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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 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.
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 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 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 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 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...
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 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.
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...
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 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...
Firmware version 1.1.0 for the Canon EOS R5 camera improves temperature detection and video recording time control, no longer disables the overheat control when using an external monitor/recorder, and improves the accuracy of remaining movie recording time display in situations where the camera is frequently turned on and off between recording consecutive, short videos.
The 1.1.0 EOS R5 firmware update is available to download from today, 27 August 2020. The EOS R6 camera will also benefit from these fixes in a future update.
In addition, Canon have announced plans to add extra features to the EOS R5 and the EOS-1D X Mark III via a series of future firmware updates for those models, including the addition of Canon Log 3 and 120fps Full HD recording for the EOS R5.
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.
The Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 are two advanced full frame mirrorless camera additions to the revolutionary EOS R System, built on the future-proof RF Mount.
The pro-level EOS R5 delivers 45 megapixel stills at up to 20fps and is the first full frame mirrorless ever to record 8K RAW up to 29.97fps internally and 4K to 120p.
The EOS R6 is perfect for enthusiasts and professionals moving to mirrorless and looking for greater capabilities, capturing 20.1 megapixel stills at 20fps, 4K video up to 60p and Full HD at up to 120p.
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...
The Nikon D6 is the 2020 update of Nikon's flagship DSLR camera for professional sports, press and nature photographers. Is this the best DSLR that Nikon have ever made? Find out by reading our in-depth Nikon D6 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
In response to a phenomenon that may occur when using the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera, Canon is introducing a future firmware update for the camera. The firmware update is scheduled to be available in early April.
The phenomenon may occur when the camera is being used with the electronic level set to “Show” in the viewfinder display. In rare cases, the camera may not perform as it was designed to when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button.
Canon is committed to listening to our customers and providing firmware updates accordingly. For more information on this future firmware update, please visit: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Future Firmware Update
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.
DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has made local adjustment mask management even more flexible, optimized its Repair Tool, and improved PhotoLibrary keyword support.
It also now supports the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, Nikon D780, Olympus E-M1 Mark III, Leica D-Lux 7 and Leica Q2 cameras.
DxO PhotoLab 3 users can download this update for free.
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.
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.
If you're a professional sports photographer or photojournalist, there have traditionally only been two camera series worth considering, with the latest examples being the Canon EOS 1D X II and the Nikon D5. Two years ago Sony released the Alpha A9, which was specifically designed to take on those two cameras, and now they're back, just in time for the Olympics, with the improved A9 II. Read our review to find out exactly what the new Sony Alpha A9 Mark II offers...
Canon have announced the development of the EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera, the successor to the world-renowned EOS-1D X Mark II.
The Canon 1D X Mark III offers an impressive step change in autofocus, with dramatically improved image quality, video and communications.
Want to see exactly what the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera looks like in the flesh?
Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera.
Delkin have announced a brand new Video Performance Guarantee 130 (VPG-130) version of their 128GB CFast 2.0 memory card. Boasting recording speeds up to 495MB/s, with a minimum sustained write speed of 130MB/s, Delkin's 128GB VPG-130 CFast 2.0 memory card is capable of capturing smooth DCI 4K and Full HD video at high frame rates, as well as 170 full-sized RAW images and unlimited JPEGs at 16fps in the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.
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...
Amazon have knocked a whopping $1000 off the price of the flagship Sony Alpha A9 mirrorless camera.
We commented in our 5-star A9 review: "...the Sony A9's sheer speed makes it a serious rival to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Nikon D5, two well-established cameras that have long dominated the sports/action segment of the professional market. The fact that the A9 out-performs both of those cameras in certain ways is testament to how far Sony have come in a very short space of time."
You can get the special Black Friday price of $3498 for the Sony A9 here.
The new Canon EOS R System, camera and RF lenses will be on display on the Canon stand exclusively at Photokina 2018.
Canon Inc has announced today that the Company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and compact-system cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 15 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2017.
The Sony A7R III is a 42 megapixel camera that can shoot at 10fps with continuous auto-focusing. Yes, you read that right - 42 megapixels at 10fps. Find out why we think this is one of the best cameras available today by reading our full Sony A7R III review, complete with full-size sample images and videos...
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.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is a new flagship compact camera with an APS-C sized sensor. Replacing the G1 X Mark II, the 24 megapixel G1 X Mark III features a new, precision, 3x optical lens, an APS-C sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 4-stop Image Stabilisation, Full HD 60p movies and Canon's premium DIGIC 7 processor.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III will be available from November 2017 for £1149/€1399/$1299.
The Nikon D850 is a brand new 45.7 megapixel full-frame BSI sensor DSLR camera with no optical low pass filter. The D850 also offers 4K video recording, a 3.2-inch tilting LCD touchscreen, 153-point AF system, an optical viewfinder with 0.75x magnification, 7fps burst shooting and 1,840 shot battery life. Read our in-depth Nikon D850 review to find out if this is the best all-round DSLR camera on the market...
The Sony A9 is a lightning-fast full-frame compact system camera that is clearly taking aim at the Nikon and Canon DSLR competition. Is this the best professional action camera on the market? Read our Sony A9 review to find out...
Canon U.S.A. has released two new “Canon See Impossible” videos. Available for viewing now on the Canon U.S.A. website, these two new movies – “See Beyond Darkness” and “See the Light” – showcase the capabilities of Canon imaging technology in extremely low-light conditions. In “See Beyond Darkness,” the impossible assignment for Director of Photography Andy Casagrande was to record images of a rare biofluorescent turtle found only in the remote, unspoiled reefs of the Solomon Islands. The low-light capabilities of Canon’s ME20F-SH Multipurpose Camera and EOS-1D X DSLR camera enabled researchers to capture vivid images without disturbing the natural environment. In “See the Light,” Canon’s technology captured the beauty of bioluminescent creatures under the sea, the grandeur of the extremely difficult-to-photograph Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), and the wonder of the earth from far above it. The technology used by Canon to create these videos takes viewers to seemingly impossible dark places that were previously beyond what the human eye could see and technology could perceive.
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...
Canon have announced that their interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLRs and CSCs) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 14 consecutive years from 2003 to 2016. In 2003, Canon introduced their breakthrough EOS 300D DSLR camera, which was competitively priced and quickly captured the top share of the global market. Canon has continued to launch a range of interchangeable-lens cameras including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. During 2016, Canon released the EOS 80D for advanced amateur users, the EOS-1D X Mark II for professionals, and the 4K-enabled EOS 5D Mark IV (pictured) for video enthusiasts. Additionally, the company’s interchangeable-lens camera lineup was further expanded with the introduction of the high-end EOS M5 compact-system camera in November. This year, the company launched the Canon EOS M6, EOS 77D and EOS 800D models.
Canon is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of its Electro Optical System (EOS), which includes EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras and a diverse range of system accessories. The system debuted in March 1987 with the launch of the EOS 650 SLR camera and EF lenses, making EOS cameras the World’s first to incorporate an electronic mount system, representing a new generation of auto focus SLR cameras. Currently, the EOS system, including the Cinema EOS system, comprises 24 models with a selection of 97 EF lenses. To mark this milestone, Canon is displaying a range of cameras and lenses from the EOS archive on its stand at The Photography Show, including the EOS 650 and the EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM, the world’s longest focal length and largest aperture lens. Visit Canon on stand D141/E131 at The Photography Show from 18th – 21st March at the NEC in Birmingham.
According to Canon U.S.A., an estimated 75 percent of the photographers covering the Big Game between the teams from New England and Atlanta used Canon EOS DSLR cameras and EF lenses in the Houston stadium. “It’s an honor to see yet another major sporting event where the country’s most talented and acclaimed sports photographers captured exciting moments with Canon equipment. These images will be seen by millions of people around the world and will forever be etched in sports history. We understand there are many equipment options for professional photographers and Canon is honoured to serve these professionals and provide assurances that both our products and support live up to the requirements and expectations of our devoted customers,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A.
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 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.”
Canon’s team of over 70technicians and support staff will be in Brazil for nearly a month to support professional photographers and broadcasters covering the Summer Olympics. “Canon is proud to offer professional photographers and broadcasters high quality image-making solutions that are thoughtfully designed and versatile so that they can capture sharp, clear, detailed images and video,” said Elizabeth Pratt, director, Professional Client Development and Support, Canon U.S.A. “Knowing that iconic images will be captured, seen and shared by people around the world really drives Canon to provide professionals with not only high quality equipment but the customer support they need to help ensure they never miss a beat if anything happens to their equipment.”
Photography Blog attended yesterday's global launch of the Hasselblad X1D at the Gothenburg Museum of Art. As one of the first people outside of Hasselblad to actually get their hands on the X1D, here are my initial thoughts...
Sigma have announced that their 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art and 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM lenses are not fully compatible with the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark II digital SLR camera. This partial incompatibility may cause exposure inaccuracies when “Evaluative Metering” or “Centre-weighted Average Metering” metering is employed. Sigma are currently working on a firmware fix for each lens. Release dates for the firmware updates will be announced later.
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.
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...
Issue 52 of David Noton’s Chasing the Light Online Magazine is now available. This month David Noton kicks off with a Field Trial to evaluate the new Canon EOS 1DX Mark II. David also starts a new series entitled Photo Essentials, which is designed to refresh our basic photo skills – the first instalment begins a detailed exploration of camera settings. He then starts a new occasional series Location Report, this time giving readers his thoughts on Iceland as a photo destination. In Hoddinott’s Hangout Ross Hoddinott rediscovers polarising filters, whilst for this month’s edition of the Pipeline, we join Ben Pipe on his recent visit to Seville where he shot the Semana Santa festivities.Do note that the full contents of Chasing the Light Online Magazine is available to full f11 subscribers only. However non-members can purchase individual issues of the magazine at a price of £4.20.
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.
Ahead of our full review, here are sample images and videos taken with the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 20.2 megapixel sensor that can shoot at 14 fps with AF / AE tracking.
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...
At the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A. will showcase its full line of professional 4K and high-definition imaging equipment for video content creation and still photography at booth C4325. Additionally, there will be presentations and panel discussions throughout the show featuring Canon Explorers of Light, ASC members, and other emerging voices in imaging culture. A unique, immersive event, 8K Ride Experience showcases Canon’s innovation in current, emerging, and future technology by providing a simulated journey through a realistic, panoramic landscape powered by Canon 8K imaging technology. “The NAB show is Canon’s opportunity to show our valued customers and the industry our latest technology as well as the multitude of ways that Canon digital imaging solutions can help them achieve their vision,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “NAB is an amazing show for us to connect with professionals in all aspects of video creation, editing, and distribution.”
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.
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 unveiled a new entry-level EOS digital SLR camera – the EOS 1300D. The 18-megapixel APS-C model includes Wi-Fi and Dynamic NFC functionaliy, a 3-inch 920k-dot rear screen, and a sensitivity range of ISO 100-6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800). The camera's new "white priority" Auto White Balance setting enables users to create images with a more neutral tone when shooting under incandescent lighting. Videos can be recorded in Full HD resolution, with full manual control over exposure and gain. Using Video Snapshot mode, users can also record a series of short clips, which can be automatically joined together in a slick video sequence that shows a summary of their day. The Canon EOS 1300D is available from early April for £289.99/€ 399.99 (body only). Kit prices are £369.99 / €519.99 / 549.99 for the 1300D + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II bundle and- £329.99/€459.99 for the camera + EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DCIII kit. The Canon EOS 1300D is marketed as the Rebel T6 in the US.
Canon will be back at The Photography Show in March with its biggest stand to date. For the first time Canon will be premiering its very own Live Stage, hosting live talks from world renown, industry leading photographers and videographers including the likes of wildlife photography expert Andy Rouse, leading videographer Simeon Quarrie and international photographers Lara Jade and Christian Anderl. Canon will also be showcasing the recently announced EOS 1D-X Mark II and EOS 80D (pictured), and the PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Plus visitors will be able to witness Canon’s range of Pixma and large format printers including the new A2 inkjet printer, the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000.
An image by Budapest-based Australian photojournalist Warren Richardson has been selected as the World Press Photo of the Year 2015. Taken at night on 28 August 2015, the photograph (above) shows migrants crossing the frontier from Serbia into Hungary across a temporary razor wire obstacle deployed before the completion of a taller and more robust border fence. "I was exhausted by the time I took the picture," Richardson says. "It was around three o’clock in the morning and you can’t use a flash while the police are trying to find these people, because I would just give them away. So I had to use the moonlight alone." The 2016 contest drew entries from around the world: 5,775 photographers from 128 countries submitted 82,951 images. The jury gave prizes in eight categories to 41 photographers from 21 countries including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, and the USA.
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.
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
The Leica SL (Typ 601) is a new compact system camera for professionals, offering a 24 megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K video recording, 11fps burst shooting, a class-leading EVF, fast auto-focusing and a 3-inch touchscreen. Read our in-depth Leica SL (Typ 601) review now...
The winners of the Camera Grand Prix 2015, hosted by the Camera Journal Press Club of Japan (CJPC), received their awards in Tokyo on Monday, 1 June 2015. The Camera Grand Prix, held since 1984, is a prestigious award whose winners are selected by a judging committee made up of the members of the CJPC, top editorial staff of the member publications, academic experts, technical writers, professional photographers and TIPA (Technical Image Press Association). The winning products for the Camera GP 2015 include theCanon EOS 7D Mark II ("Camera of the Year" and "Readers' Award"), theCanon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens ("Lens of the Year"), the Lytro Illum, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-CM1 ("Editors' Award").
Canon is celebrating a 12th year as the global number one within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market. Canon’s run as market leader began in 2003 owing to the launch of the company’s first truly affordable dSLR, the EOS 300D. Since then, Canon has launched a host of interchangeable-lens cameras, including the EOS-1D series for professional users, and the EOS 5D series. More recently, Canon launched the EOS 7D Mark II (pictured), the EOS 5DS and 5DS R, which boasts the world’s highest pixel count among 35 mm full-frame sensor digital SLR cameras, the EOS M3 compact system camera plus the EOS 760D and EOS 750Do entry-level digital SLRs.
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...
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 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...
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 Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the ultimate DSLR to capture action other cameras simply miss. Completely rebuilt and redesigned, the EOS 7D Mark II features 10fps burst shooting, a new 65-point cross-type AF system, Dual DIGIC 6 processors, new 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a native ISO 100-16,000 range (expandable to ISO 51,200), 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor and innovative flicker detection, 200,000-cycle shutter durability, pro-level movie features including live, uncompressed HDMI output and Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, built-in GPS and a digital compass. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II will be available from November for £1,599.99 / €1,999.99 body-only. In the US the EOS 7D Mark II has an estimated retail price of $1,799.00 for the body only and $2,149.00 bundled with an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
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...
Canon has announced the upcoming launch of Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 4.0. The latest version of DPP - available for download at the end of this mont - has been updated with a number of new features and enhancements, These include faster, real-time adjustments, better integration with EOS Utility, movie playback support, improved raw file workflow, enhanced highlight recovery, and much more. A new colour adjustment palette allows hue, saturation and luminance adjustment for eight individual colour gamuts, enabling the user to adjust one specific colour in isolation without affecting the image as a whole. For those photographers with dual monitors, DPP now allows a secondary monitor to be used as the preview window on the primary display. Do note that DPP 4.0 will be compatible only with 64-bit operating systems.
Apple has released a Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update for iPhoto '11 and Aperture 3. Version 5.05 adds support for raw image files generated by the Nikon D4S, the Canon EOS 1200D and PowerShot G1 X Mark II (pictured), and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. You can download the update from the website below.
The white-grey edition of the Canon EOS SL1 camera (originally launched in Japan as the EOS Kiss X7 White) will be available in the USA from the end of June. The white EOS Rebel SL1 camera is complemented by a matching white EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. "[N]ew to the U.S. market, the white EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR camera with its companion white lens, provides users with high-quality images in a small, compact body that is easy to bring along on all their summer adventures," says Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens kit in white will retail for an estimated retail price of $749.99.
