new EF Cinema prime lens. Featuring an eleven-bladed iris diaphragm, 300° focus rotation and a close-focus point of 30cm, the 4K-ready Canon EF CN-E35mm T1.5 L F is the sixth member of Canon’s line of compact, precision-matched EF-mount Cinema prime lenses, which also includes 14mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm focal lengths. Ensuring consistency when shooting across a number of different Cinema prime lenses, the new 35mm lens provides colour reproduction that matches others in the range, as well as featuring the same form factor and uniform markings, making it easy to switch between lenses when on a shoot. The Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens is expected to be available in December 2013 for an estimated retail price of $5,200.
Canon has been honoured with three product awards by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The Canon EOS 100D has been awarded the ‘European SLR Camera 2013-2014’, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens (pictured) has been named ‘European Professional Lens 2013-2014’ and the Canon EOS 6D has won the ‘European Advanced SLR Camera 2013-2014’ award. “Offering first-class products that enable creative expression is what drives Canon, so we’re honoured to receive these awards,” said Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “By offering truly innovative products and technologies, our vision is to help photographers at all levels take the next step in their imaging journey. These products are a great example of that vision, and this recognition from the EISA judging panel is a testament to their outstanding quality.”
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R is a new version of last year's RX1 with the optical low-pass filter removed, promising increased resolution but at the risk of increased moire effects. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R is otherwise identical to the RX1, featuring a 35mm Carl Zeiss prime lens with a fast maximum aperture of f/2, full 1080p high-definition video, high-resolution 3-inch screen, manual shooting modes, 5fps continuous shooting, ISO range of 50-25,600, and 14-bit raw support. Read our expert Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R review to find out if it can improve on the original RX1...
The Canon EOS 70D is a new digital SLR camera with a 20-megapixel sensor and 'Dual-Pixel CMOS AF.' The latter is a phase-detection autofocus technology on the camera's image sensor plane, which provides for quiet and fast focusing in Live View as well as when shooting video. When using the optical viewfinder, photographers can take advantage of the 70D's 19-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision f/2.8 dual cross-type AF centre point) and high-speed continuous shooting of up to 7fps. In addition, the Canon EOS 70D features a built-in wireless transmitter that offers users several connectivity options to easily share their images as well as control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO from their smartphone. The EOS 70D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available in September 2013 for an estimated retail price of $1199.00/ £1079.99 / €1399.99 for the body alone and $1349.00 / £1199.99 / €1599.99 kitted with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM stabdard zoom or $1549.00 / £1399.99 / €1849.99 bundled with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is the new kit lens for the EOS 700D / Rebel T5i. Is it just a throw-away lens that you should upgrade as soon as possible, or is it actually worth using? We've tested the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM on the EOS 700D / Rebel T5i to find out...
The Canon EOS 700D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T5i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 18 megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 700D / T5i include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 5 processor. Is the Canon EOS 700D / T5i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Many readers on Photography Blog have been photographing people, weddings, nature, animals and architecture for years - but never taken the step into 360° photography. Panoramic photography and virtual tours are a new modern way to take photos and brings a different perspective. This is a short guide about one of the fastest growing trends in photography and how you can easily get started.
Canon is developing a new 35mm cinema prime lens for large-sensor digital cameras. Compatible with a wide range of sensor sizes including super 35mm, full-frame 35mm and APS-C, the new EF-mount 35mm lens in development would become the sixth prime lens in Canon’s EF Cinema lens line-up, fulfilling the requirement for an option between the existing 24mm and 50mm lenses. A development sample of the 35mm cinema lens will be on display in the Canon booth during the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 8-11, 2013, with the aim of an official launch during 2013.
Schneider Kreuznach has launched a completely new series of full-frame lenses, the “Xenon full-frame primes.” Developed specifically for video enabled DSLRs (but also usable on professional cine cameras), the series initially comprises three fixed focal lengths: T2.1/35mm, T2.1/50mm and T2.1/75mm. The lenses support 4K Ultra HD video resolution and can also be used for stills photography. Cinematographers will be pleased to learn that they are all compatible with standard professional cine accessories like rigs, follow focus or matte boxes. Each Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon full-frame prime lens features a maximum aperture of T2.1, an iris diaphragm with 14 rounded blades, an M95 filter thread, robust cine-style lens mechanics and a focus ring with a 300° angle of rotation. For more information, visit the website below.
The D7100 is a new prosumer DSLR camera from Nikon, succeeding but not replacing the popular D7000 model. The weather-proof D7100 features a 24 megapixel DX image sensor, 51-point autofocus system, 6fps burst shooting and a high-resolution 3.2 inch LCD screen. Read our detailed Nikon D7100 review to find out if it's the right DSLR camera for you...
The Sony Xperia Z is a brand new smartphone that offers a lot of technologies from Sony's CyberShot camera range. The Xperia Z has a 13 megapixel sensor, 28mm fixed lens with fast f/2.2 aperture, 1080p video, sweep panoramas, a range of picture effects and 10fps burst shooting. Read our Sony Xperia Z review to find out if it really can replace a compact camera...
Canon U.S.A. will showcase its breadth of input to output imaging devices at the 2013 Wedding & Portrait Photographer International (WPPI) Convention. On display at the Canon booth (#401) is a diverse selection of EOS camera models, including the EOS-1D X, 5D Mark III, 6D and 7D; a broad range of Canon EF lenses; some of the imagePROGRAF and Pixma Pro series of printers as well as the Canon DreamLabo 5000 production inkjet printer. For wedding and event videographers, the XF305 and the compact, highly portable XF105 professional camcorders are on display as well. Both deliver Full HD video utilising Canon-designed and developed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, professional XLR microphone inputs, and Canon’s proprietary MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps XF codec. The WPPI 2013 trade show is being held in the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.
Starting today photographers living in the UK and Ireland can claim cashback on a range of Canon products including DSLRs, lenses and accessories, compacts, camcorders and printers. The amount of cashback ranges from £20/€25 on the PowerShot S110 camera (pictured) to £235/€300 on the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses. To take part in the offer and check the terms and conditions, visit the website below.
Fotodiox has released the Aputure V-Control for Canon DSLR cameras, a handheld USB host device offering comprehensive image and follow-focus control. “Perfect for dramatic rack focus shots, and for correcting focus when the camera is out of reach on a dolly or a crane, V-Control is the only device of its kind that enables photographers to easily switch between still and video modes, offering full hands-on remote control of the camera’s aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation,” the company claims. Currently supported camera models include the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 600D/T3i/Kiss X5, 550D/T2i/Kiss X4, 500D/T1i/Kiss X3 and the 1100D/T3/Kiss X50. The V-Controller is priced at $179.95 and is available for order now at fotodioxpro.com and other online retailers including Amazon.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 is the first ever compact camera with a 35mm full-frame sensor. Promising to combine high-end DSLR image quality with compact portability, the Sony RX1 also features a 35mm Carl Zeiss prime lens with a fast maximum aperture of f/2, full 1080p high-definition video, high-resolution 3-inch screen, manual shooting modes, 5fps continuous shooting, ISO range of 50-25,600, and 14-bit raw support. Read our expert Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 review to find out if it's the best compact camera ever made...
The Nikon D5200 is a new mid-range DSLR camera with a 24 megapixel sensor, vari-angle LCD screen and 1080p HD movies. The D5200 also offers an ISO range of 100-25600, 5fps continuous shooting, a range of creative effects and a 39-point autofocus system. Read our in-depth Nikon D5200 review now...
Canon has added two new full-frame, 4K-ready prime lenses to its EF Cinema Lens line-up. Designed to work with Canon’s EF mount, the new CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F and the CN-E 135mm T2.2 L F lenses incorporate anomalous dispersion glass and large diameter aspherical lenses to deliver high-resolution images, as well as Canon’s latest broadcast lens coatings to reduce ghosting and flare. Both the CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F and the CN-E 135mm T2.2 L F feature markings on angled surfaces on either side of the lens barrel, making focus and aperture settings easy to read from behind or either side of the camera. A focus rotation angle of approximately 300 degrees facilitates precise focusing adjustments during shooting, while the focus markings can be switched from metric to imperial labelling as required. Each lens has an 11-bladed iris diaphragm for pleasing bokeh. The CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F will be available from May 2013 with a SRP of £ 3,966.00 + VAT. The CN-E 135mm T2.2 L F will go on sale in June 2013 with an SRP of £ 3,793.00 + VAT.
The Canon EOS 6D is a new full-frame DSLR with a much more affordable price-tag than the 5D Mark III and a few tricks up its sleeve that its bigger brother doesn't offer. At over £1000 / $1000 cheaper than the 5D Mark II, have Canon cut too many corners for the 6D to be a real contender? Read our in-depth Canon EOS 6D review to find out...
The Canon EOS M is a new compact system camera that boasts 18 megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M include a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, and a flash hotshoe. Is Canon's new mirrorless model a real contender? Read our Canon EOS M review to find out...
Canon EOS 5D Mark III: The Guide to Understanding and Using Your Camera by James Johnson is a new title from Rocky Nook. This book provides step-by-step instructions for setting adjustments; colour illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each menu option. Every button, dial, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup. Screenshots and example images are placed throughout the book, making it easy to follow along. Distributed by O’Reilly Media, the 276-page volume is available for pre-order at a price of $39.95 through the website below.
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC is a portait prime lens for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is a much more affordable alternative to the Nikon and Canon equivalents thanks largely to being manual-focus only. Read our in-depth Samyang 85mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC review complete with full-size sample images.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has launched its fourth annual digital photo contest in partnership with Eye-Fi. Submission to the “Best Shots” contest will be accepted until 16 December 2012. Entrants can submit one photo in each of four categories: people, travel, pets and cellphone shots. A slate of expert judges will select finalists in each category. Winners will be chosen via an online vote that will run from 8-11 January 2013. The grand prize winner, to be announced 11 January 2013, at the 2013 International CES, will receive a Canon EOS Rebel T3i and an Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card. You can submit your photos through the website below. Note that this competition is open to US residents only. As always we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work.
Adobe has posted updates to Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), DNG Converter and Lightroom, including preliminary support for the Nikon D600 digital SLR camera (pictured), allowing you to play with the raw files provided in our Nikon D600 review. The updates also add support for 21 other cameras ranging from the Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i to the Sony DSC-RX100 and profiles for over 40 Canon, Carl Zeiss, Hasselblad, Leica, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Tamron lenses. The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.2 and Adobe Camera Raw 7.2 updates additionally incorporate a number of bug fixes.
The Nikon D600 is a new full-frame DSLR camera. Featuring a 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, the small, lightweight D600 also offers 1080p HD video, ISO range of 50-25600, a 39-point AF system, 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D600 review now...
We have collected the most interesting lenses announced at (or just before) Photokina 2012. They are not necessarily the “best” lenses out there—making comparisons across multiple platforms would be quite pointless anyway—but they are all intriguing in one way or another.
Schneider Kreuznach has announced four new SLR lenses, including two Xenons, a Makro-Symmar and a Super-Angulon tilt-shift lens. The Xenon 35mm f/1.4 and Xenon 50mm f/1.4 are the fastest lenses in the line-up, while the Makro-Symmar 85mm f/2.4 provides outstanding resolving power to match the resolution of 30+ megapixel image sensors. The Super-Angulon 28mm f/4.5 Aspheric tilt-shift lens (pictured) offers 12mm of shift and 8 degrees of tilt, and an oversized image circle with a diameter of 72mm. According to the company, “[t]he advanced technology of the mechanics allows for movements independent of each other without degrading the image quality in resolution or in distortion which makes extreme displacements possible up to the edge of the coverage.” All lenses are available with bayonet mounts for Canon EOS, Nikon F, Sony Alpha and Pentax K series SLR cameras.
Billed as the manufacturer’s “smallest and lightest full-frame digital SLR camera for serious photographers,” the Canon EOS 6D features a newly designed 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, a built-in wireless transmitter and an integrated GPS module. The camera also includes an 11-point AF array and 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor together with 1080p Full HD video capabilities. Other highlights include 14-bit analogue-to-digital conversion and a maximum continuous shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second. The Canon EOS 6D will be sold in a body-only configuration for $2,099/£1,799 and it will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $2,899.00/£2,519.99. Both configurations are expected to be available in December 2012. The separately sold BG-E13 battery grip retails for £249.99.
The Canon EOS 650D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T4i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 18-megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 650D / T4i include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 5 processor. Is the Canon EOS 650D / T4i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Canon has expanded its Cinema EOS line-up with two new cameras, the Canon EOS C100 Digital Video Camera and the Canon EOS C500 4K Digital Cinema Camera. As promised back in April, the Canon EOS C500 (pictured) is Canon’s high-end professional 4K (4096x2160-pixel) cinema camera capable of originating uncompressed raw output for external recording to meet the demands of premium cinematic productions and other top-quality production markets. The C100 digital video camera is a compact, “entry-level” model delivering Full HD video using the AVCHD codec. The C500 will be available in both EF- and PL-mount versions; while the C100 will be offered in EF mount only. The Canon EOS C500 and C500 PL 4K Digital Cinema Cameras are scheduled to be available in October for an estimated list price of $30,000. The Canon EOS C100 Digital Video Camera is scheduled to be available in November 2012 for an estimated list price of $7,999.
Coinciding with the launch of the EOS C100 and C500 cameras, Canon has announced the addition of two new zoom lenses to its Cinema EOS system. Available in both EF- and PL-mount versions, the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L S/SP wide-angle cinema zoom lens (pictured) and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S/SP telephoto cinema zoom lens are engineered to deliver exceptional optical performance for the latest large-format single-sensor 4K and 2K digital cinematography cameras. The Canon CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L S/SP wide-angle cinema zoom lens is expected to be available in November 2012 and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S/SP telephoto cinema zoom lens is expected to be available in January 2013, both for an estimated list price of $24,500 each.
Twenty-five years after the first Electro Focus (EF) lens launched, Canon announced that it had reached a milestone by producing the 80 millionth lens in the series. The manufacture of Canon’s EF lenses first began in March 1987 alongside the introduction of Canon’s first EOS SLR camera system at the company’s Utsunomiya plant. The range now comprises over 76 different models including two EF lens extenders and models available outside of Japan. In addition to a range of EF and EF-S lenses designed for DSLRs, the line-up now includes an expanding selection of 4K-resolution EF Cinema Lenses. In July 2012, Canon also announced a new line of EF-M lenses developed specifically for the company’s EOS M compact system camera.
The Summer edition (Issue 4) of tne British Journal of Photography’s bespoke iPad app is out now. Optimised for the Retina display of the latest iPad, it features the work of Thomas Ruff, Peter Fraser, Simon Roberts, Olivia Arthur, Maria Gruzdeva, and Julían Barón among many others. It also profiles four photographers, Owen Silverwood, Josh Cole, Seamus Murphy and Timothy Saccenti, who have made the move from still imagery to the world of music video. Issue 4 of the BJP app is available on the App Store for £6.99/€7.99/$9.99. A 50-page preview is also available as a free download. A six-month subscription is available at the special price of £9.99/€10.99/$13.99.
The Nikon D800E is a 36 megapixel full-frame sensor DSLR with the anti-aliasing filter removed, which should result in higher resolution, sharper images compared to the regular D800. The D800E also offers 1080p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D800E review to find out if you should choose it instead of the D800.
The Nikon D800 is one of the hottest DSLR cameras for 2012. Featuring a remarkable 36 megapixel full-frame sensor, the D800 also offers 1080p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D800 review to find out if it's worth the £2499.00 / $2,999.95 cost of admission.
