Here for the month of August, my lenses are getting quite a workout. ...
Updated: Oct 07, 2008 11:21am PST
I hiked up the trail to Avalanche Lake on the third day of my visit. T ...
Updated: Oct 06, 2008 9:39pm PST
Lake McDonald at 7 a.m. lies in still anticipation of the sun's climb ...
Updated: Oct 04, 2008 8:50pm PST
![Digital Rumor Page + New Gear, Good Info and Support : The Digital Rumor Page:
November 1, 2007: Caon has annonced that all 1D Mark-III owners having serial numbered cameras from 501001 throuh 546561 are effcted. That appers to be Canon's entire shipment of over 45,000 units. See this link: http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/photos/215826594-X3.jpg
In what appears to be a legitimate letter to dealers dated October 25, 2007, Canon UK acknowledges the pending sub-mirror fix, asks that units of the EOS-1D Mark III on dealer shelves be returned and indicates that shipments of the camera are suspended for the moment. See: http://www.416-1100.com/photos/215409967-X2.jpg
October 15, 2007 - LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the development of two all-new telephoto lenses for use with its EOS SLR cameras: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM. The Company will exhibit prototypes of the new lenses at PhotoPlus Expo (booth #318), taking place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 18 to 20. The new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, both of which are L (luxury)-series lenses incorporating a high-performance Image Stabilizer, feature optical systems utilizing special optical materials such as fluorite to correct chromatic aberrations, making possible high-resolution, high-contrast shooting performance. The Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM, targeting users who seek a brighter lens for portraiture and indoor sports photography, realizes a large aperture of f/2. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, expected to deliver telephoto performance surpassing the current top-of-the-line EF600mm f/4L IS USM super telephoto lens, is being developed in response to requests from users working in the fields of sports and news photography who are looking for a high-performance lens that offers a longer focal length. "These new lenses demonstrate that Canon is continuing to respond actively and flexibly to the wide-ranging needs of professional and advanced amateur users, with the aim of contributing to the expansion of photographic possibilities for SLR cameras," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon's EOS System is the premier brand of Digital SLR cameras, and we take great pride in offering the world's largest selection of interchangeable autofocus lenses." As these new lenses are currently under development, pricing and availability information is not yet available. See: http://www.416-1100.com/photos/208744436-X3.jpg http://www.416-1100.com/photos/208744436-X3.jpg
August 19, 2007//9am: Look at the Features and Specifications for the new Canon EOS 1Ds Mark-III: The new 21.1-megapixel, full-frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR camera brings the power of Canon's professional imaging excellence and innovation into sharper focus than ever before. While Canon's EOS-1D series has dominated the 35mm-based professional Digital SLR market for the past six years, the new EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR takes Canon's pro-digital prowess into and the realm of high-fashion and commercial photo studios where bulkier, medium-format cameras previously reigned. The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III's compact, lighter-weight magnesium alloy body is rugged and versatile enough to take out of the studio and into the field. The camera's fast, five-frame-per-second (fps) shooting rate for bursts of up to 56 Large/Fine (21-megapixel) JPEGS or 12 RAW images is unmatched in its class, making it the ideal instrument for capturing the fluid motion and free-flowing lines of location-based fashion photography as well as a wide range of other professional photographic applications. Revolutionary Resolution. Developed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR, the camera's new full-size 36 x 24-millimeter CMOS image sensor offers the highest resolution in its class and is comprised of approximately 21.1 million effective pixels (5632 x 3750) set at a pitch of 6.4 microns. The user can select any one of six recording formats ranging from 21.0 megapixels in Large JPEG or RAW format, 16.6 or 11.0 megapixels in the two medium JPEG sizes, or 5.2 megapixels in the small JPEG or "sRAW" formats. In any JPEG format, the user can set one of ten compression rates for each image size. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, traditional RAW images. Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors: Fulfilling the ultra-low noise, ultra-high image quality promise of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera requires handling the enormous signal processing requirements of the camera's 21-megapixel resolution and top continuous shooting speed of five fps. To accomplish this, Canon has incorporated two identical DIGIC III imaging engines into the camera for parallel (and hence, faster) signal processing. The CMOS sensor reads out to the dual "DIGIC III" processors simultaneously in eight channels. DIGIC III is the next generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. This technology ensures the fine details and natural colors of images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is responsible for the EOS-1Ds Mark III SLR's high-speed performance, faster signal processing, and more efficient energy consumption. Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera is the camera's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR camera's 12-bit conversion capability), this line-leading model is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. Additionally, given the significantly larger image file sizes created by the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera, Canon has provided compatibility with the new Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) compact flash memory card specification, which enables ultra-high-speed data transfer to the card. Utilizing a UDMA compliant card doubles the data transfer speed compared to a conventional memory card, putting the new EOS-1Ds Mark III on par with the 10.1-megapixel EOS-1D Mark III camera, even though the pixel count of this new model is more than twice as large. Advanced Autofocus Technology. The EOS-1Ds Mark III autofocus system--first introduced earlier in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR--has 45 AF points including 19 high-precision cross-type points and 26 Assist AF points. This new array allows the 19 cross-type points to be divided into groups of nine inner and nine outer focusing points plus a center point, which makes picking an individual focusing point much faster and easier than going through all 45. During manual AF point selection, the AF point area is expandable in two stages via Custom Function control. At the request of sports and wildlife photographers, a new micro-adjustment feature allows for