Photo Club

Canon has announced the EOS 1000D, a new entry-level DSLR that slots into the model lineup beneath the 450D. The 10 megapixel digital camera, known as the Digital Rebel XS in the US, takes many of the new features of its big brother and presents them in a lighter, less expensive format that Canon hopes will re-shape the market in the same way as the first Rebel (300D) did. No word yet from Canon US about their intentions.

We’ve just got hold of an early sample and will bring you a preview as soon as we can.

Press release:

The EOS 1000D: gateway to full EOS power

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 10 June 2008: Canon today announces its latest D-SLR, the EOS 1000D. Featuring a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point wide area AF system and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting until the memory card is full, the EOS 1000D represents a more affordable entry point to the world of EOS cameras – whilst taking full advantage of over 70 years of imaging expertise.

With the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the EOS 1000D incorporates a range of technologies used in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode. For straight-from-the-box shooting, the EOS 1000D is available with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens – which includes 4-stop image stabilisation, ensuring superb performance even in low-light conditions.

“The EOS 1000D is a small camera with a big idea: the supreme adaptability and image quality of the EOS system, in an accessible, affordable package,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “For anyone ready to take the next step in creative photography, it offers the perfect entry point to the world of D-SLR.”

Features at a glance:

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 7-point wide-area AF system with f/5.6 cross-type centre point
• Up to 3 frames per second
• 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
• DIGIC III image processor
• Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
• Compact and lightweight body
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Designed to deliver more

As with all EOS models, key components for the EOS 1000D are designed and manufactured in-house to work with each other for the ultimate image quality. A 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor – with larger pixels for smooth, low-noise images – offers sufficient resolution to produce prints in sizes up to A4, even when cropping your image. To protect images against the effects of sensor dust, the EOS 1000D includes the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which combats dust in three separate ways: reducing, removing and repelling.

The EOS 1000D also features a DIGIC III image processor, as used in Canon’s professional D-SLR models. This allows continuous shooting until the SD or SDHC memory card is full, at speeds of up to 3fps – with the number of shots limited only by the size of the card. DIGIC III also delivers superior image rendering, rapid operation and virtually instant start-up times.
Intelligent focus and flash

For shots where fast focusing is needed, the EOS 1000D features a 7-point wide area Auto Focus system, capable of locking onto a subject in a fraction of a second. A cross-type central focus point continues to operate effectively even when used in lower-light and lower-contrast settings. Also included is E-TTL II, Canon’s distance-linked flash exposure system found in professional EOS models.

Effortless ease

Weighing just 450g, the EOS 1000D is Canon’s lightest D-SLR to date, with a compact, ergonomic body designed for comfortable handling. A bright 2.5” LCD screen lets users instantly review images for composition, sharpness and focus – or, thanks to a wide viewing angle, instantly share shots with friends. The LCD also provides access to a fast, easy-to-read menu system, which uses tabs to avoid unnecessary scrolling. Inherited from the latest EOS models, the menu system includes direct control over external devices such as Speedlite flash units.

Photo quality in every situation is aided by 12 custom functions, including Auto Lighting Optimizer – which corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

Live view

For shooting situations where using the viewfinder is impractical – or where a tripod is used – users can switch to Live View mode, which displays the scene as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the LCD. An optional grid line and histogram display can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. Two AF modes are available for use with Live View: Quick AF, which momentarily flips the camera’s mirror to engage the AF sensor, and Live AF, which uses contrast information for compact camera-style focusing.

Software

The EOS 1000D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides all the necessary tools for managing and processing images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

