Canon EOS 450D early samples
Posted on April 17, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
We’ve just been handed a production version of the new Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi and have done our best to bring you some sample images. The London weather has done us no favors but we thought you’d be eager to find out how its 12.2 megapixel images look so we persevered. A mixture of lenses and ISO settings were used to try to give an all-round impression of the camera’s behavior and, as always, you can download the original files to scrutinize.
Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi early gallery
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| Canon 450D / Rebel XSi Samples Gallery – Posted 21 March 2008 |
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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III review
Posted on April 15, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR review : Since Kodak’s disappearance from the market, Canon held the luxurious position of being the only manufacturer with a full-frame digital SLR in their program for a long time. The large amount of pixels in a firm professional housing made the 1Ds the perfect replacement for an analogue middle format camera for many professional photographers. After the introduction of the EOS-1D Mark III everybody eagerly awaited the successor to the 1DS Mark II. And that’s when the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III appeared.
Prism house of the Canon 1Ds Mark III
As we expected, the Canon 1Ds Mark III is based on its predecessor; the Canon EOS-1D Mark III. It was redesigned from scratch. It might take some time for Mark II users to get acquainted with the new lad, but I am positive that it will happen flawless. Besides the type tag on the front, the 1Ds is furthermore distinguishable from its faster brother by the lump on the prism house. To enable correct reproduction of the AF points in the viewfinder, the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III uses a second prism. And of course that takes up more space than the mirrors inside the 1D camera.
3-inch LCD monitor with Live View
Naturally the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III has been equipped with a large 3 inch LCD monitor on the back of the camera. This size has become standard for these cameras nowadays and to be honest, there is no turning back; 3 inch and more please! The large monitor also enables Live View. A feature that is starting to become normality on a D-SLR. And until recently it wasn’t even an issue but at present the availability of Live View or the lack of it is almost reason for a camera to be a success or a failure. Whether or not this is also the case for the professional segment, remains unknown for now. Live View does have its advantages. For example when you mount the camera on a tripod and place it on a high level. Action photography with Live View is still not perfect, but that will undoubtedly change too in the near future.
Full-frame 21 Megapixel image sensor
Besides upgrading to the concept of the 1D Mark II, naturally the image sensor is the main improvement of the 1Ds Mark III. It’s a full-frame sensor again but this time it offers the impressive amount of 21 Megapixels. Canon tiptoed into the resolution class where currently middle format cameras rule. Therefore Canon is still leader in the 35mm D-SLR cameras. But not for long since Sony announced a 24 Megapixel full-frame sensor. And Nikon will definitely not stay behind….
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark 3 review
The signals of the CMOS sensor are being processed by two DIGIC III processors. In total some five pictures per second can be taken in the highest resolution. The two processors are capable of processing a 100 Megapixels per second, which fits with the 10 fps with 10 Megapixels of the EOS 1D Mark III. The specifications are impressive and to get the assignment to use this camera in practice is very appealing to a photographer like me. We have used the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III once before on the EOS Safari in Kenya but now it’s time for a full Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III review.
Canon interview
Posted on March 4, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Canon interview at PMA : Despite a very busy schedule Bas de Meijer has interviewed some of the exhibitors during the PMA 2008 show in Las Vegas. One of the interviewees was Richard Trestain, Digital camera product specialist of Canon. Before the Photo Marketing Association 2008 kicked off, Canon introduced a number of new digital compact camera models and one new digital SLR camera for the upcoming season. Canon have been a leading brand for years in relation to worldwide sales of digital cameras. This is not something to take for granted. To apply high technical innovations or to integrate novelties into a product at the right moment is the key to successfully sell products. Richard Trestain answers a number of questions.
Question : It was expected that the compact camera market growth would come to a halt. However; at Canon’s press conference we were told that this market is still showing clear signs of growth. Can you explain that?
Answer : I’m not sure but perhaps people are becoming keener on photography. I suppose there are many users shooting with a cam-phone now realizing that these devices are not really the best of cameras. They will switch over to a compact camera and hopefully to Canon for the best possible pictures. Besides that a large amount of users is willing to take pictures but unwilling to carry around heavy equipment. So there is a large group of users, from people who just want to take pictures on birthday parties to people who want to make almost professional pictures. I must say I don’t know why people want to make more pictures. It might be the internet age.
Question : Not only compactcamera sales numbers are increasing, this also goes for the DSLR. Do cheaper DSLRs threaten sales numbers of compact cameras?
