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Tag Archives: Canon EOS

Canon EOS 100D

One comes along and then immediately another. This little camera is a departure from the trend in DSLR cameras in that is attempting to offer a full DSLR experience but in  a smaller lighter camera. It is on sale at Amazon for about £700 with lens

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Last year Canon made its long-anticipated entry into the mirrorless camera market with the EOS M, taking aim at compact-camera upgraders who desire better image quality but don’t want the bulk or intimidating controls of a DSLR. Yet the company has long hinted that another path to competing with mirrorless entries from Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic lay in the miniaturization of its familiar SLR design. With the announcement of the EOS 100D / Rebel SL1, Canon has laid its cards on the table. Billed as ‘the world’s smallest, lightest APS-C DSLR’, the EOS 100D unabashedly merges the Rebel-series’ DSLR operational hallmarks with an impressively small body.

Thanks to a downsizing of internal components that has resulted in a smaller shutter mechanism, thinner sensor module and smaller-footprint circuit board, the EOS 100D is significantly smaller and lighter than the co-announced EOS 700D, while offering the same 18MP pixel count, DIGIC 5 processor and, presumably image quality. The EOS 100D is, in fact, comfortably the smallest DSLR we’ve yet seen, and not so far off ‘SLR-style’ mirrorless models such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5.

As attention-grabbing as the EOS 100D’s small footprint undoubtedly is, what’s equally impressive is that Canon has been able to retain most of the controls and features typically found on a Rebel-series camera. A front dial and dedicated ISO, exposure compensation and AF/AE lock buttons are among the controls that will be familiar to any Canon DSLR user. Its touchscreen is identical in resolution to that on the EOS 650Dand 700D, but is fixed, rather than articulated.

The EOS 100D introduces version two of Canon’s Hybrid CMOS AF system, originally seen in the EOS 650D. While Canon is making no claims about focus speed improvements of its hybrid phase/contrast detect system, the new version covers a significantly greater portion of the live view area (80% of the area). This should make it a significantly more useful option than the version found on the EOS M and 650D. FROM DP REVIEW SEE MORE HERE

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This front view shows that the EOS 100D / Rebel SL1 is substantially smaller than the co-announced EOS 700D / Rebel T5i – itself not exactly a giant.

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However, the 100D retains the majority of the external controls found on the larger camera. Although both cameras feature the same rear touchscreen, the 100D’s screen is fixed, not articulated.

The EOS 100D achieves its notable size reduction without sacrificing much in the way of external control compared to the EOS 650D. On the 100D the button at the center of the 4-way controller does double-duty as both the Q menu and Set button, and the surrounding buttons have lost their dedicated functions. The 100D has a lower capacity flash, with a guide number of 9m (versus 13mm on the 650D) and houses a mono versus stereo microphone, though it does retain a stereo mic input. And while the handgrip is not as deep as the one on its larger sibling, the 100D still provides a distinctly DSLR handling experience.

Canon EOS 700D

Canon have released details of the new camera added to their stable, this is effectively a replacement for the 650D, improvements keep coming and new cameras offer better facilities and quality and this one is no different.

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With the EOS 700D/Rebel T5i, Canon’s made an early move to replace last year’s 650D/Rebel T4i, though one with only very minor refinements. Indeed the changes over the 650D are so subtle that it’s the olderT3i/600D that stays on alongside the 700D – while the too-similar 650D fades into the sunset. The only real changes are that the 700D offers real-time preview of Creative Filters in Live View mode, includes a redesigned new mode dial that turns 360 degrees, and has a new ‘upmarket’ body finish.

Apart from those additions, the 700D is essentially identical to the 650D, making this the least distinct upgrade we’ve seen in this range of cameras. Elements carried over include the 18MP CMOS sensor, a 9-point cross-type AF sensor, 3-inch, a 1.04m-dot vari-angle LCD screen, and Full HD video mode. Its Hybrid AF system was also brought over from the 650D, and while the simultaneously announced 100D/Rebel SL1′s Hybrid AF II covers a wider area than the one here, neither is said to be any faster than the rather slow implementation on the 650D.

Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i key features

  • 18MP APS-C ‘Hybrid CMOS’ sensor
  • Phase-detection AF from imaging sensor for Live View and Video
  • Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
  • New 18-55mm STM kit lens with stepper motor for improved live view/video autofocus
  • 14-bit DIGIC 5 processor
  • ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • 9 point AF system, all sensors cross type, central sensor F2.8 (from 60D)
  • 63 zone iFCL metering
  • 1080p30 video recording, stereo sound with internal or external mics
  • 1.04m dot 3:2 touch-sensitive vari-angle ClearView II LCD (capacitative type, multi-touch support
  • more information can be found of the excellent DP Review site here
  • Amazon are currently offering this camera at £930

 

How to Select Lenses for DSLR Filmmaking

Lightstalking has a tutorial By on using a DSLR for making video and the way you may choose the most appropriate lenses.

