Canon has today announced its EOS-1V based digital SLR, the EOS-1D. It features a 1.3x focal length multiplier, 4.48 megapixel CCD producing a 4.06 megapixel (2464 x 1648) image. The EOS-1D is capable of shooting continuously at an amazing 8 frames per second for up to 21 JPEG images (or 16 RAW images). Other features include a fully environmentally sealed magnesium body, Canon's excellent 45-point AF, 1/16,000 max shutter speed, 1/500 sec flash X-sync, Firewire (IEEE 1394) connectivity, JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG saving modes, 21 custom and 25 personal functions, selectable colour matrixes (sRGB, Adobe RGB) and a super-fast 87 ms viewfinder blackout. The EOS-1D is expected to go on sale in at the end of December at a an expected street price of US$ 7000.

Press release:

Canon introduces the world's fastest professional digital camera
- the EOS-1D

Canon's new flagship EOS-1D claims the position of the world's leading all around professional digital camera. The EOS-1D is a staggering 50% faster than its nearest competitor. This unique camera has a continuous shooting speed of 8 frames per second in either Single Shot or AI Servo mode and can sustain this for 21 frame bursts. The high resolution XL (eXtra Large) CCD uses 4.15 Megapixels to create a true 11.7 MB file in a photographic 2:3 aspect ratio.

The combination of both speed and image quality makes the EOS-1D the most well balanced professional camera available today. Professionals no longer need to sacrifice either the speed demanded by the F1 sports photographer, or the high resolution required for studio shoots, for the EOS-1D offers both.

"We are extremely proud of our record in R&D" says Mr Komatsuzaki, Executive Vice President of Canon Consumer Imaging. "On average, Canon registers over 7 technology patents every working day resulting in world leading products such as the EOS-1D."

Photographers can now enjoy a digital camera that incorporates the highest professional features acclaimed in the current award winning EOS-1V. These include 45-point area auto focus, 21 zone metering, familiar EOS ergonomic layout and the camera's renowned toughness & durability.

However, the EOS-1D offers much more than just incredible speed and resolution.

Images can be saved simultaneously to the CF card, in both lower resolution JPEG, for easy and quick transmission, and Canon's RAW file format, for high quality archiving and image control. Deadline critical news can be sent to the Picture Desk in lower resolution JPEG, with the peace of mind that the highest resolution exists in RAW format if needed.

The new XL CCD is 20% bigger than that of the closest competitor, offering a low focal length magnification of 1.3x, which permits wide-angle photography, & thus makes a big step in overcoming a traditional limitation of digital SLR cameras. In combination with Canon's new EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM lens, a 1.3x magnification, or 21-45.5mm wide angle zoom results. This reduces the need for an expensive dedicated lens for wide-angle photography.

Photographers can enjoy approx. 100% image coverage through the viewfinder, so that what they see is what they get, perfect for accurate composition.

Other leading innovations include the ability to dial in colour temperatures to meet specific lighting conditions. ISO speed bracketing allows photographers to fix aperture and shutter speed, yet shoot at 3 different equivalent film speeds. Such advances offer the professional extreme creative flexibility.

Not only can the EOS-1D deliver high frames per second throughput, but it also provides the incredibly high shutter speeds demanded by pro photographers. The camera's shutter speed can reach 1/16,000 of a second and the flash can be fully synched to 1/500 of a second. FP flash can be engaged at all available shutter speeds.

Also, the ability to adjust the camera's file name settings makes for an efficient imaging workflow.

The EOS-1D utilises a tough, weather resistant magnesium-alloy body and has over 70 moisture resistant seals, plus a new Ni Mh battery pack with protective sealing. The shutter has been tested to an awesome 150,000 exposures.

Entirely new software is available for the EOS-1D with powerful new tools for image control and camera customisation for both Windows and Mac. The camera features a CF card type I/II compatible slot and a high-speed IEEE1394 interface.

The EOS-1D is compatible with over 50 of Canon's EF lenses. Canon has also extended its professional photographic system by introducing the Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX (see other press release) for extremely versatile flash photography.

Other features include 10 white balance modes and white balance bracketing functions as standard, with the ability to set white balance using degrees Kelvin. Shooting has been prioritised so photographers can immediately start photographing again even when displaying a recorded image.

Canon

Canon is a €26 billion company recognised as a world leader in new technology covering a broad range, from business solutions- including imaging systems and computer input/output devices - to cameras and optical products. With its European headquarters in Amstelveen, The Netherlands, Canon posted sales of €7.7 billion in Europe, Africa and the Middle East in 2000.

Canon EOS-1D specifications