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Canon EOS 7D gets high marks all around

by Vladislav Savov posted Nov 7th 2009 at 4:52PM

Canon's EOS 7D is a pretty grandiose piece of image-recording equipment, whether you're talking about its size, features or price. You're probably aware of the 18 megapixel APS-C sensor and dual DIGIC 4 processors already, but we've all had to be a bit more patient than usual in waiting for the pro reviews to come out. Dpreview doesn't disappoint though, with a thoughtful 31-page tome awaiting the keen reader, and we've also got more digestible video reviews from DPhoto Journal for the less patient among you. If you're after direct comparisons against competing models, such as the Nikon D300s, you'll find those sprinkled in among the reviews as well, with Cameratown throwing in a direct head-to-head with Canon's own 5D Mark II. The 7D was found to produce "virtually no visible noise" all the way up to ISO 1600, and scored further points for its gorgeous 100 percent frame-covering viewfinder and fast 19-point AF. With a weather-sealed, highly ergonomic body design, ridiculously fast processing and a sensor so good that "in most situations the lens, rather than the camera, is likely to be the limiting factor," the only thing reviewers could criticize was the somewhat uncompetitive pricing, but that's likely to soften with time anyway. Read on... if you dare.

Read - dpreview review
Read - Photography Blog review
Read - Tech Radar review
Read - DPhoto Journal video roundup
Read - Cameratown comparison with 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 7D firmware update cures 'residual image' phenomenon

by Darren Murph posted Nov 6th 2009 at 4:49PM

Say what you will, but Canon's customer service / engineering department definitely looks out for consumers willing to spend just under two large on a new body. Merely days after the outfit made public that a "residual image phenomenon" was negatively impacting EOS 7D images under certain conditions, it has now published a firmware update to wipe all of those woes away. Firmware v1.1.0 specifically "corrects a phenomenon that in images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible." Hit the read link if you're looking to put said phenomenon to bed. Or don't. We don't care.

[Via CNET]

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV lands for a pre-production hands-on

by Donald Melanson posted Oct 30th 2009 at 3:58PM

We've already seen some sample footage from Canon's new professional EOS-1D Mark IV DSLR (and should be seeing plenty more come December), but a pre-production version of the camera has now turned up at the Canon Pro Photo Solutions 09 show in London, and TrustedReviews managed to get an early hands-on with it. As you might expect, the camera definitely seems to impress in person, with the 1.2 kilogram body providing a feeling of "solid reliability and competence," while its ergonomics also apparently represent a more subtle but welcome improvement over previous Canon offerings. Unfortunately, the folks at TrustedReviews weren't able to share any sample shots, but they did get a chance to try out the camera's 45-point autofocus system, which is said to be "extremely fast," and its tracking function reportedly had no trouble focusing even in dark, low contrast situations with a 400mm telephoto lens. Hit up the link below for a few more hands-on shots and impressions.

Canon's EOS 7D experiencing 'residual image' phenomenon, fix is on the way

by Darren Murph posted Oct 27th 2009 at 5:59PM

Canon's $1,900 EOS 7D DSLR just started shipping a month ago to pros and those who'd like to be, and already the thing is causing all sorts of fits when shooting continuously. In a service notice posted today on the outfit's website, we're told that images "captured by continuous shooting and under certain conditions [can exhibit] barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame." The phenomenon isn't apt to be noticeable with optimal exposure, but apparently a number of Photoshoppers have been irked by the additional (and unwelcome) elements added to their shots. Canon assures us that a firmware fix is on the way, and you can bet we'll point you to a download link as soon as it hits.

[Via DPReview]

Canon PowerShot G11 review roundup

by Donald Melanson posted Oct 22nd 2009 at 11:33AM

We had an all too brief hands-on with Canon's PowerShot G11 way back in August, but the first real flood of reviews has only just recently started, and now seemed like as good a time as any to get you caught up on some of them. As you might expect, one of the real stand-out features is that swiveling LCD, which is not only good in and of itself, but "one of the best of its type" according to What Digital Camera. Other reviewers like Wired UK and CNET UK also found that G11 delivered some noticeably better results than the previous G10, with it aided especially by the surprising but welcome shift from the old 14.7-megapixel sensor to a new 10-megapixel one that offers an improved dynamic range and better performance at high ISO settings, among other advantages. On the downside, the camera is somewhat bulky, and PhotographyBlog says it fails to live up to Canon's claims of it being the "ultimate compact," especially when you consider some of the similarly-sized (but admittedly pricier) Micro Four Thirds offerings available.

