By
Leonard Goh
17/09/2008
URL:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,62046217,00.htm
Ever since the EOS 5D was launched three years ago, Canon fanboys have been waiting for its successor to no avail, until today.
The Japanese imaging company has finally announced the EOS 5D Mark II, and its specifications looks set to leave competitors biting the dust. Rather than implement minor upgrades from the EOS 5D, Canon appears to have re-engineered a new breed with the new model. Resolution has been bumped up from 12 to 21 megapixels, and the LCD size has been increased from 2.5 to 3 inches. But what is most spectacular about this dSLR would be its full-HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) movie capture function, which has a maximum recording time of 12 minutes. In comparison, the
Nikon D90 can record up to only 5 minutes of 720p-quality clips. The EOS 5D Mark II will retail for approximately US$2,699, much less than its predecessor which cost US$3,299 during the initial launch.
Another model that's due for an update is the Canon
PowerShot G9, which the PowerShot G10 replaces. This is the first G-series camera to house a 28mm wide-angle lens. Resolution-wise, the G10 has a 14.7-megapixel sensor and, as with its predecessor, the shooter has extensive exposure modes and RAW format image capture.
Two popular compact units, the
IXUS 860 IS and
IXUS 960 IS, will be succeeded by the IXUS 870 IS and the IXUS 970 IS, respectively. The IXUS 870 IS retains the 28mm wide-angle lens which made its predecessor a favorite among consumers, while optical zoom is increased slightly from 3.6x to 4x. The IXUS 970 IS will satisfy advanced shutterbugs with its full manual exposure function, and Canon touts this 14.7-megapixel point-and-shoot as its flagship model.
On the superzoom end, two cameras will replace the
PowerShot S5 IS. The PowerShot SX1 IS and PowerShot SX10 IS have relatively similar specifications such as 20x optical zoom and 10-megapixel sensor, but the 1080p-quality movie capture feature will be reserved for only the SX1 IS.
All the cameras will be running off the latest DIGIC 4 image-processing engine which promises improved detail rendition and color reproduction for pictures. The processing speed is said to be faster as well.
Canon was unable to confirm the Asia pricing and availability for now. Pricing mentioned in the next page are from Canon US.
| Model name | In a nutshell |
Canon EOS 5D Mark II (click for larger image)
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Notable features:
- Full frame
- 21.1 megapixels
- Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) movie recording
- 3-inch LCD with Live View
- Burst mode of 3.9 frames per second
- Nine autofocus points with six invisible assist points
- Maximum ISO of 25,600
- Microphone input terminal for stereo audio capture
- CompactFlash card expansion slot
Quick summary: The EOS 5D Mark II looks like a good midrange dSLR for enthusiasts, and it definitely qualifies as a backup camera for the professionals.
Pricing and availability: US$2,699. Asian availability TBA.
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Canon PowerShot G10 (click for larger image)
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Notable features:
- 14.7 megapixels
- 5x optical zoom
- 28mm wide-angle lens
- 3-inch LCD
- Hotshoe for optional accessories
- Full manual exposure mode
- Optical image stabilizer
- SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Quick summary: Don't be fooled by the PowerShot G10's compact footprint. It has dSLR-like features that can satisfy even seasoned shutterbugs.
Pricing and availability: TBA
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Canon Digital IXUS 870 IS (click for larger image)
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Notable features:
- 10 megapixels
- 4x optical zoom
- 28mm wide-angle lens
- 3-inch LCD
- Optical image stabilization
- SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Quick summary: We predict the IXUS 870 IS will be one of Canon's best sellers as its predecessor had been. Consumers who are looking for a typical wide-angle point-and-shoot may consider this unit.
Pricing and availability: TBA.
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Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS (click for larger image)
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Notable features:
- 14.7 megapixels
- 3.7x optical zoom
- Optical viewfinder
- 2.5-inch LCD
- Manual exposure control
- Optical image stabilization
- SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Quick summary: This super-high-resolution model is suitable for those who likes their devices small yet feature rich. The manual exposure mode is a nice touch to appeal to those who wants to be creative with their shots.
Pricing and availability: TBA.
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Canon PowerShot SX1 IS (click for larger image)
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Notable features:
- 10 megapixels
- Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) movie recording
- 20x optical zoom
- 28mm wide-angle lens
- 2.8-inch tilt/swivel LCD
- Manual exposure control
- Optical image stabilization
- SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Quick summary: This superzoom model will accomodate to those who are looking for a camera that can deliver better video quality. Sports and nature photographer will approve of the 20x optical zoom, too.
Pricing and availability: TBA.
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Canon PowerShot SX10 IS (click for larger image)
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Notable features:
- 10 megapixels
- Electronic viewfinder
- 20x optical zoom
- 28mm wide-angle lens
- 2.5-inch tilt/swivel LCD
- Manual exposure control
- Optical image stabilization
- SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Quick summary: The PowerShot SX10 IS is almost similar to the PowerShot SX1 IS, and is probably targeted at consumers who are not fussy about the video quality from compact shooters.
Pricing and availability: TBA.
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