SAN FRANCISCO – Much of your digital camera, including its sensor, LCD screen, lens, buffer, and autofocus, is controlled by microprocessors running firmware. Firmware is essentially the operating system of a digital camera, whether it’s a point-and-shoot or a DSLR. And just as a trip to Software Update can give you downloads that fix OS or software glitches and add functionality, some camera manufacturers polish the user experience after a camera has been released with firmware updates.

Firmware updates are not always necessary. If you find an update for your camera, but it doesn’t have any bug fixes and the added features don’t apply to you (such as a new language you don’t speak), you may want to skip the upgrade altogether. But more often these updates fix bugs or add cool new features and improvements. For example, the latest Sony NEX 5 firmware update makes major updates to the user interface, allows the softkey function to be customized for quick settings access in creative exposure modes, gives the camera 3D Sweep Panorama abilities, and adds autofocus support for fourteen Sony SSM and SAM lenses.
Step 1: Set an update schedule
It is a good practice to check for updates right after buying a new camera, and then check again three or four times a year. Unfortunately, camera manufacturers don’t usually put resources into developing firmware for older models, so once your camera is two generations old you can check less frequently. But don’t give up completely–the Canon Rebel XS, a 2008 beginner’s DSLR model that has seen 7 Canon DLSR brothers released since, received a firmware update as recently as October 2010.
Though many point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras allow firmware updates, not all cameras display the current version in the same place. Generally, the information is buried in the settings menu, the last option among the date setting and LCD brightness. Instructions for finding the firmware version number for individual camera models can be found in the manufacturer’s update instructions.

Step 3: Find the firmware page for your camera
Once you have this information, the next step is to check the camera manufacturer’s support and downloads site. Browse or do a keyword search for the camera model, and the download links and install instructions should be simple to find. To help you find the latest firmware versions for your model, we’ve compiled a list of the download pages for 12 major camera brands. Firmware updates are sometimes located in Drivers, Downloads, or Software sections.

Canon
Nikon

Olympus(Download the Olympus Digital Camera Updater application)

Sony

Panasonic (Or go to this one-page index of Panasonic firmware updates)
Kodak

Pentax

Casio

FujiFilm

Samsung

Leica
Sigma

Step 4: Read directions and take precautions
It is extremely important to read the exact update directions for your camera carefully, as the process varies from camera to camera, is usually permanent, and if something goes wrong it cannot be easily fixed. This shouldn’t discourage camera owners from updating their cameras, as the process is safe when directions are followed to the letter.

To ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible there are a couple common safety measures you can take: Always make sure to have fresh batteries in the camera and do not turn it off during the update–if this power-hungry process is interrupted, the dead batteries could equal a dead camera that will need to be serviced. And make sure you use the recommended equipment such as specific memory cards or particular brands of USB cords.

Step 5: Install the firmware
Some manufacturers make the firmware update process really simple. For example, Olympus owners can download the Olympus Digital Camera Updater application, which will automatically check a connected camera for outdated firmware and walk the user step-by-step through the update.

For most brands, however, you have to do a bit more work. The exact process varies depending on your camera brand and model, and each manufacturer provides detailed instructions on their site explaining exactly what to do when you locate an update for your camera.

The typical update process goes something like this: A compressed file or installation application that contains the firmware update (or updates, if it comes in two parts) specific to your camera is download to your computer. After downloading, the firmware can be dropped onto the top level of a blank, freshly formatted memory card. Next, eject the card from card reader, insert it into the camera, and follow the directions for initiating the update from the camera’s menu.

With some brands the camera can be plugged in with a USB cord and the firmware updated directly from your computer. The camera companies that provide an updater application use this method.

If you are not comfortable updating your own firmware, or if something goes wrong during the update process, take the camera to an authorized dealer or contact customer service for your brand.

By Tim Moynihan
February 10, 2010

In addition to the EOS Rebel T2i DSLR announced recently, Canon expanded its 2010 PowerShot camera line with four new point-and-shoot models. The new PowerShots include replacements for the company’s popular 2009 cameras, a pocketable high-zoom follow-up to the PowerShot SX200 IS, and a new touchscreen camera.