DSLRs with video capabilities has really democratized filmmaking, putting cinematic quality video within financial reach of amateur and independent filmmakers. The best feature that most have found is the ability to utilize interchangeable lenses for different shooting environments and techniques.

While there are many lenses out there, a lot of them are still designed for still photography, especially lower end kit lenses. There are a couple of things that you should take into account when selecting lenses for DSLR videography that can really help enhance your filmmaking, and things you should avoid as to not hinder your work.….MORE

 

Canon enters mirrorless market, EOS M system

 

Canon has introduced its EOS M compact interchangeable lens camera, which features an 18-megapixel APS-C-sized hybrid sensor writes Olivier Laurent in the BJP

Canon will release in October its first ever compact system camera, the EOS M, which uses its own models of lenses while being compatible, via an adapter, with a range of 70 EF lenses

The EOS M marks Canon’s entry in the highly competitive mirrorless market, and comes more than four years after Olympus and Panasonic introduced their Micro Four Thirds system. However, similarly to what Sony offers, Canon has chosen a large APS-C-sized sensor to be at the heart of its compact system.The EOS M, which will be presented at this year’s Photokina trade show in Cologne, uses an 18-megapixel APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor, and is also fitted with Canon’s Digic 5 processor. The camera offers a sensitivity range of ISO100 to ISO12,800, expandable to ISO25,600.

 

 

It will retail at £770 (€910) with the EF-M 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, at £880  with the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM and Lens Adapter. The lens adapter alone will retail at £130.

There is a preview on the DPReview site which always has excellent detailed information

 

The EOS M features a clean, simple design that’s clearly designed to look as much like a compact camera, and as little like an SLR, as possible. The rounded edges and angled area around the shutter button go some way to softening the somewhat boxy profile, and the main body panels are made from magnesium alloy. There’s no handgrip as such, just a minimalist fingergrip on the front and a slightly-contoured rubberised thumbpad on the back. READ MORE HERE

The overall layout is notable for its simplicity – the front of the camera features just the lens release button and vertical window for the autofocus illuminator and IR remote receiver. The back of the camera features a red movie record button, combined four-way controller and dial, and Menu, Info and Playback buttons. The SET button in the centre of the 4-way controller also brings up a Quick Menu for on-screen access to an array of functions – this is fully controllable via the touchscreen.

This link will take you to the Canon site with all the specs and info and guff you might need

Canon EOS 650D

Canon have added a new model to its range and all the evidence before full user reviews are available is that it has the new Digic 5 processor plus other new technologies like a dual focusing system and articulated screen with touch screen capabilities.

Introducing the latest model in the Canon EOS system, the 650D featuring a 270 degree vari-angle clear view touch screen – a first on any Canon DSLR. View your images, pinch to zoom and even fire your shutter on the 1,040,000 dot LCD screen.

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The Canon EOS-650D also features

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  • 18 MP CMOS sensor
  • Full HD movies with continuous AF and editable video snapshot modes
  • Digic 5 processing
  • 63 zone light metering for optimum exposure in all light conditions
  • 4 ways to focus
  • Integrated Canon Speedlite transmitter

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As always my first place for decent info rather than just rumours is the excellent DP Review

Here is a brief summary of what they have to say

“The EOS 650D offers outstanding image quality and performance. Its newly-developed 18MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor provides super-fine resolution, capturing poster-sized images that are rich in colour and detail. Ideal for shooting in low light without flash, the camera features a native 100-12,800 ISO range, allowing the capture of naturallooking shots with minimal noise, while an expanded ISO 25,600 range also offers the ability to shoot in more extreme low-light conditions.

The EOS 650D is the first entry-level EOS to be powered by Canon DIGIC 5 processing, offering greater speed, responsiveness and advanced colour rendition. DIGIC 5′s 14-bit image processing provides beautiful and subtle transitions between colour tones, such as those of an evening sky, and its vastly-increased power also makes the camera ideal for capturing fast-moving action such as football or other sports.

The new dual AF system makes it easy to capture sharply-focused shots of all subjects, whether capturing stills or movies. A superior 9-point all cross-type AF system provides exceptional performance during stills shooting, offering precision accuracy when capturing sports, action and wildlife. Additionally, a new Hybrid AF System offers continuous autofocusing during movie recording, and when shooting in Live View1 mode…….

Touch control and Vari-angle flexibility

Getting the perfect shot has never been easier thanks to the new 7.7cm (3.0″) Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen. Featuring capacitive technology, the screen is highly responsive and supports a variety of multi-touch gestures, such as pinching and swiping – making it easy to access shooting modes, alter settings and even capture a shot using the screen alone.

Touch control adds a different dimension to Live View shooting. You can select AF points, track faces and objects, and fine-tune image settings via the camera’s Quick Control screen. Navigation is instant and intuitive, while pinch-zooming in playback provides a great way to check the finer details of a shot. The Vari-angle hinge allows the screen to be angled and tilted to suit virtually any situation, while a super-sharp 1,040k-dot resolution ensures every detail is clearly displayed.”.…MORE

The expected price upon release is from £699 so it is not excessive expensive for a state of the art digital slr camera, release dates seem to vary but will be generally available over the summer.

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Here is a bit more info in easy to digest points Canon EOS 650D: 10 things you need to know

Exploring Metering Modes

Digital-Photo-School are based in Australia, this article is by a guest contributor to their site called Andrew S Gibson, he lives just down the road from us here in Oxfordshire UK, weird the way the world is so interconnected, great too.

This article is a pretty full explanation of the different metering modes available on your camera and how and when to use them.

This is the third in a series of four articles about exposure by Andrew S Gibson – author of Understanding Exposure: Perfect Exposure on your EOS camera. You can read the first lesson, which explored the reasons for using program, aperture priority and shutter priority modes, here, and the second lesson, which explained why your camera’s meter gets exposure wrong, here.”

Canon EOS 1D MkIV Review

An in depth review of the Canon flagship camera by Bob Atkins and Theano Nikitas

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is the latest in Canon’s 1D series DSLRs. The 1D series is unique in its use of an APS-H format sensor (28.1×18.7mm). The sensor is larger than APS-C and so can yield higher image quality, but is smaller than full frame, which means that the file size is smaller and the reflex mirror can be smaller and lighter and so the camera can operate at higher speeds (10 frames per sec). The high speed operation of the 1D series cameras has made them the first choice for many sports and action photographers. Like other 1D and 1Ds series cameras, the EOS 1D MkIV has an integrated grip with a second set of controls for vertical shooting, a high capacity battery pack, high strength construction and the body is weather-sealed for operation outdoors in the rain.….more

1D MkIV Major Features

 

  • New 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor
  • 10 frames per second continuous shooting
  • Up to 121 large JPEG images in a single burst
  • New 45-point wide area AF with 39 cross-type sensors with f/2.8 sensitivity
  • New upgraded AF system designed for high speed tracking of moving subjects
  • High-speed Dual “DIGIC 4” processors for fast operation and high image quality
  • 12,800 high ISO expandable up to 102,400
  • Full HD movie recording at 30, 25 and 24 frames per second (fps)
  • 3.0″ Clear View II LCD with Live View mode
  • Durable dust and water resistant body with 76 rubber seals
  • 1/8000s shutter with 300,000 cycle rating and 1/300s sync

 

On Test: Canon EOS 60D, the mid-range camera

Canon’s latest digital SLR fits neatly between the 550D and the higher-priced 7D in the EOS range. David Kilpatrick finds out how the 60D fares against them…….more from the BJP

Canon EOS 1100D – new entry level DSLR

It seems that Canon update their range every year and now there is a new entry level DSLR.

Advanced, compact and affordable: your first steps into the world of DSLR photography, made simple with Canon EOS 1100D.

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A full review from the excellent DP Review site here

Expect prices to be about £500 which means that remaining stocks of the slightly dated but still functional 1000D will be below £350 which is a bargain.

Canon 600D first review

Canon move ever onward, the new 600D is ready for release in March, here is the first review by the very well respected DP review site and there is more from the official Canon site here. It has new features such as the articulated monitor now a standard for new cameras and a whopping 18 megapixels, that will eat up your memory.

Ever since Canon introduced its original ‘Digital Rebel‘ back in August 2003 – famously the first ‘affordable’ digital SLR – the company has continually developed and refined its entry-level line with ever-more-frequent releases, adding in more and more features in the process. So true to form, almost precisely a year to the day after the launch of the Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D comes the next model, predictably named the Rebel T3i / EOS 600D. As usual the 550D remains in Canon’s range at a lower price point, with the newly-announced EOS 1100D slotting in beneath it to round off the company’s offerings to entry-level SLR users.

The new kid on the block can most succinctly be described as a 550D with an articulated screen, that also incorporates many of the beginner-friendly features we first saw on the more enthusiast-orientated EOS 60D. Perhaps most notable of these is ‘Basic+’, a simple, results-orientated approach to image adjustments in the scene-based’ exposure modes that allows the user to change the look of their images and control background blur without needing to know anything technical about how this all works. The 600D also gains multi-aspect ratio shooting plus the 60D’s ‘Creative Filters’, a range of effects than can be applied to images after shooting, including toy camera, fisheye and fake-miniature looks. Additionally it can now wirelessly control off-camera flashes, including the Speedlite 320EX and 270EX II announced alongside it.

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