very fine changes in the AF point of focus for each lens type in use, along with the addition of adjustable focus-tracking sensitivity as another sophisticated new AF feature. Other new components in the AF system include the reconfigured concave submirror and the secondary image formation lens, both products of Canon's vast expertise in optical engineering. Finally, the low-light sensitivity of the new AF sensor has been doubled to EV-1 for superior performance compared with earlier EOS Digital SLRs. Live View: One of the dynamic innovations incorporated into new EOS Digital SLRs--and optimized for professional shooters on the EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR--is Canon's Live View shooting mode, which provides photographers with an expanded and exceedingly convenient set of shooting options beyond the conventional SLR through-the-lens viewing. Framing and shooting subjects using the camera's LCD screen affords the shooter the same 100 percent field of view provided by the optical viewfinder--this is a full-frame Digital SLR after all--but Live View has the added advantage of allowing the image to be more easily composed on the camera's bright and brilliant 230,000-pixel, three-inch LED screen. Additionally, the LCD-viewed image can be magnified by five or ten times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting, particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. Additionally, as the release time lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily captured. The shutter charge sound can be delayed and made quieter than normal in Live View mode to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. If a user is going to be several feet away from the camera, such as in some studio settings, the EOS-1Ds Mark III can be connected by cable to a computer via its USB 2.0 High-Speed interface. The camera can also be operated remotely at distances up to 492 feet with the assistance of the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A, which allows users to view images directly off the camera's sensor in virtually real time, with the ability to adjust many camera settings quickly and easily. Viewing Display: Easy to read, even in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera features a three-inch, 230,000-pixel wide-angle LCD display screen. The TFT color liquid-crystal monitor features seven user-settable brightness levels and a wide, 140-degree viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically. An added advantage of the large, three-inch display size is the ability to utilize a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. Canon extends its "ease-of-reading" policy to the EOS-1Ds Mark III's viewfinder as well. Bright and clear with zero distortion, a 100 percent picture coverage, and a magnification factor of .75x, it is the finest viewfinder ever placed in an EOS camera. EOS Integrated Cleaning System: Another first for a professional digital SLR of this caliber is Canon's complete dust management solution, called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The new CMOS image sensor is designed with a lightweight infrared absorption glass cover that vibrates for 3.5 seconds when the camera is turned on or off. This brief delay can be cancelled immediately upon start-up by pressing the shutter button half way. Dust that has been shaken or blown loose of the sensor is trapped by adhesive surfaces surrounding the sensor unit housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter when the camera moves. Like its sibling, the EOS-1D Mark III, the shutter of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera carries a durability rating of 300,000 cycles and, though it generates less dust, still charges itself three times during the manual cleaning process so that dust is shaken off the shutter curtains as well. This cleaning system uses very little battery power and can be turned off in the custom function menu. The second part of the dust management system is a software solution that maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during post processing, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Rock Solid Reliability: The entire body of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, including its internal chassis and mirror box, is made of an advanced magnesium alloy for exceptional strength and rigidity. Comprehensive weatherproofing at 76 locations on the camera body ensures superior reliability, even when shooting in harsh environments. Together with the 300,000-cycle shutter durability rating, these features result in a camera that, even though it is six ounces lighter than the EOS-1Ds Mark II, can truly withstand even the most severe shooting conditions. Improved Software: Among the most valuable features of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR is its compatibility with Canon's new Picture Style Editor 1.0 software. With PSE, photographers can personalize the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred image processing parameters, including custom tone curves. The EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of Canon's powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.2 and EOS Utility 2.2, which support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Particularly noteworthy in DPP 3.2 is a new Lens Aberration Correction Function that corrects various image defects such as chromatic aberration, color blur, vignetting, and distortion. Initially, the Lens Aberration Correction Function will support images captured by the EOS-1Ds Mark III and 11 other EOS Digital SLRs using any of 29 individual EF and EF-S lenses. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 and ImageBrowser 6.0 for easy browsing, viewing, printing, and archiving with compatible computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X. Camera Features: http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/gallery/2879391#185643479-O-LB
Canon EF 14mm f2.8L II USM Lens: Designed primarily for discerning landscape and architectural photographers, the Canon EF14mm f2.8L II USM lens is ideally suited to the EOS-1Ds Mark III's full-frame capability. Measuring 3.7 inches in length and weighing in at under 23 ounces, this ultra-wide angle L-series prime lens is well corrected for rectilinear distortion, provides a 114-degree diagonal angle of view, and delivers high-speed autofocus with higher image quality overall including superior peripheral image quality, compared to its predecessor, the stalwart EF 14mm f2.8L USM lens. While its large diameter, high-precision aspherical and UD elements, optimized lens element positioning, and flare and ghost-reducing lens coating ensure that this lens delivers the top optical performance in its professional class, Canon has added other features photographers have been asking for--improved dust and water resistance incorporated around the mount, switch panel and focusing ring, and a round aperture that creates a nice background blur and makes it easier to recognize an out-of-focus scene in less than brightly lit conditions. Furthermore, Canon has created a new lens cap specifically for the EF 14mm f2.8L II USM that is held to the lens by a stopper.
