Photography Magazine

Canon announces the launch of a new A-series compact camera with powerful new features that say bye-bye to blur and offer enhanced point-and-shoot capability. The Canon PowerShot A580 camera includes brand-new blur-reducing Motion Detection Technology, plus new technology evolutions. Canon’s Face Detection Technology now features Face Detection White Balance, and Red-Eye Correction, can now remove red-eye automatically as the user shoots. The Canon A580 camera also has a Face Select & Track function. The 8.0 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A580 digital camera offers 4x optical zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and an optical viewfinder, plus new Easy mode.

Canon PowerShot A580 digital camera
“The emphasis on the new Canon PowerShot A580 digital compact is on taking the hassle out of everyday image-making, while providing Canon’s hallmark design and manufacturing excellence. Canon leads the field in image quality because it relies on intelligent solutions, not quick fixes,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The newly released Canon digital camera incorporates class-leading features to combat common problems like camera shake and subject blur, without sacrificing overall image quality.”

Canon PowerShot A580
• 8.0 Megapixels
• 4x optical zoom
• New Easy mode
• 2.5” LCD monitor
• Optical viewfinder

Canon A580 - Ultimate blur solution
With new Motion Detection Technology, Canon provides a comprehensive and intelligent solution to blur. Activated in High ISO Auto mode, Motion Detection Technology takes information from multiple sources - Face Detection Technology, scene brightness and subject movement. The Canon A580 then calculates the minimum boost in ISO levels (between ISO 80-800) necessary to compensate for that motion. The wide range of inputs and precision of the Motion Detection algorithms ensure that Canon’s system avoids trading reduced blur for an unnecessary increase in image noise.

Canon A580 - Face Detection Technology
Face Detection White Balance and Face Select & Track are included in the Canon PowerShot A580 digital camera, enhancing portraits and people shots taken in a wide range of situations. Face Detection White Balance sets the white balance for the face detection frame, in addition to the focus, exposure and flash set by previous versions of Face Detection. The result is portraits with natural skin tones, in all environments whether lit by artificial, natural, or mixed light sources. Face Select & Track follows a user-selected face around the frame, ensuring that the best results are achieved at the moment the photographer shoots.

Canon PowerShot A580 - Red-Eye Correction
Red-Eye Correction is enhanced for 2008. In addition to Red-Eye Correction in playback, the Canon PowerShot A580 now features automatic Red-Eye Correction in shooting. Auto Red-Eye Correction detects and removes red-eye as the user shoots, for natural, red-eye free images.

Canon PowerShot A580 camera - Auto Focus
New AF Point Zoom allows the photographer to magnify the AF frame when the shutter button is pressed half way, so that facial expressions can be checked before shooting. AF performance in low light has been significantly improved to achieve focus in scenes at around one stop darker, so that users can now take excellent shots in low-light conditions where they would have been unobtainable before.

The Canon Powershot A720 IS came onto the scene late this summer to replace its popular predecessor, the A710 IS. This time around, the A720 IS still sports a 6x optical zoom, an increase in resolution ( to 8 megapixels), similar 2.5 inch LCD, and new imaging processor, the DIGIC III. Also like its predecessor, the A720 IS is powered by AA batteries - the signature of the Canon Powershot A line.

NUTS & BOLTS

Sensor

The 1/2.5″ CCD captures an effective 8 megapixels. At full resolution, the image size is 3264 x 2448 pixels. At full resolution and Superfine compression, you can fit approximately 139 images on a 512MB SD memory card.

Viewfinder/LCD

The 2.5 inch LCD has 115K pixels of resolution. It would have been nicer to see more resolution, but I assume that Canon made this choice to keep the cost down. Besides that, colors are accurate, it refreshes quickly enough to provide smooth viewing, and the preview gains up and down well, depending on ambient lighting conditions

There is also an optical viewfinder that you can use, if you prefer, but its coverage area is not great, especially in close-up shots. If you tend to use the optical viewfinder a lot, spend some time practicing with it to get a feel for the coverage area.

