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Canon announces 11 megapixel EOS digicam
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, September 24, 2002 - 01:00 EDT)

Canon USA has today formally announced its EOS-1Ds digital camera, which has been much-discussed around the Internet after a press release and specifications were separately leaked and then copied on several websites.

If you have seen the specs already, then you'll want to go straight to our first-look review of the EOS-1Ds for the full scoop. If you haven't, then read on; we'll start with a summary of the differences between the EOS-1Ds and the EOS-1D, since the cameras are very closely related:

Feature
EOS-1Ds
EOS-1D
Body Visually identical, slight weight change
Weight 1265g 1250g
Sensor Type RGBG CMOS RGBG CCD
Sensor Resolution 11.1 megapixel 4.15 megapixel
Sensor Size 35.8 x 23.8mm 28.7 x 19.1mm
Image Dimensions (pixels) 4064 x 2704, 2032 x 1352 2464 x 1648, 1232 x 824
Exposure Metering Coverage
"Partial" metering - 8.5% of viewfinder, at center.
Center Spot - 2.4% of viewfinder at center.
AF point-linked spot - 2.4% of viewfinder
"Partial" metering - 13.5% of viewfinder, at center.
Center Spot - 3.8% of viewfinder at center.
AF point-linked spot - 3.8% of viewfinder
ISO Speed Range
100-1250 in 1/3-stop increments
Can be expanded to ISO 50
200-1600 in 1/3-stop increments
Can be expanded to ISO 100 and 3200
Shutter Speeds
1/8,000 - 30 sec, bulb
X-sync at 1/250
1/16,000 - 30 sec, bulb
X-sync at 1/500
Continuous Shooting Speed 3 frames / second max 8 frames / second max
Maximum Burst During Continuous Shooting 10 shots 21 shots (JPEG), 16 shots (RAW)
Custom Functions
21 Custom Functions, 67 settings
25 Personal Functions (PF13 eliminated, shutter priority release during continuous drive won't override focus-priority)
21 Custom Functions, 67 settings
26 Personal Functions
Cycle Time, Shutter Lag, Buffer Clearing Slightly slower in all modes, but not as much as might be expected, given the huge difference in file sizes -
Rated Battery Life w/ Fully-Charged NP-E3 Battery Pack
  • 20 deg C, ~600 shots
  • 0 deg C, ~450 shots
  • 20 deg C, ~500 shots
  • 0 deg C, ~550 shots
.

The Canon EOS-1Ds is slated to ship in November at a price of US$8,999. It remains to be seen how the market will take to this price in light of the announcement by Kodak yesterday of a 14 megapixel DSLR for $4000. To be sure, the EOS-1Ds and DCS Pro 14n are very different cameras, and functions of the EOS-1Ds such as the faster frame rate, higher flash sync, better viewfinder coverage, higher maximum ISO rating (with no resolution limitation), superior autofocusing system and impressive weather sealing will attract potential buyers. It is also worth considering the fact that Canon's quoted price is a list price; street pricing will likely be lower, and Kodak's own list price is a full $1000 above its predicted street price. At the end of the day, though, based on current suggested pricing, photographers will be faced with a decision - buy one EOS-1Ds, or two DCS Pro 14n bodies for about the same price? The DCS Pro 14n does have its own potential advantages too, such as the higher resolution, ERI JPEG files, dual card slots, and more; image quality is obviously going to be a very, very important factor to photographers trying to make this difficult decision.

Courtesy of Canon, full specifications for the EOS-1Ds follow:

Canon EOS-1Ds
Type
Type Digital AF/AE SLR
Recording medium Type I or II CG card
Image size 35.8 x 23.8 mm (1.4 x 1 in)
Compatible lenses Canon EF lenses
Lens mount Canon EF mount
Imaging Element
Type High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels
Effective pixels: Approx. 11.1 megapixels
Total pixels: Approx. 11.4 megapixels
Aspect ratio 3:2
Color filter system RGB primary color filter
Low-pass filter Located in front of the CMOS sensor, non-removable
Recording System
Recording format Design rule for Camera File system (except Color Matrix 4) and RAW
Image format JPEG, RAW (12bit)
RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording Provided
File size
(1) Large/Fine: approx. 4.1 MB (4064 x 2704 pixels)
(2) Large/Normal: approx. 1.7 MB (4064 x 2704 pixels)
(3) Small/Fine: approx. 1.4 MB (2032 x 1352 pixels)

(4) RAW: approx. 11.4 MB (4064 x 2704 pixels)

