Canon EOS 40D and 1Ds Mark III get launch dates

After Amazon's slip-up with the publishing of the full technical details on the rumored EOS cameras, Canon has today made the 40D and the 1Ds Mark III official. Two new lenses were also announced with the new SLR bodies. Compact digicam users, on the other hand, can look forward to a refreshed IXUS and PowerShot lineup.

Top-of-the-line and going after the medium-format market is the 1Ds Mark III. The magnesium-alloy body packs a full-frame 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, two DIGIC III imaging processors, 19-point cross-type autofocus system (for F2.8 or faster lenses), 14-bit analog-digital conversion and a built-in ultrasonic vibration self-cleaning unit.

Targeted at professional studios and photographers, the biggest difference compared with the recent 1D Mark III is its full-frame image sensor, making it the third full-frame model in the 1D lineup. In addition, Canon has added an EF 14mm F2.8L II USM glass to its range of EF lenses. This Mark II type is capable of a wide 114-degree field-of-view when used with a full-frame SLR body.

Also highly anticipated before today's launch was the 40D, which succeeds the current 30D with a whole list of improvements. Among them are a higher-res 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit analog-digital conversion, DIGIC III imaging processor, integrated cleaning system, faster 6.5fps continuous shooting mode, nine-point cross-type AF (for F5.6 or faster lenses) and a larger 3-inch LCD.

The EOS 40D body is expected to be available in Singapore next week at S$2,099. There are two kit bundles to choose from. The first comes with a EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS lens at S$2,299 (available from mid-September), while the second option is with a EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM glass at S$2,899. According to Canon, the 1Ds Mark III is expected out next month. No local pricing was given, though the SLR is expected to cost US$7,999.

Other key markets to get the duo include India, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Hong Kong. However, shipment dates are still unknown.

More cameras were announced today including the PowerShot G9 which now comes with RAW capture capability, a sorely missed feature on the earlier G7. Scroll down for a quick break down of the eight new shooters.

Canon digital SLRs

Model name	In a nutshell
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III Click for more details	Cool factor: Full-frame 21.1-megapixel camera targeted at professional studios and photographers Notable features: 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor Dual DIGIC III image procesor 14-bit analog-digital signal conversion rate 5fps up to 56 JPEG or 12 RAW 19-point autofocus system EOS integrated cleaning system 3-inch TFT LCD with Live View ISO 100 to ISO 1,600 63-zone metering sensor 300,000 shutter durability Availability: September 2007
Canon EOS 40D Click for more details	Cool factor: Successor to the EOS 30D with a higher-res CMOS sensor and DIGIC III imaging processor Notable features: 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor DIGIC III imaging processor 6.5fps continuous shooting up to 75 shots Nine-point cross autofocus system Integrated sensor cleaning function ISO 100 to ISO 1600 3-inch TFT LCD Availability: End August 2007 in Singapore Price: S$2,099 (body only); S$2,299 (with EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS); S$2,899 (with EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM)