Canon Powershot G7 X, Powershot SX60 HS and Powershot N2 Officially Announced

 

20140915_thumbL_psg7x_back
The Powershot G7 X

Canon announced 3 new Powershot cameras:

  • PowerShot G7 X, available in October 201, price of $699.99. Pre-order at Adorama | B&H Photo | Amazon
  • PowerShot SX60 HS , available in October 2014, price of $549.99. Pre-order at Adorama | B&H Photo
  • PowerShot N2, available in December 2014, choice of black and white body colors, price of $299.99. Pre-order at Adorama (black or white) | B&H Photo (black or white)

Press release:

Three New High-End, Advanced PowerShot Models from Canon U.S.A. Empower Photographers to Create Amazing Images and Video

PowerShot G7 X is the Company’s First One-Inch Sensor Compact Digital Camera, PowerShot SX60 HS Digital Camera Boasts a Super 65x Optical Zoom Lens and PowerShot N2 Digital Camera Features an Updated Body Design with a Selfie-Ready LCD Touch Panel

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2014 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced three new PowerShot models expanding upon its lineup of high-quality, compact digital cameras, the PowerShot G7 X, the PowerShot SX60 HS and the PowerShot N21. The PowerShot G7 X is the company’s first compact point-and-shoot camera with a one-inch sensor, giving users an outstanding portable camera that allows them to take high-quality photographs and videos. The PowerShot SX60 HS camera features a 65x Optical Zoom lens and amazingly broad focal length range equivalent to 21mm -1365mm, while the PowerShot N2 camera has a compact and unique, stylish design with a selfie-ready, flip-up touch panel LCD that makes it easy for social media fanatics to share their favorite photos and videos via the camera’s Wi-Fi® and Near Field Communications (NFC™)2 features.

“Canon continually strives to provide imaging enthusiasts with the tools they need to create high-quality images and videos,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We believe in the talent of those passionate about photography and these three new PowerShot cameras allow photographers to capture, print and share their most amazing images.”

The PowerShot G7 X Digital Camera

Ideal for those looking for DSLR features and quality in a compact point-and-shoot body, the PowerShot G7 X digital camera is Canon’s first compact camera with a one-inch sensor. The large, one-inch, 20.2-megapixel* High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor delivers optimal performance with an ISO range of 125 – 12,800. The sensor, along with Canon’s exclusive DIGIC 6 Image Processor, creates Canon’s high-sensitivity HS System delivering excellent low-light performance so images and videos shot are clear and sharp, helping to ensure that the finest details of the scene are preserved.

Featuring an impressive, newly developed premium quality Canon lens with 4.2x optical zoom ratio (equivalent to 24-100mm), together with a maximum aperture range of f/1.8 to f/2.8 from wide to telephoto, the PowerShot G7 X camera gives users the high level of optical performance required to capture beautiful images when shooting portraits and crisp clarity when shooting sweeping landscapes or creative macro shots. The lens features a nine-blade curved aperture diaphragm to provide beautiful, blurred backgrounds even at full-zoom range. And the camera’s built-in ND filter expands the options for creative expression with stills and videos. The PowerShot G7 X camera lets users fully realize the clarity and creativity of their shots with the new multi-angle (up to 180 degrees) three-inch capacitive touch LCD panel featuring a screen resolution of 1,040K dots.

Greatly improving a photographer’s ability to capture subjects in motion is the camera’s High Speed AF and its 31 AF points, spread widely across the picture area to help users capture every shot with accuracy and ease. Paired with continuous shooting speeds up to 6.5 frames per second, the PowerShot G7 X camera gives users the capability to take their best shots in full resolution.

The PowerShot G7 X camera is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi technology, so users can share their stunning still images and videos quickly and easily online using compatible mobile devices3. Using the Mobile Device Connect Button, users can connect to a compatible smartphone or tablet easily, while direct uploading and storage of images and movies to the web is easily done using Canon iMAGE GATEWAY4. For even easier connectivity, the PowerShot G7 X camera also features NFC making initial setup and pairing easier with a compatible Android device.

