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Canon wins six honours at the 2012 TIPA Awards

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 16th April 2012 – Canon today announces the company has been awarded six separate honours by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) – Europe’s leading photo imaging and press association. Designed to recognise the best products launched in the preceding year, the TIPA Awards are considered the most coveted imaging honours worldwide. The 2012 awards again acknowledge the quality present across Canon’s wide portfolio, including the revolutionary new Cinema EOS range.

Comprising editors from leading photography titles worldwide, the TIPA panel meets annually to discuss the latest products, taking everything from innovation to design and overall product quality into account. The panel selects and acknowledges the outstanding imaging products from the previous 12 month period, and this year awarded prestigious accolades to the following Canon products:

Best DSLR Professional: Canon EOS-1D X
Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X
Best Professional DSLR Lens: Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L USM fisheye
Best Multifunction Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA MG8250
Best Video DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Best Professional Videocamera: Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera

“It is a great accolade to have received six awards from TIPA. This past year has been exceptional for Canon, with a range of ground-breaking product launches, including the landmark EOS C300 and the much awaited EOS 5D Mark III,” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “The phenomenal reception from the TIPA judging panel highlights Canon’s commitment to imaging excellence and the impressive consumer and professional products we have developed.”

After honouring Canon’s award-winning products, the TIPA judging panel offered the following citations:

Best DSLR Professional: Canon EOS-1D X
Canon’s new top of the line professional DSLR combines the creative advantages of a full frame sensor with high speed, high sensitivity technology to serve the needs of pro news, sports and wildlife photographers. Featuring an 18 MP CMOS sensor and powered by dual DIGIC 5+ image processors the EOS-1D X offers a well-balanced package of image quality and shooting speed that can go as high as 14 frames per second. Its standard 100-51,200 ISO range can be expanded to ISO 50 and 204,800. The newly engineered 61-point AF-system with 41 cross type sensors is the fastest and most accurate ever, enabling the camera to detect and track fast moving subjects even under lowlight conditions. Full HD video recording and built-in Ethernet complete the pro model.

Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X
Image quality is often associated with interchangeable lenses, but the truth is that these two options are not necessarily linked. Canon has realized that many photographers do want DSLR-like image quality, but in a compact camera style body with an excellent fixed zoom lens. The PowerShot G1 X features a large 4:3 aspect ratio 14.3 MP CMOS sensor measuring 18.7mm x 14mm – similar in size to the APS-C sensors used in EOS DSLR models. The result is a compact camera that delivers superior image quality even when working in low light.

Best Professional DSLR Lens: Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L USM fisheye
Fisheye lenses allow photographers to shoot spectacular pictures with extreme viewing angles. In combination with a 24x36mm full frame sensor DSLR camera, the Canon EF 8-15mm allows for either full frame or circular fisheye images; with smaller sensors it covers the full frame. Its 180-degree field of view offers exceptional creative capture capabilities. This Canon premium L-series lens features exceptional optical design, quality and durability. The patented SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC) reduces ghosting effects and flare, while the additional Fluorine coating aids in easy cleaning of the large front element.

Best Multifunction Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA MG8250
With a sleek design and enhanced connectivity, which includes access to the new PIXMA Cloud Link and wireless printing from mobile devices, the Canon PIXMA MG8250 offers photo lab-quality printing at impressive speed. The print head produces 1-picolitre droplets and delivers up to 9600dpi print resolution. The 6-ink system includes Pigment Black, Dye Black, Magenta, Cyan, Yellow and Grey ink, which produce a grain free, smooth colour 10×15 cm photo in just 20 seconds. Added to the package is a CCD scanner with 35mm film scanning at 4800 x 9600 dpi, making this multifunction a very desirable tool for every photo enthusiast.

Best Video DSLR: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II changed the landscape of digital photography. No longer are digital still and video two separate worlds, shot with two distinctly different systems. Now users can decide whether to shoot stills or video (or both) on the spot, carrying just one camera system. The EOS 5D Mark III further improves this experience with a newly designed 61-point AF and 63-zone metering system, and a new 22 MP sensor with an incredibly high ISO sensitivity. Additional movie functions include manual exposure control and an enhanced range of high bit-rate video compression options, with intraframe (ALL-I) and interframe (IPB) methods both supported.

