Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

The Next Canon 5D

By 10 Comments

It’s inevitable. It’s the next camera in Canon’s DSLR lineup due for replacement. The Canon 5D was announced on August 22, 2005. That’s 2+ years already. My guess is that the Canon 5D is a prime candidate for replacement at PMA 2008 (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) – that would make a 2 1/2 year life span for the 5D. Of course, it could also show up at Photokina 2008 (Sept. 23-28) instead, making it a 3 year ordeal.

The Canon Rebel and 10D-40D series have been on a consistent 18 month replacement schedule. The pro-level 1D and 1Ds series have been subject to longer replacement schedules overall. Being a first generation camera in its class, the Canon 5D has no precedent to follow. It is really more of a high-amateur/semi-pro level body. The 5D remains in a class of its own, although Nikon has began to apply a little pressure by finally entering the full-frame market with the Nikon D3. However, the 5D’s current price point at around $2500 is significantly less than the Nikon’s MSRP of $5000.

That said, 2 1/2 or 3 years is a long time in DSLR world. The Canon 5D is missing some features that are “standard” on the current generation of Canon’s other DSLRs:

  • Live View
  • Dust Reduction Sensor
  • DIGIC III
  • 3″ LCD (the 5D has a 2.5″ LCD)

I expect to see these features as a gimme and maybe a 2MP or so boost, up to 14-15MP. I imagine that there would be a few other tweaks along the way; however, I don’t really expect the current “form” to change a great deal. It’s most likely to be an evolution of the current generation 5D (e.g., 30D to 40D).

I imagine now that all the buzz of the Canon 40D and Nikon’s new cameras have died down, we’ll start to hear rumblings, rumors and speculations of the Canon 5D Mark II, 6D or whatever it’s called. I’ll update this post as word comes along. Stay tuned.

Follow the rumors for the Canon 5D Mark II on this page. 

[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, 6D, 4D, 3D, news, rumors, speculation[/tags]

 

Canon 40D Released August 30 in US

By 6 Comments

Amazon.com has updated the Canon 40D page today. They’ve changed the availability information to note an August 30 “release” as opposed to the September 20 date that was previously on there. I’m still trying to verify, but, presumably, this means that your pre-ordered Canon 40D will ship tomorrow (free shipping and no sales tax). This means we can all be shooting with Canon 40D this weekend.

UPDATE 8/30/07: The Canon 40D is “now shipping” as of 6:52 a.m. ET.

If you haven’t ordered your Canon 40D yet, you can order it via the following direct links:

Canon 40D (body only) – $1299.99

Canon 40D w/ 28-135mm IS lens – $1499.99

Amazon has also made the following caveat regarding the Canon 40D’s availability:

Note on Availability: This item is in high demand and supplies from the manufacturer are limited. Its availability fluctuates, and if the item is not currently in stock, we cannot guarantee that we will receive additional quantities in a timely manner. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

That means: Order NOW if you want to be shooting a new Canon 40D anytime soon.

[tags]canon, 40d, available, price, shipping[/tags]

Canon 1Ds Mark III Reviews and Resources

By 6 Comments

This page is dedicated to Canon 1Ds Mark III reviews and other resources. As the reviews come rolling in, I’ll post links to them below. In the mean time, you can keep an eye on the Canon 1Ds Mark III’s availability at Amazon.com, or check on other vendors like Adorama and B&H Photo on this page.

Reviews

DP Review

It is undeniably impressive, and though it appears on the surface to be a fairly low key update to the Mark II, the more you use it the more you realize how all the little improvements add up to a significantly better camera (and that’s aside from the resolution hike).

Ken Rockwell

The Canon 1Ds Mk III is a solid brick of a camera, has extraordinarily high technical image quality, but is hindered by sucky ergonomics and a mediocre LCD.

Let’s Go Digital

Canon started from scratch with the Mark III. And that is obvious with the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. It is much more than a Mark II with a new image sensor. There has been thorough thought about the whole camera and the entire structure has been altered without making the photographer used to working with a Canon EOS-1 lose his way.

Photo.net

The EOS 1Ds Mark III is a remarkable display of engineering prowess. Do you need a weatherproofed camera that is strong enough to drive nails while producing the world’s best image quality? If so, the 1Ds is a bargain. If not, the Canon EOS 5D, $2150 (buy from Amazon) is a better value.

Cnet

The 1Ds Mark III can capture beautiful, amazingly detailed images. Colors are extremely accurate and, as mentioned above, the automatic white balance system does a great job of keeping color neutral across a wide range of lighting.

PopPhoto

Color accuracy on the 1Ds Mark III also lands in the top tier, with an Excellent rating based on an average Delta E of 6.98 (compared with 7.3 on the 1D Mark III and 7.28 on the Nikon D3, also Excellent ratings.) The color accuracy remained similarly high all the way up through ISO 1600, while resolution dropped only 15 percent when we applied full noise reduction at ISO 1600 and 3200 in Canon’s sophisticated (and included) Digital Photo Professional software.

The Digital Picture

I could show you examples to make either of the two 1-series bodies appear to be slightly better than the other. If you plan for the 1Ds III and 1Ds II have a similar amount of noise, you will not be disappointed. Up to and including ISO 400, they are about the same. Above ISO 400, the 1Ds III more frequently begins taking a very slight lead (less noise) and this lead increases to slight at ISO 3200.

Photo Business Forum (Comparison to Nikon D3)

For large commercial jobs, where I am thinking I want a higher native resolution, it’ll be the Canon I reach for. For low light situations, which are all too common, it will, without a doubt, be Nikon. In fact, with the noise issue out of the way, and most client deliverables needing to be down-rezzed anyway, I can see that the Nikon not only would be a better solution to speeding up my post-production process, but moreover, storing the RAW/DNG files will save me significant hard-drive space in my archives over the larger Canon files.