Lens/Zoom/Focus

The lens on the A720 IS extends from the camera body when powered on. Once powered off, the lens retracts and the built-in lens cover extends to protect the front lens element. The lens has a 6x optical zoom (35-210mm in 35mm equivalent), with a maximum aperture of f2.8 at wide angle and f4.8 at telephoto.

As this camera is an “IS” model, it has Canon’s optical image stabilization system. You can disable IS, use continuous IS, have IS only enabled at the time you shoot, or use “Panning” IS. Each mode has its strengths - continuous IS can help with previewing a shot, but is not as effective as shoot-only IS, which also uses less battery power. If you’re trying to shoot a moving subject while you pan, like in a race of some sort, the panning IS mode stabilizes vertical movement, but allows horizontal movement.

Lens performance was good overall. There was some fairly noticeable barrel distortion at wide angle, but pincushion distortion was minimal. Details across the frame were excellent.

The A720 uses a TTL autofocus system and can focus on subjects as close as 1.8 feet in normal mode and 0.4 inches in macro mode, at wide angle. If you use manual focus, you can focus between 0.4 inches and infinity at wide angle and 1.8 feet to infinity in telephoto. If you use the Kids & Pets mode, the focus range is between 3.3 feet and infinity.

There are a few options as far as focus methods. You can turn on Face Detect if you shoot a lot of portraits, the AiAF multiple area (9 point) system, center area (you can adjust the size of the frame), or Flexizone.

Flash

The built-in flash can bet set to auto, always on (fill), and disabled. In auto and fill modes, red-eye reduction can also be enabled. The A720 also has a few other features that may come in handy - there is a flash exposure lock (FE lock), ability for slow synchro, ability to change flash method between first-curtain and second-curtain, ability to adjust flash output, and Safety FE that adjusts shutter or aperture settings depending on flash output.

The specifications for the camera state that the range, with auto ISO, at wide angle is between 1 feet and 11 feet. At telephoto, this range is 1.8 to 8.2 feet. Flash exposure can be adjusted plus or minus 2 stops in 1/3 stop increments.

Memory Media

The A720 IS can accept SD, SDHC, MMC and MMCplus memory cards.

Image/Movie File Format(s)

Images are saved as JPEG only. There are three compression levels: Superfine, Fine, and Normal.

Movies are captured as AVI files, with monaural sound. Sound memos are stored as WAVE files.

Connectivity

The camera has a USB2.0 Hi-speed connection through a mini-B jack to transfer images to your computer. There is also an AV output so you can display your images on a TV. There is a DC in jack if you get an optional power adapter.

Power

The A720 IS is powered by 2 AA batteries. Using alkaline batteries, with the LCD monitor on, you can expect up to 140 images. Using NiMH rechargeables, this number gets up to 400. Getting up to 400 would be pretty impressive in real life, but based on my experience, you could get at least 300 shots with high capacity NiMH batteries.

EXPOSURE

The A720 IS has a full complement of shooting modes, from fully automatic to fully manual, and everything in between. Auto mode does everything for you and limits the options that you have for changing exposure options For example, you can either set ISO to auto or “hi”. You can also adjust flash modes, timer modes, capture resolution, and focus mode.

Once you’re ready to leave auto mode and experiment more, we get into program auto, which gives you more control over white balance, ISO, metering modes, and access to the My Colors menu. Next comes aperture priority mode (Av on the dial) where you select the aperture and the camera sets the correct shutter speed. Shutter priority (Tv on the dial) is the opposite of this, where you choose the shutter speed (between 15 seconds and 1/2000 of a second), while the camera sets the aperture to the right setting. Finally, manual mode (M on the dial) lets you set the shutter speed and the aperture until you get the shot that you want.

Moving on, there are a few scene modes available directly on the mode dial: portrait, landscape, night snapshot, kids & pets, and party. For access to the rest of the scene modes, just turn the dial to the SCN position. There, you can access night scene, foliage, snow, beach, fireworks, aquarium, and underwater.

Also available on the mode dial is Canon’s stitch assist mode that helps you take impressive panorama shots, and the movie mode.

Movie Mode

Movies can be captured at resolutions up to 640×480 and at a framerate of 30fps. There is a 4GB maximum on file size or once you reach one hour. Optical zoom is not available during movie capture since you would hear the zoom motor on the clip. However, image stabilization is available.

