Canon

All posts tagged Canon

Copyright Scott Bourne 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Made With 7D

Copyright Scott Bourne 2009 - All Rights Reserved - Made With 7D

(NOTE: There are tons of sites that show sample footage from all the cameras I mention in this post – here’s some I posted – feel free to use Google to find them and decide for yourself which has the best video quality. Also I am not reviewing this camera from the point of view of a still shooter – although it is quite competent in that regard as well.)

I’ve been playing with all the current crop of DSLRs that shoot video. They are all very good at some things. None is perfect. But after all my tests, I have settled on two favorites. The Panasonic GH1 surprised me as the early favorite. It’s small, easy to use and has a ton of features that some of the more expensive cameras don’t. I like it a great deal and had pretty much settled on it as my favorite. Then came the Canon 7D. It’s a real game changer. It really caught my attention as well. It’s got very wide third-party support since most of the video accessories made for the Canon 5DMKII will also work with the 7D. It also offers access to more lenses and a larger sensor to capture video. That translates to better shadow detail and less data loss. In short, I have decided to use it as my primary video camera. Now I suspect Nikon is coming out with a new video platform any day. So could I change my mind? Absolutely. I may even end up using both. But for right now, I think the Canon 7D is the best hybrid video camera out there so that’s what I am going to use.

Here are some of my reasons…

1. Image quality is superb
2. Re-designed contrast based autofocus that works
3. Complete creative control over shutter, ISO and aperture
4. Better ergonomics – video switch now on the back – new electronic level
5. Wide third-party support with accessories, training, etc.
6. Price – cheaper than the 5DMKII and close to the same price as less-qualified rivals.
7. A wide variety of lenses that work natively with the Canon system
8. A large sensor with dual DIGIC 4 processors creates high-quality video even at ISO 1600 but better at 800 or less
9. Dedicated external audio via 3.5mm jack
10. True HDMI HD output to an external monitor
11. Not a bad little still camera either
12. Well built – doesn’t feel like plastic
13. 100% viewfinder – something you usually on see on pro cameras
14. Built-in sensor cleaning
15. Improved autodocus & metering

Things I wish the 7D had

a. Override of automatic audio gain control
b. XLR audio in
c. Live histogram or Zebra
d. Rotating, articulating LCD viewfinder
e. The ability to hook up an external monitor without blacking out the LCD

I realize that not everyone is interested in video on a DSLR – but I think that we’ll see a shift towards more and more acceptance of these cameras just as we did uptake in digital over time compared with film.

The Canon 7D is an amazing camera for the money and highly recommended.

400x80TWIP

canon_eos_5d_large

 

I am giving away a Canon 7D! Yep – I can’t help myself. These are bound to be two of the hottest cameras around so why not give them both away?

Here’s how to enter to win the 7D.

First, go to Twitter and if you don’t already have an account there, set one up. It’s free. Then follow me – Scott Bourne. Go to
http://www.twitter.com/scottbourne
and click on the Follow button that appears under my profile.

Then, and this is the last step, simply write out the following tweet…

Win a new Canon 7D (or 2500 photo scans) from @ScanCafe & Scott Bourne. Pls RT. Details here:
http://bit.ly/dgYgA

That’s it. Just follow me on Twitter. (
http://www.twitter.com/scottbourne
) Send out that Tweet – and you’re done.

But this is important – only do this ONE TIME! It does not in any way improve your odds if you Tweet this message more than once. If you do send it more than once, you’ll just make your followers mad and you won’t increase your odds.

Here’s some of the fine print – PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.

If you are already following me on Twitter – you don’t need to un-follow and then re-follow. Unfollowing and refollowing or following multiple times will get you blocked and make you ineligible for the giveaway.

If you are already in for the Canon 5D MK II Giveaway – you still need to tweet about the 7D if you want a chance at that camera – but remember – only once.

You must be at least 18 years old to win. All taxes are the responsibility of the winner. The decision of the judges is final. The winner will be announced on Twitter.com December 15, 2009, sometime before Midnight.

This contest is void where prohibited by law. The contest is open to anyone, world wide as long as you live in a country where contests such as this one are legal. If you live in Quebec Canada for instance, you may not participate since contests like this one are illegal there without payment of a bond. It’s your responsibility to ensure that contests like this one are not prohibited by your local law. Actual prize awards will only happen after your execution of an affidavit of eligibility.

You may choose between the new Canon 7D (body only) still in the box or 2500 free photo scans from scanning leader @ScanCafe. *NOTE: If we have a winner located outside the US, they will pay shipping for the camera and are not eligible to win the scans.

We reserve the right to substitute a cashier’s check for $1900 US funds in the event that the 7D is discontinued or unavailable or in the event that Canon releases the camera at a price higher than $1900 US.

In the event of an international winner, neither Bourne Media Group or ScanCafe will be responsible for delays in prize delivery caused by Customs clearing.

We check the ScottBourne Twitter account for a list of followers. We verify the aforementioned re-tweet. We throw all that information at a random number generator and pick a winner.

You will not be able to enter as long as your tweets are private.