Canon has been awarded six separate honours by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The award-winning Canon products include the EOS C300 (Best Professional Video Camera), the EOS 5D Mark III (Best Video DSLR), the not-yet-available EOS-1D X (Best Professional DSLR, pictured), the EF 8-15mm f4L USM Fisheye (Best Professional DSLR Lens), the Powershot G1 X (Best Expert Compact Camera) and the Pixma MG8250 (Best Multifunction Photo Printer).
Canon has announced the development of a new digital cinema camera capable of recording 4K-resolution video. The Canon EOS C500 will offer raw 4K output and will be available with Canon’s EF mount and the industry-standard PL mount. Furthermore, 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal during 2K (2,048 x 1,080 pixels) video output will deliver rich colour and high compatibility with image processes such as chroma key compositing. Support for frame rates up to 120p in both 4K and 2K resolution will provide enhanced creative flexibility, enabling high-speed (slow-motion) video capture in high resolution. A development prototype of the EOS C500 digital cinema camera will be on display at NAB 2012. In the UK, the EOS C500 will be available from Q4 2012, priced at £20,000 / €24,600 RRP including VAT. In the US, Canon U.S.A. has “preliminary plans” for offering the camera at a suggested list price of “approximately $30,000”.
The Canon EOS-1D C is a new digital SLR camera targeting the motion picture, television and high-resolution production industries. Supporting in-camera 4K (4,096 x 2,160) video recording with 4:2:2 colour sampling, the Canon EOS-1D C features an 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600. Stills shooters benefit from a 61-point auto focus system and continuous shooting speeds of up to 12/14fps. 4K video is recorded using 8-bit Motion JPEG compression at 24p, and Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture is available at frame rates of 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60fps. The camera supports internal recording to CF cards at all resolutions up to and including 4K, offering enhanced mobility. Video can also be output to external recorders (excluding 4K video) via an integrated HDMI terminal using an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 signal. The EOS-1D C will be available from October 2012, priced at £10,000 / €12,300 RRP including VAT In the US, the suggested retail price is $15,000.
The long-awaited Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR has finally arrived, boasting improvements to virtually every aspect of its popular predecessor, the breakthrough 5D Mark II. It's cost has also increased significantly, so does the new 5D Mark III offer enough to justify the £2999 / $3499 asking price? Read our detailed Canon EOS 5D Mark III review to find out.
Canon today announced that the Canon EOS C300, the first model from the new Cinema EOS System, has met the standards the BBC requires from cameras tested to the EBU recommendation EBU R118. The approval allows both internal and external BBC production teams to use the EOS C300 for the production of a variety of programmes to be broadcast on the BBC’s range of HD channels. The EOS C300 is the third professional camcorder from Canon to be approved by the BBC since the start of 2011, joining the XF305 and XF300 Full HD camcorders, which were approved for use in January last year.
Canon UK has launched a new lens cashback promotion with offers on 14 products across the EF and EF-S range when purchasing an EOS 60D, EOS 7D or EOS 5D Mark II. Lenses available in the promotion include the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, as well as the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, 85mm f/1.8 USM, 50mm f/1.2L USM, 85mm f/1.2L II USM, 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 17-40mm f/4L USM, 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (pictured), 24-70mm f/2.8L USM and 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM. To be eligible for the cashback, you must purchase one of the selected DSLR cameras by 28th February 2012, and one of the selected lenses by 31st May 2012. The deadline for claims is 30th June 2012.
The Canon PowerShot S100 compact camera is a new compact camera that offers an extensive DSLR-like list of features - ISO range of 80-6400, RAW support, full manual controls, customisable interface and 1080p video - all in a slim and stylish body that you can easily fit in a trouser pocket. Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot S100 review now to find out if this is the only compact that you need...
Canon UK has launched its 2011/2012 Winter Cashback with offers on 18 models across their EOS, IXUS and PowerShot camera ranges, Legria camcorders, Pixma and Pixma Pro printers. The promotion runs until 25 January 2012, and all claims must be received by 24 February. The offers are valid on purchases made in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland only. Click through / scroll down for a detailed list of the promotional products.
The Canon EOS C300 is an all-new interchangeable-lens digital video camera equipped with a newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor. The sensor reads Full HD video signals for each of the three RGB primary colours, decreasing the incidence of moiré while realising high resolution with 1,000 horizontal TV lines.Supported by a heightened signal read-out speed, the CMOS sensor reduces rolling shutter skews, and employs 4:2:2 colour sampling for high-resolution performance that minimises the appearance of “jaggies” at chroma edges. In addition to frame rates of 59.41i, 50.00i, 29.97P, 25.00P and 23.98P, the EOS C300 features a 24.00p mode, matching the 24 frame-per-second frame rate of traditional motion picture cameras. The Canon EOS C300 comes in two versions, an EF-mount model compatible with Canon’s current line-up of interchangeable EF lenses for EOS single-lens reflex cameras and new EF Cinema Lens line-up (available from January); and the EOS C300 PL Digital Video Camcorder, with a PL lens mount for use with industry-standard PL lenses (slated for a March release). The list price of the EOS C300 - in either mount - is $20,000. UK pricing to be confirmed.
The Canon EOS-1D X is a new professional digital SLR camera with a full-frame 18-megapixel sensor, a continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second (12fps with AF) and a new 61-point AF system. Also featuring dual DIGIC 5+ image processors and 14-bit analogue-to-digital signal conversion, the Canon EOS-1D X offers a sensitivity range of ISO 100-51,200, expandable to ISO 204,800. The new 61-point AF module boasts Intelligent Tracking and Recognition, an expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. The Canon EOS-1D X digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.
Canon has announced the achievement of two milestones: the company has recently manufactured its 50 millionth EOS-series SLR camera, and expects to produce the 70 millionth EF lens by the end of this month. The first-ever Canon EOS camera, the EOS 650, was launched in March 1987. By the 10th anniversary of the series in 1997, the number of EOS cameras sold had reached the 10 million mark. Production propelled to 20 million units in 2003, and by the 20th anniversary they had reached the 30 million mark, due to the continued popularity of the EOS system in the digital age. The 40 millionth EOS camera was manufactured in May 2010, while the current 50 million-unit production milestone was achieved in September 2011.
Canon has announced three all-in-one photo printers. All three printers feature the ChromaLife 100 two-cartridge ink system, enhanced Full HD Movie Print software andr a maximum colour resolution of 4800x1200dpi. The Canon Pixma MG4120 and MG3120 models additionally offer wireless printing capabilities, and the MG4120 (pictured) is also compatible with the Pixma Cloud Link for easy printing of photos and templates directly through the printer without the use of a computer, using the 2.4 inch colour LCD screen. The Canon Pixma MG4120 Wireless, MG3120 Wireless and MG2120 Photo all-in-one printers will have an estimated selling price of $129.99, $79.99 and $69.99 respectively.
The Canon PowerShot S100 is an advanced compact camera that features an f/2.0 lens and an enhanced HS System. Based around a high-sensitivity 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-type CMOS sensor, the Canon S100 also offers a 24mm ultra-wide angle, 5.0x optical zoom lens, new DIGIC 5 processor, maximum ISO of 6400 at full resolution, and 9.6fps burst shooting. The Canon PowerShot S100 will be available from November 2011, priced at £439.00 / €509.00 / $429.99.
Canon is showcasing its strongest-ever product portfolio at IBC 2011, the leading tradeshow for media and broadcast professionals. Canon’s X-series camcorders will all be on display, with EOS HD Digital SLR cameras and a variety of EF lens solutions. IBC 2011 takes place at the RAI Amsterdam from 9-13 September.
Chainfire has released an app that allows you to remotely control your Canon EOS digital SLR camera via USB using a smartphone or tablet running Android 2.3.4 or later. Currently in Beta, the DSLR Controller app does not require you to hook the camera up to a computer - all you need is a compatible DSLR (the app has been tested with the Canon EOS 600D, 550D, 60D, 50D, 7D, 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV models), a compatible smartphone* or tablet and the right USB cable. Features include the display of the Live View feed with histogram, grid overlay etc., LV autofocus by touch, and the ability to remotely change a large number of settings on your camera. As this is a Beta version, you should expect intermittent freeze-ups and error messages, the developers say. The DSLR Controller Beta app can be purchased and downloaded now from the Android Market.
*Note that apparently the only compatible smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy S2, with the 2.3.4 KG series firmware (or newer). The app should work with most Honeycomb-powered tablets though, Chainfire says.
Via Rob Galbraith
East Pleasant Pictures, a global collective specialising in multiple forms of moving-image media, has shot a series of commercials for a major cruise ship line using Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV HDSLR cameras. Directed by Emmy-winning producer/director Xander Strohm, the commercials featured candid scenes of cruise ship passengers playing dodgeball and engaging in other recreational activities. Co-director Damien Drake explained: “We did a lot of documentary work for high-profile people and needed to be as inconspicuous as possible. We couldn’t use a crew, and we had to be our own technicians. The DSLR cameras stood out because they provide super high-quality HD and are very unobtrusive. In fact, a lot of the time people didn’t even realise that we were shooting video.” Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras provide full 1920x1080-pixel HD video recording at user-selectable frame rates of 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976), and 25 fps.
Canon today announced updated availability dates for five of its EF lenses. The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM zooming fisheye lens ($1,399, pictured) will be released late July, the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM ($6,599) and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM ($10,499) telephoto primes are scheduled to be available in late August, while the Canon EF 500mm F4L IS II USM ($9,499) and EF 600mm F4L IS II USM ($11,999) superteles will likely hit the shops in December.
Canon is exhibiting a wide range of products at the 2011 NAB Show, booth # C-4325. Included in the booth’s exhibit will be Canon’s new PL-mount lenses, a new portable 20x HD zoom with a built-in extender (pictured), the company’s robotic pan-tilt HD cameras, the new Canon XA10 professional camcorder, XF300-series and XF100-series professional camcorders, EOS DSLR cameras, the REALiS WUX4000 Installation LCOS projector, and large-format imagePROGRAF printers. Also on display during the show will be the new Technicolor CineStyle for the Canon 5D Mark II, a custom picture style which provides cinematographers with the image latitude for digital intermediate colour-grading and delivery.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens was released back in 2004 as a smaller, lighter alternative to Canon's L-series telephoto lenses, yet still offering superb image quality thanks to its Diffractive Optical (DO) element. With the recent release of the 70-300mm L series lens, which we enthusiastically reviewed last week, is the slightly cheaper 70-300mm DO lens still worth considering? Read our Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM review to find out.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM is a new compact L-series telezoom lens. It offers the usual high build quality of Canon's luxury lenses, optical image stabilisation, a ring-type ultrasonic motor for fast auto-focusing, and an eight-blade circular diaprhragm which promises excellent bokeh. That distinctive white coating doesn't come cheap, though, so read our Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM Review to find out if it's worth the investment.
The Canon EOS 1100D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T3 in North America) is a new entry-level DSLR camera with some advanced features. Replacing the ageing 1000D / XS model, the new Canon 1100D / T3 offers a 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen, 720p movies, 63-zone metering, and 9-point auto-focus system. Available body only from £419 and in a range of kits from £459 / $599, read our Canon EOS 1100D / T3 review to find out if this budget DSLR is a bargain or one to avoid.
The Canon EOS 600D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T3i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts a class-leading 18-megapixels and full 1080p high-definition videos. Other key features of the 600D / T3i include continuous shooting at 3.7fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-12800, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 4 processor. Is the Canon EOS 600D / T3i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Canon has issued a statement in which the Japanese giant congratulates Jodi Bieber for winning the World Press Photo of the Year award with her portrait of Bibi Aisha, a brutally mutilated Afghan girl. For her winning image, Jodi Bieber will receive a cash prize of €10,000 and a Canon EOS body and lens kit. Ms. Bieber’s photo also took the first place in the Portraits category, while the first prize in the Spot News category went to Hungary’s Péter Lakatos for his entry, “Suicide Jump”.
Following a development announcement issued before Photokina 2010, Canon has now launched the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. Both lenses feature completely redesigned optics, with 16 elements in 12 groups. Each includes the latest Canon Image Stabiliser (IS) technology, while magnesium alloy constructions with titanium components make each lens significantly lighter and even more durable than its respective predecessor. Rapid, quiet autofocus is provided by a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM). Both lenses are weatherproof, and available from mid-2011. The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is priced at £8,999/€10,799/$9,499; whilst the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM can be yours for £11,299/ €13,549/$11,999. Prices include VAT.
Twenty-four years after the first Electro Focus (EF) lens launched, Canon announced that it had reached a milestone by producing the 60 millionth lens in the series. This landmark was achieved on 11th January 2011 during the production of an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (pictured), thirteen months after the production of the company’s 50 millionth EF lens.
Anton/Bauer, the world’s premier provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries, is now shipping the QR-DSLR (pictured) and DSLR-ADP-ELPZ power solutions for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 60D digital SLR cameras. Utilising the Logic Series batteries, the QR-DSLR has the ability to mount to most third party support rigs, such as those from Red-Rock Micro, Zacuto and Cinevate, and offers a counter balance to the rig. The DSLR-ADP-ELPZ is based around the ElipZ® battery system and provides the user the ability to power the camera and ElightZ or EledZ on-camera lights.
We've selected our top picks for this year's Holiday season, all the way from the cheapest digital compact up to the most expensive DSLR and everything in between. So no matter what your budget, make sure that you consult the Photography Blog Holiday Gift Guide for 2010 before splashing out your hard-earned cash.
Canon UK has announced three cashback promotions for consumers. Those who purchase an EOS 7D or 5D Mark II between now and 31 January 2011 can claim up to £100 / €120 savings on selected EF lenses. The second offer concerns those who buy an EOS 500D digital SLR camera or one of three selected PowerShot models before 13 January, while the third is for consumers purchasing either a Pixma Pro9000 Mark II or a Pixma 9500 Mark II between now and 27 January. All of these offers are open to 18+ residents of the UK and Ireland, and valid on purchases made in one of these two countries.
DxO Labs have announced that DxO Optics Pro 6.5 will be released in early November. This newest version of the program will include DxO Labs’ Single Shot HDR technology that promises to bring out the most from a single raw image file. Additionally, DxO Optics Pro 6.5 further reduces low frequency colour and luminance noise at any ISO setting. Support for raw files produced by the Canon EOS 60D, Powershot S95 and G12, Pentax K-x and Sony A290 has also been added. The Standard edition of DxO Optics Pro 6.5 will be available for €149 / $169 / £135, whereas the Elite edition will cost €299 / $299 / £269. All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since 1st June 2009 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 6.5.
The EOS 60D is a new kind of DSLR camera from Canon, blending features from the cheaper 550D / / Rebel T2i and the more expensive 7D to exactly occupy the middle ground between the two. Aimed at the well-heeled amateur with a penchant for video, the 60D is the first EOS camera to offer an articulated LCD screen, making it easier to shoot both stills and importantly video. Read our expert Canon EOS 60D Review to find out if Canon's new prosumer DSLR is a worthy addition to the EOS range.
Photokina is over for another 2 years, so we’ve looked back at some of the most notable products we have seen at the world’s biggest photography show.
We checked out Schneider Kreuznach’s booth to see what their new tilt-shift lenses looked like in the flesh. The company had announced three perspective control lenses just prior to Photokina, and all three were on display at their stand. Two of them, the PC-TS Super-Angulon 50mm f/2.8 HM and the PC-TS Makro-Symmar 90mm f/4 HM, will be made in Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts. The first was shown attached to a Nikon D3, whereas the second was mounted to a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II. According to one salesman on the stand, the lenses will cost approximately €2,400+VAT and €2,300+VAT, respectively. We got our hands on the third PC-TS lens - the Schneider Kreuznach PC-TS Apo-Digitar 5.6 / 120 HM Aspheric made for Mamiya / Phase One system cameras - as well, which will sell for around €3,350+VAT.