* Exact file sizes depend on the subject and ISO speed
Folders Folder creation and selection is possible
File numbering
(1) Consecutive numbering
(2) Auto reset
(3) Manual reset
Processing parameters Standard parameters plus up to three custom processing parameters can be set
Interface IEEE 1394 (with dedicated cable)
White Balance
Settings Auto, daylight, shade, overcast, tungsten light, fluorescent light, flash, custom, color temperature setting, personal white balance (Total 10 settings)
Auto white balance Hybrid auto white balance with the CMOS sensor and a dedicated, external sensor
Personal white balance Up to three personal white balance settings can be registered
Color temperature compensation White balance bracketing: +/- 3 stops in full-stop increments
Color Matrix
Type Two types of color space, sRGB and Adobe RGB. Preferable type is selectable out of four types of color tone in sRBG (Total 5 types)
Viewfinder
Type Glass pentaprism
Coverage Approx. 100 percent vertically and horizontally with respect to the effective pixels
Magnification 0.7x (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint 20 mm
Built-in dioptric correction -3.0 + 1.0 diopter
Focusing screen Interchangeable (9 types), Standard focusing screen: Ec-CIII
Mirror Quick-return half mirror (Transmission:reflection ratio of 37:63, no mirror cut-off with EF 1200mm f/5.6 or shorter lens)
Viewfinder information AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, metering range, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, FP flash, FE lock, flash exposure level), JPEG format, number of remaining shots, CF card information
Depth-of-field preview Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Eyepiece shutter Built-in
Autofocus
Type TTL-AREA-SIR with a CMOS sensor
AF points 45 AF points (Area AF)
AF working range EV 0-18 (at ISO 100)
Focusing modes
One-Shot AF
AI Servo AF
Manual focusing (MF)
AF point selection Automatic selection, manual selection, home position (switch to registered AF point)
Selected AF point display Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on top LCD panel
AF-assist beam AF-assist beam is emitted by the dedicated Speedlite
Exposure Control
Metering modes
TTL full aperture metering with
21- zone SPC
images in a folder, or all images in
(1) Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point)
(2) Partial metering (approx. 8.5% of viewfinder at center)
(3) Spot metering
  • Center spot metering (approx. 2.4% of viewfinder at center)
  • AF point-linked spot metering (approx. 2.4% of viewfinder)
  • Multi-spot metering (Max. 8 spot metering entries)
(4) Centerweighted average metering
Metering range EV 0-20 (at 20ºC with 50mm f/1.4 lens, ISO 100
Exposure control systems program AE (shiftable), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, E-TTL autoflash, manual, flash metered manual
ISO speed range Equivalent to ISO 100-1250 (in 1/3-stop increments). ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 50 with C.Fn 3-1.
Exposure compensation
Auto exposure bracketing (AEB): +/-3 stops in 1/3-stop increments.
Bracketing methods
1. Shutter speed or aperture
2. ISO speed
User-set: +/-3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
AE lock
Auto: Operates in One-Shot AF modem with evaluative metering when focus is achieved.
Manual: By AE lock button in all metering modes
Shutter
Type Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter
Shutter speeds 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments), bulb, X-sync at 1/250 sec.
Shutter release Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay
Remote control Remote control with N3 type contact
Flash
EOS-dedicated Speedlite E-TTL autoflash with EX series Speedlite
PC terminal Provided
Drive System
Drive modes Single/Continuous
Continuous shooting speed Approx. 3 fps
Max. burst during continuous shooting
10 shots
* The maximum shots per burst depends on the subject, shooting mode, and ISO speed.
LCD Monitor
Type TFT color LCD monitor
Monitor size 2.0 inches
Pixels Approx. 120,000
Coverage 100% with respect to the effective pixels
Brightness control Adjustable to one of five levels
Image Playback
Image display format
1. Single image with information,
2. Single image,
3. Four image index,
4. Nine image index,
5. Magnified view (P. Fn-30)
Highlight alert In display formats 1 and 2 above, any overexposed highlight areas will blink in the image display
Image Protection and Erase
Protection Erase protection of one image, all images in a folder, or all images in the CF card can be applied or canceled at one time.
Erase One image, all images in a folder, or all images in the CF card can be erased (except protected images) at one time.
Sound Recording
Recording method The voice narration recorded with the built-in microphone is attached to the image.
File format WAV
Recording time Max. 30 sec. per recording
Menus
Menu categories
1. Recording menu
2. Playback menu
3. Set-up menu
4. Custom/Personal Functions menu
LCD monitor language Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish
Firmware update Update possible by the user
Customizing Function
Custom Functions 21 with 67 settings
Personal Functions 26
Power Source
Battery
One Ni-MH Pack NP-E3
* AC power can be supplied via the AC adapter and DC coupler
Number of shots
At 20ºC/68ºF: Approx. 600
At 0ºC/22ºF: Approx. 450
* The above figures apply when a fully-charged Ni-MH Pack NP-E3 is used.
Battery check Automatic
Power saving Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, or 30 min.
Back-up battery One CR2025 lithium battery
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D) 156 x 157.6 x 79.9 mm / 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in.
Weight 1265 g / 44.6 oz. (body only. battery: 335 g / 11.8 oz.)
Working Conditions
Working temperature range 0 - 45ºC / 32 - 113ºF
Working humidity 85% or lower
.