If any part of this makes you uncomfortable, or if you don’t like the fact that I do these giveaways, please don’t participate.

For the rest of you – I promise to (as in the past) make sure that you get plenty of good content from me here and on Twitter in between the giveaways.

Thanks for your support.

scancafewide

Canon 7D Announced

20090901_hiRes_eos7d_side-Canon U.S.A., Inc. is announcing the new EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera featuring fast eight fps continuous shooting, 18-megapixel resolution and Full HD video recording with variable frame rates and manual exposure control. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera.

Along with the EOS 7D, Canon is also announcing three new lenses; the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lenses. The new EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens is the first SLR camera lens to feature Hybrid Image Stabilization.

Canon is also announcing the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99.

New Canon Rebel & Flash

logo

CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE EOS REBEL T1i DIGITAL SLR CAMERA THE FIRST REBEL DSLR TO FEATURE HD VIDEO CAPTURE

This is the complete text of a news release I just received from Canon.

Canon Breaks the $1,000 Mark Again with the First EOS Rebel Camera to Feature HD Movie Recording Capabilities, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor and 15.1 Megapixel Resolution

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 25, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a new addition to its Rebel lineup, the EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera, the first in the Rebel line to feature Full HD video capture. The new Canon Rebel T1i SLR incorporates some of the best technologies from the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II models into an entry-level juggernaut. With a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and HD video capture, along with the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, the Rebel T1i gives aspiring photographers plenty of reason to step-up to the latest and greatest model in the Rebel lineup.

The new Canon EOS Rebel T1i raises the entry-level bar with a host of enhanced Canon technologies now available in an entry-level DSLR. Along with the boost in megapixels and Canon’s most advanced imaging processor to-date, this latest Rebel camera has also been enhanced with HD video capture, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor and user-friendly functions such as Auto Lighting Optimizer, Creative Auto Mode and Canon’s Live View modes, all the right tools to open new doors for imaging enthusiasts. From high-resolution to high-definition, the new EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera helps to give creative consumers a jumpstart on the next evolution in digital imaging.

“We are witnessing the emergence of a new phase in digital imaging history, as high-resolution still images and HD video can now both be produced in a hand-held device, for under $1,000. This is truly a great time to be involved in digital imaging as the advent of online communities are helping usher in this next great era in imaging,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The muscle behind Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i camera is the DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor with 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion and the ability to process full HD video. The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR offers continuous shooting at 3.4 fps for up to 170 large/fine JPEG images or up to nine RAW images in a single burst when using a class 6 or higher SD or SDHC memory card. Whether capturing wildlife on the run or a child mid-stride on the soccer field, users will appreciate the fast shooting capabilities of the Rebel T1i Digital SLR camera.

With the combination of its 15.1-megapixel APS-C size CMOS image sensor and the powerful new DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in whole stop increments, along with two additional high-speed ISO settings – H1: 6400 and H2: 12800.

The EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system and AF sensor for enhanced subject detection. The new EOS Rebel T1i DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that is 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 when shooting still images.

The EOS Rebel T1i camera is compatible with Canon’s complete line of over 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, to help provide an incredible variety of visual effects to both still and video imaging capture, including ultra-wide-angle and fish-eye to macro and super-telephoto. This includes all of Canon’s large-aperture EF L-series professional lenses.

HD and SD Video Capture
After the introduction of the EOS 5D Mark II in September 2008, the Company’s first HD video DSLR, Canon has integrated this must-have feature into the new entry-level flagship EOS Rebel T1i camera. The camera features 16:9 720p HD video capture at 30 fps as well as a Full HD 1080p video capture at 20 fps, and a third option to record 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) video capture at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps. The video capture mode is part of the camera’s Live View function, using the Picture Style that has been set for Live View still image shooting. The camera allows skilled photographers and enthusiasts to adjust image sharpness, contrast, color saturation and white balance, and have those settings apply to the movie image as well. When recording video, the camera’s rear LCD screen is letter-boxed by a semi-transparent border to match the aspect ratio of the movie recording size.

Like the EOS 5D Mark II model, the EOS Rebel T1i camera will record video up to 4GB per clip equaling approximately 12 minutes of Full HD video, 18 minutes of 720p HD video, or 24 minutes of SD video depending on the level of detail in the scene.[i] Video clips are recorded in .MOV format using an MPEG-4 video compression and sound is recorded using linear PCM[ii] without compression. The camera features a built-in monaural microphone to record sound. To help show off those fantastic movies as well as still photos, the EOS Rebel T1i camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV.

Live View Shooting
Much like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i camera features Live View for both still images as well as video. The Rebel T1i features the Company’s three Live View AF modes – Quick, Live and Face Detection Live mode – which can be used to capture still photos or video images. Quick mode automatically sets One-Shot AF using the camera’s phase detection AF system. It also allows users to select the AF point, even while the Live View image is displayed. Although the camera’s reflex mirror must be lowered briefly to take an AF measurement in Quick mode, it is the fastest way to set focus automatically when the Rebel T1i camera is set for Live View.

