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Canon 5D Reviews and Resources

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The Canon 5D offers advanced photographers a lightweight, robust digital SLR that uses Canon’s superlative EF lenses without a conversion factor. Its full-frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor combines with Canon’s DIGIC II Image Processor, a high-precision 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, and “Picture Style” color control to deliver images of superior quality with enough resolution for any application.

Canon 5D Reviews

DPReview.com

Canon’s press material for the EOS 5D states that it ‘defines (a) new D-SLR category’, while we’re not typically too concerned with marketing talk this particular statement is clearly pretty accurate. The EOS 5D is unlike any previous digital SLR in that it combines a full-frame (35 mm sized) high resolution sensor (12.8 megapixels) with a relatively compact body (slightly larger than the EOS 20D, although in your hand it feels noticeably ‘chunkier’). The EOS 5D is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR’s, an important difference when compared to the latter is that the EOS 5D doesn’t have any environmental seals. While Canon don’t specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a ‘professional’ digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

Luminous Landscape

The bottom line then is this – the Canon 5D is an immensely satisfying camera. In a physical size, weight and form factor it is little different than the mainstream of 5 – 8 Megapixel APS sized cameras. But Canon has, with the 5D, provided photographers with a full-frame 35mm of sufficient resolution – 12.8 Megapixel – to meet the print and reproduction size needs of the vast majority of serious photographers. Image quality, whether at normal or at high ISO, is as good as it currently gets.

Photo.net

The Canon EOS 5D is the essential camera for everything that photographers used to do with 35mm film. It is more than good enough for most professional photojournalism applications, but still simple enough that a yuppie can get one to throw in the glovebox of his BMW SUV and take pictures at the school soccer game.

Digital Outback Photo

Pictures from ISO 100-400 are very low noise, ISO 800 is still very good. The shots at ISO 1600 and 3200 are just amazing at this level.

The 5D noise behaviour is likely the best we ever have seen. Canon raised the bar quite a bit here.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Overall the EOS-5D’s photo quality was excellent. The camera took well-exposed photos with accurate color and low purple fringing levels. As for noise? Well, there isn’t much, as you’ve hopefully seen in these tests. I took many photos at the big SF Auto Show back in November at ISO 1000 and above, and all of the pictures could be printed at 8 x 10 or larger. As is the case with all D-SLRs, Canon has the in-camera sharpening turned way down, and if you want things to be sharper you can either increase that, or just post-process in Photoshop.

Cnet

A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.

Steve’s Digicams

The bottom line is always image quality, and the 5D does not disappoint with its combination of 12.8-megapixel resolution, full-frame image sensor and low image noise. The 5D is capable of producing images rivalling the quality of the professional 1DS Mark II. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the 5D also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable in midtone and shadow areas at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce very usable images.

Imaging Resource

Following in the impressive footsteps laid down by earlier members of the highly-acclaimed Canon EOS line of digital SLRs, the new 5D definitely upholds its EOS lineage. While a truly excellent photographic tool though, it doesn’t automatically represent a slam-dunk choice between it and a sub-frame camera — or even between it and the much more expensive EOS-1Ds Mark II. The 5D struck us as an odd mixture of consumer and professional aesthetics, a slightly uncomfortable fit in the current world of d-SLRs. For people addicted to ultrawide angle photography with a substantial investment in full-frame wide angle lenses, it will probably be a no-brainer. But for someone not already invested in wide-angle glass, you could buy an EOS 30D and Canon’s excellent little 10-22mm EF-S wide-angle lens and have more than just change to spare relative to the cost of the 5D body alone.

Let’s Go Digital

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.

Canon 5D Accessories

Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip

Canon BP511A Rechargeable Battery

Canon Ee-D Focusing Screen

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Canon RS-80N3 Remote

Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote

Introduction to Canon 5D DVD

Canon 5D Magic Lantern Guide

Where to Buy?

If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.

 

Canon EOS 40D Rumor Report

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Interestingly enough, this info on specs appeared on a japanese forum:

EOS-40D

10,100,000 pixel 5 scene/second 40 shot buffer
iso100-3200 (Hi6400 expansion)
Digic3 dust reduction
Live view photographing
3 inch liquid crystal
Highlight brightness priority setting loading
Drip-proof dustproof

Actual sale 168000 Yen 10% restoration
7 end of the month sales

EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM
Simultaneous sale.

