Canon PowerShot S5 IS

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS ($499) is the follow-up to the incredibly popular PowerShot S3, which was introduced in February of last year. The S5 takes an already excellent camera and improves up on it, adding these new features:

• 8 Megapixel CCD (versus 6MP on the S3)
• DIGIC III image processor
• Large LCD display (2.5" vs 2.0")
• Hot shoe for external flash
• Higher top sensitivity (ISO 1600 vs 800)
• In-camera redeye reduction
• Face detection AF
• Ability to record longer movie clips

What hasn't changed since the S3? The S5 IS still has a 12X optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, full manual controls, a rotating LCD display, and a top-notch movie mode. A few things have changed for the worse, though, including the continuous shooting rate and battery life.

The PowerShot S3 (along with its two predecessors) was one of my top picks in the ultra zoom category. Does the new S5 continue the tradition? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The PowerShot S5 IS has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

• The 8.0 effective Megapixel PowerShot S5 camera
• 32MB Secure Digital memory card
• Four AA alkaline batteries
• Neck strap
• USB cable
• A/V output cable
• CD-ROM featuring Canon Digital Camera Solution
• 33 page basic + 201 page advanced + 84 page software manuals (all printed)

Source : www.dcresource.com

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Those of you who have been waiting for the next generation Canon ultra zoom, your wait is over. While it's an evolutionary upgrade, the new PowerShot S5 IS still packs some impressive new features. They include:

PowerShot S5 IS [specs]

• 8.0 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.7-3.5, 12X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 36 - 432 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• Flip-out, rotating 2.5" LCD display (up from 2-inch on the S3)
• Full manual controls; shutter speeds as fast as 1/3200 sec
• Uses DIGIC III image processor, allowing for better photo quality, faster processing times, longer movies, Face Detection autofocus, and in-camera redeye reduction
• Hot shoe for external flash (new!)
• Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with stereo sound until 4GB file size limit is reached (takes about 32 mins); optical zoom can be used during recording; camera can take a full resolution still photo while recording
  
• Supports optional conversion lenses
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Uses four AA batteries; 450 shots per charge using 2500 mAh NiMH rechargeables
• Shipping in early July for $499

Source : www.dcresource.com

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH

The other new Canon camera is the PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH. If you thought the last round of PowerShots had confusing model numbers, get ready for this one. Despite its name, the SD850 is not the replacement to the SD800. Rather, it's the replacement for the SD700 (they couldn't use SD750 since it's already taken -- and who knows what they'll call the follow-up to the SD800!). And in Europe, it's known as the IXUS 950 IS, which doesn't make any more sense, as there's already an IXUS 900 Ti. Who comes up with these things?

Rant over -- here are the specs:

PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH [specs]

* 8.0 effective Megapixel CCD
* F2.8-5-5, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35 - 140 mm
* Optical image stabilization
* Ultra-compact metal body
* 2.5" PureColor LCD display (which impressed me quite a bit on the SD1000) is glare, fingerprint, and scratch resistant
* Point-and-shoot operation
* Same DIGIC III features as the S5 above
* New Creative Light Effect scene mode can "alter the shape of background bright spots - into hearts, stars and the like - when shooting a night scene"
* Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound until 4GB file size limit is reached (takes about 32 mins)
* SD/SDHC memory card support
* Uses proprietary li-ion battery; 230 shots per charge (which is actually a little worse than the SD700)
* Ships in June for $399

Source : www.dcresource.com

Canon EOS-1D Mark II N

The good: Combination of fast drive mode and high resolution; large buffer; highly customizable; saves custom camera setups to media, supports cards greater than 2GB.

The bad: Noise in underexposed image areas; imperfections appear when paired with lower-quality lenses.

The bottom line: In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed.

