CanonWatchLog in

I have to say that I feel I am neglecting the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP). I am not part of the “just another Rebel” party, nor do I have an elitist approach to photographic gear. Nevertheless, I didn’t dedicate too much time to the latest Rebel (so far). That’s a shame, because Canon’s last iteration of the Rebel series (the xxxD series in EU) has a lot of advanced and cue-giving tech inside. So much that it should make us curios what it is about. I reported time ago that Canon may sandboxing and testing the technology (i.e. the touchscreen) that could possibly be used for its upcoming mirrorless system camera (expected for July 23). Now, there are more hints that the Rebel T4i/650D sports features and functionalities that would be more than just useful on a mirrorless camera.

Le me start saying that the T4i/650D is Canon’s first DSLR having full-time auto-focus in video mode. To accomplish this, you can use different focusing approaches, such as the contrast-detect method (used in previous Canon DSLR, slow and imprecise) or phase detection sensors in the camera (causes a blackout during live view, when the mirror flips down). But there is a third way to get auto-focus through phase detection: mixing phase detection sensors with pixels on the sensor itself. That’s what the folks at chipworks discovered when they tore down a T4i/650D. The cool thing is that such a technical solution would make up for a fast and reliable AF on a mirrorless camera. The technology is not new and was seen on Nikon’s Aptina sensor sported on the V1 and on the Fuji F300EXR. Differently from Nikon, which uses regular lines to implement the phase detection sensors, Canon uses an irregular pixel pattern. This is not totally new, as Canon two years ago published a patent for such a technology.

What are your thoughts?

Canon patent for phase detection AF

[via photographybay, chipworks]

Image courtesy of canonrumors.com

Canonrumors published the above invite for a Canon event to be hold July 23th. Is this the day Canon will finally announce its eagerly awaited mirror less system camera? Looks like! CR suggests that the same day Canon could also announce the new EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x lens.

Two more weeks and we will (maybe) eventually learn Canon’s mirrorless projects.

Concrete savings on the still excellent EOS 5D Mark II. First, the Canon Store has refurbished 5D Mark IIs for $1,759.20 (click here, to see all refurbished Canon DSLRs click here). Consider that the EOS 5D Mark II usually has a price tag of $2,199.00 and do the math. Then, B&H discounted the 5D Mark II (new, body only) to $2,079 (click here). Shipping is free if you live in the US.

The EOS 5D Mark II [click here for a comprehensive review] has a stunning 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a vast ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600), plus EOS technologies like Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction. It supports Live View shooting, Live View HD videos, and more. It can shoot up to 3.9 fps, has 9 AF points plus 6 AF assist points, a new 98% coverage viewfinder, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) and a rugged build. Full-frame shooters rejoice!

This is an educational video made by Canon, showing the various steps it needs to build a digital camera. Not only Canon is explaining how they build a digital camera, there are also giving some insights about how a digicam works, i.e. which science lays behind our much beloved gear. The video lasts a little less than 13 minutes. Lenses are also covered. Enjoy it!

[via PP]

There are reports of customers that saw their orders for the Rebel T4i/EOS 650D with the EF-S 18-135mm STM IS lens cancelled, apparently without any reason. It’s also rather curious that the only shop that has the EF-S18-135mm STM IS in stock and ready to ship is the Canon Store itself ($549.99, click here). Except for DigitalRev (click here, price depends by check-out location), none of the shops in my database have the lens in stock. Isn’t that strange enough?

[via CR]

A new rumor surfaced, saying Canon is working on a replacement for its 50mm f/1.4 USM lens:

A purported replacement to the EF 50 f/1.4 was mentioned today in the form of an EF 50 f/1.8 IS. The lens would be smaller than the current 50 f/1.4. There is no imminent announcement of such a lens, but Canon is working to replace the 50 f/1.4 sometime in the next year. The current 50 f/1.8 would remain in the lineup.

Sounds plausible to me.

[via CR]