1Ds Mk3 Product Features and Technical Details: 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor; Large 3.0-inch LCD display with Live View and seven brightness settings; 5 fps at shutter speeds 1/500 second or faster (for bursts of up to 45 Large/Fine JPEGs or 15 RAW images) sRAW mode; 35-zone metering system; 45-point AF; integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit; Powered by LP-E4 lithium-ion battery pack; stores images on CF, SD, or some SDHC memory cards; Effective resolution: Approximately 21.1 million pixels (total pixels: approximately 21.9 million); Recording pixels: 5616 x 3744; Sensor type: Full-frame CMOS sensor, with primary R-G-B filtration (28 x 18.7 millimeters); Pixel size: 6.4 microns square; Lens focal length factor: None (1x); Imaging processor: Dual DIGIC III image processors; Maximum frames per second: 5 frames per second (fps) at shutter speeds 1/500 second or faster, in all recording modes; Drive modes: Single; silent (single-frame); high-speed continuous (5 fps; adjustable 5 to 2 fps); low-speed continuous (3 fps; adjustable 4 to 1 fps); Maximum number of frames / burst: JPEG: 45 (full-resolution, Level-8 fine compression); RAW: 15; RAW plus JPEG; Flash sync speed: Up to 1/250, with EX-series Speedlites; Shutter "lag" time: Approximately 55 milliseconds (from half-way to fully depressing shutter button); Start-up time: 0.15 seconds; Image type: JPEG, RAW (14 bit); improved A/D conversion to 14-bit processing for 16,384 individual tones; Highlight tone priority: Improve tonal range in highlight areas by approximately 1 stop (C.Fn II-2); Noise reduction: Long exposures 1 second and longer (C.Fn II-1); high-speed ISO images (C.Fn II-2); Storage media: Compatible with two card slots and external storage media; CompactFlash (Type I or II, including Micro-Drives); SD card slot (SDHC-compatible for 2GB higher SD cards); USB external hard drives (requires optional WFT-E2A wireless transmitter); Recording options: Multiple media recording options: record to only one memory card; record the same image to both SD and CF card; record RAW image to a CF card and JPEG image to a SD card; New additional features: Files can be automatically written to another media if card beomes full; select different image sizes and save to different media (example: different JPEG sizes); record same image using all three media options, including external hard drive; copy files manually from one card to another, or to connected USB hard drive; Image format options: JPEG (compression adjustable in 10 steps on menu); RAW ("CR2" RAW file format); RAW + JPEG (selectable on rear LCD panel); sRAW ("CR2" small RAW file format; 1 /4 file size of full-resolution RAW, approximately 5.2 megapixels); Resolution options: Large: 5616 x 3744 (approximately 21.0 million pixels); "Medium 1": 4992 x 3328 (approximately 16.6 million pixels); "Medium 2": 4080 x 2720 (approximately 11.0 million pixels); "Small": 2784 x 1856 (approximately 5.2 million pixels); "RAW": 5616 x 3744 (approximately 21.0 million pixels); "sRAW": 2784 x 1856 (approximately 5.2 million pixels); Data recording format: DCF 2.0 and EXIF 2.21; EXIF 2.21--applies "Adobe 1998 RGB" color space tag to images; Sound recording: Maximum 30 seconds per sound clip (more than one clip can be assigned to each image); Folder settings: Create new folder and select on memory card; 3-part approach to dust reduction: EOS Integrated Cleaning System; self-cleaning sensor unit--low pass filter in front of the sensor vibrates at a very high frequency for about four seconds to "shake" off loose dust and dirt; occurs on start-up and shut down--can also be activated by user or totally disabled; Dust Delete Data: a test shot is taken and any dust spots are "mapped" and added to each image's text data; automatic removal possible in Canon DPP software; manual: user can lock up mirror to blow off any dust or have service technician wipe sensor clean; LCD monitor: 3.0-inch (diagonal) TFT color; approximately 100% coverage; approximately 230,000 pixels; Playback options: Single image; single image with info and histogram; 4-index or 9-index image; magnified zoom display; Live View type: Electronic viewing of scene, directly off imaging sensor, on LCD monitor; Coverage: Approximately 100%; Metering: Real-time evaluative metering (off CMOS imaging sensor); Grid display: Two vertical and two horizontal lines; can be turned on or off by user; Aspect ratio: Masking for 6:6, 3:4, 4:5, 6:7, 10:12, and 5:7; PC live view: Enabled using EOS Utility (v.2.0) (use computer monitor as viewfinder); Shutter speed range: 30 seconds to 1/8000, plus bulb (1/3, 1/2, or full-stop increments when user-set); Maximum flash sync speed: 1/250 second; Anticipated shutter durability: 300,000 exposures; ISO range: 100 to 1600, in 1/3-stop increments; ISO 50 and 3200 can be added via ISO extension on menu; new ISO safety shift (camera shifts ISO in Tv or Av mode if needed to preserve exposure); Exposure modes: Manual, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Program, Bulb; Metering: 63-zone