Canon introduces their latest next generation EOS 1D digital SLR camera today, the EOS-1D Mark IV, with features such as a massive 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, dual DIGIC 4 imaging processors, 14 bit A/D data conversion, and the widest ISO range to date from Canon. Here’s what you need to know about the new digital SLR:

• New 45-point Area AF sensor including 39 cross-type AF points with f/2.8 support plus new AI Servo II AF with improved algorithm.
• ISO 100 – 12800 (expandable to L: 50, H1: 25600, H2: 51200, H3: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light with low noise levels.
• EOS HD movie capture with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p).
• 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed – Dual DIGIC 4 processors provide six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14 bit A/D conversion at 10fps
• 10.0 fps continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGS or 28 RAW using a UDMA CF card.
• 3.0-inch ClearView II LCD monitor, 160° viewing angle, 920,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.
• Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 300,000 cycles and exclusive dust- and weather-resistance.
• Fully compatible with over 50 EF lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories.
• 60 percent more pixels than EOS-1D Mark III
• Peripheral Illumination Correction function corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures
• Record on CF Type I and II, SD/SDHC memory cards, UDMA Mode 6 CF cards and/or external media

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR will be available in the U.S. starting in late December and will be sold in a body-only configuration for an estimated price of $4999.

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Technorati Tags: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR

Canon also updated their HD camcorder lineup today with the addition of their latest flagship model – the Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder. (HD camcorders are being updated as quickly as digital cameras are updated these days!) The VIXIA HF S11 provides “advanced HD features and professional level manual controls” and is capable of recording 24 hours of HD video to the 64GB internal flash drive as well as removable SDHC memory cards.

Features of the new VIXIA HF S11 include the following:

• Dynamic SuperRange OIS system which reduces camera shake by providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range
• Advanced Video Snapshot Mode records a series of four second clips when in shooting mode as well as in playback mode
• 8.59 megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor
• DIGIC DV III Image Processor
• Face Detection, Instant Auto Focus
• Record in 24p Cinema Mode or 30p Progressive Mode
• Manual gain control limits
• Manual focus controls
• 24 Mbps recording
• 2.7 inch Multiangle vivid widescreen LCD
• Nigh Scene Mode
• Intelligent Lithium-Ion batteru
• HDMI terminal
• Microphone terminal with manual audio level control
• includes Pixela ImageMixer 3SE video editing software

The Canon VIXIA HF S11 will be available in the middle of Sept for a suggested retail price of $1399.99.

Technorati Tags: Canon VIXIA HF S11 Dual Flash Memory camcorder, HD camcorder

The Canon PowerShot family of digital cameras received a welcome upgrade today as the company announced six new models that would be joining the lineup. The new camera models are the PowerShot G11, PowerShot S90, PowerShot SX20 IS, PowerShot SX120 IS, PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH, and PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH.

All six new models feature Optical Image Stabilization, the DIGIC 4 Image Processor, and Smart AUTO technology which can track moving faces and up to 22 different shooting situations (up from 18). Let’s jump right into the new models shall we?

Canon PowerShot G11:

• New 10.0 megapixel sensor
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• RAW+JPEG output
• 2.8 inch Vari-angle LCD with 461,000 dots
• Large collection of optional accessories including Speedlite flashes, underwater housing, and Tele-converter lens available
• High-powered wide-angle 5x optical zoom
• HDMI output
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations
• Focal length – 6.1 (W) – 30.5mm (35mm film equivalent: 28 (W) – 140 (T) mm)
• ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200
• Record video in 640 x 480 at 30fps
• MSRP of $499.99 and available in Sept.

Canon PowerShot S90:

• 10.0 megapixel sensor
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• Low light scene mode for ISO settings up to 12,800
• Pocket-sized camera
• Bright f/2.0 lens ideal for shooting in low light conditions or using a shallow depth-of-field
• Customizable control ring for easy access and operation of manual or other creating shooting settings
• Wide-angle 3.8x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
• RAW+JPEG output
• 3.0 inch PureColor System LCD
• ISO 80 to 3200
• Record 640 x 480 video at 30fps
• MSRP of $429.99 and available in Sept

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS:

• 20x wide-angle optical zoom with optical image stabilizer
• Record 720p HD movies with stereo sound
• HDMI output
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from 22 predefined shooting scenarios
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 12.1 megapixel sensor
• 2.5 inch Vari-angle LCD
• AA battery powered camera
• MSRP of $399.99 and available in Aug

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS:

• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from predefined shooting conditions
• Easy Mode for super easy image captures
• 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer
• 10.0 megapixel resolution
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3.0 inch PureColor System LCD
• AA battery powered
• Record 640 x 480 video at 30fps
• MSRP of $249.99 and available in Aug.

