Although we didn’t get to use the pre-production 5D Mark III seen here, Canon filled us in on many of intricacies, so we’ll have to take its word on the matter for now. In terms of processing speed, the Digic 5+ is rated 30 percent faster than the 5 and a healthy 17 times quicker compared to the 4 found in the Mark II. Paired with its CMOS sensor, we’re told that JPEG shots are roughly two stops cleaner than that of the Mark II and that video will also be noticeably smoother with less artifacting and moiré. For example (with photos), the amount of noise you’d see at 6,400 with the II only creeps up to the III at 25,600. Conversely, Canon cites the 1D X as being one stop cleaner than the Mark III, ensuring its reign as the top dog in the lineup. Of course, RAW images won’t benefit from the in-camera noise reduction, but we’re told that they should still be quite pleasing given the new internals.
When you’re done shooting, you’ll be able to use the camera’s “comparative playback function” — a quick button press allows you to view two photos (and their metadata) side by side on the LCD for on-the-fly checks of how your shots are shaping up. The Mark III also is also capable of shooting HDR images, with your choice of up to seven exposures (up to three stops over and under) to work with. Other features new to this puppy are “in-camera RAW processing, Scene Intelligent Auto mode, two forms of movie compression (ALL-I and IPB), and support for high-speed UDMA 7 Compact Flash memory cards.” By the way, you’ll still be restricted to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of shooting time (Canon’s way of avoiding those European HD camcorder taxes as it has on many of its DSLRs).

Remember the updated button placements on back that we mentioned? Along the left side of the screen you’ll notice a rate button (for starring photos quickly during a shooter and a creative photo button, while on the right there’s now a dedicated Live view toggle, along with a multi-function button near the shutter button (we’re told these placements could change once the final version is set in stone). You’ll also find that the power switch has made its way over to top left, positioned directly behind the now pro bono locking mode dial on the top left. Notably, the inner portion of the circular control-wheel is actually touch sensitive — since you’ll be able to make adjustments to parameters such as exposure and audio levels while recording, it’ll spare your tracks of any annoying clicksthat could result otherwise.

Alright, we get it; all of this info is dandy, but now you want to know about availability, accessories and pricing. The EOS 5D Mark III is slated to hit shelves by the end of March, priced at $3,500 for the body-only and $4,300 as kit with an EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens. Also available at launch, will be Canon’s new $630 Speedlite 600EX-RT and its $470 Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (essentially all the tech of the former, minus the flash itself). Once April rolls around, you’ll also be able to get your mitts on the $390 GP-E2 GPS receiver, $850 WFT-E7A Wireless Transmitter, and of course, the $490 BG-E11 Battery Grip (weather-resistant, with room for two batteries). On a related note, Canon also informed that Mark II will soon be get’s its price reduced, but there’s no word on an exact number just yet. We’ll be sure to get some shooting time in with the Mark III as soon as we can, but in the meantime, check out the galleries and press release below for more of the nitty-gritty.

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report

For the young enthusiast learning photography or the adult looking to learn more, Canon’s new Feature Guide instruction will walk Rebel T3i users through functions and provide recommendations for various settings, a great hands-on learning tool. Point-and-Shoot users looking to step-up to a DSLR will enjoy the T3i camera’s Scene Intelligent Auto mode, the most intuitive automatic camera mode available in a Canon Rebel camera to date, providing complete scene analysis and optimized settings. One of the most sought-after and requested features for a DSLR camera is now part of the new EOS Rebel T3i, Canon’s three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, ideal for properly composing those difficult overhead shots. Comfortable, lightweight and affordable, Canon’s new EOS Rebel T3 is a great camera to welcome users to the world of DSLR photography.

The T3i:

The T3:

Boasting Canon’s EOS HD video capture, 18-megapixel resolution, a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, new Scene Intelligent Auto, new Video Snapshot technology and new Feature Guide instruction, the EOS Rebel T3i DSLR has plenty of reasons for Mom and Dad to step up to a DSLR. Canon’s new EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera offers users a small, lightweight interchangeable lens camera with fun options. The Rebel T3 features HD movie capture, 12-megapixel resolution and Canon’s new informative Feature Guide, to help educate and instruct users as they capture great images, along with the inherent speed and low-light image quality of a Canon DSLR camera. Both new Rebel models are compatible with Canon’s complete line of more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

New EOS Feature Guide
Canon has also included a new EOS Feature Guide on both new Rebel cameras with an enhanced Quick Settings Screen that now includes detailed descriptions of camera settings. The EOS Feature Guide is designed to help first-time users and beginning enthusiasts better understand each camera setting with descriptions and guided recommendations for when to utilize certain settings. Along with an explanation of camera settings and modes, the Feature Guide includes easy-to-understand directions of how to use particular settings such as aperture adjustment in Canon’s Creative Auto mode:

Basic + Function
Canon helps beginners get more creative with photography by letting even the most entry-level novice make camera adjustments with easy to understand setting options. In automatic shooting modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action and Night Scene, Canon users can access a quick menu screen to make adjustments as per the scene’s ambience. When shooting in one of Canon’s “Basic Zones” users can make adjustments as per the scene’s lighting or scene type. An easy-to-read menu lets you select an ambience setting from Vivid, Soft, Warm, Intense, Cool, Brighter, Darker to Monochrome, while a Lighting setting allows users to select from Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light or Sunset.

Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera

An A+ for Automatic Mode. Canon aims to make everyone a better photographer and has enhanced the capabilities of the Rebel T3i’s automatic mode with new Scene Intelligent Auto technology, re-branding the green mode dial setting with a boxed “A+” design. This new camera setting now takes Picture Style into account as part of the camera’s “Auto” setting. By analyzing faces, colors, brightness, movement, and contrast, the camera will dynamically adjust picture-style parameters to match the subject and control vividness. Previously, the automatic setting on a Rebel DSLR adjusted exposure, focus, white balance, and Auto Lighting Optimizer, however on the new Rebel T3i, Picture Style Auto is also taken into account as part of the new Scene Intelligent Auto technology. By incorporating this fifth parameter the camera more intelligently analyzes scenes and adjusts settings based on the subject matter being shot. So when the camera is photographing a face it will reproduce more natural skin tones or blue skies for more vivid landscapes, a flashy red car for more saturated color and evening sunsets for more expressive images.

Fun Rebel Features. For the first time in a Rebel DSLR, the new Rebel T3i features a large Vari-Angle three-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dot/VGA resolution plus anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings for bright clear viewing from any angle. The large Vari-Angle screen helps compose low-angle or overhead shots whether capturing still images or Full HD video clips. Photographers will enjoy the convenience of capturing an overhead shot of a parade or low-angle shots of their children on the Vari-Angle screen.

Canon’s new EOS Rebel T3i DSLR gives creative photographers some fun in-camera tools that enable users to apply Creative Filters to images after they have been shot without altering the original file. Canon’s new Creative Image Filters, familiar to Canon PowerShot and EOS 60D users, help make a great image more dynamic by creating an altered copy of the image through any of Canon’s four artistic filter options:

1. The Soft Focus effect filter helps dramatize an image and smooth over shiny reflections.
2. The Grainy Black and White filter can give a different nostalgic perspective to any shot.
3. Canon’s “Toy Camera” filter deliberately adds vignetting and color shift for a creative option when shooting a colorful scene.
4. Users can also make a scene appear like a small-scale model, simulating the look from a tilt-shift lens, with Canon’s Miniature Effect filter, great when shooting any scene from a high vantage point.

Each of these filters can be applied to a captured still image in-camera to create a second “filtered” JPEG version, leaving the original JPEG file unaffected.

Another addition to the camera’s Live View function is Canon’s new Aspect Ratio feature whereby the Live View screen can display cropping lines for 1:1, 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios in addition to the standard 3:2 ratio. These cropping lines make it easier to compose images in Live View, and they can help to expedite printing when using Canon’s supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Custom aspect ratios are also applied to JPEG images captured directly in-camera.

EOS HD Video Specs. The EOS Rebel T3i with Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution in selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p will grab the attention of film students and independent filmmakers alike. The Rebel T3i incorporates two Canon proprietary technologies for rendering amazing HD video, a DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and a large APS-C-sized CMOS sensor capturing fine detail and color with an amazing cinematic depth of field. The Rebel T3i DSLR allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates.

EOS HD Video: Ready For A Close-Up. When shooting Full HD video, the Rebel T3i digitally provides additional zoom power without sacrificing quality. The new Movie Digital Zoom feature, a first for Canon DSLRs, allows users to achieve 3x to 10x magnification while shooting Full HD video. Unlike standard digital zoom for still images, Movie Digital Zoom crops the video image directly from the CMOS sensor at Full HD resolution to preserve video quality and still provide amazing additional telephoto power beyond just the lens. The Movie Digital Zoom feature is great for those times when the lens isn’t enough to get you in close, but this feature provides the extra boost without a loss in video quality so a child’s smile on stage is just as clear and bright.

EOS Video Snapshot. Canon’s new EOS Video Snapshot feature borrows some innovation from Canon’s VIXIA line of camcorders for capturing, assembling and playing fun-to-watch video clips. EOS Video Snapshot enables users to capture the video highlights of family vacations, parties or milestone events, with the same ease as taking photos. Consumers can now record a series of two-, four- or eight-second video clips automatically. The scenes are assembled by the camera into continuous Video Snapshot Album files for easy playback and can even be further edited in camera or through Canon’s Video Snapshot Task software on a compatible personal computer for added flexibility and fun.

Valuable Additional Features. Along with the adjustable LCD screen, the new EOS Rebel T3i DSLR features a class-leading 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. Capable of capturing kids at play or wildlife on the move, the Rebel T3i can shoot up to 34 consecutive full resolution JPEG still images or up to 11 consecutive RAW images at speeds up to 3.7-frames-per-second to either SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards.

The Rebel T3i includes an ISO range from 100-6400, allowing it to capture beautiful images without the need for a flash during milestone events such as birthday celebrations, yet it still includes a built-in pop-up flash for those times requiring a little extra light. For the first time on a Rebel camera, the T3i features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter making it even easier to do multi-flash shoots and provide images with greater ambience. The new Integrated Speedlite settings are now even easier for beginners shooting with multiple flashes.

Pricing and Availability. The Canon EOS T3i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in the beginning of March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99. It will also be available in a second kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1099.00.

Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera
Canon is happy to introduce a chic camera for beginners to ease into the exciting world of DSLR photography and videography; the new EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera. The Rebel T3 is designed to be the camera that can be expertly handled by anyone and allows great-looking photos to be taken with ease and style. The Rebel T3 is excellent in low-light shooting situations and simple to handle and operate.