The Sony A390 is a new 14 megapixel DSLR that fixes one of the major gripes about its predecessor, the A380, namely its incredibly difficult to hold handgrip. The Sony A390 otherwise retains all the key features of its predecessor, including a 2.7 inch tilting LCD screen, Live View, anti-dust system, ISO range of 100-3200, body anti-shake system, eye-start auto-focus system and Dynamic Range Optimiser. Find out if the new hand-grip makes all the difference by reading our in-depth Sony A390 DSLR review.
Canon promises to showcase an exciting range of innovative imaging products at this year’s Photokina. To ensure all visitors at this year’s Photokina, which runs from 21st to 26th September, can try Canon’s new products with ease, a 3,155-square-metre showcase has been built and can be found in Halle 3.2. Some of the highlights include the Canon EOS 60D digital SLR camera, the Canon XF105 professional camcorder, the Canon IXUS 1000 HS compact ultrazoom camera, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM zoom lens (pictured) as well as Canon’s Pixma and imagePROGRAF printers.
At Canon EXPO 2010 New York, Canon has showcased a range of future technologies including a working prototype for a multipurpose digital camera that supports both video and still image capture with ultra-high definition 4K resolution. 4K is a collective name for several new standards of digital video capture, including Full Aperture 4K (4096x3112 pixels), Academy 4K (3656x2664 pixels), and Digital Cinema 4K (itself coming in different flavours such as 4096×1714 and 3996x2160 pixels). Given that Canon’s new prototype has a 2/3”, 8-megapixel CMOS sensor, we assume it shoots one version of Digital Cinema 4K, as both Full Aperture 4K and Academy 4K require more than 8 million pixels. The camera shoots video at 60 frames per second, and comes equipped with a large 4K LCD screen. Speaking of which, Canon is also exhibiting LCD panels with up to 8K resolution as part of their future technology showcase at the expo.
The 18-megapixel Canon EOS 60D is a replacement for the 50D featuring a vari-angle LCD screen and Full HD video capture with full manual control including a variety of user-selectable frame rates. The Canon 60D can shoot 18-megapixel stills at up to 5.3 frames per second for up to 58 frames in a row (in JPEG format). Boasting a 9-point, all cross-type autofocus AF system, the EOS 60D also features Canon’s iFCL metering system, first introduced with the EOS 7D, with a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor. An Integrated Speedlite Transmitter provides in-camera control of multiple EX flash units for more creative lighting. The new 3-inch LCD monitor has a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 1,040k dot resolution and full articulation for overhead shots or ground-level photography. The Canon EOS 60D’s standard ISO range of 100-6400 is extendable to 12800. The EOS 60D is available from October priced at £1099.99 / €1309.99 / $1,099.00 for the body only. It will also be sold in four different kits ranging from £1199.99 to £1999.99 depending on the bundled lens.
Update: We have added a gallery of large product images provided by Canon. Click through / scroll down to view the photos.
Canon have developed a new 120 megapixel CMOS sensor that can shoot at 9.5fps and record Full HD movies. Nearly 7.5 times larger and offering a 2.4-fold improvement in resolution when compared with Canon’s highest-resolution commercial CMOS sensor of the same size, the 120 megapixel APS-H-size sensor has 13,280 x 9,184 pixels. The imaging area of the newly developed sensor measures approx. 29.2 x 20.2 mm. No word yet on exactly what Canon intend to use the new sensor for…
The Casio EX-FH25 is a super-zoom camera with a difference - its high-speed capabilities mean that it can take 30 still photos every second and even shoot 1,000fps video footage. The 10 megapixel EX-FH25 has a 20x lens with a focal range of 26-520mm, large 3 inch LCD screen and a wealth of automatic shooting modes to make your life easier. Read our comprehensive Casio EX-FH25 review to find out if this is the right high-zoom camera for you...
The Canon EOS 550D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T2i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts a class-leading 18-megapixel and the ability to shoot 1080p high-definition videos. Other key features of the 550D / T2i include continuous shooting at 3.7fps, a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-12,800, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 4 processor. Is the Canon EOS 550D / T2i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
The Canon EOS 7D Digital Field Guide is a practical, full-colour book designed to help you get the very most out of the EOS 7D. The book covers the camera’s new features, including the 19-point autofocus, new metering system, integrated Speedlight Transmitter, 8fps continuous shooting, and video capabilities. In addition, it teaches you photography essentials such as composition, exposure, perspective, and more, and includes a grey and colour card checker and full instructions. The 304-page guide is available in paperback and Kindle editions, priced at €16.00 / $19.99.
Website: Canon EOS 7D Digital Field Guide
The catchily named "mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras" are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, a fact that Samsung have recognised with the launch of their own rival system to the Micro Four Thirds standard. The Samsung NX10 is the first model in the new series, featuring a DSLR-like design, large 3 inch AMOLED screen, electronic viewfinder, 720p video and a large APS-C CMOS sensor with 14.6 megapixels. With 30mm pancake, 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses and a smattering of accessories available from day one and five more lenses to follow this year, Samsung are certainly making a sizeable investment in their compact/DSLR hybrid system. Read our Samsung NX10 review, complete with 50 JPEG samples and 12 RAW, to find out if it can out-perform its Olympus and Panasonic rivals.
Canon’s latest professional digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D Mark IV, was used by pro photographers to shoot Super Bowl XLIV. “Shooting at Super Bowl XLIV with the EOS-1D Mark IV was a night-and-day improvement compared to previous EOS models. It blew them all away. The 1D Mark IV exceeded my expectations quite a bit,” said Daniel Powers, staff photographer, Gannett Co., Inc. “The autofocus and tracking are razor sharp. After the NFL Wildcard Playoff game I was submitting 10 to 12 shot sequences all in crisp focus.” remarked Tom Hauck, of Tom Hauck Photography. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is available now for £4499 / €5499.
Canon has just unveiled the Canon EOS 550D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T2i in North America); a consumer-grade 18-megapixel digital SLR camera that can shoot 1080p high-definition videos. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing produces smooth tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display. The EOS 550D / Rebel T2i also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second. A 7.7cm / 3” Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution and anti-reflective coating makes it possible to view the scene and your captured your images in bright conditions and from a variety of angles. The EOS 550D body only is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £799.99 / €899. In the USA, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i is expected to hit the shelves in early March priced at $799.99.
The 50 millionth Canon EF lens has just gone into production. This landmark was achieved during the manufacture of the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens. Canon has produced over 10 million lenses in just under two years.
HireACamera has announced the arrival of the new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV to their equipment portfolio. The 16-megapixel Canon EOS 1D Mark IV boasts a completely new 45-point autofocus system with AI Servo II AF mode. The camera’s “regular” ISO range stretches from ISO 100/21° to ISO 12,800/42°, but expansion settings push this all the way up to ISO 102,400/51°. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is also geared toward videographers, as it offers full manual exposure control and selectable frame rates when shooting 1080p HD video. Guy Thatcher, Managing Director of Hireacamera said, ”The new 1D Mark IV is a welcome addition to our stock and is already proving popular after its first outing at the SWPP Convention in January. We are sure this is going to be a great addition to the Canon family and are offering great hire prices on it at the moment so photographers can really try before they buy.” The Canon 1D Mark IV is available to hire now and can be booked by calling 01892 603440.
Canon has launched “The Story Beyond The Still Contest,” allowing photographers and videographers to showcase their creativity in a new style of filmmaking that blends still and video images into a continuous cinematic piece. The contest, sponsored by Canon and hosted by Vimeo, the online video sharing site hosting one of the largest collections of HD content on the Web, invites participants to use the HD video capability of their camera to create short, two to four minute videos. To kick off the contest, Vincent Laforet collaborated with Grey New York to bring his interpretation of a still image to life in a short film entitled “The Cabbie,” which serves as the first installment of a seven chapter collaborative work in which each participant will be asked to interpret the previous winning photographer/filmmaker’s final still image to start their vision for the subsequent chapter. Six winners will be chosen (one for each chapter) based on their submissions and will join Laforet on location to collaboratively film the final chapter of the film. In addition, winners will receive a choice of prizes including Canon EOS 7D and 5D Mark II DSLR cameras or select Canon lenses. For complete rules and to submit “The Story Beyond the Still” videos participants can visit http://vimeo.com/groups/beyondthestill/
The innovative Don Zeck lens caps for long telephoto lenses, which used to be manufactured for Canon lenses only, are now available for most high-end AF-S / VR Nikkors. Don Zeck lens caps have been engineered for superior protection from scratches, dust, rain and other hazards. The lens caps are equipped with a collapsible low-profile handle, so that the cap can easily be mounted or removed while the hood is in either the shooting or stored position. The Don Zeck lens cap is now available for the 200mm F2.0 VR, 300mm F2.8 VR, 300mm F2.8 AF-S, 400mm F2.8 VR, 400mm F2.8 AF-S, 500mm F4 VF, 500mm F4 AF-S, 600mm F4 VR and the 200-400mm F4 VR Nikkors, in addition to a number of large Canon EF lenses. The “Don Zeck Lens Cap” sells for $54.95 and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty for materials and workmanship.
Website: Don Zeck
The opening title sequence of NBC’s Saturday Night Live was shot using the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D digital SLR cameras. The concept behind the opening sequence was portraiture as the director and crew looked to capture “living” portraits of the city, the cast and the unique characters that make up the New York City nightlife. The entire segment was captured and edited in a week’s time, incorporating 30p footage from Canon’s 5D Mark II as well as 60p footage used for slow-motion segments shot with Canon’s EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.
Carl Zeiss today announced the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35 ZE manual-focus wide-angle lens for the Canon EF mount. The high-speed, moderate wide-angle Distagon T* 2/35 ZE fits all analogue and digital EOS cameras. On full-frame digital and film SLRs, the lens offers an angle of view of 53 degrees, whereas on DSLRs with APS-H sized sensor - such as the new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, it works as a fast “normal” prime. With an initial aperture of 1:2, the Distagon T* 2/35 easily handles low light , making perfect pictures possible even under difficult lighting conditions. The relatively short angle of rotation of the precision focusing mechanism enables fast but precise focusing when required. The Distagon T* 2/35 ZE will be available from October 2009 at a recommended retail price of € 755.50 (excluding VAT).
Canon have unveiled the 16-megapixel Canon EOS 1D Mark IV professional digital SLR camera boasting a completely new 45-point autofocus system. No less than 39 of these are cross-hatched AF sensors, sensitive to both horizontal and vertical detail. Moreover, the all-new AI Servo II AF mode gives still photographers the power and performance to track and focus a fast-moving subject at speeds up to 10 frames per second (fps). Canon is also making bold claims as to the high-ISO performance of the camera - the “regular” ISO range stretches from ISO 100/21° to ISO 12,800/42°, but expansion settings push this all the way up to ISO 102,400/51°. The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is also geared toward videographers, as it offers full manual exposure control and selectable frame rates when shooting 1080p HD video. The EOS 1D Mark IV is equipped with a sixteen-megapixel “APS-H” sized sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors with approximately six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14-bit A/D conversion at 10 fps. Other new features include a large three-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle. The new in-camera copyright information feature helps professionals secure control over images by setting copyright data directly into the camera and appending that information to each image file in the EXIF metadata. Additional features include a fluorine coating on the Low Pass Filter to further repel dust and enhance the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in late December, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $4,999. In the UK and the euro zone, the 1D Mark IV will be priced at £4499 / €5499 respectively, including VAT.
The Canon EOS 7D is a brand new 18 megapixel DSLR camera, complete with 8fps continuous shooting, high-res 3 inch LCD screen, Live View and Full HD movies. The Canon 7D also features a number of significant improvements to its auto-focusing, metering, viewfinder and flash systems, which all add up to make this one of the best-ever specified EOS cameras. Find out if the Canon EOS 7D can also take great pictures by reading the World's first expert review...
Tired of seeing the world in plain old two dimensions? Then Fujifilm have the answer - enter stage left the World's first 3D camera that doesn't require those dorky glasses, the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1. This remarkable device uses two lenses, two image sensors and a special LCD screen to create an utterly convincing stereoscopic 3D photograph. And the W1 also doubles up as a perfectly functional 2D point and shoot camera too. Mark Goldstein catches a glimpse of the future as he reviews the Fujifilm W1...
Carl Zeiss today announced the pricing and availability of its Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZE ultra-wide lens for Canon EOS SLRs. The lens’s extremely wide 99°-angle view is suitable especially for full-frame sensor cameras, delivering an array of new creative possibilities. The Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE has a relatively compact design, especially when compared to zoom lenses. Internal focusing also helps to reduce its size while delivering extremely precise and smooth focus control, according to claims made by Carl Zeiss. Following the Planar T* 1,4/50 ZE and 1,4/85 ZE, the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE is the first wide-angle lens with EF bayonet mount on the market. The Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE will be available in autumn 2009 at a suggested retail price of €1,049+VAT.
Our regular columnist, acclaimed landscape photographer <b><a href="http://www.charliewaite.com" title="Charlie Waite" target="_blank">Charlie Waite</a></b>, sings the praises of the humble compact camera.
The Canon EOS 7D is a new 18 megapixel digital SLR camera. Incorporating a new APS-C CMOS sensor, the Canon 7D features dual DIGIC 4 processors, an ISO range expandable to 12,800, and a 19-point cross-type AF sensor. There’s also continuous shooting at 8 frames per second, 3 inch LCD screen with 920k dots, viewfinder with 100% magnification, and Focus Colour Luminance metering system (iFCL) which measures focus, colour and luminance across 63 zones. The Canon EOS 7D will be available from early October 2009 priced at £1699.99 / €1999.99 inc. VAT. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00.
Epson has issued a free firmware update for its P6000 and P7000 Photoviewers, which enables tethered shooting with the Nikon D90, D300, D700, D3, D3X and Canon EOS 40D, 50D, 5D Mark II, 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III cameras. The new firmware allows images to be captured directly onto the Photoviewer by remotely controlling the firing of the camera shutter up to a distance of seven metres from the camera body. Once a photograph has been taken, the image can be immediately previewed on the Photoviewer’s screen. Photographs are saved to both the camera memory card and the Hard Disk Drive of the Photoviewer, bypassing the process of transferring images whilst simultaneously backing up all photos.
Website: Epson Firmware Update
The Times has launched the eighth Times Young Photographer of the Year competition, sponsored by Canon - this could be your chance to win a Canon EOS 5D Mark II (pictured) with two L lenses and a flash. In order to be able to enter, you need to be between 18 and 26 years of age and a legal resident of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Entrants will need to submit one photograph in each of three different categories; Lifestyle, Portraiture and Reportage. The winning photographer will win a six-month full-time contract with Times Newspapers and a year’s membership to the British Press Photographer’s Association, in addition to a Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera body, a Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L standard zoom, a Canon EF 70-200 F/2.8 L IS telezoom and a Canon580EX II Speedlite flash. The closing date for entries is midnight Saturday 12 September 2009. As always, we suggest that you read the Terms and Conditions before entering.