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH:

• 3.0 inch wide touch panel PureColor System LCD with new user interface
• Active Display for quickly switching between images during playback with a shake of the camera
• 5x optical zoom with ultra-wide 24 mm lens
• 12 megapixel resolution
• 720p HD video recording
• HDMI otuput
• Available in Silver, Blue, Purple, and Gold
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from 22 predefined shooting conditions
• MSRP of $329.99 and available in Aug.

Canon PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH:

• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• 28mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer
• 720p HD movie recording
• HDMI output
• 2.7 inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from 22 predefined shooting conditions
• Easy to use with built-in hints and tips
• MSRP of $299.99 and available in Aug.

Technorati Tags: Canon PowerShot G11, PowerShot S90, PowerShot SX20 IS, PowerShot SX120 IS, PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH, PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH

Here’s some interesting news coming from the digital photography front. Canon announced earlier this week the development of the Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS) – the “world’s first optical image stabilization technology that compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake” designed for interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens. This new IS will be featured in new SLR camera lens coming from Canon before the end of the year.

The new Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for both angle and shift camera shake. Angle shake and shift camera shake is depicted as follows:

According to Canon:

“The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angle-based shaking and is found in all previous Canon optical image stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that synthesizes information from the two sensors to make optimal adjustments, thereby dramatically enhancing the effects of image stabilization during shooting, including macro shooting, which had proven difficult for conventional image stabilization technologies.”

Canon is still working on the commercialization and inclusion of these lens into a wide range of products but you can expect something to come out for the SLR market before the end of the year.

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Technorati Tags: Canon Hybrid Image Stabilizer technology, Digital SLR

Yes there are indeed product announcements OTHER than mobile phones for this week. In fact, Canon not only decided to announce a new compact photo printer today but also decided to announce their entire 2009 PowerShot lineup consisting of 10 new models. Yes.. 10 new digital cameras – that’s a lot to go through! So.. I’ll try and keep things short by quickly summarizing the major features of each camera.

First off, here are common features found in all or nearly all of the new models:

• Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor for higher performance levels, improved signal processing speed, and higher image quality
• Smart AUTO intelligently selects proper camera settings based on shooting conditions of each scene
• Blink Detection Technology warns the user if they need to retake the image because someone had their eyes closed
• Active Display allows users to advance through pictures with a simple shake of the wrist

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS

• 10.0 megapixel CMOS image sensor
• 1080p full HD movie mode
• 20x wide-angle optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization
• 2.8 inch vari-angle wide-format LCD
• RAW+JPEG support
• Play back video and view photos on an HDTV via built-in HDMI connector
• 25 shooting modes including 12 special scene modes
• Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloading
• Available in April for $599.99

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

• DSLR-like features
• 12.1 megapixel camera
• 12x optical zoom lens
• wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization
• Smart AUTO, Blink Detection tech
• Available in three colors – black, blue, and red
• 720p HD movie mode
• 3 inch LCD display
• Available in March for for $349.99

Canon PowerShot D10

• First PowerShot to be waterproof, freeze-proof, and shock-proof
• 12.1 megapixel camera
• 3x optically stabilized zoom lens
• Blink Detection tech and Smart AUTO
• Withstand depths up to 33 feet deep
• Freeze proof from 14 degrees F
• Shock proof up to four feet
• Available in early May for $329.99

Canon PowerShot SD970 IS

• 12.1 megapixel camera
• 5x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization
• 3 inch PureColor LCD II display
• Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology, Active Display
• 720p HD Movie Mode with built-in HDMI connector
• Zoom Blur and Creative Light Effect to produce fun and original effects with the camera
• Available in mid-April for $379.99

Canon PowerShot SD960 IS

• Simple button layout
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• wide-angle lens and 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization
• 720p HD video with built-in HDMI connector
• Active Display, Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology
• Improved user interface
• Wide-screen 2.8 inch PureColor LCD II display
• Comes in silver, blue, pink, and gold
• Available in early March for $329.99

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS

• 12.1 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization
• 2.5 inch PureColor LCD II display with optical viewfinder
• Smart AUTO, Blink Detection Technology
• 720p HD movie mode with built-in HDMI connector
• Ultra-slim modern look
• Available in black, red, silver, and gold
• Available in mid-March for $279.99