Iridient Digital has released Iridient Developer 2.4, a major update to its critically acclaimed raw converter and image editor for Mac OS X. This update includes a number of new features to provide better integration with other photo management tools, in particular Lightroom and Aperture. New features include 'Find and Open raw' for doing a local search for the raw source of a standard image, the ability to overwrite standard images in place and support for automatically opening the raw source image when sent a standard image for external editing. Version 2.4 also adds support for the Leica T, Samsung NX mini, Canon Powershot G1 X II, Sony A77 II, Nikon 1 V3, Nikon 1 J4 and Panasonic DMC-GH4 cameras, and fixes bugs. Do note that this release is a paid upgrade for users who originally purchased a license prior to 1 November 2012.
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.
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 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.”
Canon has released firmware updates for its EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1D Mark IV (pictured) and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras. Each of these firmware upgrades incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Firmware Version 1.3.2
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Firmware Version 1.1.4
Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Firmware Version 1.2.3
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...
LPA Design has announced a major update to its ControlTL formware for the PocketWizard MiniTT1, FlexTT5, PowerMC2 and PowerST4 devices and minor updates for the Plus III and MultiMAX radios. The new ControlTL firmware, available as a free download using the Pocket Wizard Utility, provides compatibility with several new Canon and Nikon cameras, greatly improves the performance of PocketWizard’s exclusive HyperSync feature and resolves bugs in previous versions. The new firmware for the Plus III resolves some minor bugs. The MultiMAX firmware, which has been available for a while in beta, adds two new features. Do note that PocketWizard Utility version 1.54 or newer is required before installing these updates.
Canon has posted a firmware update for its EOS-1Ds Mark III full-frame digital SLR camera. Version 1.2.2 enables focusing with the central AF sensor when the camera is used with the EF 200-400mm F4L USM Extender 1.4X lens and teleconverter whose combined maximum aperture is f/8. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.
Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Support
Canon has issued a firmware update for its EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR camera. Version 1.3.1 enables focusing with the central AF sensor when the camera is used with the EF 200-400mm F4L USM Extender 1.4X lens and an Extender whose combined maximum aperture is f/8. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Support
Kuuvik Capture is a feature-laden Canon EOS tethering application for Mac OS X. In addition to offering a typical set of remote shooting tools, Kuuvik Capture provides real-time parametric sharpening coupled with an adjustable focus peaking overlay as well as various compositional aids such as preset and adjustable guidelines and grids. Other highlights include the capability to display a histogram based on raw image data and, with select cameras, a split-view display of the camera’s live view image, allowing simultaneous evaluation of focus and superior control over depth of field. Kuuvik Capture also supports exposure bracketing, which can be combined with an intervalometer function to shoot user-defined image sequences for HDR images or time-lapse videos. The application is licensed on a per camera basis, with prices starting at $79.99. A fully functional 30-day trial version is available from the website below.
Canon has been awarded five honours by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). These include te Best Entry-Level DSLR (Canon EOS 100D), Best Expert DSLR (Canon EOS 6D), Best Video DSLR (Canon EOS 1D C, pictured) ,Best Professional DSLR Lens (Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM) and Best Expert Photo Printer (Canon Pixma Pro-10). “This is yet another strong showing from Canon in the TIPA Awards,” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “Such recognition from TIPA clearly demonstrates the level of quality and innovation that is present throughout our product range, from our consumer and amateur models to our professional line.”
Canon today announced that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (including DSLRs and CSCs) have consistently maintained the No. 1 share worldwide in terms of volume within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the past 10 years. In 2003, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS 300D Digital Rebel, which set the stage for growth in the digital SLR camera market. Since that time, the company has launched a number of models targeting advanced-amateur users - including the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for serious digital SLR video recording, starting with the 5D Mark II. In 2012, Canon celebrated the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the EOS camera system and marked its 10th consecutive year as the market’s world leader. During the year, Canon launched the compact-system EOS M, aimed at expanding the company’s entry-level user base, along with the EOS 6D, the world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR camera equipped with a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor. This year, Canon introduced the EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 (pictured), which is billed as the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera equipped with an APS-C-size sensor.
Canon has unveiled the Canon EOS 100D (sold as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 in North America), which is billed as “the smallest and lightest APS-C DSLR ever made.” Measuring just 116.8 x 90.7 x 69.4mm and weighing only 407g, the EOS 100D features a 3” ClearView II capacitive touchscreen, an 18-megapixel Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor and DIGIC 5 processor. The new sensor uses phase detection pixels spread across 80% of the sensor’s imaging surface to provide increased AF speed and tracking performance when the camera is in live view or when capturing Full-HD movies. The Canon EOS 100D is available from late April, with an SRP of £579.99 / €739.99 / $649.99.
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.
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.
Sigma UK has announced the suggested retail price of the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens. Featuring a focus limiter, newly developed USB dock, dust- and splashproof construction and a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture; the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is part of the manufacturer’s “Sports” line of lenses. Incorporating 1 SLD and 2 FLD elements, the lens’ design also compensates for sagittal coma and minimises the blurring of a point light source in peripheral areas. This lens incorporates the OS system which, the company claims, offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The new Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens will ba available in Sigma and Canon fits from the end of February, with a Nikon version coming at the end of March. The SRP of the lens is £3,599.99.
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...
LPA Design today released a new update to its ControlTL firmware for Canon versions of the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 PocketWizard radios. Available now, firmware version 6.200 for Canon adds compatibility with the Canon 5D Mark III digital SLR camera. Any current owner of the ControlTL system can install this version via USB connection and update for free using the PocketWizard Utility (version 1.54 or later). For more information on how to update PocketWizard products via USB connection, visit the website below.
The Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a 15x ultra-zoom lens for Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLR shooters. Crucially offering built-in image stabilisation, the Tamron 18-270mm offers an effective focal range of 28-420mm, replacing at least three lenses in your camera bag. Read our Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD review to find out if it's too much of a compromise or not...
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.
Tenba has expanded its Roadie II video bag series with two new larger sizes. The new Roadie Video Backpack and Roadie Shoulder Bag will be about 20 percent larger than the bags that were launched earlier this year. Both bags are designed to fit the latest digital camera/video systems, including DSLRs from Canon (5D Mark III, EOS-1D X) and Nikon (D4, D800), and larger gear from RED (Epic, Scarlet), Canon (C100/C300/C500) and Sony (FS100/FS700), along with a laptop and a full assortment of accessories. The larger Roadie II Video Backpack and Shoulder Bag will be available in January 2013, with pricing to be announced.
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.
DZED Systems have announced Dragonframe 3.0.4 for Mac OS X, The program simplifies stop motion animation, motion graphics, and visual effects, with integrated USB control of Nikon and Canon DSLRs. The application supports lip-sync, automated lighting via DMX, 3D stereoscopic capture, and camera motion control. Previously called Dragon Stop Motion, Dragonframe 3.0.4 offers support for the latest DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 1D X and 60Da as well as the Nikon D4, D800 and D800E. The update is free to Dragonframe 3 users.
Oloneo has released Oloneo PhotoEngine 1.1 and Oloneo HDRengine 1.1 for Windows. These updates support DNG v1.4 as well as 24 new cameras including the Nikon D800, D800E and D4, the Canon EOS-1D X, 5D Mark III and PowerShot G1 X, the Sony SLT A37 and SLT A57, as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 among others. The latest English/International 32-bit/64-bit versions of Oloneo PhotoEngine and Oloneo HDRengine for Windows are available through the Oloneo online store. A 20% Summer Special discount is available until 15th July.
Canon has announced the upcoming release of a major firmware update to its EOS 7D digital SLR camera. Version 2 adds “powerful memory management algorithms” that allow the camera’s buffer to accommodate up to 25 raw files or 130 JPEGs. Additionally, a range of newly-added editing functions gives photographers more control over how images look, allowing post-production to begin in-camera. The firmware update also offers improved audio functionality in movie mode, a digital wind-cut filter, expanded user control over the camera’s auto ISO feature, as well as added capacity for users to track the location of their still images with new support for the GPS Receiver GP-E2. Firmware v2 will roll out from August 2012.
Adobe has released the final version of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) 6.7 for Photoshop CS5 users. This version adds support for 21 new digital cameras, including the Canon EOS 1D X, 5D Mark III, PowerShot G1 X and PowerShot S100V, the Fuji FinePix F505EXR, F605EXR, F770EXR, F775EXR, HS30EXR, HS33EXR and X-S1, the Nikon D4 and D800/D800E, the Olympus E-M5 (pictured), the Pentax K-01, the Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000, the Sony Alpha NEX-VG20 and A57. Note that ACR 6.7 is not compatible with versions of Photoshop older than CS5.
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 6.7 for Macintosh
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 6.7 for Windows
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).
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.
Version 6.7 Release Candidate of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) is now available. This update adds support for a number of new cameras, including the Canon EOS 1D X, EOS 5D Mark III, PowerShot G1 X and PowerShot S100V, the Fujifilm FinePix F505EXR, F605EXR, HS30EXR and X-S1, as well as the Nikon D4, D800 and D800E. Additionally, the list of supported lenses has been expanded with a number of Leica, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses. A Release Candidate label indicates that this update is well tested but would benefit from additional community testing before it is distributed automatically to all of Adobe’s customers.
Website: Adobe Labs
In addition to the incredibly popular 5D Mark III, Canon were also showcasing the flagship EOS-1D X DLSR and some of their new compact camera models at Focus 2012.
We caught up with the new PowerShot SX40 HS, SX260 HS, SX240 HS, the waterproof D20 and the IXUS 510 HS. In addition, the 200-400mm f/4 L lens made a brief appearance behind closed doors, apparently one of only two such lenses in the world.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 22-megapixel sensor, 61-point auto focus system, enhanced weather sealing and Full HD video with manual control. The EOS 5D Mark III’s movie mode has been refined to offer an enhanced range of high bit-rate video compression options, with intraframe (ALL-I) and interframe (IPB) methods both supported. Variable frame rates range from 24fps to 60fps, and the incorporation of SMPTE timecode support provides greater editing flexibility and easier integration into multi-camera shoots. The addition of a movie mode switch, recording button and headphone socket offers greater usability. Other highlights include a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400), a 63-zone metering system, stills shooting at up to 6fps, a new Creative Photo button, dual CF and SD memory card slots, a silent shooting mode and a continuous silent mode. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III will be available from end of March 2012, priced at £2999.99 / €3569.99 / $3499.95.
The new Canon GP-E2 hot-shoe mounted GPS unit is compatible with the Canon EOS-1D X, EOS 7D (via cable only) and new EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR cameras. Capable of tagging photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken, the Canon GP-E2 also features a GPS logger function that allows photographers to track their route by downloading GPS data at regular intervals, whether the unit is attached to the camera body or stored in its case. For improved accuracy and precision when recording the time of image capture, photographers can also synchronise the clocks of their cameras with the global atomic clock via UTC information downloaded from the satellite. The Canon GP-E2 is powered by a single AA battery.
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 2011 before splashing out your hard-earned cash.
Canon is showcasing its EOS-1D X professional DSLR camera and Pixma Pro-1 photo inkjet printer at Photo Plus Expo in New York City. The Canon EOS-1D X features a 18-megapixel full-frame sensor, 61-point AF system, three DIGIC processors and continuous shooting speeds of up to 14 frames per second. The Pixma Pro-1 Professional Photo Inkjet printer boasts a newly developed 12-ink system, five of which are monochrome, along with a new FINE Print Head which helps deliver consistent results. In addition to these brand new products, Canon is also showcasing its complete line-up of photo related products, such as SLR camera bodies, lenses, PowerShot digital cameras, high definition camcorders and photo printers. Photo Plus Expo 2011 is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in NYC. You can find Canon in Booth #402.
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 that an ultra-large-scale, ultra-high-sensitivity CMOS sensor developed by the company has enabled the video recording of meteors with an equivalent apparent magnitude of 10. Apparent magnitude is a measure of a celestial body’s brightness as seen by an observer on Earth. A star (or meteor) whose apparent magnitude is 10 is absolutely invisible to the naked eye. The sensor, with a chip size measuring 202 x 205 mm - the world’s largest surface area for a CMOS sensor - was installed in the Schmidt telescope at the University of Tokyo’s Kiso Observatory, Institute of Astronomy, School of Science. The photo above shows just how big this sensor is compared to a 35mm full-frame imager.
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.
At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a set of large-format printed images are incorporated into the external landscape to showcase the work of contemporary landscape photographer David Anthony Hall. Measuring up to 3m x 1.5m, the panoramic images have been produced on a Canon imagePROGRAF iPF9100 large format printer (pictured) by Canon UK’s distributor, Surrey-based Velmex Distribution. Hall comments: “By integrating my images into the concept garden, I’m hoping to challenge convention and stimulate a debate around the placement of art outdoors. I also want to show how it can brighten up difficult outdoor spaces, including courtyard gardens, by adding depth, colour and a focal point to these areas.”
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.
Canon has announced the latest update for its EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 – a custom-developed application that provides quicker and easier editing of EOS Movie footage in Apple’s Final Cut Pro software suite. Version 1.2 makes the importing of EOS Movie files even easier, allowing users to transfer files from any folder, without needing to mirror the folder structure on the camera itself. In addition, the update also enables smoother importing from Canon’s EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV models, allowing users to import footage without requiring the THM file generated by the camera. The free update will be available for download from 25th April.
Canon USA has announced the continuation of its exclusive on-site educational experience, Canon Live Learning. Back this year by popular demand are the EOS Immersion Seminars and Workshops and the EOS Destination Workshops, each with updated and improved content. Appearing for the first time will be a new workshop series called “Deconstructing the Story: Light, Sound, Motion & EOS HD,” aimed at professional videographers and transitioning still photographers
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.
Canon has successfully developed the world’s largest CMOS image sensor, with a chip size measuring a whopping 202x205mm. This is approximately 40 times the size of Canon’s largest commercial CMOS sensors. Despite its size, which in the past would have meant slow signal readout speeds, the massive sensor meets the requirements of video capture. Thanks to its improved circuitry and exceptional light sensitivity, the new CMOS imager can be used to record video at 60 frames per second at a mere 0.3lux of illumination. Potential applications include the video recording of stars in the night sky and nocturnal animal behaviour.
Canon has launched the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, a zooming fisheye lens offering both circular and full frame images. A zoom-lock mechanism on the lens body allows the range to be limited to the focal length that ensures the best possible full-frame view without unsightly vignetting around the edge. ‘C’ and ‘H’ markings can be found next to the zoom operation ring, indicating the wide-angle zoom position where vignette-free shooting is possible with APS-C and APS-H sensors, respectively. Constructed of 14 elements arranged in 11 groups, the Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM features Canon’s Super Spectra Coating on every lens element. The inner surface of the front element also features Canon’s SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which uses tiny cone-like structures, shorter than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of the lens element, to gradually slow light down until it is at the same speed as it travels through glass, removing the risk of flare occurring before the light reaches the sensor. A ring-type ultrasonic motor provides quick and accurate focusing when shooting and enables a full-time manual focus functionality. The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM is available from January 2011 priced at £1499.99 / €1789.99 / $1400.00.
Canon has announced an update for its EOS Movie Plug-in for Final Cut Pro. Scheduled to be available for download from mid-September, Canon’s EOS Movie Plug-in E1 for Final Cut Pro version 1.1 adds support for the Canon EOS 60D digital SLR camera. The plug-in will allow users to view metadata and EXIF data for movie files. It will also provide support for multi-core processing, allowing even faster conversations with the latest generation of Macs.
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 Canon EOS Movie Plugin-E1 for Apple’s Final Cut Pro that was announced recently is now available. The new plug-in allows for simple and easy transfer of video content from Canon’s video-enabled EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro. The EOS Movie Plugin-E1 takes advantage of Final Cut Pro’s powerful Log and Transfer feature, which allows users to select and mark the video directly while it is still on the camera, add custom metadata and ingest the clips in the background so the editing can begin immediately. The plug-in is compatible with Final Cut Pro 6 or higher and currently supports the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 1D Mark IV cameras. To download the plug-in, visit the website below, and select “Mac OS X” as your operating system.
