Canon unveils new digital EOS SLRs

Imagine the power of a 10.1-megapixel professional-grade camera capable of capturing a blazing 6.5 frames per second (fps).

Along with the processing power of its DIGIC III imaging processor and focusing speed of a high-precision 9-point cross autofocus system, Canon’s new EOS 40D digital SLR (DSLR) camera raises the bar once again.

Targeted at an increasingly discerning population of serious creative photographers and professionals in the Philippines, the 40D follows the footsteps of the highly popular EOS 30D.

The EOS 40D is packed with Canon’s most advanced photographic technologies, including an integrated sensor cleaning function, and 14-bit analog/digital (A/D) conversion, to deliver top-notch images and performance.

The Canon EOS 40D is the first mid-range EOS DSLR to feature the new generation DIGIC III processor, which provides the processing power to deliver the 40D’s high-speed, high-ISO and continuous shooting capabilities.

In addition, the improved A/D signal conversion rate allows life-like color reproduction as well as a wider dynamic range for images that are rich and vibrant.

The EOS 40D retains the ISO speeds of the EOS 30D, with a range from ISO 100 to ISO 1,600 (including an extended optional setting of ISO 3,200).

The EOS 40D’s Live View shooting allows users to shoot images using the LCD monitor instead of having to peer through the optical viewfinder. Photographers using Live View can see the entire frame as opposed to the optical viewfinder, which only displays 95 percent of the view.

There are also 5x and 10x zooming functions to provide ultra-precise focusing. In addition the “silent shooting” mode minimizes shutter noise for noise-sensitive photo ops.

While the EOS 40D retains the RAW file format of its predecessor, a new sRAW format has been added for photographers to select a smaller file size format (approximately 2.5-megapixel in size) for reproduction of lower resolution files, for fast and easy downloads.

Built from highly durable and lightweight magnesium alloy, the 740-gram 40D is ergonomically designed for the perfect grip and operation, while the large 3.0-inch TFT LCD monitor allows for faster menu selection and image review with a wide-viewing angle.

The 40D is the first EOS camera to support central f/2.8 vertical and horizontal ranges; when used with lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or brighter, more precise AF results can be achieved.

The 40D boasts the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which ingeniously incorporates three techniques that work in tandem to eliminate dust particles.

The self-cleaning sensor unit literally vibrates off any dust particles that may have collected on the sensor when the EOS 40D is turned on/off. Post-processing dust removal software (using Canon’s Digital Photo Professional application) aids in removing dust spots in the digital photographs, while dust and water-proofing features have also been improved, with sealing material lining the CF card slot and battery compartment cover.

The EOS 40D is offered as an optional package with the new EF-S18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. Designed for Canon DSLR cameras that use the EF-S lens mount, the EF-S18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens was developed to meet the demand for an affordable lens with Image Stabilizer (IS) technology.

The EF-S18-55mm IS lens maintains high image quality throughout the entire zoom range with precision aspherical UD lens elements that correct aberrations and lens coating that minimizes ghosting effects and flare.

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.25 m at all zoom focal lengths, the EF-S18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens’ circular aperture helps achieve soft-toned images, while its optimized auto-focus control provides for precision focusing.

The new EOS 40D starts at P62,950 (body only), goes up to P66,950 (with the 18-55mm lens), and tops out at P85,000 (with the 17-85mm lens).

New flagship 21.1-MP EOS 1Ds Mark III

As if the features and specifications of the new 40D are impressive enough, Canon also announced its new flagship, the 35-mm full-frame 21.1-megapixel EOS 1Ds Mark III professional DSLR camera.

The 1Ds Mark III packs in Canon’s most advanced photographic technologies to date, including a 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, new Dual DIGIC III imaging processors, a high-speed high-precision 19-point AF system, and the EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

The new 21.1-MP CMOS sensor lies at the heart of the EOS 1Ds Mark III’s uncompromising performance, converting uncompressed TIFF images at 24-bit color depth, surpassing the current standard file size requirements by leading international photo agencies and stock libraries.

Simply put, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III can rival the image quality and sizes of medium-format cameras.

The Canon EOS 1Ds is capable of firing at 5 fps for bursts of up to 56 frames in JPEG, or 12 frames in RAW, thanks to the increased continuous shooting speed and expanded buffer memory.

An optional adaptor delivers high-speed 802.11b/g wireless LAN support. This allows photographers to shoot and send their photos to a nearby workstation for review and instant editing.

For situations demanding high ISO settings and long exposure shots, such as low-light indoor photographs and landscape images, the dual DIGIC III processors incorporate second-generation on-chip noise elimination circuits to combat fixed pattern and random interruptions for cleaner, sharper results.

A new three-layer low-pass filter placed in front of the sensor also reduces false color and moiré effects, while the infrared filter suppresses red fringing caused by sensor reflections and fog.

Live View shooting, coupled with the generous 3-inch TFT LCD monitor, allows photographers to shoot awkward angles, overhead shots in crowded press events or over ledges for daring “cliff-hanger” effects.

The 1Ds Mark III’s film speed setting ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 1,600 with an extended optional setting of ISO 3,200.

Shutter durability is now 300,000 cycles, a 33-percent improvement over top-end DSLRs. A weather-resistant magnesium-alloy casing protects the 1Ds Mark III from the most adverse conditions.

A water-resistant rib is even added to the 1Ds Mark III’s flash hot-shoe for use with compatible Canon accessories.

With a 0.2 second start-up time and shutter release lag-time of 55 ms, the EOS 1Ds Mark III is built for quick operation.

The new EOS 1Ds Mark III comes with the new EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens. This high-performance ultra-wide lens will appeal to both professional and advanced amateur photographers with its enhanced image quality and dust-and-moisture-proofing.

The EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM uses high-precision large-diameter aspherical and ultra-low dispersion lens elements to provide superior image quality and easy correction of aberrations that occur with wide-angle lenses. The USM (ultra-sonic motor) feature enables quick and quiet auto-focusing.

Prices of the new EOS 1Ds Mark II were still unavailable at the time of the launch.