Answer : The SLR takes up a part of the market. They will become cheaper. Compact cameras will also become cheaper but there will always be people demanding more from their cameras and they will step over to the DSLR. Canon offers some sort of overlap so we can serve both groups. But surely if you want flexibility and exchangeable lenses, you have to go for a digital SLR. If size is more important you should go for the Canon PowerShot G9. We don’t want to compete with our own products, that’s for sure.
Question : A while ago we had semi-pro Megazoom cameras such as the Pro90. Why do Canon not offer more of these kinds of cameras?
Answer : We offer a Megazoom camera; the Canon PowerShot S5 IS but I know what you mean with the top class. We try to offer a choice on every level. If someone wants extreme zoom, he can purchase the Canon S5IS. If someone wants an operation similar to an SLR, he can go for the Canon G9. We have sort of divided it.
Question : So you don’t suppose a semipro Megazoom would be too much of a competition for the cheaper SLR cameras?
Answer : No, I don’t think so.
Question : About the PowerShot G9. When the PowerShot G7 got introduced, first thing we noticed was the lack of RAW support. You called it a compact camera for the pro, but most professionals don’t want a camera without RAW. Then the Canon G9 arrived including RAW but at the same time the amount of pixels increased. There was no demand for more pixels and my experience is that it did not enhance the quality. So, why did you add more pixels?
Answer : First RAW; when the Canon G7 was developed it was a well-considered decision. Canon did a lot of market research and discovered that the target group for the PowerShot G7 did not understand or need RAW. It wasn’t until sales had started the demand for RAW started. I think it is one of Canon’s strongest points that we do listen to the consumer and therefore we did equip the PowerShot G9 with RAW support. Megapixels; Canon do not compromise on image quality. We do believe strongly in this policy. If we didn’t find image quality that important, we would not be where we are today. The number of Megapixels is the market trend. Thorough research shows that people go for Megapixels. It’s the first thing they look at. I can show you numerous studies confirming this.
Question : But is it really what the consumer wants or is it what the market orders? When I talk with consumers they often ask me if they really need more pixels. They seem to think that more pixels equal more quality.
Answer : I know exactly what you mean. It’s like the question of the chicken and the egg. What came first, the market or the marketing strategy? Fact is that you can do so much more with a larger amount of pixels. What we are trying to tell the consumer is that you can enlarge pictures to a great extend, that you can crop small details and print A4 sizes. However, we will not compromise. We will not just go along with the Megapixel race just for the sake of it. Our concern is image quality. We also look at the background such as the DIGIC III processor. I don’t know if the demand for pixels will remain the same in the future. At the moment, there is still a demand for more and we cannot and will not ignore that.
Question : A few years ago Canon claimed that six Megapixels would be the limit. One year later no more mentioning about it and the eight Megapixel models appeared. That is kind of a contradiction. And the number of pixels makes me wonder of what to do with the large files.
Answer : A large group of the most dedicated users does not want more Megapixels; they just want to keep it simple. But as I said, the market demands more. And all we can do is offer it to them and ensure excellent image quality. Ensuring large prints and crops for users, which is the only thing we can do.
Question : More pixels on a sensor usually happens at the cost of the quality. Why do Canon not start using larger sensors?
Answer : I cannot comment on future products. But if you take a look at the Canon PowerShot G9 and PowerShot G7, the pixel sizes do not differ that much. It’s not that pixels are getting gradually smaller. And yes, one of the advantages of the DSLR is the larger sensor, offering better quality. But we would not be selling compact cameras if the image quality weren’t good.
Question : Compact cameras still disappoint when using high ISO. Using a higher sensitivity than ISO 400 is not advisable. What is your opinion?
Answer : The only thing we can do is offer a choice. Maybe a consumer is determined to take a picture of an object and we offer that possibility. It all has to do with physics. Higher ISO causes more noise, no way of preventing it. So you can select a lower ISO value. We limit ISO sensitivity to 800 at motion detection on purpose. So for those who want more, they will have to make a conscious choice. Of course it affects the image quality. We are still trying to improve the quality. The limitation is merely found in physics. And you have to keep in the back of your mind what it is people want to do with their pictures. ISO 1600 can look good on a 10 x 15 cm print.
Question : You don’t offer a real wide angle in your series. One manufacturer, originally into electronics, offers and promotes wide angle. Many users request it too. Why didn’t Canon equip the PowerShot series standard with wide angle?
