Careful folks, it’s open season on rumors and Canon seems to be the prey of choice as of late. If you’ve been following Photography Bay, you know that the pot has been stirring for some time now on the Canon 5D Mark II. However, it’s been a while since we heard any rumblings about the Canon 1D Mark IIIn. [Read more…]
Canon 7D
UPDATE: The Canon 7D has been officially announced. Read more on Photography Bay’s Canon 7D Reviews and Resources. Check availability at Amazon.com.
Like the Canon 3D, the Canon 7D is a fictional camera that has been stirring in the rumor mill for some time now. In the months leading up to PMA 2008, the rumor mill has kicked it up a notch with speculations of the introduction of a lower-end 5D camera – the 7D. The Canon EOS 7 and 7n were part of 35mm Elan series that’s been around since 1991. The 7-series camera were the prosumer SLRs of the 35mm film era, which I would classify in or around the same slot as the 20D-40D series cameras in the DSLR realm. One of the cool features of the 7e and 7ne was an eye-controlled focus option. “The Eye Controlled Focus System tracks the glance of the eye, integrating composition and focus into one uninterrupted step. Canon’s fastest Eye Control system to date, it works whether the camera is oriented horizontally or vertically.” (Canon)
Like all of the other unannounced cameras that you see on Photography Bay, these are just rumors and speculations of a Canon 7D. However, there’s been enough buzz on the fabled 7D to start consolidating these rumors and keeping tabs on the latest ones. For example, see this most recent post about a Canon DSLR that’s a step up from the 40D and a “direct hit” to Nikon’s D300.
As always, stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted on the latest and greatest rumors of the Canon 7D.
UPDATES:
2/3/09: Rumors of a 15.1 megapixel 7D due Fall 2009. Read more.
Canon 3D
The clamor for a digital version of the popular Canon EOS 3 film camera has been around for quite a while. It has continued to grow over the past 2.5 years that the Canon 5D has been around. Leading up to PMA 2008, rumors of a 5D Mark II also brought more speculation of the fabled Canon 3D. I’m not saying that a 3D is coming at PMA or anytime for that matter. However, there have been enough rumors floating around that I’ve decided to set up a dedicated page to follow the Canon 3D.
For now, have a look at this recent rumor for the 15MP full frame 3D:
15.1 MP (full frame)
14 bit
1 Digic III
Iso 100 to 6400(up to 12800)
AF like 1Dmk III
3 fps
3 inch screen
A sort of smaller 1D body,with integrated grip but not rear lcd panel
1 slot flash card
Additionally, more recent rumors suggest a step up from the 40D (not quite 5D level specs) may appear at PMA. Whether this would be the 3D remains to be seen; however, based on Canon’s prior model history, the 3D should be reside in between the 5D and the 1-series. If this rumor is true, then it would more than likely be something more like the Canon 7D. (Read More)
UPDATES
7/6/09 – Rumors of an Summer 2009 release. (Read more)
Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM
________________
B&H Photo has a used copy of this puppy laying around the warehouse for a super deal of $99,000 with case (plus shipping). Looks like they’ve only got one though. Darn, I was hoping for a pair.
From Canon:
This remarkable lens is the longest in the world with full autofocus capability. Two fluorite elements for superb image quality, make it ideal for many professional applications where it’s impossible to get close to the subject. Fully compatible with any EOS SLR, including digital bodies, autofocus performance is silent and instantaneous thanks to the Ultrasonic Motor. It’s also compatible with the Canon Extender EF 1.4x II (making it a 1700mm f/8) and EF 2x II (2400mm f/11). Available upon special order.
Canon Rebel XSi Reviews and Resources
Canon has announced the new EOS Rebel XSi, which is a 12.2 megapixel consumer level DSLR that packs a ton of “pro” upgrades. At the Rebel XSi’s initial introduction it was available in a body-only configuration for $799 and a kit configuration with the new EF-S 18-55mm IS lens for $899. It is now substantially less. You can order each of these configurations at Amazon via the following links.
Canon EOS Rebel XSi (body only)
Canon EOS Rebel XSi w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS lens
See the reviews and other info below for further details on this impressive new camera.