Read - Wired.co.uk
Read - What Digital Camera
Read - CNET UK
Read - PhotographyBlog

First Canon EOS-1D MKIV footage on display, 5D MKII will join the fun with new 24 / 25 fps firmware next year

by Paul Miller posted Oct 20th 2009 at 2:53PM

Double good news on the Canon front. First off we've got sample footage shot with a brand new Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, which does a good job of showing what the camera can handle under low lighting conditions, as well as serving as a poignant morality tale for skaters, who should never get in cars with strangers. But perhaps even more exciting is word that Canon is developing its own firmware update for the 5D Mark II that will take it into the indie filmmaker-friendly territory of 24 fps and 25 fps -- something that's always been assumed doable since the camera already shoots at 30. Details are scarce, and the firmware won't hit until the "first half of 2010," but if anything it should up the resale value on that 5D of yours while you claw against your credit limit for an EOS-1D Mark IV.

Read - First Canon EOS-1D MKIV movie from Vincent Laforet
Read - Canon EOS 5D Mark II to get 24 and 25fps in a firmware update!

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV announced: 16.1 megapixels, 45-point autofocus, and extreme ISO ranges of its own

by Ross Miller posted Oct 20th 2009 at 12:29AM

Looks like Canon isn't skipping the number "four" after all. While initially unveiling what looked to be a half-complete website with two teaser videos, the company has now gone official with the EOS-1D Mark IV. So what's new to the table? For starter's there's a 16.1 megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor, ISO range of100 to 12,800 native, up to 102,400 (hello, Nikon), 45-point area customizable autofocus with 39 high-precision cross-type focusing points, dual Digic 4 processors, 1080p HD video, and an option WFT-E2 IIA wireless file transmitter for connectivity over 802.11a/b/g and ethernet. Launch date is sometime in December, and body-only price is estimated at about $4,999 but subject to change. Press release after the break.

Update: Care to see what all the fuss is about, or want a better explanation of the new features? Canon's released a pair of first-look videos, found after the break.

Gallery: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV press pics

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Canon EOS-1D Mark IV announced: 16.1 megapixels, 45-point autofocus, and extreme ISO ranges of its own

Canon's EOS 1D Mark V DSLR defying death, launching tomorrow?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 19th 2009 at 4:41PM

As if the consumer electronics world didn't have enough drama to deal with this week, we're now hearing that Canon just might be readying a new pro-level DSLR for a Tuesday launch. The long-awaited successor to the EOS 1D Mark III is reportedly on the way, and considering that the Japanese do everything they possibly can to avoid the number four (it's pronounced the same as the word for death, if you must know), the EOS 1D Mark V is the only plausible candidate. We're hearing whispers that the Nikon D3S rival will boast a 16 megapixel sensor, 1080p movie mode, 19 selectable AF points and an native ISO ceiling of 25,600 (with a boost to 102,400). The pain? Just under five large, though we'd take all of this with a healthy serving of salt until tomorrow ushers itself in.

[Via Electronista]

Read - Philip Bloom
Read - Canon Rumors

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Oct 12th 2009 at 2:37PM

Canon held off about as long as it could, but it finally caved to the pressures of adding a pressure-sensitive screen to one of its Digital ELPHs. The SD980 IS goes down as the first-ever touchscreen PowerShot, offering a better-than-average set of specifications, a few color options, an attractive size and a 720p movie mode that helps to set it apart from some of its VGA-quality contemporaries. We took the cam for a quick spin just to see how Canon's adaptation of the touchscreen felt in real-world use, and we've posted up our impressions -- along with a few sample galleries and a raw 720p video clip -- just beyond the break.

Gallery: Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing

Continue reading Canon PowerShot SD980 IS unboxing and impressions

New SNL title sequence and segments shot using Canon EOS 7D, 5D Mark II

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 2nd 2009 at 12:22PM

Sure, we'd heard of indie flicks and rumors of studio films being shot on Canon's EOS 5D Mark II, but DSLR video just got a big kick into the mainstream: Saturday Night Live's new opening title sequence was shot using an EOS 7D. SNL director of photography Alex Buono saw that Dublin's People short and was so impressed that he switched over -- and what's more, he's even using the 5D and 7D to shoot various segments, like the faux-mercial for "Bladivan" embedded below. That's a big win for this new breed of video cameras -- and while we're stoked to see new tech take over the old, we're also patiently waiting for someone to start a site dedicated to identifying jelly-motion on network television.

