Lake Success, N.Y. — Canon announced an expanded line of digital imaging products today, including cameras, printers and scanners, topped by a prosumer 21.1-megapixel digital-SLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark 111.
The camera features a compact, lightweight magnesium alloy body and a newly developed 36mm by 24 mm CMOS image sensor to reach a resolution of 5,632 by 3,750 pixels.
Six recording formats are available from 21.1 megapixels in JPEG or RAW format, 16.6 or 11 megapixels in medium JPEGs, or 5.2 megapixels in small JPEG or “sRAW” formats. In any JPEG format, the user can set one of 10 compression rates per image size. In sRAW mode, pixels are reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half.
It boasts a 5 fps shooting rate with bursts of up to 56 JPEGS or 12 RAW images. To accomplish this, Canon has incorporated two identical next-generation DIGIC III imaging engines into the camera for parallel signal processing. The CMOS sensor reads out to the dual processors simultaneously in eight channels. The camera’s 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion process is able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel.
Canon has provided compatibility with the new Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) compact flash-memory card specification, which enables ultra-high-speed data transfer to the card. Utilizing a UDMA-compliant card doubles the data transfer speed compared to a conventional memory card, the company said.
Canon’s Live View shooting mode provides photographers with an expanded set of shooting options beyond the conventional SLR through-the-lens viewing. Framing and shooting subjects using the camera’s LCD screen affords the shooter the same 100 percent field of view provided by the optical viewfinder, according to Canon. Additionally the camera’s 230,000-pixel, 3-inch LED screen LCD-viewed image can be magnified by five or 10 times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused.
According to Canon, Live View is at its best during tripod shooting, particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. The Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. The shutter charge sound can be delayed and made quieter than normal in Live View mode to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds.
The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III professional digital single lens reflex camera is scheduled to begin shipping in November and will have an estimated selling price of $7,999.
Other cameras introduced by Canon include the top-of-the line 12.1-megapixel PowerShot SD950 IS Digital Elph and the 8.0-megapixel PowerShot SD870 IS Digital Elph. Both were built on Canon’s original box and circle design. The SD950 is designed for the “sophisticated point-and-shoot user looking for top-level functionality,” said Canon in a release. It features a titanium full body, 3.7x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer (OIS) for steady shooting and a next-generation version of Canon’s Genuine face-detection technology. It has a DIGIC III image processor, red-eye correction, an optical viewfinder and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD screen with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating. It has an estimated selling price of $449.
The SD870 “is ideal for style-conscious photo enthusiasts … who want their substance to keep pace with their style,” said Canon. It features 3.8x wide-angle optical zoom with optical image stabilization and a DIGIC III processor with Advanced face-detection technology, wide-angle zoom lens, 3-inch PureColor LCD screen with scratch-resistant and anti-reflection coating, and an estimated price of $399.
All cameras are scheduled for September availability.
The SX series, a new PowerShot line, was launched, as was the first camera in the lineup: the ultra-zoom 8-megapixel PowerShot SX100 IS. It features a 10x optical zoom, an OIS, extended grip, DIGIC III image processor, the company’s Genuine face-detection technology with Face Selector capability and a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
The PowerShot SX100 IS also offers two VGA 30 fps recording modes: Standard mode for maximum image quality, and the 640 LP mode for maximum recording time and reduced file sizes. In either mode, the PowerShot SX100 IS can capture individual movies up to one hour or 4GB per clip, whichever comes first. Nineteen shooting modes are included, such as full auto, program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual, as well as special scene modes including portrait, landscape, night scene, sports, and kids and pets.
It is scheduled for October availability. The PowerShot SX100 IS camera kit includes two AA Alkaline batteries, a 16MB MMC plus memory card, a USB interface cable, A/V cable, neck strap and Canon’s software suite at an estimated selling price of $299.
The 12.1-megapixel PowerShot G9 digital camera, designed for “serious shooters,” was announced. It offers the same matte black design as other G-series cameras, along with a simplified control layout that is engineered for versatility. This camera is loaded with a 6x optical zoom lens, OIS, Advanced face-detection technology, 23 shootings modes, and a RAW mode. It also includes the company’s DIGIC III image processor and 3-inch PureColor LCD II screen.
In stores in October, the PowerShot G9 camera kit includes a lithium-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger, a 32MB MMC plus memory card, a USB interface cable, A/V cable, neck strap and Canon’s software suite at an estimated selling price of $499.
The EOS 40D digital-SLR camera, announced today, is scheduled to be available early next month. Hailed by Canon as “a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros,” the d-SLR features a 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor, DIGIC III image processor, redesigned autofocus sensor and 6.5 fps continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 large/fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images). It boasts a magnesium alloy exterior.
Scheduled for early September delivery, the EOS 40D will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,299 and will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,499.
Finally, two new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras were debuted, including one with the highest resolution in the series to-date — the 12.1-megapixel PowerShot A650 IS digital camera — and the 8.0-megapixel PowerShot A720 IS digital camera.
The 12.1-megapixel PowerShot A650 IS features 6x optical zoom with OIS, 21 shooting modes and 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD. The 8.0-megapixel PowerShot A720 IS also features Canon’s OIS technology and is capable of recording high-quality VGA movies.
The estimated selling prices of the A650 and the A720 are $399 and $249, respectively. Both models are scheduled to be available in stores in September. The A650 camera kit includes four AA batteries, 32MB SD memory card, USB interface cable, A/V cable, wrist strap and Canon’s software suite. The A720 camera kit includes two AA batteries, 16MB SD memory card, USB interface cable, A/V cable, wrist strap and Canon’s software suite.
Click here to read about Canon’s printer and scanner announcements.