Website: Drivers and Downloads
Canon is showcasing various imaging products, from input to output, at this year’s Wedding & Portrait Photographer International (WPPI) Convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. On display is the new REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS projector, three new imagePROGRAF large format printers, in addition to the company’s EOS Digital SLR camera line and PIXMA Pro Series Inkjet printers. The all-new Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS projector (see picture above) offers a remarkable 4000 lumens of brightness and advanced LCOS technology, delivering film-like photos and video with fine details and exceptional colour reproduction, the company says. Canon’s WPPI 2010 booth is #401.
Capture One 5.1 is the latest version of Phase One’s raw conversion, workflow and image editing application. The basic version now features both a simplified workspace and ‘pro’ image-editing options; Capture One 5.1 PRO comes with new tools for advanced noise reduction and image editing efficiency. Version 5.1 is free to existing Capture One 5.x/5.x PRO owners.
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 have announced the development of the EOS E1 video plug-in for Apple’s Final Cut Pro. This new plug-in allows simple and easy transfer of video content from Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro.
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.
Iridient Digital have released RAW Developer 1.8.8, which brings support for two the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and the Fujifilm Finepix S200EXR. It also comes with an improved default camera ICC profile for the Canon EOS 1D Mark III, and fixes a bug related to the Canon EOS 20D. This release is a free update for all currently registered users and should automatically recognise your existing registration information. New licenses can be purchased for $125.
Website: Iridient RAW Developer 1.8.8
Canon has issued firmware updates for its 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras. The new versions (1.3.0 and 1.2.0 respectively) add support for the WFT-E2 II wireless file transmitter, which was announced back in October and released earlier this month. To download the firmware updates, visit one of the websites below.
Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark III Firmware Update
Website: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Firmware Update
The organisers of the Can-Do film festival and competition are seeking short videos shot on a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV (pictured), 5D Mark II or 7D. The films can be in one of ten genres including music video, spec commercial, TV show teaser, movie trailer, narrative, documentary, nature, sports event, wedding event and military services. The submission period opens on 1 January and closes on 20 March 2010. You can submit more than one movie, but each film should be four minutes or shorter. All submissions must be in the H.264 Apple QuickTime file format, and every submission must be accompanied by a Release Form. To read the full rules and regulations, head to the website below.
Website: Can-Do Film Festival and Competition Rules and Regulations
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.
Canon today announced the launch of two new Wireless File Transmitters: the Canon WFT-E2 and the Canon WFT-E4, designed for the newly-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and the award-winning EOS 5D Mark II, respectively. These devices allow photographers to transfer image files securely to a computer or server, control the camera remotely and connect to WiFi enabled devices to view images directly from the camera. Both the WFT-E2 II and WFT-E4 II support high security WPA2-PSK authentication and AES encryption over wireless networks. Also, the new wireless file transmitters allow up to ten slave cameras to be wirelessly connected to a master unit up to 100m away. The master camera will then trigger the slaves, allowing specialists like wildlife and sports photographers to capture a subject from a multitude of different angles. Both units will be available from late December. The WFT-E2 II will be priced at £699 / €849, whilst the WFT-E4 II will cost £649 / €799.
Canon have issued a statement saying that they are currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25 frames per second (fps). The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers, the company notes. Currently, the frame rate for HD video on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is 30fps, whereas motion picture cameras tend to shoot at 24fps.
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...
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.
Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a new high performance night vision module for use with Canon full-frame digital SLR cameras such as the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II. When used with the new AstroScope 9350EOS-FF, these digital cameras deliver bright, high-resolution green images of night-time scenes. Because the night vision module fits between the camera body and SLR lens, all the lens electrical connections are maintained and important lens features such as optical image stabilisation remain fully functional even in night vision mode. The modules deliver optimum performance, sharp detail and highest quality full-frame images with no vignetting, a common problem with other night vision configurations, the company says.
Website: Electrophysics
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.
Canon have issued a service notice for the Canon EOS 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III DSLRs. The service notice concerns the problem of ring-shaped spots appearing in photos taken with some of these cameras. The company claims that these spots are “images of oil lubricant on the surface of the low pass filter”. The oil is allegedly used to lubricate some of the camera’s moving parts, but can become scattered onto the surface of the low pass filter through normal camera operation if it is “applied too liberally when the camera is manufactured”. Customers who are encountering this phenomenon or, who have noticed that oil is visible on the surface of the back side of the mirror, are asked to contact a Canon service centre for a free cleaning of the mirror box.
Website: Canon Products Support
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 USA have issued a service notice about the abnormal mirror operation of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. The mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed and the following message appears frequently on the camera’s LCD monitor: ‘Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to and
again or re-install the battery’. Canon USA are providing free repairs to affected products.
Canon USA have issued a service notice about the autofocusing accuracy of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft. Canon USA are providing free AF accuracy checks and adjustments to affected products.
Canon has released a new firmware update, v1.1.4, for the 1Ds Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update (Version 1.1.4) incorporates the following fixes.
1. Corrects a phenomenon in which a displayed image becomes pitch-black if it is zoomed in on during Live View shooting.
2. Corrects a phenomenon in which “busy” may continue to appear on the camera if the USB cable is disconnected during USB communication.
3. Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera. The error indications are further clarified to make the causes of errors easier to identify, and so that adequate support can be provided to our customers.
Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.2.5, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update (Version 1.2.5) incorporates the following fixes.
1. Corrects a phenomenon in which a displayed image becomes pitch-black if it is zoomed in on during Live View shooting.
2. Corrects a phenomenon in which “busy” may continue to appear on the camera if the USB cable is disconnected during USB communication.
3. Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera. The error indications are further clarified to make the causes of errors easier to identify, and so that adequate support can be provided to our customers.
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.2.5 Firmware Update
Canon has introduced two new Tilt-Shift lenses, the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and the TS-E 17mm f/4L. Both the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and the TS-E 17mm f/4L are specialty lenses ideal for landscape and architectural photography and are compatible with all Canon EOS SLR cameras. The TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, a replacement for Canon’s TS-E 24mm f/3.5L introduced in 1991, has significantly improved operability with low distortion when photographing buildings. The TS-E 17mm f/4L is the world’s shortest focal length Tilt-Shift lens with full-frame 35mm coverage. Canon’s new TS Revolving System allows tilting and shifting lens movements to be adjusted in parallel or at right angles to each other, with detents at 45? intervals. Both lenses will be available in May, with the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II priced at $2,199 / £2399.99 / €2659.99 and the TS-E 17mm f/4L at $2,499 / £2749.99 / €3049.99.
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
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.
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.
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-Digital-Picture have just reviewed the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro lens.
“I was very disappointed to yet receive another front-focusing copy of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens on my third attempt. Two of these lenses came from B&H and a third came from Amazon.com (just to mix things up). I tested these lenses on two Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III bodies (one is Canon-calibrated) and a Canon EOS 40D body. All delivered the same AF results - consistently front-focusing. I don’t plan to try a fourth copy.”
Website: The-Digital-Picture - Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Lens Review
DxO Optics Pro v5.1 is now available for both Windows and Mac platforms. Version 5.1 offers considerable improvements in stability and extra features, including a more flexible Pace Interlok protection that doesn’t require installation of an Interlok driver. DxO Optics 5.1 also now supports 3 new cameras and 35 new DxO Modules, including the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D and Nikon D60. In addition, to celebrate DxO Optics Pro’s 4th birthday, and the arrival of version 5.1, all customers purchasing an upgrade to DxO Optics Pro v5.1 and activating it before 1st July 2008 will receive DxO Film Pack for free.
Canon has launched the first of two new television commercials to support the Canon EOS Rebel and Canon PowerShot digital camera lines. “Journey,” uses a unique technology that blends individual digital still photographs shot with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III into a “picture-trail” motion commercial. “In this spot, the journey is the destination. Edited together, the shots made for a compelling story. But each single Canon photograph is also a piece of art in itself. You can freeze this ad at any given moment and find a photo that you’d probably like to blow up, frame and put on your wall.” said Grey New York’s chief creative officer Tor Myhren. The latest PowerShot commercial, set to air in early June, will continue to feature Maria Sharapova and her charismatic puppy, “Dolce.”
Canon has released a new firmware update, v1.1.2, for the 1Ds Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:
1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
- Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
- Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.
Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.2.3, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:
1. Includes the following new features that were frequently requested by customers to the new firmware.
- Direct selection of AF points by the Multi-controller is added to C.Fn III-9.
- Alternate access to Exposure compensation is added to C.Fn IV-3.
- With the camera’s External Speedlite control menu, Flash function settings can be used to set the Wireless setting and Zoom.
2. Improves the stability of AF accuracy in AI servo AF when shooting extremely low-contrast subjects.
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.2.3 Firmware Update
A beta version of DxO Optics Pro v5 for the Apple Macintosh platform is now available. The free public beta, available in English only, will run for several weeks. “Although both the Mac and PC versions are identical in terms of functionalities, Mac users will be especially pleased with the consistency of DxO Optics Pro v5 in the Mac environment,” says Cyrille de La Chesnais, Sales & Marketing Director of the Photography Business at DxO Labs. “For instance, the palette and tab icons follow Mac OS X toolbar guidelines and the select tab reproduces the three viewing modes that Mac users are accustomed to using.” DxO Optics Pro v5 is available in Standard and Elite editions for $169 and $299 respectively.
Celebrity photographer Rankin has tested the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III in an exclusive UEFA EURO 2008 shoot for Canon. “What you’re hoping for with any new Canon camera is that it will be even better than the one before – and the EOS-1Ds Mark III has achieved that: the resolution is higher; the operation is much simpler.” Rankin commented. To watch Rankin in action with the EOS-1Ds Mark III visit http://www.canon-europe.com/rankin/
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Canon 1Ds Mark III, a 21.1 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera with 5fps continuous shooting and 45 AF points.
“The new division of the buttons, the large monitor, the more compact battery and the decrease in weight are all excellent improvements. What I regret is the fact that you have less control over the auto focus field that is actually used and that you have to purchase a costly module in order to be able to use GPS. I had to almost search to come up with some criticism. Other than these there is not really one thing worth arguing about.”
After the much-publicized problems with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR’s auto-focus system, Canon USA are now claiming that the camera has “performed better in our tests than all previous EOS camera models.”
“After the AF mirror Adjustment, including the updated firmware version 1.1.3, the EOS-1D Mark III AF function performed better in our tests than all previous EOS camera models. Canon strives at all times to continuously improve our products in order to provide our customers with the best performance and value. We are aware that some customers have raised questions about the performance of the EOS-1D Mark III AF system under certain conditions. We will continue to investigate, and look for opportunities to improve, the performance of the AF system to ensure the satisfaction of all of our customers.”
Website: Canon USA - Updated Service Notice: EOS-1D Mark III: AF Mirror Adjustment Problem
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 Mac OS X 10.5.2 update released yesterday has added RAW file support for the following cameras:
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Canon Powershot G9, Hasselblad CF-22, Hasselblad CF-39, Leaf Aptus 75s, Nikon D3, Nikon D300, Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
Website: Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update
DxO Optics Pro v5 (Standard and Elite Editions) now supports the Nikon D300. Support for the Nikon D3 and the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III will be added in early February in the Elite edition.
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.
Canon have unveiled two new professional EF lenses, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM. Both lenses feature a 4-stop Image Stabilizer and incorporate L-series lens optics. With its large f/2 aperture, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM will appeal to photographers who require a brighter lens for indoor sports and portraiture photography. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM enhances Canon’s super telephoto range with the longest focal distance of any EF lens on the market. The EF200mm f/2L IS USM will be available from April 2008 priced at £4499.99 / €6659.99. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM will be available from June 2008 priced at £8999.99 / €13299.99.
Pro photographer Lawrence Ripsher has reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“The Canon 1D Mark III has become my new workhorse. It has all but completely replaced the Canon 5D I was previously shooting with, proving to me every time it is worth the extra weight and drop of 2 megapixels. Even though the 5D still produces superb high quality images, the 1D matches it in good light and is able to go that extra mile at high ISO settings. Likely along with the Nikon D3, it represents the best in low light shooting image quality.”
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.
Rob Galbraith has published an in-depth analysis of the auto-focus problems that have affected the Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera since it was first launched.
“At long last, our analysis of Canon’s sub-mirror fix and firmware v1.1.3 for the EOS-1D Mark III is live. Does the hardware change and new firmware solve the camera’s AI Servo autofocus problems? Does the EOS-1D Mark III now match or exceed the bright light autofocus performance of its predecessor, the EOS-1D Mark II N? Here, in 8500 words and over 650 full-resolution photos, is our answer”
Website: Rob Galbraith - Analysing the EOS-1D Mark III sub-mirror fix and firmware v1.1.3
DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera and PSRemote Multi-Camera are new software applications from Breeze Systems that allow you to control up to 25 Canon cameras remotely from a single computer. DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera supports the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark III, 40D, 30D and 400D/Digital Rebel XTi. All the cameras can be fired from the PC, in which case there is a delay of approximately 1/6 sec between each camera firing, or they can be fired simultaneously by wiring together the cameras’ remote release connections. DSLR Remote Pro Multi-Camera costs US $95 x the number of cameras supported. PSRemote Multi-Camera allows multiple Canon PowerShot SX100 IS, S5 IS, A640, G7 or G9 cameras to be controlled from a single PC. PSRemote Multi-Camera costs $49 x the number of cameras supported.
DSLR Remote Pro v1.6 adds a new photobooth shooting mode and support for the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III. The popular remote live view mode has been enhanced to allow the image to be inverted or reflected horizontally or vertically. A new photobooth mode aimed at event photography takes a sequence of pictures and then automatically sends them to a printer for printing. DSLR Remote Pro v1.6 costs US $95.
Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.1.3, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
1. Increases transmission speed when using high-speed SD cards.
2. Fixes a phenomenon involving not being able to release the shutter.
3. Improves AF tracking in specific conditions.
4. Corrects errors in the Spanish and Korean menu screens.
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.1.3 Firmware Update
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.3 and Camera Raw 4.3 updates are now available. Lightroom 1.3 adds support for Leopard Mac OS X 10.5 and includes a technology preview of the Lightroom Export SDK. Both Lightroom 1.3 and Camera Raw 4.3 include raw file support for seven additional digital cameras including the Nikon D3, Nikon D300 and Canon 1Ds Mark III.
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.
In a letter to UK camera retailers, Canon UK has stopped shipments of the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR and recalled all unsold units. A quality issue with the adjustment of the AF sub mirror is affecting the AI Servo focusing mode. Canon are apparently offering to repair Canon EOS-1D Mark III’s that have actually been sold to customers, but the letter states that Canon “will not be offering an exchange or return”. A technical helpline number has also been provided (08705 143 723). Canon are set to release an official statement on their website at the end of October/beginning of November.
Website: Rob Galbraith - Canon halts shipments to dealers in the UK
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.
The 8GB SanDisk Extreme III SDHC memory card can store more than 4,000 high-resolution pictures or up to 16 hours of MPEG 4 video. The card has a read/write speed of 20 megabytes per second and is packaged with the SanDisk MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader. Expected to ship within the next 30 days to U.S. retailers, the 8GB SanDisk Extreme III SDHC will costs $179.99.
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“The focus problem is a tragic flaw worthy of Sophocles. We used the Mark III with a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm zoom. Those lenses should not challenge the 45-spot autofocus system, but the problem was bad enough to show up with it. After the firmware fix, we couldn’t reproduce the problem, but that’s really not good enough. It doesn’t prove the problem is fixed for more challenging conditions. Canon is in the difficult position of proving a negative: that the focus problem no longer exists.”