Website: The Times/Canon Young Photographer of the Year
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Sony have revamped their entry- and mid-range DSLR cameras for 2009, with the A380 replacing the A350 as the most sophisticated model. The Sony A380 retains all the key features of its predecessor - 2.7 inch tilting LCD screen, Live View, anti-dust system, ISO range of 100-3200, body anti-shake system, eye-start auto-focus system and Dynamic Range Optimiser - whilst updating the design and user interface to supposedly make it easier to use. Find out if Sony's designers have been successful by reading our in-depth review of the £700 / $850 Sony A380 DSLR.
TNT Magazine has anounced a travel writing and photography contest. There are three categories including “Your London”, “People” and “The narural world”. Each of the category winners will be awarded a Canon EOS 500D with EF-S 18-55mm IS lens kit (pictured). The Readers’ Choice Award for Best Travel Photograph is an Olympus E-420 double zoom kit. As always, we recommend that you read the rules before submitting aby photos.
Website: Travel Writing and Phtoography Competition
The new Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera is one of the big surprises of 2009, offering a multitude of desirable features in a compact, weatherproof body. The K7 is the latest DSLR to feature a HD movie recording mode, in addition to its 14.6 megapixel still images. Other highlights include a dedicated HDR mode, improved 11-point auto-focus, high-res 3 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Can the Pentax K-7 take on and beat the likes of the Nikon D300 and Canon EOS 50D? Read our in-depth review with test shots, JPEGS, RAW files and movie to find out...
The Nikon D5000 is the latest digital SLR camera to incorporate a video recording mode, capable of producing 720p, 1280x720 pixel movies at 30fps complete with sound. The 12.3 megapixel D5000 also features a vari-angle LCD screen, making unusual picture compostions easier than with a fixed screen. More traditional SLR features include an ISO range of 100-6400, 4fps continuous shooting, and 11-point autofocus system. Retailing for £719.99 / €878.00 / $729.95 body only, or £799.99 / €972.00 / $849.95 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens, we find out if the Nikon D5000 can successfuly combine video and still images in our latest expert review.
The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a new DSLR-like camera that can shoot both still photos and high-definition video. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Panasonic GH1 takes all the good points of the original G1 camera and adds a plethora of advanced movie-making functionality into the mix. Available now in black, red and gold for $1499.95 / £1299.99, Mark Goldstein finds out if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is the best ever DSLR / video camera.
DxO Labs have released their new DxO Optics Pro version 5.3.4, which adds support to the Canon EOS 500D, Fujifilm S100FS, Nikon D5000, Pentax K200 and K-m, Sony A200 and A300 cameras. With these seven new models DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 adds 155 new DxO Optics Correction Modules and now supports more than 1,400 camera body/lens combinations. The release of DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 is accompanied by the publication of RAW sensor data and DxOMark Sensor rankings for the Canon EOS 500D and the Nikon D5000 on the dxomark.com website, along with reviews for both.
Website: DxOMark
Our regular columnist, one of the UK’s leading landscape and travel photographers, <a href="http://www.davidnoton.com/">David Noton</a>, travels 16,000 miles to Bali for one photo.
The newest update to Mac OS X Leopard, version 10.5.7, adds system-level raw support for 14 new cameras and digital backs. These include four Leaf cameras and backs, six DSLRs, two interchangeable-lens rangefinders and two advanced compacts. Click through / read on for the full list of newly added cameras and backs.
The Canon EOS 500D is the latest DSLR camera to jump on the HD video bandwagon, offering 1080p and 720p quality settings. Also known as the Digital Rebel T1i, the successor to the EOS 450D features a 15 megapixel CMOS sensor, 940,000 dot 3-inch LCD screen, Live View and ISO range of 100-12800. At $799.99 / £869.99 body only or $899.99 / £969.99 with the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS kit lens, find out if the Canon EOS 500D is the best consumer digital SLR in our expert review.
Forget the new car, holiday or house extension - a mere £5499.99 / €7728.00 / $7999.95 will buy you the shiny new Nikon D3x. This 24.6 megapixel camera is the highest-resolution DSLR on the market, bettering the Sony A900 and Canon EOS 5D Mark II. As well as it's headline-grabbing megapixel count, the D3x also boasts a 51-point auto-focus system, 920,000-dot 3-inch LCD screen, 50-6400 ISO range and 16-bit image processing. Gavin Stoker discovers if the Nikon D3x really is the best ever DSLR...
Canon has announced that it has produced over 10 million consumer DSLRs since the launch of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel / 300D in 2003. The increasing volume of consumer-orientated DSLR models on the market has also driven an increase in the volume of lens sales. Canon’s EF lens portfolio is allegedly the world’s most extensive range of DSLR lenses, with over 60 models and 40 million sales worldwide.
Canon have just unveiled the 15.1-megapixel Canon EOS EOS 500D / Rebel T1i digital SLR. The new camera is the first Rebel to feature HD video capture - 720p at 30fps as well as Full HD 1080p at 20fps. Other highlights include a Digic 4 image processor, 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, a three-inch, 920,000-dot rear screen, Auto Lighting Optimiser, Creative Auto Mode and Live View. Continuous shooting is available at 3.4 frames per second, for up to 170 JPEG or 9 raw images when using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card. The Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments, along with two additional high-speed ISO settings – H1: 6400 and H2: 12800. Live View comes in three flavours, Quick, Live and Face Detection Live. To combat any dust particles that may have settled on its 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i / EOS 500D has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i / EOS 500D digital SLR is scheduled for delivery in May, at an estimated body-only price of $799.99. Throwing in an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit zoom will set you back an additional $100. In Europe, the recommended retail price is £869.99 / €999.99 for the body and £969.99 / €1139.99 for the afore-mentioned kit including VAT. There’s also an additional 500D kit with the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens priced at £1399.99 / €1639.99.
Canon have revealed the Canon Speedlite 270EX flashgun, the successor to the Speedlite 220EX. The Japanese giant timed this announcement to coincide with that of the Canon EOS 500D digital SLR, marketed as the Canon EOS Rebel T1i in North America. The Canon Speedlite 270EX is a compact and lightweight external flash unit intended for use with Canon EOS SLRs and select PowerShot models. The guide number is 27 in metres, though the ISO speed at which this number is valid is not specified. The flash is claimed to recharge almost as quickly as its predecessor despite being powered by just two AA batteries, and enables bounce shooting in four positions between 0 and 90 degrees. A zooming head, a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot complete the picture.
The recommended retail price of the Canon Speedlite 270EX is £149.99 / €169.99 including VAT. Availability is forecast for early May.
Anthony Suau’s image of an armed officer moving through a home in Cleveland, Ohio, following an eviction is the winner of World Press Photo of the Year 2008. This year, a record 5,508 professional photographers from 124 countries submitted a total of 96,268 images. The winning image was taken in March 2008 as part of a story commissioned by Time magazine. Anthony Suau will receive a cash prize of €10,000 from World Press Photo at an awards ceremony in Amsterdam on 3rd May.
Canon USA are offering $200 off the purchase of an EOS DSLR, EF lens and a Speedlite flash. Purchases must be made between February 11, 2009 - March 1, 2009. Qualifying Products:
Cameras - EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 50D, EOS 40D
Lenses - EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
Flash - Speedlite 580EX II
Website: Canon $200 Mail-In Rebate
The new Olympus E-30 is the first mid-range DSLR camera from Olympus, positioned between the cheaper E-520 and more expensive E-3 models. Going head-to-head with the likes of the Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D90, Olympus have decided to try a different approach with the E30 by offering a number of creative possibilities built into the camera. The Olympus E30 offers six Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole), and there’s also a Multiple Exposure mode for combining images and nine separate aspect ratios, all of which can be previewed on the free-angle 2.7” LCD screen. Olympus certainly haven’t forgotten the more traditional features, with fast 11-point autofocus, 5fps sequential shooting, shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec, Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system and built-in image stabilisation all on offer. The Olympus E-30 retails at $1300 / £850 body only or £1200 with the new 14-54 Mark II kit lens. Mark Goldstein gets in touch with his artistic side in our latest in-depth review.
Website: Olympus E-30 Review
DxO Optics Pro 5.3.2 adds support for the Canon 5D Mark II and the Canon G10, along with 32 new DxO Optics correction modules. In addition, this new version includes various improvements, including installation of the plug-in version for Adobe Photoshop CS4. DxO Optics Pro v5.3.2 and upgrades are available immediately for Mac and Windows platforms.
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Canon SLR camera. Since the Canon Flex was launched in May 1959, over 50 million Canon SLRs have been sold worldwide. The EOS series was born in 1987 with the EOS 650 and the EF-series (Electro focus) lens system. The new EOS 5D Mark II is the first camera to record Full HD movies.
Capture One 4.6 is a new release with improved performance and additional camera support. Processing, Browsing, Folder viewing and Color Editor have all been improved, and the new Camera Controls tool allows users to remotely control key camera settings. New supported cameras include the Phase One P 65+, Canon G10, Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30. Capture One 4.6 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners.
As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our DSLR camera reviews from the past year. There are 20 in-depth reviews in total, which is proof of just how quickly the DSLR market is expanding, and how busy we’ve been this year! You should be able to find the right DSLR camera for you from this round-up.
Today we bring you our in-depth review of the brand new Canon 5D Mark II DSLR. This full-frame, 21 megapixel update of the popular 5D Mark I is the world’s first DSLR to feature full HD 1080p video recording. The 5D Mark II also offers an extensive ISO range of 50-25600, 3 inch LCD screen with 920k dots, 3.9 fps continuous mode, Live View and built-in dust removal. Retailing for £2299 / $2699 / €3299, we find out if the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the ultimate prosumer DSLR.
Website: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review
The new Nikon D3x DSLR has appeared in the latest issue of Nikon’s own Pro magazine. Gadget website Engadget has published scanned pages with details of the successor to the D3 (pictured). The Nikon D3x is a full-frame, 24.5 megapixel DSLR camera that offers 5fps continuous shooting (or 7fps at 10 megapixels), a 3 inch LCD screen with 922k dots, ISO range of 50-6400, 16-bi EXPEED image processor, new Extra High D-lighting setting, Live View shooting mode and a 51 point autofocus system. There’s no mention of the Nikon D3x’s price, launch date or if it features a HD video mode to match its natural rival, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Website: Engadget - Nikon outs D3x in own Pro magazine
Canon has released a new version of its RAW codec, which lets you view Canon RAW files within Windows. Version 1.5.0 now supports the EOS 50D, EOS 5D Mark II, and PowerShot G10 (pictured) cameras.
Website: Canon RAW Codec 1.4.0
Phase One have released a new version of their RAW workflow software, Capture One 4 Pro. Version 4.5.1 for Windows adds support for Canon EOS 50D and 5D Mark II RAW files, and enhances the general performance of the software.
Website: Capture One 4.5.1
Canon have launched a new ad campaign, Make Photography New Again, for the new 5D Mark II and 50D DSLR cameras. Photographer Rick Guest was creatively challenged to explore new ways of interpreting four photography themes (light, detail, speed and motion), shooting in and around London, UK. Gregory Kukolj, Marketing Communications Director Canon Europe commented: ”The driving force behind ‘Making Photography New Again’ is the pursuit of powerful images through natural exploration and experimentation of light, detail, speed and motion without post production touch ups.”
Sigma’s range of EO-ETTL II flashguns do not work with the Canon EOS 50D DSLR camera. The Autozoom function does not work properly, and exposure is not set correctly. Sigma are supplying a free-upgrade service to their customers to solve the problem. All new products shipped after today already include the updated firmware.
DxO Optics Pro v5.3 is a major new release of the automatic image quality enhancement solution for digital SLR and compact camera users. DxO Optics Pro 5.3 adds more RAW support, 64-bit Windows compatibility, support for Adobe Lightroom 2, and new DxO Optics Correction Modules. “The noise removal technology for RAW images featured in DxO Optics Pro 5.3 opens up exciting options to photographers providing them with up to a 2-stop gain at photo capture, as if digital grain never really existed,” says Cyrille de La Chesnais, director of the photography business at DxO Labs. “This translates into a dramatic increase in capture flexibility.”
Announced just one year after the 40D, the new EOS 50D is Canon’s latest semi-pro DSLR camera. With a price-tag just over £1200 / $1399 body only, the Canon 50D is firmly aimed at the prosumer, who will use it as their main camera, and the pro photographer looking for a reliable and relatively inexpensive backup body. The main headline-grabbing feature is the 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, which makes the 50D the market-leading APS-C camera in terms of megapixel count. Canon have also massively expanded the ISO range, with a top speed of 12800 matching the more expensive Nikon D700 / D3 cameras, while the new Digic 4 processor promises to maintain the usual high image quality that we’ve come to expect from a Canon DSLR. A high-resolution VGA LCD screen, new Live View mode with Face Detection, HDMI connectivity and a number of user interface refinements complete the list of major improvements. Is the Canon EOS 50D a worthy upgrade to the 40D and a real competitor to its closest rival, the Nikon D300? Mark Goldstein found out…
Website: Canon EOS 50D Review
SanDisk have unveiled a 16GB Extreme IV high-performance memory card at Photokina, and also have boosted the speed of the entire Extreme IV range up to 45 megabytes per second. SanDisk Extreme IV CF cards have undergone internal testing with many leading manufacturers’ cameras and DSLRs, such as Canon’s EOS series, Nikon’s D300 and D3 cameras, the Sony Alpha A700, and the Olympus E500 and E3 cameras. Depending on the camera used, the increased performance of the SanDisk Extreme IV memory card line may help reduce the delay between shots, enabling photographers to take more photos overall. The 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash memory card is available now for $399.99 in the United States and €281 in Europe.
The 21.1 megapixel EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first DSLR camera to offer High Definition video capability. The new Canon 5D Mark II has a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor with ISO sensitivity up to 25600, new DIGIC 4 processor, 3.0” Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, and 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting. With a body-only price tag of $2,699 / €2,499 / £2,299, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is available from the end of November. It will also be available in kit form with the EF 24-105mm f4.0L IS USM lens for £3049.99 / €3999.99.
Update: We now have some exclusive shots of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II from the UK press launch, including a side-by-comparison with the original 5D model that it replaces.
We didn’t have long to wait since last week’s leak before Canon made the EOS 50D DSLR official. As per the leaked spec, the new Canon 50D has a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, with an extensive ISO range of 100-12800, which matches the Nikon D700 / D3. Continuous shooting speed of 6.3 frames per second, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, improved Integrated Cleaning System, 9-point AF, 14-bit image processing, a new Live View mode with Face Detection, and a 3.0” Clear View VGA LCD complete the 50D’s headline features. The Canon EOS 50D (body only) is available from the end of September 2008 priced at £1199.99 / €1599.99 / $1399.00, or £1499.99 / €1949.99 / $1599.00 with the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens.
DxO Optics Pro 5.2 features a new RAW converter that dramatically improves noise reduction in ultra-high ISO images, plus support for three new camera bodies. The Pentax K20D, Sony-A350 and Sony-A700 DSLRs are now supported, and it also inlcudes the DxO Optics Pro Import plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. New lens correction modules have also been added for the Samsung GX20 and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi. To celebrate the release of DxO Optics Pro v5.2, DxO Labs is extending the special DxO FilmPack free license offer until July 31, 2008.
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.1.1, for their 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
The following fixes and improvements have been incorporated:
1. It now supports high-capacity CF cards.
Previously, when using an 8GB CF card or greater (e.g.,12GB, 16GB), even after initializing the card in the camera, the CF card capacity could not correctly be detected. This phenomenon has been fixed so that the camera will correctly recognize high-capacity CF cards.
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.6, for the 8 megapixel EOS 30D digital SLR.
The following fixes and improvements have been incorporated.