Putting big imaging power in a small body, the new EOS Rebel T3 DSLR features a 12.2-megapixel Canon CMOS image sensor, a proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, a 9-point Autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. With individual pixels measuring roughly 10x larger than a pixel from a point-and-shoot camera sensor, the Rebel T3 is able to absorb more light with less noise, making it ideal for capturing high-quality images in dimly lit situations. The increased efficiencies in gathering light also make the camera better suited to freeze fast-moving objects such as capturing images of children at play at speeds up to 3-frames per second. Compatible with SD, SDHC or new extended capacity SDXC memory cards, the Rebel T3 also shoots 1280×720 HD movies for amazing image quality for both stills and video. The Canon Rebel T3 features an ISO range from 100-6400 for capturing beautiful images in various light settings while also including a built-in pop-up flash. Designed for easy operation through the camera’s mode dial, users can go from taking great still images to great video quickly and easily, with simple to understand icons and buttons.

Pricing and Availability The Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of March, and will be offered in a kit with Canon’s new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $599.99.

Related articles

• Canon EOS 600D (Rebel T3i) Overview (mydigitallife.info)
• Canon EOS 1100D DSLR Camera Specs (APS-C CMOS Sensor) (mydigitallife.info)
• Canon Rebel T3i and T3 official: Affordable DSLRs (slashgear.com)
• Canon unveils EOS Rebel T3i and Rebel T3 DSLR cameras (electronista.com)
• Canon EOS 600D spotted: Rebel T2i replacement ahoy? (slashgear.com)

Press Release:

Canon achieves another EOS landmark with the production of its 60 millionth EF lens

London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today announces another EOS milestone with the production of its 60 millionth EF lens, 24 years after the first EF lens launched.

This significant landmark was achieved on 11th January 2011 during the production of an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, just thirteen months after the production of the company’s 50 millionth EF lens.

Canon’s current Electro Focus (EF) mount lens line-up is comprised of over 60 models, with focal lengths ranging from 8mm to 800mm, and a wide range of specialist macro, tilt and shift and fisheye models aimed at all levels of photography, from amateur to professional.

The story began in 1987 with the birth of the first camera in the EOS system, the EOS 650, and has since seen many ground-breaking advances in technology, including:

• In  1987, the first lens with an Ultrasonic Motor – the EF 300mm f/2.8L USM – was introduced for professional sports and wildlife photographers
• In 1995 Canon launched the world’s first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer – the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for sports and wildlife enthusiasts
• In 2001 the first lens to incorporate Canon’s multi-layered diffractive optics elements launched – the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers on the move
• 2008 saw the first lens to use Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) – the EF 24 mm F/1.4L II USM for professional landscape photographers
• The world’s first lens with Hybrid IS was launched in 2009 – the EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM for close-up macro photography

Most recently, in 2010, Canon unveiled the world’s first fisheye zoom lens, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, offering both circular and full frame images.

Kieran Magee, Professional Imaging Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe: “Canon has been at the forefront of ground-breaking imaging technology for over 70 years and the EOS system now offers the photographer a very comprehensive range of lenses.”

“The announcement of the production of our 60 millionth lens confirms our commitment to continue to support so many photographers and further promote technical innovation, from optical design to electronics and production engineering.”

CP+ 2011:

Click here to read a Hands-On Preview of the Canon EOS 600D

Press Release:

Capture every moment of your adventure with the new EOS 600D

London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today announces the launch of the EOS 600D – a compact, lightweight Digital SLR (DSLR) that makes capturing exciting, fun and creative images easier than ever. The perfect choice for aspiring photographers looking for a combination of outstanding image quality and ease-of-use, the EOS 600D sits at the top of Canon’s entry-level EOS line-up, above the existing EOS 550D and the new EOS 1100D.

Capturing stunning images and Full HD video has never been easier, thanks to a range of automatic shooting modes that beginners can use to instantly express their creativity. A Feature Guide has been added to the user interface to help you learn about the camera as you use it, helping to develop your photography skills. With an unrivalled range of EF lenses, Speedlites and other accessories to enhance your shooting, the EOS system holds the key to the perfect shot – wherever your journey takes you, and whatever the scene before you.

First-class image quality
The EOS 600D provides all the tools to capture beautiful stills and HD movies. Amazing picture detail is provided by a high-resolution 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, which combines with 14-bit DIGIC 4 processing so you can capture the wonder of a beautiful blue sky and enjoy exceptionally smooth gradients between colours. The camera’s low light shooting capability enables you to achieve clear, natural images in darker conditions, with an ISO range of 100-6400 that can be further expanded to 12800.

Great for shooting pets, children or wildlife, the EOS 600D allows high-speed shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps), enabling you to capture fast-moving action. Each shot will be captured in sharp detail thanks to the 9-point Auto Focus system, which can track subjects using the auto focus points across the frame. Even more accurate focusing is providing by an extra-sensitive central AF Sensor, while the iFCL Metering system from the semi-professional EOS 7D features a 63-zone Dual-layer metering sensor, helping you to ensure your shot is correctly exposed, even in difficult lighting conditions.

Easy shooting, amazing results
New fully-automatic Scene Intelligent Auto mode makes it easy for you to capture outstanding quality shots with almost no effort. Allowing you to focus exclusively on framing your picture, Scene Intelligent Auto analyses the scene for you and automatically picks the best settings to capture it. Your images will look better than ever thanks to a new ‘Auto’ Picture Style, which automatically makes fine adjustments to colours while you focus on capturing the scene you want.

The EOS 600D also makes it easy for you to instantly add creativity to your pictures. Change the atmosphere of a scene with Basic+, which allows you to pick the mood you want to achieve from one of eight options, including ‘Warm’, ‘Cool’ or ‘Intense’. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-up macro shots, Basic+ makes it easy to capture the perfect image.

Simple, flexible, artistic
Ideal for beginners, a Feature Guide has been added to the EOS 600D’s menu system, offering a brief description of each key setting and its effect, helping you learn more about the camera as you use it.

You can also shoot overhead, at ground level or around corners with the EOS 600D’s
Vari-angle 7.7cm 3:2 ratio ClearView LCD. Rich on-screen detail is provided in 1.04 million-dot resolution, and the side-mounted hinge allows users to comfortably and creatively shoot from a range of unusual angles, or when using a tripod. A smudge-resistant fluorine coating and three anti-reflection coatings also ensure you can see the LCD in clear detail, wherever you are.

Allowing you to apply your own stamp to your shots, the EOS 600D is perfect for experimenting with different Creative Filters. Fish-eye-Effect creates a barrel-shaped distortion similar to a fish-eye lens, and you can instantly turn a scene into a small-scale model with Miniature Effect. Toy Camera Effect, Grainy B/W and Soft Focus offer additional options, allowing you to experiment with your images in a number of different ways.

Capture stunning detail with EOS movie
Capture your memories in superb clarity with Full HD (1080p) movie mode, while a dedicated movie shooting mode means you can switch between stills and HD video instantly. You can also reach distant subjects using new Movie Digital Zoom function, which crops the centre of the sensor from 3x to 10x while still maintaining Full HD quality – great for capturing wildlife on a safari holiday.

Enabling you to capture more engaging videos, Video Snapshot mode shoots video in two, four, or eight second segments, creating clips that are short, easy to edit and of similar lengths to clips used in most TV programmes. As they are recorded, the clips are saved to a Video Snapshot Album and combined into one movie. A soundtrack can be added by choosing from tracks uploaded to the camera and the result viewed on the camera’s LCD, or on an HDTV via the built-in mini HDMI connection.

The EOS system – unrestricted creativity
As your skills develop, the EOS 600D grows with you. As part of Canon’s EOS range, the camera is compatible with the unrivalled selection of EF lenses and a range of accessories, so you can add to your kitbag as your ability and style develops. Over 60 lenses provide you with unlimited creative possibilities: wide-angle lenses capture sweeping landscapes, macro lenses capture the most intricate beauty of the tiniest creatures, and telephoto lenses make distant scenes appear as if they are right in front of you.

Using Canon’s range of Speedlite flashes and the EOS 600D’s Integrated
Speedlite Transmitter, you can also experiment with different lighting techniques, or use your flash off-camera, to give your subject or scene a completely different look and feel.  With the Easy Wireless function, the camera will also take care of the complicated settings whilst you focus on framing and lighting your scene as you wish.

Introducing the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Launching with the EOS 600D is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II – a new kit lens that provides excellent performance for beginners. A lightweight construction makes it easy to carry, and Canon’s acclaimed optical Image Stabilization also minimises the risk of blur, allowing photographers to use shutter speeds 4 stops slower while still maintaining a blur-free shot. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II will succeed the existing EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS in Canon’s lens line-up.

EOS 600D – key features:

• 18-megapixel CMOS sensor
• Scene Intelligent Auto mode
• Full-HD EOS Movie
• On-screen Feature Guide
• 3.7fps continuous shooting
• Wide-area 9-point AF
• 1,040k-dot vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) screen
• Basic+ and Creative Filters
• Built-in wireless flash control

Technologies explained

Canon CMOS sensor
Exclusively designed and manufactured by Canon to work in combination with its own DIGIC processors, Canon’s CMOS technology integrates advanced noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site, delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.

Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting the signal to the image processor. Noise is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

DIGIC 4
Image data captured by the CMOS sensor is processed by Canon’s purpose-built
DIGIC 4 image processors before being written to memory card. DIGIC technology uses advanced image processing algorithms to ensure precise, natural colours, tonal gradation, accurate white balance, and advanced noise reduction. Ultra-fast processing speeds result in highly responsive camera operation and near-instant start-up times.

DIGIC chips work with a high speed image buffer, reading, processing, compressing and writing image data fast enough to keep the buffer clear during long continuous shooting bursts. In addition, because DIGIC 4 integrates all key processing functions, power consumption is kept to a minimum.

iFCL metering system with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering sensor
The iFCL system uses focus, colour and luminance information to determine consistently exposed shots. All focus points provide distance information to the metering system to determine the location of the subject and allow the algorithm to weight the exposure accordingly.

Both the EOS 600D and EOS 1100D models feature a metering sensor with 63 zones, compatible with all nine AF points. Typically, metering sensors are more sensitive to red subjects which can lead to overexposure. The EOS 600D and EOS 1100D counter this with the dual layer sensor, which has one layer sensitive to red and green light and one that is sensitive to blue and green light. The metering algorithm then compares the level of the two layers and adjusts the meter reading accordingly.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The new EOS 600D features the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, used to combat sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

• Reduce – Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself
• Repel – Anti-static technologies, including a magnesium fluoride coating, are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust
• Remove – A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately as the shutter release is depressed

The front surface of the EOS 1100D’s low-pass filter features a fluorine coating to minimize dust adhesion to the sensor. Both the EOS 600D and the EOS 1100D feature an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor.  This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Vari-Angle Clear View LCD (EOS 600D only)
The EOS 600D features a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen offering approximately 1.04 million dot resolution – allowing high-quality viewing of images, and focus checks, in playback. With a wide 160º angle of view, images on the Clear View LCD can be easily reviewed in a vast range of environments with reduced ghosting and reflections, thanks to three anti-reflection coatings and a smudge-resistant fluorine coating. Marks on the screen are prevented and colours on the monitor appear natural and close to the sRGB colour space. The vari-angle screen has been designed to open sideways, enabling photographers to shoot from unusual angles, even while the EOS 600D is attached to a tripod or battery grip. The screen flips out 175° and can then rotate 90° forwards or 180° backwards, allowing the photographer to view the screen from low or high angles, and even from in front of the camera.

