Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Canon EOS 40D Reviews
As anticipated Canon has today announced the successor to the hugely popular EOS 30D digital SLR. Enter the EOS 40D, headline improvements are a more robust build with weather-proofing, ten megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC III and 1D style menus, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, three custom user modes on mode dial, 3.0" LCD monitor, Live View with optional mirror-drop auto-focus, larger brighter viewfinder with interchangeable focusing screens, much shorter viewfinder blackout and a quieter mirror mechanism, a all new AF system with all nine points cross-type with F5.6 or faster lens and a new optional combo vertical / WiFi grip.Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 20 August, 2007: Canon today introduces its latest digital SLR for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals: the EOS 40D. With a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.5 frames per second burst performance, a newly developed AF system and 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, the EOS 40D makes significant advances in both performance and versatility.
The camera benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS‑1D Mark III. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved colour rendering and near-instant start-up time. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust, while a strong magnesium alloy body with weather resistance ensures lasting durability.
“The EOS 40D represents an important step in the development of EOS for the advanced amateur market. It incorporates many of the technologies pioneered in our latest EOS-1 series cameras,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “For digital photographers, the benefits of upgrading to the EOS 40D are real and significant. For analogue SLR users, there’s never been a more compelling reason to make the switch.”
Key features
- 10.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPEGs
- New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors
- DIGIC III processor
- 3.0” LCD with Live View mode
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- Clear and bright viewfinder
- Customisable Picture Style processing parameters
Speed and image quality
Canon’s third generation CMOS sensor improves on its predecessor with redesigned pixels that keep noise to a minimum. The EOS 40D maintains high image quality up to ISO 1600, expandable to H:3200 for situations where flash use is not permitted or desired. Highlight Tone Priority mode gives wedding and landscape photographers the option to boost dynamic range for highlights when shooting above ISO 200 – reproducing more tonal detail from wedding dresses, clouds and other light coloured objects.
The DIGIC III processor powers a burst rate of 6.5 fps, working with the image buffer to handle up to 75 Large JPEGs (17 in RAW) without pause. Images are processed at 14-bits for a greatly expanded colour depth, providing smoother gradations and exceptionally accurate colour reproduction.
New cross-type AF system
A key advancement of the EOS 40D is its new 9-point cross-type AF system. All nine AF points can achieve focus on both horizontal and vertical planes. A central AF point is capable of accurate focusing up to aperture f/2.8, with eight outer points working up to f/5.6. In response to requests, the dedicated AF Start (AF-ON) button allows photographers to execute auto focus with their thumb.
LCD with Live View mode
The Live View mode simplifies shooting from awkward angles such as ground-level macro or mounted tripod shots. The 3.0” LCD displays a real-time image in Live View mode, including a selectable grid overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure. The AF-ON button can be configured to flip the camera mirror momentarily and engage auto focusing. For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.
Total control
The EOS 40D is fully customisable to the photographer’s shooting preferences. The mode dial contains space for three sets of user-defined settings, allowing the photographer to switch instantly between several shooting setups. A new My Menu tab provides quick access to frequently used settings, while 24 custom functions allow photographers to fine-tune camera operation and controls. The ability to change the focusing screen – with two additional screens available – adds further versatility.
For easier operation of system accessories, settings for the Speedlite 580EX II and new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3 can be controlled directly from the LCD.
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3
Also launched today is the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3. Built to work with the EOS 40D, the WFT-E3 enables rapid wireless image transfer to remote FTP servers, along with two-way communication through PTP and HTTP. In HTTP mode, remote users can trigger the shutter button or download images from the camera via an internet browser window. PTP mode is used for wireless remote shooting with the EOS 40D and supplied EOS Utility software.
For longer shoots, the WFT-E3 can connect directly to external hard disk drives (HDDs). And if connected to a portable GPS device, the location and time of capture is automatically added to each image as EXIF data. A convenient grip design features a main dial and shutter controls for vertical shooting, while weather resistant seals protect the unit.