1. It allows the latest lens names to be recorded in the Exif information of images taken.
The lens IDs of lenses released after the EOS30D are not in the camera; so these lens names could not be recorded in the Exif information of images. The Lens IDs for the following new lenses are now included, so that the correct lens names will be recorded in the Exif information of images.
British photographer Tim Hetherington is the winner of World Press Photo of the Year 2007. His image of a US soldier, resting in a bunker in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley, was chosen from a total of 80,536 images. This year, a record 5,019 professional photographers from 125 countries submitted images. Hetherington will receive a cash prize of €10,000 from World Press Photo at an awards ceremony in Amsterdam on 27 April. An exhibition of the prize-winning World Press Photo images will be shown from 29 April to 22 June in the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam.
The Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi is a new 12 megapixel compact DSLR camera. looking very similar to the previous 400D from the outside, the EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi features a larger 3 inch LCD screen, new 9-point AF system, 14-bit processing, Live View mode with contrast detection AF mode (like the Panasonic L10) and 3.5fps continuous mode. The Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi will be available body only for $799 / £599.99 / €899.99 and with the 18-55mm IS kit lens for £679.99 / €999.99, available from March 2008.
Production of Canon EOS SLR cameras has just passed the 30 million mark, with 10 million of those digital bodies. The achievement coincides with Canon’s 70th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the launch of its EOS line of SLR cameras. In March of 1987, Canon’s 50th anniversary, the company introduced the EOS 650 AF SLR camera (pictured), the first model of the EOS series. One for the fact-fans out there - EOS is the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn.
The winners of Tamron’s “Make Your Mark: Landmarks—Natural or Manmade” 2007 Photo Contest have been announced. The contest was open to U.S. residents submitting any original photograph prominently including a natural or manmade landmark that was taken with a Tamron lens. Tracy Arcari of Wheatogue, Connecticut took top honors for her breathtaking picture of The Mittens (pictured), a justly renowned rock formation in Monument Valley, Arizona. The theme for Tamron’s big 2008 Photo Contest is “Wet & Wild,”.
Canon USA have issued a service notice for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, specifically about its autofocus system. Some EOS-1D Mark III cameras may have an issue with the mirror mechanism which causes inconsistent focusing accuracy or inconsistent focus tracking with moving subjects when using AI-Servo AF and continuous shooting modes, particularly in high temperatures. If the serial number on the bottom of the camera is between 501001 and 546561, the camera might require an adjustment of its AF mirror mechanism. Starting in late November, Canon will offer repairs free of charge for customers who have affected products and are experiencing this problem.
Canon has introduced two new papers, Polished Rag and High Resolution Coated Bond, for their imagePROGRAF large format printers. At 300gsm/15mil, the Polished Rag is a thick media providing the look and feel of traditional fiber-based photo paper. Polished Rag is available in 8.5 x11,inches, 13 x19 inches and 17 x22 inches cut sheet as well as rolls in widths of 17, 24, 44, and 50 inches. At 120gsm, the new High Resolution Coated Bond Paper is ideal for general office large format printing.
ACDSee Pro 2 features next-generation workflow management and RAW processing functionality. The upgrade was developed with input from more than 2,500 photographers worldwide. “The ability to work directly with our customers has allowed us to develop a product release that will bring unprecedented efficiency to the photographic community, freeing them to focus on what they do best—producing quality images.” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. ACDSee Pro 2 is available now for $129.99. Current ACDSee customers are eligible for a 30-percent customer discount.
No less than Amazon.com have leaked the US specifications, price and availability of the much-rumoured Canon 40D and Canon 1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. Available on September 10th for $1,299, the Canon EOS 40D has a 10 megapixel sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, new sRAW mode, 35-zone metering system and integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit. New accessories for the 40D include a revised BG-E2N battery grip and WFT-E3A wireless transmitter. A new lens - the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM - has also been listed by Amazon, available November 15th for $199.99.
Meanwhile the professional Canon 1Ds Mark III will cost $7,999 and be available on December 10th. It’s headline features are a 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 3 inch LCD display with Live View, 5 fps at shutter speeds 1/500 second or faster, sRAW mode, 45-point AF and integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit. Also mentioned on the Amazon page is a new Canon EF 14mm f2.8L II USM Lens, providing a a 114-degree diagonal angle of view on the Canon 1Ds Mark III.
Of course, none of this is official yet, even though it comes from one of the world’s biggest online retailers, but you probably won’t have to wait too long for Canon to make their announcement…
Website: Amazon.com - Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
Website: Amazon.com - Canon EOS 40D
Website: Amazon.com - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM SLR Lens
Canon has won three EISA awards. The Canon EOS-1D Mark III was voted European Professional Camera 2007-2008. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens was named European Professional Lens 2007-2008. The Canon PowerShot G7 won European Advanced Compact Camera 2007-2008. “These three awards are a worthy reflection of our commitment to innovation and imaging excellence that runs through all of our product groups.” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.
The Idruna Remote Editing System (IRES) allows an editor to see what a photographer is shooting, in real time, even if the photographer is on the other side of the world. IRES works even over mobile phone networks or satellite modems, as only thumbnails are transmitted over the web. Idruna’s Remote Editing System is available now priced at $199 for the Windows version, or from $389 as part of Pocket Phojo 5.0 for Windows Mobile.
Canon is extending its £50/€80 cashback promotion on any EOS 400D DSLR camera bought before 31 August 2007. Canon’s Cashback offer is also available when the EOS 400D is purchased as part of one of the DSLR photo kits, which will be on sale until the end of 2007.
You can now test-drive a Beta version of ACDSee Pro 2.0, which is scheduled for release in the Autumn. ACDSee Pro 2.0 Beta is compatible with Windows Vista and is available free for download at http://www.acdseepro.com . “Our software development starts and ends with the needs of today’s photographers,” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. “It’s very important to us to invite feedback at this crucial stage, especially as an increasing number of photographers demand a high level of control in RAW processing.” Beta testers and users of the previous version will receive a 30 percent discount.
Crestock are offering you the chance to win a Canon 1Ds Mark II camera in their 2007 photo contest. With a total length of nine weeks, the contest is split into three rounds, with prizes for each one. Entry is free - you just have to register on the Crestock site.
The Think Tank Photo Digital Holster is a new camera bag designed for just one digital SLR body and a lens. Available in 5 different sizes, the Digital Holster bag features an expandable “Pop Down” bottom section which allows it to hold lenses of two different vertical heights with the hood in position or with it reversed. The Think Tank Photo Digital Holster is priced from $45 to $79.
Extensis have released an update for Portfolio 8.1. The Portfolio Raw Filter 3.2 update adds support for 32 cameras, bringing the total to more than 100. The Portfolio Raw Filter is powered by technology from Bibble Labs and the update is free of charge for registered Portfolio 8.1 users.
I attended the Canon Spring Launch press event at The Bridge, SE1 in central London earlier today and tried out the new EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera, plus the 16-35mm lens, 580 EX II flashgun, Powershot and IXUS cameras, and PIXMA printers. Hearing the EOS-1D Mark III rattling away at 10 frames per second for over 10 seconds was quite something! This new DSLR is 16% lighter than its predecessor, has a self-cleaning sensor based on the EOS 400D, and uses a 3rd generation CMOS sensor and two DIGIC III processors. Apparently the shutter is 50% more durable than the previous model - Canon have tested it to no less than 300,000 cycles. And the camera’s 19 auto-focus sensors and 26 focus assist points offer a 1 stop improvement in low-light. Canon demoed a EOS-1D Mark III saving files to a compact flash card, SD card and external hard drive all at the same time! Price will be £3049.99 in the UK and $3999 US. Click on the link below to see exclusive shots of all the new products that have been announced today (well, not quite all of them, I didn’t spend too much time with the new fax machines). Leave a comment if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them…
PMA 2007: The Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera is the latest addition to the EOS-1D series, offering 10.1 megapixels and 10fps shooting for up to 110 JPEG or 30 RAW images. The Canon 1D Mark III has not one but two DIGIC III processors, 14-bit image processing, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View mode (eat your heart out Olympus!), ISO 6400, 19 point auto-focusing and the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The new Canon EOS-1D Mark III will cost £3049.99 in the UK, and I hear that it will cost $3999 in the US and be available in April.
Canon Japan has some Canon EOS-1D Mark III sample photos available to download.
Canon is celebrating 20 years of the EOS system. Standing for Electro Optical System, EOS began with the EOS 650 back in 1987 (what a decade!). To help celebrate, Canon UK has launched 21 new promotional DSLR kits (13 new photo kits and eight new lens kits). Examples of the photo kits include the EOS 400D IS Double Zoom Kit, which contains the EF-S 17-85mm IS U lens and the EF 70-300mm IS U lens; the EOS 30D Macro + Ring Flash Kit, which contains the EF 100mm Macro lens and the MR-14EX Ring Flash; and the EOS 5D Photo + Speedlite Kit, containing the EF 50mm 1.4 lens and the 220EX Speedlite.
Adobe have released Camera Raw 3.7 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the Nikon D40 and Pentax K10D DSLR cameras has been added in this update.
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.7 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.7 (MAC)
DxO Optics Pro v4.1 now supports the popular Nikon D40 digital SLR camera, as well as adding 11 new lens correction modules, with over 450 modules now available. DxO Optics Pro is a digital image enhancement tool incorporating optics, noise and exposure corrections. DxO Optics Pro v4.1 is available immediately on the DxO Labs Web site (http://www.dxo.com).
Tamron USA Press Release
November 15, 2006, Commack, NY—The Tamron “It’s a Wild World” 2006 Photo Contest turned out to be an even bigger and wilder event than even we could have anticipated. We received well over 1000 entries from all parts of the country covering a mind-boggling menagerie of animals ranging from bears to baboons, horses to hedgehogs, and iguanas to insects. Choosing the winners from among the huge number of outstanding pictures submitted was anything but easy. As you may recall, the “It’s a Wild World” Photo Contest was open to any original photograph prominently including an animal, wild or domestic, that was taken with a Tamron lens, and was limited to U.S. residents. The Grand Prize: A magnificent Tamron AF18-200mm Di-II lens in the DSLR mount of the winner’s choice, plus having the winning picture showcased in Tamron’s Viewfinder newsletter and in the Gallery section of the popular Tamron website. In addition, twenty favorites will have their winning images published on the website for all to admire.
ACD Systems Press Release
ACDSee Pro Photo Manager Gives Professional Photographers Total Control Over Their Workflow with public beta RAW Format Support.
Victoria, British Columbia – November 2, 2006 – ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), today announced a public beta software release which updates ACDSee® Pro Photo Manager, adding support for the newest RAW formats. Developed specifically for the professional photographer, ACDSee Pro will be showcased from November 2-4 at PhotoPlus Expo, Booth #1212, in New York. ACDSee Pro delivers advanced functionality designed to streamline the workflow of professional photographers, while incorporating the speed and organizing capabilities synonymous with ACDSee software solutions. “Once again, our commitment to working closely with professional photographers yields support for the newest digital cameras”, said Doug Vandekerkhove, CEO of ACD Systems.
Canon USA Press Release
Great Savings on Select Products Including up to $600 on the Full-Frame EOS 5D and up to $200 on the Popular EOS 30D, and Double Rebates to Help Expand a Growing EOS System
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2006 - From fall foliage to the intensity of fourth down at the five-yard line, the autumn is full of fantastic photo opportunities. Whether expanding a current EOS system, or thinking of the family photographer for the upcoming holiday season, Canon U.S.A., Inc. helps make it easy and affordable to capture and share memories on the sidelines, at home, or out in the field. The “Cash In With Canon” Mail-In-Rebate Program returns from October 15, 2006 - January 13, 2007, providing consumers and professionals the opportunity to take advantage of big savings on an assortment of select Canon products.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon, one of the world’s leading photographic brands, has joined forces with Experience Seminars to offer consumers who purchase the Canon EOS 400D a £50 saving on a bespoke course designed to help consumers maximise the potential of their purchase. The promotion will run both in-store and online from 1st October 2006 through until 31st January 2007. Experience Seminars, the leading training organisation in EOS photography, has developed a new course to complement Canon’s latest consumer Digital SLR product which is already proving to be a worthy successor to the EOS 350D. Mark Robinson, Trade Marketing Manager for Canon is confident of continued success between the two organisations, “This promotion, which through its aspirational nature, will encourage consumers to take their photography to the next level, and with the EOS 400D they already have the camera to do this. Through the added expertise that Experience Seminars has to offer, I have no doubt that consumers soon be producing images that before they could only have dreamed about.”
Extensis Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. — September 21, 2006 — Extensis, a division of Celartem Inc., today released free updates to Portfolio 8 –– the leading Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution for creative professionals. The updates bring improved stability and performance,
updated Raw camera support, added InDesign CS2 support, and a QuarkXPress 7 Drag-and-Drop support filter for Mac users. Registered owners of Portfolio 8 are eligible to receive the free upgrades immediately through the Extensis website at http://www.extensis.com/portfolio .
The Canon SELPHY ES1 printer will be available from September 2006 for £189.00 (€279.99) RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon today defines a new standard for compact photo printing with the launch of the Compact Photo Printer SELPHY ES1. Based around the concept of stress-free printing, the new flagship of the SELPHY range supports new all-in-one ink and media cassettes, 50-sheet capacity and one-touch operation for unparalleled ease of use. The stylish vertical design incorporates a carry handle and retractable USB cable for further convenience, while Canon’s DIGIC II image processor and a newly developed print head controller contribute to the highest print quality ever achieved by a Canon SELPHY compact photo printer. A broad range of creative options and image enhancement tools are selectable from the printer’s tilt-up 2.5” colour LCD.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon has been awarded European Professional Camera 2006-2007 for the EOS 5D and European Photo Printer 2006-2007 for the PIXMA iP6600D by the prestigious European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA). The camera award is the second major honour for the EOS 5D, coming on the back of a Best D-SLR Professional in Europe 2006 award in April from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). “The breakthrough EOS 5D and advanced direct printing PIXMA iP6600D represent the ultimate consumer imaging devices, from image capture to printing,” remarked Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Photography is at the core of our business, and we strive to always push the boundaries of imaging technology. We are delighted to receive this recognition from the EISA members.”
DxO Labs Press Release
New lens modules for DxO Optics Pro Elite and Standard edition include the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC MACRO and the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
New York, NY and Paris, France – August 7, 2006 – DxO Labs announces today availability of 15 new DxO Lens Modules for its DxO Optics Pro software bringing the total now to 365 lens correction modules available to DxO Optics Pro users. In addition, many existing DxO Lens Modules have been extended to more DxO-supported camera bodies. DxO Optics Pro software improves the image quality of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (D-SLR) cameras and advanced digicams. DxO Optics Pro is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool incorporating revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application for Mac and PC users. “We are constantly extending our library of DxO Lens Modules to offer photographers worldwide the greatest selection of correction capabilities,” said Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography Business Unit at DxO Labs.
ACD Systems Press Release
ACD Systems Updates ACDSee 8 and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager - Company renews commitment to customers with added RAW support and feature improvements
VICTORIA, British Columbia – April. 27, 2006 – ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), today announced updates to its two flagship products, ACDSee 8 Photo Manager and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager. The enhancements are designed to improve speed, performance and productivity, and include advanced support for RAW formats that meet and exceed industry demands. “In our continued commitment to our customers, these updates allow them to take full advantage of the powerful capabilities that the RAW format offers,” said James Latham, vice president of marketing for ACD Systems. “Professional photographers depend on the latest RAW format support and feature improvements, while photo enthusiasts are just beginning to discover this format. These releases underscore our commitment to delivering the very best in product integrity and flexibility, and providing feature improvements that make the user experience and workflow both smoother and more enjoyable.”