Canon Rebel XSi Key Features
- 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 3.5 frames per second
- 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
- 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type center point
- Picture Style image processing parameters
- DIGIC III image processor
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
- Compact and Lightweight body
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlights
Photography Bay Resources
Canon Rebel XSi Reviews
The image quality is surprisingly close to that the the EOS 40D and EOS 50D, but the cost is significantly lower. Of course it has fewer features too, such as a smaller ISO range, no rear Quick Control Dial, a slower continuous drive rate, a smaller buffer etc.
The Canon Rebel XSi is finally a more complete camera than any Rebel before it.
Image quality is good – with excellent colour, with high levels of saturation and contrast. Noise is acceptable higher than average compared to the competition, but is low up to ISO400 and detail is good.
Image quality is on a par with the EOS 400D, with noise-free images up to ISO 800 and a very usable fastest speed of 1600, so usable that I don’t understand why the EOS 450D doesn’t also offer ISO 3200.
The EOS 450D feels like a mature product, it is capable of superb results (even if it’s actually now good enough to reveal the limitations of the cheaper EF-S lenses) and it has a feature set that offers an excellent balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization demanded by those wanting something a little more serious.
It scored Excellent image quality throughout its ISO 100-1600 range, based on Excellent resolution (2265 lines average), Excellent color accuracy, and noise levels that ranged from Very Low at ISO 100 to Moderately Low at ISO 1600.
. . . it’s very easy to recommend the Canon Rebel XSi. It’s a fast-focusing, speedy D-SLR that delivers excellent photos both indoors and outside. At 12.2-megapixels, the camera also has more than enough resolution for huge prints, and you can just shoot in auto or tweak images as much as you’d like.
After testing the Canon EOS 450D I am really satisfied with the camera. It is a perfect camera for everybody. If you are just starting with (digital) photography or if you are a bit more experienced, and whether or not you switch from a compact camera, the Canon 450D enables you to take excellent pictures.
I’m very pleased (actually somewhat surprised) with the improvements delivered by the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D. It will be a worthwhile upgrade for many XTi / 400D owners – it is a lot of camera for the money for anyone purchasing it.
The XSi’s image quality is excellent, and has improved at high ISO settings over the former model. Images were consistently well exposed with natural color saturation and accurate white balance. When shooting portrait style photos, skin tones were also very pleasant. Noise is absent from test images shot at ISO 100 and ISO 200, barely detectable in shadow areas at ISO 400 and 800, and noticeable in shadow areas at ISO 1600, but these images are still very usable.
In use, the 450D / XSi feels very responsive and quicker than its predecessor. The viewfinder is visibly a little bigger than the 400D / XTi, which itself is bigger than the Sony A350’s. The continuous shooting may only be half a frame per second faster than the 400D / XTi, but you really do get 3.5fps in practice and it’s much quicker than the 2.35fps reality of the A350.
It doesn’t stand out for its feature set or design, but the Canon EOS Rebel XSi delivers on performance and photo quality.
Shooting produced a more satisfying click than than the XTi as well and the autofocus was definitely snappy. We obviously couldn’t subject it to lotsa photo tests right here, but if the specs and our bit of time add up correctly, this is the new entry-level DSLR king.
Bob Atkins (Features Compared to XTi & 40D)
I’d say the new XSi looks like a real improvement over the XTi in terms of features and usability. Image quality will probably be quite similar. For someone upgrading from a P&S digicam it looks like a very good camera, and that fact that it uses SD cards (which most P&S digicams also do these days) could be a plus.
Although you can’t really see it when looking from above the EOS 450D’s grip has been redesigned slightly, and it’s a big improvement, though we’d still rather use the camera with the optional battery grip attached. The overall handling and ergonomics have been improved slightly, though again, this isn’t a major redesign.
Do you see a review somewhere that should be added? Drop a line in the comments or an email and I’ll get it on here.
Canon Rebel XSi Sample Images
Other Canon Rebel XSi Resources
Canon Rebel XSi Videos
Where to Buy Canon Rebel XSi
If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.
