• Product Protection
• Telephone Support – limited to the USA
• E-mail Support

In addition, if you register your lenses by February 29, 2008 (I forgot it was leap year this year!) you can receive a 15% discount at the Canon eStore towards camera and lens accessory purchases.

Follow this link for the details.

Share This

In low light situations, even a bit of movement from your body can ruin a nice shot. In fact, some SLR digital cameras have custom functions to help minimize even the most minuscule of movement. They can lock the mirror in place before a shot to reduce the smallest vibrations. Many of today’s cameras, or preferably lenses, have some type of image stabilization feature built-in. Termed IS (image stabilization) in the Canon line and VR (vibration reduction) in the Nikon line, IS can help from 1 – 4 shutter/ EV stops for movement of the camera – a photographer shooting at 1/250 can turn on a 3-stop IS and shoot hand held at 1/30. The lenses all differ in their approach, but the basic idea is that a lens ‘floats’ and moves in an opposite direction of the camera movement to capture a sharper image. In fact, some of the earlier generation IS/VR modes need to be turned off when used on a tripod, as the sheer lack of movement ‘tricks’ the sensors and the image may be worse if taken in this mode….but I digress.

So I set out to look for my first tripod. I was looking for the following features / qualities:

After much research, I decided upon the Slik Sprint Pro. It is a smaller, lightweight tripod that can hold up to 4.5lbs – which was right in my wheelhouse as the XTi weighs just over a pound. This tripod shipped with the gunmetal-grey finish, which looked very professional, included a ballhead, and a small nylon carrying ‘pouch’ with a shoulder strap. The tripod collapses to a very manageable 18.9″ and weighs only 1.9 lbs – so, it is very light and easy to take with you.

The first time I used the tripod, I knew I made a great purchase. The legs feature quick release knobs which allow a wide range of heights as well as use on uneven ground. The feet of the tripod are multi-purpose – there are rubber stoppers for indoor use, and with a few twists the rubber stoppers spin up to reveal small spikes for outdoor use. The legs lock into multiple angles as well as an extreme wide stance with the release of small plastic hinges at the top of the legs to get extremely low level shots. The tripod felt extremely stable for it’s light weight. It is made from aluminum, unlike it’s more expensive carbon fiber brothers.

The center column extends upwards to a maximum height of 64.3″ which is a perfect height for me – I’m 5′7″. A taller friend of mine, around 6′4″ found it to be a little low for him, but not terribly inconvenient.

For macro photography use the legs open to very wide angles for extremely low shots with the camera mounted the normal way. In addition, the center column can be removed and flipped, with the camera mounted upside down, for even more extreme shots just an inch off of the ground – or for different perspective on life.

I brought the Slik with me on a walk of a small garden in my area. This garden is home to a very large array of plants and insects and has a small stream running through it. The tripod deploys very quickly, thanks to the quick release locks – and with a few swivels the camera mounts quickly to the ballhead. I was soon taking macro shots of plants with the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM lens that came out incredibly sharp. I set my XTi up for a long exposure, and snapped a pic of the stream. The goal was to blur the water to create a silk effect, and leave the remaining background sharp and clear.

I also brought the Slik with me to a fireworks display this summer, and I was not disappointed. I was able to use long shutter times to blur the fireworks to create trails. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate this year, and there were thunderstorms the next day which prevented a second attempt. However, the Slik worked quite well with the XTi and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 IS USM lens. This is a pretty heavy lens weighing in at 1.7 lbs, for a total of almost 3 lbs with the XTi – the only thing to be careful of is when you loosen the ballhead. There is zero resistance, and as soon the lever is loosened, the weight of the lens would cause it tilt. The first time I loosened it to reposition I learned very quickly to hold the camera and lens with the other hand!

Stream and Fireworks

All in all, for the price ($79 from B&H or Amazon) this is an excellent starter tripod. It is very light and portable which means I will bring it with me for use in the field, as a heavier tripod might get a second thought and get left behind. I carry a small backpack with my gear in it and the tripod in the pouch straps on nicely and doesn’t add much weight. The Slik Sprint Pro was exactly what I was looking for and it’s a welcome addition to my gear.

In the future, I may be looking for a more robust tripod for indoor use – where weight and size are not as important. If I do go this route, the Slik will still be my choice for travel – and it can still be useful for holding a flash or other photographic equipment if a sturdier tripod replaces it in the future.