Answer : It has to do with image quality. We have a long tradition concerning optics. And it is vital that light beams fall straight onto the sensor. We don’t want to compromise; not on the field of optics either. We want to equip a camera with a lens that works perfectly.
Question : Face detection is nearly standard nowadays. What are the developments on face detection? Because at the moment also the white balance is taken into account. Do you think we can expect a slideshow in the near future of all the pictures on the memory card with a certain face, for example my daughter’s face?
Answer : In my opinion that is very well possible in the future. But it is not something our models are offering just yet. We offer perfect face detection and we also have face tracking now. I cannot say anything about future features but it sounds good.
Question : What are the limitations of innovations in cameras, such as face detection, cropping etc.? Is it the hardware or the software?
Answer : Hardware is more important in our cameras. Our face detection is entirely placed on the chip and calculations mainly happen through the DIGIC III. We are convinced that this is the only way it works fast. Most of these kinds of processes work through the DIGIC III. It is a fast processor. And we are very proud of it; that is why we keep on mentioning it. You cannot expect to pack more features in a processor without it slowing down. We are always developing processors. Yes, I think it is mainly the hardware. The software plays a small role too, but then again, in combination with the hardware.
Question : DSLR cameras are more and more equipped with Live View and a vari-angle monitor where as they disappear from compact cameras.
Answer : We wanted the Canon PowerShot G9 first and for all to be a compact camera. A vari-angle monitor influences the design a great deal. Instead we chose the PureColor LCD which is a quite impressive monitor.
Question : They are less flexible. You offer only a few models with vari-angle monitors.
Answer : That’s correct; we don’t offer it on DSLR cameras and not on all models. It is a well-considered decision. If we develop other models and we find it useful to apply a vari-angle monitor, we will do so. It’s not that we waved them goodbye, it is just a matter of applying them strategically.
Question : Geo-tagging is becoming more popular every day. A separate GPS will do the trick but is rather complicated. Can we expect a built-in GPS?
Answer : I have seen many GPS ideas. But I cannot say if we are planning to integrate it. We have done some market research and we think GPS is very new. We follow the market developments very closely and we will respond accordingly. If there are not many of such cameras available, we decide if there is a demand for them. An additional functionality might increase sales of course. And although GPS is already quite small, it is not sufficiently small to be integrated in a camera.
Question : I have seen a very small module that can be integrated.
Answer : Oh, really? How big is it? This is interesting. Every addition adds to the size of the camera. And if it is possible why not, I cannot comment on it. It sounds really cool. And it seems an interesting future technique.
Question : You have gotten rid of WiFi? Why?
Answer : After the release we have studied how it worked and how users used it and then we decided the consumer wasn’t ready for it yet.
Question : But consumers need time to get used to it. There might not be a large market for it now, but that can change in weeks. And someone has to take the initiative. You are a huge company and there should be room for innovations.
Answer : We were certainly innovative with Canon IXUS wireless. It was one of the first cameras with built-in WiFi. However we always rely on market research to see where we are heading.
Canon DC301
Posted on January 12, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Canon DC301 : Canon announces the launch of a new direct-to-DVD camcorder featuring its Advanced Zoom system. The Canon DC301 combines the ultra-convenience of straight-to-DVD recording with the most powerful zoom – up to 45x – of any Canon camcorder yet. Providing crisp, clear image quality – from wide to telephoto – Advanced Zoom opens up new possibilities for moviemakers shooting sports, wildlife and other distant subjects straight to disc. Since the majority of TVs on sale today are native widescreen, the Canon DC301 is equipped for True Wide 16:9 recording. Compatibility with DVD Dual Layer (DVD-R DL) media and Canon’s high capacity battery pack extends recording time, allowing every moviemaker to capture that extra shot.
Canon DC301 camcorder – Home DVD
“Combining the ease of direct-to-DVD recording with the benefits of innovative Advanced Zoom technology, our new DC300 series raises the standard for DVD-based camcorders,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Our commitment to offering the highest quality imaging to every consumer will encourage more and more people to discover the joy of home moviemaking.” New to Canon camcorders in 2008, the LCD screen also doubles as a handy video light. When turned to face forwards, it provides enough illumination to allow recording of close-up subjects to continue in poor lighting conditions.