TrustedReviews have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.
“Finally Olympus has come up with a product that can take on the likes of the Canon EOS 350D, Nikon D50 and Pentax *ist DL. The E-500, launched at the end of last year, is a conventionally-styled lightweight and relatively compact D-SLR which offers all the advantages of the 4/3 system at a price of just £549 including a 14-45mm standard zoom lens. With 8MP performance and a wide range of manual and creative options available, it is aimed squarely at the amateur/hobbyist end of the market.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Olympus E-500 Review
Latest Prices / User Reviews
PMA 2006: The Canon EOS 30D is announced today. Improvements over the 20D include a 2.5 inch LCD, spot metering, Picture Style pre-sets and a few other minor tweaks. The Canon 30D will be available from March 2006, priced at body only £1099.99 / €1599.99, plus EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (non USM) lens £1179.99 / €1749.99.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon upgrades best selling EOS 20D
Canon is pleased to announce the new EOS 30D, replacing the award winning EOS 20D. Retaining the 5fps, 8.2 Megapixel performance of its predecessor, the upgraded camera enjoys a larger, wider viewing angle 2.5” LCD, extended 100,000 shutter cycle durability, spot metering, and a variety of refinements designed to enhance the photographic experience. Targeted at an increasingly discerning population of serious creative photographers, the Canon 30D replaces a camera that already claims a significant share of the Western Europe D-SLR market, which grew by 120% in the past 12 months. “A rapidly expanding population of serious and semi-commercial creative photographers is helping drive EOS growth,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “As well as putting many high-end pro features into their hands, the EOS 30D becomes a launching pad into the world’s most comprehensive interchangeable lens system and huge range of flash units and accessories.”
PMA 2006: The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is announced today. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available from June 2006, priced at £869.99 / €1259.99.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon’s new constant aperture EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens; a great low-light performer
Canon today strengthens its EF-S lens series with the launch of the Image Stabilised wide angle EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. With image quality and construction approaching that of Canon’s renowned professional lenses, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM becomes the fastest standard focal length zoom for EF–S mount cameras such as the new EOS 30D. Combining constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range with Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser, it delivers outstanding wide angle performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions. Specialist optics such as UD glass and aspherical elements help deliver exceptional clarity, sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy.
PMA 2006: The Canon PIXMA Pro9500 and Canon PIXMA Pro9000 A3+ professional printers are announced today. The pigment based PIXMA Pro9500 and dye based PIXMA Pro9000 will be available from Autumn 2006, priced at around £649.00 / €937.00 and £499.00 / €720.00 respectively.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon launches professional quality PIXMA Pro series; PIXMA Pro9500 and PIXMA Pro9000
Canon is pleased to announce the launch of the PIXMA Pro9500 and Pro9000 for professional photographers. A new series of A3+ professional-quality inkjet printers, PIXMA Pro offers users a choice: the Pro9500, using a 10-colour ink system featuring new formulation “Lucia” pigment ink, meets the most exacting commercial photographic requirements and delivers high quality, durable colour and monochrome output. The Pro9000 employs 8-colour dye inks and is suitable for general printing, especially high quality gloss photographs. PIXMA Pro printers leverage core Canon technologies – including FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print heads – and benefit from the company’s experience in both consumer and professional print and capture markets. As a professional-quality range, new PIXMA Pro complements Canon’s EOS series of D-SLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras and broadens the PIXMA line up.
Canon have announced their 6th straight year of record earnings, posting a profit 384.1 billion yen ($3.3 billion; euro2.7 billion) for 2005 on the back of strong digital camera sales and cost-cutting. ABCNews also reports that Canon is set to expand its business into flat-panel TVs, in partnership with Toshiba, using a new technology called SEDs, or surface-conduction electron-emitter displays.
Website: ABCNews - Digital Camera Sales Lifts Canon’s Profit
Canon Press Release
TOKYO, January 19, 2006 — Canon Inc. today announced the achievement of a new lens-production milestone as production of the company’s EF lenses passed the 30-million mark.
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) SLR cameras began in 1987 at the company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Canon produced its 10-millionth EF lens in August 1995, its 20-millionth in February 2001 and, a mere five years later, has now reached the 30-million plateau. This achievement reflects users’ high level of satisfaction with the performance and quality realized by EF lenses, as well as the service offered through Canon’s marketing operations.
Adobe have officially released Camera Raw 3.3 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the following cameras has been added in this update.
Canon EOS 5D, Canon EOS 1D Mark II N, Canon EOS 20Da
Kodak EasyShare P850, Kodak EasyShare P880
Fujifilm FinePix E900, Fujifilm FinePix S5200/5600, Fujifilm FinePix S9000/9500
Mamiya ZD
Nikon D200
Olympus E-500, Olympus SP-310, Olympus SP-350, Olympus SP-500UZ
Pentax *ist DL, Pentax *ist DS2
Sony DSC-R1
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.3 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.3 (Mac)
ACD Systems Press Release
The wait is over for the fastest end-to-end photo management solution for professional photographers
VICTORIA, British Columbia – Jan. 11, 2006 – ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), today began shipping ACDSee™ Pro Photo Manager, the highly anticipated advanced version of its award-winning ACDSee photo management software. Developed for professional photographers, ACDSee Pro lets photographers view, process, edit, catalog, publish and archive their photographs with unparalleled speed and ease of use. Led by fast RAW file viewing and batch processing, ACDSee Pro’s feature set is designed to increase productivity with its wealth of professional photo management and customizable workflow tools.
Microsoft Press Release
Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer for Windows XP Version 1.0 (Build 50)
The Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer provides the ability to view, organize, and print photos captured in RAW image formats from supported Canon and Nikon digital cameras.
The updated version of the software adds support for the Canon EOS 5D, Nikon D50, and other recent camera models from Canon and Nikon (see list of new supported camera models below). In addition, a new Save As button has been added to the toolbar, allowing users to conveniently save either an embedded preview or processed RAW image to disk as a JPEG or TIFF file.
Phase One Press Release
Capture One 3.7.3 has been released on December 12, 2005.
Amongst the highlights in this release are:
Support for new cameras
The DB and PRO versions of Capture One will include support for the brand new Phase One Digital Backs P 30 and P 45, featuring 31 and 39 mega pixels respectively.
The PRO and LE versions of Capture One will now also support the cameras listed below:
• Canon EOS 5D
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II N
• Konica Minolta Alpha / Dynax / Maxxum 5D
• Olympus E-500 EVOLT
• Leica Digital Module R for R8 and R9 cameras
• Beta support for Nikon D200 pre-production models
A new Beta version of Adobe Camera Raw has been released by Adobe for both Windows and MAC platforms.
Support for the following cameras has been added in this update.
• Canon EOS 5D
• Canon EOS 1D Mark II N
• Olympus E-500
• Olympus SP-310
• Olympus SP-350
• Olympus SP-500UZ
• Pentax *ist DL
• Pentax *ist DS2
• Sony DSC-R1
Website: Adobe Camera RAW 3.3 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera RAW 3.3 (MAC)
Digital Secrets Press Release
Drawing on the twin facts that every camera model is unique and every photographer has his or her individual levels of expertise, the DSLR series of premium eBooks is growing. Professionals and advanced enthusiast photographers will appreciate the depth and sharply focused insights these eBooks bring. All of the titles are the modern outgrowth of the most highly acclaimed camera eBooks in all of digital photography.
Authors iNova and Steinmueller introduce the fourth in the DSLR eBook shelf of interactive digital photography titles, completing the series on the Canon affordable digital single lens reflex cameras. The eBook series is read on both Windows and Macintosh computers with equal ease. Although each title concentrates on the unique features of a specific model of camera, the whole eBook covers the science, technology, art and creative aspects of digital photography as applied to that particular camera. Interactive features achieve demonstration, illustration and hyperlink functions from elements embedded right in the text and images.
You can learn more about all of these eBooks while saving $6.50 on all forms of shipping (making US delivery free) here: DSLR eBooks
The Canon Digital IXUS WIRELESS is announced today. The Canon IXUS WIRELESS features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter. A 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, 2 inch LCD display and 14 shooting modes complete the specification. The Digital IXUS WIRELESS will be available from January 2006 for £399.00 / €599.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
When Canon launched its first IXUS camera the result was instantaneous; the name became synonymous with style, elegance and class leading technology. Now, Canon strengthens IXUS’ iconic status with the launch of its first wireless enabled digital compact camera – the Digital IXUS WIRELESS.
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its first wireless digital compact camera, the Digital IXUS WIRELESS. Bringing IXUS style and performance to the wireless age, the camera’s Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) support offers users a new level of flexibility and convenience in digital photography. The Digital IXUS WIRELESS supports several innovative features, including automatic wireless image transfer and wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC. It comes supplied with the Wireless Printer Adapter (WA-1E) for out-of-the-box wireless direct printing to PictBridge compatible printer.
The Canon EOS 5D is announced. The Canon 5D is a 12.8 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera. The 5D uses the Digic II processor and features a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The BG-E4 is a new battery grip designed especially for the EOS 5D. The Canon EOS 5D will be available from October 2005 for £2539.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €3699.99 RRP inc VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon’s full frame, compact EOS 5D defines new D-SLR category
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 12.8 Megapixel EOS 5D, creating a new D-SLR category combining a full frame CMOS sensor with a lightweight, compact magnesium alloy body. Weighing just 810 grams, it features a second generation 35.8 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor, 3 frame per second, 60 Large JPEG frame burst and 0.2 second start up time operation.
“The discreet full frame EOS 5D is the camera many photojournalists and agencies have been asking us for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “It will be an indispensable piece of equipment for a wide range of professionals – from contemporary wedding to reportage photographers.”
Marking five years since Canon’s first CMOS image sensor appeared in the EOS D30, the release represents Canon’s fifth new CMOS sensor to be released since April 2004. “CMOS sensors are a critical technology advantage driving Canon’s rapid digital SLR development,” remarked Jensen.
The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N digital SLR camera is announced. The EOS 1D Mark II N is an upgrade of the EOS-1D Mark II, principally offering a larger frame burst on both JPEG and RAW mode and increasing the size of the LCD monitor to 2.5 inches. Dual CF and SD memory card slots are provided on the Canon EOS 1D Mark II Nfor separate RAW and JPEG recording. The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N will be available from September 2005 for £3049.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €4399.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Professional requirements drive Canon’s new EOS-1D Mark II N
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EOS-1D Mark II N: an upgrade of the award winning EOS-1D Mark II. Still featuring 8.2 Megapixel performance at 8.5 frames per second, the upgraded camera has a higher performance buffer to deliver a 48 frame burst in JPEG and 22 frame burst in RAW. LCD monitor size increases from 2.0” to a 2.5”, and dual CF and SD memory card slots provide for separate RAW and JPEG recording. Colour Matrix and parameter settings are replaced with Canon’s new Picture Style – six pre-sets that simplify in-camera control over image optimisation and processing.
“The EOS-1D Mark II took photojournalism and sports photography by storm and was chosen by more than 70% of professional photographers at the 2004 Athens Olympics, ” reported Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Taking feedback from the professionals as their guide, Canon’s engineers have made a great camera even better.”
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is announced. The Canon 70-300mm lens features Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabilisation system and replaces the existing EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens will be available from October 2005 priced £469.00 RRP inc VAT/ €679.99 RRP inc VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon’s new telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabiliser – the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM zoom lens. Featuring the latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser (IS) for outstanding camera shake reduction, the lens is also equipped with super responsive auto focus. Replacing the popular EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world’s first interchangeable lens with IS, the lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.
Extensis Press Release
Free update includes added RAW camera support, plus Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Adobe Creative Suite 2 compatibility.
Wednesday 6th July, 2005 — Extensis, a division of Celartem, Inc., today released a free update to Portfolio 7 – the leading Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution for creative professionals – for both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Portfolio 7.0.6 provides compatibility updates for Adobe’s Creative Suite 2 and Apple’s Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger). Additionally, Extensis has added support for 14 new camera formats on both Mac and Windows versions of Portfolio. Registered owners of Portfolio 7 are eligible to receive the free upgrades immediately through the Extensis website at http://www.extensis.com/portfolio
Canon USA Press Release
“CASH IN WITH CANON” REBATE PROGRAM RETURNS WITH AN ARRAY OF REBATES
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 15, 2005 — Baseball season, picnics, family gatherings and other outdoor activities are in full swing. Canon U.S.A. helps make it easy and affordable to capture and share memories of important activities and events with a digital camera system through “Cash In With Canon” Rebate Program from April 15 — July 15, 2005.
Canon is offering mail-in rebates from $10 to $500 on select products, including the professional EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D and a variety of EF lenses. Additionally, Canon is offering mail-in rebates on select EX-series Speedlites and IS (Image Stabilizer) Binoculars.
“The Cash in With Canon Rebate Program makes the speed and precision of SLR photography even more affordable to consumers,” stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “We feel that this type of rebate program expands the variety of photographic possibilities for photographers while keeping their experiences affordable.”
The PMA Show 2005 was held last week in Orlando, Florida. PhotographyBLOG was there for an entire week to cover the show, attend various press events and go on the rides at the Universal Studios “Islands of Adventure” theme park (I can’t work all the time you know…). All in all the Show was a quiet, understated affair compared to previous years, with the general concensus being this was a year of consolidation in the industry, rather than innovation. There were still a lot of new products introduced, however, so here is my personal roundup of the hits, misses and maybes.
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is announced. The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro is equivalent to the popular EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM when used on the EOS 20D, EOS 300D and the new EOS 350D digtal SLR cameras. The EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens will be available from March 2005 for £349.99.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon launches the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens – New for Canon D-SLRs
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens. Targeted at advanced and creative D-SLR photographers, the lens exclusively fits those digital EOS cameras with an APS-C size sensor and an EF-S lens mount - the EOS 20D, EOS 300D and the new EOS 350D. Featuring a true 1:1 macro magnification ratio, the lens has a focal length equivalent of 96mm in the 35mm format. This very closely matches the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon’s most popular single focal length lens.
Canon EOS 350D is announced today. The EOS 350D (called the EOS Digital Rebel XT in the USA) is an updated version of the popular Canon EOS 300D DSLR. The EOS 350D Digital features a new APS-C size 8 Megapixel CMOS sensor. The Canon EOS 350D is powered by the same DIGIC II image processor found in Canon’s professional series D-SLR cameras. The EOS 350D features 3 frames per second, 14 frame burst operation, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, simultaneous RAW and Large JPEG writing and 0.2 second start up time. The Canon EOS 350D will cost £749.99 and be available in March.
Canon UK Press Release
Introducing the new EOS 350D - Canon upgrades world’s best selling Digital SLR
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the upgrade to its hugely popular EOS 300D Digital SLR - the 8.0 Megapixel, 3 frame per second EOS 350D. The launch completes a refresh of the entire Digital EOS line-up and confirms Canon’s commitment to Digital SLR research and development.
DIWA member website Steves Digicams have posted their review of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
“How do you improve on what was widely regarded as the best studio/commercial dSLR available, the EOS 1Ds? The was the challenge faced by Canon’s engineers, and they responded with the 1Ds Mark II. The most touted improvement is the Mark II’s 50% increase in resolution, from 11.1-megapxels to 16.7-megapixels; it produces whopping full frame images of 4992 x 3328 pixels compared to the 1Ds 4064 x 2704. In addition to resolution, the Mark II offers improved responsiveness and a greater range of sensitivity.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
Write a Review of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
Photo-i have concluded their interactive review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR.