PhotoVu’s newest digital picture frame software can display images from the 21.1 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR camera. Other improvements include include 160gb hard drive support for standalone play and automatic rotation of images for those cameras that support orientation sensor and EXIF tagging of images. “Our latest digital photo frame software is a great example of how PhotoVu digital picture frames continue to meet the requirements of the most demanding high-end digital cameras on the market today and well into the future, ensuring our digital frame customers can view all of their digital photo collection for years to come.” said Mark Van Buskirk, Partner, PhotoVu.
DSLR Remote Pro v1.5 introduces Remote Live View with Autofocus for the Canon EOS 40D and 1D Mark III cameras. DSLR Remote Pro can now autofocus the 40D and 1D Mark III from a PC using a contrast detection algorithm on the large remote live view display. This release is a free upgrade for all registered users who purchased a license within the last year. DSLR Remote Pro 1.5 costs $95 and is available now.
The latest Inside Digital Photo radio show interviews Chuck Westfall from Canon USA about their their newest line of professional digital cameras. Host Scott Sheppard and Westfall discuss the finer points of the Canon EOS-1Ds MARK III, EOS-1D MARK III and EOS 40D cameras.
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.
BreezeBrowser Pro v1.7.2 adds full support for the new Canon EOS 40D camera. BreezeBrowser Pro v1.7.2 is a free upgrade for all registered users who purchased a license within the last year. Also released is DSLR Remote Pro v1.5 beta 3, with full support for controlling the Canon EOS 40D and Canon EOS-1D Mark III from a PC.
Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“You can even select the JPEG + RAW mode and capture both image formats at the same time. You can set your own JPEG compression ratio as well as vary the image sharpness, chose one of five color matrix (color space) settings and even upload your own custom tone curves. The 1D Mark III’s JPEG image quality is awesome, and its RAW images provide the raw materials to create photographs that fit your own definition of excellence.”
The Canon 1Ds Mark III is a 21.1 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera with 5fps continuous shooting and 45 AF points. Other standout features of the 1Ds Mark III include Canon’s Live View shooting mode, 3 inch LCD screen and Integrated Cleaning System. “The EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera is a prime example of the EOS philosophy and Canon’s ongoing commitment to providing photo professionals with the tools they need to create the finest quality images,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. Retailing for $7,999, the Canon 1Ds Mark III will be available in November. The Canon 1Ds Mark III will be available from October 2007 in the UK, priced at £5999.99 / €8699.99 RRP inc VAT.
Canon have also announced the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens. Measuring 3.7 inches in length and weighing in at under 23 ounces, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM provides a 114-degree diagonal angle of view and replaces the original EF 14mm f/2.8L USM lens.
The much rumoured Canon 40D digital SLR camera is finally officially here, with a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen. The 40D also features an upgraded dust and weather resistant construction, ISO 3200 mode and DIGIC III processor. “This newest member of Canon’s Digital SLR family takes mid-range Digital SLRs to exciting new heights with enhanced resolution and image quality, faster shooting and processing speeds and better overall functionality than ever before,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. The Canon 40D will be available in September in a body-only configuration for $1,299. A kit version with the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens will cost $1,499. The Canon 40D will be available from September 2007 in the UK priced at body only £899.99 RRP inc. VAT / €1329.99 RRP inc. VAT, or plus the EF-S 17-85 IS USM lens £1199.99 RRP inc. VAT / €1779.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon have also announced the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. This adds image stabilization which provides up to a full four stops of correction, and replaces the original 18-55mm lens. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS will cost $199.99 in October.
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.
Canon has released a new firmware update, version 1.1.0, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
* Improves the look of images when played back on the LCD monitor.
* Fixes a problem in the operation of the dials (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main).
* Reduces the tendency to autofocus on the background instead of the main subject when shooting in AI Servo AF under certain conditions.
* Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chin1.ese menu screens.
* Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted. (Version 1.0.9 only)
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark III Version 1.1.0 Firmware Update
KammaGamma.com is a new digital photography website which focuses on the image quality of DSLR cameras. “There are many photographers who do not fully understand how their DSLR cameras really work or which RAW software has better image processing algorithms. We aim to change that.” said Max Penson, editor and author of KammaGamma.com.
The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“The Canon EOS 1D Mark III AI Servo AF accuracy problem: When using a telephoto lens on a bright, hot sunny day with an at-least-slightly backlit subject, AI Servo focus accuracy drops to very low. I used a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens most extensively during testing but also noticed the problem with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens when shooting soccer under the same conditions. If you must have higher hit rates in these conditions, you should probably keep a Canon EOS 1D Mark II N in your kit until Canon works out this issue.”
Canon has developed a new firmware update, version 1.0.9, for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
Improves the look of images when enlarged on the LCD monitor. Applies a slightly stronger sharpness setting to the LCD monitor when images are enlarged.
Improves the consistency of AI Servo AF under certain conditions. Reduces the tendency of the camera to autofocus on high-contrast backgrounds when shooting in conditions where AF detection is difficult, such as when the main subject is not completely covered by the AF frames or if the main subject’s contrast is low.
Provides countermeasures for Main Dial response errors (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main). Fixes a rare response error in the Main Dials in which they either did not respond when rotated or would change several clicks’ worth even if only clicked once.
Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
The new firmware will be made available for download from the Web at the end of July.
Jessops is demonstrating the new Canon EOS 1D Mark III DSLR and offering free tips from Canon experts at four special events for enthusiasts and professionals. There’s also a half-price SanDisk 4GB CompactFlash card with every EOS 1D Mark III ordered on the day. The Jessops Demo Days take place in London and Birmingham on Thursday 19th July and Edinburgh and Cardiff on Thursday 16th August.
Canon have released EOS Utility 2.0.2 for Windows and Mac OS X, EOS Utility is software exclusively for EOS Digital cameras that combines all the functions involving communication with the camera. This software accommodates features such as importing and viewing images on the computer by connecting the camera to the computer, using the remote shooting function, and controlling the camera from the computer to specify the camera settings. The update adds the following new features:
Windows Version
1-1. Support added for Auto Power OFF (camera) during Remote Live View shooting
The Auto Power Off function can now be used during Remote Live View shooting with EOS-1D Mark III.
1-2. Corrected “From PC” in Time Setting on the Camera
It’s corrected that the “From PC” in “Date/Time” of the camera setting does not function properly when a computer is working in daylight saving time.
1-3. The setting value of Picture Style files will be applied to camera.
When a picture style file is set to the camera, the parameters included in the file (contrast/color tone/color depth/sharpness) will be applied to the camera.
DxO Optics 4.5 now supports the the Canon EOS 1D Mark III and Nikon D40x Digital SLR camera bodies,plus the Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fish-Eye AF 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. DxO Optics Pro software improves the image quality of Digital SLR cameras and advanced digicams. “We are very excited to add support in DxO Optics Pro for this exciting lens by Tokina. Properly supporting full-frame fisheye lenses is a challenge in itself and doing so for the first time with this Tokina fisheye zoom lens was a ground-breaking achievement by our technical team.” commented Luc Marin, vice president of the DxO Labs Photography Business unit. DxO Optics Pro v4.5 is available immediately.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.1 is now available as a free upgrade for existing users. New features in Lightroom 1.1 include support for Windows Vista, improved noise reduction and sharpening and support for 13 new digital camera RAW files. Photoshop Lightroom costs US $299.
Aperture in Action is a series of 8 lectures about the the world of sports photography. Based in the USA, 5 different sports photographers will discuss how they use Apple Aperture to organise and manage their pictures. A free Aperture Tutorial DVD will walk you step-by-step through Aperture’s features.
PopPhoto have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“Our test images showed normal contrast with excellent color in both RAW and JPEG at the neutral setting, which zeroes out Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, and Color Tone, with very good shadow and highlight details even at higher ISOs. At ISO 100, the Mark III was able to hold detail over an 11 EV dynamic range, and more than nine EVs at ISO 1600—quite impressive. Test images showed excellent color fidelity with very little color shift or casting in auto white balance.”
BreezeBrowser Pro v1.7 now includes the option to link photographs and galleries to online maps. A new GPS template enables the generation of online galleries displaying both thumbnails and an online map. Raw conversion for the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Nikon D40 and Nikon D40X and full Windows Vista support are the other main additions to this release. BreezeBrowser Pro v1.7 is available for US $69.95 or for US $89.90 bundled with Downloader Pro.
Rob Galbraith has highlighted a serious problem with the auto-focusing system used in the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera. Apparently both pre- and production cameras “can’t hold focus on static subjects very well and it can’t track moving subjects very well.” Worth reading before splashing out $5,000.
“Q. Is the autofocus better in the production EOS-1D Mark III than it was in the preproduction unit?
No. The autofocus problems of the preproduction unit are mirrored in production EOS-1D Mark IIIs.”
Website: Rob Galbraith - An analysis of EOS-1D Mark III autofocus performance
ProPhoto Home have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“Having read the reports of a few people indicating problems with the autofocus system the first thing I did was conduct some of my own tests. My tests did not indicate any significant issues in this area. I did think I noted a few instances of a delay in locking focus on a still subject. But, upon reviewing the actual image files I saw nothing consistent worth reporting. It all seemed well within the norms of the standard digital autofocus systems we all use.”
CNET have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“Images shot with the Canon EOS 1D Mark III can be absolutely stunning. Colors look extremely accurate, and the automatic white balance does an excellent job of neutralizing colors under a variety of lighting situations. The only times it became confused was in situations in which there was mixed lighting, and even then it produced pleasing, if not absolutely spot-on results. If paired with a sharp lens, the 1D Mark III can produce images with a vast amount of fine detail.”
Website: CNET - Canon EOS-1D Mark III Review
DIWA member e-Fotografija have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“Any way you look at it, the Canon EOS 1D MkIII is a photojournalist’s dream camera. Loads of features, intuitive settings, antidust system, liveview, and excellent image quality at high sensitivity are what make it so amazing. And it is this last thing that makes the Mk III so special.”
Adobe have released Camera Raw 4.1 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the following cameras has been added in this update:
Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Fuji FinePix S5 Pro, Nikon D40x, Olympus E-410, Olympus SP-550 UZ, Sigma SD14, Phase One H 20, Phase One H 25, Phase One P 20, Phase One P 21, Phase One P 25, Phase One P 30, Phase One P 45
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.1 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 4.1 (MAC)
Luminous Landscape have published their first impressions of the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“Let’s cut to the chase. In my initial evaluation I judge the MKIII to have between a one stop and two stop advantage over any Canon camera to date in terms of high ISO noise. And at the risk of starting a barroom brawl, previous Canon cameras have been as good as if not arguable better than any other manufacturer’s DSLRs when it comes to low noise at high ISO. One can also quibble as to whether the Canon 5D has been the best yet (my opinion), but there will be no argument that with the MKIII Canon has now exceeded what has come before, and has set a new benchmark for low noise.”
Rob Galbraith have a preview of the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“The camera’s features may be difficult to sum up, but the camera’s performance isn’t. It’s awesome. Pixel-for-pixel, the image quality is the best we’ve seen from a digital SLR, and except for one preproduction body glitch, it’s also the best SLR we’ve ever shot with too. The EOS-1D Mark III shows a level of design care and engineering thoroughness that is simply unprecedented. Its list of features is impressive. But actually using the camera reveals how impressive all these features work.”
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.
Photo agency VII’s new European lecture series will be sponsored by Canon. 10 photographers on VII’s roster will take part in two days of presentations and discussions. “The opinions of professional photographers have always played a big part in the evolution of EOS, the world’s leading SLR system – the European VII Seminar now gives photographers new opportunities to talk about their craft.” said Barry van Vuuren, Team Leader, Professional Imaging Department, Canon Europa N.V. For more information about the European VII Seminar programme and to reserve tickets, visit www.viiphoto.com/event.html
Pricing has now been confirmed for all the new Canon EOS related products that were announced at the end of February at the Spring Launch event. Availability TBC on all products listed below.
- EOS 1D Mark III DSLR camera priced at £3049.99 RRP inc. VAT.
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens is priced at £1319.99 RRP inc.VAT
- Speedlite 580EX II flashgun is £399.99 RRP inc.VAT
- Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 is £649.99 RRP inc.VAT
- Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 is £599.99 RRP inc.VAT.
Imaging Resource have a preview of the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“As it was, going out to shoot our usual Gallery shots left me feeling a little frustrated. The 1D Mark III is far more sophisticated than any of my snapshots of inanimate objects could convey, and my limited time wouldn’t allow me to get truly creative and explore the vast possibilities with a camera of this caliber. But the Galleries aren’t intended to show any artistic ability; they’re taken to give you a sample shot of something textured and colorful with the camera in the daylight. Let’s just say I was wishing I had a week in the Sierras, four days with models in a studio, three days with the same models on a beach, 36 hours photographing bears in Alaska, and a weekend at the racetrack. Just me and the Mark III.”
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.
PMA 2007: Canon have announced several new accessories that have been optimised for the new EOS-1D Mark III DSLR. These are the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens, Canon Speedlite 580EX II flashgun, Canon WFT-E2 Wireless File Transmitter and Canon OSK-E3 Original Data Security Kit. The optics on the EF 16 35mm f/2.8L II USM have been redesigned to deliver higher contrast levels and improved resolving power. Availability TBC on all products listed below.
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens is priced at £1319.99 RRP inc.VAT
- Speedlite 580EX II flashgun is £399.99 RRP inc.VAT
- Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 is £649.99 RRP inc.VAT
- Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 is £599.99 RRP inc.VAT.
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.
Photographer Gerd Ludwig offers some tips about digital photography on Kingston Technology’s ‘Icons of Photography’ website. Ludwig comments “Shooting inside the Chernobyl reactor was probably the most challenging photographic situation I’ve ever encountered. It was dark, loud, and claustrophobic; the clock was ticking as our group rushed through dimly lit tunnels strewn with wires, pieces of shredded metal and other debris as I struggled not to trip; I was dodging the spray of sparks from the drillers in highly contaminated concrete dust; and I knew that I had less than 15 minutes to capture impacting images of an environment that few have ever seen, and that I might never access again.” Read our in-depth Gerd Ludwig interview to find out more.
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)
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.1.6) for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
It fixes the phenomenon wherein the camera does not detect the capacity correctly when high-capacity recording media are initialized.
a) SDHC cards with capacities exceeding 2GB (e.g., 4GB, 8GB) are now supported.
b) The phenomenon wherein the camera cannot correctly detect the capacity of CF cards with capacities exceeding 8GB (e.g., 12GB, 16GB) correctly when they are initialized has been corrected.
Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Firmware 1.1.6
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.2.6) for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
It fixes the phenomenon wherein the camera does not detect the capacity correctly when high-capacity recording media are initialized.
a) SDHC cards with capacities exceeding 2GB (e.g., 4GB, 8GB) are now supported.
b) The phenomenon wherein the camera cannot correctly detect the capacity of CF cards with capacities exceeding 8GB (e.g., 12GB, 16GB) correctly when they are initialized has been corrected.
Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark II Firmware 1.2.6
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.1.2) for the EOS-1D Mark II N DSLR.
It fixes the phenomenon wherein the camera does not detect the capacity correctly when high-capacity recording media are initialized.
a) SDHC cards with capacities exceeding 2GB (e.g., 4GB, 8GB) are now supported.
b) The phenomenon wherein the camera cannot correctly detect the capacity of CF cards with capacities exceeding 8GB (e.g., 12GB, 16GB) correctly when they are initialized has been corrected.
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new Canon EOS 400D (Canon Digital Rebel XTi in the USA), which offers 10 megapixels, a large 2.5 inch LCD screen and new integrated dust removal system.