metering linked to 19 AF points; Evaluative metering (63-zone, linked to active AF point); Center-weighted metering; Partial metering (approximately 8.5% of the picture area); Spot metering (approximately 2.4% of the picture area); Options: Center only; linked to any of 19 AF points; and Multi-spot metering up to 8 readings; Metering range: EV 0 to 20 (all patterns; at normal temperatures); Exposure compensation: Possible in any Auto exposure mode; up to +/- 3 stops, in 1/3-stop increments; Exposure bracketing: 2, 3, 5, or 7 shots (selectable with C.Fn I-6); up to +/- 3 stops, in 1/3-stop increments; Standard Auto bracketing, via aperture and/or shutter speed; Compatible flashes: Canon EX-series Speedlites (TTL flash not possible with non-EX speedlites); E-TTL II: 63-zone metering with EX-series speedlites; evaluative E-TTL flash metering (can be averaged over all 63 metering zones); distance information now used from compatible Canon EF lenses for flash calculations; Flash metered manual: Possible with flash in Manual mode, via FEL button; Flash exposure lock: 2.4% Spot metering of pre-flash illumination; Flash exposure compensation: Possible on body for certain speedlites (up to +/- 3 stops, in 1/3-stop increments); Flash exposure bracketing: Possible with 580EX II, 580EX, 550EX, MR-14EX, and MT-24EX (set on Speedlite); Hi-speed flash speed: Possible with EX-series Speedlites, up to 1/8000 second , normal maximum x-sync is 1/300; PC socket: Standard; sync line voltages up to 250v are OK through PC socket or hot shoe; Number of AF points: 45 (inside of ellipse area of focus screen); 19 high-precision cross-type points (require f2.8 or faster lens for cross-type coverage); 26 assists points (require f5.6 or faster lens); Number of cross-type points: 19 points--any of these can be user-selected with manual AF point selection (high-precision type points; require a f2.8 or faster lens; center point requires f4 or faster); Focus modes: One-Shot AF (for stationary subjects); AI Servo AF (for tracking moving subjects); Manual AF point selection: 19 AF points ( default); inner 9 AF points (via C.Fn III 9-1); outer 9 AF points ( via C.Fn III 9-2); Automatic AF point selection: Possible in both One-shot and AI Servo AF modes; AF On button: AF button on rear of body executes AF and metering; AE Lock button can switch functions with AF On button via C.Fn IV-2-1; Viewfinder coverage: 100%, vertically and horizontally; Eyepoint: 20 millimeters; Magnification: 0.75x; Focusing screen: Ec-C IV (new standard focusing screen); interchangeable with Ec-series screens from all previous EOS-1 series cameras; Diopter: -3 to +1.0 (user-adjustable); further adjustment possible with Eg series diopter lenses; Mirror lock-up: Possible via C.Fn III-14; new: option to have mirror remain up for multiple pictures, until SET button is pressed; Eyepiece shutter: Built-in; activated by lever to right of eyepiece; White Balance modes: Auto (WB is read off of CMOS imaging sensor only); Pre-set (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); Custom (reading taken off 18% gray card or white object; up to 5 custom readings can be stored); Color Temperature (range 2500k to 10,000k; 100k increments); Personal WB settings--PC-1 to PC-5 (up to five, created in computer and uploaded into camera); White Balance compensation: Alter white balance in amber-blue direction, and/or magenta-green direction +/- 9 levels; White Balance bracketing: Alter White Balance in amber-blue direction or magenta-green direction, up to 15 mireds; Picture Style: Allows user to easily adjust the "look" of JPEG images, or RAW files processed with Canon software; six presets: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Monochrome, Faithful; adjustable settings: Sharpening, Contrast, Color Saturation, and Color Tone; Digital terminal: USB 2.0 Hi-speed (Type B port); Video output terminal: NTSC/PAL; System extension terminal: 15-pin terminal (connects new wireless file transmitter WFT-E2A); Remote control terminal: N3-type terminal; Custom functions: 57 Custom Functions (personal functions built into Custom Functions); My Menu: Up to six menu settings can be stored separately for quick access; Battery: Lightweight LP-E4 lithium-ion battery pack; Battery information: Current power source in use (battery, AC adapter, etc.); remaining capacity (displayed in 1% increments, on camera's LCD monitor); current shutter count on this battery charge; recharge performance (displays when battery should be discarded; 3 levels); Main switch: Three settings: Off, On, and On with Quick Control Dial active; Camera body exterior material: Magnesium alloy; Chassis material: Magnesium alloy, including mirror box; Operating temperature range: 32 degrees to 113 degrees F (0 degrees to 45 degrees C); 85% or lower relative humidity; Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches (156 x 160 x 80 millimeters); Weight (without battery or CF card): 41.3 ounces (1205 grams). Specifications: http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/gallery/2879391/1/185513837#185513837-O-LB.