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH

• Entry level ELPH
• Available in six colors – dark gray, blue, pink, green, light gray, and orange
• Smart AUTO
• 10 megapixel resolution
• 2.5 inch PureColor LCD II display
• Available in mid-march for $229.99

Canon PowerShot A2100 IS

• 12.1 megapixel resolution with 6x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization
• 3.0 inch LCD display
• Mode dial for more “creative control”
• Smart AUTO
• Uses 2 AA size batteries
• Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading
• Available in early April for $249.99

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS

• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization
• 2.5 inch LCD display with optical viewfinder
• Smart AUTO
• Uses 2 AA batteries
• Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloading
• Available in gray, blue, pink, and green
• Available in March for $199.99

Canon PowerShot A480

• 10.0 megapixel sensor
• 3.3x optical zoom lens
• DIGIC III image processor
• 2.5 inch LCD display
• 15 shooting modes including 12 special scene modes
• Uses 2 AA sized batteries
• Available in red, blue, silver and black
• Available in March for $129.99

And.. that’s a wrap

[Read this in Chinese Simplified and French]

Technorati Tags: Canon, PowerShot digital cameras, PowerShot SX1 IS, PowerShot SX200 IS, PowerShot D10, PowerShot SD970 IS, PowerShot SD960 IS, PowerShot SD780 IS, PowerShot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH, PowerShot A2100 IS, PowerShot A1100 IS, PowerShot A480

The Canon SELPHY CP780 is the latest addition to Canon’s line of compact photo printers, featuring improved image quality, faster print speeds, and of course, a cool new wave-shaped top surface. The SELPHY CP780 is available in three colors – silver, blue, and pink and features:

• Portrait Image Optimize with face detection that corrects brightness and contrast for more natural and realistic colors
• Automatic Red Eye correction
• PictBridge support
• Borderless prints for mini and full labels, credit card sized prints, 4 x 6 inch prints, and 4 x 8 inch prints
• A 4 x 6 print can be printed in approximately 47 seconds
• 2.5 inch LCD display for reviewing images and navigating through menus
• Dye-Sublimation printing method
• 300 x 300 dpi print resolution
• Memory card reader
• Measures 6.9 x 3 x 5.2 inches and weighs 2.1 lbs

Several accessories will also be available for the SELPHY CP780 including the NB-CP2L battery pack for $79.99 and the BU-30 Bluetooth adapter for $49.99. The printer itself is available for a price of $99.99

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[Read this in Chinese Simplified and French]

Technorati Tags: Canon SELPHY CP780, Compact Photo Printer

Canon unveiled the new PIXMA MX860 and PIXMA MX330 printers – two new All-In-One (AIO) printers that are not only ideal for home office usage but also producing high quality photo prints. Here’s what you need to know about these new all-in-ones..

Features of the Canon PIXMA MX860 include:

• Advanced media handling with auto duplex copying, printing and two way paper feeding
• Scan and print at the same time
• First PIXMA Office AIO printer to feature Wi-Fi support (802.11 b/g) and Ethernet built-in
• Quick Start feature – LCD changes from start-up screen to initial standby mode in a few seconds after pressing power button
• Advanced copy functions
• Auto Scan Mode automatically determines document type during scanning and determines proper format to save in
• Color Super G3 fax capabilities
• Receive up to 250 incoming pages in memory
• New security features
• ChromaLife100 ink system for vibrant and long lasting photos
• Auto Photo Fix detects type of photo being printed and helps correct red eye problems, enhance facial tones and optimize brightness and contrast
• 2.5 inch TFT color screen
• Five color individual ink tank system
• Resolution up to 9600 x 2400 color dpi
• ink droplet sizes as low as one picoliter
• Photo lab quality borderless 4 x 6 inch photos in 41 seconds
• CIS scanner with optical resolution up to 2400 dpi

Features of the Canon PIXMA MX330 include:

• Quick Start feature – LCD changes from start-up screen to initial standby mode in a few seconds after pressing power button
• Advanced copy functions
• Auto Scan Mode automatically determines document type during scanning and determines proper format to save in
• Color Super G3 fax capabilities
• Receive up to 50 incoming pages in memory
• New security features
• ChromaLife100 ink system for vibrant and long lasting photos
• Auto Photo Fix detects type of photo being printed and helps correct red eye problems, enhance facial tones and optimize brightness and contrast
• 1.8 inch TFT color screen
• Four color ink cartridge system with max color resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi
• Minimum two picoliter droplet size
• Photo lab quality borderless 4 x 6 inch photos in 45 seconds
• CIS scanner with a max of 1200 dpi optical color resolution scans

The Canon PIXMA MX860 is priced at $199.99 while the PIXMA MX330 is priced at $109.99.