About the only thing I don’t like is the ballhead – it works fine. However, a quick release mount would be ideal. These mounts are available, but adds price and weight to this little package.

Share This

The BG-E3 is a welcome addition to my 400d, giving it a bit more weight and balance – especially with heavier zoom lenses such as the EF 70-200mm f/4.0 IS USM. The surface of the portrait grip is rubberized for a great tactile, secure feeling – and adds some much needed room for your pinky in normal grip. Pictured on the right is a side view of the BG-E3, mounted on a 400d with a 17-40mm f/4.0 lens attached. Visible on this side of the grip is the battery release lever, which turns and unlocks the battery tray – which then slides out.

When I first held the 400d, it felt good, but it was a bit small. I noticed that when shooting, my right pinky finger seemed to dangle off, and it naturally started to curl up under the camera. When I mounted the battery grip, it immediately felt like a much larger, more robust camera, and ‘felt’ much better in my hands.

The extra room provided by the grip made shooting a breeze. My pinky no longer dangled off of the edge, but curled around the nicely textured grip and I didn’t feel as much fatigue in my right hand as I was no longer supporting the camera with my pinky finger.

The BG-E3 holds two NB-2LH battery packs (or 6 AA batteries) for double the shooting time. The grip attaches to the camera via the battery door. On both the 350D and 400d, the battery door has a small slider that allows for easy removal and storage. With the battery door removed, the grip plugs in and then screws in securely via the thumbscrew.

The NB-2LH battery mount is different from the AA battery mount – ideally it would be great if you could just ‘pop’ in some AA’s. This is not the case – you will need to keep the AA mount with you in order to be able to use AA batteries – they are not interchangeable. In addition, the grip comes with a small plastic covering that is to be placed over the metal contacts on the mounts to prevent damage during storage. There are two slots for the NB-2LH batteries. Fortunately, however you do not need to have both batteries in the device in order to function, and it doesn’t matter which slot is occupied. In addition, the batteries are wired in parallel – thus power is drawn from both batteries simultaneously. This should give you ample time to take photographs (and power IS lenses) before you notice the battery level dropping. However, you might need to pick yourself up another charger =)

The grip allows for full use of the camera in portrait grip (vertical shooting) including: shutter release, AE lock / FE lock, index / reduce button, main dial, AF frame select button, and the aperture / exposure compensation button.

Before I had the grip attached, I found myself shooting less than 5% in portrait mode – the stock 400d does not lend itself well to shooting in this mode. It is somewhat awkward to manipulate your fingers around the camera to press the AE or shutter release buttons. However, after I attached the grip, I noticed a much larger percentage of my photo’s in portrait. Shown to the left is the nicely sized, rubberized portrait grip, along with the controls – you can also see the the gap where a Canon (or third party) hand strap can be mounted. In addition, the tripod mount screw is directly in the middle of the grip. This is truly a wonderful addition to the 400d, and nothing is sacrificed by adding the grip as every feature is duplicated and in the ‘right’ spot.

The BG-E3 is available from Amazon. Get yours today! Makes an excellent Christmas or birthday gift for the budding photographer in your family.

Dimensions:	5 x 3.8 x 2.8″ (128 x 96.4 x 70.7mm)
Weight:	8.1 oz (230g)

Share This

I ordered a spare Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery for the trip.

On the memory front, I decided on the SanDisk SDCFX3-4096-901 4 GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card. A friend of mine went with the Ultra II a few months ago, and it’s a damn fine card. However, I couldn’t resist the extra ‘I’ on the package, and went for the Extreme card.

Of course, my friend told me the only reason I did it was to 1-up him, and sent me this:

I spent some time researching different options, and I settled on the BG-E3 battery grip. I just ordered it today, and I can’t wait to try it out. I will post a review of the grip after my return.

Share This

The Wait is Over: CANON U.S.A.’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EOS 40D DIGITAL SLR DELIVERS HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGE QUALITY, HIGH-SPEED SHOOTING AND HIGH-END FUNCTIONALITY

Fastest in Class 6.5 FPS Shooting Speed, New Autofocus Sensor and Newly Enhanced 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Imaging Sensor Combine to Boost the EOS 40D’s Appeal While Maintaining its Accessible Mid-Market Pricing

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Following months of intense anticipation by Digital SLR enthusiasts worldwide, the EOS 40D DIGITAL SLR Camera from Canon U.S.A., Inc. is scheduled to begin sailing into stores in early September. Building on the success of Canon’s perennially popular “prosumer” EOS 20D and 30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range Digital SLR cameras, making it a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry and user-requested creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR’s “prosumer” appellation may refer more to its accessible price point than to the exceptional quality, clarity and resolution of the images it creates.