[Thanks, Malkmus]

Continue reading New SNL title sequence and segments shot using Canon EOS 7D, 5D Mark II

Production Canon EOS 7D video samples hit the web

by Nilay Patel posted Sep 28th 2009 at 12:12AM

We've already seen some video from a pre-production Canon EOS 7D, but it looks like it's hitting stores now, and this is the first video we've seen from a final retail unit. It's genuinely impressive, especially since filmmaker Dan Chung says most of it was shot at 1600 to 6400 ISO, but it's important to realize that he was also using some seriously expensive lenses, a specialized video viewfinder, a wide-angle mattebox to reduce lens flare, and a separate external microphone for audio. Was that enough responsible skepticism for you? Good, because we also think the 7D looks like it's going to rock, and we can't wait to try one out. Video after the break, along with a shot of Dan's video rig.

[Via Planet5D]

Continue reading Production Canon EOS 7D video samples hit the web

Canon's PowerShot SX20 IS superzoom gets superreviewed

by Vladislav Savov posted Sep 9th 2009 at 10:29PM

You might be forgiven for not spotting the SX20 IS in the maelstrom of announcements Canon hit us with last month, so here's a thorough breakdown of the cam for your delectation. Replacing the year-old SX10, the SX20 IS adds 720p video recording at 30 fps and takes the pixel count up to 12 million. Strangely, it was features from the older model that earned praise, with the reviewers liking the 2.5-inch vari-angle display and UltraSonic Motor, which provided a smooth and silent zooming action. Their major gripe was image noise at ISO 400 and above, though picture quality was considered above average and macro performance was singled out for commendation. Hit the read link for sample snaps and footage plus the enlightening conclusion.

Canon EOS 7D 24p footage tries to make indie filmmakers / chain smokers out of us all

by Paul Miller posted Sep 8th 2009 at 12:22PM

Want a really good excuse to spend $1,700 on a DSLR? Check out the 24fps "Dublin's People" short after the break, shot with one of those fancy new 7D DSLRs from this little company named "Canon" that you may have heard of. The verdict? Filmmaker Philip Bloom loves the new hardware, and says the rolling shutter problems of the 5D Mark II have been slightly reduced (at a cursory glance, anyway). Still, he's hoping Canon also releases a firmware update for existing 30fps-limited 5D Mark II owners -- he owns two.

[Via planet5D]

Continue reading Canon EOS 7D 24p footage tries to make indie filmmakers / chain smokers out of us all

Seven Samurai chipmakers set to take on Intel

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 4th 2009 at 3:58PM

You know, it's been nearly forty years since Intel introduced the first microprocessor, and even at this late date the company comprises a whopping eighty percent of the global market for CPUs. But not so fast! Like an electronics industry remake of The Magnificent Seven (which is, of course, an American remake of The Seven Samurai) NEC and Renesas have teamed up with a stalwart band of companies, including Hitachi, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Panasonic, and Canon, to develop a new CPU that is compatible with Waseda University professor Hironori Kasahara's "innovative energy-saving software." The goal is to create a commercial processor that runs on solar cells, moderates power use according to the amount of data being processed (a current prototype runs on 30% the power of a standard CPU), remains on even when mains power is cut, and, of course, upsets the apple cart over at Intel. Once a standard is adopted and the chip is used in a wide range of electronics, firms will be able to realize massive savings on software development. The new format is expected to to be in place by the end of 2012. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]

Video: Canon EOS 7D gatling gun shooting 8 FPS of awesome

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 4th 2009 at 7:39AM

We'll be back later with more impressions, but we figured you'd like to see Canon's new EOS 7D in a video quickie, live at IFA. It's short, just a minute, but enough time to show off the 7D's built-in digital level, 19-point autofocus, and a naked shutter blasting though 8 frames per second. Now man-up son, and hit that link.

Continue reading Video: Canon EOS 7D gatling gun shooting 8 FPS of awesome