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Technorati Tags: Canon, PIXMA MX860, PIXMA MX330, All-In-One Printer

Canon USA introduces two new professional HD camcorders today – the XH A1S and XH G1S HD camcorders. These new camcorders build on the XH A1 and XH G1 camcorders and offer improved operations, greater image control, and improved audio capabilities. Some of the common features found in these new camcorders include the following:

• Canon 20x HD video lens offers manual zoom and focus. It can operate simultaneously in manual or autofocus mode
• Three independent manual adjustment rings – focus, zoom, and iris – have been redesigned for easy access and comfortable operation
• Three sensitivity settings for manual focus ring
• Normal, fast, and slow zoom speeds
• Canon SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system
• Customizable “operational feeling” of the camcorder
• Video can be captured and output in multiple frame rates including 60i for mainstream production; 30F for perfect frame grabs or Web delivery; and 24F for emulating the look of motion-picture film – The camcorders can be switched in all frame rates between 1080-line 16:9 aspect ratio HD video and 480-line 4:3 aspect ratio SD video (or 576 lines in 50i or 25F mode).
• Total Image Control for customizing image and color settings – with a total of 23 custom presets available
• Wide array of camera functions and operational settings available to user
• Audio refinements include: two-channel audio performance; two built-in XLR terminals with separate audio-input sensitivity settings; the ability to simultaneously record sound from the supplied internal microphone and an external microphone; line output level switching; an audio (manual) limiter and a new metal headphone jack for reliable connectivity

Features exclusive to the XH G1S HD camcorder include:

• HD-SDI/SD-SDI Output, SMPTE Timecode Input/Output, and Genlock Input
• The model adds flags when in 24F frame rate mode which allow compatible hardware or software to locate the frames needed for removal during professional editing, resulting in native 24F video.

Other features of the XH G1S include:

• Three 1/3 inch native 16:9 CCD image sensors with 1.67 megapixels
• DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer

The Canon XH A1S and XH G1S HD camcorders are scheduled to be available in late December for an estimated retail price of $3,999 and $6,999, respectively.

Here is the Canon XH A1S

Here is the Canon XH G1S

Technorati Tags: Canon XH A1S, XH G1S HD Camcorders

Canon USA and Maria Sharapova have teamed together to launch a new “Pink” campaign designed to help raise awareness of breast cancer. As part of this new “Pink” campaign, Canon will be offering a special “Pink” bundle package consisting of a PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera in pink melody, a SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer in pink melody, a pink ribbon charm and a mammogram reminder magnet provided by the American Cancer Society.

The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH features an 8 megapixel resolution with a 3x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilizer, enhanced face detection technology, motion detection technology, a 2.5 inch PureColor LCD display, Canon’s DIGIC III Image Processor, and a Print/Share button that makes it easy to print or download pictures.

The SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer features a 2.5 inch color TFT display, a lightweight form factor, and the ability to print images from card sizes to 4 x 8 inches.

You can purchase the new Pink bundle at Canon’s website for $279.99.

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Technorati Tags: Canon, Maria Sharapova, Pink Campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness, PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH, SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer

Canon introduced the successor to the EOS 5D camera today in the form of the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR. This camera features a 21.1 megapixel resolution, Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, and the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080. The features and specs include the following:

• 21.1 megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• Supports ISO speeds from 100 to 6400 in 1/3 stop increments
• Two high speed ISO settings – H1 and H2 (ISO 12800  and ISO 25600)
• One low speed setting of ISO 50
• 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 and 30 fps
• 4:3 standard TV quality video capture at 640 x 480 and 30 fps
• Live View function for both still images and video
• Records video at up to 4GB per clip or a max of 29 minutes and 59 seconds
• HDMI output
• Peripheral Illumination Correction evens brightness across the image field when shooting JPEG images
• Auto Lighting Optimizer helps ensure picture’s subject is clearly visible
• Creative Auto Mode allows users to make image adjustments using easy navigation screen on LCD menu
• Two small RAW formats
• Silent Shooting in Live View
• Integrated Cleaning System

The EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR will be available by the end of November with the body going for $2699. A kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens will go for $3499.

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Technorati Tags: Canon, EOS 5D Mark II