“There’s more, however. The screen on the camera’s back side has undergone a revolution. Not only is the small Canon now equipped with a large 2.5-inch LCD display, it also proves of terrific quality. In fact, it is even better than those found on the EOS 5D and the EOS 1D Mark II N; this screen is bound to spark the jealousy of many a professional DSLR owner! The value of a good monitor can simply not be underestimated, after all, you will be dealing with it all of the time. The LCD now also shows the photographic settings, which is very pleasant to work with in practice. Although we must admit we find the eye sensor a rather irksome piece of work - but to each his own! “
Website: LetsGoDigital - Canon EOS 400D Review
Website: Read our Canon EOS 400D Review
Breeze Systems Press Release
New in DSLR Remote Pro v1.3: Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi and Multiple Camera Support
20th October, 2006: Breeze Systems today released DSLR Remote Pro v1.3. Photographers can now use Breeze Systems highly regarded software to control the new Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi as well as the 30D, 5D, 350D/Digital Rebel XT, 1D series cameras and most other EOS Digital SLR cameras. DSLR Remote Pro v1.3 adds support for tethered shooting with the new Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi, enhances automatic exposure bracketing and multiple cameras to be controlled from a single PC.
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.
Photokina Show have just reviewed the new SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash card and Firewire reader.
“The SanDisk Extreme IV memory card has immediate benefits for professional digital SLR photographers working with digital equipment like the Hasselblad H2D or high resolution digital SLR cameras like the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16 Megapixel DSLR camera. When we conducted our tests with cameras like the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N and Nikon D200 we had to admit that these fairly new cameras were not able to get the most out of the Extreme IV memory card. The bottleneck is the digital SLR camera that doesn’t (yet) support the fast Ultra DMA and this is a limitation.”
The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens offers up to 4 stops of image stabilisation with 2 modes and a compact, lightweight body. The Canon EF 70-200mm lens will be priced around £989.99 RRP VAT INC (€1429.99) and available late September.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon today announces the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, Canon’s first interchangeable lens with 4 stop Image Stabilizer. This allows hand held photography with no perceptible image blur at shutter speeds up to 4 steps slower than otherwise possible – ideal for low light shooting without tripod or flash. Dust and moisture resistant, compact, manoeuvrable, and incorporating Canon’s finest standards of precision optics, Canon’s latest professional L-series lens is expected to be popular for travel, expedition and wildlife assignments where there is a requirement to travel light without compromising image quality.
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.
The new Lexar 133X 8GB CompactFlash will be available in August for the suggested price of $424.99.
Lexar Press Release
Large Capacity and High-Speed Data Transfer Rate Benefits Professionals and Advanced Amateurs Shooting in RAW Format
Fremont, Ca., July 18, 2006 – Lexar Media, Inc., a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today announced that it has increased the performance of its popular Professional 8GB CompactFlash® memory card to 133X. This performance improves the digital imaging workflow for both professional and advanced amateur photographers working with and managing large files. Lexar’s new card is capable of a minimum sustained data write speed of 20MB per second and is currently available in CompactFlash Type I flash memory card format, the most popular format for today’s digital SLR cameras. “Lexar has encouraged photographers to ‘keep shooting’ while consistently introducing products that improve digital imaging workflow once images are stored on their flash memory cards,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar. “Those who shoot in RAW format require a vast amount of storage capacity, but also need reliable high-speed performance at all steps in the digital imaging process. Our new 133X 8GB cards directly address and satisfy both needs and, as a result, are ideal for photographers shooting in all situations,” he added.
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.1.0, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera.
This firmware update (Version 1.1.0) incorporates the following additional functions:
* Enhancement of direct printing with specific printers.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.0.4 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to perform this update.
Breeze Systems Press Release
New in DSLR Remote Pro v1.2: Canon EOS 30D Support
19th May, 2006: Breeze Systems today released DSLR Remote Pro v1.2. Photographers can now use Breeze Systems’ highly regarded software to control Canon’s new EOS 30D as well as Canon EOS 5D, 350D/Rebel XT, 20D, EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1Ds Mark II, 10D, 300D/Rebel, EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds models.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. Nikon D70 Front-Focused Images
2. The Big Picture
3. A Question! A Question! My Kingdom For A Question!
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.4, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera.
This firmware update (version 1.0.4) includes the following improvements:
1. Fixes the phenomenon where the images are monochrome.
2. Fixes the phenomenon where the images are overexposed when using Focusing Screen Ec-S.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.0.3 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.0.4, it is not necessary to perform this update.
PMA 2006: Lexar Press Release
Lexar Doubles the Performance of Its Popular 8GB CompactFlash Memory Card - High-Capacity Card Is Ideal For Both Professional And Advanced Amateurs Capturing High Resolution Images In RAW Format
ORLANDO, Fl., February 27, 2006 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, today announced that it has doubled the speed rating of its popular Professional 8GB CompactFlash® memory card to 90X. Furthering the company’s lengthy heritage in delivering cards with market-leading performance, the new 8GB card is one of the fastest high-capacity CompactFlash cards available. On display at the Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) show, Lexar’s new card is capable of a minimum sustained data write speed of 13.5 MB per second. In addition to increased speed and performance, the new high-speed card will be available in CompactFlash Type I flash memory card format, the most popular format for today’s SLR digital cameras.
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.”
DxO Labs Press Release
DxO LABS ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR NIKON D200 AND CANON EOS-1D MARK II N D-SLRS IN DxO OPTICS PRO V3.5
DxO Labs adds highly sought-after camera and lens couples to its DxO Optics Pro offer.
Paris, France, February 3, 2006– DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro v3.5 Digital SLR and lens automatic image quality enhancement software now supports the recently released Nikon D200 and the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N Digital-SLRs. DxO Optics Pro v3.5 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.
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)
Lexar Press Release
Lexar Delivers Optimal Performance with 133X CompactFlash and Secure Digital Memory Cards
Fremont, Ca., January 18, 2006 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies announced availability of its new Professional CompactFlash® (CF) and Secure Digital™ (SD) flash memory cards designed to deliver optimal performance in all digital SLR cameras and speed-rated 133X, or capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 20MB per second. Lexar’s new flash memory products signify the company’s continued commitment to providing professional photographers with reliable flash memory cards that deliver near instantaneous image read and write speeds, and seamless operation throughout each step of the digital imaging workflow process enabling the user to spend more time taking pictures.
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.
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.2, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera.
This firmware update (version 1.0.2) includes the following improvements:
1. Fixes a file-numbering error that occurred during Bulb shooting.
2. Improves the brightness of the LCD monitor.
3. Fixes mistakes in the Russian-language MENU displays.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.0.0 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.0.2, it is not necessary to perform this update.
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
DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N digital SLR camera, 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.
“The EOS-1D Mark II n is a heck of a lot of camera—and at $4,000, it had better be. We can judge its value in a few ways, but any way you slice it, this camera is a strong buy. First, we can compare it to the competition: for $500 more than the Nikon D2Hs, it delivers a faster shooting rate and twice as many pixels. The Nikon autofocus system seemed to handle some low-contrast subjects better, but not conclusively so. Comparatively, the 1D Mark II n seems like a great value. “
Pixmantec Press Release
Pixmantec Partners With ETCETERA Consulting To Provide Sophisticated Color Profiles For Canon And Nikon Digital SLRs
Copenhagen, November 15, 2005: Danish digital imaging specialists Pixmantec ApS are pleased to announce the immediate release of RawShooter | Color Engine. A plug?in for both existing and forthcoming RawShooter RAW workflow applications, RawShooter |Color Engine provides discerning photographers with an excellent alternative to the standard RawShooter profiles. Designed in cooperation with color expert Magne Nilsen of ETCETERA Consulting, RawShooter | Color Engine seamlessly integrates into all RawShooter applications. Built using an advanced architecture, RawShooter | Color Engine delivers a level of sophistication that has yet to be seen in DSLR profile management and thus has the potential or exciting enhancements to come.
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)
Pixmantec Press Release
ANNOUNCING THE ULTIMATE RAW WORKFLOW TOOL - $59.00 OCTOBER ONLY!
Copenhagen, October 28th 2005: Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec announce the release of the latest addition to their Photographers’ Toolbox applications for the camera RAW format, RawShooter | premium 2006. Building on the incredible success of the FREE RawShooter | essentials 2005 product (now with several hundred thousand copies installed worldwide), RawShooter | premium 2006 provides unsurpassed RAW workflow functionality and professional image quality at an unbeatable competitive price. In addition to a state of the art feature set, RawShooter | premium 2006 adds camera RAW support for several new DSLRs including the Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 1D II N.
The-Digital-Picture have compared sample images from the new 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR with the 16 megapixel Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II, to find out which camera has the best image quality.
Website: The-Digital-Picture - Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Sample Images
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“Impressive is the Canon EOS 5D certainly where image quality is concerned in combination with the new EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM lens. The sharpness is outstandingly high and the colour reproduction especially accurate. Picture Style lets you adjust it to your own taste. What’s more is the fact that the new Canon EOS 5D excels on noise and dynamic range. Moreover, ISO 3200 can be used perfectly for high quality prints and in light as well as dark areas the detail remains clearly visible. This is really impressive; you have to see it to believe it. The Canon 5D and the EOS-1D Mark II N are similar in this case. For the competitors it will be a hard nut to crack!”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Canon EOS 5D Review
Breeze Systems Press Release
DSLR Remote Pro v1.1 improves exposure control and adds support for new cameras
20th October, 2005 : Breeze Systems today released DSLR Remote Pro v1.1. Photographers can now use Breeze Systems’ highly regarded software to control Canon EOS 5D, 350D/Rebel XT, 20D, EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1Ds Mark II cameras as well as the 10D, 300D/Rebel, EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds models.
Improve exposure control in tricky lighting conditions with DSLR Remote Pro’s unique ability to auto bracket up to 15 images with Canon DSLR cameras by varying either the shutter speed or the aperture. This greatly simplifies the taking of sequences of images which can then be combined to make High Dynamic Range (HDR) images in your image editor. This technique is particularly effective when taking interior shots or product shots without the need for sophisticated lighting.
View color managed previews where color accuracy is critical. Previews may also be sharpened using the highly acclaimed HQ sharpening routines used in BreezeBrowser Pro.
CNET have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
“Canon maintains its industry-leading position with the 16.7-megapixel EOS 1Ds Mark II, the highest-resolution small-format digital SLR. Intended for studio and landscape photographers who prefer the size and flexibility of 35mm-style cameras, the 1Ds Mark II sets a new benchmark for performance and image quality. With a wealth of upgrades, this camera succeeds and surpasses Canon’s original EOS 1Ds, introduced two years earlier.”
Website: CNET - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review
Breeze Systems Press Release
BreezeBrowser Pro v1.3 adds lens distortion correction, Canon EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N Raw Conversion
14th October, 2005 : Breeze Systems announce the immediate availability of BreezeBrowser Pro v1.3, latest release of their acclaimed image browsing and raw conversion software. BreezeBrowser Pro v1.3 introduces Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II N raw conversion and automatic lens distortion correction.
New! Automatic correction of lens distortion for batches or single images. Barrel distortion was removed from this interior shot using BreezeBrowser Pro while maximizing image quality. BreezeBrowser Pro uses high quality resampling algorithms and Thomas Niemann’s highly regarded PTLens profiles to correct for barrel and pincushion lens distortion. Automatic lens distortion correction can be applied to images from both zoom and fixed focal length lenses and is available when converting raw files or when generating proofs from raw files and other image formats.
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.2.4) for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.2.4) includes the following additional functons and improvements:
1. Fixes the phenomenon of file number errors that occurred when shooting bulb exposures.
Fixes the phenomenon of file numbers not being sequential even if the file number setting is for sequential numbers if when a CF card is replaced while the power of the camera is switched on.
2. Improves reliability in communication when using some CF cards.
Website: Firmware Update Version 1.2.4
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.1.4) for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.1.4) includes the following improvements:
1. Fixes the phenomenon of horizontal line noise appearing when P.Fn-21 is set to ON.
Fixes the phenomenon of horizontal line noise appearing occasionally in shots taken with P.Fn-21 set to ON at high ISO setting, depending on the shutter release timing.
2. Fixes the phenomenon of file number errors that occurred when shooting bulb exposures.
Fixes the phenomenon of file numbers not being sequential even if the file number setting is for sequential numbers if a CF card is replaced while the power of the camera is switched on.
3. Improves reliability in communication when using some CF cards.
Note for users of the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1/E1A:
The camers’s WFT-E1/E1A settings will be initialized after the firmware is updated. Please re-set them after the update.
Website: Firmware Update Version 1.1.4
DPReview have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
“The EOS-1Ds was the first digital SLR released with a full frame 35 mm size sensor and the first digital SLR with double-digit megapixel count. Two years later and the new EOS-1Ds Mark II raises the megapixel count by 5.6 million pixels, which equates to a 23% increase in horizontal and vertical pixel count. It shows too, the EOS-1Ds Mark II delivers a level of detail unmatched by any other current digital SLR (excluding the more ‘exotic’ medium format backs). The 1Ds Mark II also demonstrates a level of per-pixel sharpness which is often so difficult to achieve with Bayer pattern sensors.”
Website: DPReview - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review
Canon have launched a new website dedicated to Picture Styles, which Canon suggests is “like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression”. As well as being able to shoot pictures with the EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N cameras using a specific Picture style, you can also apply them to RAW files from older Canon DSLR cameras (right back to the D30) using the newly-released Digital Photo Professional v2.0 software.
“Color creativity with digital cameras has undergone enormous development and evolution since the advent of EOS DIGITAL cameras. The results of that progress have now been incorporated into Picture Style. Many functions have traditionally had to be adjusted through the Color Matrix and Developing Parameters. Picture Style integrates these into a display that is intuitive and unambiguous for professionals working with photographic data. Selecting the optimal Picture Style is like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression. By making this selection, you can create digital data fine-tuned for certain characteristics the moment the shutter is released. Picture Style makes it possible to produce images with the same characteristics regardless of the EOS DIGITAL camera used.”
Website: Canon Picture Style Special Site
Canon USA have released a new version, 2.0.3, of Digital Photo Professional, Canon’s software application for editing and converting RAW images shot by EOS Digital cameras.
1. Changes from Digital Photo Professional 2.0.1
1-1. In Picture Style, some of the setting item names were incorrect. Those names have been fixed as the following chart shows.
Incorrect / Correct
- / Landscape
- / Portrait
- / Neutral
- / Faithful
B/W / Monochrome
1-2. In images taken with EOS 5D or EOS-1D, some of the color tones would be missing. This problem has been fixed
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published the first web review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N digital SLR camera, 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.
Imaging Resource have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
“Canon has held a commanding position at the high end of the professional SLR market, ever since they introduced the original EOS-1D in late 2001. The full-frame 11-megapixel EOS-1Ds was likewise a breakthrough product when announce in 2002. In late 2004 though, the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II set a new standard for ultimate resolution in a full-frame 35mm-format digital SLR. Carrying over a host of improvements and innovations from the 1D Mark II, the EOS-1Ds Mark II improves image quality and performance over the original 1Ds, while at the same time raising the resolution to an incredible 16.7 megapixels. No other camera currently on the market comes close to matching the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II for its combination of resolution and shooting speed, and (as of this writing in September 2005), Canon is the only manufacturer offering digital SLRs with full frame 35mm sensors.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review
DxO Labs Press Release
DXO OPTICS PRO V3.0 SOFTWARE TO SUPPORT NEW FULL-FRAME CANON DIGITAL SLR
Photographers worldwide to benefit from DxO Labs’ image enhancement technologies with the new Canon EOS 5D, Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and new Canon lenses
Paris, France, August 22, 2005 – DxO Labs announced today that DxO Optics Pro v3.0 Digital SLR and lens automatic image quality enhancement software will soon support Canon’s new Digital SLRs and lenses. DxO Optics Pro v3.0 incorporates revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an all-new, easy-to-use, feature-rich application for both Mac and PC users.
“DxO Optics Pro has always been about allowing Digital SLRs and their compatible lenses to automatically achieve peak performance – beyond what is possible with the hardware alone. We are very excited by Canon’s announcements today and in particular by the new full-frame Canon EOS 5D. We plan to support these major products from Canon in the weeks following their availability,” stated Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography Business Unit at DxO Labs.