Canon DC301 video camera – Electronic viewfinder
Canon’s Advanced Zoom system equips the Canon DC301 with more telephoto reach than was previously available at this level. Advanced Zoom combines the quality of genuine Canon optics with the processing capabilities of the DIGIC DV II image processor, allowing distant events – such as a bird in flight or a concert performance – to be captured with crystal clarity. The new Canon DC301 camcorder in the new range offers True Wide High Resolution 16:9 recording – perfect for playback on widescreen TVs. Canon’s True Wide system also incorporates a widescreen 2.7” LCD – perfect for previewing movies in the correct dimensions – and a widescreen EVF (Electronic Viewfinder): allowing users to save on battery power when framing their shots during recording.
Canon DVD camcorder DC301 features
• Canon’s new Advanced Zoom system offers up to 36x magnification
• Still image capture to SD or SDHC (High Capacity) memory card
• True Wide High Resolution 16:9 recording and Quick Start
• DIGIC DV II processor provides clear, vivid images with true-to-life colours
• LCD Video Light for close-up filming in low-light environments
• Extended recording: compatible with DVD-R Dual Layer discs and optional high capacity battery pack
• Easy-to-use: Easy mode and playback in standard DVD players
• A Joystick makes controlling the camcorder’s features easy
Canon DC-301 – SDHC and SD memory
Canon’s DIGIC DV II image processor was originally designed to handle the increased data rate of High Definition footage. The extra processing capacity of this ultra-fast processor is inherited by the DC300 range: with advanced noise reduction technology built in, DIGIC DV II captures images that are sharper and colours that are truer-to-life. DIGIC DV II also drives the DC300 series’ stills functionality. Since the colour requirements of digital photographs are different to video, it handles the signals separately, optimizing output for each. Digital photographs are recorded to SD or SDHC memory cards.
Canon DC301 camera – Switch and Browse
Straightaway, it’s easy to get going: a convenient switch located on the side of the camcorder engages Easy mode, allowing even novice users to start shooting instantly. The camcorder automatically finds the first blank space on the DVD, cutting out the need for fast forwarding or rewinding. Selecting and operating shooting features and functions is equally easy, using the intuitive Joystick controller. To find a particular scene for playback, simply browse through thumbnails on the 2.7” widescreen LCD screen. Finalized DVDs can be played back using a standard home DVD player – perfect to put in an envelope and send to family and friends as keepsakes.
DC301 camcorder – Quick start button
During pauses in shooting, the Quick Start feature conserves battery power – one push of the dedicated Quick Start button tells the camcorder to rest in Standby mode. One more push and the camcorder is ready to record in around a second, ensuring that precious one-off moments – a child’s first steps or a match-winning goal – aren’t missed.
Canon DC301 videocam – Compatibility
Every camcorder in the new range is compatible with standard DVD-R media, which are cheap and easy to get hold of. In addition, compatibility with DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) allows up to 108 minutes of video to be recorded on a single disc – cutting down on the amount of spares that have to be carried on a long shooting day. With lower power consumption than its predecessor range, the DC300 series is also compatible with the optional high capacity battery pack (BP-2L24H) – ensuring that the camcorder continues for longer on a single charge. With longer zoom reaches than ever before – thanks to the new Advanced Zoom system – the Canon DC301 camcorder incorporates an Electronic Image Stabilizer that helps ensure footage remains smooth. While camera shake can often ruin home movies, Canon’s EIS system is even effective at the upper ends of the zoom – when shake becomes most noticeable.
Canon PowerShot G9 Review at Imaging Resource!
Posted on December 10, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment
Imaging Resource reviews the Canon PowerShot G9 where they write – ‘Sure, I wish the Canon G9 were just a bit smaller to fit in a shirt pocket without strangling me. But at least the Canon G9′s large body contains a lot of good stuff. With above-average performance, a 6x optical zoom, image stabilization, and that gorgeous 3.0-inch LCD, the Canon G9 is the G-series reborn. Though it’s still lacking the swivel screen, I found the Canon G9′s big LCD useful enough that I didn’t miss it much. Though I’m one reviewer who will take the noise at ISO 1,600 and work with it later, I do wish ISO weren’t stranded out on that dial, retro-cool as it is.’
Canon EOS-1D Mark III AF: Canon Europe issues statement
Posted on November 18, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Canon Europe today released an official statement on the AF problems experienced by some users of its EOS-1D Mark III DSLR. It seems the sub-mirror assembly is to blame for focus and tracking inaccuracy in AI servo continuous mode particularly when working in high ambient temperatures. Bodies with serial numbers 501001 through 546561 are said to be affected, and Canon are preparing to offer free repairs from late November.
This statement is available in alternative languages via the link below. Choose your country then perform a search for case ID 72525.