EOS Movie
EOS Movie allows users to record Full HD (1920x1080p) movies on the EOS 600D and HD (1280x720p) movies on the EOS 1100D.  The EOS 600D offers full manual control of exposure and frame rates of 30, 25 and 24 fps at full resolution, with 60 and 50 fps available at 720p resolution. The EOS 1100D has a choice of 30 and 25 fps frame rates.

When filming Full HD footage with the EOS 600D, Movie Digital Zoom can be used to magnify the centre of the sensor by 3-10x while maintaining Full HD quality.

EOS Scene Detection Technology (EOS 600D only)
EOS Scene Detection Technology automatically analyses faces, brightness, movement, contrast and distance in the scene, with information provided as feedback to the Scene Intelligent Auto mode.

Scene Intelligent Auto (EOS 600D only)
Scene Intelligent Auto takes the information gathered by the
EOS Scene Detection System and determines the best settings to capture the scene. For example, when shooting portraits, the settings are adjusted to make the skin appear more natural.

Picture Styles
Picture Style presets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable preset, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s Standard Picture Style is designed to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional processing. When shooting RAW images Picture Styles can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The presets available with both the EOS 600D and EOS 1100D are:

• Standard: For crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing.
• Portrait: Optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones.
• Landscape: For punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines.
• Neutral: Ideal for post-processing.
• Faithful: Adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K.
• Monochrome: For black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green.

A new Picture Style has been added to the EOS 600D – Picture Style Auto. This new Picture Style makes fine adjustments, based on the EOS Scene Detection System’s analysis, to create a Picture Style for the particular image. Three User Defined Picture Styles can be used to store customised pre-sets created using the supplied Picture Style Editor, or any of the pre-sets available for download from Canon’s web site: www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/index.htm

Basic+
Basic+ is a creative imaging function that was first introduced in the EOS 60D, which makes it easier to create the desired image effects when shooting a scene. With Basic+, photographers have the option to apply a creative intent to their images whilst using the scene-based modes.

• Shoot by ambience: exposure compensation and white balance are adjusted according to preset styles to create ambience or tone in the image
• Shoot by lighting or scene type: a simplified form of white balance, which allows new digital photographers to change the white balance settings according to more understandable terms such as “Daylight”, “Shade”, “Cloudy”, “Sunset”, “Tungsten light” and “Fluorescent light”

Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO)
Auto Lighting Optimiser analyses the image and selectively adjusts the brightness to achieve a more even result. For example, when a person is backlit, ALO detects the face and increases its brightness to ensure a more pleasing image.

Lens peripheral illumination correction
The lens peripheral illumination correction function uses the power of the DIGIC 4 image processor to improve image quality by maintaining evenness of illumination from corner to corner, even when shooting wide open with a zoom lens.  When shooting in RAW this correction can be further adjusted using
Digital Photo Professional.

Highlight Tone Priority
With Highlight Tone Priority the dynamic range of the highlight tones is extended. The gradation between 18% greys (standard exposure) and the highlights are improved, reducing loss of detail in highlights. This enables a picture with a large proportion of highlights, such as a brightly-lit bride in her wedding gown, to show greater detail in the white and grey areas of the photo, making the image more attractive and natural.

Feature Guide
The Feature Guide acts as an on-board guide by displaying a simple description of each mode and the functions on the Quick Control Screen.

Creative Filters (EOS 600D only)
EOS 600D provides a range of creative effect filters which can be applied to RAW images and all JPEG images. Since the filter can be applied after the shot is taken, users can apply different filters to the same image and see the effects:

• Fish-eye effect: Creates a barrel-shaped distortion similar to a fish-eye lens. The effect can be adjusted, and, depending on the level of distortion, the image periphery may be cropped.
• Grainy B/W: Creates a grainy, black-and-white image. The effect can be emphasized by adjusting the contrast.
• Soft focus: Produces a soft result. This can be increased by adjusting the blur.
• Toy camera effect: Provides colour cast typical of toy cameras. The four corners are also darkened. The image looks soft with a subtle grainy look. The colour cast can be changed to cool or warm colours.
• Miniature effect: Can be set by the user to make part of the image look sharp. The orientation (vertical or horizontal) of the area can be changed by pressing the INFO button.

Video Snapshot (EOS 600D only)
The Video Snapshot feature enables the user to capture short video clips of 2, 4 or 8 seconds in length. These short snapshots are then stitched together into one file as a Video Snapshot Album, creating a dynamic, fast-paced movie sequence. Once video clip duration has been selected, every time the Movie shooting button is pressed a video clip of that length will be captured. For example, if a 4 second Video Snapshot is selected, the Video Snapshot Album will be created consisting of 4-second movie clips. This creates a much more engaging movie and encourages the user to think about the shots they take.

When playing a Movie, Video Snapshot Album or Slideshow, background music (BGM) can be applied, whether on the camera’s screen, or on a larger HDTV using the camera’s HDMI connection. To do this, users must convert audio files*1 to the supported .WAV format, before using EOS Utility software to upload the files to the camera’s SD card ready for selection during playback. A choice of five music tracks supplied with the camera can also be used.

Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation, noise reduction and colour tone – plus the ability to view Auto Focus points on an image and apply un-sharp mask sharpening. The Lens Aberration correction tool allows precise correction of different types of distortion caused by certain lenses.  Newly added is a set of distortion corrections for use with the EF 8-15mm f/4L USM Fisheye.  These corrections allow you to produce fisheye images for different uses.

