| Canon has today announced the EOS Digital
Rebel (US name) / EOS-300D (Rest of world) / Kiss Digital
(Japan name). This six megapixel digital SLR is essentially
a feature reduced EOS-10D in the EOS-300's silver body (plastic).
It will have a body only priced of $900 in the US, 1,100
in Europe and 120,000 YEN (US$1,013 / 911) in Japan. This
camera will be available as a "body only kit" or a "with
lens kit", the latter will include a new 18 - 55 mm EF-S
lens which has been "optimized" for the size of the D-SLR
sensor (sounds familiar).
Press Release (Canon Europe):
Canon EOS 300D - 6 Megapixel digital SLR for the consumer
now a reality
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, August 20, 2003 - Canon, a
leader in photographic and imaging technology, today launches
the EOS 300D 6.3 Megapixel digital SLR. The lightest and
most compact digital EOS camera ever is expected to ship
with a price of approximately 1,200 EURO.
"Canon expects 400-500% growth in the digital SLR segment
from 2002 to 2003 in terms of shipping volume2," says Hiroshi
Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "The
EOS 300D will play a key strategic role in this growth.
By dropping the price so significantly, Canon is very deliberately
putting high performance EOS digital technology into the
hands of the consumer at a time of accelerating demand for
high performance digital cameras".
The EOS 300D bundles proven high performance technologies
(such as seven-point, high-speed predictive auto focus,
2.5 frame per second burst rate, 35-zone metering and DIGIC
image processor) into a camera affordable to everybody.
Canon has declared the EOS 300D to be the single most important
consumer SLR since the AE1 in 1976. Just as the AE1 triggered
an SLR revolution by being the world's first camera with
an embedded microcomputer, Canon believes the EOS 300D will
be seen as the point in history when the SLR market shifted
irrevocably to digital.
Precision optics, unrivalled sensor quality
At the front end of the EOS 300D is the lens system and
digital sensor. Film EOS users considering the move to digital
will be pleased to learn the EOS 300D works seamlessly with
any of Canon's renowned EF lenses, of which there are currently
more than 60.
An APS-C sized sensor gives the camera a 1.6x magnification
over 35mm film format. In order to furnish EOS 300D customers
with the equivalent 28 90mm zoom range so popular with 35mm
film EOS users, a new EF S 18 55 f/3.5 5.6 lens32 has been
specially developed. This lens takes advantage of the compact
sensor size, employing a 'short back focus system' which
mounts the lens closer to the sensor than previous models.
This provides high-quality images in a remarkably low-weight,
short-length lens.
The 6.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor is almost identical to that
found in the EISA award-winning EOS 10D which remains the
benchmark for image quality. ISO speeds of 100, 200, 400,
800 and 1600 are selectable, giving film users a film speed
range with which they will be comfortable.
Print straight from the camera
The EOS 300D is the first digital EOS camera to support
the vendor-independant PictBridge print standard from launch
date. Lab-quality prints can now be produced without the
need for a computer by directly connecting the EOS 300D
to compatible photo printers via standard USB cable. A large
1.8" LCD is used to select and review photographs to be
printed and set print variables.
Fast image processing with superb results
Underpinning the camera's technical superiority is Canon's
high-speed DIGIC (Digital Image Core) processor. In the
days of film, image processing was the role of film companies
and mini-labs. With digital, the critical role of image
processing must be handled by the camera. Complex algorithms
required to accurately process functions such as white balance
and color rendition are integrated into the DIGIC processor,
resulting in high quality images with no trade-off in camera
responsiveness. "A great digital image requires both quality
raw ingredients and quality processing" says Komatsuzaki.
"Superior lens and sensor technologies ensure the best raw
ingredients. It is what DIGIC does with these that gives
the EOS 300D the edge".