168,000 yen = $1364 USD.

Everyone expects a 40D sometime soon; however, I think the EF-S 18-200 IS USM would be a welcomed surprise. I imagine that this lens would sell like hotcakes given the success of Nikon’s 18-200 “never-in-stock” bad boy.

[tags]canon, 40d, 18-200, ef-s, usm, is, eos, news, rumors, price, announcement[/tags]

Canon 1D Mark IIn Reviews

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The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N features the same 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC II image processor and 8.5 frames per second shooting speed of its predecessor, the Canon 1D Mark II. The primary changes are a new 2.5″ LCD screen, improved buffering characteristics, new Picture Style image parameters and the ability to write different formats simultaneously to SD and CF cards.


Reviews

Steve’s Digicams

The bottom line is always image quality, and the Mark II N does not disappoint. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the Mark II also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce quite usable images.

Fred Miranda Forum Users

The major benefit that sets this apart from any other camera… 8.5 FPS. When reading that number, you don’t understand the impact until you actually have it in your hand and you hold down the shutter button… it’s awesome.

Digital Camera Info

Overall, the EOS-1D Mark II n is an excellent tool. Its size, weight, and cost are justified not only by its speed and resolution, but by the fact that it is built to deliver those specs over the course of a long working life.

Cnet

In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed.

Digital Outback Photo

The 2.5″ LCD allows clearly a better view on images and histogram data. But overall we think that Canon could improve the organization of their histogram views. In our view the Nikon D2x allows a better inspection on the LCD while using a LCD of about the same size. We would propose to show the histograms as an overlay with both the luminance and the RGB channel histograms. The histograms have to be very bright and also the clipping indicators easy visible. But as said the LCD size is very nice.

PDN Online

I use an EOS 1D Mark II every day and love it and was fully prepared not to like this “N” model although the big LCD screen is obviously a cool touch. After using it under lots of real world conditions, I am convinced this is a significant enough upgrade to be worthwhile for anybody who wants to add a second camera body to their EOS digital system or a shooter who wants to move up from the 20D.

Rob Galbraith

At a glance, the changes in the EOS-1D Mark II N, relative to the camera it replaces, should make what was already a really fine camera that much better. Canon deserves credit for implementing so many refinements to an existing product, some of which will make the camera a better tool for the photographer but which may not automatically help Canon sell more units. In other words, this upgrade to the EOS-1D Mark II seems to be more about adding truly useful features and refinements than it is about adding stuff that can be marketed easily.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]canon, 1d, mark IIn, review, features, specs, info[/tags]

Canon 20D Reviews

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The Canon EOS 20D is an 8.2-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera, initially announced on August 19, 2004 at a recommended retail price of US$1,499. It is the successor of the EOS 10D, and is succeeded by the EOS 30D. Major changes over the 10D, aside from the new sensor and increased resolution, include almost instant power-on (0.2 seconds instead of the 10D’s 2.5 seconds), support for Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and support for the EF-S lens mount. Despite the resolution change, the sensor remains the same physical size as per its predecessor; all lenses still have an angle of view crop of 1.6 compared to the same focal length lens on 135 film. At the cost of a much noisier shutter than its predecessor shutter frame rate was improved, (5 frames per second), a larger 23 frame JPEG buffer but a smaller 6 frame RAW buffer, a new E-TTL II flash metering system, new DIGIC II image processor, a black and white mode as well as a brand-new nine-point autofocus system which is more responsive. The central cross-sensor has a high-precision mode which is activated by use of a lens of f/2.8 or faster.


Reviews

Steve’s Digicams

With 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality, reduced noise at high ISO settings, robust shooting performance, accurate AF, responsive Continuous AF, and improved ergonomics, there’s a lot to like about the 20D. Canon has certainly set a new benchmark for what an enthusiast dSLR should be, and the under-$1500 20D even encroaches on the performance envelope of the professional camera’s produced by some of Canon’s competitors!

DPReview.com

Despite a two megapixel increase in pixel count (and hence a reduction in photosite size) the EOS 20D manages to deliver lower noise with better sharpness at higher sensitivities than the EOS 10D.

Luminous Landscape

The Canon 20D is an excellent picture taking machine. Given its 8 Megapixel sensor, 5 frames / second shooting capability, instant turn-on, large buffer, extremely low noise, and excellent battery life, it’s hard not to give this camera an A. I might have even been tempted to give it an A+ if it weren’t for the missing ISO setting in the viewfinder and stupid mirror lock up sequence. The smaller dimmer viewfinder also knocks it down a peg.