Two new EF-S lenses are launched today in conjunction with the EOS 40D
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – a high quality, affordable standard zoom lens incorporating a 4-stop Image Stabilizer
- EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS – a versatile telephoto zoom offering the longest focal range in the EF-S range to date as well as a 4-stop Image Stabilizer
Software
- The EOS 40D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite to streamline the photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control.
- DPP integrates with cameras features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. Users can now also create their own custom Picture Styles with the supplied Picture Style Editor software. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, ImageBrowser/ZoomBrowser and PhotoStitch.
Canon EOS 40D specifications
| List price (body only) | • US: $ 1,299 • EU: € 1,299 |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor * | • 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS sensor • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) • 10.5 million total pixels • 10.1 million effective pixels • 5.7 µm pixel pitch • 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Image processor * | DIGIC III |
| A/D conversion * | 14 bit |
| Image sizes * | • 3888 x 2592 (L; 10.1 MP) • 2816 x 1880 (M; 5.3 MP) • 1936 x 1288 (S; 2.5 MP) |
| File formats | • RAW (.CR2; 14-bit *) |
| File sizes (approx.) * | • JPEG L/Fine: 3.5 MB • JPEG M/Fine: 2.1 MB • JPEG S/Fine: 1.2 MB • RAW: 12.4 MB • sRAW: 7.1 MB |
| Lenses | • Canon EF / EF-S lens mount • 1.6x field of view crop |
| Dust reduction * | • "EOS Integrated Cleaning System" • Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown - can be disabled) • Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software |
| Auto focus | • 9-point TTL CMOS sensor • All points cross-type for lenses of F5.6 or faster * • Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster * • AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100) |
| Focus modes | • One shot AF • AI Servo AF • AI Focus AF • Manual focus |
| AF point selection | • Auto • Manual |
| AF assist | • Stroboscopic flash • 4.0 m range (at center) |
| Metering | • TTL 35 zone SPC • Metering range: EV 0.0 - 20 EV * |
| Metering modes | • Evaluative 35 zone |
| AE lock | • Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering • Manual: AE lock button |
| Exposure compensation | • +/-2.0 EV • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
| Exposure bracketing | • +/- 2.0 EV • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
| Sensitivity | • Auto ISO (see below) * |
| Auto ISO * | • P, Av, A-Dep: ISO 400 - 800 (will drop to ISO 100 to avoid over-exposure) • Tv: ISO 400 (will use 100 - 800 if required) • M: ISO 400 • Scene modes (apart from Sport and Portrait): ISO 100 - 800 • Sport scene mode: ISO 400 - 800 • Portrait scene mode: ISO 100 • With flash (all modes): ISO 400 |
| Shutter | • Focal-plane shutter • 100,000 exposure durability • 30 - 1/8000 sec • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb |
| Aperture values | • F1.0 - F91 • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Actual aperture range depends on lens used |
| Noise reduction | • Long exposure (1 sec or longer) • Optional for High ISO (default Off) |
| White balance | • Auto • Daylight • Shade • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Flash • Custom • Kelvin (2500 * - 10000 K in 100 K steps) |
| WB bracketing | • +/-3 levels • 3 images • Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias |
| WB shift | • Blue (-9) To Amber (+9) • Magenta (-9) to Green (+9) |
| Picture style | • Standard • Portrait • Landscape • Neutral • Faithful • Monochrome • User def. 1 • User def. 2 • User def. 3 |
| Custom image parameters | • Sharpness: 0 to 7 • Contrast: -4 to +4 • Saturation: -4 to +4 • Color tone: -4 to +4 • B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G • B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G |
| Color space | • sRGB • Adobe RGB |
| Viewfinder | • Eye-level pentaprism • 95% frame coverage • Magnification: 0.95x * (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity) • Eyepoint: 22 mm * • Interchangeable focusing screen Ef-A standard (2 other types optional) * • Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter |
| Focusing screens (optional) | • Ef-A (Standard Precision Matte - included) • Ef-D (Precision Matte with grid) • Ef-S (Super Precision Matte for easier manual focus) |
| Mirror | • Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 40:60) • Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures) |
| Viewfinder info | • AF points • Focus confirmation light • ISO sensitivity * • Shutter speed • Aperture • Manual exposure • AE Lock • Exposure compensation amount • AEB level • Spot metering area • Flash ready • Red-eye reduction lamp on • High-speed sync • FE Lock • Flash compensation amount • ISO speed (while changing) • WB correction (while changing) • B&W mode icon * • Warnings • Maximum burst for continuous shooting • Buffer space |
| LCD monitor * | • 3.0 " TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels • 7 brightness levels |
| LCD Live view * | • Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor |
| Record review | • Off • On (histogram via INFO button) • Display mode same as last used Play mode • 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold |
| Playback modes * | 1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot |
| Playback features | • Optional blinking highlight alert * • Optional AF point display * • Magnified view (up to 10x) • 2x2 * or 3x3 thumbnail index • Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images / by screen or date) • Delete / Protect |
| Flash | • Auto pop-up E-TTL II auto flash • FOV coverage up to 17 mm (27 mm equiv.) • Guide number approx 13 m / 43 ft (ISO 100) • Cycle time approx. 3 sec • Flash compensation +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • X-Sync: 1/250 sec |
| External flash | • E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites • In-camera flash configuration (currently only 580 EX II) * • Wireless multi-flash support • PC Sync |
| Shooting modes | • Auto |
| Drive modes | • Single |
| Burst buffer * | • Large/Fine JPEG: 75 frames • RAW: 17 frames • RAW+JPEG: 14 frames |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Auto rotation * | • On (recorded and LCD display) • On (recorded only) • Off |
| Custom functions * | 24 custom functions in 4 groups |
| Menu languages * | • English |
| Firmware | User upgradable |
| Portrait grip | • Optional WFT-E3/E3A * • Optional BP-E2N battery grip * • Optional BP-E2 battery grip |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
| Storage | • Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32) • Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original Image Data") • No CF card supplied |
| Power | • Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery (supplied & charger) • Supports BP-511 / BP-511A / BP-512 / BP-514 • CR2016 Lithium battery (date/time backup) • Optional AC adapter |
| Wireless connectivity * (optional WFT-E3/E3A) | • Mounts on base of camera and also acts as vertical grip • Has its own BP-511A battery • Wireless 802.11b / 802.11g • Wireless security: WEP, TKIP/AES, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK • Wireless methods: Infrastructure or Ad Hoc • Wired ethernet (100 Base-TX) • Transfer: FTP, PTP (remote control by computer), HTTP (view / remote fire) • USB host capable: External hard drives, flash drives • USB comms: GPS devices (records coordinates and altitude in image header) |
| Dimensions * | 146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in) |
| Weight * | • No battery: 740 g (1.6 lb) • With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb) |
* New or changed compared to the EOS 30D
Technologies Explained
CMOS
Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.
Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signals to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.
- Reduce – Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
- Repel – Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
- Remove – A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.
Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.
Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style pre-sets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.
The six presets include:
- Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing
- Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
- Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines
- Neutral – ideal for post-processing
- Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
- Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green)
The User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up to three customized pre-sets, or any of the pre-sets available for download from Canon’s web site at www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/. Additionally, users can create their own custom Picture Style pre-sets using the supplied Picture Style Editor software.
Software
Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and the immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and colour tone. Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space. Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces.
ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a combination and applied.
Improvements in the latest version of Digital Photo Professional include three times faster image previews, an enhanced Noise Reduction tool and simultaneous batch processing of TIFF and JPEG images.
EOS Utility
The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for remote shooting control, camera configuration, remote Live View support and configuration of the new Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3 accessories. EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system – ideal for Wi-Fi transfers, or for commercial and studio photographers who want to shoot direct to a computer.
Source : http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082010canoneos40d.aspFriday, August 24, 2007
Cool Vegetable Alien Painting by Till Nowak
An amazing work of art done by Till Nowak by using 3Ds Max to create an alien portrait out of 12 different types of vegetables. Take a closer look and see if you find all the 12 vegetables..
>> See more photos here
Sunday, August 5, 2007
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