Canon Rebel XSi Press Release
Canon ‘Beefs Up’ the New Rebel With Optically Image Stabilized Lens Kit and ‘Pro’ Features
__________________________________
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an “entry level” digital SLR – have now redefined the gateway prowess and “pro-ness” of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line’s new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon’s professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag. [Read more…]
Canon 1Ds Mark III Reviews and Resources
This page is dedicated to Canon 1Ds Mark III reviews and other resources. As the reviews come rolling in, I’ll post links to them below. In the mean time, you can keep an eye on the Canon 1Ds Mark III’s availability at Amazon.com, or check on other vendors like Adorama and B&H Photo on this page.
Reviews
It is undeniably impressive, and though it appears on the surface to be a fairly low key update to the Mark II, the more you use it the more you realize how all the little improvements add up to a significantly better camera (and that’s aside from the resolution hike).
The Canon 1Ds Mk III is a solid brick of a camera, has extraordinarily high technical image quality, but is hindered by sucky ergonomics and a mediocre LCD.
Canon started from scratch with the Mark III. And that is obvious with the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. It is much more than a Mark II with a new image sensor. There has been thorough thought about the whole camera and the entire structure has been altered without making the photographer used to working with a Canon EOS-1 lose his way.
The EOS 1Ds Mark III is a remarkable display of engineering prowess. Do you need a weatherproofed camera that is strong enough to drive nails while producing the world’s best image quality? If so, the 1Ds is a bargain. If not, the Canon EOS 5D, $2150 (buy from Amazon) is a better value.
The 1Ds Mark III can capture beautiful, amazingly detailed images. Colors are extremely accurate and, as mentioned above, the automatic white balance system does a great job of keeping color neutral across a wide range of lighting.
Color accuracy on the 1Ds Mark III also lands in the top tier, with an Excellent rating based on an average Delta E of 6.98 (compared with 7.3 on the 1D Mark III and 7.28 on the Nikon D3, also Excellent ratings.) The color accuracy remained similarly high all the way up through ISO 1600, while resolution dropped only 15 percent when we applied full noise reduction at ISO 1600 and 3200 in Canon’s sophisticated (and included) Digital Photo Professional software.
I could show you examples to make either of the two 1-series bodies appear to be slightly better than the other. If you plan for the 1Ds III and 1Ds II have a similar amount of noise, you will not be disappointed. Up to and including ISO 400, they are about the same. Above ISO 400, the 1Ds III more frequently begins taking a very slight lead (less noise) and this lead increases to slight at ISO 3200.
Photo Business Forum (Comparison to Nikon D3)
For large commercial jobs, where I am thinking I want a higher native resolution, it’ll be the Canon I reach for. For low light situations, which are all too common, it will, without a doubt, be Nikon. In fact, with the noise issue out of the way, and most client deliverables needing to be down-rezzed anyway, I can see that the Nikon not only would be a better solution to speeding up my post-production process, but moreover, storing the RAW/DNG files will save me significant hard-drive space in my archives over the larger Canon files.
After shooting with the camera with a few days under numerous conditions I can confidently say the Canon 1Ds Mark III is easily the most versatile full frame digital SLR currently available. Currently the only thing similar on the market is the camera it’s replacing. The 1Ds Mark II. In terms of pure image resolution the only cameras that come close are digital medium format bodies and backs. I’ve used a range of PhaseOne backs now and I know they can squeeze out more detail. That said you lose a lot of flexibility for that gain in resolution and in price point.
Northlight Images first impressions
Does the 1Ds3 obsolete lenses? Well, I tried the garage doors photo with my 24-70 2.8L and it shows up a slight lack of edge detail and softness that I just didn’t notice much with the 1Ds. That’s bad then? Well it depends – were the shots I took with the 24-70 sharp enough for the work I was using it for? – easily. So, will I carry on using it? yes, it’s a very useful lens for travelling round with. Will I be looking for Canon to bring out an even better 24-70 2.8L IS? most definitely :-)
Luminuous Lanscape first impressions
As for overall image quality, I’ve only done about 400 frames so far shooting fall colour in Algonquin Park. I’ve made about a half dozen 20X30″ prints on the new Epson 11880 printer, and the results are generally excellent.
Auto white balance is as good as I’ve ever seen. Tonal renditions are excellent, and it appears that the 14 bit processing capability is of definite value, especially when working on files which require some extensive manipulation.