August 18, 2007//11pm: What’s Canon up to. Some signals as to what Canon may be doing over the next couple of months and years; Very interesting "developments." * 40D - is ready, but they did have a 40D ready in Feb/March, but it was regarded as just a bit to similar to everything else. It seems that Canon have put a lot into the 'new' 40D to get back market leadership in this segment from Nikon. * Features include: 14 bit processing, highlight preservation, multiple custom functions, faster, half the noise level of the 30D, more weatherproofing. Lots of 'trickle down' features from their pro models. * Their marketing campaign is really going to emphasize the semi-pro angle and the marketing will emphasize the 'pro' heritage. * 1Ds3 - it's ready and production of the 1Ds2 has stopped. To be announced fairly soon. Several studios in New York now have production versions (under strict NDA) and it is supposed to be 'just amazing'.. * 5D replacement - Now 'feature complete'. Canon is working on the timing, most likely early 2008 [PMA is Jan 31 to Feb 2] Features include 16MP, Digic III and 14 bit. * 400D replacement - March 2008. 14 bit, Digic III, highlight preservation. IS lens as standard. * Sensor technology - Canon have mentioned that full frame sensor chips need two stepper passes. Sony now has the technology to do this in one pass and are preparing their own sensors and selling to them Nikon. However, Canon have a new 'one pass' technology too. What's more, it can do even larger than 35mm (36x24mm) in a single pass. * Canon are very excited about a next generation CMOS sensors they are working on. Two full frame versions have 40M and 50M pixels at the -same- noise level as the current 1D series. Low power supply voltages give cooler chips and lower noise even with smaller pixels. Different circuit fabrication techniques also promise to make close to 100% of the sensor area active pixels. This technology won't make any of the upcoming models, but is expected in 2009/10. * The competition - Canon were somewhat shocked by the success of the Nikon D80, D40 and D40X. Hence the 'improved' 40D and the improved 400D replacement in the works. Canon know what Nikon have coming (D300 and D3) and have planned the 40D, 1Ds III and 1D III as their answers. * However Nikon are moving to CMOS sensors to over the next couple of years. Sony are moving CMOS to a near full frame (1.25 or so) and full (35mm) FF, so Canon are getting serious and starting to plan some aggressive upgrades. * Sony worries Canon somewhat, since with their manufacturing capabilities, they could move the whole price base down for SLRs. So far they haven’t and their lens prices and range are not a worry for Canon. The current Sony Alpha has been less than astounding in the market. * Moreover, Nikon have the camera credibility and certainly won’t stop with the D3 and D300. Their plans for the lower end (D40-D80 as well) are to replace them in much shorter time frames than their previous 3-4 years. Nikon have moved emphasis from the low end 'point and shoot' digital into R&D on the DLSRs. They've found this to be 3-4 times as profitable (note Nikon's record profits over last 12 months). Nikon are more than happy with trouncing Canon for the last 12 months in Japan (not so world wide). So the next 2-3 years will see a major DSLR feature 'war'. * IS Technology - This is being introduced in some of their consumer grade lenses. The technology has matured to the point that it can be added at only a small price premium. It gives product differentiation - a reaction to Sony and keeps them ahead of Nikon. * Digic IV - Digic III just won't cut it for the new high density sensors. Digic IV can deal with with the transfer rates for higher bit per pixel images. One Digic IV chip beats the two Digic III in the 1D3. * 16 bit RAW - Canon's target for their next generation of sensors is 16 bits per channel giving true HD quality. They are also looking at processing formats to retain that extra definition. * ISO sensitivity - Canon see their next generation lower voltage CMOS as easily doing ISO6400, with a boost to 12800. As displayed by K.C., UK.
August 7, 2007//7pm: OK lets Play the 1Ds3, 4, the 1D3, 4, and the 5D2, 3 Guessing Game. And lets apply a little bit of "analysis." Lets face it, progress is progress. Looking back, the "futures" have been bringing better results, cycle after cycle. Lets look back as to what was actually produced, what is presently available, draw some lines, and extrapolate. Use this first URL for this discussion; The other graphs are quite interesting too.
http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/gallery/2879391/1/181762146/Large http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/gallery/2879391/1/181762274/Large http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/gallery/2879391/1/181762355/Large http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/gallery/2879391/1/181762208/Large
As time move on, imagers (and the pixels therein) continue to be better, more accurate, smaller, with greater dynamic range, than in years past. In looking at the the chart below, lets firstly look at the bottom Red Line, which deals with Canon's "Entry" level camera, starting with the D2000 March, 1998. Looking at the bottom-red-line of the graph plotting the actual "entry" level cameras produced from 1997 through 2006, a healthy period of development, and "extending" the line to the Right, for what may be the future Models, and reasonable pixel density improvements, from what actually went into production over these years, it is not to far a "stretch" to extent the line to the right. For those that think that Canon cannot stuff 30,000+ pixels on each square Millimeter, having a size of approximately 5.6 microns, take a look at Canon's 400D (Rebel XTi in USA). The images are clean, of high detail, and all 10million pixels are packed onto a 15x22mm 1.6x architecture APS-C sensor. If Canon "enhances the capability" of this D400 pixel architecture, and fills the area of the present day 1DIII imager, 18.7x28.9 APS-H imager, viola, one would have an over +16MP 1D camera... Using the graph, looking up from the 'X' axis at the 5.6 micron point, following the graph-line straight up, one anticipates the hypothetical 1Dmk5 having 16.6MP at 10fps frame rate, however recall that the present day 400D is actually using this pixel density. To be sure canon would have to do more than just using the 400D imager architecture, as there would much engineering work to be done to get the dynamic range and ISO6400 performance capability, etc... No one said all this is easy. I'm just showing that much of the present day technologies, and looking back as to what was delivered, may show the road to the future. Further extrapolation of the graph. Continue straight-up the graph, from the 400D point, until one reaches the top-red-line, which intersects with Canon's flagship camera, the hypothetical 1DsMkIV, a 26.6MP imager using the "similar" image density (31,000 pixels/sq.mm) that already is utilized and in production with the present day 400D. Therefore one can visualize that just using the technologies that already exist with the Canon 400D, one can extrapolate that the future of higher resolution, excellent imagers, packaged throughout the Canon lineup, may give signals as to where Canon may be moving in the future, without great "leaps of faith" or "reinventing the wheel." As a reminder of what the 400D can do, the image below, a recent Fort Lauderdale Air show image, captured by one of my FAU students, was using the Rebel-XTi coupled to Canon's 28-300mm IS L lens. In sum, the biggest challenge for those of us USERS on the side-lines, is not in wondering IF Canon can ACHIEVE these exciting things, its WHEN these products will be available for our use. The Cycles, the time between new releases may be longer. And just think of all the New GLASS that Canon will unquestionably produce, resolving 5.6 microns or less; However, Canon's 28-300mm IS L lens did pretty good at 5.6 micron resolution. JimW.