From the camera’s newly enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor (designed and manufactured by Canon) and its proprietary and super-efficient DIGIC III image processor, to its completely redesigned autofocus sensor and fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images), the EOS 40D SLR puts the fun in functionality and makes serious photo business a positive pleasure.

Indeed, at 6.5 fps, no Digital SLR in the EOS 40D mid-range class and price category has so high a continuous shooting capability1, making it ideal for shooting – and actually capturing – speed-sensitive outdoor and wild-nature shots as well as a wide variety of action and sports scenes. The speed of the EOS 40D SLR comes from Canon’s balanced combination of its latest processor, DIGIC III, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory, four-channel-per-line sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror operation.

“This newest member of Canon’s Digital SLR family takes mid-range Digital SLRs to exciting new heights with enhanced resolution and image quality, faster shooting and processing speeds and better overall functionality than ever before,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.”The EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera incorporates many Canon innovations and advancements that differentiate our products from the competition, while respecting and reinforcing our long-standing traditions of providing superior value and innovative imaging technology.”

Display’s the Thing
The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR is the camera’s larger three-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS 30D’s 2.5-inch monitor). Still, size is only the beginning of the difference between these two cameras’ displays. In order to increase viewing ease in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, Canon raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D camera’s 230,000-pixel LCD screen, broadened the color gamut and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective in all directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. The camera’s menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR.

Canon extends its “ease-of-reading” policy to the EOS 40D SLR’s viewfinder as well. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.

Enhanced Durability
Recognizing the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered by professional and advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS 40D SLR’s magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors with upgraded dust and weather resistant construction, particularly around the camera’s connection ports, battery compartment and single-slot compact flash memory card door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door “alarm” will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card without interruption. The EOS 40D SLR also retains many of the outstanding features of the EOS 30D model, such as its fast 0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable shutter (rated up to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and 1/250 maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.

Improved Image Quality
Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR’s 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been significantly improved thanks to the use of larger microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The EOS 40D retains the model 30D camera’s 1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film) and is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors.

Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is the camera’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS 30D SLR’s 12-bit conversion capability), the EOS 40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. The EOS 40D also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced earlier this year with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR.

DIGIC III
DIGIC III is the latest generation of Canon’s proprietary image processing engine. DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is also responsible for the EOS 40D SLR’s high-speed performance, faster signal processing and even its efficient energy consumption.

sRAW
In addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its predecessors, the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable “sRAW” recording format. 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, conventional RAW images.

Improved Autofocus and Exposure Control
While the EOS 40D SLR maintains the nine-point wide area AF coverage first introduced on the EOS 20D camera, Canon has made significant improvements to its speed, precision and functionality, minimizing subject recognition problems in the process. The EOS 40D camera’s completely redesigned nine-point AF sensor provides cross-type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to f/5.6, and for the first time in any EOS camera, the central AF point offers enhanced precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses featuring maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. AF calculation speed with the EOS 40D camera is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D model.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR retains the same 35-zone metering sensor as its predecessor. Available patterns include Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Centerweighted average metering, Partial metering and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of the viewfinder at center, respectively. The camera’s E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR model. However, as a result of consumer input, Canon has added three Custom exposure modes. As an added convenience, particularly for wireless flash operations, users can adjust the flash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.

The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Users can also opt for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. For the first time in any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes. This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky shooting conditions. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder as well as on the top LCD data panel.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen. Users can opt for a grid-type focus screen that makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical alignment while determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the “sweet spot” of manual focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster.

Enhanced Live View
Previously the province of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon’s top-tier professional cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an expanded and exceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting options. By permitting the framing and capturing of subjects using the camera’s LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the shooter gains a 100 percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the camera’s AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror goes down and AF is carried out in the normal way. Letting go of the AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the Live View shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting – particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. A new electronic 1st-curtain shutter function in Live View mode reduces release time lag and operational noise even further to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. Additionally, as the release time lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily captured.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System is a prime example of trickle-up technology and is now becoming a standard feature on all new EOS Digital SLRs. The camera’s Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Users also have the option of engaging the “clean now” function at will or bypassing it altogether. Additionally, the EOS 40D SLR’s manual sensor cleaning function raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter. Dust that has been shaken or blown loose is then trapped by adhesive at the base of the sensor unit housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter when the camera moves. The second part of the cleaning system is a software solution that maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during post processing with a compatible personal computer, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.

