Archive for January, 2010
What’s coming?
I’m told we’ll be seeing a slew of PowerShot cameras announced. Including high end ELPH/IXUS models.
DSLR?
We will see 1 or 2 SLR’s announced alongside the point & shoots.
There will be at least 1 Rebel announced. The possible 2nd SLR “sounds like a 60D”.
Lenses?
From this source it’s unknown at the moment.
As always, we’ll keep you posted.
cr
Exciting times!
Now that one of the most wanted updates is official, folks are hammering me when they can get one! The following is all I know at the moment.
- Pricing from Calumet in Germany is €2399
- Canon UK’s site says available March, 2010
- I have no official pricing from anywhere yet.
- Pricing in Canada is TBA
- I can’t find anyone taking preorders yet, that should change today.
A few have asked, this is not a lens I’ll be buying. I’m a fast prime junky when working.
cr

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM II | Image from DPR
5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. The lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.
True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.
“Reuters’ photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”
Premium quality, premium performance
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.
A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.
A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.
Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use
As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.
Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.
High quality L-series accessories
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.
Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.
cr

Canon A490 & A495 | Image from DPR
London, UK, 5th January 2010 – Canon today announces the launch of the new PowerShot A495 and PowerShot A490 – a duo of affordable and user-friendly compact digital cameras designed for fun, everyday use. Replacing the popular PowerShot A480, the new models combine a subtle, soft-edged design with a genuine Canon lens and a range of intelligent automatic features – packing impressive performance into a small, lightweight body.
Available in silver (both models), red and blue (PowerShot A495 only), both new models offer a 10.0 Megapixel sensor and genuine Canon 3.3x optical zoom lens, producing large, detailed images. Smart Auto mode takes care of picture settings automatically, and a bright, vivid 6.2cm (2.5”) LCD display makes it simple to frame, capture and share images.
Smart Auto – simply point and shoot
Effortless shooting is guaranteed by Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology, which automatically recognises shooting conditions and applies the optimum picture settings required to get the perfect shot. The PowerShot A495 automatically detects up to 18 different shooting scenes, while PowerShot A490 can detect up to 13 – producing great results whether shooting on a sunny day, capturing a subject at a close range, or at night. Taking care of all picture settings so the user doesn’t have to, Smart Auto makes photography easier than ever.
i-Contrast technology detects difficult lighting conditions – ensuring that light or darker areas are captured in detail in the final image – while Smart Flash Exposure automatically adjusts flash levels to suit both the subject and conditions. In daylight, for example, Smart Flash Exposure will detect and eliminate shadows on a face caused by bright sunlight, automatically engaging the flash to ensure everyone looks their best.
Advanced Face Detection Technology – multiple faces, multiple uses
Face Detection Technology makes it easy to get perfect group shots, recognising multiple faces and making sure everyone is well-exposed, natural and in focus. Red-eye Correction also detects and removes any red-eye in images after the shot has been taken, making friends and family look great at all times. A clever FaceSelf-Timer feature, available on the PowerShot A495, simplifies group shots by waiting until an additional face enters the frame before the shot is taken two seconds later – ensuring everyone can be part of the picture.
Simple, creative shooting – even in low light
Higher performance in dark situations is now achieved thanks to a new Low Light mode, which automatically sets the ISO at a reduced resolution to capture images in dark conditions. Motion Detection Technology also works to prevent blur when capturing moving subjects, allowing the most inexperienced user to get great, blur free images with ease.
The PowerShot A495 features two new, simple scene modes that give users the ability to instantly add further creativity to their shots. Poster Effect reduces the number of colours for an older, poster-style look from photos without the need for a computer. Super Vivid mode injects new life into subjects lacking vibrancy – adding a higher level of saturation to images to provide a dramatic, enriched effect.
Go beyond stills – shoot and share video with ease
In addition to high-quality images, both the PowerShot A495 and the PowerShot A490 are able to capture video at VGA resolution with sound. Both also feature a YouTube™ upload function in the supplied software package – providing the capacity to log-in and upload directly from the camera to the Internet via a computer. This enables video to be shared online for friends to see within minutes of being captured.
Each of the new PowerShots are compatible with SDHC and SDXC memory cards – with SDXC offering storage capacity of up to 2TB, allowing users to shoot thousands of images on a single card. Both models are powered by AA batteries, providing users with flexibility to keep plenty of power in reserve.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the new PowerShot A495 and PowerShot A490 are entitled to free membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
cr

Canon A3000 & A3100 | Image from DPR
London, UK, 5th January 2010 – Canon today launches the PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS, two new digital cameras that are compact, great looking and extremely easy to use. Packed with a range of clever and user-friendly features, the new models make photography more enjoyable than ever, helping users get great shots with the minimum of effort.
With genuine Canon lens technology and DIGIC III processing, the PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS offer excellent performance and great value. Both sport a new, slim and lightweight body with an attractive exterior design, combining stand-out looks with a range of intelligent technologies. The PowerShot A3100 IS is available in a selection of bright, attractive colours, offering a choice of blue, red and silver variants, while the PowerShot A3000 IS comes in silver with a subtle black trim. The new models will succeed the current PowerShot A1100 IS, and mark a true step forward for the PowerShot A series line.
Canon quality – both inside and out
The PowerShot A3100 IS features a 12.1 Megapixel imaging sensor, while the lower-cost PowerShot A3000 IS offers 10.0 Megapixels of resolution. Equipped with DIGIC III processing, a 4x optical zoom lens and integrated optical Image Stabilizer, both provide rich, detailed and blur-free images. A bright, 6.7cm (2.7″) high resolution LCD screen offers crisp playback, enabling users to frame and review images in pin-sharp clarity.
Both new models also make it easy to capture the perfect shot, thanks to the intelligent Smart Auto mode. Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology recognises up to 18 different scenes and automatically applies the optimum settings required to capture the best picture.
Smart Auto also in cludes i-Contrast technology, which analyses images to deliver perfect exposure, adding brightness and detail to darker sections without blowing out correctly-exposed areas. Additionally, Canon’s Easy mode provides super-simple settings for beginners, deactivating most of the buttons and removing icons from the screen for straightforward point-and-shoot photography.
Smart Flash Exposure improves natural and ambient lighting in every shot, intelligently adjusting flash exposure to suit the subject and the shooting conditions. In daylight, for example, Smart Flash Exposure will detect and eliminate harsh facial shadows created when light reaches people at an angle, automatically engaging the flash to brighten up any poorly lit features. Flash power is also controlled during macro shooting, preventing over exposure and retaining image detail of subjects shot from a very short distance.
Face Detection Technology makes it easy to take pictures of friends, tracking faces and providing correct exposure and focus for the best results. Face Select & Track allows one face to be given priority over others in a group if required, while Red-Eye Correction identifies and corrects red eyes, making sure everyone looks their best. The smart FaceSelf-Timer feature allows the photographer to be included in group photos, only taking the shot when an extra face has entered the frame.
Creative shooting with minimum effort
A range of creative shooting features includes the new Low Light mode, which provides improved performance in challenging lighting conditions at 2.0 Megapixel resolution. The new Super Vivid mode injects new life into subjects, adding colour to images to provide a dramatic, enriched effect. The cameras also feature the new Poster Effect mode, which reduces the number of colours to create retro-looking, poster-style images.
The PowerShot A3100 IS makes it easy to navigate menus, with on-screen Hints & Tips providing simple explanations of camera functions for superb ease-of-use.
In addition to high-quality images, both the PowerShot A3100 IS and the PowerShot A3000 IS capture video at VGA resolution with sound, offering users the ability to go beyond stills. Both models feature comprehensive software packages, including an integrated YouTube™ upload function, for sharing videos online quickly and easily.
For the first time in a PowerShot A series model, the new models both feature Lithium-ion battery packs. Lightweight and rechargeable, Lithium-ion battery packs are slim and easier to carry, and provide the convenience of being able to be charged on demand. Both cameras are also compatible with SDHC and SDXC storage cards, offering up to 2TB (SDXC only) of convenient and reliable memory that users can take anywhere.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the new PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS are entitled to free
membership of CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
cr
Be sure to scroll down for Parts 1 & 2
So here we go, last predictions post and then back to the rumors (it’s been quiet).
What’s going on in PowerShot?
I don’t think there’s going to be too much revolutionary from Canon. They make the best selling compacts on earth and that probably won’t change. I think we’ll see a couple new models.
G Series?
The G12 will be announced next summer and will probably be about the same with the addition of HD video. Could we see a CMOS sensor added to the camera? It’s possible. There’s always a few “G”Mos rumors floating around.
I don’t expect any large sensor G series camera.
S Series
The S90 is doing quite well for Canon and will have an incremental update next summer. HD Video most likely. I don’t see a 2nd “S” series camera added to the lineup.
D Series
The D10 and it’s love/hate design has been a huge success for Canon. I expect a D20 with an array of colors and HD video. The accessory kit for $100+ was a stupid idea.
I could also see an elph sized waterproof camera. Perhaps with a 3 meter rating and slim design.
SX Series
There will be an update to the SX200 that will probably be incremental. The camera has sold quite well. It needs a bit of a boost in image quality and the popup flash annoys people.
There will be an SX130 I expect, we know how I feel about that camera. Hey, it’s cheap with a big zoom.
SX20 IS will get another incremental upgrade. Canon sells so many of these cameras. I can’t help but think they’re going to lithium battery these cameras eventually. Another chipped battery. I’m personally a AA fan for the line.
A Series
A lot of people were upset when manual controls were removed from the A series. I can see a 2100 update getting the manual controls back, but not the 1100 update.
I also expect to see an “A” series camera with an articulating screen come back. I think a lot of people missed it.
A480 update will be…. zzzz
ELPH
A very popular series of cameras. I think the most creative stuff will appear here.
I can see an ELPH with the G11/S90 sensor announced soon. Perhaps with 5x zoom.
I think we’re going to see a small 8x zoom camera launched sometime this year. No other large zoom ELPH camera will be introduced.
The touchscreen camera will get a facelift. It needs some more creative uses for the touchscreen like Nikon has.
The SD780 and Sd1200 will receive subtle upgrades. I could see the screen getting larger on both and the optical viewfinder removed.
As I mentioned earlier, perhaps a waterproof ELPH.
E & TX Series
I can’t even wager a guess if Canon will try to resurrect these lines. I do know of a few TX1 fans. I haven’t met an E1 fan. :)
I don’t predict anything too crazy.
Flashes
I think we’ll see a 580 EX II replacement or an addition to the flash lineup above it. ETTL3 metering. I also expect a higher guide number.
I expect the cameras could receive firmware upgrades for such a flash if needed. I’d be interested to see if the 1D Mark IV has any firmware clues about a new flash.
The 430EX II and 270EX will remain current.
Accessories
What the heck, I predict we’ll see a GPS addon for Photokina for the EOS line. :)
Software
This is more of a wish. I want to see DPP redone and have an interface line Aperture & Lightroom. I love the quality of files I get from DPP, I just hate using it.
That’s it, that’s all. Predictions done. If I hit 50% correct, I’ll consider that a success.
Enjoy 2010 and good look in all your photography endeavours.
cr
Where are the forums?
I had a love/hate with the forums. I think the forums could work on this site if done properly…. they weren’t.
I will bring the forums back when they can tie in better with WordPress, there needs to be some automation. Lots of people here want to discuss stuff and have some fun on forums.
I promise they’ll be back and 100 times better.
The downside? Everything currently on them will probably not be migrated over. I’ll do my best though.
ETA for the forums to come back? Sometime in the next 60 days.
Canon EOS 700D
It’s rare I get a good Photoshop job that I actually want to share on the site, but I liked this submission from Jan.

EOS 700D Concept by Jan | Click for larger
I love the scrollwheel!
cr
*UPDATE*
I addressed Tilt-Shift, Macro and Teleconverters, I didn’t copy/paste that stuff over. Sorry about that.
Be sure to scroll down for part 1
I think there are far more people eager to see what lenses Canon has coming down the pipeline. I know I am.
I think this is going to be the year of the lens from Canon. I truly expect a lot of upgrades and a couple of new lenses.
Without further ado…….
I could see these three announced February 9, 2010.
14-24 f/2.8L
- An ultra wide for full frame that finally makes Canon users happy.
24-70 f/2.8L IS
- Upgraded coating, build and the much desired image stabilization. I personally think Nikon royally dropped the ball not VRing their 24-70.
70-200 f/2.8L IS II
- The current model is very good, but I wouldn’t call it great (don’t flame me too hard for saying that, I do own one) . The lens will get an upgraded IS and better optical performance, especially at 200mm. Lighter weight would be a welcomed bonus.
World Cup & Big White Lenses
I think we could definitely see updated big white lenses f0r the World Cup. I think 3 lenses will get upgraded.
- 300 f/2.8L IS II
- 400 f/2.8L IS II
- 500 f/4L IS II
No 600 f/4L IS upgrade for the time being. We’ve seen the patent for the 600 f/4 DO, I think that would be an amazing seller for Canon and will be an addition to the lineup. A new 600 f/4L IS in 2011.
New pair of fisheyes
- If Canon is serious about keeping APS-C around, they need an EF-S fisheye. I think the Nikon 10.5mm fisheye is too expensive for a crop lens. I could see the following 2 fisheyes.
- EF-S 10mm f/4 Fisheye
- EF 15mm f/2.8L II Fisheye
What about regular primes?
The following 2 lenses are due for an upgrade, I’ll predict one will get it.
EF 50 f/1.4 II
- The current 50 f/1.4 is one very old lens and among Canon’s most unreliable as far as build goes. The USM is dated and the AF motor isn’t the most reliable. The Sigma 50 f/1.4 is a much better lens (if you get a good copy). This should be upgraded and this might be the year.
EF 35 f/1.4L II
- The 14, 24, 50 , 85 & 200 are on a version 2. It’s time for the 35 to join them. I think we’ll see such a lens launched with the 1Ds Mark IV.
New Lenses?
Some kind of f/2 zoom will enter the lineup I think. I can’t even contemplate what the focal length would be, but something unique must be coming.
Teleconverters
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the 1.4 & 2.0 TC’s getting an update. Howabout adding a 1.7 like the Nikonians have?
Tilt-Shifts
I don’t think we’ll see a new TS-E 45 or TS-E 90 this year. There are bigger fish to fry at the moment, even as far as niche lenses go.
Macro Lenses
There is a patent for the EF-S 60 f/2.8 IS Macro. Could we see that in 2010? I’d wager it being a 2011 lens.
What won’t get upgraded?
I think the following lenses will stick around through 2010.
EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS
- Why bother? It’s head and shoulders better than the Nikkor 80-400 (slowest lens ever) and sells very well. Optically it’s great. The IS is very dated, but I don’t think the lens requires an upgrade over some other stuff.
EF 17-40 f/4L
- I want this lens upgraded, I want to see better corners. I love the size and weight of the current lens… and the price! Canon sells so many of these things as it sits, it must be low on the list to upgrade.
EF 135 f/2L
- This lens is marvelous as it is and really isn’t a “status” lens. The big white lenses don’t really need upgrades, but they’re definitely hype builders.
I have predicted 11 new lenses. My brain tells me that’s probably 3 too many. The big white lenses and fisheye lenses won’t be massive volume sellers, so I can see those produced alongside the volume lenses.
So the bold prediction? This will be the year of the lenses!
Part 3
I will focus on PowerShot and accessories!
cr
What does CR Guy See Coming?
As always, trying to predict what giant multinational corporations is going to do with product development can be hard, but I’ll give it a go.
Digital SLR
Canon needs to get back in the game as far as DSLR’s go. There is a perception that Canon has fallen behind Nikon as far as tech goes. Is it true? Maybe a little bit. There’s no reason Canon can’t be out front of Nikon, they have the resources and manufacturing capabilities to take back the crown.
1Ds Mark IV
- 32mp or higher sensor.
- Same autofocus system as 1D4
- 5fps
- New video features to separate it from the rest of the lineup.
- DIGIC IV
The Rebel Line
- Two new cameras
- One camera will be 12mp and the other 18mp (Same as the 7D)
- One camera will have an articulating display
- Both cameras will have movie modes, one being better than the other.
- Ergonomic upgrades (Scrollwheel!) Maybe more of a wish than a prediction
- New chipped batteries
- Both cameras in the 3fps to 4fps range
60D
- 18mp sensor (Same as 7D)
- 720p Video Mode @ 30fps. 1080p maybe.
- 6.3fps
- A new autofocus system based on the 7D, but less focus points.
- Missing some of the 7D bells and whistles like the electronic level.
- Smaller VF than the 7D
- This is actually a hard camera to predict. What will they leave out from the 7D?
3D
- FF in the 16-21mp range.
- 4-6.3fps
- DIGIC V
- New sensor technology
- Same size as 5D2
- 7D Autofocus system
- 1080p movie mode, same as 5D2
EVIL (Electronic viewfinder interchangeable lenses)
There will be no Micro 4/3 style camera from Canon in 2010. If they ever get on board, they will be the last one to do so.
So that makes 5 new SLR’s in 2010. That could be far fetched, but why not? 2010 is going to be a better year for most everyone.
Part 2 (Later today)
I will focus on lenses.
cr
First Confirmed Announcement
Canon will be making an announcement February 9, 2010.
No word yet on what will be announced. Expect two different announcement dates.
cr