Digital Outback Photo

The noise behavior of the 20D is just amazing and matches that of the excellent Canon 1D Mark II.

Photo.net

Despite the smaller pixels of the 20D, the noise levels have not increased over those of the 10D. In fact at high ISO settings, the 20D displays less noise than the 10D.

Digital Camera Resource Page

I’ll be blunt: the Canon EOS-20D is the best reasonably priced digital SLR that I’ve tested. And by reasonably priced I meant under $2000. There’s so much to like about the 20D, I don’t know where to start. Photo quality is excellent, with photos having an ultra smooth look to them. Color and exposure were both accurate. Personally I’d crank the sharpness up another notch, but that’s just me. Noise levels are very low, even at ISO 1600 — try that with your fixed-lens camera!

Imaging Resource

The camera performs superbly in every respect. Color is accurate, image noise very low, resolution excellent, and the camera is very responsive, both to the shutter button, and from shot to shot. Particularly impressive is the extent to which Canon managed to decrease high-ISO image noise, while at the same time going to a sensor layout with physically smaller pixels.

About.com

The Canon 20D digital SLR camera is a fantastic tool for sports and action photographers who like to make large prints. The camera is geared toward professional photographers, but priced with consumers in mind.

The Digital Picture

Not lost in the Canon EOS 20D upgrade is excellent image quality. Results from the 20D are impressive. All of the “Auto”s are excellent including Auto White Balance, Auto Exposure and as I mentioned already, Auto Focus.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]canon, 20d, eos, review, specs, info[/tags]

Canon Rebel XT Reviews

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Canon Rebel XTThe Canon EOS Rebel XT is an 8.0-megapixel entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera. The Rebel XT is an upgraded version of the popular Canon EOS Digital Rebel, which was the first sub-$1000 digital SLR, introduced in 2003. The differences between the Rebel XT and the original Digital Rebel are significant and are present in almost all aspects of the camera. Many of the features ‘locked out’ by Canon in the original Digital Rebel were unlocked in this camera, so it has been subject to less unofficial ‘hacking’ to release the locked features. In addition to these unlocked features, a number of other improvements have been made. Some of the most significant upgrades include:

  • 8.0 megapixels (up from 6.3)
  • DIGIC II image processor—the same processor used by Canon’s top-range EOS-1Ds Mark II professional level digital SLR
  • Near instantaneous turn on and wake up times (0.2 seconds)
  • Compact Flash type II capability (includes microdrives)
  • 14 (JPEG) or 4 (RAW) frames continuous shooting buffer
  • Smaller and lighter body
  • Vastly increased function customizability
  • E-TTL II flash algorithm (improvement over the old E-TTL flash algorithm)
  • Mirror lock-up
  • Selectable AF and metering modes
  • USB 2.0 interface (improved from the slower USB 1.1 interface on the original Digital Rebel)

The Rebel XT was my first digtal SLR camera. I bought it shortly after it became available in 2005 for $1000 (a Rebel XT is $499 with a lens as of Nov. ’07). I still use it on almost a daily basis. I’ve shot somewhere around 25,000 – 30,000 shots now. No hiccups yet. Anyway, I can personally vouch for the reliability and image quality that this camera packs. My gripes over the past 2+ years are few.

First, I didn’t like the grip size from day one. It’s just too small for my hands (it works fine for my wife though). My solution? I bought the BG-E3 battery grip, which ads some functionality as well. The Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip is designed specially for the EOS Digital Rebel XT and Rebel XTi cameras. The BG-E3 holds up to two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA batteries to offer double-length shooting time. The vertical shutter release makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. This grip provides additional controls for easier vertical shooting including shutter release, AE lock/FE lock, index/reduce button, main dial, AF-frame-select button, and the aperture/exposure compensation button.

Next, I think the 1.8″ LCD screen is just too small. Nowadays, a 3″ LCD is almost standard industry wide. I’m a little envious of those big LCD screens when I’m squinting through the images. Not much of a way to solve this problem other than upgrading to a new camera. That’s not worth it it alone, but I’ve got my eyes on a Canon 40D. Ok, enough with the fluff; here’s the reviews you’re looking for:

Reviews

DPReview.com

So it’s clear, the EOS 350D is a great successor to the EOS 300D, it puts right many user complaints, it delivers a smaller and lighter camera which feels better put together and delivers an increase in resolution. Image quality is just as good as the more expensive EOS 20D, if you can live with the differences between the two the money saved could buy you a very nice lens.