Source: Canon U.S.A. Inc.

Original Source Press Release:

CANON INTRODUCES THE EOS-1Ds: A DIGITAL SLR CAMERA FEATURING AN 11.1 MEGAPIXEL, FULL-FRAME CMOS SENSOR

Significant Advancements in Picture Quality, Image Processing Speed and Focus and Exposure Confirmation Make the EOS- 1Ds the Ultimate Camera For Studio Photographers

LAKE SUCCESS, NY, September 24, 2002 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is commemorating the 15th anniversary of the EOS system by announcing a digital SLR camera which includes an 11.1 megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor. The new EOS-1Ds, which was unveiled at this year's international Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany, is designed primarily for studio photographers, but useful for a wide variety of professional and advanced amateur photographers. It incorporates a number of advanced features including an exceptionally strong magnesium alloy body, 45-point autofocus, 21-point evaluative metering, simultaneous RAW + JPEG recording, 10-mode White Balance and 5-mode Color Matrix selection. In addition, the new EOS-1Ds is supported by the world's largest selection of autofocus lenses and Canon's sophisticated E-TTL auto flash system, including E-TTL wireless autoflash. It is capable of shooting up to 3 frames per second in 10-frame bursts and is bundled with the latest software utilities for Windows and Mac OS. The EOS-1Ds will begin shipping in November and have a suggested retail price of $8,999.

"The new EOS-1Ds is a direct result of listening to professional photographers who have a need for maximum image quality, along with the features and functions that have made the EOS System cameras the number one choice among SLR photographers worldwide," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "The features of this camera, combined with the largest selection of lenses and accessories of any SLR system in the industry, will provide the ultimate imaging device for pros," concluded Mr. Hashimoto.

Additional camera features include an ISO range of 100-1250 (plus ISO 50 via Custom Function control), high speed IEEE 1394 interface and auto-switching FAT16/FAT32 memory card formatting capability, a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, X-sync speed of 1/250 second, 21 Custom Functions (with 67 settings), 26 Personal Functions, and extended battery life.

11.1 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
When Canon first introduced the EOS D30 in 2000, it proved to the photographic community and the world that a 3.25 megapixel CMOS sensor with superb color, wide dynamic range and exceptionally low noise could be successfully produced and used in a high-performance camera. The sensor technology improved with the introduction of the 6.3 megapixel EOS D60 earlier this year. Today, Canon takes its proprietary CMOS technology even further by eliminating the lens focal length conversion issue with the introduction of a 11.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The new sensor has an imaging area of 24 x 36mm, the same dimensions used by full-frame 35mm SLR cameras. It also offers a maximum resolution of 4064 x 2704, almost double the highest resolution currently available in other digital cameras. And now, every EF-series lens will have the same effective coverage with the EOS-1Ds as it does with EOS-System 35mm film models.

Metering and Exposure Control
Each of the camera's 45 focusing points are linked directly to Canon's exclusive 21-zone Evaluative Metering system. In addition, the metering system also allows photographers to choose from Center-Weighted, Central Partial, Central Spot, Focusing-Point Linked Spot, or Multi-Spot metering. In the Multi-Spot metering mode, the camera can automatically average up to eight different spot meter readings, for precise exposures in even the most difficult lighting conditions.

The EOS-1Ds is compatible with all Canon EF lenses and most EOS System accessories including Canon's line of EX-series Speedlites. Canon's Speedlite system supports unique features such as Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) and E-TTL Wireless Autoflash, which greatly expand the photographer's ability to achieve precise exposure control and sophisticated multiple flash lighting effects.