Three of the four new cameras also feature a nifty “miniature mode,” which mimics the effect of a tilt-shift lens to make full-size objects look like scale models. There’s a similar in-camera setting in Olympus’s Pen E-P2 and Pen E-PL1 Micro Four-Thirds cameras, but these are the first fixed-lens point-and-shoot cameras I’ve seen with the virtual tilt-shift effect. Canon’s new feature also allows the shooter to choose a horizontal plane of focus when shooting in miniature mode.

Also new is a feature that fires the shutter as soon as a subject in the frame winks, a creative alternative to a self-timer shot that lets the shooter control the camera remotely. All the new PowerShot cameras are compatible with SDXC cards as well as SD/SDHC cards, and the PowerShot SX210 IS and PowerShot SD3500 IS can also handle Eye-Fi cards.

PowerShot SX210 IS: compact 14x optical zoom camera

The most powerful new point-and-shoot camera in Canon’s stable is the 14-megapixel PowerShot SX210 IS, a successor to last year’s top-notch 12x-optical-zoom SX200 IS.

The SX210 IS bumps the optics up to a 14x zoom range (28mm to 392mm) and adds a dedicated video button with stereo audio recording, as well as the ability to zoom optically while shooting video (720p .MOV files recorded at 30fps).

The new pocket megazoom offers the new miniature mode, a fish-eye-lens simulator, and wink- and smile-detection for remote shutter release. Carryover features include a pop-up flash, optical image stabilization, a three-inch LCD screen (it serves as the camera’s only viewfinder), and HDMI-out.

PowerShot SD1400 IS: feature-rich fashion camera

The PowerShot SD1400 IS replaces the good-looking PowerShot SD780 IS, offering the same compact, stylish frame while ratcheting up the specs quite a bit. The 14-megapixel SD1400 IS serves up a 4x optical zoom wide-angle lens (28mm to 112mm) with optical image stabilization, miniature mode, fish-eye mode, wink- and smile-detection, a 2.7-inch LCD, and 720p high-definition video recording.

PowerShot SD3500 IS: Canon’s second touchscreen camera

The 14-megapixel PowerShot SD3500 is operated via its 3.5-inch touchscreen, which takes up practically the entirety of the camera’s backside. The company has revamped its touchscreen UI since the release of last year’s PowerShot SD980 IS, adding the ability to customize the on-screen controls by simply dragging-and-dropping icons to different parts of the screen.

The PowerShot SD3500 IS boasts an ultra-wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens (24mm to 120mm) with optical image stabilization, 720p high-definition video recording, and the new miniature mode, fish-eye, and wink/smile detection features.

PowerShot SD1300 IS: wide-angle snapshooter

Rounding out the day’s announcements is the PowerShot SD1300 IS, which replaces Canon’s popular SD1200 IS. The SD1300 IS doesn’t offer the new miniature, fish-eye, or wink/smile detection modes, and it also maxes out at standard-definition video capture (640×480 AVI clips at 30fps).

You get a 12-megapixel sensor, a 4x optical zoom wide-angle lens (28mm-112mm), a 2.7-inch LCD, and your pick of five colors (silver, green, brown, blue, or pink).

February 9, 2010

Canon EOS Rebel T2i
www.canon.com

As the new flagship in Canon’s Digital Rebel line, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i complements the Canon EOS Rebel XS and the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. The existing Canon Rebel XSi will be retired to make room for the new model, which has a variety of new features that will appeal to photo enthusiasts already using a digital SLR, and to those looking to move from a point-and-shoot digicam to a more advanced model that will enable greater creativity.

What’s notable here is that Canon has taken features from its recent Canon EOS 7D and brought those features downstream to a model half that price. The Rebel T2i uses the same 18 megapixel sensor as the 7D, but its channel reader is lower (four-channel for T2i, versus eight for 7D). Both models use the Digic 4 engine, and both have a 63 zone, dual-layer metering system. However, the T2i makes some concessions-it can shoot at 3.7 frames per second, with a burst rate of 34 large fine jpegs, and 6 RAW images; and it has a 9-point autofocus system that’s on a par with the T1i (the 7D, by contrast, has 19 focus points).

