1) Announcement on March 10, 2010 (That would be a weird day of the week for an announcement, I’d expect the 8th or 9th as per Canon tradition)

2) Canon is waiting for the upcoming “D700x” to introduce a new full frame camera.

3) A host of new professional products for WPPI. This would make availability of new lenses perfect for wedding photographers.

4) 3D!

5) Canon doesn’t care about the EVIL market and isn’t even doing R&D on such a camera type.

6) Some of the Big White Lenses get a redo for the World Cup in South Africa. They may just be test lenses, and not publicly available.

7) The 1Ds Mark IV is coming in February, March, April, May and for Photokina.

8) 5D Mark III for Photokina with serious video applications.

9) DIGIC V for Photokina.

10) G11 will be the last of the current “G” series design. Complete redo and model name for the next one.

These are rumors from people I’ve never heard from. So take them all with a grain of salt and we’ll see what becomes of them.

cr

• Capture each one of your family and friends in every shot with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens, 4x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer.
• Smart AUTO mode intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on 18 predefined shooting situations.
• 12.1 Megapixel resolution makes it a breeze to print large size images with clarity and detail.
• Bright, clear 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD for taking and reviewing pictures.
• Cool, crisp colors to match any personality.
• Shoot in Low Light mode for dimly-lit situations.

PowerShot SD1400

• 14.1 Megapixel resolution and large, crisp 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD capture more in your frame.
• Bring out the fashionista in yourself with this sleek, slim, sophisticated camera in big, bold, beautiful colors.
• Capture each one of your family and friends in every shot with a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens, 4x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer.
• 720p HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on your HDTV.
• Let Smart AUTO do the work for you by intelligently selecting the proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations.
• Bring creativity to your photos with new scene modes such as Miniature Effect and Fisheye Effect. Plus Low Light mode for dimly-lit situations.
• New Smart Shutter technology automatically takes a picture when the subject smiles or winks.

PowerShot SD3500

• Next-generation huge 3.5-inch LCD with Touch Panel Technology that allows customization of touch screen icons and touch AF/AE.
• 14.1 Megapixel resolution will generate high quality 16.5″ x 23.4″ prints.
• Capture sweeping landscapes and tall buildings with a 24mm ultra Wide-Angle Lens, and 5x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer.
• 720p HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output connector for easy playback of video and photos on your HDTV.
• Smart AUTO will do the work for you by intelligently selecting the proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations.
• Bring creativity to your photos with new scene modes such as Miniature Effect and Fisheye Effect. Plus Low Light mode for dimly-lit situations.
• New Smart Shutter technology automatically takes a picture when the subject smiles or winks.

PowerShot SX210

• Powerful 14x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer.
• Improved Dynamic mode for enhanced image stabilization when shooting movies using the wide-angle setting.
• 14.1 Megapixel resolution will generate 16.5″ x 23.4″ prints.
• 28mm Wide-Angle Lens to capture more in your frames
• Large 3.0-inch wide PureColor System LCD with high resolution (230,400 dots) and wide viewing angle.
• HD shooting capability at 720p with stereo sound plus HDMI output for easy playback of video and photos.
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology tracks the faces of moving subjects and lets the shooter enter the frame seamlessly with Face Detection Self-Timer.
• New scene modes for more creative shooting (Fisheye Effect creates a circular fish-eye appearance and Miniature Effect creates a graduated blur on outer edges of the subject).
• Smart AUTO mode (22 Scene) intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on the shooting conditions of the scene as well as Face and Motion Detection.
• Servo AF/AE continues to focus and track subject while pressing the shutter button halfway.
• Smart Flash Exposure produces natural looking photos when using the flash to photograph subjects in strong sunlight, at a close distance to the camera, or using fill flash.

cr

Both cameras have a street date of March 28, 2010

SD1200 “A” (SD1200 Replacement)
12mp
3x Zoom
2.5″ LCD
UPC: 013803119534
Model: 4214B001

SD780 “A” (SD780 Replacement)
12mp
4x Zoom
2.7″ LCD
UPC: 013803119251
Model: 4181B001

There was no mention of any other camera, including the rumored T2i. More info will be sent my way if it’s found.

cr

I have no specs.

The interesting 2nd part of the mail was there would be another compact available for June. No word about the compact. It’d be unusual for Canon to have 3 separate announcements for PowerShot cameras in one season.

Who Cares? dSLRs!!
All is quiet for the moment. Sorry I can’t be more of a help!

cr

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

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

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

*Note: You may disagree with something here, just be nice about it if you make a comment.

Best New Digital SLR
Winner: 1D Mark IV
Runner-up: 7D

This was a tough choice because I have never used a 1D Mark IV (I will be soon). I’m basing this on initial reports from various pros. The image quality, autofocus and feature set make it a winner. The only knock folks have against it is the price. Do digital SLR’s really need to cost $5000?

The 7D is a great camera for most people. After seeing and experiencing the softness of the files at small apertures, my opinion of the camera dwindled a little bit. I still think the 7D is Canon actually listening (for the most part) to consumers of prosumer level camera bodies.

As I said last year, Canon had to rethink the xxD line. The 7D addresses that, now lets see what the 60D brings us.

Worst Digital SLR
Winner: Rebel T1i

More mega pixels and a gimped movie mode. The 18-55 has no hope of resolving the 15.1mp sensor the T1i possesses, so why bother?

The 20fps 1080p movie mode is ridiculous. Lower the bitrate or some other way to gimp the movie mode to keep it below the 7D and 5D2.

The Rebel line also needs scrollwheel. It’s not a saleable feature, but it sure is a great thing to have. Ergonomics of the camera in general feel dated.

I was a big fan of the Rebel line until complacency set it. Yes, the Rebel is the best selling digital slr on earth, but that doesn’t mean it can’t push the boundaries of what a great entry level dslr should be.

Best PowerShot
Winner: S90
Runner-up: SD780

I was happy to see the return of the S line from Canon. I love the S90. I love the size, the ergonomics, the ring and the image quality the camera dishes out. It’s great to see Canon has some creative engineers.

SD780?! Yes, I love that little thing. It’s small (oh so small) and quite stylish. The HD movie mode and image quality are pretty decent. This is another creative offering from Canon.

Worst PowerShot
Winner: SX120
Runner-up: A480

Big, ugly, unreliable and boring.. that’s all I have to say about the SX120. It’s a solid value for what it costs, I’m just not a fan.

The A480 is cheap, and probably worth what it costs. I’d like to see IS put into their entry level camera. The LCD on this camera is horrendous as well.

Best New Lens
Winner: TS-E 17 f/4L
Runner-up: EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Oh how fun is that 17mm Tilt-Shift? Tons! Canon’s new tilt-shifts, especially the 17mm set the benchmark again for these types of lenses. Image quality, build quality and useablity are second to none. A job well done.

The 17-85 sure needed to be upgraded as a kit lens. The 15-85 is a well built and very good performer on the 7D. You immediately notice the build quality and heft of the new lens when you pick it up. I’ve used it and really think it’s worth the price.

Worst New Lens
Winner: 18-135 IS

Zzzzz….

Best New Third Party Lens
Winner: Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC

I was a big fan of the original, adding vibration correction to the lens just makes it an even better value.

Best New Third Party Camera
Winner: Leica M9
Runner-up: Panasonic GF1

The M9 is a fine example of a company listening to its followers and delivering a great camera to follow-up a not so great camera. I liked the M8, but it was a hassle at times to use.

It costs a lot, but who cares? I’m a big fan of the rangefinder and always will be. I currently use some film Leicas and I’m currently waiting for my M9 to arrive (possibly March!). Leica will not be able to meet demand for this camera in 2010.

The Panasonic GF1 is almost great. The problems I have with the camera is it feels like a point & shoot, the external EVF is pretty bad, I find the camera quite ugly with all those logos on the front and the jpg processing is very poor.

However, it’s a giant step in the right direction for Micro 4/3. I wish Panasonic would hire some real camera designers to really bring the system up to par with other photographic tools.

cr

There could be a slimmer and trimmer version of the D10 coming down the pipe. It would be an addition to the lineup and not a replacement of the very successful D10. It would be 12mp, have 720p video and have a depth rating of 10 feet.

SD1300
Possibly the most successful line of ELPH cameras, the SD1xxx series will receive a bit of a makeover. Expect to see a 2.7 inch screen and a slimmer body shape.

SX210
The replacement of the SX200 will be along the same lines with a new selection of colours and a user selectable popup flash.

All CR1 stuff, stuff should start rolling after the holidays.

Vacation
I’m currently in Ireland visiting the inlaws. I have a mobile internet stick, so keep the emails coming!

cr