Photographers can also capture stunning Full HD video up to 1080/60p with the PowerShot G7 X camera. Accessing the various video shooting modes is easily done as the automatic and manual focus, along with the exposure settings, can be controlled using the touch panel, the dial on the back of the camera or a control ring on the lens and convenient playback on a HDTV can be done via the camera’s HDMI port.

The PowerShot G7 X camera also offers multiple shooting modes giving users the power of expression. For example, the advanced Star Mode features four options to capture images of starry night skies with impeccable quality. The “Star Portrait” and “Star Nightscape” modes help capture the radiance of stars in the background while still allowing photographers to capture a foreground subject. The “Star Trails” mode turns star movement into a luminous still image, while the “Star Time-Lapse Movie” mode makes beautiful video clips that show the movement of the stars against a static background.

For even more creative expression, the PowerShot G7 X camera features Canon’s unique Creative Shot Mode for still images, with four filter categories – Retro, Monochrome, Special and Natural. Smart AUTO technology selects 58 different pre-defined scenes for still shots and 21 for video making it possible to take beautiful images and video in a variety of situations. The camera’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) Mode offers ample versatility for creating still images with an artistic flare. Additionally, the camera’s Intelligent IS automatically chooses from one of eight modes to help optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images in various shooting conditions.

For photograph purists, the PowerShot G7 X camera fully supports both manual exposure control and the user’s choice of RAW, JPEG or RAW+JPEG recording formats. The PowerShot G7 X camera also provides excellent manual control operability with a touch panel, a programmable control ring on the lens, an exposure compensation dial, and two customizable buttons on the back in a sleek, compact body.

The PowerShot SX60 HS Digital Camera

The new PowerShot SX60 HS digital camera is the latest addition to Canon’s SX high-power zoom lineup. With 65x optical zoom (equivalent to 21-1365mm) and Optical Image Stabilization for steady images, this camera lets users zoom in and capture special moments even at long range. This new model includes a 16.1 megapixel* CMOS image sensor that, when paired with Canon’s DIGIC 6 Image processor, creates Canon’s high-sensitivity HS System to enhance low-light image quality. Further boosting the performance of the camera’s 65x zoom lens is Canon’s innovative Intelligent IS system which provides users with outstanding eight-mode shake correction technology. For filmmaking enthusiasts, the camera’s 1080/60p Full HD video capabilities feature the choice of automatic or manual exposure control together with a built-in stereo microphone and a port for optional external stereo microphone to record life-like audio with ease.

Like the PowerShot G7 X, the PowerShot SX60 HS camera is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi technology, so users can share the amazing still images and videos taken with the camera online quickly and easily using compatible mobile devices. The camera’s Mobile Device Connect Button makes it easy for users to connect to a compatible smartphone or tablet. Images and movies uploaded to the cloud via Canon iMAGE GATEWAY can be shared easily on social media platforms. The PowerShot SX60 HS camera also includes NFC making initial setup and pairing easier with a compatible Android device.

The PowerShot SX60 HS camera features Canon’s Face Detection and Tracking AF system plus full resolution continuous shooting up to 6.4 frames per second (when not utilizing Tracking AF). The camera also features a new EOS-style grip design for comfortable and secure handling. Users can choose between a three-inch 922K dot Vari-Angle LCD screen for low-or high-angle shooting and a high-resolution 922K dot electronic viewfinder, ideal for shooting in bright outdoor conditions.

When shooting at extreme telephoto focal lengths, the Zoom Framing Assist function remembers the user’s previous zoom position, zooms out to locate the subject, and zooms right back into the saved position when the button is released. An additional feature to this Zoom Framing Assist allows users to preset a desired composition such as whole body, upper body or face. Once this feature is enabled, the PowerShot SX60 HS camera will zoom its lens automatically to maintain the desired composition even if the subject moves closer or further from the camera. Another new function called Zoom Memory makes it possible to quickly return to the most recently used zoom position, even if the battery or memory card is replaced.

To help make photographs and video that are creative yet simple to capture, the PowerShot SX60 HS camera features Creative Shot mode and Canon’s Smart AUTO mode that intelligently selects optimal camera settings from 58 different pre-defined scenes for still shots and 21 for video. The PowerShot SX60 HS camera also features full-manual exposure and focus control, with the photographer’s choice of JPEG, RAW, or JPEG+RAW capture modes. The PowerShot SX60 HS camera is fully compatible with Canon EX-series Speedlites for professional quality lighting effects.

 

The PowerShot N2 Digital Camera

The new Canon PowerShot N2 digital camera, with its stylish square shape, is packed with creative features that provide users with even more freedom to capture their most creative images. Featuring an 8x Optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 28-224mm), the camera gives users the imaging quality needed to capture great photos. The camera also houses a 16.1 megapixel* CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 6 Image processor so memories are preserved and can be shared for years to come.

With enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities, the PowerShot N2 allows users looking to share creative images of moments with family and friends anytime and anywhere. Using the Mobile Device Connect Button, users can connect to a compatible smartphone or tablet easily. Images uploaded to the cloud via Canon iMAGE GATEWAY can be shared easily on social media platforms. The PowerShot N2 camera also includes NFC making initial setup and pairing easier with a compatible Android device.

The sleek, distinct design of the PowerShot N2 camera features a 2.8-inch, 180 degree tilt, capacitive touch LCD screen and, in combination with the camera’s new Self Portrait mode, makes this the ideal camera for taking a spontaneous selfie. The screen also allows for users to capture low-angle or difficult to shoot angles. Different from the shutter ring on the PowerShot N camera, that could be pressed on the top or bottom of the ring, the new shutter ring on the PowerShot N2 camera now functions with an all-round release, allowing users to hold the camera in various ways as well as making it a great camera choice for left or right-handed photographers.

The camera’s Creative Shot mode, which was also featured on the PowerShot N camera, has been enhanced with added filters, giving users the ability to easily apply either a Retro, Monochrome, Special or Natural look to their photos. Also unique to this model, the advanced movie shooting feature in Creative Shot mode combines several movie clips automatically with special effects including super slow motion, quick motion, and various filters for creating fantastic short films. The PowerShot N2 camera also features Smart Auto Mode with 58 different pre-defined scenes for still shots and 21 for video, so no matter the shooting situation users can expect that their photo or video will be captured just as they imagined.

Pricing and Availability

The PowerShot G7 X digital camera is scheduled to be available in October 2014 for an estimated retail price of $699.99.

The PowerShot SX60 HS digital camera is scheduled to be available in October 2014 for estimated retail price of $549.99.

The PowerShot N2 digital camera is scheduled to be available in December 2014 with a choice of black and white body colors for an estimated retail price of $299.99.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens Announced

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

Canon officially announced the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens. The new EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM has an introductory price of just $149 an can be per-ordered at Adorama | B&H Photo.

Press release:

Incredibly lightweight, the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a fast and versatile lens with advanced AF and superior optics. With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 38mm, it’s appropriate for a variety of purposes. The lens features optimised lens element placement and includes an aspheric element for high image quality from the center of the composition to the
corners, and has specialized coatings on the lens elements to reduce ghosting and flare. To ensure excellent color balance, a 7-blade circular aperture provides super b out-of-focus detail. The EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM excels during movie shooting thanks to its STM motor that enables silent and smooth focus tracking (on EOS cameras with Movie Servo AF), plus a micro-stepping drive that keeps aperture changes quiet. The lens also offers full-time manual focus, manual AF adjustment (one-shot AF), and can focus down to a minimum distance of 0.5 ft. (0.16m). Delivering optical brilliance in a
lightweight and unobtrusive construction, the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a great fixed-optical length lens for photographers looking to add a travel-friendly option to their collection.
  • Wide-angle lens for Canon APS-C cameras (equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera) offers an ultra-slim and lightweight design.
  • Slimmest and lightest lens of the EF-S series (approx. lens width is 0.9 in, or slightly wider than a U.S. nickel).
  • A stepping motor (STM) supports the Canon EOS Movie Servo AF function to provide smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording, as well as when shooting photos.
  • Delivers outstanding image quality and excellent low-light performance.
  • Aspheric lens element helps you achieve a high level of image quality from the center to the periphery
  • Optimized lens arrangement and coating helps minimize ghosting and flare.
  • Circular aperture (7 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds.
  • Aperture mechanism uses micro-stepping drive control for quieter drive.
  • Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in One Shot AF Mode.
  • Minimum focusing distance of 0.5 ft./0.16 m; maximum magnification of x0.27

20140915_thumbL_eflens_efs243q

Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Announced

 ef24_105_35_56_isstm_675x450

Canon officially announced the Canon EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM. Price is $599, the EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM can be pre-ordered at Adorama | B&H Photo.

The EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM lens is the first Canon EF standard zoom lens for full-frame sensor cameras to include a lead screw-type stepping motor (STM) for smooth and quiet AF and tracking while shooting movies or still images. It offers top-notch image quality thanks to two aspheric lenses and a UD lens for sharpness and clarity; optimized lens placement and advanced coatings that reduce ghosting and flare while delivering remarkable color balance; and a 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm that creates gorgeous, soft backgrounds. The lens is compact, has an advanced image stabilization system for up to four stops of compensation, and offers full time manual focus. With full-frame compatibility, outstanding STM AF performance, and covering a popular zoom range, the EF 24–105mm f/3.5–5.6 IS STM is an excellent choice.

  • The first standard zoom EF lens for full frame sensor cameras to include a lead screw-type stepping motor (STM).
  • The focusing mechanism employs an inner focus lens, a stepping motor and lead screw to support the Canon EOS Movie Servo AF function and provide smooth and quiet continuous AF during video recording, as well as when shooting photos.
  • Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed stops of correction*.
  • New 7-group zoom optics allows for a conveniently compact design and outstanding optical performance.
  • Two aspheric lenses plus a UD lens combine to provide high-quality results for both still images and movies.
  • Circular aperture (7 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds.
  • Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver exceptional color balance, while minimising ghosting and flare.
  • Inner focusing system, high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm allow high-speed autofocus.
  • Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.

Canon Ef 400mm f/4L IS DO II Lens Announced

Canon EF 400mm f/4L IS DO II

Canon officially announced the Canon EF 400mm f/4L IS DO II lens. The new EF 40mm f/4L IS DO II has a price of $6,899 and can be pre-ordered at Adorama (click here) | B&H Photo

CPN article here. Description and specs:

The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens delivers brilliant high-speed performance for professionals with minimal glare and superb image quality. Taking advantage of the best in lens technology, it features gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements for improved diffraction efficiency with reduced flare. These elements are arranged with a large-diameter ground aspheric lens and a UD lens for a new level of sharpness and clarity. New coatings help to reduce ghosting, ensure excellent color balance and reduce fingerprints on the front and rear of the lens.

Professional L-series dust- and water-resistant construction is complemented by impressive performance: a 3 mode Image Stabilization system offers up to four stops of compensation and can even prevent operational errors when the camera is mounted on a tripod. AF stop buttons placed on the front of the lens can automatically stop focusing at any time; full time manual focus ensures complete control no matter the AF mode, and a Power Focus (PF) mode makes for smooth focus transitions when shooting movies. The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM focuses down to 10.8 ft. (3.3 meters), has a 9-blade aperture for pleasing, soft, out-of-focus areas, and is constructed with environmentally friendly lead-free glass.

 

  • Compact, lightweight super telephoto lens that is ideal for sports and wildlife photography.
  • Newly-developed gapless dual-layer diffractive optical elements deliver improved image quality with reducedvflare.
  • Large diameter ground aspherical lens and UD lens for even greater optical performance.
  • Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed stops of correction*.
  • Three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) provide exceptional results for a wide range of shooting situations.
  • For greater convenience, Image Stabilizer does not have to be disabled when shooting with a tripod.
  • AF stop buttons on the front of the lens allow you to stop autofocusing at any point.
  • Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver exceptional color balance, while minimizing ghosting and flare.
  • Highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions.
  • Circular aperture (9 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds.
  • Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.
  • Power Focus mode enables smooth focus shifts essential for filmmaking.
  • Fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces reduces smears and fingerprints.
  • Minimum focusing distance of 10.8 ft./3.3 m.

ef400_4doisii_usm_mtf_3 ef400_4doisii_usm_mtf_2 ef400_4doisii_usm_mtf_1

10 Questions For Canon (by EOSHD)

Canon
Canon’s new and very conservatively specced EOS 7D Mark II

EOSHD’s Andrew Reid posted an educated list of 10 questions he’ll ask Canon (and Nikon) at Photokina 2014.

For the Canon part, it’s about Canon’s strategy, technological plans, marketing etc. Most of the questions are sort of “why do you not get it?” questions :-)

All 10 questions make sense, but I like this one (nr. 3):

The 7D line has been a bestseller in the enthusiast market for the past 5 years but the new model barely moves an inch forwards from the cheaper 70D. After such a long period of time was it Canon’s intention to position the 6D as the real 7D replacement and if so, how do you excuse such poor video quality on the 6D considering the enthusiasts it is aimed at? For video it is not a low end product but it performs like one.

Worth to have a look.

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is going to be announced tomorrow (so stay tuned), and it will be a typical Canon upgrade: a conservatively specced yet solid workhorse that will most probably sell better than most people expect (sport and wildlife photogs on the APS-C train will love it). That’s where Canon is good: to build reliable cameras that do their job well – without any truly exciting new features. I was expecting more from Canon for the 7D Mark II. These are the specs that leaked so far:

  • Magnesium alloy body
  • Dust and water resistant
  • 20.2MP CMOS sensor
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • A new 65-point AF. All points cross type
  • EOS iTR AF (EOS iTR AF is “intelligent tracking and recognition” AF, a feature that was first seen on the EOS-1D X)
  • 10 fps
  • Dual DIGIC6
  • Max ISO 16000
  • RGB + IR photometry sensor 150000 pixels
  • Full HD 60p video
  • GPS
  • Interval Timer
  • Bulb Timer

In my opinion there is very little (as far as we know for the time being) that positions the 7D Mark II clearly above the Canon EOS 70D. 10fps vs 7fps of the 70D and a more powerful AF system. I am curious to see what the Dual DIGIC6 CPUs can pull out of Canon’s Dual Pixel AF technology.

Tomorrow we will know the full specs. And then let’s discuss.

The Time’s Photographer Marc Aspland And The Art Of Sports Photography

Sports Photography

Canon Professional Network Europe published an interview with Marc Aspland, Chief Sports Photographer at The Times newspaper in London, and the subtle art of sports photography.

During a career spanning over a quarter of a century thus far Marc Aspland has gained an international reputation as one of the world’s finest sports photographers, with a style all of his own. He has been Chief Sports Photographer of The Times newspaper in London since the late 1990s but it is only now that many of his most famous images have been brought together in his new, and first-ever, book ‘The Art of Sports Photography’. CPN writer Mark Alexander spoke to Marc Aspland about what it took to create the magical images in the book and his unique approach to shooting sports.

Read the interview at CPN –>