Metering

For metering options, you can use evaluative (evaluates the entire frame), center-weighted metering, and spot metering. If faces are detected by the camera in face detection mode, metering also works to expose the faces well.

White Balance

For white balance, you can leave the camera set to auto, or you can choose from Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, or Underwater. For best results in mixed lighting, you can set a custom white balance very easily.

Sensitivity

The A720 IS has different ISO settings available in different modes. For example, in Auto mode, you can only choose between auto and a high mode. Once you switch to program auto or the other manual exposure modes, you can choose auto, or from ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 1600, and High ISO Auto.

In-Camera Image Adjustment

Besides changing the exposure options, you can adjust image capture using the My Colors mode. In this mode, you can set the color mode to vivid, sepia, B&W, and neutral. You can also set a “custom color” and adjust the sharpness, saturation and contrast.

During image playback, you can apply red-eye correction, resize, and add a sound memo.

CONTROLS, DESIGN, ENGINEERING, & ERGONOMICS

The design of the A720 IS is no real surprise - it essentially looks like all of its predecessors. The design is compact and has a nice pronounced handgrip that you’ll find on the entire line of Canon A series cameras. While the camera may be a stretch for some pockets, it’s definitely easy to throw in a backpack or purse.

The construction of the camera is mostly plastic and not terribly rugged. The camera doesn’t necessarily feel cheap, but it certainly won’t take too many drops without showing some damage. The controls, however, do feel quite solid. The mode dial moves well and clicks assuredly into each slot on the dial. The other buttons and switches are solid as well. The controls are also organized well, with shutter button and the zoom control right at your finger tip.

Included

In the box, you’ll find 2 AA alkaline batteries, 16MB SD card, wrist strap, USB cable, AV cable, CD-ROM of software and printed documentation, including the manual.

Optional

There is a removable ring around the lens that lets you mount a wide angle converter lens and tele converter lens, available from Canon.

PERFORMANCE

Using the Canon A720 is very similar to the rest of the A series cameras, if you’ve used them before. They’re very straightforward and capable cameras. Having the 6x optical zoom in this class of camera is also a very attractive feature.

I was very pleased with the camera except for one fairly major thing - the flash cycle time. I typically shoot with the flash disabled, but occasionally will turn on the fill flash. I would take my shot with flash and then try to return to a disabled flash. While the flash was charging, however, I was unable to make any changes since the camera became unresponsive, with the screen blanking out completely. The flash charge time would take 8-10 seconds.

Other than the flash, usability was good. The mode dial provides easy access to the various shooting modes, and button usage is intuitive.

Canon EOS 5D SLR review : Since Kodak is no longer producing Pro SLRs, Canon is the only manufacturer with a digital reflex camera (D-SLR) featuring a full-sized image sensor. Until shortly the EOS-1Ds Mark II was the only camera containing such a sensor. A beautifully professional D-SLR camera but an enormous investment and possibly too big to handle for a large group of consumers. Moreover the demand for a compacter and lighter version seemed to grow and presently there was gab in between the EOS 20D and the professional Canon D-SLRs. Both gabs are now solved with the Canon EOS 5D. The Canon 5D is a professional, quite compact D-SLR camera with impressive specifications.

Canon EOS 5D SLR - Large image sensor
The main sales argument for the Canon EOS 5D is of course the large sensor. It’s a full-size image sensor meaning that the dimensions equal the 35mm format. And this means you don’t suffer from focal length multiplier anymore, and this is especially ideal for wide angle lovers. Producing a full-size sensor is extremely expensive, more so because there is a lot of remainder of the wafers that the sensors are made from. You’d expect Canon to use the same sensor they’ve used for the EOS 1Ds Mark II, because the higher the production numbers, the lower the price will be per unit. But Canon decided to put an entirely new 12 Megapixel CMOS into the EOS 5D. It has a pixel pitch of 0.082 mm which equals the pixel pitch of speed monster; Eos-1D Mark II N. It is therefore well possible that the EOS 5D features a larger type than the one used in the EOS-1D Mark II N. Some image characteristics seem to prove this thought.

Canon 5D SLR camera - DIGIC II processor
A 12 Megapixel sensor delivers large files. To enable speedy processing the DIGIC II processor is used; the strong Canon trump. The DIGIC 2 processor is able to process a large amount of data in a short time. In combination with the huge internal memory it’s possible to write many large sized files very quickly onto the memory card. The maximum image speed is three frames per second. That is one image less than the EOS 1Ds Mark II can handle, that is also capable of producing larger files because of its 16 Megapixels. It seems that Canon sort of went a bit skimpy on speed with the 5D D-SLR otherwise this camera might become a too big competitor for the Canon 1Ds Mark II. The DIGIC II processor also places the images extremely fast into the buffer and it knows how to empty the buffer quickly too. On paper 60 JPEG images will fit in the buffer or 20 RAW images. The amount however depends on the sensitivity used; the higher the sensitivity the smaller the buffer. Nevertheless; the amount of 60 JPEG images fitting in the buffer is enormous! Even the EOS-1D Mark II N stores fewer images. These staggering numbers make the Canon EOS 5D very suitable for the photo journalist who has to do reportages.

Canon EOS 5D - Built-in flash and viewfinder
Not only does the camera perform professionally, the camera itself is also of a high quality. The Canon EOS 5D is lacking the finishing touch of the EOS 1D line, but the 5D can still stand a mild rain shower. The resemblance with the EOS 20D is striking. Canon wants to make clear that the EOS 5D belongs to the Canon 1D series. The built-in flash is sacrificed for the sake of the enormous viewfinder. And I don’t think there will be many photographers who will miss a flash on a camera like the EOS 5D. Fortunately it also sunk in with Canon that photographers are very happy to have a large size monitor to be able to judge the images correctly and easily. The Canon EOS 5D features a monitor with a diameter of 2.5-inches.

Canon 5D digital reflex camera - AA size batteries
A very smart move of Canon is the fact that the renown BP-511 battery is also used on the EOS 5D. It’s already being used often in Canon models, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find an extra (spare) set of batteries for a reasonable price. A second battery can be placed in the optional grip or you can choose for six AA size batteries. The grip is one of many accessories that can be used on the Canon 5D. Besides that the photographer has a vast choice from lenses, only the EF-S lenses don’t go together with the EOS 5D. At the same time when the Canon EOS 5D was introduced, Canon also introduced a new lens in the f/4.0 series; the Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM lens. Especially on the 5D it offers an outstanding range and thanks to the image stabilisation, you can shoot holding the camera in your hand, even in difficult light circumstances.

Canon EOS 5D reflex camera review
It seems beforehand that the EOS 5D will become a gigantic hit. It meets the demand for a compacter professional camera; one that can fill up the gap between the EOS 20D and the 1D Mark II N. The grand surprise is that it turned out to be a full size model. Canon lent us the Canon EOS 5D with the EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM for a short period of time. The results of our test can be read in the Canon EOS 5D digital camera review.

Canon introduces its latest digital SLR for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals: the Canon EOS 40D. With a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.5 frames per second burst performance, a newly developed AF system and 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, the Canon EOS 40D makes significant advances in both performance and versatility. The Canon 40D camera benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS‑1D Mark III. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved color rendering and near-instant start-up time. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust, while a strong magnesium alloy body with weather resistance ensures lasting durability.

Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR
“The Canon EOS 40D represents an important step in the development of EOS for the advanced amateur market. It incorporates many of the technologies pioneered in our latest EOS-1 series cameras,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “For digital photographers, the benefits of upgrading to the Canon EOS 40D are real and significant. For analogue SLR users, there’s never been a more compelling reason to make the switch.”

Canon EOS 40D - Key features
• 10.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPEGs
• New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors
• Canon DIGIC III processor
• 3.0” LCD with Live View mode
• Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Clear and bright viewfinder
• Customisable Picture Style processing parameters
• Speed and image quality

Canon EOS 40D - CMOS sensor
Canon’s third generation CMOS sensor improves on its predecessor with redesigned pixels that keep noise to a minimum. The EOS 40D maintains high image quality up to ISO 1600, expandable to H:3200 for situations where flash use is not permitted or desired. Highlight Tone Priority mode gives wedding and landscape photographers the option to boost dynamic range for highlights when shooting above ISO 200 – reproducing more tonal detail from wedding dresses, clouds and other light coloured objects.