Improved Software
Among the most valuable features of the Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is its compatibility with Canon’s Picture Style Editor (PSE) 1.0 software. With PSE, shooters can actually design the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred style, color and tone curves. The EOS 40D Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of Canon’s powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.1 and EOS Utility 2.1, which now support the camera’s Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 5.8 and ImageBrowser 5.8 for easy browsing, viewing, printing and archiving with compatible computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X.

Accessories
New system accessories for the EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned high-capacity Battery Grip BG-E2N, which facilitates high-volume shooting and easier vertical shooting. Compatible with up to two BP-511A battery packs or a set of six AA-size batteries, the battery grip approximately doubles the number of shots that can be taken, compared with the battery power of the EOS 40D SLR alone. The BG-E2N grip features new sealing material around the battery compartment to better resist water and dust. The new model replaces the original BG-E2 grip and is compatible with the EOS 20D, 30D and 40D models.

Designed exclusively for the EOS 40D SLR, the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A*/** permits wireless transfer and back-up, as well as remote control of the camera in Live View mode. It can also be connected to various GPS receivers or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external storage devices such as convenient flash drives or high-capacity hard drives with much larger storage capacity than the memory cards in the camera for instant back-up as images are captured. Compact and affordable, the WFT-E3A wireless transmitter also doubles as a vertical grip and requires its own BP-511A battery pack in addition to the battery installed in the camera body.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Developed in response to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens adds a phenomenally flexible lens to the EOS 40D SLR shooter’s imaging arsenal. While it features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor, this new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens offers the significant advantage of a true lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.

The higher performance provided by Canon’s lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What’s more, the shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably.

Compact and lightweight, the optional EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS 40D SLR and any other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS Digital Rebel XTi, EOS Digital Rebel XT and the original EOS Digital Rebel camera. An ideal complement to the EOS 40D SLR, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores in October at an estimated selling price of $199.99.i

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is scheduled for early September delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,299.00i. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,499.00i.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

FCC Disclaimer
* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

FDA Disclaimer
** A Product Report required by 21 C.F.R. §1002.10 has not been submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration for this product. This product is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until the required report has been submitted.

# # #

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

1 As of August 20, 2007
i Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
† IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 2007

Share This

Canon EOS 40D Product Features and Technical Details

Here are what I think are the most important features of the new Canon EOS 40D:

* Increased efficiency 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with larger microlenses
* Large 3.0-inch LCD display
* enhanced Live View display
* LCD with broadened color gamut
* 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability
* Buffer holds 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images)
* sRAW mode (small RAW format)
* 35-zone metering system
* 14-bit A/D conversion
* Digic III processor
* Highlight Tone Priority
* High-ISO Noise Reduction
* integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit
* 0.95x optical viewfinder magnification
* Interchangeable focusing screens
* Continuous display of ISO in viewfinder
* Auto ISO mode
* ISO 100-1600 plus “H” (3200)
* Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack
* stores images on CF cards
* $1299.00 initial price
* Availability “September 2007″

There are some pretty awesome additions to this camera – a 3″ wide LCD with improved brightness, 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Digic III image processor (the XTi and 30d use the Digic II) and much, much more!

• Display’s the Thing – The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR is the camera’s larger 3.0-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS 30D’s 2.5-inch monitor)
• Enhanced Durability Recognizing the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered Canon EOS 40Dby professional and advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS 40D SLR’s magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors with upgraded dust- and weather-resistant construction, particularly around the camera’s connection ports, battery compartment, and single-slot compact flash (CF) memory card door.
• Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is the camera’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS 30D SLR’s 12-bit conversion capability), the EOS 40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors.
• In addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its predecessors, the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable “sRAW” recording format. 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, conventional RAW images.
• The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen. Users can opt for a grid-type focus screen that makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical alignment while determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the “sweet spot” of manual focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f2.8 or faster.
• Enhanced Live View – Previously the province of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon’s top-tier professional cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an expanded and Canon EOS 40Dexceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting options. By permitting the framing and capturing of subjects using the camera’s LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the shooter gains a 100 percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the camera’s AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror goes down and AF is carried out in the normal way. Letting go of the AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the Live View shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting–particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative.