ISO handling is similar to the 7D: It supports ISO 100-6400, and you can expand that to 12,800 in the settings.

The T2i comes in a similarly designed, fairly compact chassis, much like the T1i in weight and size. The T2i uses a new, slightly smaller but more efficient battery to handle movie mode and improve battery life over the T1i. Canon says the battery should last for 550 shots, 50 more than on the T1i.

Video has very quickly become a must-have feature on the SLR circuit. And one of the other big improvements here is to video handling: Video resolution has been amped up to be more l like the 7D, with up to 1080p at 24, 25, and 30fps (you can capture up to 12 minutes at a time at 1080p, 24 minutes in standard definition). You also get manual exposure capability in video, and there’s a jack for an external microphone-handy for amplifying audio during your recordings. A new movie crop mode uses central portion of the sensor, and magnifies view seven times if you’re capturing video in standard definition. Also new: a dedicated movie/live view on/off switch, as found on the 7D.

The T2i supports SDHC and SDXC memory card formats, for up to 64GB of storage per card. It’s the first SLR with SDXC support; Canon was first to announce an SDXC-capable camcorder, the HF S21, in January as well (that model will ship in April, just after the T2i’s expected late-March availability).

One other new and interesting development is HDMI-CEC support. By supporting this HDMI feature, Canon underscores its expectation that consumers will attach the camera to an HDTV to view images directly from a card. HDMI-CEC lets an HDTV remote control the camera’s playback features.

At $899 (in a kit with an 18-55mm IS EF-S lens; $799 body only), the T2i carries an attractive price that positions this model well against the competition-and opens up new avenues to creativity for SLR shooters.

October 29.2009

Innovation is critical in a technology-driven era. Today, standing above available print peripherals are the latest offerings under Canon‘s flagship Pixma brand: three All-in-One (AiO) printers with Wi-Fi, specifically the Pixma MP568, MP648, and MP996, joined by the Pixma iP4760 dedicated photo printer and the Pixma MX328, an affordable multi-function printer with fax capability.

Canon Pixma MP568

Do it all with the Pixma MP568, MP648 & MP996 with Wi-Fi capability
Integrating print, copy and scan functionality in a compact and efficient package, the three Wi-Fi capable Pixma AiO printers give an impressive 9600x2400dpi print quality and high resolution scan at 2400x4800dpi. Speed is also not an issue, churning out a borderless 4×6-inch photo in as fast as 20 seconds and monochrome prints in as brisk as 11.9 images per minute (ipm). Designed to empower every user, the new Pixma AiO printers can accommodate convenient Wi-Fi connection, optional Bluetooth, infrared, and direct printing from cameras, memory cards, and USB flash storage devices.

From its exterior, Pixma printers are easy to operate. The Easy Scroll Wheel makes exploring the printer a cinch since controls are intuitively laid out, and the large LCD screens allow for excellent viewing. Advanced Media Handling includes auto duplex printing, two-way paper feeding, and DVD/CD label printing which is available on all the new Pixma AiO models. Apart from these, new user friendly photo and web printing software are two of the original and thoughtful solutions that Canon has created for every modern user.

Perfect for the contemporary home, the new PIXMA MP568 Wi-Fi All-In-One Printer is now the most affordable Wi-Fi & Photo Multifunction printer in the market at a retail price of P8,995. This little powerhouse offers incredible performance and versatility, with high-end features such individual color ink tanks, two-inch LCD screen with Easy-Scroll Wheel that puts settings and controls at one’s fingertips, and memory card slot for direct printing from and scanning to memory cards.

Canon Pixma MP648

For the home-office or corporate user, the PIXMA MP648 (P12,995) is a workhorse that lets you share text printing and scanning duties between multiple PCs (using Wi-Fi connectivity or through wired LAN) This is a compact multi-tasking printer that also delivers high-quality printing at 9600×2400 (max.) dpi producing borderless 4×6-inch photos in as fast as 20 seconds; and high-quality scans at up-to 4800x9600dpi. The printer also features advanced media handling (auto duplex printing, two-way paper feeding and DVD/CD label printing). With the use of the Easy-Scroll Wheel and the large three-inch LCD screen, it is easy to navigate and choose whether to scan, print or copy.