• Emphasize Linearity: Converts the image to a ‘Central Projection’ style image. This creates a full frame image from a circular fisheye image.
• Emphasize Distance: This converts the image into an ‘Equidistant Projection’ image. This method preserves distance relationships between objects, but removes much of the distortion. It is particularly useful for creating star maps and solar path diagrams.
• Emphasize Periphery: This converts the image into a ‘Stereographic Projection’ image. This allows positional relationships on a spherical surface to be displayed correctly, such as an image of a globe.
• Emphasize Centre: This converts the image to an ‘Orthogonal Projection’ image, enlarging the centre of the image. This is useful for city planners to measure the luminance of an area by the sky to ensure adequate lighting.

Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space. Images can also be rotated and trimmed allowing photographers to correct framing and horizons as part of the RAW processing. Digital Photo Professional also provides full support for the rating system within the EOS 600D and EOS 1100D allowing star ratings to be added or edited for easier sorting.

Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and
Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces. ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW.  This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe and applied.

EOS Utility
The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for Live View remote shooting (with the ability to overlay an image to assist with alignment of subsequent shots during product photography), camera configuration and image transfers.  Tightly integrated with Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system.  Images can also be tagged with EXIF data, including copyright information.  Newly added is the ability to register background music, with users now able to add or remove .WAV format files from the playlist used by the camera*1.

Picture Style Editor
Picture Style Editor allows photographers to create individual Picture Styles that meet their personal requirements. Each Picture Style contains detailed information on how specific colours should be represented within an image.  Once new Picture Styles have been created, they can be uploaded directly into the camera and applied to JPEG or RAW images.  When working with RAW files in DPP, both personal Picture Styles and predetermined Picture Styles can be adjusted.

ZoomBrowser EX (PC)/ImageBrowser (MAC)
ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser is designed to give photographers a quick and easy way of managing their images.  Basic JPEG editing functionality enables users to adjust image brightness and colour balance, with an in-software connection to DPP for RAW image editing. Users can select, rename and resize multiple images at once, set star ratings and organise images by shooting date, making it simple to manage large image libraries. Photographers can also select, add comments and then print images via a range of simplified printing options, and direct uploads to
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY enables image sharing via personal online photo albums.

ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser also offers support for video editing, including a new Video Snapshot Edit Task that makes it easy for users to manage, edit and share Video Snapshot Albums.

Video Snapshot Edit Task
This feature allows Video Snapshot Albums to be edited using a computer. Individual snapshots can be removed or reordered, and a background music track can also be added*1.  The resulting file can be uploaded to YouTube™ quickly and easily using a new YouTube™ upload task.

*3Copyright laws in your country may prohibit the use of your recorded images or copyrighted music and images with music in the memory card for anything but private enjoyment.

Additional images

The long-awaited presence of the Nikon d7000 is now upon us. Look what else is in our reach: DP Review‘s first look at the machine: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond7000/

Check out the review for yourself. In my ongoing battle of trying to decide which DSLR camera I want to end up with, so far the d7000 is the big winner, even though I’ve always been biased towards Canon. I think I may be a Nikonhead in the near future.

Related articles

• 2010 Camera of the Year (photofocus.com)
• Video recording with D7000 (photoclicker.wordpress.com)
• Nikon’s D7000 Pricing Could Make You Turn Grey (gizmodo.com.au)
• Secrets of the Nikon D7000 (pixiq.com)
• Nikon D7000 Packs a Whole Lot of Pro Into a $1200 DSLR [Digital Cameras] (gizmodo.com)

Press Release

onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today announced an upcoming major update to it’s wildly popular application for remotely controlling Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras using Apple iOS devices. Specifically designed for the iPad, the new DSLR Camera Remote HD will include a redesigned interface that takes full advantage of the larger screen on the iPad, improved gesture-based preview functionality and the addition of starting, stopping and monitoring video from supported HD DSLR cameras from Canon and Nikon.

In addition to DSLR Camera Remote HD, onOne Software will also be updating the DSLR Camera Remote 1.3 to version 1.4 by adding support for the Canon 60D and the Nikon D7000. The original DSLR Camera Remote (not the HD version) is designed to run specifically on the iPhone or iPod Touch. Owners of DSLR Camera Remote 1.3 can add video start and stop functionality through an in-app purchase.

“DSLR Camera Remote has been very popular with professional and hobbyist photographers who value the ability to shoot remotely and we are extremely pleased to offer a new and separate version that adds iPad support and the ability start, stop and monitor video in direct response to their requests,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “We look forward to continuing to take advantage of new platforms in the ever evolving digital photography market to provide customers with tools that help them spend more time behind the camera and less behind the computer.”

New Features in DSLR Camera Remote
NEW iPad Version: Taking advantage of the larger screen, a new, separate version of DSLR Camera Remote HD for the iPad features image thumbnails and larger previews in addition to faster access to options like the intervalometer and auto bracketing. DSLR Camera Remote HD for the iPad also includes the new Video start, stop and monitor mode at no additional charge.

NEW Video Mode: Start and stop video recording on supported cameras and even remotely monitor video on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Video mode is included with the new iPad version and is available as an in-app purchase for the original DSLR Camera Remote 1.3 for the iPhone and iPod.

More Cameras: Both versions of DSLR Camera Remote include support for the latest cameras including the Canon Rebel T2i/550D and 60D.

Free Version: Introducing a DSLR Camera Remote Free version for those who want to try the application first. The free version allows uses to remotely fire their camera. This is a no risk way to try the app before making a purchase as photographers can see exactly how to set up the DSLR Camera Remote and try it before making the purchase.