Phil Holland

After shooting with the camera with a few days under numerous conditions I can confidently say the Canon 1Ds Mark III is easily the most versatile full frame digital SLR currently available. Currently the only thing similar on the market is the camera it’s replacing. The 1Ds Mark II. In terms of pure image resolution the only cameras that come close are digital medium format bodies and backs. I’ve used a range of PhaseOne backs now and I know they can squeeze out more detail. That said you lose a lot of flexibility for that gain in resolution and in price point.

Northlight Images first impressions

Does the 1Ds3 obsolete lenses? Well, I tried the garage doors photo with my 24-70 2.8L and it shows up a slight lack of edge detail and softness that I just didn’t notice much with the 1Ds. That’s bad then? Well it depends – were the shots I took with the 24-70 sharp enough for the work I was using it for? – easily. So, will I carry on using it? yes, it’s a very useful lens for travelling round with. Will I be looking for Canon to bring out an even better 24-70 2.8L IS? most definitely :-)

Luminuous Lanscape first impressions

As for overall image quality, I’ve only done about 400 frames so far shooting fall colour in Algonquin Park. I’ve made about a half dozen 20X30″ prints on the new Epson 11880 printer, and the results are generally excellent.

Auto white balance is as good as I’ve ever seen. Tonal renditions are excellent, and it appears that the 14 bit processing capability is of definite value, especially when working on files which require some extensive manipulation.

Catch some video footage of the Canon 1Ds Mark III via YouTube.

Official Canon Resources

Firmware Updates.

The Canon 1Ds Mark III white paper (.pdf).

The official Canon 1Ds Mark III page with specs, features and sample images taken by the new flagship.

The official Canon Press Release for the 1Ds Mark III.

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, eos, 1ds mark iii, 1ds, mk, mark, iii, reviews, photos[/tags]

Availability Tracker for Nikon D3, Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 40D, Nikon D300 & Sony A700

By 9 Comments

This post will relate to the availability (pre-order and otherwise) of the newly announced Canon 40D, Canon 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300, Nikon D3, Sony α700, Olympus E-3 other cameras and accessories. The links on this page will specifically direct you toward the Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo pages for the particular item. I will update this post on a weekly basis until the availability is more certain and the prices become stable.

Sony α700

Nikon D300

Nikon D3

Canon 40D

Canon 1Ds Mark III

Olympus E-3

Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens – $199.99

Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens – currently unavailable in the USA

Canon PowerShot G9 – $497.69

Canon PowerShot A650 IS – $358.26

Canon PowerShot A720 IS – $227.88

Canon PowerShot SX100 IS – $284.86

Canon PowerShot SD870 – $366.62

Canon PowerShot SD950 – $427.68

[tags]canon, eos, 40d, 1ds, mark iii, mk iii, nikon, d3, d300, sony, α700, a700, alpha, powershot, g9, a650, a720, sx100, sd870, sd950, is, 18-55mm, 55-250mm, availability, price, release, date[/tags]

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS Lenses

By 1 Comment

Developed in response to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens adds a phenomenally flexible lens to the EOS 40D SLR shooter’s imaging arsenal. While it features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor, this new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens offers the significant advantage of a true lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.


The higher performance provided by Canon’s lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What’s more, the shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably.

Compact and lightweight, the optional EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS 40D SLR and any other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS Digital Rebel XTi, EOS Digital Rebel XT and the original EOS Digital Rebel camera. An ideal complement to the EOS 40D SLR, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores in October at an estimated selling price of $199.99.i

EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.

4-stop Image Stabilizer

Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.

Appealing background blur

Both lenses also incorporate a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth of field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.

Super Spectra coatings

Both models employ Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

E-TTL II flash integration

The lenses transmit distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.

[tags]Canon, EF-S, 18-55, 55-250, mm, is, lens, f/3.5-5.6, price, review[/tags]

Canon 40D: The Wait is Over

By 2 Comments

Below you’ll find Canon’s press release from today. You can also pre-order the Canon 40D from Amazon.com with an availability date of September 20.

The Wait is Over: CANON U.S.A.’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EOS 40D DIGITAL SLR DELIVERS HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGE QUALITY, HIGH-SPEED SHOOTING AND HIGH-END FUNCTIONALITY

Fastest in Class 6.5 FPS Shooting Speed, New Autofocus Sensor and Newly Enhanced 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Imaging Sensor Combine to Boost the EOS 40D’s Appeal While Maintaining its Accessible Mid-Market Pricing

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Following months of intense anticipation by Digital SLR enthusiasts worldwide, the EOS 40D DIGITAL SLR Camera from Canon U.S.A., Inc. is scheduled to begin sailing into stores in early September. Building on the success of Canon’s perennially popular “prosumer” EOS 20D and 30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range Digital SLR cameras, making it a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry and user-requested creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR’s “prosumer” appellation may refer more to its accessible price point than to the exceptional quality, clarity and resolution of the images it creates. [Read more…]

Canon Powershot A650 IS and A720 IS

By 2 Comments

CANON U.S.A.’S NEW FEATURE-RICH POWERSHOT A-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS HELP USERS UNLEASH THE PHOTOGRAPHER WITHIN, WHILE ALSO APPEALING TO SAVVY SHOPPERS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced two new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras, including one with the highest resolution in the series to-date – the show-stopping 12.1-megapixel PowerShot A650 IS digital camera – and the powerful 8.0-megapixel PowerShot A720 IS digital camera. These new cameras continue the promise of the PowerShot A-Series by delivering superior image quality at a great price.

[Read more…]