Canon EOS 40D - DIGIC 3 image processor
The DIGIC III processor powers a burst rate of 6.5 fps, working with the image buffer to handle up to 75 Large JPEGs (17 in RAW) without pause. Images are processed at 14-bits for a greatly expanded colour depth, providing smoother gradations and exceptionally accurate colour reproduction.

Canon 40D - Cross type AF system
A key advancement of the Canon EOS 40D is its new 9-point cross-type AF system. All nine AF points can achieve focus on both horizontal and vertical planes. A central AF point is capable of accurate focusing up to aperture f/2.8, with eight outer points working up to f/5.6. In response to requests, the dedicated AF Start (AF-ON) button allows photographers to execute auto focus with their thumb.

Canon EOS 40D - LCD with Live View mode
The Live View mode simplifies shooting from awkward angles such as ground-level macro or mounted tripod shots. The 3.0” LCD displays a real-time image in Live View mode, including a selectable grid overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure. The AF-ON button can be configured to flip the camera mirror momentarily and engage auto focusing. For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR - Total control
The Canon 40D is fully customisable to the photographer’s shooting preferences. The mode dial contains space for three sets of user-defined settings, allowing the photographer to switch instantly between several shooting setups. A new My Menu tab provides quick access to frequently used settings, while 24 custom functions allow photographers to fine-tune camera operation and controls. The ability to change the focusing screen - with two additional screens available - adds further versatility. For easier operation of system accessories, settings for the Canon Speedlite 580EX II and new Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3 can be controlled directly from the LCD.

Canon 40D Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3
Also launched is the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3. Built to work with the EOS 40D, the WFT-E3 enables rapid wireless image transfer to remote FTP servers, along with two-way communication through PTP and HTTP. In HTTP mode, remote users can trigger the shutter button or download images from the camera via an internet browser window. PTP mode is used for wireless remote shooting with the EOS 40D and supplied EOS Utility software.

Canon WFT-E3
For longer shoots, the Canon WFT-E3 can connect directly to external hard disk drives (HDDs). And if connected to a portable GPS device, the location and time of capture is automatically added to each image as EXIF data. A convenient grip design features a main dial and shutter controls for vertical shooting, while weather resistant seals protect the unit.

Canon EOS 40D underwater housing from Sealux : Sealux introduced its new CC40 underwater housing for the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera. The Sealux CC40 has an aluminium housing, milled of monoblock CNC, hardanodised and specially sealed for highest sea-water resistance. An exchange of the storage card is possible with the installed camera. The CC40 underwater housing has minimal dimensions and weight, and can be just up to a depth of 90m. The Sealux CC40 includes functions like a release knob, main dial, mode selection, ISO and flash +/- adjustment, operating switch, White-Balance, LCD illumination, keys for AF-ON, AE storage and AF-measuring field selection, multi-controller key, Quick dialer with adjustment key, keys for menu, replay, delete, jump, INFO, picture style, zoom, lens release.
Sealux CC40 underwater housing
• Control window: the monitor screen of mineral glass enables the complete control of the picture. The window for the LCD-display is amply-dimensioned.
• Handle support: with two ergonomic rubber soft handles and two T-pieces for two flash arms as well as equipped with two drills for safety loops. It is detachable for the transport.
• Closures: two flexible closures with safety lockings close the housing with high tension.
• Housing bayonet: unchanged, also perfectly suitable for new lenses with large diameter. The change of the lens is easily possible with installed camera.
• Flash sockets: You have the choice. For a reliable eTTL control with Canon system flashguns you need the S6 socket. For flashguns of the manufacturer Sea&Sea, Ikelite we recommend the five-pole flash socket with flexible contacts. For Subtronic analogous flashguns is probably the five-pole flash socket with fixed contacts the best choice.
• Special equipment: five-pole flash socket with flexible contacts or S6 socket, a second flash socket of your choice can be installed.

