Canon News: EOS 5DS and 5DS R

Canon have come up with something groundbreaking here - a brand new 50.6MP CMOS sensor sat inside one of two bodies the 5DS and 5DS R.

Canon 5DS

Canon 5DS

The specifications include:

• 50.6 MP CMOS full-frame sensor
• Dual DIGIC 6 processors
• 150K Pixel RGB+IR Metering Sensor
• Up to 5.0 Frames Per Second
• 61-point AF
• Cropped Shooting (1.3x and 1.6x cropped shooting modes produce 30.5 and 19.6 megapixel files)
• USB 3.0
• Mirror Vibration Control System
• Interval Timer Shooting

Prices for the body are around £2999 at time of writing.

More details are available here.

Canon 5DS R

The 5DS R is almost identical to the 5DS, but a "...low-pass cancellation filter enhances the clarity and sharpness of the high-resolution images with minimal risk of artifacts".

Canon 5DS R

It's priced at £3,199.

There are more details available here.

Canon News: EOS 750D and 760D

Canon have updated their popular low/mid-range 'rebel'/xxxD DSLR (which started with the 300D - my first digital camera!), and have introduced us to non-identical twins - the 750D (Rebel T6i) and 760D (Rebel T6s).  

Canon 750D

Canon 750D

The specifications include:

• 3.0" (7.7cm) Vari Angle LCD touch screen
• 24.2 Megapixel APS-C sensor 
• 19 all cross-type AF points
• DIGIC 6 processor delivers full resolution shooting at 5 fps
• large ISO sensitivity range of ISO 100-12800 (extendable to ISO 25600)
• Connectivity options include Wi-fi and NFC
• Movies can be recorded in .mp4 format for easy online sharing
• Full HD movies with Hybrid CMOS AF III to track movement and focus smoothly between subjects
• Creative movie modes

£599 for body only.

More details available here.

Canon 760D

Canon 760D

The 760D shares most of the same specifications as the 750D, but adds a few extra features:

• An eye sensor for use with the optical viewfinder
• LCD information display on top-plate
• Quick control dial on the rear
• Servo AF in Live View (which I'd LOVE to have on my 5D Mark III for wildlife filming)

£649 for body only.

More details here.

Canon News: EOS 6D DSLR Announced

After the usual speculation, wish-lists and leaked specs, Canon have now confirmed their 'entry-level' full-frame DSLR is called the 6D:

Canon have dropped it between their APS-C (crop) DSLR 7D and their full-frame magnificent 5D Mark III.  Compared the latter, inevitably Canon have kept the specification lower, especially around things which are important to wildlife photographers, like the auto-focus system and frames per second.  On paper at least, it therefore doesn't compare that favourably to the recently launched Nikon D600.

Here is a little more info on the 6D:

• Full-frame 20.2-megapixel sensor 
• Tough, lightweight construction 
• Max ISO 25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400) 
• 11-point AF sensitive down to -3EV 
• GPS* records your location 
• Wi-Fi** file transfer and remote control 
• Full-HD video

As you'll notice, a couple of new things are included - Wi-Fi and GPS, features which will inevitably be included in most cameras (from smartphones to professional ones) in the coming 18-24 months.  The Wi-fi option is of potential interest in that it's compatible with a new Android and iOS app which allows the camera to be controlled remotely.  There's more information on that here, (interesting to see a 7D referenced in the screen shots too). 

I'm yet to see official prices for the 6D in the UK, but I believe it will also be available with the 24-105 IS lens, so there's still life in that lens for a while longer!

More details of the 6D can be found here.

Canon News: EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Launched

Another much anticipated launch for both still and video enthusiasts, Canon have launched the 5D Mark III DSLR.  

Replacing the Mark II, it brings a host of specification upgrades, albeit nothing extraordinary (except the price initially, we assume!):

• 22.3 megapixel full-frame sensor
• 61-point AF
• 6 fps continuous shooting
• ISO 100–25,600 sensitivity, expandable to ISO 102,400
• Full-HD video with manual control
• 14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor
• Weather sealing
• 8.11cm (3.2-inch) 1,040,000-dot screen
• HDR mode

It will be £2999.99 in the UK, initially at least.

More info here, with sample images here.