Luminous Landscape

This is a sweet little camera that could well be the best DSLR camera value on the market today (March, 2005). Newcomers will find the price to be right and the camera to be feature rich. Experienced photographers will be frustrated by some of the interface problems, but none of these are really show-stoppers.

PC Magazine

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is a superbly crafted camera that will please nearly anyone with any interest in photography—from those who want to set their camera on auto to those who want to experiment. And by keeping the price under $1,000, Canon ensures the continued popularity of its Digital Rebel line. This camera provides a truly excellent value, and we wholeheartedly recommend it.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Camera performance is just you’d expect from a camera equipped with Canon’s latest DIGIC II image processor: excellent. There’s no more startup wait, focusing speeds are great (even in low light), and shot-to-shot and shutter lag times are nonexistent. The Rebel XT can take about fourteen shots in a row at just under 3 frames/second, which is the best you’ll find in this class (save for the more expensive 20D). Photo quality is excellent for the most part, though images are on the soft side, as is the case with all D-SLRs. Something else that factors into this is your choice of lens: the kit lens is especially soft at small apertures, so you need to keep an eye on things when using it to ensure the best photo quality. As you’d expect from a camera like this, high ISO performance is top-notch: shooting at ISO 1600 results in totally usable pictures. The Rebel XT offers shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds or longer if you use the bulb mode, making it great for long exposures. While there’s a noise reduction feature, you might as well keep it off — noise levels are that low.

Digital Outback Photo

Honestly we get excited about this little camera. With the right lenses the XT is a very, very serious player.

Imaging Resource

In almost every parameter, the Canon Rebel XT offers significant enhancements beyond the original model, while maintaining the same (original) list price. Despite its advanced feature set, the Canon Rebel XT manages to span the full range of user needs, from the pure point & shoot user interested only in “green zone” operation to the professional looking for an inexpensive second body. As such, it’s a nearly ideal option for families or other situations in which users of greatly varying experience levels need to share the same camera. My one biggest gripe with the camera will be some users’ favorite feature: The small (tiny) hand grip. While I found shooting with the camera an infuriating exercise in frustration and crunched fingertips, women who picked up the camera immediately loved how it felt in their hands.

Steve’s Digicams

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR takes everything found in the original Digital Rebel and improves the resolution to 8-megapixels, speeds up all of the camera operations, adds more creative control and put it all into a smaller and lighter body. This easy to use digital SLR is compatible with all Canon EF lenses including the EF-S lenses and still retains the sub-$1,000 price point for entry-level digital SLR consumers.

Photo.net

It looks very much like the image quality of the Canon Rebel XT is up to that of the EOS 20D. It’s also evident from using the Rebel XT, that it’s a Rebel, i.e. a camera aimed at the consumer entry level, while the Canon 20D is clearly aimed at the more experienced and serious photographer. Ultimately in many respects the cameras will be capable of yielding almost identical results, it’s just that doing it with the 20D will be a little easier.

Cnet

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT is an exceptionally small and lightweight camera designed for amateur digital SLR photographers, but it delivers the responsiveness and image quality you’d expect from a semipro model.

Canon Rebel XT Accessories

Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip

Canon RC-1 Wireless Remote

Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Rebel XT Magic Lantern Guide

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography

Introduction to the Canon Digital Rebel XT DVD

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]canon, rebel, xt, 350d, kiss, digital, camera, review[/tags]

Canon USA Urges America to Get Outside and Release its Inner Shutterbug

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PRESS RELEASE

A Summer of Free Workshops at Three of America’s Most Popular National Parks and Canon’s Second Annual Photography in the Parks Photo Contest Return For a Season Filled With Photo Fun

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 20, 2007 – From the beaches of the eastern seaboard to the Great Plains, and from the wetlands of the south, to the towering sequoias of the west, America and its pristine parks have always been hailed as top destination sites for photography enthusiasts and their families. Canon U.S.A., Inc. and the American Park Network continue to help define the relationship between photography and the great outdoors with the introduction of a free photography workshop program on select dates throughout the summer in Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Parks. These programs will be artfully hosted and instructed by a select few of the world renowned Canon Explorer of Light photographers including Adam Jones and Lewis Kemper, along with other Canon-selected photographers such as Rob and Ann Simpson. What’s more, the Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest* returns this year to offer photographers the chance to display their work and win prizes in the categories of landscape and wildlife photography in the parks.