The photo enthusiasts on the other hand, will love the new premium Wi-Fi photo AiO, the Pixma MP996 (P20,495), it features a six-ink system that uses dedicated grey ink to produce professional monochrome color photos with reduced graininess and stable, neutral gray tones. Monochrome printing has never been so innovative, with warm and cool tone printing options to compliment the monochrome printing capabilities With the highest resolution in the market of 9600dpi and a one picolitre ink droplet, the most discerning photographer is assured of the most accurate and beautiful print outs.

Canon Pixma MP996

Its scan component is similarly outstanding at 4800x9600dpi. The MP996′s CCD scanner utilizes a white LED lamp that is highly energy-efficient, and delivers near-instant warm-up. It is also equipped with film scanning capabilities (negatives or slides). Putting all this functionality at one’s fingertips is a large 3.8-inch LCD screen for better viewing experience and a user-friendly control panel with Easy-Scroll Wheel navigation interface.

The MP996 also offers the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity that allows multiple computers in the home or office to share the same printer without cumbersome cabling. Setting up the MP996 in a wireless network is easy via manual settings, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) – requires wireless router supporting WPS; or Windows Connect Now (WCN) – requires USB flash memory and PC with Windows Vista.

Affordable fax & lab-quality prints with the Pixma MX328 & the Pixma iP4760

Canon Pixma iP4760

For the particular print-a-holic, the new A4 dedicated photo-printer, the Pixma iP4760 (P6,995) is a model to look out for.  Print resolution is on par with high-end printers, at an ultra-sharp, virtually grain-free up to 9600x2400dpi (min. 1 pl ink droplets), and this printer can print a borderless 4×6-inch photo print in 20 seconds, achieving approximately 9.2ipm and 8.1ipm for monochrome and color A4 sized document prints respectively. Where AiO printers offer unmatched versatility, the iP4760 is a single-function system honed to perfection. It even comes complete with Canon’s full Advanced Media Handling capabilities featuring Auto Duplex Printing, 2-Way Paper Feeding as well as direct printing on to CD/DVDs for that extra personalized touch.

Canon Pixma MX328

On the other hand, the most affordable fax multi-function printer, the Pixma MX328 (P6,795), supports the Super G3 standard for high-speed fax transmission which is ideal for the home-office. Stand alone use with the Pixma MX328 is facilitated by an easy-to-read, full dot matrix LCD. Digital cameras can be easily connected directly via the front PictBridge port.  Is also includes Canon’s MP Navigator EX software to manage scanned images and documents, with simple conversion to PDF, including page re-ordering, PDF password security, word search function and over 15 language OCR.

These features place the affordable yet value-driven Pixma printers in a league entirely their own.

With prices that range from P6,000 to P21,000, the newest Canon Pixma printers contain intuitive photo and web printing software for best results. Included in its impressive array of exceptional attributes are simplified scanning with Auto Scan Mode, total web printing solution called Easy-WebPrint EX, and intelligent photo correction via Auto Photo Fix II.

Additional New Features/Software
Canon has also introduced additional features that make the most important, common tasks so easy and its advanced technologies so accessible to all users:

Auto Scan Mode spares the user from complicated settings, by automatically detecting the document type of the original and employing the appropriate settings with just one click of the Scan button.

Template Print function makes it very easy to create various templates and personal stationery for a wide range of uses. New and more useful templates have been added, such as Monthly and Weekly schedules, and Handwriting paper.

Easy-WebPrint Ex is the total Web printing solution, allowing users to select portions of web pages for printing, or clip information from multiple web pages and assembling them with user comments, optimizing paper use in the process.

Auto Photo Fix II transforms even poorly exposed images to stunning photos via intelligent multi-zone correction, for instance by automatically brightening underexposed areas of an image without washing out the brighter areas

Caring for the Environment
Canon products are manufactured to the highest environmental standards that include Energy Star certification for energy efficiency and compliance with the EU’s RoHS which relates to hazardous materials. Recycled plastic is used extensively to conserve the environment, and the latest printers launched this year will conserve even more packaging materials with a more compact packaging presentation relative to last year’s models. In daily use, the Quick Start feature on Canon’s printers conserves electricity, while Auto Duplex printing and the ability to print multiple pages on a single sheet reduce paper use significantly. At every stage from factory to home or office, Canon’s photo printers are designed to have minimal impact on the environment.

Matching consumer demands and delights, the new Canon PIXMA printers not only complement basic tasks. They can also be integrated with the fast-paced, digital-dependent lifestyle of today, hence making it truly a fully-loaded printer.

October 2, 2009

Budget Cam with Good Mainstream Features
By Luis Anthony G. Oliveros
Published in the August 2009 print edition of PC World Philippines

Canon PowerShot A480
P9,450
www.canon.com.ph

Released during the first quarter of this year as an update to the PowerShot A470, the Canon PowerShot A480 is definitely for those who want good quality photos from their digital cameras at an affordable price but can do without having to tweak the camera settings for every shot. Frankly, it’s not really the prettiest kid in the playground with its boxy exteriors but it does carry the stylish toy camera vibe with a choice of metallic blue, black, silver and red variants and complemented by pale silver trimmings. With its 92.1x62x31.1mm profile tipping the scale at just 140g, this point-and-shooter has an excellent build quality and is compact enough for packing in most pockets and bags and it feels solidly comfortable in your hand during use. It even slaps in a subtly raised metallic sheet to its left side panel to offer a better grip.

The power button and the shutter are naturally located on top of the unit while a battery compartment (for two AA batteries) is at the bottom along with the memory card slot. The controls at the back have been kept to a minimum with a zoom rocker, a playback button, the Mode and Menu buttons and a five-way D-pad. This button layout is pretty basic and simple, offering an intuitive usage even for newbies. The D-pad is essentially for navigating through the camera’s unfussy graphic user interface, giving you access to the cam’s features, functions and settings. Next to these is the 2.5-inch LCD display which doesn’t pack in a lot in terms of screen resolution, with a pixel count of just 115,000 dots with the resulting images appearing a tad bit grainy at the very least. Despite this, it has considerably good horizontal viewing angles though we find it a challenge to view outdoors on a bright day.

Typically found in point-and-shooters and compact cameras, the A480 has the standard Auto shooting mode accompanied by 12 preset scene modes to choose from and includes the usual array of options such as Portrait, Night Snapshot and Indoor among others. However, if you’re feeling a little bold and you think the settings could use a little tweaking, you can always switch to the Program shooting mode. This mode gives you free reign over your still photos, allowing you to make adjustments to the ISO (which ranges from 80 to 1600), white balance (with six preconfigured ratings) and color effects, among others.

This cam features a quick start up where you’re good to go roughly a second after hitting the power button. During usage, we noticed a gap between shots when we enabled the Continuous Shooting mode in bright environments while a slower four-second idle time were spent between shots recharging the built-in flash when we enabled it. Also worth mentioning is the lack of any form of image stabilization or even a decent mode for capturing action shots, so if you want to capture photos or videos of the latest live sporting events, you may want to check out other digital camera models lest you risk capturing a generally healthy amount of motion blurred images.

The A480 has a maximum resolution of 10 megapixels and is accompanied by a 3.3x optical zoom, which is a distinct upgrade its previous seven-megapixel predecessor, the A470. It yielded considerably good quality photos in JPEG during our tests. Indoor shots produced bright images with good clarity and colors that pop. The blacks, however, looked a little pale than they ought to be. For outdoor pictures, on the other hand, we noticed a subtle deficiency in terms of sharpness with some of the brightly lit areas of the shot looking too soft and exhibiting some amount of noise. Some of the colors, particularly cool ones like blue and green, also looked bland but modifying the settings further remedies this.

Aside from taking still shots, the A480 does an OK job with videos which it churns out in the AVI format at 30fps. But again, without image stabilization, we got a handful of jitters and sudden movements like quick pans and tilts resulted in somewhat blurry scenes when we took it for a test run. This shouldn’t be an issue if you plan to just set it up to continuously shoot from a single angle with a tripod sturdily propping it up, but it’s trial and error if you’re doing the cam-in-hand route. The integrated mic proved to be sensitive enough to pick up sounds, albeit with a tinny quality, even from eight feet away.