Source : cnet.nytimes.com/digital-cameras

Canon PowerShot A710 IS Concise

Even in the 'blink and you'll miss it' world of compact digital cameras the budget-priced 6x zoom lensed Canon PowerShot A700 was a short-lived model; announced late February and replaced in August by the camera on test here, the PowerShot A710 IS. Aside from a design facelift and a few feature tweaks the biggest - and most welcome - change is that the new model adds optical image stabilization, something we bemoaned the lack of on the A700. There's also an extra million pixels ( up from 6 to 7MP) and the usual A series mix of manual and automatic features. So let's find out if the A710 IS a worthy successor to the popular A700, starting, as ever, with the headline features.

• 7.1 Megapixels
• 6x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (35-210mm equiv.)
• DIGIC II, iSAPS, 9-Point AiAF, FlexiZone AF/AE
• Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• 2.5” LCD with wide viewing angle and real-image optical viewfinder
• 20 shooting modes

www.dpreview.com

Canon PowerShot A640

The PowerShot A640, launched in August, just before Photokina 06, replaces the popular A620 at the top of Canon's increasingly well-specified 'budget' A series range. The new model gets a bit of a facelift (and a new coat of black paint) as well as a bigger screen, major pixel boost (up from 7MP to 10MP) and a few feature tweaks. Otherwise it offers pretty much everything the A620 did; 4x zoom lens, tilt and swivel LCD, full photographic control and optional converter lenses. And like its predecessor, the A640 was launched with an almost identical twin, the A630, the only major difference being the sensor (8MP as opposed to 10MP). Therefore much of what is said in this review will also be applicable to the A630 (we will be adding A630 IQ results in the new year). The A620 was one of our favorite cameras of the last 12 months, and is a tough act to follow. So is the A640 up to the job? Let's find out, starting with the headline features...

• 10.0 million effective pixels
• 35-140mm (equiv.) 4x zoom lens
• DIGIC II, iSAPS, 9-Point AiAF, FlexiZone AF/AE
• Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• 2.5-inch vari-angle LCD and real-image optical viewfinder
• 21 shooting modes
• 1cm macro mode
• Optional wide and tele converter lenses

www.dpreview.com

Canon SD800 IS Digital ELPH (IXUS 850 IS)

The SD800 IS (IXUS 850 IS), announced just before Photokina 2006 back in September, is a sister model to the popular SD 700 IS (IXUS 800 IS), one of the better ultra compact models launched last year. As well as an extra million pixels or so, the new model has one very welcome new feature; a 28-105mm (equiv.) zoom lens, making it one of the few cameras in this sector of the market with true wideangle capabilities. Other changes include an ISO 1600 option, DIGIC III processor (complete with face detection focus mode) and a better screen. We liked the SD 700 IS a great deal, and on paper the SD 800 IS looks like another winner. So let's find out if it can deliver the goods, starting as ever with the headline specification:

• 7.1 Megapixels and 3.8x zoom
• Wide angle 28mm lens with Optical Image Stabilizer
• DIGIC III with Advanced Noise Reduction and Face Detection AF/AE
• Safety Zoom for extra telephoto reach
• ISO 1600
• High resolution 2.5" LCD
• 17 shooting modes including VGA movies (30 fps) with sound
• Range of optional accessories including Underwater Case

www.dpreview.com

Canon SD900 Digital ELPH (IXUS 900 Ti)

Announced (along with a handful of other PowerShots) just before Photokina in September 2006, the SD900 (we'll call it this throughout the review - see below for EU/Japanese names) sits at the top of Canon's successful ELPH / IXUS range and offers the highest resolution yet; 10 megapixels (on a 1/1.8" CCD). It also features Canon's new DIGIC III processor and another first; a solid titanium body, which as well as adding a touch of class makes for a lighter, more durable camera. Otherwise there's no surprises here; the IXUS formula is one that has served Canon well, and the SD900 is functionally pretty much indistinguishable from its other recent stable mates. So is the SD900 the ultimate ELPH or a megapixel too far dressed up in a snazzy jacket? Let's find out, starting as ever with the headline features:

• Titanium body with Perpetual Curve design and Touch Control Dial
• 10.0 Megapixels and 3x optical zoom
• DIGIC III with Advanced Noise Reduction and Face Detection AF/AE
• Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom for extra telephoto reach
• 2.5” super-high resolution LCD with wide viewing angle
• ISO 1600 for flash-free low light shooting
• 18 shooting modes including XGA movies
• My Category automatic image tagging
• Range of optional accessories including Underwater Camera

www.dpreview.com

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS

Face Detection Technology and optical Image Stabilizer supercharge the stylish Digital IXUS 950 IS

Canon today launches the 8.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 950 IS, an upgrade to the award-winning Digital IXUS 800 IS. Sporting a three-tone metal finish with distinctive curved lines, the Digital IXUS 950 IS comes equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and the DIGIC III image processor. Along with faster processing and advanced Noise Reduction, DIGIC III powers Canon’s Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction for superb people shots.

Other key advancements include ISO 1600 with Auto ISO Shift for improved low light shooting and a 2.5” PureColor LCD screen offering enhanced colour reproduction and scratch-resistance. New creative features include Time Lapse Movie and Creative Light Effect modes.

Features at a glance:

• 8.0 Megapixels
• 4x optical zoom 35-140mm (35mm equivalent) UA lens with optical Image Stabilizer
• Eye-catching design with Touch Control Dial
• DIGIC III with Face Detection AF/AE/FE and
• Noise Reduction Technology
• Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 2.5” high resolution PureColor LCD
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• 18 Shooting modes including Creative Light Effect plus My Colors photo effects
• 30fps VGA Movies and Time Lapse Movie function
• Shortcut button for instant access to favourite functions

“Digital IXUS is where Canon’s optical heritage blends exciting design with the best of our research and development,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “The Digital IXUS 950 IS builds on the success of its award-winning predecessor with new technologies that will appeal to amateurs and advanced photographers alike.”

For detailed please visit www.dpreview.com

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Canon PowerShot S5 IS: Zoom is just the beginning

Canon today announces the launch of the 12x optical zoom, 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot S5 IS. The new compact inherits optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, professional-grade optics and extensive movie functions while introducing a host of new features designed to increase the photographer’s success rate.

Powered by Canon’s DIGIC III image processor, Face Detection Technology improves focus, exposure and flash output for people shots while the new Red-Eye Correction feature effectively solves red-eye problems in captured photos. An increased sensitivity range of ISO 80-1600 complements the optical IS system for extended low light performance.

Other key advancements include a larger, higher resolution 2.5” vari-angle LCD, additional shooting modes and extended video recording. The compact design incorporates a new hot shoe that provides compatibility with selected Canon EX Speedlite external flashes, adding to an accessory list that includes Wide, Tele and Close-up converter lenses.

Features at a glance:

• 12x optical zoom lens with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and UD lens
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• 8.0 Megapixel CCD
• DIGIC III with advanced Noise Reduction technology and Face Detection for stills and movies
• Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 2.5” high-resolution vari-angle LCD
• Long-play VGA movies with stereo sound and Photo in Movie
• 22 shooting modes including full manual control and 0cm Super Macro
• High ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• Compatible with Wide/Tele/Close-up converter lenses and Canon EX Speedlite flashes

Precision Optics

Benefiting from Canon’s 70 year heritage in optics, the 12x optical zoom lens (f/2.7 – f/3.5, 36-432mm) incorporates the same leading technologies used in professional EF lenses:

• Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology suppresses blur when taking stills and minimises image shake when shooting video footage. Canon’s lens-shift type IS allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower with no perceptible increase in image blur.
• An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) delivers rapid, responsive zooming with virtually silent operation, reducing the risk of sound interference on movies and or when shooting wildlife subjects.
• An Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element curbs chromatic aberrations at longer focal lengths to ensure faithful colour reproduction and sharp definition.