Give the full article a read! Thanks again Bob.
Image provided by Bob Atkins photography.

Share This

As you can see, the bottom of the filter is clear, the same exposure as my foreground grasses and trees. Towards the middle of the filter (graduated), it darkens to a (neutral) gray. The lovely blue sky peeking out is what I wanted, but the foreground is perpetually shadowed by these giant cliffs. Unfortunately, the filter darkens in a straight line and the notch does not. In darkening the sky, it also darkens the lower cliffs to near black, losing all their wonderful color. Now that I am better at combining exposures in PS, I would take the shot with the filter in place to ideally expose the sky and upper cliffs and take a second shot to expose for the middle red cliffs, layering them in to the final shot for the best of both worlds.

Neutral Density filters can be solid or graduated. They both function by ‘filtering’ the amount of light that is incident on the sensor or film. However, they differ in the graduation of the light they transmit. Solid filters are, as the name suggests, one gradient across the entire surface. The really neat one is, of course, the graduated neutral density filter. One end of the filter is transparent, and the other is neutral density. In between is a graduated change in density.

This can be used in a variety of ways. As shown above, it can filter the light in the sky and allow the light at the bottom of the frame. And, as Sara illustrates, can be used quite effectively to create stunning photographs – or taken a step farther and used with Photoshop to create stunning High Dynamic Range (HDR) images such as this one from decagrog.

There are many filters out there, and they can be used in many different methods. I am looking into ordering the B + W Graduated Neutral Density filter in either the 0.3 or the 0.6 for my canon XTi.

I am considering ordering a filter that is held in place. I have different diameter lenses, and ideally would like to be able to use the filter no matter what lens I choose. I would then be able to slide the filter to get the correct gradient in the frame to achieve the desired results.

Give them a try and let me know how you do!

Share This

Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse

After I take my photos, I download all the RAW images into Adobe Bridge. I think Bridge is an amazing program, and it allows me to quickly sort, label, and convert the ones I want to keep. I save each batch of photos on a drive, using \scratch\YYYY\MM\DD format, so last week’s photos were \scratch\2007\08\13.

After this, I begin labelling them with Bridge, giving quick ranks of 1* or no *’s. I then go through all the 1*’s and either leave the * or add ** or *** depending on how much I like the photo.

–To be continued–

Share This

So what can we expect to see in the new Canon EOS 40D? I think the following are reasonable guesses based on my knowledge of the Canon system. I have no “inside info”. Canon don’t tell me any of this stuff – and even if they did I would not be able to repeat it!

• The EOS 40D will have all the features of the EOS 30D (larger LCD then 20D, Spot meter, Picture modes etc.)
• Same general shape and size as the EOS 30D. It works, why change it.
• The EOS 40D will stick with the APS-C sensor size. Given the upgrade path from the XTi and 30D, maintaining the EF-S lens mount seems inevitable, which means sticking with APS-C
• More Pixels. I’d expect to see at least a 10 to 10.5MP sensor in the EOS 40D. It could be 12MP, but that’s unlikely in my opinion, since the 1D Mk III only has 10MP and the EOS 5D is 12MP. A 12MP EOS 40D could possibly affect sales of more expensive models. It would be nice if they used the 14-bit A/D from the 1D MKIII for more dynamic range and I think that’s a possible. The Digic III processor (see below) may be able to handle the higher data load. The new sensor may be based on the design of the 1D MkIII sensor which has a better capture ratio than earlier sensors due to optimized pixel design.
• Noise levels equal to or lower than the 30D. Same ISO 100 – 1600 + “H” (3200) range.
• A single Digic III processor (the 1Ds MkIII uses two of them). I’d expect this since Canon are now using the Digic III in their digicams. It could help lower noise a little and speed up camera operation.
• The dust repelling sensor features of the XTi. They may not work perfectly, but they can help a little.
• The EOS 40D will stick with Compact Flash memory rather than going to SD(HC) cards.
• A larger buffer for both JPEG and RAW files. New models always have a larger buffer!
• Sticking with a 5fps frame rate. No real need to go faster even if they could.
• I do not think the EOS 40D will have ECF (eye controlled focus).
• I do not think that the EOS 40D will be weathersealed. That will stay a “pro” feature.
• I’d say “live view” is a possibility. The EOS 20Da had it and the 1D MkIII has it. It’s something few DSLRs have, some consumers want and is mainly a firmware feature. Canon obviously have the technology to do it and I doubt that the cost is high. All the development has been done and it would be a “unique feature” in the price range for APS-C DSLRs. It’s not quite like the live LCD view of P&S digicams, but that may not matter.
• Though I’d love to see image stabilization in the body, I really don’t think Canon are ready to do that yet. They have too much invested in IS lenses. Right now Nikon doesn’t have IS in the body. Sony and Pentax do, but I’m not sure they represent too much competition for Canon.
• A price for the EOS 40D in the $1400 range, +/- $100. The Nikon D200 is selling for $1500 and I’d expect Canon to try to match Nikon on features and certainly under cut them on pricing. It’s guess that $1300 is more likely than $1500.
• EOS 40D real availability by October 2007 (i.e. when you might actually get one in your hand).

