Canon Australia is celebrating 50 million EOS-series DSLR cameras with the announcement of a brand new DSLR for the pro-camera enthusiast. The Canon EOS-1D X promises to feature both exceptional image quality and high-speed shooting performance.
The EOS-1D X is the successor to the EOS-1D Mark IV and the EOS-1Ds Mark III, and will have a 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with auto-focus continuous shooting of 12 frames per second. Shutter speed is short – calculated at 36 milliseconds, according to Canon. Shorter shutter speed means that you can take photos almost instantaneously. It will also feature ISO ranges of 100-51200 and, like many EOS cameras, full HD movie recording that is compliant with video industry standards.
The body has been improved to allow greater reliability under extreme conditions, but remains lightweight to carry. It also is dust and moisture proof. Buttons have been changed, based on user feedback, including elevating the most-commonly used settings higher up on the body and new buttons for the viewfinder and a multi-controller for easy auto-focus.
Canon has also announced two new accessories: a GPS receiver and a wireless file transmitter unit. The GPS receiver, the GP-E1, will allow the camera to geotag photos, making it appealing for those who want to catalogue their images and sync their photos for panorama and 3D images. The wireless file transmitter unit, the WFT-E6, allows for synchronised shooting, image review using a web browser, and file transfer.
The EOS-1D X will come out in March next year. Pricing has not been confirmed as of yet. Gallery and press release below:
Canon launches the new EOS-1D X flagship professional DSLR camera
Sydney, 18 October, 2011: Canon Australia has today announced the new flagship model of the renowned EOS 1-series of digital SLR cameras for professional photographers: the Canon EOS-1D X. Superseding the EOS-1D Mark IV and the EOS-1Ds Mark III, the EOS-1D X is the ultimate tool for all professionals offering both exceptional image quality and unparalleled speed in one camera. Also announced today are the GP-E1 Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for EOS, and the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter unit, enabling functions such as time synchronisation between cameras.
The EOS-1D X revolutionises the professional camera category, combining the world’s fastest shutter release and AF continuous shooting of 12 frames per second (fps); benchmark image quality of a new 18.1-megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor, ISO range of 100-51200 (L:50; H2: 204800), and an innovative new AF system; and Full HD movie recording and compliance with video industry standards.
“The EOS-1D X is a truly ground-breaking camera developed in response to requests from professional photographers for an all-round camera that combines both speed and image quality,” said Cathy Hattersley, Brand Manager – EOS Professional, Canon Australia. “The EOS-1D X is the ultimate all-rounder for professionals from sport, photojournalism and nature photography through to studio, fashion and wedding/portrait work, also offering the ability to capture Full HD movies and comply with video industry standards.”
“Also the new GPS receiver for EOS and the Wireless File Transmitter unit will extend the appeal of this camera for news agencies, police and security organisations due to the ability to effectively catalogue images and synchronise units for purposes such as 3D image creation.”
Exceptional Image Quality, Ultra-low Noise
The EOS-1D X incorporates an all-new 35-mm Full-Frame CMOS sensor enabling both a large pixel size of 6.95 microns and 18.1-megapixel image resolution. Canon’s gapless microlens technology ensures that light is delivered more efficiently to the light diodes, while Dual DiG!C 5+ Imaging Processors ensure low noise and high-speed processing. Standard ISO settings of 100-51200 (expandable L: 50; H1: 102400; H2: 204800) contribute to achieving unparalleled low-light shooting possibilities – including near-dark situations – with low image noise.
Unrivalled High-Speed Shooting
The new flagship professional EOS enables image capture never before possible, delivering 12-fps continuous AF shooting. Super High Speed mode enables continuous shooting 14-fps with the mirror locked up, ideal for fixed-focus shooting and capturing motion trails. The EOS-1D X has also achieved the world’s fastest*1 shutter release lag – as short as just 36 milliseconds – to ensure instantaneous first response.
An all-new AF system delivers better subject tracking and precise focus accuracy than conventional systems. The new system features a 61 point AF sensor for wide, high-density coverage to enable photographers greater freedom to compose their shots as well as enhanced subject tracking. Up to 41 cross-type points (depending on lens used) means enhanced focus in situations such as subjects with stripes or in low-contrast situations.
In addition, Canon has developed a unique ‘intelligent’ AE system that employs an RGB AE sensor and a DiG!C 4 image processor dedicated to AE, which work together to allow subject recognition based on brightness, colour and facial features. Ensuring accurate tracking, this feature is ideal for sports such as tennis, speed skating, or soccer where subjects move erratically.
High precision is further enhanced by Smart AF Adjustment – a new semi-automatic feature that accurately adjusts camera and lens focus, and records the settings, to ensure that the setup is optimised for every combination of camera and lens. The feature will be ideal for situations, such as newspapers, where multiple camera and lens combinations are possible.
Intuitive Operation
In response to user feedback, the new camera features a range of enhancements to operation buttons, controls and menu structures. These include consolidation of function-setting operations into the Menu for consistent location, with most-commonly used settings (centred on AF) elevated to higher hierarchical positions in the Menu for easy access. A new Camera Guidance feature provides a clear and concise explanation of individual settings when the Info button is pressed.
New buttons for direct touch control include a Live View/Viewfinder button, a Quick Control button to change settings using just the right hand and a Multi-Controller for easy AF point selection when shooting in the vertical position. Moreover, the front of the camera features Multi-Function buttons enabling users to assign customised functions such as Electronic Level Display or Registered AF for intuitive access without needing to take your eyes of the subject.
EOS Pro Build Quality
The EOS-1D X takes the renowned build quality of the EOS 1-series to the next level for even greater reliability under heavy shooting or extreme environmental conditions. To meet professional field requirements, shutter durability of 400,000 cycles combines with the lightweight, heavy-duty magnesium-alloy chassis and superior dust and moisture seals at 76 locations.
Internally, the camera features a new “carrier wave” type self-cleaning sensor unit, which effectively removes extremely light weight dust particles that may be visible near the minimum aperture (f/22 or higher). A new System Status Display also keeps users up to date with performance and service-related information such as shutter count.
Full HD EOS Movie – Enhanced
Only Canon EOS offers Full HD (1920×1080: 24/25 fps) movie-making in a professional-grade DSLR camera, and the new EOS-1D X features refinements to enhance the quality and utility for professional purposes. Processing and CMOS sensor upgrades have enabled enhanced movie recording performance, including a reduction in moiré and false colour. Moreover, the camera achieves an expanded movie ISO range of 100-25600 (H:51200; H1:102400; H2:204800) for high sensitivity and exceptional low-light performance. Assisting continuity of shooting, the camera automatically segments files every 4GB of recorded content.
Enabling best quality editing results, the camera supports the ALL-I compression format, as well as high-quality, high-compression IPB format. Audio recording is manually adjustable both before and during shooting.
Expansion of the EOS System
The launch today of a new compact Wireless File Transmitter unit WFT-E6 offers extended functionality for the EOS-1D X, including synchronised shooting with multiple camera units, remote control shooting, image review and download using an Internet browser, and high-speed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth file transfer.
Also launched today, the GPS receiver GP-E1 adds location and direction information to images during shooting for such uses organising news coverage and research. Bundled software enables tracking of shooting locations on a map.
Pricing and availability
The EOS-1D X will be available through Canon Professional Dealers from March 2012 (RRP: TBC). For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au