July 28, 2007//2pm: Canon has developed a new Version 1.1.0 firmware for the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR camera (reported to be available Monday, July 30, 2007 USA, 9pm EST), in order to provide customers with enhanced customer support. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes: * Improves the look of images when enlarged on the LCD monitor. Applies a slightly stronger sharpness setting to the LCD monitor when images are enlarged. * Improves the consistency of AI Servo AF under certain conditions. Reduces the tendency of the camera to autofocus on high-contrast backgrounds when shooting in conditions where AF detection is difficult, such as when the main subject is not completely covered by the AF frames or if the main subject's contrast is low. * Provides countermeasures for Main Dial response errors (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main). Fixes a rare response error in the Main Dials in which they either did not respond when rotated or would change several clicks' worth even if only clicked once. * Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens. Note that Version 1.1.0 firmware is currently scheduled to be made available for download from the Web at the end of July. ) Canon apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. However, Canon U.S.A. Factory Service Centers in Jamesburg, NJ and Irvine, CA can install the updated firmware as of now. EOS-1D Mark III customers who wish to send their cameras into a Canon Factory Service Center for this upgrade are welcome to do so at their own expense. (Customer pays shipping to the Factory Service Center; Canon installs the firmware update and ships the camera back to the customer at no charge.) On the other hand, if the customer prefers, he or she can download version 1.0.9 when available, at no charge from Canon's web site (see link below). If a customer sends his or her camera into the service department now, and firmware is upgraded by the service department, this download will not add any additional functionality to the camera - there will be no need to perform a further firmware update when version 1.0.9 is made available for download on Canon's web site. U.S. residents are directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to carecenter@cits.canon.com. This information is for residents of the United States of America 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. The Link below will take you directly to the Canon download library.
Firmware: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&tabact=DownloadDetailTabAct&fcategoryid=314&modelid=14999.
July 25, 2007//3pm: After a lengthly and informative chat with a Canon Service Manager today, it was indicated that the firmware installs that Canon Technicians have been completing since last Thursday (when Canon USA commenced implementing firmware 1.0.9 update) appears to have corrected the focusing algorithm that contributed to the undesired drifting of the focal point off of the initial target, while in AI SERVO mode, among other correction issues. If spot-on focus is what one demands for every possible shot, then these Custom Function III should be set as follows: (This may reduce frame rate, to help assure proper focus.). This camera is not a Point-N-Shoot; With this professional Camera, these settings must be addressed BEFORE one goes out shooting; Otherwise undesired results will most likely occur. The list below is a "starting" point, which accents "Best Possible Focus" at the expense of a possible reduction of highest possible frame rate, depending on ambient conditions; you MUST decide, and tell the camera how to behave.
III-1=0; This setting deal with Manual Focus, after focus has be obtained in One-Shot Mode, the other choices limit one's ability to manual in one-shot mode.
III-2=-1 (decrease AF sensitivity to sudden subject change, use -1 for moderately slow to shift from subject, use -2 for very slow subject change (experiment between -2,-1,and 0 for best results). Remember this setting has nothing to do with AF performance or AF speed; use 0, +1 or +2, to have less delay (+1), or no delay (+2) for AF to find/lock onto subject. This function helps to keep focal point ON the initial target. Experiment with this setting to obtain best results);
III-3=0 This value Forces the camera to obtain proper Focus for 1st and every additional shot in a burst, tracking accuracy is the priority, at the possible expense of frame rate; If you choose a value of "1" then you are instructing the camera to obtain the best possible focus on the 1st image, then the camera will shoot as fast as possible, even if proper focus is not obtained for the balance shots in the burst;
III-4=1 (AF stays with original track, even if other subject is closer); This setting is interesting in that if a Soccer player, for example, is running mid field, and his arms and wrists are pumping in stride, and when the hand/arm/wrist or another player, or a body part of a player, comes between the Camera and the initial athlete's chest, then the AF tracking will Remain LOCKED onto the initial target, and will NOT switch to the hand/wrist/arm, or another athlete or their body parts. With a setting value of "0" you are Forcing the Camera to switch to anything that comes between the original target and the Camera, like an Official. In Slalom skiing, with this value set to "0 "the camera would be forced to AL-FOCUS onto the poles that the skier is moving between; not the desired result, unless you're the pole manufacturer...
III-5=1 (keeps trying/searching to obtain focus, a value of "0" encourages hunting; a value of "1" terminates focus hunting, if focus cannot be obtained normally)
III-6=0 (this setting is for Large "white" telephoto lens barrel button use);
III-7=2 (Micro-focusing of each lens mated to the camera; then test/set-up each Canon lens) Important to do this.
III-8=2 (this gives the camera a cluster of 6-adjacent tightly packed focus points, plus the central point for a total of 7 focus points to use, setting a value of "1" adds the two adjacent points for a cluster of three focus points in a line, experiment with these settings); The purpose of this setting is to help, those photographing birds, for example, where the photographer has some difficulty hold the single spot focal on the target, when the bird is flying rapidly; setting the value to "1" or "2" then you are forcing the camera to accept focus information of the adjacent tightly packed points to give aid in assuring best possible focus. These points are not to be confused with the inner 9 points nor the outer ring of focal points.
III-9=0 (a value of "0" this will permit any of the 19 available AF points. This does not effect dynamic AL-SERVO focusing when a single-focal point is selected; by setting a value of "1" the shooter is limiting the choices to the inner ring of points, knowing that you do not want to use the outer ring for this session. A value of "2" one can choose the outer 9 points, inclusive of the center point.)
Canon has published an 18-page white paper describing in detail all of the 1D3 Custom Function settings and their intended applications/uses, produced by Canon's Technical Information Department, Professional Products Marketing Division, Canon USA. There are images below scanned from this bulletin.