Improved Previews: Browsing images is now easier in DSLR Camera Remote through support for gestures which enable zooming and panning of preview images by pinching and swiping the image.

Save Local: Photographs can now be saved as low resolution images to the connected iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to enable quick remote sharing via email, MobileMe, Facebook or any other sharing service. Saved images can also be edited with other iOS applications.

Availability and Pricing
DSLR Remote Camera Remote HD for the iPad is expected to be available in late November in the Apple iTunes App Store and will have a retail price of $49.99. DSLR Camera Remote 1.4 that is designed to run on the iPhone and iPod will be $19.99 and is also expected to be available in late November through the Apple iTunes App Store.

Owners of DSLR Camera Remote Pro 1.3 for the iPhone and iPod can get the updated camera support for the Canon 60D and Nikon D7000 for free in the 1.4 update. However, adding the start and stop video feature will be a $9.99 in app purchase to add this advanced functionality.

DSLR Camera Remote Free is a free version that offers the ability to fire or release the shutter of the camera, for those who wish try the app before purchasing.

There is no upgrade path from the iPhone or iPod Touch version DSLR Camera Remote 1.3 to DSLR Camera Remote HD that is designed specifically for the iPad.

DSLR Camera Remote HD and DSLR Camera Remote 1.4 are expected to be available in the iTunes App Store within Apple iTunes software in late November 2010. After purchasing any of the editions from the iTunes App Store, users will need to download a free application that runs on their supported Mac or Windows computer. This free application is required to communicate between the iOS device and the supported Canon or Nikon DSLR camera, connected via USB or Firewire to a WiFi enabled computer.

Supported Cameras and System Requirements
For the most complete list of supported cameras and system requirements, please visit the onOne Software website at http://www.ononesoftware.com/iPhone.

Pre-Photokina 2010:

Click here to read a Hands-on Preview of the D7000

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• Hands-on Preview
• Press Release
• Additional images

THE NEW NIKON D7000: READY TO FULFIL YOUR PASSION

Nikon UK, 15 September, 2010 – Nikon launches the D7000, a D-SLR that offers exceptional image quality, reliability and performance packed into a durable and portable body.

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe, says: “The exciting new D7000 is the ideal next camera for D-SLR owners who want to further indulge their passion for photography with a camera that boasts more advanced features providing creative power. It has a new image sensor, EXPEED 2, AF system and metering sensor to ensure great performance in a highly durable body. In fact, it has everything you need in your next SLR but in a size you wouldn’t expect.”

Exceptional image quality
The D7000 includes a range of new features to ensure superior image quality including 16.2 effective megapixels with the newly developed Nikon DX format CMOS image sensor. The camera boasts a new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, which delivers higher image quality, higher speed processing and multiple functions with more power. And the D7000’s increased ISO sensitivity (100-6400, extendable up to 25600) ensures exceptional detail with minimal noise when capturing fast moving subjects or in poor light situations, even without the flash.

Outstanding reliability
The D7000’s bright Glass Pentaprism Viewfinder with approximate 100% frame coverage and 0.94x magnification gives you the most precise view and focus of any scene, and it is always ready when you are with a shutter speed of 1/8000s, tested to 150,000 cycles. What is more, the camera is protected by magnesium alloy top and rear covers and has durable sealing against dust and moisture so it is prepared for even the most testing of situations.

When it comes to storage, the D7000 again provides you with maximum reliability. The twin SD memory card slots allow for added storage capacity and give you the freedom to manage your images and video in the way you want to either by saving more of them, keeping different formats separate or always having backup space when you need it.

Enhanced performance
The D7000’s newly developed AF system featuring 39 focus points, including 9 cross-type sensors in the centre, gives you the sharpest focus, no matter where your subject is in the frame. And with Nikon’s new 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor to enhance the effectiveness of the Scene Recognition System, plus High Speed Continuous shooting capability at 6FPS, you can be sure to capture incredibly accurate, high-quality images every time.

Full-HD D-Movie with AF-F mode
The D7000 has direct access to a movie record button so you can capture footage in full HD (1080p) with greater ease. The AF-F gives continuous focus during movie recording, which is captured using MPEG4 AVC/H.264 compression, and has a stereo microphone jack for quality sound recording. This means superior image quality and operability when using the D-Movie function.

The D7000s built-in movie editing functions also give you the freedom to chose the start and end points of your footage and switch to selected frames for capturing still images without relying on a computer – letting you edit and share your films quickly and easily.

Optional accessories
Nikon is also launching the new Speedlight SB-700, a feature-packed yet easy-to-use flash unit. The SB-700 offers lighting benefits that greatly surpass the camera onboard flash, allowing total control over scene or subject lighting to create beautiful, professional looking results.

To guarantee great performance for longer, the D7000 also has a dedicated Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (optional) that enables seamless switching of power supply with the in-camera battery, vertical shooting and further stabilizes the body when using a long telephoto lens.

The D7000 is compatible with the GP-1 GPS (Global Positioning System) unit which records location information in the image file and of course, the camera supports a wide variety of NIKKOR lenses.