Construction and Durability
The external covers and chassis of the EOS-1Ds are made of magnesium alloy for a lightweight and highly rigid body. Additionally, the new camera incorporates the same dust and water-resistant measures used in the EOS-1D. And because the camera's drive is a permanent part of the body, fewer seams need to be sealed, making it even more resistant to moisture and other harsh environments. It also uses carbon fiber shutter blades for better durability and other superior materials to reduce wear, improve friction, and improve reliability.

White Balance and Color Temperature Control
The EOS-1Ds is provided with no less than 10 White Balance settings to ensure maximum control over color balance according to the lighting conditions at hand. In addition to the default Auto White Balance mode, there are presets for Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and Flash as well as Custom and Personal settings that enable photographers to obtain a high degree of color temperature matching. In addition, the EOS-1Ds allows manual settings of color temperature in degrees Kelvin, over a range from 2,800 to 10,000K in 100K increments. There is also a built-in White Balance Bracketing function that captures 3 consecutive images at the same exposure while varying the White Balance setting up to +/- 3 steps in 1 step increments, with each step equal to 5 mireds (micro-reciprocal degrees Kelvin).

Color Matrix Function and Custom Image Processing Parameters
In addition to its extensive controls over White Balance, the EOS-1Ds features a Color Matrix function: Five settings provide a choice of two color spaces (standard
sRGB or expanded Adobe RGB 1998) and four variations in color characteristics for sRGB. This feature applies to JPEG as well as RAW images, and allows EOS-1Ds image quality to be matched to the requirements of the subject or output device, ranging from 4-color offset presses to desktop color Bubble Jet printers. Additionally, up to 3 sets of image processing parameters such as custom tone curves, adjustable JPEG compression ratios, and two forms of image sharpening can now be selected in the camera and used with any Color Matrix setting.*

Faster Data Reading Speed and Improved Image Quality
In order to ensure that the EOS-1Ds provides photographers with the speed and responsiveness they need, along with high-quality images, Canon has developed a new, 2-channel image data reading system which essentially doubles the throughput found in previous EOS systems, allowing the combination of 11.1 megapixels and 3 fps shooting speed to work together seamlessly.

The camera's imaging engine is one of the keys to its exceptional quality. The advanced chip assembles and processes image data captured by the sensor to achieve color accuracy and wide tonal range equivalent to digitally scanned images from conventional film-based cameras. And even with twice the resolution of other professional digital cameras, the imaging engine continues to support a 10-frame buffer memory at 3 frames per second in all image quality settings including RAW.

Enlarged Image Playback
The EOS-1Ds now allows photographers to view images taken with the camera at a magnification factor of 25X to verify precise focus and exposure as well as checking for other details such as blurring or facial expressions. Users can scroll around the magnified image simply by pressing the Select button and turning the Quick Control Dial.

*Custom tone curves must be uploaded to the camera via the Firewire interface.

Optional Accessories
With the introduction of a new accessory, the EOS-1Ds becomes the world's first digital SLR that can prove its images are unaltered, original files. Data Verification Kit DVK-E1, consisting of a dedicated IC card and card reader, together with special Windows 2000/XP software is available to verify that EOS-1Ds image files are absolutely unaltered. This may well be a landmark for the use of digital imaging in law enforcement and many other documentary applications.

Bundled Software
The Canon EOS-1Ds driver software offers improved functionality, making it easier than ever to access images and review them or adjust them before they're acquired into your image-editing software. The new File Viewer Utility (compatible with current Windows® and Macintosh ® operating systems**) is also used to process RAW images into 16-bit TIFF files, 8-bit TIFF files or JPEGs. In addition, the File Viewer Utility can be used for a broad range of RAW file adjustments, including image processing parameters (digital exposure compensation, white balance and color matrix settings, custom tone curves, subject pattern sharpness and edge enhancement), as well as detailed IPTC captioning and even the application of up to 26 different Personal Functions to the EOS-1Ds. File Viewer Utility is also compatible with other EOS digital SLRs and Canon PowerShot digital cameras.

Additional bundled software includes an entirely new and improved version of ZoomBrowser EX (version 4.0) for Windows, Adobe Photoshop LE for image editing and Canon's RemoteCapture which allows users to control the EOS-1Ds from a compatible Windows or Macintosh computer. Controllable functions include real-time single frame shooting, self-timer shooting, and interval shooting.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. In 2001, the Company was listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and was ranked #41 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2001, with global revenues of $26 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs approximately 11,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

**An OS X version of File Viewer utility is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2003.

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