The link below provides a HTML version (7-pages) of settings with excellent descriptons of the effect for each of the 1D3 CFn-III choices.
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/technical/mark_iii_af.do
July 07, 2007 // TOKYO (Reuters) - Canon Inc. will invest about 55 billion yen ($451 million) to build a new factory in Japan to double its production capacity of image sensors used in digital cameras. A spokesman for the world's largest digital camera maker said it broke ground in May on a new building on an existing site in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo and expected it to start operations in July 2008. The factory will make complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), a component used in digital cameras and video cameras to convert light into an electric signal. The new plant will have roughly the same annual production capacity as another factory in Kanagawa that can churn out 3 million CMOS chips a year, the spokesman said. The CMOS chips will be used in both single lens reflex (SLR) models as well as in some compact models. Canon's compact cameras have to date used a different type of image sensor called a charge-coupled device (CCD). Canon has procured CCDs from other suppliers such as Sony Corp., but it has been developing CMOS sensors for compact models as part of its strategy of bringing key component production in-house to lower costs. Canon is aiming to produce 24 million digital cameras this year, including 3 million SLRs, which are high-end models that use interchangeable lenses.
July 07, 2007//1pm: The Next Announcements for Canon. The IFA show, Berlin, Germany, is one of the largest shows in the world, and is the last BIG show of the year. If Canon's 20th anniversary for EOS has any meaning for Canon releases, which of course it does for 2007, then this should be the event and year for their new 1Ds3 flagship camera. Announce what… Take the architecture of two 1D3 imagers, rotate them 90 degrees, put them together, and viola, you have a 21MP imager, with a little squeezing here and there. The squeezing "requires" the resultant pixel size be reduced to 6.4 microns (the 1D3 pixel size is 7.2 microns) in order to "fit" 21 million CMOS Bayer-array pixels onto a 24x36mm image target, the full-frame 35mm frame. At this point, it seems that we're getting near a realistic limit for pixel density of CMOS Bayer-array sensors... although notice the wonderful images produced by the 400D is at 5.7 microns. More Guesstimates: A CANON solution for increasing their market share into Medium Format, MF, resolution (a not so simple solution) would be for Canon to rotate the 24x36 imager 90 degrees and combine two of them, trim off 12mm, to create a 36x36mm image target; granted this would change the image target by +6mm on the top and bottom sides of the imager, shutter assembly, the mirror, mirror box, penta-prism (but do not change the distance from the bayonet lens mount to the pixel-plane of the imager). Since the resultant image circle diameter would be approximately 51mm, for a 36x36mm imager target, will newly designed "L" (RED band) lenses give proper 51mm edge results. If so, this would give us a 32MP imager, with present day 1D3 imager technologies, 50-6400 ISO’s, 14 bit color depth, etc... Giving a SQUARE result like the Hasselblad used for many decades, no more landscape/portrait rotation of camera... This would get CANON seriously into the MF business with 1Dx camera body re-design... with most of the newer, "L" lens designs functioning perfectly. Several years Later, Canon could then migrate further into the MF crowd to a 36x48 imager/body design, going +6mm on the two horizontal edges of the 36x36mm imager; Canon would then have to produce new "M" lenses, (named for MF lenses, with a BLUE band), as a full 60mm diameter image circle would be required, projected onto a 36x48mm imager target, with 42MPixels deliverable, using present day 1D3 pixel architectures, having to re-engineer portions of 1Dx body, producing the 1DM body. Therefore Canon would have three lines of professional lenses, the RED band the GREEN band and the BLUE band lenses, get it... RGB. Wow, that was simple... dreaming is easy... delivery takes a bit more time, effort, and money... This would give CANON a full range of imaging solutions for the digital art. PS: We are probably getting near pixel density limits, at 5 to 6 microns, for CMOS based Bayer-array imagers. Therefore if Canon stays with present CMOS Bayer designs, then increasing “imager area” (meaning more real estate) is needed to increase pixel count. The day is probably coming that it will be "easier" and more cost efficient to re-engineer the Camera body, than push the pixel densities too much further. JimWilson.
May 24, 2007//5pm: Current news on Canon 1D3 shipments. As mentioned I also am one of those that pre-ordered through an Authorized Canon dealer, one of the largest Dealers in the USA with a 1000 stores from coast to coast. They told me several weeks ago that they ordered 300 units, expected to receive 50-60 initially; however, actually received only 10 units today; less than 4% of their initial order, into their warehouse. They expect another shipment in 7-10 days in greater quantities, and subsequent shipments until this initial order is fulfilled. They expect a continuous flow of units every week or two until their order is filled. Therefore be aware that when Canon stated that they are spreading these initial shipments around in limited quantities, Canon was not kidding. For my personal good news, my pre-order was #3 on the list these initial 10 units to be shipped; So when I called into the dealer minutes ago, they indicated that “your Box is already out the door from their Suwanee, GA, 30024, Warehouse by FedEx” and then gave me the tracking number, which I verified, for Friday 5/25 delivery. Delivery was made at 11:30am. I am a happy guy with this highly anticipated new toy, and have all weekend, a long holiday weekend at that, to read all the papers and experiment, etc. I’m one of those that actually reads all the booklets cover to cover. For those that has visited our informal site knows (about 600,000 each month, thank you very much) there will be test images of the camera, with several “L” lenses, informal review comments, with samples posted onto www.416-1100.com as soon as I can produce them, adding information and images every day or two for several weeks. Jw.
May 23, 2007//8pm: "Like the many interested, I too have a 1D3 on pre-order, as I had with the 1D, the 1D2, 1Ds2, and the 1D2N; in each of these cases, Canon ships about the same day of the week, mid-week. My Authorized Canon Dealer receives the shipment from Canon, just in time to actually ship from their warehouse Friday afternoon via over-night delivery of course, (then they send an email at about 11pm of the shipment being made). This means that I’ll get the item after the weekend, rather than before… So for the USA, that means that many should be receiving these items on Tuesday, May 29th, or a few days sooner if you're able to pick-up the item. (This time I will attempt to call the Dealer and request an address change to my home address for priority Saturday delivery. So we will see; and will post the progress, if any..." JimWilson, Adjunct Faculty, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL.
May 23, 2007//10am: “Canon will begin distribution of the EOS-1D Mark III today in the U.S., with the first bodies expected to land on dealer loading docks as early as tomorrow in some U.S. locations, says Chuck Westfall, Director of Media and Customer Relationship at Canon USA. Shipments of the camera are expected to be steady from here on in, says Westfall, though a significant number of pre-orders means it will take some time before supply catches up to demand in the U.S. market. The new digital SLR model joins the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II and Speedlite 580EX II on the list of released products; the new lens came available in late-April 2007 while the flash began to appear on store shelves earlier this month. Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A has not yet been released, and while it's expected out soon, Canon USA has not set a firm date for shipments to commence, says Westfall. In Canada, the EOS-1D Mark III is expected to ship starting in June 2007. Earlier this month, Amateur Photographer magazine reported that the camera would ship around the middle of May in the UK.” This information was quoted by Rob Galbraith
May, 18, 2007: On the shipping of the camera here in the USA market only Chuck Westfall said: "Canon U.S.A. is still on target to begin shipments of the EOS-1D Mark III to its authorized dealers by the end of May. This is the same information we supplied to dealers on April 16th, and there have been no changes in our plans since then. "By the end of May" is as close as I can say for now. Shipments may begin sooner than that (they have not begun yet in the U.S.A.), but they most likely won't begin any later than that. Again, this is U.S.A. information only. Shipment schedules in other markets may differ. As I am sure you can imagine, demand for this camera is going to exceed available inventories for an unknown period of time. As a result, the camera will initially be "on allocation" to authorized U.S.A. dealers. It's difficult to say when a specific dealer will receive merchandise, or how many cameras will be shipped on a per-dealer basis. The basic idea is to spread the distribution as fairly as possible according to the orders we've received. We expect to receive shipments from the factory in Japan regularly, and shipments to dealers will be scheduled accordingly." When Chuck Westfall was asked about the focus issue that Rob Galbraith reported in his review: “Neither I nor anyone else I know at Canon has any complaints about Rob Galbraith's comments on the EOS-1D Mark III, nor did we attempt to influence his report in any way, shape or form. I can't comment on the specific AF issues affecting pre-production 1D Mark III cameras, but I can confirm that none of the pre-production cameras were completely functional in terms of AF performance. In other words, there was nothing unique about the particular camera that Rob used. In the meantime, the initial firmware for mass production samples of the 1D Mark III (i.e., cameras intended for sale to the public) has been approved. Therefore, it stands to reason that any known AF issues that may have affected the preproduction cameras have since been resolved to Canon's satisfaction. In any case, the proof will be in the pudding as "they" say. We are content to let our customers tell us what they think after they perform their own tests. Best Regards, Chuck Westfall, Director/Media & Customer Relationship, Camera Marketing Group/Canon U.S.A., Inc." See monthly Chuck Westfall's “Teck-Tips” column that appears monthly in The Digital Journalist whose URL is: http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0705/tech-tips.html. Simply change the issue month from 05 to 06 to see June,2007’s offering. Chuck Westfall’s biography: After earning a degree in Professional Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology and accumulating some valuable on-the-job experience during a 10-year stint in commercial photography and photo retail, Chuck Westfall began his corporate career with Canon U.S.A. in 1982 as a Technical Representative. He has steadily advanced through the ranks to achieve his present position as Director of Media & Customer Relationship for the company's Consumer Imaging Group, working out of Canon U.S.A.'s headquarters office in Lake Success, N.Y. Among his many assignments, Chuck Westfall is currently Canon USA's main media spokesman for new camera products. He also provides a unique insider's perspective to financial analysts who follow the company's CIG sales and marketing activities. Chuck's involvement with digital cameras began in 1994, when he assisted Canon and Kodak engineers in developing the EOS-DCS series of professional SLRs. Since then, his responsibilities have expanded to include participation in the development and launching of many other Camera Division products, including Canon's professional and consumer-oriented digital cameras. Over the last 10 years, Chuck has continued to participate in the design, development, introduction and marketing support of camera products. Most recently, he supervised the launch of a comprehensive on-line and on-site dealer training initiative for the Camera Division. On the personal side, Chuck married his beautiful wife Ying in 2000 and they have been blessed with a wonderful daughter, Anna. As Chuck says, "Bringing up the baby is a blast, and we're enjoying every minute of it."](http://bocadigital.smugmug.com/Digital-Equipment-Cameras-and/Digital-Rumor-Page-New-Gear/eos1dsmkiii-specs/186004448_GBE6W-Ti-2.jpg)
Digital Rumor Page + New Gear, Good I...
The Digital Rumor Page: November 1, 2007: Caon has annonced that ...
Updated: Sep 28, 2008 11:43am PST