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 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is announced. The Canon 24-105mm lens features a fixed aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range and an Image Stabiliser that allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than normal. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens will be available from September 2005 priced £869.00 RRP inc. VAT/ €1259.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon’s lightweight, Image Stabiliser zoom lens for professionals – the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest professional L-series lens: the lightweight EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM with Image Stabiliser. Dust and moisture resistant and incorporating Canon’s very finest standards of precision optics, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is designed for reportage, event, travel and celebrity photographers looking for a lightweight and manoeuvrable lens with minimal image quality compromise.
Complementing the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, the lens completes Canon’s f/4L-series zoom lens range. These lenses are designed for professional photographers requiring a light zoom lens with a fixed aperture throughout the zoom range. For outstanding camera shake reduction, Image Stabiliser allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur.
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 have released a new firmware update (version 1.1.3) for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.1.3) includes the following additional functons and improvements:
* With the version 1.1.2 firmware, pressing the DISPLAY button right after shooting images resulted in an abnormal display and the camera would freeze. This firmware fixes that problem.
Website: Firmware Update Version 1.1.3
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.2.3) for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.2.3) includes the following additional functons and improvements:
* With the version 1.2.2 firmware, pressing the DISPLAY button right after shooting images resulted in an abnormal display and the camera would freeze. Images are not lost when this occurs. Also, removing and then reloading the battery restores the camera to normal operation. This version 1.2.3 firmware incorporates fixes for the issue described above.
Website: Firmware Update Version 1.2.3
In the latest article over on Luminous Landscape Alain Briot explains why he has switched to the 16 megapixel Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II digital SLR, in preference to 4x5 film.
“When asked for his opinion while I considered purchasing the 1DsMarkII Michael Reichmann said “The 1DsMark II is a fabulous choice. You may never shoot film again.” The first part of Michael’s answer has proved to be right on. The 1DsMkII is a fabulous choice. It is a professional tool which is a pleasure to use, both in terms of ergonomics, construction and image quality. What about the second part? Will I ever shoot film again? Well, I probably will for a little while longer but it is certainly proving to be an increasingly problematic choice provided the quality of the images I am getting from the 1DsMark II. There is no doubt that for very big enlargements 4x5 retains an edge. But in every other respect digital captures makes a lot more sense. Furthermore, not all images need to be printed at 40x50. Some images call for smaller enlargements, and for those 4x5 is simply overkill.”
DPReview have published a short, favourable review of Lexar’s LockTight memory card technology, which keeps images secure when used with the the new Nikon D2X digital SLR camera.
“As you may expect attempting to use a protected card in another camera displays either a ‘Not Formatted’ or ‘Card Error’ warning. Attempting to format the card in a different camera (a Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II) fails with a ‘Cannot Format’ error, returning the card back to its assigned D2X showed that no images had been lost or damaged. Attempting to read the card in another card reader or on another computer using the Lexar card reader also failed to work, Windows didn’t even register that a card had been inserted.”
Website: DPReview - Lexar LockTight tested
Website: Understanding Lexar LockTight
LEXAR CUSTOMER ADVISORY
JUNE 1, 2005
To: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D, and EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D Digital / EOS Kiss Digital N camera customers using Lexar memory cards.
Update: On June 3, Lexar will release a firmware update for its Professional 80x CompactFlash customers who experience a problem with the Canon cameras listed. Issues experienced with other cards are expected to be addressed by Canon through its firmware release.
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.1.2) for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.1.2) includes the following additional functons and improvements:
1. When pressing the DISPLAY button immediately after shooting, the LCD monitor would turn completely white, the camera would hang, and the images in the buffer memory would be lost. Countermeasures for this issue have been incorporated into this update.
2. Errata in the German and Russian language displays have been corrected.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.1.1 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.2, it is not necessary to perform this update.
Website: Firmware Update Version 1.1.2
Canon have released a new firmware update (version 1.2.2) for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.2.2) includes the following additional functons and improvements:
1. When pressing the DISPLAY button immediately after shooting, the LCD monitor would turn completely white, the camera would hang, and the images in the buffer memory would be lost. Countermeasures for this issue have been incorporated into this update.
2. Errata in the German and Russian language displays have been corrected.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.2.1 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.2.2, it is not necessary to perform this update.
Website: Firmware Update Version 1.2.2
Canon USA have issued an advisory note on their website about two separate issues with images disappearing on a number their digital SLR cameras. Canon are planning to issue new firmware to address the first problem, whilst Lexar also plan to offer a free firmware update by the end of May. Read on for all the details…
Canon USA Service Notice
Digital SLR Image Disappearance
May 20, 2005 - Canon U.S.A.
We have received inquiries about the problem of images disappearing when using specific digital SLR cameras. As a result of our investigation, we found that the following two problems may occur. Please be advised of the details and countermeasures.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded four best product medals in this year’s Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) awards. Cementing its place as the only imaging technology innovator to have leading edge products through the entire digital imaging chain, Canon took the main awards in each of the camera, printer and projector categories.
· “Best A4 Photo Printer in Europe, 2005” for its PIXMA iP8500 printer
· “Best Professional Digital SLR Camera in Europe, 2005” for its EOS-1Ds Mark II camera
· “Best Entry Level Digital SLR Camera in Europe, 2005” for its EOS 350D camera
· “Best Photo Projector in Europe, 2005” for its XEED SX50 projector
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.”
Canon UK Press Release
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded two prizes by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) for outstanding digital cameras. The Canon EOS 20D received DIWA’s Platinum Award for the best ‘Digital System Camera’ of 2004, and the Digital IXUS 40 won a gold medal in the ‘Amateur Digital Mini Camera’ category.
Throughout the year, DIWA members rigorously test and review digital imaging products, awarding those with the highest scores gold, silver or bronze medals. Once a year, one of the gold winners from each of three categories is selected by the members as the best of the best – honoured by a DIWA Platinum Award.
Canon Europe Press Release
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, March 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded two prizes by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) for outstanding digital cameras: the Canon EOS 20D received DIWA’s Platinum Award for the best ‘Digital System Camera’ of 2004, and the Digital IXUS 40 won a gold medal in the Amateur Digital Mini Camera category.
Throughout the year, DIWA members rigorously test and review digital imaging products, awarding those with the highest scores gold, silver or bronze medals. Once a year, one of the gold winners from each of three categories is selected by the members as the best of the best – honoured by a DIWA Platinum Award.
“At Canon we are passionate about photography, so we are delighted to receive these two prestigious DIWA awards,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The awards reinforce our commitment to Canon customers and cement our dedication to continually setting standards in digital photography technology.”
Epson have released a new firmware update for thier P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, which I enthusiastically reviewed earlier this week.
The firmware provides the following enhancements:
1) Supports JPEG images from digital SLR cameras with an image-capture sensor of up to 17.8 megapixels.
2) Added Histogram information that shows the photo’s distribution of highlights, shadows, and mid-tones.
3) Additional RAW file support. The P-2000 now supports images in RAW format with the following digital SLR cameras..
EPSON R-D1, Nikon D100, D1H, D2H, D70, D1X, D2X, Canon EOS D30, EOS D60, EOS 10D, Kiss Digital, EOS 1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS Digital Rebel, EOS 20D, Konica Minolta Maxxum-7D, Pentax *istD and*istDS
Website: Epson America
Canon USA have released a new version of Digital Photo Professional, Canon’s software application for editing and converting RAW images shot by EOS Digital cameras.
Changes from the previous version include:
(1-1) The Copy Stamp Tool (to adjust images by copying and pasting some part of the image) was added.
(1-2) The Rename Tool (to change multiple file names at once) was added.
(1-3) Lines appeared in the bottom of images converted from RAW images taken with certain models when using Digital Photo Professional 1.5.0/1.6.0 on a computer with dual processors or Hyper-Threading Technology. This problem has now been fixed.
(1-4) Support was added for the EOS D60 and EOS Kiss Digital N / EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT / EOS 350D DIGITAL.
(1-5) The amount of time it takes for image thumbnails to appear has been reduced.
Canon have released a new firmware version (1.2.1) for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update fixes/improves the following:
1. Three new languages (Russian, Traditional Chinese, and Korean) added to the camera menus.
2. Improvement in communication reliability when using some CF cards.
3. The issue of communication failure between the camera and some personal computers has been fixed.
Canon have released a new firmware version for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.1.1) includes the following additional functions and improvements:
1. Three new languages (Russian, Traditional Chinese, and Korean) added to the camera menus.
2. Improvement in communication reliability when using some CF cards.
Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.1.1
The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS-1D Mark II Review
The-Digital-Picture.com have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
“Of highest importance is image quality - I am also not disappointed in any way in this regard. I didn’t find anything sacrificed in image quality to get the large 16.6 megapixel image. The sensor and the related software deliver the excellent image quality I expect from Canon Digital SLRs. Dynamic range is very good (non-officially rated at 9.5 f-stops), colors look natural. Auto white balance is very good (I am using it more often than ever). “
Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review
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.
DxO Optics Pro 2.2 has been made available by DxO Labs. Optics Pro 2.2 now supports the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera, the new Adobe Digital Negative file format and has a simplified pricing structure.
DxO Labs Press Release
DXO LABS SHIPS DXO OPTICS PRO 2.2 ADDING SUPPORT FOR CANON EOS-1DS MARK II, ADOBE DIGITAL NEGATIVE SUPPORT (DNG) AND A SIMPLIFIED PRICING STRUCTURE
Paris, France, February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software developer focused on research in image processing, announced today the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 software. This latest version of DxO Labs’ flagship product for demanding photographers adds:
- Support for the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II.
- Support for the Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) file format as an output option.
- A simplified pricing structure and even better value. DxO Optics Pro is now offered either in a “Standard” version for expert amateur cameras or “Elite” version for all cameras including professional D-SLRS. DxO Raw Engine is now included in both versions.
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
A new version of Adobe Camera Raw has been released by Adobe for both Windows and MAC platforms.
Camera Raw 2.4 update
Support for the following cameras has been added. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.
Canon
EOS 20D
PowerShot S70
PowerShot G6
EOS-1Ds Mark II
In the same download is the Adobe DNG Converter, a free utility that converts files from more than 70 cameras to DNG, which enables you to easily convert camera-specific raw files to a more universal DNG raw file.
Website: Adobe - Adobe DNG Converter and Camera Raw 2.4 update (Windows)
Website: Adobe - Adobe DNG Converter and Camera Raw 2.4 update (MAC)
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
Imaging Resource have posted their review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
“The Canon EOS-1D was a groundbreaking digicam when it was first announced in late 2001, and held its ground amazingly well against the competition in all the time since then. In January of 2004, Canon announced the EOS-1D Mark II, a radical update of the original 1D, doubling its resolution, while simultaneously increasing its continuous shooting speed slightly to a blazing 8.5 frames/second, and cutting image noise in the process.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS-1D Mark II Review
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
Focus on Imaging 2005 is the UK’s biggest photography trade show, held on February 27th - March 2nd. PhotographyBLOG will be there to bring you all the news from the show floor. Canon have got in early by issuing the following press release, detailing which products they will be displaying. With the PMA show held a week before Focus on Imaging, I’d expect a few as-yet-unannounced products to be joining this list.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon will be displaying the photography of 12 members of its consumer programme ‘Imagine’ at Focus on Imaging 2005 (N.E.C Birmingham, 27 February – 2 March 2005). The work will be displayed on Canon’s stand (L20) along with Canon’s latest range of class-leading consumer imaging equipment.
Imagine is designed to help Canon customers make the most of their product. It features a gallery where members are invited to publish photographs they have taken, and every month Canon awards a framed print to some of the most interesting entries. The Imagine Members’ Gallery on the stand at Focus is a selection of the best shots.
Canon have released a new firmware version for the EOS 1D MKII DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.1.0) includes the following additional functons and improvements:
Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF.
Reduced the time between when the camera is turned on and when it is ready to shoot.
Support added for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E1.
Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Firmware
Canon have released a new firmware version for the EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update (version 1.0.3) includes the following additional functions and improvements:
1. Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF.
2. Reduction in color differences between RAW and JPEG thumbnail images.
Website: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.0.3
Adobe have just made a Beta version of Adobe Camera RAW (part of Photoshop CS) available for download.
The Camera Raw 2.4 beta has added support for the following cameras:
* Canon EOS 20D
* Canon PowerShot S70
* Canon PowerShot G6
* Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II
* Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200
* Konica Minolta MAXXUM 7D
* Nikon D2X
Website: Rob Galbraith - Adobe Camera RAW 2.4 Beta
Michael Reichmann over at the Luminous Landscape website has published his thoughts on the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR and the Phase One P25 digital back.
“OK. Let’s cut to the chase. Which is the better camera system - the Canon 1Ds Mark II, or the Phase One P25 on a medium format camera like the Contax 645?
Once again, I’m afraid that I’ll have to disappoint. There’s no absolute winner. Each one has its strengths and weaknessess, and based on this, as I’ve detailed above, if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford one or the other, you’ll have to make your own decision based on your particular photographic needs.
If you’re looking for the finest absolute image quality then the P25 gets the nod. There are more pixels, the photosites are bigger, and therefore the images are a bit crisper and capable of being printed larger. There is a bit more dynamic range, and at low ISOs the shadows have more detail and “depth”.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon 1Ds MKII Vs. Phase One P25
Bob Atkins has published a great overview of compact flash cards from a Canon DSLR point of view, including the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D (pictured).
“As you can see, it really doesn’t matter much what speed CF card you use with the Digital Rebel or EOS 10D. The camera really can’t write faster than about 1.4MB/s no matter what the CF card speed is. Faster cards do give slightly better performance, but the difference is small. On the other hand, the EOS 20D and EOS 1Ds mark II can write much faster and can take more advantage of high speed cards. With these cameras the use of faster CF cards makes much more difference.”
Website: Bob Atkins - Compact Flash Cards
Luminous Landscape has published a review of the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR which was announced last month.
“In the end, the 1Ds Mark II stands alone, (for the moment at least), as the camera with the combination of highest image quality and fastest handling available. There are faster cameras and there are higher resolution digital solutions (various 22 Megapixel backs, and soon the Mamiya ZD 22 MP camera). But for the money, the size, the versatility, and the performance, the Canon 1Ds Mark II is currently king of the hill.”
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.
Breeze Systems Press Release 18/10/04
Breeze Systems’ Downloader Pro 1.5 simplifies workflow for Canon EOS 20D and 1D Mk II Users
18 October 2004: Breeze Systems today released Downloader Pro 1.5, the company’s powerful yet simple tool to transfer digital photos from camera to PC.
Canon EOS 20D and Canon EOS-1D Mark II users can now use Downloader Pro to download directly from the camera while automatically renaming and organizing images, losslessly rotating JPEGs and storing copyright and other IPTC data in each image.
Further time saving features include dpi adjustment and color profile tagging of JPEGs and the automatic creation of sets of related directories for each download directory.
Downloader Pro 1.5 also adds support for the downloading of Panasonic DMC-LC1 and Leica Digilux 2 raw images.
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.3 for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update fixes/improves the following:
- Added new functions for communicating with the Speedlite 580EX.
A color temperature information transmission function has been added to stabilize the white balance.
- Reduced noise when shooting bulb exposures.
Reduced the noise when shooting bulb exposures (astronomical shots, etc.).
- Fixed sensor-cleaning operations.
Fixed the problem of the shutter not opening if sensor cleaning was performed immediately after taking bulb exposures.
Bob Atkins has published an interesting translation of an interview with one of the Canon directors, Mr. Iwashita, with Bob’s personal viewpoint interweaved into the interview text. It doens’t contain very good news if you are one of the people that wish Canon would release a digital version of their popular EOS 3 film SLR:
“It seems that Canon are currently happy with the 3 tier system of DSLRs, the consumer level Digital Rebel, the “prosumer” level EOS 20D and the pro level EOS 1D mark II and 1Ds mark II. There are no current plans to introduce a digital version of the EOS 3. The current 3 tiers don’t really compete with each other and sales are good. There’s no reason to add a 4th level between the 20D and 1D models.”