Give it a read!

Share This

I arrived at the airport at 6am and began walking over to the large central tent. Inside, a group of people were listening to the weather events of the past few hours and the forecast for the next few. No signs of wind or rain, but the cloud cover wasn’t going anywhere. Around 6:30 am I saw the first balloon begin to inflate.

I had borrowed a friends wide angle lens, a Sigma AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 HSM EX DC and I was excited to try it out! Having not used a wide angle lens prior to this event, I was quite startled and impressed by the field of view. I was getting very used to my 70-200mm telephoto lens, so much so that when I first looked through the viewfinder of the 10-20mm I had to look twice! The 10mm image is quite interesting. It really captures a wide field of view and you must be mindful of what is creeping into the image sensor. With the XTi and the 1.6x crop factor, it is similar to a 16mm lens on a 35mm body.
The lens showed some distortion at 10mm. As you can see from this image people tend to look very thin and stretched at the corners, and the balloons all seem to curl into the center. This shot was taken from the ground a few feet back from the basket of the hot air balloon. Have I mentioned how interesting the wide angle lens perspective is! All in all, I really liked this lens, but I don’t think I will purchase one quite this wide. Ideally, I would like a 15-70mm, and the closest is a toss up between the EF-S 17-55mm, the EF 17-40mm, or the EF 24-70mm. There are some interesting feaure differences between the three lenses…but I digress.

Decisions….decisions….

For most of the morning, I was shooting from the ground, looking straight at balloons. At one point, a crew was filling the balloon and they were getting ready to start the ignition process to fill the balloon with hot air, and allow it to start rising. I asked the crew chief if he would mind if I got near as he did it, and he offered to let me into the basket as the balloon rose and the basket came off of the ground! This was a very cool perspective and I was appreciative to the crew chief for this opportunity. After a few spurts of liquid propane, the balloon started to rise and the basket lifted slightly off of the ground. Way cool! My first time in a hot air balloon basket!

I continued to wander around, taking pictures of Mr. Peanut and the Energizer bunny. I wandered over to the ReMAX balloon, and asked the pilot, Bob, if he would mind if I got underneath the basket on a tethered ascent and shoot straight up. He said no problem, and I got a nice couple of captures from directly below the basket. I then started talking with a member of their crew. I asked her if she thought Bob would take me up, and she smiled at me, looked up at Bob, and I think he knew my intentions. A minute later, as he was coming down, he pointed to me, and said, “Ready?” I most certainly was!

In order to keep the weight of the balloon consistent, I had to hop into the basket before the previous passenger got out. It was a bit cramped for a minute with me, my backpack, the pilot, 3 liquid propane tanks, and another passenger. However, they could have squeezed me into anything as long as I was going to get a ride! The other passenger hopped out, and Bob told me to hang on and we began chatting. Really nice guy. Been doing this for over 20 years, and he really liked his work. I was able to take some interesting pictures from about 50 feet in the air. I really liked the look of this eagle from the air. I had attempted a few shots from the ground, but the angle of its head and bill made it difficult. The view was spectacular! I could only imagine how cool it would be to take an actual balloon ride! Only 360 days till next years Balloon Festival!! The collection of photos, consisting of two sets are posted on my flickr! account.

Share This