How Does Canon’s 20 Years Old EOS-1D Image Quality Hold Up?

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20 years ago Canon released the EOS-1D, the company’s first attempt in the professional digital camera market. How does the image quality compare nowadays?

At a glance:

  • Magnesium body, environmentally sealed, based on the Canon EOS-1V
  • 4.48 megapixel CCD sensor (primary colour filter)
  • Focal length multiplier: 1.3x
  • Maximum burst speed of 8 fps for up to 21 JPEG frames or 16 RAW frames
  • ISO 200 – 1600 in 1/3 stop steps, ISO 100 or 3200 available from a custom function ISO sensitivity bracketing
  • Evaluative, Partial, Center-weighted, Spot and Multi-spot metering
  • Shutter speed range: Bulb, 30 – 1/16,000 sec (1/500 sec flash X-sync)
  • Noise reduction can be enabled for exposures 1/15 sec or slower
  • 100 percent viewfinder coverage meeting professional needs with adjustable diopter and eyepiece shutter
  • 45-point Area AF for compositional freedom, and 21-zone metering
  • 10 white balance modes and WB bracketing functions, including setting Kelvin values
  • Voice narration recording with built-in microphone–maximum of 30 seconds
  • 21 custom functions and 25 personal functions, which can be stored into function groups

EduardoPavezGoye wanted to find out and discusses his findings about the Canon EOS-1D in the video below. I think the image quality is pretty good for a 20 years old digital camera with a 4.5MP sensor. Sure, you won’t print large formats, but still.

More about the Canon EOS-1D at Wikipedia. If you are curious, you’ll find the Canon EOS-1D press release after the break.

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Did Canon Quietly Raise Prices For Their Gear Because Of The Pandemic?

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It seems so, according to a recent report. Blame the pandemic, they say.

PetaPixel reports that Canon raised prices for some of their gear. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was selling at $2,499, now it’s $2,699. RF-mount lenses have also seen a $100 raise in price.

PetaPixel mentions a “source” who claims that the prices raised because of the coronavirus pandemic, i.e. because of “[…] its associated costs such as production delays and increased air freight expenses“. When asked for comment Canon refused to answer.

It’s true that there is more demand than available gear, and that many Canon lenses are on backorder. Still, it is hard to assess if the pandemic is the reason or nor.

Stay tuned.

Canon Got Autofocus Right Already 40 Years Ago (with the FD 35-70mm ƒ/4 AF)

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Nowadays for most photographers it is not imaginable to have a lens without autofocus. Hasn’t always been that way. See how Canon managed to make an awesome AF lens not less than 40 years ago: the FD 35-70mm ƒ/4 AF.

The Canon FD 35-70mm ƒ/4 AF was released in May 1981. Here are the specifications:

Lens Construction (group)8
Lens Construction (element)8
No. of Diaphragm Blades6
Minimum Aperture22
Closest Focusing Distance (m)0.5
Maximum Magnification (x)0.15
Filter Diameter (mm)52
Maximum Diameter x Length (mm)85 x 99.5
Weight (g)604
FD 35-70mm

That’s how Canon described the lens in 1981:

This is the world’s first autofocus zoom lens with an autofocus function using Canon’s own SST (Solid State Triangulation) method. The incorporation of this function into the best-selling FD35-70mm f/4 (June 1979) interchangeable lens brought about automation of focusing for SLR cameras.

The SST method is a system in which information on the photographed object that enters the sensor through two fixed mirrors is converted into an electric signal and distance is measured by a microcomputer, with focusing performed by moving a distance ring with a motor. The latest fixed imaging device CCD (charge-coupled device) technology is adopted to provide high resolution and a broad dynamic range able to detect low to high luminance, making it less susceptible to the contrast and pattern size of the photographed object and enabling highly precise autofocusing. Also, as the SST method does not have a movable section in the distance measuring mechanism, no vibration or electric noise is caused, which provides high reliability fitting of a high-end SLR camera.

Kai W has a look at and introduces the Canon FD 35-70mm ƒ/4 AF lens in the video below.

More information about the Canon FD 35-70mm ƒ/4 AF may be found here.

Image courtesy photo.net

[via DPReview]

Canon Has The Top Share Of Press Cameras Used At Olympic Games

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Canon the n° 1 at the Olympic Games; what else?

Canon press release:

Canon claims top share of press cameras used at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, highlights DSLR and mirrorless cameras and remote image capture technologies that assisted press photographers

TOKYO, August 20, 2021—As a Gold Partner (Still Camera and Desktop Printer) of the Tokyo 2020 Games, Canon helped support professional photographers through the establishment of a camera service booth inside the Main Press Center so they were in the best condition possible to capture photos of athletes engaged in high-level competition during the Opening Ceremonies, Closing Ceremonies and competition events of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Canon is active behind the scenes at a wide variety of sporting events, aiming to achieve “zero downtime” for professional photographers so they are never forced to stop and miss definitive moments of these intense competitions. For decades, the Company has built a reliable reputation and helped support journalists on the front lines through a wide range of services.

In addition to such products as the company’s professional flagship camera, the EOS-1D X Mark III, used by a large number of photographers thanks to its high reliability and ease-of-use, Canon provided on-site support during the eight competition events1 of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Canon achieved the top share, approximately 55%2, of cameras used by professional press photographers at the event.

Alongside the EOS-1D X Mark III, Canon’s EOS R5 and EOS R6 mirrorless cameras were widely used. What’s more, test units of the in-development EOS R3—with high performance and high reliability designed to meet the needs of professional and enthusiast users—were used by a limited number of professional photographers, who gave the camera high praise.

Comment from EOS R3 test user Patrick Smith of Getty Images, the official photo agency of the Tokyo 2020 Games

I am honored to be given the opportunity to test EOS R3 at the world’s largest sporting event. Thanks to the camera’s incredibly fast AF and light weight, I had a much easier time holding and operating the camera for long periods of time. The 30 frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting also proved excellent. I believe this camera will show us what next-generation performance is like.

Canon’s Robotic Camera System CR-S700R, which enables image capture from a variety of viewpoints and angles, was also installed in multiple locations, contributing to the creation of innovative new ways to capture photos.

Canon will continue striving to create competitive, highly reliable products and, through such on-site support of journalists as equipment maintenance, contribute to the further advancement of photographic and videographic expression.

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Canon Announced New Multifunction Inkjet Printer PIXMA TR4720

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Canon announced a new, inexpensive multifunction inkjet printer, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 (black and white color option).

Orders are open at $99.99 at B&H Photo and Canon USA.

Canon press release:

Designed with Ease and Convenience in Mind – Canon U.S.A. Introduces New Pixma Multifunction Inkjet Printer

MELVILLE, NY, August 19, 2021 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of the new PIXMA TR4720 printer. Designed to be the go-to inkjet printer for at-home business projects, this new four-in-one multifunction printer helps solve basic needs, as well as provide an improved user experience when compared to previous models.

College students, schools and home office users will find the functionality of the PIXMA TR4720 printer easy to navigate while producing the high-quality prints consumers have grown accustomed to. In addition, the printer includes a large capacity paper tray, which can reduce the frequency of paper refilling (especially helpful when facing an impending deadline). The app compatibility of the PIXMA TR4720 printer is also impressive. Apps such as: AirPrint®1, Mopria Print Service (AndroidTM users only)2, PIXMA Cloud Link3, Smart Assistant Support (select brands only)4, PosterArtist Lite (Windows® OS users only)5 and more allow the end user to experience a variety of creative print options based on their preferences.

Direct customer feedback was utilized to help improve the user experience versus the predecessor model. The PIXMA TR4720 printer features enhancements that make the input-to-output process easier and more convenient. Compared with previous models, the PIXMA TR4720 printer enables a user to create and print at the touch of a button. Such user experience improvements include:

  • Improved printer initial setup through Canon PRINT app6 provides step-by-step instructions to follow along for simple installation
  • Easier installment and replacement of ink cartridges
  • Front paper tray redesign allows for easier insertion of desired paper size

As an affordable, true four-in-one multifunction printer, the PIXMA TR4720 printer covers both home and business needs. From business plans to term papers – the reliability and versatility that comes with the new PIXMA printer is for anyone who is looking to print quality documents with ease. The PIXMA TR4720 also features a built-in fax, eliminating the need to use a mobile application to complete faxing needs.

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 printer also includes:

  • 2 FINE 4 color hybrid ink cartridges
  • Approximately 8.8 ipm (black) / 4.4 ipm (color) print speed7
  • Up to 4,800 x 1,200 dpi print resolution8
  • Auto Document Feeder for scanning documents
  • Wireless Direct Connection9
  • Auto Duplex Print for letter-size paper

Canon EOS R5 Firmware Update Released (version 1.4.0)

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As expected, Canon released a new firmware for the Canon EOS R5. Nothing earthshaking, and mostly video oriented.

You can download Canon EOS R5 firmware version 1.4.0 here.

Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1) Adds support for outputting 8K/30p/10-bit video signals for ProRes RAW recording to ATOMOS’s Ninja V+ recorder* via HDMI.

  • If you have any questions about ATOMOS products, please contact ATOMOS directly.
  • Please note that the recorder may become hot.

2) Adds support for movie recording when the camera is connected to the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S or CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S EF cinema lenses.

  • Still photography shooting is possible however performance is not guaranteed.
  • Movie shooting in vertical position is possible however performance is not guaranteed.
  • External power supply is required for AF operation during servo zoom operation. When there is no external power supply, AF operation is activated only when the servo zoom is not in use.

3) Adds simultaneous movie recording capability on card 1 and card 2, however RAW movies and RAW(Light) movies cannot be recorded simultaneously on card 1 and card 2.

4) Adds support for the VPG 400 (Video Performance Guarantee Profile), a standard based on the CFexpress 2.0 specification.

5) Improves operation stability when using the RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF600mm F4 L IS USM.

6) Fixes an issue in which, during HDMI connection, if the camera’s screen turns off, a zebra pattern is displayed via the HDMI output.

7) Fixes an issue in which sufficient image stabilization effects may not be attained immediately after the start of shooting.

Firmware Version 1.4.0 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.3.1. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.4.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.