Catch some video footage of the Canon 1Ds Mark III via YouTube.
Official Canon Resources
The Canon 1Ds Mark III white paper (.pdf).
The official Canon 1Ds Mark III page with specs, features and sample images taken by the new flagship.
The official Canon Press Release for the 1Ds Mark III.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]canon, eos, 1ds mark iii, 1ds, mk, mark, iii, reviews, photos[/tags]
Canon 30D Reviews and Resources
The Canon EOS 30D is an 8.2-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera, initially announced on February 20, 2006. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 20D, and is succeeded by the EOS 40D. Changes over the 20D include a bigger 2.5-inch LCD rear screen, improved shutter mechanism rated for 100,000 actuations, improved frame capacity, 1/3 stop increments for sensor speed and an added spot meter. The camera retains the same sensor as its predecessor; all lenses still have an angle of view crop of 1.6. Other changes include a larger 11 frame RAW / 30 frame JPEG buffer, and slightly faster 0.15 second startup. The maximum frame rate is the same (5 fps), but a lower-speed 3 fps option has been added. The 30D uses the same number of autofocus points as the 20D (nine), but has improved algorithms. The 30D can record in both JPEG and RAW .CR2 files. The camera shows the ISO in the view finder while changing the ISO.
The EOS 30D can also accept the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1/E1A for fast file transfer to a remote file server, either through an ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi network. This capability expands the EOS 30D’s range of applications to sports and studio set ups where real-time transfer of the images is crucial.
Reviews
Compare it to the competition and it’s clear that the 30D really can hold its own. The primary competition coming from Nikon’s excellent D200, a camera which in many ways betters the EOS 30D, user interface, features and flexibility are all a step up.
The Canon EOS-30D is an excellent midrange digital SLR. While its new features aren’t exciting enough to get this 20D owner to run out and upgrade, those who are moving up from point-and-shoot or entry-level D-SLRs should definitely give the 30D a look.
Overall I think the EOS 30D is a great camera and I’d have no hesitation at all in recommending it to any serious photographer.
There’s no other word for it, the Canon 30D’s images made just fantastic looking prints, with excellent detail and sharpness at 13×19 inches.
Even though the Canon 30D may not exactly be a revolutionary digital SLR camera, and the expectations were somewhat subdued, it is still a truly fantastic camera. The concept was already solid as could be, but with the introduction of the Canon EOS 30D, Canon have once again clearly asserted and strengthened its roots and their position.
With a SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash card in a 30D, we were able to fire off as many as 46 highest-quality JPEGs at 5 fps, and continued shooting at 1 fps or faster until the card yelled “Uncle!” That’s impressive. (With the same card in a 20D, we got 32 JPEGs at 5 fps.) The 30D’s burst rate for RAW capture isn’t quite as dramatic—Canon states 11 frames at 5 fps, and we could sometimes shoot 12 with a fast card—but the speed is still way ahead of other cameras in this class.
The 8-megapixel Canon EOS 30D should be on your short list for a semipro dSLR camera.
Where to Buy
If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
Canon Rebel XTi Reviews
The Canon Rebel XTi is an entry-level digital single-lens reflex camera introduced by Canon August 24, 2006. The Rebel XTi is the successor of the popular Canon Rebel XT, upgrading to a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, a larger continuous shooting buffer, an integrated image sensor vibrating cleaning system, a more precise 9-point auto focus system from the EOS 30D, improved grip, and a bigger 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels and a larger viewing angle which replaces the top status screen.
Reviews
DPReview.com’s In-Depth Review
The EOS 400D (Rebel XTi) turned out to be everything we expected it to be; a progressive upgrade to the already hugely successful EOS 350D (Rebel XT). Image quality was just as good, with plenty of detail, low noise and sophisticated noise reduction at higher sensitivities an well balanced, and thanks to PictureStyles predictable, color and tone. It also has a significantly improved user interface, dust reduction system, 9 point auto-focus, larger LCD monitor and combined status display / setting change system. All this in a camera which is just as small and light as the camera it replaces.