Best Professional Videocamera: Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera
To implement the revolutionary C300, Canon called upon expertise from diverse fields including sensors, image processors and optics. The result is landmark video camera technology available in two versions: EOS C300 with an EF interchangeable lens mount and EOS C300 PL with a PL mount. A high-resolution 8.3 MP Super 35mm-equivalent CMOS sensor has been especially developed for the system. Both versions feature modular architecture and are accompanied by a new range of video lenses.

End. (18/04/12).

Canon have today announced a special edition EOS body with specific imaging sensitivity.  Astro photographers are in it’s gaze.

Here are the details:

Looking at the stars – Canon unveils the EOS 60Da

Image © Canon Inc

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 3rd April 2012 – Canon today expands the EOS series with the launch of the EOS 60Da – a high resolution Digital SLR (DSLR) designed for astrophotography. Based on the specifications of the EOS 60D and succeeding the EOS 20Da, the EOS 60Da is designed to capture rich red colours produced by emission nebulae, with a modified low pass filter that makes it more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha (Há) wavelengths of light. More…

Canon have announced a raft of cash back offers. Here are the details:

Canon announces its latest Cashback scheme: Power to celebrate

Canon has launched their latest Cashback with offers on selected DSLRs, lenses, accessories, compact cameras and inkjet printers.

The Cashback will run from Thursday 29th March until Tuesday 5th June 2012.

The last claim date for the promotion will be 31st July 2012. More…

Alongside EOS 5D Mark III are some other important additions. The 600EX-RT Speedlight is the most interesting to me. It seems to have caught up with the competition in some ways, and moved a touch forward in others. But the price?

Anyway, lots for EOS shooters to get excited about. Here are the details:

Shoot with freedom – Canon unveils new range of professional accessories

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 2nd March 2012 – Canon today extends its range of acclaimed accessories, unveiling a number of new models designed to offer enhanced flexibility and new creative control to its professional and mid-range EOS Digital SLRs.

Sitting at the top of Canon’s range, the Speedlite 600EX-RT is Canon’s first flash unit to feature inbuilt wireless radio connectivity and replaces the advanced Speedlite 580EX II. Partnering with the                                new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT, this new model offers enhanced opportunities for photographers wishing to explore creative lighting techniques. In addition, Canon is also launching the BG-E11 battery grip, Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7 and GPS Receiver GP-E2, which complement the newly-announced EOS 5D Mark III – offering increased versatility across a range of shooting situations – from studio portraits to field-based shoots –  with a compact lightweight and affordable configuration.

Image © Canon Inc

Speedlite 600EX-RT – Taking creative flash further
The Speedlite 600EX-RT is a high-performance TTL flash unit designed to meet the expanding creative needs of modern professionals. Integrated radio frequency triggering, in addition to standard infra-red wireless flash control, allows photographers to achieve exciting results with complex on-and-off-camera lighting set-ups. Using one master 600EX-RT or the new ST-E3-RT radio-frequency wireless Speedlite transmitter, up to 15x 600EX-RT flash units, positioned up to 30m away, can be remotely triggered – offering great potential to experiment with more creative lighting techniques and effects. EOS cameras with a connected Speedlite 600EX-RT can also be triggered remotely by either model, allowing photographers to explore more extreme shooting angles to produce surprising and inspiring creative results.

Subjects over a wide range of distances can be lit creatively or evenly exposed, thanks to an increased guide number of 60m (ISO 100 at 200mm setting ) and wide lens coverage of 20 – 200m. For wide-angle shots, a diffuser adapter can also reduce the focal length to 14mm and the bounce-and-swivel flash head creates more flattering, shadowless effects. Ideal for shooting portraits, a catch-light panel produces natural catch-lights in the eyes of a subject when shooting with bounce flash. Additionally, custom flash coverage options provide more creative scope by using guide number priority to light the subject, while creating slightly darker edges to the frame.

Like its predecessor, the Speedlite 600EX-RT communicates white balance settings to the camera through the hot shoe connection. However, to further balance flash and ambient light, a new colour filter adapter and two supplied colour gels can be fitted to balance the temperature of the flash and create a more natural effect when shooting around tungsten or mercury lighting. When shooting in dark conditions, photographers can also employ the AF-assist beam for accurate autofocus with lenses of 28mm or longer, ensuring the subject remains in focus when the flash fires.