“Photography affords an entirely new perspective of the natural world that surrounds us every day, both in our national parks, and in our own backyards,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “As a global organization, Canon understands its responsibility for the impact it makes on society and the environment. Canon is guided by the philosophy of Kyosei – ‘all people regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living together and working into the future.’ Through our involvement in the parks, we hope to strengthen Canon’s commitment to conservation.”

The Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest

From June 1st to September 29th, photographic enthusiasts are encouraged to submit their favorite photographs from an American park to the Canon Digital Learning Center. Winning photographs in the categories of landscape and wildlife will win a trip to the participating parks of their choice, along with a full suite of Canon photographic equipment. By logging onto the Canon Digital Learning Center at www.usa.canon.com/dlc, potential winners will not only have the opportunity to submit their photos, but can also peruse the Web site to explore the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike.

Photography in the Parks Workshops

With the help of the Canon Explorer of Light program, Canon’s elite roster of the most influential photographers in the world, park visitors will have the opportunity to participate in free daily guided visual photographic journeys. Additionally, Canon will loan participants top-tier digital camera equipment to capture those awe-inspiring sights at no additional cost. Aspiring photographers will learn the tips and tricks to taking great outdoor photos and experience hands-on training using some of the same equipment that professional photographers use. Evening programs are also offered, providing visitors the rare opportunity to spend time with the Explorers of Light, view stunning imagery, ask questions, and receive prints and a CD of their own photos.

“It’s rare that we get the chance to share our passion for photography with people that are so eager to learn,” stated Adam Jones, professional photographer and Canon Explorer of Light. “As far as wildlife and landscape photography goes, these three parks are among the best locations the Earth has to offer. I look forward to teaching the tips and tricks I’ve used that will help to create photographs that can compete in the Canon in the Parks Photo Contest.”

Schedule of Seminars

Yosemite National Park: June 15-29, 2007

– Workshops: 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. except Tuesdays – Location: Ansel Adams Gallery

– Evening program: 8:30 p.m. except Tuesdays – Location: Curry Village Amphitheatre

Grand Canyon National Park: July 9 – 29, 2007

– Workshops: 9 a.m. and 2p.m. except Tuesdays – Location: Flagpole at the rim side of the El Tovar Hotel

– Evening program: 6 p.m., except Tuesdays and on Friday, July 20, 2007 – Location: Shrine of Ages auditorium (Parking lot A, next to Park Headquarters)

Yellowstone National Park: August 6 – 12, 2007

– Workshops: Daily, 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., except Tuesdays – Location: Old Faithful Inn

– Evening program: 6 p.m., except Tuesdays – Location: Old Faithful Snow Lodge

Additional Programs and Sponsored Events

The workshops and photo contest are just a small part of the sponsored education and activities that Canon offers. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a wide variety of classes across the country with renowned photographers. There are also tutorials available on-line for beginners to learn their way around a digital SLR camera to unlock the creative control that SLR photography affords.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

About Canon U.S.A.’s Environmental Programs and Alliances

An educational and research program, Eyes on Yellowstone, made possible by Canon, assists with scientific research and breaks new ground in conservation, endangered species protection and the application of cutting-edge technology essential to managing park wildlife and ecosystems. www.ypf.org and www.windowsintowonderland.org and www.greateryellowstonescience.org

The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program develops the next generation of scientists in the fields of conservation, environmental science, and park management, and is the first and only program of its kind to encourage doctoral students to conduct innovative research on scientific problems critical to national parks. www.canonscholars.org

Canon Envirothon is North America’s largest high school environmental education competition in which more than 500,000 teenagers are involved in a year-long learning process that combines in-class curriculum with hands-on field experiences. www.envirothon.org

About American Park Network

American Park Network is the leading publisher of visitor guide magazines for national and state parks for more than two decades. With more than 20 editions, reaching 20 million people, American Park Network guides are the definitive information source for anyone planning a national park vacation. Through a carbon offset partnership with the National Forest Foundation, this year American Park Network became the world1s first carbon-free publisher. www.AmericanParkNetwork.com.