Website: Bob Atkins - Canon’s Digital Plans
Canon UK Press Release 27/09/04
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, will release over 90 new consumer products in 2004, averaging the release of one new consumer product every four days. Of these, nineteen are digital cameras. The announcement coincides with the start of Photokina, the bi-annual European imaging and photography exhibition hosted in Cologne, Germany from September 28.
Canon holds the number one market position within Europe for Digital Still Cameras, Digital SLRs and Analogue cameras1. These figures reflect Canon?s ongoing investment commitment to focused Research & Development and the commercialisation of new technologies. Consistent with previous years, Canon last year invested approximately 8.2% of total global revenue ? just under 2 billion EUR -in R&D. Canon was also second in terms of receiving US patents in 2003, with nearly 2,000 registered2.
“We are the only company in the world to manufacture our own lenses, our own digital imaging sensors and our own digital image processors,? said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe, commenting on Canon?s strong showing at Photokina this year. ?Our commitment, expertise and technological advantages translate into superbly built products of outstanding reliability and quality - the key reasons behind our number one position in Europe with digital cameras.”
Extensis Inc. Press Release 27/09/04
Free filter powered by Bibble Labs enables professional photographers to read Raw data from image files of leading digital SLR cameras.
Photokina, Cologne, Germany - September 27, 2004 - Extensis Inc. today announced an update to its Pro Photo Raw Image Filter for Portfolio 7. The updated filter will be a free upgrade for registered owners of Extensis’ digital asset management (DAM) solution for organizing digital photos, illustrations, page layouts and presentations.
With the Pro Photo Raw Image Filter, Portfolio generates high-quality thumbnails and previews from the unprocessed raw image files created by professional digital cameras from Nikon, Olympus, Kodak, Canon, Fuji, Konica-Minolta, Pentax and Imacon. With the Pro Photo Raw Image Filter, Portfolio 7 can extract EXIF metadata and IPTC from the Raw files, create thumbnails for displaying the images in catalogs, and generate high-resolution JPEG previews on the fly for detailed viewing, printing, slideshows and QuickTime movies.
“There have been rapid developments in the digital camera industry since we released our first Raw camera support for Portfolio last year,” said Dan Harlacher, Extensis Portfolio product manager. “With this update, professional photographers now have the Raw camera support they demand for keeping pace with the new camera developments without losing the ability to preview, keyword, organize and sort thousands of images within Portfolio without getting bogged down in a lengthy conversion process.”
Digital Outback Photo’s have got hold of the new Canon EOS 20D and have started their usual diary-like Experience Report about Canon’s 8 megapixel DSLR.
“Finally we received our 20D review sample. This is a very interesting camera. Not so much because of the 2MP more compared to the Canon EOS 10D but because it seems that this camera gets close in terms of low noise to the much more expensive EOS 1D Mark II which we own and like. We will do lot of comparisons between the 20D and the 1D Mark II.
We also take the 20D to Photokina as our only camera and then after Photokina we will focus mainly gaining real world experience. Please be patient.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 20D Experience Report
DP-Now editor Ian Burley has published his initial thoughts on the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR which was announced yesterday.
“Evolution, rather than revolution seems to be the theme of the 1D/II’s development. There are now half as many pixels again to play with as before and the full frame 24x36mm sensor appears to be a direct descendant of the previous 11.1MP CMOS unit developed by Canon in-house.
Apart from the introduction of 802.11b and g (up to 54Mbits/sec) wireless connectivity via an optional adapter, the main emphasis in Canon’s notes on the new 1D/II is the inclusion of Digital Photo Professional v.1.5 image processing software for faster RAW file image processing workflow.”
Website: DP-Now - Initial thoughts on Canon’s new flagship 1D Mark II
Weighing in at a whopping 7-11Mbs, Canon have released 4 sample images for their new 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. One for broadband users only I think! Canon have even indulged us by including a night photograph amongst the samples, taken with a 15 sec shutter speed.
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 21/09/04
Stunning new Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30 join IXUS family
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the super stylish brother-sister cameras - the Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30. A breakthrough in lens material science has paved the way for the smallest ever cameras from Canon to feature a 3x optical zoom. These are also the first in the IXUS range to incorporate Canon’s DIGIC II processor.
With beautifully rounded curves and polished, all-metal bodies, Canon takes the IXUS design philosophy to new levels. These petite and desirable digital accessories feature ‘over-size’ 2.0” LCD displays and blistering DIGIC II performance processing power for super responsive shooting, superb image quality and instant playback. DIGIC II also means that the length of video footage these cameras can shoot is limited only by the capacity of the SD card .
“Icons of design are created where art and technological breakthroughs fuse,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The new UA lens material developed by Canon?s research scientists led the way for our designers to take Yasushi Shiotani?s original IXUS design to a new, higher plane. We are thrilled with the result.”
The Digital IXUS 40 will be available from October 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT
The Digital IXUS 30 will be available from October 2004 for £249 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 359.99 RRP inc. VAT exclusively at Jessops
Breeze Systems Press Release 20/09/04
BreezeBrowser v2.10 adds raw conversion for Canon EOS-1D Mark II, PowerShot Pro1 and S60 for US $49.95
20 September 2004: Breeze Systems today announced BreezeBrowser v2.10, latest release of its raw conversion, browsing and web page generation software. This release allows Canon EOS-1D Mark II, PowerShot Pro1 and S60 owners to use BreezeBrowser for raw conversion.
The ability to view, rename and copy Raw+JPEG images is also extended to Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EOS 20D, Nikon D70 and Nikon D2H users in this release.
BreezeBrowser v2.10 supports high quality conversion of raw files from the following Canon EOS cameras: 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1D, 10D, 300D/Digital Rebel, D60 and D30 and the following Canon Powershot cameras: G5, G3, G2, G1, Pro1, Pro90IS, S60, S50, S45, S40 and S30.
BreezeBrowser is Windows based software developed and sold by Breeze Systems Ltd. Other products include Downloader Pro, DSLR Remote Pro and PSRemote. Breeze Systems’ customers include Getty Images, Reuters and many world class photographers. BreezeBrowser is available from www.breezesys.com for US $49.94 or US $64.90 bundled with Downloader Pro v1.4. The price includes one year’s free upgrades from the date of purchase.
Breeze Systems Limited is based in Hampshire, UK and has been providing innovative IT solutions since 1994. Many thousands of customers worldwide rely on BreezeBrowser.
Canon UK Press Release 02/09/04
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been announced as the winning choice for photojournalists during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. With hundreds of the world’s best photographers in Athens for the games, Canon has proven to be the preferred choice for photographic equipment. According to figures quoted by major Olympic sponsor Kodak, approximately 70% of photographers covering the event are using Canon’s EOS SLR cameras and EF lens system.
By far the most popular camera body amongst the professional sports photographers at the games is Canon’s latest digital SLR - the EOS-1D Mark II. Released earlier this year, the camera delivers 40 frame bursts at approx. 8.5 frames per second at high-quality 8.2 Megapixel resolution. This integrates seamlessly with the predictive tracking of Canon’s EF lens
auto focus system, making the camera ideal for capturing fast moving action sequences. A large number of international news agencies have already specified the EOS-1D Mark II for their photographers, citing the camera’s resolution, speed, image quality, reliability and advanced CMOS sensor technology as key reasons for their choice.
CNET have published their review of the new Canon EOS 1D MKII.
“Canon ups the ante with its 8-megapixel EOS-1D Mark II, the fastest-shooting digital SLR on the market. Made for magazine photographers covering news and sports, the Mark II also works well for portrait shooters who want a versatile, small-format digital camera. The Mark II replaces the EOS-1D—which was already at the top of its class—and makes improvements across the board.”
Website: CNET - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Review
Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04
Canon announces the EOS 20D A new digital freedom
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces its latest Digital SLR: the EOS 20D. With a newly developed second generation APS-C size 8.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 5fps shooting speed, 9-point AF and Canon?s new distance-linked ETTL II flash system, the EOS 20D is the first semi-professional camera to deliver all the performance, speed and flexibility of high-end film SLR cameras.
Replacing the critically acclaimed EOS 10D, the EOS 20D is powered by the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon?s professional series EOS-1D Mark II. Second generation DIGIC improves on Canon?s already class-leading colour rendition accuracy and increases the speed of processing and start-up times. A rugged magnesium alloy body completes the EOS 20D?s professional look and feel.
Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04
New Canon professional model Speedlite flash ideal for digital photography
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces a new flagship model in its EX Speedlite range: the Canon Speedlite 580EX. Now Canon’s most powerful flash unit, the Speedlite 580EX has a guide number of 58 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and an adjustable angle of coverage suitable for wide lenses to 14mm.
Replacing the popular Canon Speedlite 550EX, the Speedlite 580EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, and includes new features to improve digital EOS SLR flash results. These include transfer of colour temperature data to optimise the white balance compensation, and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to best compliment the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached.
Circuitry modifications improve on the Speedlite 550EX recycle times by approximately 25%. An ultra-bright 3-LED configuration focus assist-beam has been designed to be compatible with all focus points within the frame of all EOS AF systems, including the new EOS 20D 9-point AF. The unit has improved exposure stability, with a tolerance of just ?0.3 stops.
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.”
Coincidentally, the Slovenian website eFotoGrafija have also published a comparative review of high-speed memory cards, this time Compact Flash, testing them in conjunction with the Canon EOS 1D Mk II digital SLR. The 100x speed Apacer Photo STENO ProII card is one of the 5 cards in the test.
“Manufacturers mark speed with X values, which indicates the speed 150KB/s. The larger the number in front of X, the faster the transfer rate should be. Few years old memory cards have 4x or 8x transfer rates and many new cards still maintain this speed. This is perfectly acceptable for average users shooting family or travel photos, where read and write speed are not so crucial. However when using cameras with more million pixels, more frames per second and longer video clips, we encounter first troubles. This is the moment when we need to consider faster memory cards.”
Website: eFotoGrafija - Compact Flash cards and transfer rates
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.
The 18th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Paul Teixeira.
“This selection of portraits and other people pictures spans a period of 28 years and a variety of techniques; from 35mm film to digital captures. Most of these pictures were taken on assignment for magazines or newspapers, which defined the way I photographed the people portrayed. The pictures were either used to illustrate an interview/article or had to speak for itself on an editorial page.”
“In the mid 1980’s I started to work as a photojournalist in The Netherlands, Europe. After a couple of years I decided that written journalism would be nice for a change. That career move resulted in a consecutive 11 years of writing stories as a journalist, managing other journalists as editor in chief and getting new magazines in the stores as a publisher. About 1.5 years ago I decided to go back to my roots: photojournalism. Albeit not on a full time basis. Thanks to the digital era, I’ve rediscovered the joys of photography. I was never a big fan of dwelling in the dark room developing films and printing pictures. Nowadays I carry the Canon EOS 1D and Canon EOS 1D Mark II and no films. I’m loving it!”
Website: http://www.pbase.com/paul_teixeira
Website: Portfolios: Paul Teixeira
Photographic magazine have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.
“One of the great joys of working for a photo magazine is getting to use all the latest and greatest gear. One of the great sorrows is having to return it when we’re through testing it. Never has having to return a piece of equipment been more painful than with the new Canon EOS-1d Mark II. This digital SLR that can shoot 8.2-megapixel images at 8.5 per second - up to 40 in a row if you wish - is truly a joy to use.”
The latest issue (July) of the online magazine Rangefinder is stuffed to the gills with photography goodness. Or to put it another way, there’s lots of new photography articles in the new issue of Rangefinder magazine :-) Here are some handy links to my picks of the bunch…
- Digital Quality Not Questioned
“I believe this claim indicates that image quality is no longer an issue with digital imaging. There are now enough digital cameras on the market that supply high enough image quality for all the different facets of the marketplace. From here on out, features and pricing will determine one?s choice in digital cameras, as much as anything. The quality of pixels will become more important than the number.”
- First Exposure: Canon EOS 1D Mark II
“There are virtually no tradeoffs with the Mark II. That?s why you?ll find Canon promoting the camera as the solution for wedding and portrait photographers as well as sports photographers. Priced at $4500, it is hitting the marketplace at $1000 less than its predecessor did when it first appeared. However, it is three times the cost of the very capable 6.0-megapixel EOS-10D camera.”
- Images That Speak
“Have you ever been in the company of someone that just “hung around”? These people are just there - generally with nothing to say or contribute, no opinions. They would be the equivalent of the color beige. In other words - they are very boring! Eight years ago, when searching my soul for where I wanted to be in the future as an imagemaker, I made a decision - a simple decision in theory, but a challenging one in practice. I no longer wanted my images to merely “hang around.” I wanted my images to speak!”
Website: Rangefinder Magazine - July 2004
Canon have released a new firmware version (1.0.2) for the EOS 1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update fixes/improves the following:
- The screen becoming magenta-colored when shooting bulb exposures
- The values being cleared when C.Fn-06 is set to “2” and the battery is removed
- Improves image quality of NTSC video output
This firmware supports cameras with firmware Version 1.0.1. If the camera already has the Version 1.0.2 firmware, this update is unnecessary.
Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Firmware
Fred Miranda has just released a new Photoshop plug-in for sharpening Canon EOS 1D Mark II SLR files.
“The Canon 1D Mark II CSpro Plugin is a new sharpening technology specific designed to accommodate Canon 1D Mark II SLR files. This plugin is compatible with JPEG files straight from the camera or TIFF/JPEG files converted from RAW files.
Here is how the interface looks:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/Buzz/Inteface2.html
Although the Canon 1D Mark II CSpro’s interface appears simple and intuitive, complexity makes this plugin very smart: It provides everything from haloless sharpening, edge-sharpening, luminance sharpening, mode sharpening, and more with just the press of a button. With this plugin you can also choose from low or high ISO settings.
Other options allow you to sharpen fine detail. There are pre-designed intensity levels, and options to reduce color noise from high ISO files. You can even create your own sharpening settings, preview settings and tweak intensity results.”
DO Labs Press Release 21/06/04
DXO OPTICS PRO ADDS IMMEDIATE SUPPORT FOR NIKON D2H AND CANON EOS 1D MARK II DIGITAL CAMERAS
Paris, France, June 21st, 2004 - DxO Optics Pro, the award wining image correction software application from DO Labs now supports the two most recent high-end Digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras from Canon and Nikon, namely the Nikon D2H and the Canon EOS 1D Mark II. Released on May 24, 2004 for both Macintosh and Windows, DxO Optics Pro software automatically eliminates Distortion, Vignetting1, Blur and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to dramatically improve digital image quality.
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
DPReview have today posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.
“I could go through the list of improvements, such as the vastly improved LCD monitor and up to 10x magnification in playback mode but it’s more interesting to take just one example. Canon pointed out to me that they had changed the design of the media compartment release lever, it now has a raised midsection making it more of a ‘U’ shape. Why was this done? To make it easier to open the media compartment when wearing gloves. Small details matter.”
Thanks to Joe Bunker for letting me know about the review :-)
Digital Outback Photo have started their diary review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.
“Today we made our traditional Los Gatos tour with our brand new 1D Mark II. There is not to much learning coming from a Canon 1Ds. The only thing to reevaluate is the reading of the histogram (e.g. how much to the right can we go without blowing out any highlights). We rather accept some mild under exposure than risk to lose highlights. Also here a low noise helps as the underexposed areas won’t show that bad noise with the Mark II.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Diary Review
Finnish photographer Pekka Saarinen has published a great review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II (found via Digicamera.net).
“One of the most obvious changes when you upgrade 10D to Mark II is 1.3X crop factor. Wide angle is more like wide angle and on long lenses you loose some reach. Most lenses feel a bit odd first and it will take some time before you mentally tune yourself to the new focal system. Choice of lenses may change: with 10D you collected extreme wide angle and zoomed quite far with 200mm, now you can cope quite nicely with 17-40 and you start wishing for 300 and 400mm lenses. With Mark II L series lenses are very recommended, because fast AF needs fast and accurate lenses and sharp camera is not sharp without sharp lenses.”