Optional Wide and Tele converter lenses extend the focal length from wide 27mm to super-tele 648mm (35mm film equivalent). A Super Macro mode with 0cm shooting distance and optional Close-Up lens 500D (58mm) allow for detailed macro photography. Safety Zoom allows users to extend the camera's zoom range without interpolation affecting image quality - images can be captured at up to 24x zoom with enough resolution for lab-quality postcard (10 x 15cm) prints. Photographers can also enable the Digital Tele-Converter3 feature for added telephoto reach (1.6x or 2.0x) on every shot, without the reduction in aperture typically caused by optical tele-converters.

For detailed please visit www.dpreview.com

Canon Flash Speedlite 220EX

Designed for automatic operation only, the 220EX Flash Unit excels at providing natural-looking balanced flash exposures. When attached to the EOS IX, EOS Elan II/Elan IIe/IIe, or EOS Rebel G, the 220EX incorporates the superior technology of Canon's unique E-TTL evaluative pre-stored flash exposure control system, FE Lock for a new dimension of creative control and FP Flash(High Speed Sync) for flash photography up to maximum shutter speed. When used with other EOS cameras, or the T90, it operates as a TTL autoflash (off-the-film flash metering).

When in E-TTL operation, flash exposure is measured and controlled by the camera in combination with Canon's AIM system. Subject position, ambient light level, evaluative metering and pre-flash data are instantly analyzed, including heavy backlighting or reflections from background windows or mirrors.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Flash Speedlite 430EX

This exciting new addition to the EOS System combines compact size and affordability with an added dose of features and sophistication. Improving on the previous model, Speedlite 420EX, the new 430EX can now be set into manual flash mode (full power~1/64). Flash compensation can be set on the flash unit, and manual control of the flash zoom head is now possible. Improvements in its circuitry make recycle time 40% faster, and since it is compatible with Canon's wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable "slave unit."

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Flash Speedlite 580EX II

Further development of Canon's flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Lens EF 100mm f/2 USM

Despite the large maximum aperture, the lens remains compact. Lens group 5 moves for rear focusing, and sharp, crisp pictures are obtained at all apertures. The background blur is ideal for portraits. The USM autofocuses the lens quickly and quietly.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Lens EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

A highly practical medium telephoto lens with superb delineation and portability. Images are sharp and clear at all apertures. Through computer simulations, the lens has been designed to give beautiful background blur. Since the front lens group does not rotate during focusing special filter effects are not affected.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Lens EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

Retaining the impressive optical performance and large aperture of the original EF 85mm f/1.2L USM, this new medium telephoto lens uses a Ring-type USM, high-speed CPU and optimized algorithms to achieve an autofocus speed approximately 1.8x faster than the original. The high-speed AF and circular aperture create a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is ideal for portraits and weddings. The floating optical system, which includes an aspherical lens element, suppresses aberrations and ensures excellent imaging performance.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Lens EF 50mm f/1.8 II

This is the lightest EF lens of all at a mere 4.6 oz. (130g). Compact and high-performance, standard lens. Its Gaussian optics provide sharp delineation from near to far focusing distances. The color balance is excellent for a standard lens.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Lens EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

Standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture.

Source : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Lens EF 50mm f / 1.2L USM

The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.

Sourece : www.usa.canon.com

Canon Extender EF 2x II

This extender has been re-designed optically and offers excellent performance with compatible EF lenses (same as the Extender EF 1.4x II). Features a new seven-element design, and same weather-resistant design and anti-reflection internal construction as the new EF 1.4x II. The EF 2x II doubles the focal length of any lens it's mounted to, and reduces its effective aperture by two stops. With the EF 2x II, AF is possible with any EOS body if the lens has an f/2.8 or faster maximum aperture, and compatible Image Stabilization lenses maintain the IS feature when used with any current EOS camera.

Source : www.usa.canon.com