While noise levels and image preview times are fractionally impacted by the higher resolution sensor, neither are cause for concern. The 400D / XTi still delivers silky smooth images, is usable at its highest sensitivities and feels very responsive overall. And while our outdoor results show there isn’t a great deal of difference between 8 and 10 Megapixel images, the 400D / XTi resolved measurably greater detail in our labs tests to become the highest resolution Canon digital SLR with an EF-S lens mount.
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi is an excellent take-anywhere all-purpose digital SLR, that can serve as a second camera for owners of Rebel XT, 20D, 30D, and 5D cameras who want to keep a second body with a different focal length strapped around their neck. I think serious photographers would do better with an EOS 30D for its stronger build and greater manual adaptability, but for just about everyone else, the Rebel XTi offers everything you need and more.
While most owners of the Rebel XT probably won’t run out to upgrade, the Canon Digital Rebel XTi (EOS-400D) is a most impressive entry-level digital SLR. It offers great photo quality and performance, plenty of features (most notably, a dust reduction system), a large LCD, and plenty of accessories. The main downside is its design: it’s pretty small, not terribly easy to hold, and more “plasticky” than other D-SLRs. Despite that, the Rebel XTi earns my recommendation.
The Canon 400D is a very fine camera and will likely serve us as a great travel camera in the future. We hope to get soon the new Canon 70-200 f/4 IS zoom. Combined with the Rebel XTi/400D this could be a killer combination.
The Canon EOS Rebel XTi remains a very good first dSLR, but ultimately a disappointing followup to the XT, which cedes its lead to the Nikon D80.
Is it worth considering, say, a Nikon D80, as an alternative to the Canon Rebel XTi? No. It might be worth comparing the Nikon system to the Canon system, but given that you’re going to spend a lot more money over the years on lenses, it doesn’t make sense to look at minor difference among the bodies that the various companies happen to make in 2007.
Canon Rebel XTi Accessories
Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery
The Digital Rebel XTi Field Guide
Where to Buy?
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]canon, eos, rebel, xti, 400d, review, features[/tags]
Canon 5D Reviews and Resources
The Canon 5D offers advanced photographers a lightweight, robust digital SLR that uses Canon’s superlative EF lenses without a conversion factor. Its full-frame 12.8 Megapixel CMOS sensor combines with Canon’s DIGIC II Image Processor, a high-precision 9-point AF system with 6 assist points, and “Picture Style” color control to deliver images of superior quality with enough resolution for any application.
Canon 5D Reviews
Canon’s press material for the EOS 5D states that it ‘defines (a) new D-SLR category’, while we’re not typically too concerned with marketing talk this particular statement is clearly pretty accurate. The EOS 5D is unlike any previous digital SLR in that it combines a full-frame (35 mm sized) high resolution sensor (12.8 megapixels) with a relatively compact body (slightly larger than the EOS 20D, although in your hand it feels noticeably ‘chunkier’). The EOS 5D is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR’s, an important difference when compared to the latter is that the EOS 5D doesn’t have any environmental seals. While Canon don’t specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a ‘professional’ digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.
The bottom line then is this – the Canon 5D is an immensely satisfying camera. In a physical size, weight and form factor it is little different than the mainstream of 5 – 8 Megapixel APS sized cameras. But Canon has, with the 5D, provided photographers with a full-frame 35mm of sufficient resolution – 12.8 Megapixel – to meet the print and reproduction size needs of the vast majority of serious photographers. Image quality, whether at normal or at high ISO, is as good as it currently gets.
The Canon EOS 5D is the essential camera for everything that photographers used to do with 35mm film. It is more than good enough for most professional photojournalism applications, but still simple enough that a yuppie can get one to throw in the glovebox of his BMW SUV and take pictures at the school soccer game.
Pictures from ISO 100-400 are very low noise, ISO 800 is still very good. The shots at ISO 1600 and 3200 are just amazing at this level.
The 5D noise behaviour is likely the best we ever have seen. Canon raised the bar quite a bit here.