Sealux CC40 housing for Canon 40D - Viewfinder

• Optical viewfinder - the most important part of an underwater housing.
The Sealux viewfinders were especially developed for the needs of the digital cameras. The viewfinders do not cover the monitor and all keys can be operated very easily.
• GV-150 (Grand View): The viewfinder with the ideal angle of view of 150° offers the photographer highest comfort while picture taking near the ground or floating. Vertical or landscape format. The enlarged viewfinder picture is brilliant, sharp, bright and lights up every corner. The viewfinder ocular is adjustable to +/- 3 diopter and turnable with 6 settings steps. The sunshield is detachable. The viewfinder can be swivelled down for the transport or can be easily removed.
• GD-viewfinder (Grand viewfinder): a real action viewfinder! The high-quality, coated optics offers the photographer a brilliant picture at a dreamlike scale of reproduction. Sunshield is detachable.
• LD-viewfinder (Long distant): enables the complete contemplation of the picture and the adjusted data. The diopter focusing mount is not influenced, the picture only slightly reduced.Canon EOS 40D underwater housing - Domeports
• Flat- and dome ports: all flat and domeports are cut of optical glass and make it possible to use the Canon, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina lenses of best quality. All ports are delivered with protective caps. Please select the suitable port.
• Extension rings: extend the using possibilities of flat- and dome ports for different focal length with smallest packing dimensions. The well-proven Sealux bayonet remains unchanged, all ports are compatible with Sealux housings. Please select the suitable ports for the following lenses: Nikon, Sigma, Tokina, Tamron.

Sealux CC40 underwater housing - Special accessories
• Moisture indicator: controls acoustically the wellbeing of the camera.
• Joint holder: for flexible fixing of a pilot lamp at the housing T-piece. This is necessary with Amphibian flashguns without pilot lamp.
• Flashguns: for the reliable eTTLfunction we recommend the use of Canon Speedlite flashguns 420EX, 430EX, 580EX, 580IIEX we offer the Sealux flash housings with or without pilot lamp.
• Flash arm: Sealux flash arms CT20 + CT25 for safe fixing of the flashguns.Sealux CC40 housing for Canon 40D - Specifications
• Dimensions housing without handle: L = 124 mm, W = 176 mm, H = 162 mm
• Weight: 2800g incl. dome port, in water neutral, depending on the port and lens.
• Testing depth: 90 m
• Guarantee: 2 years

Original Article

at letsgodigital

Canon launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D (Canon Digital Rebel XSi in America). Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market. The Canon EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.

Canon EOS 450D SLR camera
“The Canon EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”

Canon EOS 450D - Features
• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.5 frames per second
• 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
• 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
• Picture Style image processing parameters
• DIGIC III image processor
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
• Compact and Lightweight body
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Canon 450D DSLR - EOS quality advantage
With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The Canon EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.

Canon EOS 450D SLR - Bright viewfinder
The Canon 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the Canon EOS 450D features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings. Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

Canon EOS 450D reflex camera - Live View
Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the Canon EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera. For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

Canon 450D digital reflex - Other improvements
The Canon EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.

Canon EOS 450D digital SLR - Software
The Canon 450D (Canon Digital Rebel XSi) is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything the photograph needs to manage and process images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

Original Article

by Mark Peters

pma-show.com

Canon announces the launch of a new IXUS compact camera with powerful new features that say bye-bye to blur and offer Canon announces the launch of a new IXUS compact camera with powerful new features that say bye-bye to blur and offer enhanced point-and-shoot capability. The Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS (SD1100 IS Digital Elph in America - IXY Digital 20 IS in Japan) includes brand-new blur-reducing Motion Detection Technology, plus new technology evolutions. Canon’s Face Detection Technology now features Face Detection White Balance, and Red-Eye Correction, can now remove red-eye automatically as the user shoots. The Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS also has a Face Select & Track function and include Canon’s leading lens-shift optical Image Stabilizer lens for additional blur reduction and low-light shooting capability.

Canon IXUS 80 IS digital camera
“The emphasis on the new Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS digital compact is on taking the hassle out of everyday image-making, while providing Canon’s hallmark design and manufacturing excellence. Canon leads the field in image quality because it relies on intelligent solutions, not quick fixes,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The newly released Canon digital camera incorporates class-leading features to combat common problems like camera shake and subject blur, without sacrificing overall image quality.”

Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS
• A compact, curved design
• 8.0 Megapixels
• 3x zoom with optical Image Stabilizer
• 2.5” high resolution PureColor LCD II
• Colour variations : Classic Silver, Candy Pink, Chocolate, Caramel

Canon IXUS 80IS - Motion Detection Technology
With new Motion Detection Technology and the optical Image Stabilizer lens, Canon provides a comprehensive and intelligent solution to blur. Activated in High ISO Auto mode, Motion Detection Technology takes information from multiple sources - Face Detection Technology, scene brightness, subject movement and the optical Image Stabilizer. The Canon IXUS 80IS then calculates the minimum boost in ISO levels (between ISO 80-800) necessary to compensate for that motion. The wide range of inputs and precision of the Motion Detection algorithms ensure that Canon’s system avoids trading reduced blur for an unnecessary increase in image noise.

Canon IXUS 80IS - Lens-shift optical Image Stabilizer
The lens-shift type optical Image Stabilizer lens found in the Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS also contributes to low-noise images. It uses a moveable lens element - rather than a boost in ISO - to counteract the effects of camera-shake, with no accompanying increase in noise. This makes cameras with IS and Motion Detection Technology doubly effective against blur: Motion Detection Technology takes IS into account when calculating ISO levels, thus increasing image quality even further.

Canon IXUS 80 - Face Detection Technology
Face Detection White Balance and Face Select & Track are included in the Canon IXUS 80 IS digital camera, enhancing portraits and people shots taken in a wide range of situations. Face Detection White Balance sets the white balance for the face detection frame, in addition to the focus, exposure and flash set by previous versions of Face Detection. The result is portraits with natural skin tones, in all environments whether lit by artificial, natural, or mixed light sources. Face Select & Track follows a user-selected face around the frame, ensuring that the best results are achieved at the moment the photographer shoots.

Canon IXUS 80 IS - Red-Eye Correction
Red-Eye Correction is enhanced for 2008. In addition to Red-Eye Correction in playback, the Canon IXUS 80 IS (Canon SD1100 IS Digital Elph) now features automatic Red-Eye Correction in shooting. Auto Red-Eye Correction detects and removes red-eye as the user shoots, for natural, red-eye free images.

Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS camera - Auto Focus
New AF Point Zoom allows the photographer to magnify the AF frame when the shutter button is pressed half way, so that facial expressions can be checked before shooting. AF performance in low light has been significantly improved to achieve focus in scenes at around one stop darker, so that users can now take excellent shots in low-light conditions where they would have been unobtainable before.

Original Article

by Dennis Hissink

pma-show.com

Canon USA, Inc.’s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras - the digital cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an “entry level” digital single lens reflex - have now redefined the gateway prowess and “pro-ness” of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line’s new leader, the 12.2-megapixel Canon EOS Rebel XSi digital camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon’s professional Digital SLR camera models, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi digital camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor.

EOS Rebel XSi DSLR kit
When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - now included in the Canon Eos Rebel XSi kit - or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the Eos Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag. “This new Canon Eos Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them,” states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon USA.

Canon Rebel XSi - 3inch LCD monitor
At first glance, one notices the Canon Eos Rebel XSi’s large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera’s menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi digital camera
The new Canon Eos Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.

12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor
At the heart of the new Canon Eos Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras. Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.

Noise Reduction functions
The Canon Eos Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the Eos-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the Canon Eos 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces.

DIGIC III Image Processor
If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon’s DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon’s proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera’s efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The Canon Eos Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.

Canon XSi DSLR
Introduced in 2007 on the Eos-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the Canon Eos Rebel XSi DSLR camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier Eos models with Live View, the Eos Rebel XSi camera adds a new “Live Mode” contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

Canon EOS XSi
The Canon Eos Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera’s subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Canon Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that’s effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera’s ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The Eos Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Canon Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second sports action at just the right moment.

Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning Ssystem
The new Canon Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon’s Eos Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the Eos Rebel XTi camera. The camera’s Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the “clean now” function.

Digital Photo Professional software
The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the