Image © Canon Inc

Designed for professionals, the Speedlite 600EX-RT and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT feature a robust, weatherproof design matching that of the EOS-1D X, with a clear LCD display making it easy to select settings and switch between normal flash mode and wireless modes.  Powered by four AA/LR6 batteries for added convenience, the Speedlite 600EX-RT offers fast, silent recycle times, allowing photographers to keep shooting and exploring creative lighting effects in all conditions.

WFT-E7 – High-speed wireless control
The WFT-E7 is a new wireless file transmitter for a wide range of EOS models. For those who need to transfer their images quickly and easily, for example, photojournalists or sports photographers, the new WFT-E7 provides enhanced versatility through high-speed Wi-Fi and support for wired connectivity over Gigabit Ethernet. Featuring 802.11a/b/g/n support for file transfer speeds of up to 150mbps, and Bluetooth for linking to external GPS units, the WFT-E7 offers super-fast image transfer direct to an FTP server or even to a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance ) -enabled HDTV.

When creative shoots or harsh conditions require the photographer to control the camera from a distance, the WFT Server function of the WFT-E7 allows the camera settings and the scene framed in the viewfinder to be accessed and controlled through a web page on any internet-enabled device, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. Camera settings can also be changed remotely via EOS Utility, allowing photographers to control and trigger the camera over a wired or wireless LAN connection.

Image © Canon Inc

The WFT-E7 has a lightweight design and can be attached to the bottom of the camera, to the new bracket AB-E1 or even to the strap. For added versatility, it also supports Linked shooting with up to ten other cameras, with Wireless Time syncing ensuring that the time across all slave devices is aligned with the master camera in order to maintain consistency across multiple units. During Linked shooting, the WFT server function can also be activated to allow easy remote access to the master and slave cameras for even greater creative control of lighting effects during multi-camera shoots. More…

Canon’s EOS system has reached a milestone birthday. A significant influence on today’s photographic world, congratulations are in order. Here is the official information:

 Canon EOS system celebrates 25th anniversary         

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 2nd March 2012 – Canon today celebrates 25 years of photography expertise with the anniversary of the iconic EOS System.  Since its birth in 1987, the EOS System has grown to become the world’s most comprehensive range of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, interchangeable lenses and accessories, favoured by photographers the world over.

Canon’s EOS system made its debut in March 1987 with the launch of the EOS 650 SLR camera and three interchangeable EF lenses, including the EF 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5. This month, the system will commemorate its long, rich history with the celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Standing for “Electro Optical System” while also carrying the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, the EOS series was the world’s first fully electronic mount system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras. During the film camera era, EOS SLR cameras garnered high acclaim from a wide range of users for their innovative technologies and designs focused on Canon’s key concepts of high-speed and ease of use. During this period, Canon pioneered new advances in technology launching the top-of-the-line professional-model EOS-1 in 1989. In 1993 the company continued to expand its user base with the introduction of the compact, lightweight EOS 500 (EOS Kiss and EOS Rebel XS in other regions).

Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, when the popularisation of digital SLR cameras was in full swing, Canon developed such advanced technologies as its proprietary CMOS sensors and high-performance DIGIC digital image processors in an effort to offer products that fulfilled the company’s key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use and high image quality.

With the flagship EOS-1D X at the apex and the newly introduced EOS 5D Mark III boasting excellent image quality and video functionality, Canon’s rich digital SLR camera line-up serves the needs of all levels of users, from professional photographers to entry-level photo enthusiasts.

Additionally, Canon’s interchangeable EF lens series, introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system, has come to lead the industry. With Canon’s optical technologies at its core, EF lenses incorporate such innovative technologies as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS), Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC), anti-reflection technology, and multi-layered Diffractive Optical (DO) elements. The current EF-lens line-up comprises over 60 models, making possible a diverse range of imaging-expression possibilities.

Furthermore, with the recent launch of the Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products, Canon’s EOS system now supports motion picture production and other high-end video capture applications.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable cameras and lenses that cater to the varying needs of users while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

End. (02/03/12).

Canon have today announced one of the most eagerly awaited and anticipated of cameras, EOS 5D Mk III. Alongside are other interesting items for Canon system users. First the camera details:

Image © Canon Inc

 Creativity, redefined – Canon unleashes the EOS 5D Mark III

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 2nd March 2012 – Canon today announces the latest addition to its world-famous EOS range with the launch of the new EOS 5D Mark III. The EOS 5D Mark III builds on the performance of the legendar EOS 5D Mark II, offering improved speed, greater resolution, enhanced processing power and extended creative options for both stills and Full HD movies – providing unparalleled artistic freedom for the most demanding photographers.