Wide area, high speed focusing
7 selectable focusing points give an ultra wide AF area
generally only found in advanced SLRs. Focusing modes include
One-Shot AF (for fast, accurate single-shot focusing), and
AI AF which can automatically switch to AI servo AF for
continuous tracking of subject movement - well suited to
sports photography. A Manual Focus override is selectable
from the lens.
High-end exposure control
The EOS 300D boasts 35 zone TTL metering, essentially covering
the full frame. Three metering modes (evaluative, partial,
and centre weighted average) assure balanced exposures in
every situation. Along with the full range of automated
and manual shooting modes expected in a high-end SLR, the
EOS 300D features Programmed Image Control modes such as
Night Portrait, Sports, Close-up, Landscape, Portrait and
Flash OFF. A built-in automatic flash pops up nearly 90mm
above the optical axis to lessen the chance of red-eye for
better flash photos.
Shooting adaptability
The EOS 300D is superbly specified to deliver outstanding
results in virtually any shooting situation. The camera
has a shutter speed range of 1/4000 - 30 seconds, bulb and
high speed x-sync at 1/200s. Simultaneous recording to both
RAW and JPEG (middle/fine) formats is possible, while 2GB
and higher CompactFlash cards, Types I and II, are supported.
Optional wired or infra red wireless remote control is available.
Adobe RGB has been added to the standard sRGB colour space.
There are seven Auto White Balance settings (such as cloudy,
tungsten, fluorescent, etc.) plus custom White Balance and
+/- 3 stop White Balance Bracketing (WB-BKT).
Comprehensive accessories, software and online access
The EOS 300D comes complete with battery pack, charger,
USB cable, video cable, wide embroidered anti-slip neck
strap. Purchase of the EOS 300D entitles customers to membership
of the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY web portal for a 100 MB online
photo album for image uploads. A full software suite is
included for handling image file transfers between camera
and computer, managing and printing files, and preview and
conversion of RAW image files. PhotoStitch is included for
seamless merging of panorama shots.
Canon EOS-300D Specifications
 |
List price
(Body only) |
US: $899 (Canon Rebel
Digital)
EU: 1,099 (Canon EOS-300D)
UK: £899(Canon EOS-300D)
JP: 120,000 YEN (Canon Kiss Digital) |
List price
(Lens kit: Body & 18-55 mm lens) |
US: $999
EU: 1,199
UK: £999 |
| Body material |
Plastic |
| Sensor |
22.7 x 15.1 mm CMOS
sensor
RGB Color Filter Array
Built-in fixed low-pass filter
6.5 million total pixels (3152 x 2068)
6.3 million effective pixels (3072 x 2048)
3:2 aspect ratio |
| Image Processor |
DiGiC |
| Image sizes |
3072 x 2048
2048 x 1360
1536 x 1024 |
| File formats |
RAW
RAW + JPEG
JPEG (EXIF 2.2) |
| File sizes
(approx.) |
3072 x 2048 JPEG Fine:
3.1 MB
3072 x 2048 JPEG Normal: 1.8 MB
2048 x 1360 JPEG Fine: 1.8 MB
2048 x 1360 JPEG Normal: 1.2 MB
1536 x 1024 JPEG Fine: 1.4 MB
1536 x 1024 JPEG Normal: 0.9 MB |
| Color space |
sRGB
Adobe RGB (no parameter adjustment available) |
| Lenses |
Canon EF / EF-S lens
mount
1.6x field of view crop |
| Focusing |
7-point TTL
CMOS sensor
AF working range: 0.5 - 18 EV (at 20°C, ISO 100) |
| Focus modes |
No selection available,
depends on exposure mode:
One shot AF (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night Scene,
A-DEP)
AI Servo AF (Sports)
AI Focus AF (Auto, Flash Cancel, P, Tv, Av,M) |