Nikon News: Top-of-the-range D4 DSLR launched

Following Canon's recent announcement of the flagship Canon 1D-X, Nikon are fighting back with their new Nikon D4:

With arguably only incremental improvements for the stills photographer, Nikon have improved the video specifications significantly:

• 16.2 megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor with fast channel readout and up to 11 fps consecutive shooting in FX-format.
• ISO 100–12800: extendable up to 204,800 (equivalent) and down to 50 (equivalent). High signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range.
• Multi-area format D-Movie: records Full HD (1080p) movies in FX- and DX-format, as well as in native Full HD (1920x1080) crop. Offers uncompressed full-resolution HDMI output to external devices.
• Newly developed, highly durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: standard life cycle rating of 400,000 releases, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 to 30s and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
• Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system: individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings. Sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
• EXPEED 3 image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
• 8 cm (3.2-in.), 922k-dot LCD monitor with auto brightness control. Anti-reflective with wide color reproduction.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering III: 91k pixel AE AF sensor with full-time face recognition.
• 100% viewfinder coverage and three Crop Modes: 5:4, 1.2x and DX-format. With viewfinder masking.
• Movie frame rates: offers 30p, 25p and 24p and a max recording time of approx. 20 minutes.
• High-fidelity audio control: features a stereo microphone input and an audio out for external headphones, which lets you fine tune audio in isolation both before and during recording. A line input setting for PCM linear recorders is also provided.
• Storage media: two card slots. One for high-speed CF (UDMA 7) cards and one for high-speed, high-capacity XQD card slots.
• Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4 or the newly designed compact Wireless Transmitter WT-5.

For UK buyers, it's pre-launch price is £4800 (which compares favourably to the Canon 1D-X at £5,300, which ones assumes will now come down slightly).

More details here

Canon News: EOS-1D X released

Canon has revealed the EOS-1D X – an 18.1 Megapixel, full-frame DSLR that features a high-precision 61-point AF system, an ISO range that’s expandable up to ISO 204,800, and a top continuous shooting speed of 14 frames per second (fps). 

The EOS-1D X sees the amalgamation of the two Canon EOS-1 series lines, and becomes the new flagship model in the Canon EOS DSLR range. Amongst the camera’s standout specifications are a high ISO sensitivity that’s the highest ISO yet available in any camera, Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors that offer two stops of noise processing benefit in comparison to the DIGIC 4 processors used in the EOS-1D Mark IV, better low light AF performance to EV -2, and a DIGIC 4 processor dedicated to the camera’s AE system. 

The EOS-1D X’s impressive specifications include:

• An 18.1 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.
• A newly developed high-precision AF system with 61 user selectable AF points, 41 of which are cross-type points, and five dual cross-type points for extra precision.
• A standard ISO range of 100 to 51,200 with three expansion settings – for ISO 50, 102,400 and 204,800.
• Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors for fast image processing to deliver 18.1 Megapixel images at up to 12fps as standard and up to 14fps with super High Speed continuous.
• Zone, Spot and AF Expansion focusing modes, plus subject type AF presets.
• A 100,000-pixel RGB AE sensor with 252-zone metering powered by a dedicated DIGIC 4 processor.
• +/-5 stops of exposure compensation.
• A high-magnification transparent LCD viewfinder with 100% coverage with intelligent viewfinder display.
• Super short 36ms shutter lag option.
• 30-1/8000sec shutter speed range.
• An 8.11cm (3.2”), 1.04 million pixel Clear View II LCD screen.
• Full HD EOS Movie shooting with Inter frame or Intra frame compression.
• Auto creation of new movie file once 4GB file limit reached.
• Timecode setting for HD movie shooting.
• Manual audio level control with live level meters and adjustment during recording.
• An improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (EICS).
• Dual CF card slots.
• Touch-pad control area for silent setting adjustment during movie recording.

 More details and images to follow...

Nikon news: D7000 mid-range DSLR launched

Nikon have launched a new DLSR, the D7000.

• 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
• High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity - extendable up to 25600
• EXPEED 2: Nikon’s advanced image processing engine
• Durable design with magnesium alloy top and rear covers
• Twin SD card slots: SDXC compatible
• Razor-sharp 39-point AF system

More details here.