Incorporating feedback from photographers worldwide, the EOS 5D Mark III offers improved performance in virtually every area. A new 22.3 Megapixel (MP) full-frame sensor offers the ideal balance of resolution for stills and HD movies and up to 6 frames per second (fps) shooting, whilst a 61-point AF system and 63-zone metering provide greater speed, flexibility and accuracy. Powered by the latest DIGIC 5+ processing technology, the EOS 5D Mark III also features enhanced video functions, offering improved image quality alongside greater audio control – redefining creative possibilities for photographers and amateur videographers alike.

“The EOS 5D Mark III represents a big step forward for the EOS 5D series” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “The EOS 5D Mark II is an exceptional camera and we’ve listened carefully to feedback from its passionate community of users to improve performance in every area.  This camera has been designed to meet virtually any creative challenge – it’s faster, more responsive and features the tools to adapt to everything from studio photography to creative videography, while producing results of the highest quality.”

Enhanced performance
With its comprehensively upgraded specification, the EOS 5D Mark III is the ideal tool for the growing number of photographers shooting both stills and movies. It incorporates a number of the features launched with Canon’s revolutionary EOS-1D X, providing vastly improved performance, flexibility, handling and durability.

The camera’s newly-developed 22.3MP full-frame sensor provides increased resolution and finer detail, enabling the capture of a wide range of scenes, from sweeping landscapes to beautiful portraits. Higher speed continuous shooting also offers expanded creative possibilities. With an increased 8-channel read out, the camera comfortably handles a maximum full resolution speed of up to 6fps in bursts of 18 RAW images or over 16,000 JPEGs (When used with UDMA 7 certified cards ), without the need for additional accessories. Additionally, the sensor’s advanced architecture offers a huge native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 102,400, making it possible to capture clean, high quality pictures, even in extreme low-light conditions.

The EOS 5D Mark III utilises the same 61-point wide-area AF system as the flagship EOS-1D X, providing exceptional sensitivity, precision and speed. One of the most advanced AF systems currently available, it features an impressive 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type points, providing unsurpassed accuracy across the frame. The customisable AF pre-sets introduced in the EOS-1D X are also available, helping the capture of traditionally challenging subjects, and providing additional reliability in situations where subject movement can be unpredictable.

Highly accurate exposures are provided by Canon’s acclaimed iFCL metering system, which incorporates a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor linked to each point of the AF system. Focus information gathered from the AF system is analysed alongside colour and luminance signals measured by the metering sensor itself, enabling the EOS 5D Mark III to deliver consistently accurate skin tones and excellent results in a wide range of shooting situations.

Creative performance without compromise
The EOS 5D Mark III features Canon’s latest DIGIC 5+ image processor, which powers a range of new functions without affecting the camera’s performance. 14-bit A/D conversion provides smoother tonal gradation and transitions between colours, while in-camera HDR shooting combines three different exposures and allows one of five preset tone maps to be applied, enabling photographers to capture all the detail in high contrast scenes. With in-camera RAW processing and editing capability, photographers also have the option to immediately begin post-processing their images while still on a shoot.

The increased power of DIGIC 5+ also enables a range of tools which contribute to higher image quality. Lens peripheral illumination correction, Lens chromatic aberration correction (lateral and axial) and high ISO noise reduction are all performed in-camera without affecting performance, allowing photographers to continue shooting without any camera lag. Additionally, in-camera image rating via a dedicated button makes it easy for photographers to organise images ahead of post-production.

The EOS 5D Mark III features a new Creative Photo button, which enables users to quickly select Picture Styles and capture multiple exposures, as well as offering direct access to the HDR shooting mode. In playback, pressing the Creative Photo button displays a new comparative playback function, displaying two images side-by-side to allow photographers to view, magnify and compare the quality of different exposures mid-shoot.

For situations where photographers want to avoid being noticed, such as weddings, the EOS 5D Mark III also features a new silent shooting mode that dramatically reduces the sound of the shutter and mirror, ensuring they can work quietly in the background. A continuous silent mode is also available, enabling photographers to capture faster-moving subjects without attracting attention. More…