“Would I buy one? Yes, without a second thought (I can explain to my wife later – a bunch of roses helps). It’s expensive and there is nothing else that competes with it on the market. It is absolutely superb. Just in case anyone is wondering why I put price as both a Pro and Con. The pro reason is that you would hate an Editor or Art director to turn up on an assignment and say I have one of those, the chances are they won’t at this price. The cons are, £5000 is a lot of money to spend on a camera without lens. But then again if I were a mini-cab driver I guess I wouldn’t bat an eye-lid at spending £10,000 to £15,000 on a new car (I’m glad I am not a cab driver really)”
Website: Photo-i - Canon 1D Mark II Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon 1Ds Mark II
Write a Review of the Canon 1Ds Mark II
Photo-i have started an interactive review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR.
“The Canon EOS 1Ds Mk II is a full frame 36 x 24mm (35mm film full frame) digital camera, with a 16.70 megapixel CMOS sensor. This will produce a 47.5mb file, a good selling point for professional users and the seriously rich hobbyist. For the editorial, stock and commercial photographer this may be the only camera a photographer will ever need. At just over £5000 it has to deliver a lot of quality, so does this camera live up to expectations? Read on and find out.”
Website: Photo-i - Canon 1D Mark II Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon 1Ds Mark II
Write a Review of the Canon 1Ds Mark II
Canon USA Press Release 01/11/04
AMERICA’S BEST SELLING DIGITAL SLR GETS A LIMITED EDITION MAKEOVER
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel SLR Returns for a Second Round with a Sleek Black Body
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2004-Canon’s EOS Digital Rebel, the camera that put the excitement of SLR digital photography into the hands of consumers, will now be available for a limited time in a new black body. The black edition of the Digital Rebel digital SLR will be available at Canon U.S.A. authorized dealers and will sell with the digitally enhanced EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens kit for $999*.
“When we introduced the Digital Rebel, we were excited to put the fun and excitement of SLR photography into the hands of consumers at an affordable price,” stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A. “The new black body will appeal to even more people with a more professional and fresh new look and easy-to-use advanced functions at an affordable price point.”
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 300D
Canon USA Press Release 01/11/04
COMPLETE THE PLAY FOR GREAT IMAGES WITH CANON’S CONNECT AND SCORE REBATE PROMOTION
Consumers Can Score A Visa Gift Card Worth Up To $100 In Value When They Purchase Select Canon Digital Cameras or Camcorders with the Select Photo Printer
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2004 - At the Super Bowl or high school playoffs, catching the photo of the game winning touchdown is a moment that deserves a fine print to share with friends and family. This football season consumers can connect their favorite Canon digital cameras or MiniDV camcorders to Canon’s popular photo printers, and score great photographs while qualifying for valuable rebates up to $100.
Canon, an official sponsor of the NFL is the only manufacturer that can supply a complete digital imaging solution that includes digital SLR, digital compact cameras, camcorders and photo printers. Canon is supporting this consumer promotion with an NFL themed advertising campaign that features five-second spots added to Canon’s existing television advertising as well as one-quarter page ads featuring the Connect and Score promotion.
Canon UK Press release 21/09/04
Introducing the EOS-1Ds Mark II - Canon’s new 16.7 Megapixel Digital SLR extends studio photographer’s options
Canon, world leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new flagship camera: the 35mm full-frame 16.7 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. The camera is expected to appeal to professional studio and commercial photographers.
Featuring a full-frame 36 x 24mm 16.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II produces images with outstanding colour rendition and dynamic range. It has sufficient resolution to produce files which convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24 bit colour depth, now considered standard acceptable size by leading international photo agencies and stock libraries.
Replacing the award winning 11.1 Megapixel EOS-1Ds, the camera is powered by Canon’s second generation DIGIC II image processor and is capable of firing at 4 fps for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG, or 11 frames in RAW. An optional wireless adaptor (WFT-E1 - also released today) delivers high speed IEEE802.11b/g wireless LAN and 100 Megabit per second wired LAN support.
Besides the inherent advantages of digital, such as immediate turn-around and elimination of film costs, it is the flexibility of the EOS 35mm SLR format which Canon expects to appeal to many studio photographers. For the first time, medium format image quality combines with access to the world?s most extensive range of professional lenses, spanning from 14mm to 1200mm.
“The EOS-1Ds Mark II is a tremendous achievement, it represents the pinnacle of Canon?s digital camera technology,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With its resolution, image quality, immediacy of wireless and the power and flexibility of SLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II offers the first real digital alternative to medium format, which has so far been the choice for mainstream commercial studio and location work.”
The EOS-1Ds MKII will be available from November 2004 for £5999.99 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 8699.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04
Canon wins two EISA awards for Professional Camera and Photo Printer of the Year
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has received two prizes at this year’s prestigious European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) awards: the EOS-1D Mark II was named European Professional Camera of the Year 2004?2005 and the Bubble Jet i9950 was awarded European Photo Printer of the Year 2004?2005. “At Canon we are passionate about photography, so we are delighted and honoured to receive these two prestigious EISA awards,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The awards cement our commitment to Canon customers and reinforce our dedication to continuously innovating in both digital photography and photo printing technology.”
Canon USA Press Release 12/08/04
CANON RECEIVES 2004 INSIGHT AWARD FOR MOST INNOVATIVE CMOS IMAGE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
Canon EOS 10D Recognized as One of the First High-End Digital SLR Cameras To Take Advantage of the Innovative CMOS Technology
Lake Success, N.Y., August 12, 2004 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), today announced that it has received Semiconductor Insights’s 2004 INSIGHT Award for Most Innovative CMOS Image Sensor Technology.
Semiconductor Insights (SI), the leader in technical and patent analyses of integrated circuits and structures, analyzes hundreds of devices each year from the world’s most innovative companies. Through its INSIGHT Awards program, SI recognizes devices or technologies that change the performance/cost equation of their respective segments with a new design or process innovation. For the awards program, SI tested the CMOS Image Sensor Technology built into the Canon EOS 10D, one of the first high-end SLRs to use a CMOS image sensor.
“Our analysis confirmed that Canon has achieved the sensitivity and shutter speed of a CCD technology in a low cost CMOS process. As well, Canon’s CMOS process delivers a distinct power advantage over competitive CCD plays,” said Lluis Paris, director of TECHinsights for Semiconductor Insights. “The result is an affordable and high quality SLR.”
Canon UK Press Release 16/06/04
Canon wins four TIPA awards for best photographic and imaging products of 2004
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has received four Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) awards for the following products:
“Best D-SLR Professional Camera 2004” - EOS-1D Mark II
“Breakthrough Award 2004” - EOS 300D
“Best 35mm SLR Camera 2004” for the - EOS 30V Date / 33V
“Best Technology 2004” - DVK-E2 Data Verification Kit software
DO Labs Press Release 11/05/04
DO LABS RELEASES DXO OPTICS PRO SOFTWARE THROUGH E-STORE OPENING MAY 24TH
Breakthrough software application for serious photographers boosts image quality of digital cameras and lenses
Paris, France (May 11, 2004) - DO Labs, a software company focused on applied mathematics for image enhancement, announces the availability of DxO Optics Pro - its revolutionary software solution for dramatically improving digital image quality.
Designed for use by professional and discerning amateur photographers, DxO Optics Pro software delivers genuine and perceptible quality improvements by automatically correcting images for the following major optical faults:
- Distortion
- Vignetting*
- Blur (lack of sharpness)
- Lateral chromatic aberration
The modular design of DxO Optics Pro allows photographers to maximize performance of their existing and future equipment. In particular, DxO Optics Pro optimizes image quality when shooting conditions are difficult: wide aperture, extreme focal lengths on zooms, lowlight, image edges, wide format sensors, etc? Traditional compromises no longer apply with DxO Optics Pro, photographers can now take full advantage of the possibilities their expensive digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and lenses offer.
Luminous Landscape have posted a comparison of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II, and the new 8 megapixel prosumer digicam, the Powershot Pro. Is there really a $3,500+ difference in image quality?
“Here’s where things get interesting. On 10 X 15” prints on A3 paper the difference (meaning the Mark II’s resolution advantage) is still visible, but it is small. Experienced eyes can see it, but the lay person can’t. Show the prints together to a non-photographer and the question asked will be - “What differences am I looking for? The prints look very much the same.” Show them to a knowledgeable and fussy photographer and after a few moments of looking back and forth you hear - “Sure, this one (the Mark II) shows a bit better resolution, but wow, I’m surprised at how little the difference is.” And as for the slight shadow noise on the Pro1 image, it simply can’t be seen in a print, even at A3 size.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon’s Two 8 Megapixel Alternatives
Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04
Canon releases new range, celebrates 30 IXUS models
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of three new Digital IXUS cameras. This takes to a total of 30 the number of IXUS models released since 1996.
The range release includes a new flagship of the Digital IXUS fleet, the 5.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 500. The 4.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 430 replaces the previous top of the line Digital IXUS 400, while the 3.2 Megapixel Digital IXUS IIs takes over from the popular Digital IXUS II.
Launched to popular and critical acclaim in May 1996, the original stainless steel IXUS APS camera triggered an avalanche success. Canon has stuck with IXUS ever since, never straying from the IXUS philosophy of simplicity and beauty that feels great in the hands. Released in May 2000, the first Digital IXUS marked the beginning of a string of successes for Canon in the style-conscious digital compact segment.
“This new range celebrates eight stylish IXUS years,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Unmistakably IXUS, these new cameras bring together uncompromising build quality and an abundance of relevant technologies in a triumph of miniaturisation and design”.
Canon Press Release 29/01/04
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29th January, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, sets new standards in professional photography with the announcement of the EOS 1D Mark II. Combining formidable speed and exceptional resolution, the EOS 1D Mark II delivers approx. 8.5 frames per second at 8.2 Megapixels, taking over from Canon’s EOS-1D as the most powerful D-SLR camera in the world.
Canon has integrated three new technologies to deliver the EOS 1D Mark II’s high-speed / high-resolution combination: Canon’s next generation DIGIC II processor, a new CMOS sensor, and a new extra large buffer system. These technologies work in concert to deliver 40 frame bursts at 8.5 fps in JPEG, or 20 frame bursts in RAW mode. This high level of performance can be achieved in either Single Shot AF or AI Servo AF mode.
“With commanding speed and phenomenal image quality, the EOS 1D Mark II sets a new performance benchmark for sports and news photographers,” says Mr. Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “With nearly double the resolution of the EOS-1D, the EOS 1D Mark II also opens the digital SLR realm to the areas of fashion, nature and event photography”.
PhotographyBLOG reader Sean McCormick is one of the first people in the world to own a shiny new Canon EOS 300D, and to mark the occasion he has allowed me to publish his initial impressions…
“My 300D just arrived and I let the battery charge halfway before starting to play with it. Here are my first impressions in no particular order:
1. It feels “good” to hold. The grip is just the right size and I love that they thought out a place to put your thumb on the back. The camera itself feels very rugged, despite the carping I’ve read about the plastic body.
2. The controls are all very easy for me to access. I think I could get used to manipulating them without having to look at them, as I do with my DiMAGE 7. I was able to figure out 90% of them without having to refer to the manual, including the menu system.
3. The LCD display on this thing is top notch, and fairly visible in bright light.
4. The metering at default settings in this camera is *very good*. I played around with some high contrast situations and the camera’s chosen setting were practically identical to what I came up with taking an incident reading on my Sekonic L-508 exposure meter. The camera does tend to overexpose slightly and I’ll dial it down to compensate when using the built-in meter.
5. Picture quality at 800 ISO and 1600 ISO is bloody amazing, at least for those of us who have spent the last two years using a Minolta DiMAGE 7. The idea of a digital camera that turns out high quality images above 200 ISO just boggles my mind.
6. The autofocus on this thing is *fast*. Keep in mind that I’m used to a Minolta Maxxum 7000 and a Minolta DiMAGE 7. Those of you with Nikon F4s may hate it.
7. The diopter is useless for near sighted people. Guess I’m going to have to get contacts.
8. The basic kit includes the camera body, 18-55 mm lens, battery and charger, cheapie camera strap, manuals, video/USB cables, and software. The camera doesn’t come with a case, which is disappointing. The strap has already been thrown into my “cheap crap that I’ll never look at again” drawer.
That’s it so far. I’ll have some sample images up next week. So far I’m pretty blown away by the quality of camera and lens I’ve gotten for the money I paid.”
Brace yourselves for the news that all Olympus and Pentax film SLR owners have been waiting for (and plenty of other people too!). Both companies yesterday confirmed the prices for their new DSLRs, the Olympus E-1 and Pentax *ist D. So without any further ado, here are those prices…
Olympus E-1 Prices
- E-1 digital camera ?1,408.83 including VAT
[Including battery, charger, cable and strap]
- E-1 digital camera kit ?1,820.08 including VAT
[ Including 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 lens, battery, charger, cable and strap]
Lenses including VAT
- EZ-1454 Digital Lens 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 [including lens hood and case] ?495.85
- EM-P5020 Digital Lens ED 50mm F2 Macro [including lens hood and case] ?390.10
- EZ-5020 Digital Lens ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 [including lens hood and case] ?779.03
- ET-P3028 Digital Lens ED 300mm F2.8 [including lens hood and case] ?5,318.05
- EC-14 Tele Converter x 1.4 [for 14-54, 50-200 and 300mm] ?353.68
- EX-25 Extension Tube 25mm ?105.75
Pentax *ist D Prices
- Pentax *ist D camera body ?1400 including VAT
- Pentax *ist D camera body with smc 18-35mm f/4-5.6 FA AL J lens ?1529.99
- Pentax *ist D camera body with smc 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 FA AL J lens ?1499.99
- Pentax *ist D camera body with smc 20-35mm f/4 FA AL lens ?1899.99
- Pentax *ist D camera body with smc 24-90mm f/3.5-4.5 FA AL lens ?1799.99
Now in my humble opinion, these prices seem a little high when you consider that the Canon EOS 10D retails for around ?1150-300 body only. And lets not even mention the sub-?1000 EOS 300D! It will be very interesting to see how many E-1s and *ist Ds Olympus and Pentax sell at their recommend retail price; how soon will it be before prices become more competitive? This is less of a problem for the E-1, as it’s a whole new camera system aimed at the advanced amateur/professional photographer, but the Pentax *ist D is aimed at a similar market to the EOS 300D, and there’s currently a whopping ?500 price difference between the two cameras (body-only).
Ian Burley at DP-Now.com has just posted an excellent First Look at the Canon EOS 300D, featuring 27 photographs from yesterday’s launch event in London. The 5th photo features a graph, not the most interesting subject you might think, but it shows Canon’s market forecast for DSLR’s:
“Canon sold 72,000 digital SLRs in Europe during the whole of 2002, but EOS-300D manufacturing for the worldwide market is already set at 70,000 units a month. By 2005 Canon expects to have at least a 50% market share of the DSLR market in Europe. That market will be 10x greater than 2002 in volume terms, predicts Canon.”
Scary stuff, especially for Nikon, Olympus and the other major players!
Website: DP-Now - Canon EOS-300D First Look
Ian has also updated his Canon EOS 300D report with links to some sample images taken with a pre-production camera, taken by Kai Thon, at the Norwegian site www.digit.no. The images show the ISO range of the 300D, with the same image taken at ISO 100, 200, 400, 600 and 1600.