[tags]canon, contest, national, parks, digital camera[/tags]

Canon EOS 1D Mark III Reviews and Resources

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News

Canon has identified and issued a formal statement as of November 1, 2007 regarding a focusing problem with the EOS 1D Mark III. More information (including the affected serial numbers) on this page.


In action for Barry Bonds’ homerun record:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AuyVz89AXg w=640&h=360]

Reviews

The Digital Picture

The per-pixel image quality delivered by the Canon EOS 1D Mark III is second to no Canon Digital SLR introduced to date. The most obvious improvement is in the high ISO noise department.

Digital Camera Info

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.

Steve’s Digicams

The Mark III’s image quality at high ISO is very good. The image noise appears more like the effect of film grain than the imager noise of lesser consumer cameras. ISO 100 produces images that set a standard for what “noise-free” should be. Traces of noise appear at ISO 400 in shadow areas. At ISO 800, a barely-perceptible amount of noise begins to affect highlight areas.

Lawrence Ripsher

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.

Popular Photography

Sure, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is fast — but how is the image quality? Do you sacrifice quality for speed?

No, not at all. Image quality is Excellent from ISO 50 to 1600 and Very High at ISO 3200 and 6400 (with in-camera high ISO Noise Reduction activated.)

Pro Photo Home calls the Canon 1D Mk III “the best all around DSLR on the planet.” And says,

if I could have only one camera to try and cover all areas of pro photography this would be it. So, if you are a generalist, which many of us are these days, this camera is hard to beat. Read the rest . . .

Check out Cnet’s review of the Canon EOS 1D Mark III. They give the formidable new DSLR a 9.3 out of 10 (“spectacular”). C|net also gives Nikon shooters a little food for thought:

If you can afford the cost of the 1D Mark III, and are a Canon shooter who doesn’t absolutely need the higher resolution of the 16.6MP 1Ds Mark II, then this camera is a no-brainer. Nikon shooters who are reading this might even begin to second-guess their beloved brand, but with rumors flying about a possible D3, you’ll probably want to wait and see if Canon’s top competitor can match this. It’s going to be extremely difficult, though, as this is one of the best digital cameras I’ve ever used. Continue to the C|net review.

e-Fotografija Review (with lots of real world sample shots – many at ISO 6400) of the 1D Mark III:

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.

Imaging Resource Hands on Preview of the 1D Mark III:

The Canon EOS 1D Mark III isn’t just for sports anymore. It’s a more universal camera for the vast majority of pro photographers. With the multiple improvements in the new camera, photographers will no longer need to trade off resolution, image quality, and speed against each other. The 1D Mark III now has enough of all three to satisfy a huge slice of the market in a single camera body.

Canon 1D Mark III Accessories

Canon LP-E4 Battery Pack

Canon LC-4E Battery Charger

Canon WFT-E2A Wireless File Transmitter

Canon 430EX Speedlight

Canon 580EX Speedlight

Canon LC-5 Wireless Controller

Canon RS-80N3 Remote

Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote

SanDisk Extreme IV 4GB CompactFlash Card

PhotoBert Cheat Sheet for 1D Mark III

Canon 1D Mark III Magic Lantern Guide

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]canon, 1d, mark, iii, mk, review, rating[/tags]

Canon S5 IS Reviews and Resources

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In this post you will find several reviews, tests and other resources for the Canon S5 IS. I’ll be updating this post as I come upon new material, so check back often. You can purchase the Canon S5 IS as these reliable sellers: Amazon.com and B&H Photo.

PowerShot S5 IS Digital Camera Features:

Movie Action and MovieSnap

The PowerShot S5 IS camera features four movie modes with Canon’s Face Detection AF and AE. Similar to its still mode role, Face Detection AF focuses on the faces in the movie scene while Face Detection AE measures and accounts for the brightness of the faces when it is evaluating the appropriate overall scene exposure. What’s more, the one-touch “modeless movie” feature makes the decision to capture movies virtually instantaneous by engaging the movie function at the press of a dedicated button, without first switching to a shooting mode.

For even greater flexibility, The S5 IS camera’s MovieSnap feature enables users to capture high-resolution eight-megapixel still images at any point during the movie. This “best of both worlds” solution transforms the family photographer into the family videographer, and preserves moving memories and milestones in their original action format while making key moments a snap to view in frames, photo albums and easy-to-share in emails.

