Canon celebrates the 20th anniversary of its top-selling EOS single lens reflex
camera system by announcing the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR, the world's
fastest digital SLR camera. At 10 frames per second, the 10.1 megapixel EOS-1D
Mark III digital SLR can fire huge motor-driven bursts of 110 Large JPEGs or
30 RAW files because it employs the new Dual DIGIC III image processor engine,
providing enough computational horsepower to do parallel processing at a rate
unmatched by any other digital SLR. The all-new 10.1 megapixel, APS-H size CMOS
sensor which is designed and manufactured by Canon, is the most light-sensitive
and innovative sensor that Canon has developed to date. It features a new microlens
array and a more efficient pixel structure for ultra-low noise, resulting in
exceptional image quality and an amazing ISO range of 100 to 3200 with extensions
to ISO 50 and a highly usable ISO 6400. Furthermore, Canon today unveils several
new accessories, including the EF-16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens and the Speedlite
580EX II Flash.

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The new 21.1-megapixel, full-frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR is said
by the company to be capable of entering the realm of high-fashion and commercial
photo studios where bulkier, medium-format cameras previously reigned. It is
scheduled to begin shipping in November and will have an estimated selling price
of $7,999 (the same price as its predecessor, the 16.7 megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark
II).

Developed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS-1Ds
Mark III Digital SLR, the camera's new full-size 36 x 24 mm CMOS image
sensor offers the highest resolution in its class, and is comprised of approximately
21.1 million effective pixels (5632 x 3750) set at a pitch of 6.4 microns. The
user can select any one of six recording formats ranging from 21.0 megapixels
in Large JPEG or RAW format, 16.6 or 11.0 megapixels in the two medium JPEG
sizes, or 5.2 megapixels in the small JPEG or "sRAW" formats. In
any JPEG format, the user can set one of ten compression rates for each image
size. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a
standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of
the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, traditional
RAW images.

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Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras
have now redefined the gateway prowess and "pro-ness" of the DSLR
category with the introduction of the line's new leader, the 12.2-megapixel
EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology
found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts
an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live
View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with
any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically
image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS -- now included
in the EOS Rebel XSi kit -- or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS
Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends
at an entry level price tag.

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We
are sad to announce that Carl Koch, inventor of the modular Sinar camera system,
died in late December at the age of 89. This Swiss photographer and inventor
introduced the revolutionary Sinar camera in 1948. Koch's primary motivation
was to offer professional photographers the latest technical refinements. He
was steadfastly successful with the logical implementation of his life's
motto: "What can be done better, shall be done better".



Additional milestones were the automation of the camera with the introduction
of a universal shutter for all lenses, selective exposure metering at the film
plane and the simplification of camera settings.



The education of the new generation of professional photographers was also a
major concern to Koch. He authored a series of textbooks and guidelines for
professional photography, of which Photo Know How'--a self-teaching
course for professional photographers that was translated into many languages
including Chinese and Russian--became a worldwide standard text. To this
day, Koch's principles still guide the philosophy of Sinar, the company
that he founded. The world of professional photography mourns the passing of
one of its great pioneers.

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