Live mode uses contrast-detection AF with the image sensor and here, as with Quick mode, users can change the location of the active AF point using the Multi-controller. Face Detection Live mode uses contrast AF to recognize human faces. When multiple faces are detected, the largest face closest to the center of the frame is targeted as the AF point. While Live View is engaged, users can still change settings including the AF mode (Quick, Live, Face Detection Live mode), drive mode, ISO speed, Picture style, White Balance and more.

Auto Lighting Optimizer
Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology helps ensure that the subject of each picture is clearly visible by analyzing image brightness and automatically adjusting dark areas in images so they appear brighter. This is ideal when shooting high-contrast situations that include harsh shadow areas, such as landscape images where the foreground is brightly lit and the background detail blanketed in dark shadow. In a scene such as this, the EOS Rebel T1i camera’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology maintains exposure of the highlight areas while lightening shadow areas for a more enjoyable and evenly illuminated image. The EOS Rebel T1i also supports Peripheral Illumination Correction for up to 40 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Canon’s Creative Auto Mode
Canon’s “CA” Creative Full Auto setting available on the EOS Rebel T1i, EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II cameras allows users to make image adjustments such as exposure compensation, aperture or shutter speed through a simple navigation screen on the camera’s LCD screen, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image” with ease. These easy-to-understand image options allow learning-photographers to experiment with image options while still shooting in an automatic mode.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
With the introduction of the EOS Rebel T1i camera, the entire Canon EOS system is now equipped with the highly acclaimed EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS Rebel T1i has been upgraded with a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera is scheduled for delivery by early May and will be sold in a body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty at an estimated retail price of $799.99[iii]. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99[iv].

Canon Speedlite 270EX
The new Canon Speedlite 270EX, the successor to the 220EX Speedlite model, is a compact, lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models. Ideal for use with the new EOS Rebel T1i, the new Speedlite 270EX uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Like Canon’s high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor[v]. The flash also features a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot for secure and easy attachment and reliable contact.

______________________________________________

This site is made possible by sponsorship from:
Lensbaby

This isn’t a BEST OF PMA post. It’s a MOST INTERESTING OF PMA post.

Let’s stick with compacts here in part two of my most interesting list. As I said last time, I tend to ignore the point and shoot cameras at these shows because, well, there’s just too darn many of them. But the Canon Powershot D10 stands out. Why? It’s waterproof. Really!

If you’re hard on your gear, or need to make photos in wet environments (I live near Seattle so guess what – it’s wet here most of the time) this camera may be of interest to you.

Canon says the D10 is waterproof (you can take it under water as deep as 10 meters) and dustproof and can even stand a drop onto a hard surface from as high as three and a half feet.

Another interesting thing about the D10 is that it offers a 12.1 megapixel sensor. Canon is going backwards here. They crammed more pixels onto the G10. They’re back to a sensible 12.1MP on the D10.

The camera offers a 35-105 optical zoom and Canon’s latest Digic 4 processor.

Again, this camera isn’t intended to compete with an LX3 or a G10. No HD video or RAW mode. But the camera IS a very interesting contender for the adventure set. Those who spend a great deal of time outdoors and want a decent camera that they don’t have to coddle will want to take a look at the D10. Moreover, this technology will some day make its way to DSLRs and then the underwater housing guys will be running for the hills.

By the way if you want more real-time info from the Photo Marketing Association Tradeshow follow me on Twitter.
http://www.twitter.com/scottbourne

Okay, Canon only introduces 10 – count em 10 new compact digital cameras this month. While not as silly as introducing 23,234 new cameras – it might as well be. They did introduce 10. That’s all I will say about the new compacts.

I will cover Canon’s introduction of two new wide-angle tilt-shift lenses: The New TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and the TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Lenses.

These two new L series lenses expand Canon’s line-up of TS-E lenses. Both the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II and the TS-E 17mm f/4L are specialty lenses designed for landscape and architectural photography and are compatible with all Canon EOS system single lens reflex cameras. The TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, a replacement for Canon’s TS-E 24mm f/3.5L introduced in 1991. Canon claims this new lens has significantly improved operability with low distortion when photographing buildings, consistent image quality throughout the image and reduced chromatic aberration when shooting at ultra-wide angles. Canon says the TS-E 17mm f/4L is the world’s shortest focal length Tilt-Shift lens with full-frame 35mm coverage. Continue Reading

 

Service Notice: EOS 5D: Main Mirror Detachment

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have discovered that, in rare instances, the main mirror of some EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras may detach due to deterioration in the strength of the adhesive. Accordingly, we would like to convey the details and our service policy concerning this phenomenon.

We offer our sincerest apologies to those customers who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers and we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Phenomenon
The main mirror of the camera detaches and images cannot be viewed through the viewfinder.

Affected products
EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras whose main mirror has detached.

User Support
We will repair and reinforce the mirror portion of the affected products free of charge. If you own one of the affected products, please contact our Customer Support Center.

We appreciate your patience, and we offer our sincerest apologies to the customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Customer Support Center
1-866-422-2965 (toll free)
8:00 a.m. – Midnight, EST (M-F)
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., EST (Sat.)
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com

Post made possible by sponsorship from:
Lensbaby