Canon’s statement:
Title: Why do I experience inconsistent Auto Focus (AF) behaviour with my EOS-1D Mark III?
Phenomenon:
The focus or AF tracking is inconsistent when using the Artificial Intelligent (AI) servo continuous shooting mode under high temperatures in particular.
Cause:
In the digital SLR camera, EOS-1D Mark III that was launched in May this year, Canon has found that some cameras have an adjustment problem with the mirror for AF. The adjustment problem means for the affected products that the focus is not stable or that the Auto Focus tracking is not right when using the AI servo continuous shooting under high temperatures in particular.
Affected products:
The products that could have this problem can be identified as explained below.
If the serial number on the bottom of the camera is between 501001 and 546561, it could contain one of the AF mirrors with the adjustment problem.
Support:
For customers who have affected products and are experiencing these problems, we are making preparations to offer free of charge repairs planned to start from late November. We will announce additional details about the repair process on our Web site as soon as they become available.
In case you have questions about this or other issues, please contact Technical Support using the button at the end of this message. Alternatively you can also call our Helpdesk. Please click here for the phone number.
We offer our most sincere apologies to all affected customers who have been inconvenienced by this issue.
Canon EOS 40D Review at DPexpert
Posted on November 12, 2007 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
DPexpert reviews the CANON EOS 40D DSLR and writes – “This is a fine camera with worthwhile advances on its predecessor. Canon has dominated this segment of the market for DSLRs between $2000 and $3000, but now faces stiff competition. The Sony A700, the Nikon D300 and the Olympus E-3 are coming soon, which means four superb cameras to choose from in the price range. Camera shops have already discounted the 40D to around $2600, so expect some serious price cutting.”
Canon Issues Service Advisory for EOS-1D Mark III
Posted on November 4, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Canon has issued a service advisory for its EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR. The advisory alerts Mark III owners in the U.S. and Puerto Rico that cameras with serial numbers between 501001 and 546561 may require an adjustment to the autofocus mirror mechanism. The adjustment will correct any problems the owner may be experiencing with inconsistent focusing accuracy and tracking in AI-Servo AF and continuous-shooting modes, especially in high temperatures.
Beginning in late November 2007, Canon will repair affected cameras free of charge. The company promises to publish additional details on the repair process on the Canon Web site as they become available.
Canon A570 IS Review DPReview
Posted on October 29, 2007 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
DP Review has reviewed the Canon A570 IS where they give it a rating of ‘highly recommended’ and write – ‘So in conclusion, with the Canon A570 IS you get a nicely designed, responsive camera with more than enough features to keep most users – especially those wanting a little more manual control than is normal at this price point – happy. If you don’t mind it not being the fastest ‘social’ snapshot camera in the world (the flash recycling puts paid to that), this is a perfect camera for anyone wanting real photographic control without paying through the nose. Its well balanced combination of image quality, functionality and handling (and not to forget value for money) means the A570 IS just about deserves our highest award.’
Canon Unveils Commercial imagePrograf Printers
Posted on October 29, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Canon has added two new twelve-color pigment-ink large-format printers to its commercial imagePrograf line. The iPF9100 and iPF8100 replace the imagePrograf iPF9000 and iPF8000, adding integrated 80GB hard drives, and using newly reformulated Gray, Photo Gray, Black, and Matte Black Lucia inks to improve black-and-white print quality. The iPF9100 outputs 60-inch-wide prints and the iPF8100 44-inch-wide prints.
Both new printers support Canon’s Kyuanos color-management technology for Windows, provide integrated calibration, and use the imagePrograf line’s proprietary L-COA controller with a new intelligent screen dot pattern and ink-drop control system to reduce visible dot graininess. They also use new dual print heads that incorporate a total of 30,720 ink nozzles (2,560 nozzles per color), printing at a maximum resolution of 2400×1200 dpi.
The two models use Canon’s new imagePrograf Printer Driver 2007, which is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. The new driver includes Digital Photo Front-Access, software that allows users to view and arrange multiple images, and import them into image editing software.
Canon also announced a new large-format fine-art paper designed for use with imagePrograf printers. Canon Polished Rag is a glossy 300gsm/15mil paper designed to offer the look and feel of fiber-based silver-halide paper. It will be available in 8.5×11-inch, 13×19-inch, and 17×22-inch sheets, and in rolls with 17-, 24-, 44-, and 50-inch widths.
The $14,995 iPF9100 and $5,995 iPF8100 will be available in November 2007.
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