Canon have made the new EOS Viewer Utility available for download for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. It supports the following cameras:
EOS D30
EOS D60
EOS 10D
EOS Digital Rebel
EOS-1D
EOS-1D Mark II
EOS-1Ds
EOS Viewer Utility (EVU) downloads JPEG and RAW files from EOS digital SLRs, can convert RAW images and allows the modification of camera settings. EVU will NOT convert RAW images from PowerShot cameras.
EOS Capture v1.0 is automatically installed with EVU and enables control of the camera from the computer. EOS Capture v1.0 only supports EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D Mark II.
Website: Canon EOS Viewer Utility
Rob Galbraith is reporting that May 20th has been set as the date for the worldwide release of Canon’s Digital Photo Professional and EOS Viewer Utility software utilities. Digital Photo Professional is a new browsing and RAW file processing software for the EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D Mark II. EOS Viewer Utility is the successor to the slow and cumbersome File Viewer Utility. Both programs will be made available free of charge.
Website: Rob Galbraith - Digital Photo Professional, EOS Viewer Utility coming May 20
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.
Breeze Systems Press Release 30/04/04
BreezeBrowser v2.9 adds support for the new Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Sony DSC-F828
30 April 2004: Breeze Systems today released BreezeBrowser v2.9. Canon EOS-1D Mark II, Canon PowerShot Pro1, Sony DSC-F828 and Nikon D70 owners can use this popular workflow tool to view both raw and JPEG images. BreezeBrowser v2.9 now displays Paint Shop Pro files and introduces raw conversion for the Nikon D70, Pentax *ist D, Minolta DiMAGE 7i, A1 and A2 and Olympus E-1, C5050WZ, C5060WZ, C8080WZ cameras.
The Slovenian website eFotoGrafija have posted a test of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II. It’s well worth a look even if you can’t speak Slovenian and even if you can’t afford the hefty price-tag of Canon’s new DSLR. The ISO 3200 shots at the bottom of the page look amazing for such a high ISO speed.
Steves Digicamshave posted a first look at the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II, complete with sample images.
“As of the time of this review, the Canon EOS-1D Mark II is the world’s fastest pro-digital SLR camera. It combines a new 8.2 million pixel CMOS sensor with Canon’s DIGIC II imaging engine and captures eight-megapixel JPEG images at 8.5fps in continuous bursts of up to 40 frames and RAW images up to 20 frames. Canon took their popular 4.1 megapixel EOS-1D and doubled the resolution of the imaging sensor, doubled the size of the high speed buffer memory and reevaluated, redesigned and in some cases, actually reinvented the technology that makes the new Mark II camera the most reliable and responsive professional digital SLR on the market.”
Adobe has just released an updated version of Camera Raw for Photoshop CS (for both the Windows and Mac platforms). Version 2.2 now includes support for the following cameras:
- Canon PowerShot Pro1
- Canon EOS-1D MARK II
- Kodak DCS Pro 14nx
- Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n
- Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2
- Nikon D70
- Nikon Coolpix 8700
- Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom
- Sigma SD9
- Sigma SD10
Website: Adobe - Camera Raw 2.2 Update (Windows)
Website: Adobe - Camera Raw 2.2 Update (Mac)
Breeze Systems Press Release 22/04/04
Downloader Pro 1.3 adds support for Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Sony DSC-F828 cameras
22nd April 2004: Breeze Systems today released Downloader Pro 1.3. This simple but powerful tool enables photographers to transfer images to a PC at the touch of a button, renaming and storing them with file and directories names chosen by the user. It includes sophisticated handling of IPTC data, automatic lossless rotation of JPEGs and support for downloading from card readers and portable hard drives.
The new release allows users to :
- View thumbnails of images to be downloaded
- Gain even greater control when automatically sorting images as they are downloaded
- Use the camera model name mapping function to give meaningful names identifying the camera used to take pictures e.g. when different members of the family have their own camera this function can be used to download images to separate directories e.g. D:PhotosJohnsPro1, D:PhotosSuesD70
- Simplify workflow by automating the creation of sets of related directories for each download directory e.g. Vacation2004originals, Vacation2004working, Vacation2004final (using the new Directory Maker plug-in)
- Download raw images from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, Fuji, Pentax and Sony cameras and use shooting data for directory and image naming. Supported cameras include the new Canon EOS-1D Mark II, Canon PowerShot Pro1, Nikon D70, Minolta DiMAGE A2, Olympus C8080WZ and Sony DSC-F828
- Play WAV or AVI files
Downloader Pro has been developed by Breeze Systems whose products include BreezeBrowser, DSLR Remote Pro and PSRemote. Downloader Pro runs on Windows and costs US $29.95. It is available on a 30 day free trial from Breeze Systems’ website www.breezesys.com.
The German website dforum.de has recently reviewed the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II. The review is available in both German and English.
“For me the Canon EOS 1D Mark II is an extremely successful combination of the precision and speed of a 1D and the smooth pixel quality of a 10D. Actually something I always wanted. But every one has to make the decision on his own whether or not the Mark II is worth it or not. It is undoubted that the Mark II is the - all the performance characteristics put together - the most innovative and fastest DSLR in the world. Only the 1Ds can top it in terms of picture resolution.”
Popular Photography magazine have just published 5 new digital camera reviews on their website, including the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR.
- Nikon D70
- Canon EOS-1D Mark II
- Kodak DCS Pro SLR/n
- Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix
- Leaf Valeo 6 Digital Camera Back
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
Digital Outback Photo have just reviewed Canon Digital Photo Professional (v1.0.0.5), a new RAW conversion program that ships with the Canon EOS 1D Mark II DSLR.
“With all digital SLRs before the Canon EOS 1D Mark II Canon delivered a software called “File Viewer Utility” to convert Canon raw files. The output results of this software was actually not bad at all. But the lack of real time processing made it’s workflow pretty slow…Now Canon released for the first time with the EOS 1D Mark II a new raw converter called “Digital Photo Professional”. Canon’s clear goal is to to provide a software that is in the league of C1 and ACR.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon Digital Photo Professional Review
Digital Outback Photo have started an experience report on the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.
“We did not get a a review camera yet but had the chance last week to use a Mark II for one hour in Alviso. We will share our first findings. Otherwise wait for our diary once we will get a sample for two weeks.
Of course the 1D MArk II feels very familiar to us as we use a 1Ds all the time.
We will discuss three topics:
Softness?
RGB Histogram
ISO”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Experience Report
Luminous Landscape have posted a full review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.
“There isn’t much to add by way of summary. The Canon 1D Mark II offers the photojournalist, wildlife and sports photographer possibly the finest shooting tool yet seen. Image quality is excellent, shooting speed is as fast as we’ve ever had, and ruggedness of construction and quality of materials is a given.”
Imaging Resource have posted a gallery of sample images taken with the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II, ahead of their full review.
“The results look very nice: Great color, low image noise, very good tonality. All the images had the characteristic Canon softness to them, (I think) the result of very conservative in-camera sharpening. My uncertainty about the sharpness is because the only lens I have to shoot with the 1DMII currently is a 16-35mm zoom.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Sample Images
Photographer Carsten Rasmussen has posted a couple of sample images from the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II, taken at a Canon event in Copenhagen, Denmark (found via digicamera.net).
Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Sample Images
Canon have launched an official website for their new professional DSLR, the EOS 1D Mark II. The site includes 8 full-sized sample images so that you can judge how good the 8 megapixel images are. Canon have thoughtfully included a selection of action, portrait and night-time shots.
Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Official Site
Website: Canon EOS 1D Mark II Sample Images
Canon USA Press Release 09/02/04
CANON’S NEW EOS ELAN 7N/7NE 35MM SLR CAMERAS SAVE THE BEST AND IMPROVE THE REST
LAS VEGAS (PMA, BOOTH # E11), Feb. 9, 2004 - Canon launched its new flagship advanced amateur 35mm SLR system - the EOS ELAN 7N and EOS ELAN 7NE 35mm SLR cameras. Designed to be the fastest, most responsive, innovative and intuitive cameras in their class, the new EOS ELAN 7N and EOS ELAN 7NE cameras replace the popular EOS ELAN 7 and 7E models (the ELAN 7NE model retaining the ELAN 7E?s popular Eye Controlled Focus option) and feature an autofocus system that is the fastest in its class, according to a Canon Inc. survey.
“With an ever present eye on technological advancements and our standard attention to detail, Canon has ensured that the EOS ELAN line of 35mm SLR cameras remain ‘state-of-the-science’ for discerning photo enthusiasts,” 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). “The advancements and upgrades that we have built in to the new EOS ELAN 7N and EOS ELAN 7NE models improve the cameras’ high quality output, facilitate the photo experience for our users, and enhance the cameras’ already enviable reputation in the photographic community.”
Canon Focuses on Imaging Innovation, Long-Term Leadership and a Future That Anticipates, Meets, and Exceeds Customers’ Needs
LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 9, 2004—Canon U.S.A.: Canon Raises Analog and Digital Imaging Standards Spanning Professional Product Sophistication to Point-and-Shoot Simplicity, Image Capture to Output and Photos to Video
Canon expands its commanding presence in the imaging industry with the rollout of nearly two-dozen new consumer products at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association exhibit Feb. 12 - 15. Building on the company’s recently announced record results for 2003, Canon’s big picture for 2004 features a battery of new imaging products designed to fit pro photographers’ needs and consumers’ lifestyles.
“Canon is proudly in the position of imaging industry leadership thanks to the foresight, creativity and talents of our engineers and designers who consistently find new ways to improve technology for real world applications,” said 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 - News). “It is our goal - our unwavering ethic - to provide our customers with products that raise their expectations of what is possible and then deliver on and even surpass those expectations.”
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”.
Rob Galbraith has published a report by Eamon Hickey on the debut of the Canon EOS 1D Mark II at the Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, USA last weekend. There’s some reaction from press photographers and some interesting news about when the camera will start shipping (in the USA):
“Canon USA is expecting to ship small quantities of the camera in March with significant deliveries in April, May, and June, Metz said. The Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) for co-op advertising reimbursement on the EOS-1D Mark II is US$4499 in the US, and Metz said that will likely be the street price as well.”
Website: Dphoto.us - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Question and Answer
Dphoto.us in conjunction with New York fashion photographer Stephen Eastwood, who has been lucky enough to test the Canon EOS 1D Mark II, held a question and answer session last night on Canon’s new DSLR. There are 7 pages of questions and answers to look through - essential reading if you are interested in this camera:
“I shot some beauty shots at 1600 iso and many at 800 and 200 iso, 200 being what I would like as I got use to having that extra stop of light around so comparing it to the 1D that is necessary, 800 is something I rarely use, but I was so impressed I have some prints here now that were at 800 iso, they are sharp and noise free, on screen they look as good as scanned film of 100 iso, and with no noise reduction and no sharpening I have printed images that are completely noise free, I could submit these for publication no problem to run full bleed in any quality glossy out there.”
Website: Dphoto.us - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Question and Answer
DO Labs Press Release 30/01/04
Breakthrough Software Application for Digital SLR Camera Users
Eliminates Blur, Distortion, Chromatic Aberration And Vignetting
Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) ? DO Labs, a software company focused on research in image processing to enhance image quality, today announces DxO Optics Pro, a revolutionary software solution designed for professional and expert photographers. DxO Optics Pro delivers genuine and perceptible quality improvements by automatically correcting images for:
- Distortion
- Chromatic aberrations
- Vignetting
- Blur (lack of perceived sharpness)
“Isn’t it frustrating that the more you pay for high-end digital cameras or lenses, the more you feel their limitations?” asks Jerome Meniere, CEO of DO Labs. “The brighter a lens, the softer it is wide open, the wider the range of a zoom lens, the greater the distortion, the higher resolution the sensor is, the more visible chromatic aberration becomes. DxO Optics PRO will help demanding photographers get the best possible image quality from their equipment, at any settings”
“DxO Optics Pro can be thought of as a ‘software corrective lens’ for your DSLR,” explains Dr. Guichard, DO Labs? Chief Scientist. “We have created objective, laboratory-grade precise mathematical models of each fault, and developed fully automatic algorithms to remedy them”.
CNET have published a brief First Take on the new Canon EOS 1D MKII.
“The Mark II features an 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor; a full-resolution, 40-shot, 8.5-frame-per-second drive mode; a top shutter speed of 1/8,000 of a second; dual CompactFlash and SD media slots; and 45-point autofocus—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The camera’s flexibility will appeal to a broad range of professional photographers and (very) serious amateurs.”
Imaging Resource have posted a very indepth and handy guide to the new Canon EOS 1D Mark II digital camera, including a feature-by-feature comparison with its predecessor, the EOS 1D, and its direct competitior, the Nikon D2H.
“Given the major resolution increase, it is extremely impressive that Canon has managed to not just maintain the speed and burst depth of the camera, but actually increase it as compared to the EOS-1D to 20 RAW or 40 JPEG frames at 8.5 frames per second. The speed comes courtesy of the new CMOS sensor coupled with a doubling of the amount of buffer memory, the choice of DDR-SDRAM for that buffer memory (a first for a digital camera), and the new DIGIC II processor (now a single board instead of two) which reads 8 channels of data off the sensor at a time instead of the usual 2 channels.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Analysis and Comparison
As usual with the release of a major new camera, several websites have already got their sticky little fingers on pre-production units and have provided First Look reports for you. Even more impressively, the Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published a number of sample images from the new EOS 1D MKII. And the camera was only announced this morning!
So without further ado, here are some handy links for you to follow…
UPDATE 11:43 - Canon have asked e-Fotografija/DP-Now to remove the sample images… :-)
Website: Canon Japan - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Product Page
Website: e-Fotografija - Canon EOS 1D Mark II First Impressions (in English)
Website: DPReview - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Preview
Website: Dphoto.us - Stephen Eastwood’s Hands On Impressions
Website: Rob Galbraith - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Preview Report
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”.
Canon Press Release 29/01/04
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the DVK-E2. Designed to work with the EOS-1Ds and new EOS-1D Mark II D-SLR cameras, the DVK-E2 provides the facility to prove that images taken with the EOS-1D Mark II have not been altered, tampered with or manipulated in any way. The DVK-E2 is the successor to Canon’s DVK-E1 and will work with both the EOS-1Ds and the EOS-1D Mark II.
Recent well-publicised cases involving image-tampering by news agencies have identified a strong need for a system capable of verifying the originality of digital photographs. Without such a kit it is impossible for an agency to identify whether or not a given image has been enhanced or manipulated.
ISO certification
With the capacity to detect the slightest (single bit) discrepancy, the DVK-E2 kit is expected to be popular amongst law enforcement, insurance, news and other agencies that have a need to verify the legitimacy of digital images. Canon is applying for ISO 15408 certification (evaluation criteria for IT security) for the Data Verification Kit to further validate its application. The acquisition of ISO 15408 certification will give international recognition to the originality of images shot with the EOS-1D Mark II or EOS-1Ds whilst in data verification mode.
How it works
The kit consists of a dedicated SM (secure mobile) card reader/writer and verification software. When the appropriate function (Personal Function 31) on the EOS-1D Mark II or EOS-1Ds is activated, a code based on the image contents is generated and appended to the image. When the image is viewed, the data verification software determines the code for the image and compares it with the attached code. If the image contents have been manipulated in any way, the codes will not match and the image cannot be verified as the original.
Compact and easy to use
The SM cards used with the kit are the same size as an SD card. The tiny SM card reader/writer is barely bigger than the cards it takes. It draws the power it requires from the USB port of the computer to which it is connected. The software is Windows 2000/XP compatible. Up to 100 images can be evaluated simultaneously, simply by selecting the images and clicking ‘Verify’.
The kit supports English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese languages.
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