Nikon News: D3100 DSLR launched

Nikon have launched a new entry-level DSLR, the not-that-snappily-named D3100:

Features are as follows:

• 4.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor delivers lifelike images with vivid colors, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations.
• EXPEED 2 image processing engine provides enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality.
• High ISO (100-3200) light sensitivity - extendable up to 12800: features an Auto ISO setting and is manually extendable up to ISO 12800 using the Hi2 setting. Enables faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing the risk of blurred images when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light.
• GUIDE mode: quick and easy-to-use in-camera assistance. Asks you about the picture you want to take and automatically optimizes settings for superior results. Sample images appear on the display to show you what will happen to your image if you apply the suggested settings.
• D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) movie clips: record beautiful high-definition (HD) movie clips with sound. The camera’s large image sensor and high ISO sensitivity offer exceptional image quality. NIKKOR lenses can be used to obtain cinematic effects and you can make simple edits of your clips in-camera by deleting scenes or saving specific frames as still images.
• Live View with Scene Auto Selector: makes it easy to compose images using the LCD monitor. Scene Auto Selector will select the best mode for the scene and subject you want to capture, and Fulltime servo AF (AF-F) mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button.
• Large 7.5 cm (3-inch), high-resolution LCD monitor makes it easy to view essential camera information, and a pleasure to review and edit your photos and movies.
• Razor-sharp 11-point Autofocus system offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame. Four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking AF, deliver sharp results, whether your subject is off-center, moving fast or completely unpredictable.
• Active D-Lighting automatically retains details in highlights and shadows for stunning images with natural contrast.
• Picture Controls lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot. Choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape.
• Extensive in-camera editing functions let you edit and enhance images and movies in the camera. Offers techniques such as Red-Eye Correction and Quick Retouch, as well as a range of Filter Effects.
• Dual Integrated dust reduction system: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images.
• Lightweight body and superior ergonomics: a secure grip makes the camera comfortable to handle. Dedicated controls for frequently used functions like Live View, D-Movie and shutter release make it a joy to operate.

More details here.

Canon News: EOS 7D Firmware 1.2.1 released

Canon have released a firmware update to their EOS 7D DSLR. The following updates have been included:

• Extends the timing at which the high temperature warning indicator is displayed and the timing of automatic shut down of the camera due to a rise in internal temperature during Live View or EOS Movie functions.
• Optimizes program shift when the ISO setting of the camera is set to AUTO.
• Corrects a misspelling in the French-language menu.
• Corrects a phenomenon in which vertical magenta-colored banding appears in still images taken in movie-shooting mode.
  (This only occurs when in Manual exposure mode and when the ISO speed is set to "H". Note that this phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.0)

Avilable to download from here.

Canon News: Updated EOS 1D Mark IV firmware

Canon have updated the firmware for the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV - to version 1.06. It improves AF performance for approaching and receding subjects.

Sony News: Firmware for A380, A330 and A230

Sony have relased version 1.10 firmware for their A380, A330 and A230 cameras. To quote their website which describes the improvement:

"When the [Metering mode] is set to the [Center weighted] or [Spot] metering modes, the exposure will be locked when the focus is confirmed. (When shooting in AF mode)."

Available to download as a WIndows, or Mac compatible versions.

Pentax News: New firmware for K-7 DSLR

Pentax have released an updated version of their firmware for the K-7. Now at version 1.02, it adds a fine sharpness setting, as well image processing performance and stability in certain situations. Available to download from here.

Sony News: New DSLRS: A850, A550 and A500

Just days before the expected launch from Canon of its much anticipated 7D, Sony have launched three new cameras and a new lens.

A850


You can read more in this press release, but the highlights are:

• Same 24.6Mp full-frame capabilities as the top of the range A900, with slightly reduced fps and viewfinder coverage - and it's cheaper!
  
• Dual Bionz processors
  

Sony have also launched a new zoom lens, with constant f/2.8 aperture: the SAL2875 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens

A550/A500

More details of the A550 and A500 can be found at this press release. They come with:

• 14.2/12.3Mp sensors respectivity, utilising Sony's new Exmor (TM) sensor technology
• A 3" tilt LCD
• In-built HDR (high dynamic range) processing - I think these are the first cameras to do this?

New Canon Rebel / 500D ?

Rumours suggesting there will be a new Canon Rebel (DSLR entry-level) launched in the next few days... Likely to be called the 500D and the usual form is that the previous model EOS 450D*will linger around at a slightly reduced price too.

Canon's likely approach is to drop-in some specs from the higher-end cameras, so expect to see something like a 15Mp sensor, Digic IV processing, upgraded screen and HD 1080P video mode. They need enough 'sexy features' to ensure a steady supply of beginners are attracted to the Canon range... albeit, such a spec will cannibalise potential upgrades to the 50D.

UPDATE 1

*** an early image seems to suggest an articulated screen, much like many camcorders have...***