Overall the EOS-5D’s photo quality was excellent. The camera took well-exposed photos with accurate color and low purple fringing levels. As for noise? Well, there isn’t much, as you’ve hopefully seen in these tests. I took many photos at the big SF Auto Show back in November at ISO 1000 and above, and all of the pictures could be printed at 8 x 10 or larger. As is the case with all D-SLRs, Canon has the in-camera sharpening turned way down, and if you want things to be sharper you can either increase that, or just post-process in Photoshop.
A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.
The bottom line is always image quality, and the 5D does not disappoint with its combination of 12.8-megapixel resolution, full-frame image sensor and low image noise. The 5D is capable of producing images rivalling the quality of the professional 1DS Mark II. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the 5D also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable in midtone and shadow areas at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce very usable images.
Following in the impressive footsteps laid down by earlier members of the highly-acclaimed Canon EOS line of digital SLRs, the new 5D definitely upholds its EOS lineage. While a truly excellent photographic tool though, it doesn’t automatically represent a slam-dunk choice between it and a sub-frame camera — or even between it and the much more expensive EOS-1Ds Mark II. The 5D struck us as an odd mixture of consumer and professional aesthetics, a slightly uncomfortable fit in the current world of d-SLRs. For people addicted to ultrawide angle photography with a substantial investment in full-frame wide angle lenses, it will probably be a no-brainer. But for someone not already invested in wide-angle glass, you could buy an EOS 30D and Canon’s excellent little 10-22mm EF-S wide-angle lens and have more than just change to spare relative to the cost of the 5D body alone.
Impressive is the Canon EOS 5D certainly where image quality is concerned in combination with the new EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM lens. The sharpness is outstandingly high and the colour reproduction especially accurate. Picture Style lets you adjust it to your own taste. What’s more is the fact that the new Canon EOS 5D excels on noise and dynamic range. Moreover, ISO 3200 can be used perfectly for high quality prints and in light as well as dark areas the detail remains clearly visible. This is really impressive; you have to see it to believe it.
Canon 5D Accessories
Canon BP511A Rechargeable Battery
Where to Buy?
If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.
Canon 1D Mark IIn Reviews
The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N features the same 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC II image processor and 8.5 frames per second shooting speed of its predecessor, the Canon 1D Mark II. The primary changes are a new 2.5″ LCD screen, improved buffering characteristics, new Picture Style image parameters and the ability to write different formats simultaneously to SD and CF cards.
Reviews
The bottom line is always image quality, and the Mark II N does not disappoint. Most pro’s will opt to shoot in RAW mode, using software tools to adjust for the desired degree of sharpness, saturation and contrast. But the Mark II also produces high-quality finished JPEG images courtesy of its Picture Styles. While image noise is noticeable at sensitivities over ISO 800, ISO 1600 and 3200 produce quite usable images.
The major benefit that sets this apart from any other camera… 8.5 FPS. When reading that number, you don’t understand the impact until you actually have it in your hand and you hold down the shutter button… it’s awesome.
Overall, the EOS-1D Mark II n is an excellent tool. Its size, weight, and cost are justified not only by its speed and resolution, but by the fact that it is built to deliver those specs over the course of a long working life.
In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed.
The 2.5″ LCD allows clearly a better view on images and histogram data. But overall we think that Canon could improve the organization of their histogram views. In our view the Nikon D2x allows a better inspection on the LCD while using a LCD of about the same size. We would propose to show the histograms as an overlay with both the luminance and the RGB channel histograms. The histograms have to be very bright and also the clipping indicators easy visible. But as said the LCD size is very nice.
I use an EOS 1D Mark II every day and love it and was fully prepared not to like this “N” model although the big LCD screen is obviously a cool touch. After using it under lots of real world conditions, I am convinced this is a significant enough upgrade to be worthwhile for anybody who wants to add a second camera body to their EOS digital system or a shooter who wants to move up from the 20D.
At a glance, the changes in the EOS-1D Mark II N, relative to the camera it replaces, should make what was already a really fine camera that much better. Canon deserves credit for implementing so many refinements to an existing product, some of which will make the camera a better tool for the photographer but which may not automatically help Canon sell more units. In other words, this upgrade to the EOS-1D Mark II seems to be more about adding truly useful features and refinements than it is about adding stuff that can be marketed easily.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]canon, 1d, mark IIn, review, features, specs, info[/tags]