Rugged, Reliable and Ready-To-Go

The feel is unmistakably one of reliability. Canon’s new PowerShot S5 IS digital camera ergonomic grip fits firmly into the hand and the ready-for-action rubberized grip cover offers a substantial sense of reassurance. From its fast shutter-speed capabilities – up to1/3200 sec. – to the new accessory Hot-Shoe that accommodates a variety of Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes, the PowerShot S5 IS digital camera is a technological bridge between Canon’s advanced point and shoot compact digital cameras and its entry-level digital SLR cameras. For those seeking still greater optical capabilities, Canon offers an optional 1.5x teleconverter, a .75x wide converter and a close-up lens.

What’s in the Box?

Despite its rich repertoire of photo features, the PowerShot S5 IS digital camera measures a mere 4.6 inches long, 3.15 inches high and 3.06 inches wide and tips the scales at less than 16 ounces. In stores beginning in early July 2007, the PowerShot S5 IS digital camera kit includes four AA alkaline batteries, a 32MB SD memory card, a USB interface cable, a stereo AV cable for audio/video output, and a full suite of Canon’s latest software applications. The PowerShot S5 IS digital camera carries an estimated selling price of $499.99.

Reviews

Camera Labs

Canon’s PowerShot S5 IS remains one of the best super-zoom digital cameras on the market. It sports a decent 12x range with optical stabilisation, a useful flip-out and twist screen, a decent degree of manual control and impressively, a flash hotshoe. Some will also prefer its use of AA batteries over proprietary and expensive Lithium Ion battery packs.

Imaging Resource

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS has a lot to offer with its image-stabilized 12x optical zoom lens and well-rounded feature set that provides more than enough sophistication and manual options for advanced amateurs and prosumers, while providing less experienced photographers a solid set of familiar options like Auto, Program AE, and Scene modes.

Cameras.co.uk

The Canon Powershot S5 IS is a feature rich super zoom digital camera. In terms of controls and settings it has the edge over all its rivals. Picture quality is very good overall and outstanding in places.

Trusted Reviews

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is unquestionably the most versatile digital camera on the market, with a powerful high quality zoom lens, superb image stabilisation, class-leading performance and what may be the best AF system on the market. It has a huge range of features, including a video mode with full zoom lens and stereo audio. It is slightly let down by the small sensor and its inherent noise problems, but it is still an outstanding camera by any standard.

Photography Blog

Ultimately the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is something of a jack-of-all-trades – perhaps even a Swiss Army knife of a camera (though it doesn’t play MP3s), and there’s certainly more of a focus on shooting movies than many enthusiast cameras, with stereo sound (Wave format) offered, a long play option, and a nicely smooth and quiet zoom action thanks to that Ultrasonic Motor (USM).

Digital Camera Info

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS combines a few aged components with some new technology and upgrades. The 8-megapixel ultra-zoom digital camera has a 12x optical zoom lens that has made several appearances on previous S-series models. The 12x lens used to be considered long, but is now one of the shorter lenses on an ultra-zoom camera. Newer cameras have 15x and 18x lenses – and are less expensive.

C|net is one of the first sites to post a review of the S5 IS. They gave it a 7.4 out of 10 (“very good”):

There was a lot to like about the Canon PowerShot S3 IS, and much of it remains in this year’s PowerShot S5 IS, including Canon’s veteran optical image-stabilization technology, excellent metering and focusing systems, the signature flip-and-twist LCD display, and a hefty set of manual and semimanual controls. The S5 IS bumps up to 8 megapixels from the S3’s 6-megapixel sensor, increases the LCD size from 2 to 2.5 inches, and adds trendy bonus features like face-detection autofocus/autoexposure, maximum sensitivity of ISO 1600, and an ISO-shift mode that lets you jack up the setting with a button press when the camera tells you the shutter speed is too slow. We can thank the upgrade to a Digic III processor for many of the new capabilities. Read the rest of C|net’s review . . . .

Popular Photography now has up a Buyer’s Guide page for the S5 IS with a section for users to submit their review scores.

DC Resource has a thorough review up now:

While not perfect, the Canon PowerShot S5 IS is still one of the best ultra zooms on the market. It offers a nice blend of photo quality, performance, and features that appeal to both beginners and enthusiasts. I can recommend the S5 to just about anyone interested in an ultra zoom camera. If you’re a PowerShot S3 owner wondering if you should upgrade, I would only say “yes” if you need the hot shoe and longer movie recording times. Otherwise, stick with what you have! (Read more at dcresource.com)

You can read a short review of the S5 IS over at DPexpert.com.au:

The Canon S5 IS is one of the best of the pseudo SLR super zooms. The lens is outstanding and the company has kept the pixel count to 8 million. That’s about a million more than we consider ideal and images are a bit noisy at ISO speeds above 200, but not so much so that the picture is degraded. This is a good all-purpose camera with a standout macro ability. (Read more. . . )

DP Interface has a thorough review up:

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS is a worthy successor to last year’s S3 and it is arguably the flagship Canon PowerShot (though some may disagree) since it has an overall better feature set than the G7. There are some negatives about the S5 highlighted above but which camera is entirely perfect? Overall, I have no problem giving my recommendation and thumbs up to the Canon PowerShot S5 IS for those who want a very good ultra-zoom camera which has almost every feature you need, at a reasonable price too. If a capable all-in-one (good still image mode and impressive movie mode) camera is what you need, the S5 IS is absolutely it. (Read more. . .)

Digital Camera Review has posted a review of the Canon S5 IS and notes the following:

This is a capable and versatile camera, with good shutter and focus performance, great image and color quality and a lens that can range from modest wide angle to long telephoto. The auto and shooting mode options are supplemented by a full set of manual controls, and the camera will provide a fine imaging tool to the novice who never ventures past “auto”; serve as an excellent learning platform for someone contemplating the move to a DSLR and all that entails, or capably produce high quality images for an advanced shooter who doesn’t need or want to be constrained by the bulk of a DSLR. The smaller physical size of the sensor guarantees that noise performance won’t match a DSLR once ISO values start to rise, and the 0.9 fps continuous shooting speed is a bit of a disappointment for a camera that does so many other things so well. But these are truly minor annoyances given the overall excellence of the S5 IS.

Photo Review (Australia) gives the Canon S5 IS an overall score in their review of 8.5 out of 10 (which is really more of an overview of the features) and writes:

Features common to the S5 IS and its predecessor include the 12x optical zoom lens and lens-shift Optical Image Stabiliser (IS) technology as well as the digital zoom magnification ratio. The sensor sizes in both cameras are also the same, which means the photosites in the new model are slightly smaller. This presents a challenge for the image processor at high ISO settings. Interestingly, the shutter speed range is also identical for both cameras. The supplied lens cap is also unchanged and is still too easy to dislodge accidentally.

DPReview.com finally has a thorough (as expected) review up of the Canon S5 IS.

. . . let’s get one thing straight; the S5 IS is a great camera, one we really enjoyed using, and one that produces decent output shot after shot thanks to a responsive focus system, accurate exposure, vibrant (but natural) color and a decent image stabilization system. Although the results don’t bear close ‘pixel level’ scrutiny, for the typical user wanting to produce prints at standard sizes (say up to 5×7 inches) there’s very little to complain about, and the more you use it the more you learn how to tailor the settings to get the best output. It also offers class-leading movie quality, if that’s important to you.

[tags]canon, s5, is, s5is, review, comparison, s3, digital camera, zoom, superzoom, deals, cheap, price[/tags]

5 Reasons the Canon 40D Might Be a 50D

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All the buzz is about the Canon “40D” but it just might be a 50D instead. Here’s why:

1. Canon doesn’t like 4’s. Case in point the new Canon S5 IS. Canon jumped from the S3 IS to the S5 IS. What happened to the S4 IS? Canon isn’t the only one; Fuji went from the S3 to the S5 with now S4 in between. What gives?!

2. It would get confused with the Nikon D40 and D40x. Canon and Nikon’s model numbers are confusing enough with D30, D60, 10D, 40D, 50D and everything else in between. Why do Canon and Nikon have to confuse us so?!

3. Canon wants to be sneaky. Remember the introduction of the 1D Mk III? It was a bit of a shocker because Canon Hong Kong had supposedly slipped up and posted a placemarker on its site for the 40D. They were indulging the rumor mill to keep the 1D Mk III under the radar.

4. The 5D needs a little brother. Could this be the push to full frame in the prosumer and up Canon models? I dunno. How about splitting the 5D with a higher-end 3D and a lower prosumer-level 50D?

5. The 40D has been rumored for so long, that Canon will just skip that model altogether and go right to the 50D.

Please note that this post is blatant speculation with a little bit of fun mixed in.

[tags]canon, 40d, 50d, news, rumors, dslr, digital camera[/tags]