To sum it up, the Canon PowerShot A480 is a straightforward entry-level point-and-shooter, with a nice balance of mainstream features that produces good quality photos and decent videos at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s an excellent starting point for first-time digital camera users like students who want to jumpstart photography as a hobby.

Canon Marketing Philippines unveiled seven new cutting-edge digital cameras in the recently concluded event dubbed “Canon Future Nation.” Here, the company treated key press and business partners to showcase their latest offerings: the prosumer PowerShot G11 and S90, the telephoto PowerShot SX20 IS and SX120 IS, the slim and stylish Digital IXUS 120 IS and 200 IS, and the much-anticipated EOS 7D DSLR.

This new lineup of Canon digital compact cameras incorporate the improved Smart AUTO Mode with Scene Detection Technology. This handy feature enables Canon cameras to analyze shooting situations-type of subject, color information, movement and focusing distance-and to automatically select the optimal settings to give users the best shots every time. With Smart AUTO, users are freed from the effort of switching from Macro to Portrait, Night Snapshot to Slow Shutter, and 18 other specially defined settings that are designed to give users the confidence to shoot creatively, knowing that the camera has all the technical details covered.

Moreover, Canon is to date the only manufacturer to feature Servo AF/AE, which enables the camera to continuously adjust focus and exposure even after the shutter button has been pressed halfway.

Canon PowerShot G11: The next best thing to your DSLR

Powershot G11, the latest addition to the PowerShot G-series, comprises of a 10.0-megapixel high-sensitivity CCD sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor for greatly reduced noise and expanded dynamic range. This allows users to capture exquisite photos with minimal noise and optimal exposure even in scenes with little light or high contrast in brightness levels, both difficult shooting environments for conventional digital cameras. It is also capable of macro shots as close as 1cm. Servo AF/AE ensures subjects are in focus and optimally exposed, with ISO going up to 3200. New Low Light with ISO of 12800 and Quick Shot modes have been added for greater convenience. Like the globally successful G10, PowerShot G11 features a wide-angle 28 mm optical zoom lens, diverse manual recording functions, RAW image recording capability, and compatibility with EOS Speedlite and DPP software. The PowerShot G11 also incorporates new advents such as the much demanded 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD screen, which allows photographers to snap pictures from a much greater range of positions.

Canon PowerShot S90: The most advanced features in an ultra-sleek body

PowerShot S90 combines high performance and multi-functionality in a compact body. Like the PowerShot G11, the S90 realizes crisp, clear photos with the Dual Anti-Noise System. It features a wide angle 28 mm bright f/2.0 lens and large 3.0-inch Clear Live LCD II monitor in addition to a variety of manual shooting features. It is equipped with the new 10 megapixel high-sensitivity low-noise CCD, matched with 3.8x optical zoom lens (f2.0, 28-105mm) with OIS, capable of recording images up to ISO 3200. A control ring located on the lens barrel can be rotated to quickly adjust user defined parameters such as focus, shutter speed, ISO and white balance.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS: Zoom in on perfection

PowerShot SX20 IS features a high-speed, low-noise, stabilized 20x optical zoom lens, 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor, and 2.5-inch Vari-Angle LCD screen. The ultimate in versatility, the PowerShot SX20 IS can capture extreme close-ups with its 0cm macro capability. This model also supports High Definition (1280X720, 30fps) recording in high-end stereo sound, which can be played conveniently and without loss of quality via the camera’s HDMI connector.

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS: Capture everything in sight

PowerShot SX120 IS, features a 10 megapixel CCD with sensitivity of up to ISO1600, stabilised lens offering 10x optical zoom, and a built-in flash to ensure capture of sharp images in a wide range of situations. SX120 IS also has an Easy mode where only the shutter and zoom control lever are operational, offering worry-free use for beginners and anyone else seeking to shoot effortlessly. The model also incorporates a variety of shooting modes to appeal to a wide range of users, including a manual mode that can be used to finely adjust shooting parameters.

Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS: The essence of smart, stylish innovation

Stunningly designed with a curved metallic body in a choice of four colours (silver, purple, brown and blue), the IXUS 200 IS is a camera for those with discriminating tastes. With 3.0-inch wide angle touch screen and scroll wheel, the camera is intuitive and easy to use: to select your subject, simply tap on the LCD screen and the IXUS 200 IS will track it and keep it in focus even when it is in motion. In addition, one can also scroll through images with the simple slide of the finger. Equipped with a 12.1-megapixel CD and a 5x optical zoom lens, the IXUS 200 IS is capable of ultra-wide angle shots at 24mm for grand vistas and group shots. It also offers telephoto performance of up to 120mm in a very compact camera body. Add HD movie recording and the improved Smart AUTO mode and you have a camera that performs as flawlessly as it looks.

Canon Digital IXUS 120 IS: Taking slim, stylish and smart to new height

Measuring just 20mm in thickness, the IXUS 120 IS is the sleekest offering in Canon’s latest line-up and the slimmest 28mm Canon model to date. This compact of compacts features a classic metal body armed with intelligent Scene and Face Detection technologies that make the camera as smart as it is stylish and responsive. With a 12.1-megapixel CCD, 4x Optical Zoom lens and HD Movie Recording, the IXUS 120 IS makes a worthy addition to Digital IXUS range.

Canon EOS 7D: Dual image processors for amazing results

A class higher than Canon’s popular 50D, the EOS 7D is built for the demanding advanced amateur photographer who would invest in the right equipment to achieve the desired results. It is aimed to bridge the gap between skilled amateurs and professional photographers, carrying an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor with user-selectable sensitivity range from ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12,800) and paired with two DIGIC 4 imaging processors to deliver outstanding color and tonal reproduction, as well as meet the additional demands of higher processing speed. It also offers a high continuous shooting rate of 8fps to capture fast-moving action sequences at a maximum burst of approximately 94 shots for large/fine jpeg images, and 15 shots in RAW. It features a new high precision 19-point all cross-type AF system (including a centre f/2.8 dual cross focus) that achieves brilliant results even in the most diverse of shooting scenarios, offering an impressive level of control and customization to appease every need. With the EOS 7D, exposure can be adjusted to ±5 stops, offering the user an unprecedented level of image control, as well as expanded creative possibilities in composite photos with outstanding dynamic range. Its viewfinder offers 100% coverage of the frame at 1x magnification, allowing the photographer to accurately compose his shots without squinting and therefore reducing fatigue. The EOS 7D can also be used to record videos at full HD resolution (1920×1080), HD ready (1280×720) and SD format with sound, at a range of frame rates in MOV format. With the optional WFT-E5 images can be transferred over wired LAN or wirelessly over Wi-Fi, including the relatively less crowded IEEE 802.11a band, which offers more stable data transfer rates. Alternatively, images can be transferred to and viewed on DLNA-compatible appliances such as certain TV sets, digital photo frames and as well as both Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 game consoles. Aside from this, WFT-E5 allows the EOS 7D to function as a WFT server for wirelessly downloads through a browser, as well as control and shoot remotely over a network. Up to 10 cameras fitted with WFT-E5 can also be linked to a master camera to be triggered wirelessly in synchronised shooting.

September 9, 2009

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), composed of 50 special interests magazines from 19 countries focusing on photography, A/V products, home theaters, and mobile devices, has recognized three Canon products with prestigious “Best Product” awards: the Canon EOS 5D Mark II as European Advanced Camera 2009-2010; the Canon EOS 500D as European SLR Camera 2009-2010; and the Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II as European Photo Printer 2009-2010.

EISA awards are presented to products released in Europe within the past 12 months and deemed representative of their product category by a judging panel composed of editors of EISA-affiliated magazines specializing in that respective product division.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II: European Advanced Camera 2009-2010
The EISA Photo Panel described the EOS 5D Mark II as a “worthy successor of the EOS 5D,” praising Canon’s achievement in increasing the pixel count of the model’s 35mm CMOS sensor to 21.1 megapixels while delivering lower noise levels than its predecessor. The jury also lauded the model’s dust and moisture protection, Live View shooting, sensor cleaning, and full High Definition recording capabilities.

Canon EOS 500D: European SLR Camera 2009-2010
NThe EOS 500D, which incorporates a Live View recording function and high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor, realizes high-quality images and low noise even in dark environments. The jury speculated that the 500D’s high-quality High Definition video mode may be enough to inspire some users to pursue amateur film-making as a hobby.

Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II: European Photo Printer 2009-2010
The PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II combines “accuracy, speed, and convenience” to produce prints with a high level of detail and quality using ink droplets as small as 2 picoliters. Judges highlighted the Pro9000 Mark II’s ability to print RAW files directly from Canon’s DPP RAW conversion software package. In addition to the European Advanced Camera Award, the EOS 5D Mark II has also been declared Best Digital SLR Expert Camera 2009 by the European Technical Image Press Association and Grand Prix Camera of the Year at the Camera Grand Prix 2009 in Japan, receiving a total of three authoritative awards in the camera industry.

This year marks a milestone for Canon, commemorating the passing of 50 years since Canon sold its first single-lens reflex camera in 1959. Incorporating advanced and groundbreaking technology, Canon’s single-lens reflex cameras have evolved with the times. Exceeding a cumulative total of 53 million, Canon has garnered extensive support from users around the world. Henceforth, Canon will continue to develop its single-lens reflex cameras and to lead image culture for the next fifty years. 

Important Steps in Past Fifty Years 
Canon’s history with 35mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959, when it launched the Canon Flex. Thereafter, it continued to introduce cameras that embodied solid technology and innovation, including the F-1, its first professional model (1971); the AE-1, the world’s first single-lens reflex camera with built-in CPU (1976); and the T-90, a state-of-the-art T Series model (1986). 

Additionally, in March 1987, Canon adopted the world’s first electronic mount and launched the EOS 650, a new-generation AF single-lens reflex camera with electronic control that was originally between the lens and the body and then encompassed the entire system. The EOS Series, which has continued to the present day, has rapidly expanded users in both the professional segment, with the top-of-the-line EOS-1 (1989), and in the entry segment, with the EOS 500 (1993), for which size and weight reductions were accomplished. 

Era of Full-fledged Digitalization 
Since the year 2000, an era of full-fledged digitalization has been dawning, beginning with the EOS D30 (2000). With speed, ease and high image quality as its key concepts, the EOS Digital Series has constantly led the evolution of single-lens reflex cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors, high-performance image processor DIGIC and an EF lens group that boasts outstanding optical performance and an abundant lineup.  Last year, in 2008, Canon released four models, including the EOS 450D, which has acquired the top share in numerous areas around the world, and the EOS 5D Mark II, which is equipped with the first full high-definition movie recording functions for a single lens reflex camera. It has thus created an even more powerful lineup.

As it reviews this half a century of history, Canon is truly grateful to all of its users for their support and seeks to continue the challenge of creating single-lens reflex cameras that provide the best image quality and reliability for the next generation.

SAN FRANCISCO  – Reliability and Service: Printers

Printers in 2008 were slightly more reliable than desktops or laptops, according to our survey participants. About 3 in 10 respondents reported having one or more significant hardware or software problems with their printers during the preceding year. That figure correlates neatly with customer satisfaction: Two-thirds of users said that they were either very satisfied or extremely satisfied with their printers.

Canon is to printers what Apple is to desktops and laptops: Simply put, our readers love their products. Like last year, the vendor garnered high marks in eight of nine categories, missing only on the “Problem was never resolved” measure.

Meanwhile Hewlett-Packard, which earned five below-average scores, stays on the schneid. Indeed HP’s printer grades in 2008 are worse than they were last year, when it collected subpar marks in just two areas (“Any significant problem” and “Average phone service”). One semibright spot: Our readers deemed HP printers average–up from below average–in usability this year. In any event, despite its poor showing, HP retains a commanding share of the market: Of the 16,000-plus readers who participated in the printer assessment, half use an HP inkjet or laser printer.

Lexmark didn’t fare much better than HP did, though it did improve on last year’s results. Our readers slapped it with it four subpar grades, down from six last year. Specifically, our readers indicate that Lexmark still needs to upgrade its printers’ usability and reliability; its phone support is improving, however, as is its ability to resolve customer problems.

Kodak dropped a bit this year, too, slipping to a below-average score (for three total) in ease of use.