Website: DP-Now - Canon EOS-300D Report
Here is the full un-edited Canon EOS 300D Press Release from Canon Europe:
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, August 20, 2003. - Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today launches the EOS 300D 6.3 Megapixel digital SLR. The availability in the market of an affordable consumer digital SLR is expected to greatly accelerate the speed of adoption by consumers.
?Canon expects 400-500% growth in the digital SLR segment from 2002 to 2003 in terms of shipping volume[1],? says Hiroshi Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. ?The EOS 300D will play a key strategic role in this growth. By dropping the price so significantly, Canon is very deliberately putting high performance EOS digital technology into the hands of the consumer at a time of accelerating demand for high performance digital cameras?.
The EOS 300D bundles proven high performance technologies (such as seven-point, high-speed predictive auto focus, 2.5 frame per second burst rate, 35-zone metering and DIGIC image processor) into a camera affordable to everybody.
Canon has declared the EOS 300D to be the single most important consumer SLR since the AE-1 in 1976. Just as the AE-1 triggered an SLR revolution by being the world?s first camera with an embedded microcomputer, Canon believes the EOS 300D will be seen as the point in history when the SLR market shifted irrevocably to digital.
Precision optics, unrivalled sensor quality
At the front end of the EOS 300D is the lens system and digital sensor. Film EOS users considering the move to digital will be pleased to learn the EOS 300D works seamlessly with any of Canon?s renowned EF lenses, of which there are currently more than 60.
An APS-C sized sensor gives the camera a 1.6x magnification over 35mm film format. In order to furnish EOS 300D customers with the equivalent 28-90mm zoom range so popular with 35mm film EOS users, a new EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens [2] has been specially developed. This lens takes advantage of the compact sensor size, employing a ?short back focus system? which mounts the lens closer to the sensor than previous models. This provides high-quality images in a remarkably low-weight, short-length lens.
The 6.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor is almost identical to that found in the award-winning EOS 10D which remains the benchmark for image quality. ISO speeds of 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 are selectable, giving film users a film speed range with which they will be comfortable.
Print straight from the camera
The EOS 300D is the first digital EOS camera to support the vendor-independant PictBridge print standard from launch date. Lab-quality prints can now be produced without the need for a computer by directly connecting the EOS 300D to compatible photo printers via standard USB cable. A large 1.8? LCD is used to select and review photographs to be printed and set print variables.
Fast image processing with superb results
Underpinning the camera?s technical superiority is Canon?s high-speed DIGIC (Digital Image Core) processor. In the days of film, image processing was the role of film companies and mini-labs. With digital, the critical role of image processing must be handled by the camera. Complex algorithms required to accurately process functions such as white balance and color rendition are integrated into the DIGIC processor, resulting in highquality images with no trade-off in camera responsiveness. ?A great digital image requires both quality raw ingredients and quality processing? says Komatsuzaki. ?Superior lens and sensor technologies ensure the best raw ingredients. It is what DIGIC does with these that gives the EOS 300D the edge?.
Wide area, high speed focusing
7 selectable focusing points give an ultra wide AF area generally only found in advanced SLRs. Focusing modes include One-Shot AF (for fast, accurate single-shot focusing), and AI AF which can automatically switch to AI servo AF for continuous tracking of subject movement ? well suited to sports photography. A Manual Focus override is selectable from the lens.
High-end exposure control
The EOS 300D boasts 35 zone TTL metering, essentially covering the full frame. Three metering modes (evaluative, partial, and centre weighted average) assure balanced exposures in every situation. Along with the full range of automated and manual shooting modes expected in a high-end SLR, the EOS 300D features Programmed Image Control modes such as Night Portrait, Sports, Close-up, Landscape, Portrait and Flash OFF. A built-in automatic flash pops up nearly 90mm above the optical axis to lessen the chance of red-eye for better flash photos.
Shooting adaptability
The EOS 300D is superbly specified to deliver outstanding results in virtually any shooting situation. The camera has a shutter speed range of 1/4000 ? 30 seconds, bulb and high speed x-sync at 1/200s. Simultaneous recording to both RAW and JPEG (middle/fine) formats is possible, while 2GB and higher CompactFlash cards, Types I and II, are supported. Optional wired or infra-red wireless remote control is available. Adobe RGB has been added to the standard sRGB colour space. There are seven Auto White Balance settings (such as cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, etc.) plus custom White Balance and +/- 3 stop White Balance Bracketing (WB-BKT).
Comprehensive accessories, software and online access
The EOS 300D comes complete with battery pack, charger, USB cable, video cable, wide embroidered anti-slip neck strap. Purchase of the EOS 300D entitles customers to membership of the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY [3] web portal for a 100 MB online photo album for image uploads. A full software suite is included for handling image file transfers between camera and computer, managing and printing files, and preview and conversion of RAW image files. PhotoStitch is included for seamless merging of panorama shots.
Mr. Mitarai?s (President and CEO of Canon Inc.) announcement can be viewed after 14:00 CET on August 20th at the following link: http://www.canon.com/press_movies/speech0802.asx
[1] Source: JEITA data with Canon forecast
[2] The lens will not be sold separately and will only be available with the purchase of the EOS 300D
[3] May not be available in all regions
In this interview, given just days before the launch of the EOS 300D, Alessandro Stanzani talks about the EOS 300D, its role in changing the face of photography and Canon?s passion for the SLR.
Why is Canon suddenly placing so much emphasis on SLRs?
SLR is Canon?s heritage. EOS is our heart; SLR is our story. We are number one in SLRs around the world. In Europe we have a 40% share of the SLR market. And the future of SLR is digital. As leader, our mission is to be at the vanguard of the global shift to digital. Already most major news agencies are specifying the professional series EOS 1D for their photographers. The EOS 300D is the best proof Canon can give to the market that the age of digital SLR has arrived.
What is so important about the EOS 300D?
Canon is also the world leader in photography. The EOS 300D carries this leadership forward by making available, for the very first time, high-end digital SLR technology at an affordable price. History will remember the launch of the EOS 300D as the point in time when the imaging market shifted irrevocably from analogue to digital.
What are Canon?s expectations for digital SLR growth?
Canon anticipates the market for digital SLRs to grow between 400% and 500% in 2003, over 2002. This market will increase 10 times from 2002 to 2005. Canon expects to have a 50% share of this market.
Canon has said this is the most significant camera since the AE1. How so?
The AE-1 was the world?s first camera with an embedded microcomputer. But what did that mean? There were other cameras available at the time capable of doing what the AE-1 could do. The critical point of this development was that it allowed for the production of a low-cost camera with high-end features. This sparked an SLR revolution. There are hundreds of thousands of people across Europe waiting for an affordable digital SLR. Either they are using film SLR, or they understand the benefits of SLR photography. Maybe they remember the AE1. Until today their only chance of digital SLR ownership has been to purchase a professional or semi-professional camera, which for most people is simply not affordable. The EOS 300D changes all that. It will spark enormous growth, opening up the market not only to keen amateur photographers, but to the masses. The EOS 300D is about to trigger the next SLR revolution.
Why has Canon waited until now to declare that this is the time to convert to digital?
Photography used to be tightly limited. Shoot a roll of film, take it to the photo store and pick up the prints some time later. For 99% of people, this is what photography was. Only professionals and dedicated enthusiasts had the time and resources to truly explore their creativity.
Now we are witnessing a convergence of services, products and technologies that is putting choice and creativity into the hands of consumers. It is not just about digital cameras now having the quality to compete with film. Consumers can produce lab-quality prints at home by connecting their camera directly to affordable, high quality photo-printers. They can use web services ? such as our CiG web portal for Canon customers ? to store and share albums and make online orders for home-delivered prints. And as for dropping off rolls of film to the lab, photographs to be printed can now be left on flash cards or Microdrives and dropped off to an ever-expanding base of digital print retailers.
Alongside that, we are witnessing a huge shift in consumer behaviour. Consumers with digital cameras are taking five times as many photographs as they used to. They are experimenting with software to edit, manipulate and enhance their photographs. They are expressing their imagination. So the digital world is removing the limits to creativity by opening up entirely new possibilities.
The final ingredient in the mix is camera affordability. Sales of digital compacts show they are already at a realistic price point. The EOS 300D price now brings digital SLR into the picture.
Why has Canon chosen to stick with the CMOS sensor?
The Canon CMOS sensor is a complete Canon development and considerable R&D resource has been invested into perfecting it. Awards won by our current product line-up would suggest our efforts have been well directed. Given that it now represents the current image quality benchmark against which other sensors are compared, it makes good sense for us to have chosen CMOS.
Is Canon committed to sticking with CMOS ahead of CCD technology?
Canon?s approach has always been to select the most appropriate technology for the product under consideration. In the case of the EOS 300D, CMOS was chosen simply because it is the most suitable sensor technology to enable us to introduce consumers to digital SLR photography.
What is the difference between the CMOS sensor found in the EOS 10D and the EOS 300D?
The CMOS sensor found in the EOS 300D is similar to that found in the EOS 10D. The manufacturing process is slightly different, but the quality output between the two devices is essentially the same. The three-layer optical low pass filter and IR cut filter are identical to those found on the EOS 10D, where they have proven highly effective.
Why does the EOS 300D have an APS-C sensor instead of full frame?
The APS-C sensor has some advantages, which made it the obvious choice for the EOS 300D. The key has been the possibility to bring professional quality digital SLR photography to the consumer price point of the EOS 300D.
Does Canon have a full-frame consumer digital SLR in the wings?
No. The EOS 1Ds has a 35mm sensor but this is a camera which suits the highly specialised requirements of a very select group of professional photographers. The strategy for Canon is to design cameras to suit our customer?s needs. So what does full frame really mean? With 6.3 million pixels, the EOS 300D sensor has a resolution which, in most situations, would meet the needs of many professional photographers. At the same time, this sensor size has allowed us to meet our design objective of putting high-end technology into the hands of the consumer. From a technical perspective, putting a 35mm sensor into the EOS 300D would, in most cases, give no advantage to our customers. Yet in doing so we would force the price well out of our target range.
Is the EF-S lens the start of a new EF-S series?
The short back focus system of the EOS 300D provided a route for Canon to develop the EF?S 18?55mm - a high performance, low weight, short length, cost effective standard zoom lens for EOS 300D customers. This lens only fits the EOS 300D but, as with all EOS cameras, the EOS 300D fits every lens in the EF range. So when the time comes for EOS 300D customers to consider their next lens, they will share the advantage of every other EOS user by having the whole range of over 60 EF lenses to choose from. This particular EF-S lens is therefore seen as a specialised lens within the EF range. It is the EF range to which we are committed and to which Canon continues to invest substantial development resource.
Canon has recently made a lot of noise about the success of DIGIC. Is the DIGIC processor in the EOS 300D the same as that found in other Canon cameras?
Yes, it is the same chip. The DIGIC processor has a number of functional blocks within it. Different functional blocks are used, depending on what type of camera we are dealing with. For example, the focusing systems between compact cameras and SLRs are fundamentally different. If you look at the digital SLR body, it has a sensor dedicated for focus, a sensor dedicated to exposure metering and then the image sensor, all on different optical paths. A digital compact camera has all those three functions integrated into the main imaging sensor. So given the integral role DIGIC plays in the camera?s image processing, it stands to reason that the way in which DIGIC is used will depend largely on what type of camera is employed.
The market seems intent on using pixel count as a means of measuring a camera?s worth. Is having the highest number of pixels important to Canon?
Pixel count is of course crucial to Canon; it is the parameter on which many users first focus when comparing models. But as numerous specialised and reliable magazines have proved, it is just one of many factors influencing image quality. Lens quality is obviously critical and image processing functions play a crucial role ? hence Canon?s massive investment in lens technologies and DIGIC processors.
Winning the pixel race can have very little to do with building quality cameras that return exceptional images, and customers are beginning to understand this.
What does Canon see as the competition to the EOS 300D?
There is no directly competing digital SLR at this price point for consumers. Competitors for the EOS 300D therefore come from outside its field, either in terms of price or performance. In terms of performance, the EOS 300D is up against digital SLRs that are currently more than twice its price. In terms of price, the EOS 300D offers potential purchasers of digital compact cameras a choice; either digital SLR or advanced digital compact camera.
In an interview you gave in February you predicted that sales of digital still cameras would double this year. How has the market performed against that prediction?
The market continues to be ahead of that projection. Canon expects that the introduction of the EOS 300D will trigger 500% growth in the digital SLR market in 2003, over 2002. The research we now have shows that across the whole array of consumer products, digital cameras are one of the three most desirable products; the other two being DVD players and new generation mobile phones.
In that same interview you predicted that unit sales of digital cameras will outstrip that of analogue. Has that yet happened?
Yes. Shipment of digital cameras has already over-taken that of analogue; in fact this happened at the beginning of 2003. In terms of market value, digital overtook analogue two years ago. The world-wide install base of digital cameras was predicted to overtake that of analogues by 2010 but we now expect this to happen earlier.
Will Canon continue to develop analogue SLR products?
Yes. There will continue to be demand for analogue SLRs and we will continue to develop products to meet that demand. This is clearly the turning point where the market will make a significant shift to digital, but we recognise there is enormous value in continuing to support the analogue market.
A complaint of Canon digital cameras is that Canon is often unable to keep supply up to meet demand. How does Canon intend to meet anticipated demand for the EOS 300D?
Once the market is aware, there is no doubt there will be enormous demand for the EOS 300D, and we have stocked accordingly. What Canon wants to do is shorten the time between availability and market awareness. Waiting for reviews, articles and information to be published can take two or three months. But we want everybody to know right now that this is the product, and this is the price. This is why there is so much focus on the launch.
Olympus has proposed a common lens mount. Does Canon have any plans to join the program?
The Kodak and the Olympus lens mount is a completely new and largely unproven development and as yet there are very few lenses which work with this system. With over 60 proven lenses available to our EOS customers in the EF lens line up, we have no plan to join the common lens mount proposed by Olympus.
As revealed yesterday, Pentax have announced the 5-megapixel Optio 550 and the 4-megapixel Optio 450. Both models host a variety of features including a high resolution 1.5 inch LCD monitor, a movie mode that captures up to ten minutes of video with sound, a voice memo recording mode, a vice memo function, panorama assist, full manual control and a 5X optical zoom (20X combined). As with Nikon’s earlier announcement, there is no sign yet of an imminent DSLR release from Pentax.
Website: Pentax Press Release - Optio 450/550
Pentax have also announced a new film camera, which like Nikon’s F75 is a direct competitor to Canon’s very popular EOS 300. The bizarrely named Pentax *ist (yes, that asterix is part of the name) is supposedly “one of the world?s smallest in the Auto Focus SLR category”. I’m not sure which other cameras’ are smaller, but this doesn’t seem like a great claim to fame from Pentax.
Feature highlights of the *ist include a multi-mode exposure system with an innovative Auto Picture mode and an accessible illumination mode dial, a 16-segment multi-pattern metering system, an 11-point Auto Focus system, a 1/4000-second high-speed shutter, 17 custom functions, a large LCD panel, a multi-data LCD viewfinder indicator, and a retractable auto pop-up flash.
Website: Pentax Press Release - New Film SLR
At a time when the digital race is getting ever faster, it seems a little odd that both Nikon and Pentax have announced new low/mid-end film SLRs. I guess there must still be a big market out there for these kind of cameras. ?200 -?300 is the typical entry-level price-range for most new photographers who are looking for a film camera that’s more sophisticated than a compact. But how many of those people are still considering film? Are they paying more money, say ?500, for a digital camera that offers similar functionality to a typical film SLR, but with all the convenience that digital offers?