| AF / MF |
Switch on lens barrel |
| AF point
selection |
Auto
Manual |
| AF assist |
Yes |
| Metering |
TTL 35 zone SPC
Metering range: EV 1.0 - 20 EV (at 20°C, ISO 100,
50 mm F1.4) |
| Metering
modes |
No selection available,
depends on exposure mode:
Evaluative 35-zone (All modes except M)
Partial 9% at center (Also with AE-Lock in P, Tv,
Av, M, A-Dep)
Center-weighted average (M only) |
| AE Lock |
AE lock button |
| AE Bracketing |
+/- 2.0 EV
0.3 or 0.5 EV increments |
| Exposure
compen. |
+/-2.0 EV in 0.3 EV
steps |
| Sensitivity |
Auto (100, 200
or 400)
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600 |
| Shutter |
Focal-plane shutter
30 - 1/4000 sec (0.3 EV steps)
Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec
Bulb |
| Aperture
values |
F1.0 - F91 (0.3 or
0.5 EV steps)
Actual aperture range depends on lens used |
| White balance |
Auto (3000 - 7000
K)
Daylight (5200 K)
Shade (7000 K)
Cloudy (6000 K)
Tungsten (3200 K)
Fluorescent (4000 K)
Flash (6000 K)
Custom (2000 - 10000 K) |
| WB Bracketing |
+/-3 levels |
| Processing
params |
Parameter 1 (sRGB)
- Default
Parameter 2 (sRGB)
Standard (sRGB)
Adobe RGB
Set 1 (sRGB)
Set 2 (sRGB)
Set 3 (sRGB) |
| Custom
params |
Contrast (+/-2)
Sharpness (+/-2)
Saturation (+/-2)
Color tone (+/-2) |
| Viewfinder |
Pentamirror
95% frame coverage
Magnification: 0.88x (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens
at infinity)
Eyepoint: 21 mm
Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Fixed laser matte screen |
| Viewfinder
info |
AF points
AF/FE lock
AEB
Shutter Speed
Aperture
Exposure Level / Compensation
Max. burst
AF/MF focus confirmation
CF warning |
| LCD monitor |
1.8" TFT LCD
118,000 pixels
5 brightness levels
10x zoom playback |
| Record
review |
Off
On
On (Info, inc. histogram)
2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold |
| Flash |
Auto pop-up E-TTL
auto flash
Guide number approx 13
Modes: Auto, Manual Flash On/ Off, Red-Eye Reduction
X-Sync: 1/200 sec |
| External
flash |
E-TTL auto flash with
EX-series Speedlites
(No PC Sync terminal) |
| Shooting
modes |
Auto
Portrait
Landscape
Close-up
Sports
Night portrait
Flash off
Program AE (P)
Shutter priority AE (Tv)
Aperture priority AE (Av)
Manual (M)
Depth-of-field (A-Dep) |
| Drive modes |
Single
Continuous: 2.5 fps up to 4 frames
Self-timer 10 secs |
| Direct
printing |
Canon Card Photo Printers
Canon Bubble Jet Printers with direct print function
PictBridge |
| Other features |
Orientation sensor
Automatically writes FAT16/FAT32 depending on capacity
LCD panel illumination |
| Auto rotation |
On (playback uses
orientation data in file header)
Off |
| Playback
mode |
Single image
Single image with info (inc. histogram)
Magnified view (1.5 - 10x in 15 steps, browsable)
9 image index
Auto play
Image rotation
Jump |
| Custom
functions |
None |
| Menu languages |
English
French
German
Spanish
Italian
Dutch
Swedish
Norwegian
Danish
Finnish
Chinese
Japanese |
| Firmware |
User upgradable |
| Connectivity |
USB 1.1 (inc PTP)
A/V out |
| Storage |
Compact Flash Type
I or II
Microdrive supported
FAT 12/16 and FAT 32 support
No CF card supplied |
| Power |
Lithium-Ion BP-511/512
rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
CR2025 Lithium battery (date/time backup)
Optional AC adapter |
| Dimensions |
142 x 99 x 72 mm (5.6
x 3.9 x 2.8 in) |
| Weight
(inc batt) |
645 g (1.4 lb) |
Canon EOS-300D More Pictures
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