Key features:

• Nikon DX-format, newly developed 16.2MP CMOS sensor: with expanded sensitivity range, this high-pixel sensor offers outstanding colour and detail for both pictures and movie
• New EXPEED 2 image processing: achieves higher image quality, higher speed processing and multiple functions, with lower energy consumption
• High ISO (100-6400, extendable up to 25600) sensitivity: offers low noise whilst still providing extremely sharp detail
• New 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor: the high-pixel RGB sensor will enhance the effectiveness of the Scene Recognition System for high-quality images every time
• Newly developed AF system featuring 39 focus points including 9 cross-type sensors in the center: delivers superior subject acquisition and tracking performance, so you can achieve the right focus no matter where your subject is on the screen
• Glass Pentaprism Viewfinder with approx 100% frame coverage and 0.94x magnification: for the most precise view and focus of any scene
• High durability with magnesium alloy top and rear, sealing against dust and moisture: allowing you to shoot with confidence even in the toughest conditions
• Full HD D-Movie with AF-F modes and in-camera editing functions to choose the start and end points of your movies and save individual frames as still images. It also supports an external microphone input for quality stereo sound recording
• HDMI connectivity: so you can view your images or watch your HDTV movies on a full HD television
• Easy access Live View with new Contrast-detect AF modes: face detection with contrast AF is faster and more powerful than ever. Up to 35 people can be detected within approx. 0.08 seconds, even if subjects are not directly looking at the camera. Subject Tracking keeps moving subjects in focus. Normal area AF is recommended for pinpoint focus and wide-area AF for handheld shooting
• Durable shutter unit with shutter speed up to 1/8,000: proved by 150,000 cycles of shutter-release testing
• Twin SD memory card slots: offer more capacity for saving images, more options for organising your images and videos or extra backup so you can manage your images exactly as you want them.
• High Speed Continuous shooting at 6FPS: With approx. 0.05-second release time lag and 6 frames-per-second shooting, you won’t miss a moment
• Extensive playback functions: including 72-thumbnail display, calendar display and image sorting by date
• In-camera retouch functions (retouch menu) including movie editing function and new color sketch
• Tone and colour control: Picture Controls lets you set the look and mood of your pictures and movies before you shoot
• ViewNX 2 free bundled software, will be bundled with the D7000: It inherits the basic operations of ViewNX whilst providing much enhanced operability, including a refined GUI, and a range of easy-to-use features allowing you to edit photos as well as movies
• 7.5 cm (3-in.) LCD Monitor:, the approximately 920k-dot TFT LCD monitor has a VGA wide-viewing angle (170°) with reinforced glass so you can immediately see your work in detail
• Supports a wide variety of NIKKOR lenses
• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15 : intelligent power management to give maximum performance with minimized power usage

Additional images

HIGH ISO DIGITAL SLR

Veteran Canon EOS-1D and 1Ds shooters will feel right at home with the new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV camera, built on a dust- and weather-resistant magnesium alloy body. Upgraded features include increased sensor resolution and ISO, reduced noise, an increased frame rate, a new medium-sized RAW file, and if that’s not enough, HD video capture.

The Mark IV has an APS-H 27.9×18.6mm sensor that packs 16.1 megapixels (4896×3264 in RAW) of capture resolution. The new M-RAW format (3672×2448—9 megapixels) joins the S-RAW (2448×1632—4 megapixels) format introduced in the Mark III.

The ISO range of the sensor gets a major boost. The standard range is 100–12,800. The L setting remains at 50 while H1 moves to ISO 25,600, H2 is 51,200, and H3 has an amazing 102,400. That’s four stops higher than the Mark III. The dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors handle image quality at high speeds. I made several captures at the top of the standard range (12,800) and the results—especially when processed with the Camera Raw 6 Process Version 2010 (PV2010) using the Luminance Noise Reduction slider—provided truly wonderful results. At the risk of showing my age, photographs made at this ISO are much better than ISO 800 film I used to shoot.

Speaking of speed, the Mark IV shoots at a continuous 10 frames per second (fps) for 28 RAW files or 121 JPEGs using a high data rate UDMA CompactFlash memory card. The shutter is rated up to 300,000 exposures.

Autofocus in the Mark IV gets attention, too. Canon’s new AI Servo II AF 45-point system has the ability to manually select 39 cross-type points for fast, precise focusing. Custom functions allow the photographer to set a custom focus point that automatically switches when the camera is moved from horizontal to vertical positions. Adjacent sensors can be added to the primary when working with moving subjects.

One of my favorite features is the Mark IV’s 100% accuracy in the viewfinder. Another thing that’s easy to love is the ClearView II 3″ LCD monitor that has a multicoated screen to reduce glare and a 160º angle of view, so photos can be easily seen by the photographer and onlookers.

The Mark IV’s sensor size is close to the aspect ratio in professional motion picture cameras shooting super 35mm movies. The APS-H sensor uses a shorter normal focal length lens, allowing increased depth-of-field especially with wide-angle lenses. Automatic Exposure (AE) control sets the meter to center-weighted average metering. Manual exposure is also available. The 1920×1080 HD video may be captured at 29.97, 25, or 23.976 fps—which are the rates for television and motion picture, respectively. It has 1280×720 HD or 640×480 SD (standard definition) at 59.94 fps. All video is recorded in the MOV format and will record a single clip up to 4 GB (about 12 minutes in length), and the quality is good. The built-in microphone has mono recording and stereo sound is possible with an accessory microphone.

The Mark IV captures stills and video using CompactFlash or SD cards, or both, automatically switching from full to empty cards. The desired file’s size can be set for either card. Photographs may also be recorded to both cards at the same time to make a backup. Movies, however, can’t use this function.

Some photographers who are used to a lighter camera might have an initial adverse reaction to the Mark IV’s heft. I believe that after giving it a chance they’ll overcome size issues and fall in love with this machine. This is a professional’s small-format hoice for extraordinary options in one digital camera body.

Company: Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Price: $4,999
Website: www.usa.canon.com
Rating: 5
Hot: 16 megapixels; insanely high ISOs; low noise
Not: