Well, it's a new product from Canon!

Who'd have thought it. Hands up those that thought it would be something else? It seems the rumour mill was doing the rounds for the last couple of days, with most information coming out of China. Well, there is no need to speculate any longer. The EOS 7D is here and it looks pretty impressive.

So, what's it got? 

18Megapixel
8fps
ISO 100-6400 + 12,800 (H)
3inch Clear View LCD II - no more reflections or glare
AI Servo II - improved AF tracking
19 point AF - all 19 points are cross-type
New focusing modes - Spot AF, Zone AF
iFCL metering system with 63-zone Dual Layer sensor (iFCL stands for Focus, Colour, Luminance) Integrated Speedlite Transmitter - no longer a need for a master unit on camera
EOS Movie mode - 24, 25, 30fps and 50, 60 fps at 720p
Dual DIGIC 4 processors
Very customisable user interface - which button do you want to use today? New WiFi unit with DLNA compliance, linked shooting and ability to control the camera from a browser enabled phone like iPhone
WiFi unit now bluetooth dongle compatible - use a micro bluetooth dongle in the USB port and hide a bluetooth GPS device in your bag and you can have GPS tagged images (and it doesn't need to be expensive - a bluetooth dongle can be had for c.£3 and a bluetooth GPS device for c.£30)
100% viewfinder with 1.0x magnification
Transmissive LCD screen in the viewfinder - no more changing focusing screens just turn the display on and off
Pitch and Roll sensor to ensure you get the camera level - in the viewfinder and in Live View and EOS Movie mode
Same weather sealing as the EOS 1N
Dedicated AF micro-processor (just like in the EOS-1 Series) +/- 5Stops exposure compensation
EOS Integrated Cleaning System

To go with the camera there are three new lenses announced as well:
EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Press releases:
EOS 7D
Canon introduces the EOS 7D – innovative technologies and intuitive build define a new photographic experience

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 1 September 2009: Canon today unveils the EOS 7D digital SLR camera – a completely new design to meet the specific demands of photographers. Incorporating a new 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, developed by Canon, the EOS 7D also features: Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to offer fast, high-quality performance in all light conditions, an ISO range expandable to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second – without the need for additional accessories.   Impressive technologies are matched by excellent build-quality designed with the photographer in mind – to create a whole new photographic experience.  During extensive development Canon went back to the drawing board, listening to photographers worldwide in order to design the EOS 7D to meet their specific needs.    Commenting on the creation of the EOS 7D, Mr Uchidoi, Group Executive of Photo Products Group, Canon Inc. Japan said “We consulted over 5,000 photographers worldwide and asked them what they most wanted to see from a camera.  Matching this insight with cutting-edge technology, we were able to develop a camera that truly gives photographers the versatile tool they require to experiment with their images.”

Accurate Images – High performance AF and metering systems
The EOS 7D features a 19-point cross-type AF sensor, enabling photographers to achieve accurate shots and optimise composition options.  This improved AF system offers a range of manual and automatic settings including Zone and Spot AF to track and capture subjects quickly and accurately.  AF settings are highly customisable, allowing for rapid reaction to changes in the scene.  Different AF points can be set for vertical or horizontal orientation, so photographers can automatically switch between landscape and portrait shots without touching a button.

The EOS 7D also incorporates a new metering system.  The Focus Colour Luminance metering system (iFCL) intelligently measures focus, colour and luminance, across 63 zones.  Complementing the 19 AF points, the dual layer sensor is able to gather information from each distinct zone to obtain a more accurate and consistent exposure.

Capture images exactly as you see them
The Canon EOS 7D features an Intelligent Viewfinder that offers photographers 100 per cent frame coverage.  With 1.0x magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity, -1(1/m) dpt) - a first for EOS - photographers see a large bright image that helps to fully immerse them within the shot.  A transmissive LCD incorporated in the viewfinder allows photographers to choose between various overlay features - such as AF points, the spot metering circle and composition grid – providing a range of tools that help when framing a shot.  The EOS 7D is also the first EOS to introduce a Dual-Axis Electronic Level – in the viewfinder and on the LCD - that indicates both pitch and roll angles.  This feature is particularly useful when shooting landscapes to ensure a level horizon, or when used in conjunction with a Tilt and Shift lens to level the camera.  The camera features a new 3 inch Clear View II LCD screen with a solid structure screen, designed to combat glare by removing the air-gap between the LCD’s protective cover and the liquid crystal. This new screen has a viewing angle of 160 degrees and is effective even in bright light.  As with the EOS 5D Mark II, an ambient light sensor on the side of the screen can set brightness automatically depending on the environment.  Experiment creatively with light The Canon EOS 7D is equipped with an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter.  For the first time in an EOS, photographers can control external Speedlites with no additional accessories - ideal for those looking to experiment with creative lighting set-ups.  The EOS 7D also features an extensively upgraded, built-in flash including manual control, and wider flash coverage to cover focal lengths as wide as 15mm.

Customise your individual camera experience The EOS 7D has been conceived and designed with the photographer’s needs in mind.  The look and feel of the camera has been aesthetically and ergonomically crafted to offer photographers the very best interaction.  To this end, the photographer can design their own experience – camera operations are customisable, allowing the user to assign frequently used functions and settings to convenient controls. This enables photographers to save time when shooting critical moments, by changing settings quickly.

Impressive Features, Impressive Images The Canon EOS 7D is packed with new features:

18 MP APS–C CMOS Sensor Designed and manufactured by Canon, the sensor produces an outstanding image and offers fantastic performance at high and low conditions, thanks to a new photodiode and microlens construction.

8 fps image capture Enabled by the Dual “DIGIC 4” processors and improved electrical system, photographers can capture images at 8fps, without the need for additional accessories and in all file types.

ISO Range
The EOS 7D enables photographers to capture subjects in their natural light.  The ISO range (100 – 6,400) is expandable to 12,800.

EOS Movie With improved operation, making it easy to switch directly to movie mode, it is now even simpler to shoot Full HD video.  Users can set exposure and frame rate – with options for 24 fps to create that cinematic feel.

Dual “DIGIC 4” processors By utilising Dual “DIGIC 4” processors, users of the EOS 7D never have to compromise between shooting speed, image quality and ISO performance.

Impressive Design
Canon has listened to photographer feedback when designing the body, as well as the internal technologies.  A magnesium alloy body offers environmental protection – the tough, lightweight construction is designed to defend against moisture, and dust – equivalent to the legendary EOS–1N.  The camera is compatible with a wide range of accessories so it can easily be integrated with a photographer’s workflow. The Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E5) allows extensive camera control via a web browser – allowing photographers to control the camera using a web-enabled mobile device.  The EOS 7D is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses as well as Canon EX Speedlites.  The Canon EOS 7D can also be used with Battery BG-E7, and remote controllers and switches such as the remote Controller RC-1/RC-5.

Pricing & Availability

The EOS 7D is available from early October 2009 priced at £1699.99 / €1999.99 RRP inc. VAT.

 EF-S Lenses:
Canon launches two versatile lenses for impressive everyday use

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 1 September 2009:: Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of two powerful standard kit lenses for EOS EF-S camera owners:  the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Both lenses match the style and performance of Canon’s new APS-C sensor camera – the Canon EOS 7D.   The high performance standard zoom lens The high-quality EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is equivalent to a 24-136mm focal length lens (5.6x standard zoom). Designed for EOS EF-S mount bodies, the lens covers wide angle and portrait focal ranges. It also offers a 4-stop Image Stabilizer as well as a close focusing distance of just 0.35m throughout the zoom range. Versatile super zoom lens The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a powerful all-in-one lens for EOS EF-S mount bodies. It features a 4-stop Image Stabilizer and a 7.5x super zoom range (approx. 29-216mm equivalent focal length).  The lens covers a wide range of focal lengths with a 0.45m minimum focusing distance. A general-purpose zoom, it is ideal for photographers looking to make the step up from a standard kit lens. Easy-to-use impressive image quality Both lenses offer great low-light performance due to the inclusion of a 4-stop Image Stabilizer that automatically detects panning and tripods, responding accordingly to help photographers take steady shots in any situation. The addition of ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses and aspherical lens elements - as well as lens coatings optimised to combat ghosting and flare - ensure high quality throughout. Both products also include a circular aperture for beautiful background blur (bokeh). Both lenses feature Canon’s improved exterior lens design that offers an improved high-grade look and feel compared with previous EF-S lenses. Offering a wide range of focal lengths both EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM are ideal all purpose lenses, suitable for the photographer looking for a walk around lens or those with many lenses who on occasion wish to travel lighter. Pricing & Availability

The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is available from early October 2009 priced at £529.99 / €619.99 RRP inc. VAT.

The EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is available from mid October 2009 priced at £849.99 / €989.99 RRP inc. VAT

EF100mm f/2.8L IS Macro

Canon announces the arrival of the first EF lens to feature Hybrid IS

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 1 September 2009:  Canon today announces the launch of the high performance EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the latest addition to its prestigious L-series, Canon’s flagship professional lens range. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM incorporates image stabilisation in a macro lens for the first time in the EOS lens range. This enables photographers to capture stunning close-up shots without the need for a tripod. The high quality, medium telephoto macro lens, has been developed for photographers who demand the highest level of optical quality.  The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Low friction ceramic balls support the moving elements, which allows for the amazingly smooth movement needed when compensating for camera shake during macro shooting.  Hybrid IS corrects shift movement  problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM features ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses that correct colour aberration for high resolution, high contrast images while the addition of Super Spectra coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare for superior quality images. A nine blade circular aperture makes subjects stand out amid beautiful background blur and a silent, high-speed ring type USM Autofocus motor quickly achieves focus. The lens also includes a three position focus limiter to tailor the focus system range to the desired subject.     As part of the L-series the lens features dust and water resistant seals.  Sitting ahead of the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, within the range, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM supports a full range of accessories including: Tripod Mount D, Macro Lite adaptor 67, Lens Hood ET-73 and EF12 II and EF25 II extension tubes. The tripod mount attaches to the lens without the need for an adaptor enabling quick portrait or landscape switching without having to reframe the camera. Speedlites MR-14EX and MT-24EX can be attached using the MacroLite adaptor.   Pricing & Availability

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is available from early October 2009 priced at £999.99 / €1199.99 RRP inc. VAT.

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