Canon EOS 1000D /Rebel XS/ Kiss F Specifications

List price (EU)	• Body only: €549 • Kit: €599 (with 18-55 mm lens) • Kit: €649 (with 18-55 mm IS lens)
International naming	• Europe: Canon EOS 1000D • Japan: Canon EOS Kiss Digital F
Body material	Plastic (Stainless Steel chassis)
Sensor	• 10.1 million effective pixels • 10.5 million total pixels • 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS sensor • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in low-pass filter with self cleaning unit • 3:2 aspect ratio
Dust reduction	• Low-pass filter vibration at power-on (can be interrupted) • Anti-static coating on sensor surfaces • Software based dust-removal (camera maps dust, removed later)
Image sizes	• 3888 x 2592 (L) • 2816 x 1880 (M) • 1936 x 1288 (S)
Output formats	• RAW (.CR2) + JPEG Large/Fine • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) – Fine, Normal
Image processor	DIGIC III
Lenses	• Canon EF / EF-S lens mount • 1.6x field of view crop
Focus modes	• Auto Focus • Manual Focus (switch on lens)
Auto Focus	• 7-point CMOS sensor with F5.6 cross type at center • AF working range: -0.5 to 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
AF modes	• AI Focus • One shot • AI Servo
AF point selection	• Auto • Manual
AF assist	Flash strobe
Shooting modes	• Auto • Program AE (P) • Shutter priority AE (Tv) • Aperture priority AE (Av) • Manual (M) • Auto depth-of-field • Portrait • Landscape • Close-up • Sports • Night portrait • Flash off
Metering	• TTL 35-zone SPC • Metering range: EV 1.0 – 20 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100, 50 mm F1.4)
Metering modes	• Evaluative 35-zone • Partial 9% at center • Center-weighted average
AE Lock	AE lock button
AE Bracketing	• +/- 2.0 EV • 0.5 or 0.3 EV increments
Exposure compen.	• +/- 2.0 EV • 0.5 or 0.3 EV increments
Sensitivity	• Auto (100 – 800) • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
Shutter	• Focal-plane shutter • 30 – 1/4000 sec (0.5 or 0.3 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Bulb
Aperture values	• F1.0 – F91 (0.3 EV steps) • Actual aperture range depends on lens used
White balance	• Auto  • Daylight  • Shade  • Cloudy  • Tungsten  • Fluorescent  • Flash  • Custom
WB Bracketing	• +/-3 levels • 3 images • Selectable Blue/Amber or Magenta/Green bias
WB fine-tuning	• Blue (-9) To Amber (+9) • Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Picture style	• Standard • Portrait • Landscape • Neutral • Faithful • Monochrome • User 1 • User 2 • User 3
Custom image parameters	• Sharpness: 0 to 7 • Contrast: -4 to +4 • Saturation: -4 to +4 • Color tone: -4 to +4 • B&W filter: None, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green • B&W tone: None, Sepia, Blue, Purple, Green
Drive modes	• Single • Continuous: 3.0 fps JPEG to card capacity 1.5 fps for5 RAW frames or 4 RAW+JPEG • Self-timer 10 secs (2 sec with mirror lock-up) • Self-timer continuous
Mirror lockup	Yes (custom function)
Viewfinder	• Pentamirror • 95% frame coverage • Magnification: 0.81x (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity) • Eyepoint: 21 mm • Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter • Fixed precision matte
Viewfinder info	• AF information (AF points focus confirmation light) • Shutter speed • Aperture value • ISO speed (always displayed) • AE lock • Exposure level/compensation • Exposure warning • AEB • Flash ready • High-speed sync • FE lock • Flash exposure compensation • Red-eye reduction light • White balance correction • SD card information • Monochrome shooting • Maximum burst
DOF preview	Yes, button
LCD monitor	• 2.5" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels • Wide viewing angle (160° horizontal and vertical) • 7 brightness levels • Up to 10x zoom playback
LCD Live view	• Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor • 100% frame coverage • Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor • Best view or exposure simulation • Grid optional (thirds) • Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) • Optional Auto-focus with mirror-down / mirror-up sequence • Two modes; normal and quieter • Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB) • Manual focus only
Camera settings display	• Shutter speed • Aperture • Sensitivity (ISO) • Exposure mode • Meter / Exposure compenation • Bracketing • Flash compensation • White balance & fine tuning • Metering mode • Custom function set • Auto focus mode • Drive mode • Auto focus areas • Black & white mode • Beep • Red-eye reduction • Image size / quality • Battery status • Frames remaining
Record review	• Uses last play mode • Magnification possible • 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold
Flash	• Auto pop-up E-TTL II auto flash • Guide number approx 13 • Modes: Auto, Manual Flash On/ Off, Red-Eye Reduction • X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Flash exposure compensation: +/-2.0 EV (0.3 or 0.5 EV steps) • Coverage up to 17 mm focal length (27 mm FOV equiv.)
External flash	• E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites • Hot-shoe
Other features	• Orientation sensor
Auto rotation	• On (playback uses orientation data in file header) • Off
Playback mode	• Single image • Single image with info (histogram brightness / RGB ) • Magnified view (1.5 – 10x in 15 steps, browsable) • 4 and 9 image index • Auto play • Image rotation • Jump (by 10, 100 or date)
Custom functions	12 custom functions with 32 settings
Menu languages	• English • German • French • Dutch • Danish • Portuguese • Finnish • Italian • Norwegian • Swedish • Spanish • Greek • Simplified Chinese • Japanese • Traditional Chinese • Korean • Russian • Polish • Hungarian • Czech
Firmware	User upgradable
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) mini-B • Video out (PAL / NTSC) • E3 type wired remote control
Storage	• SD / SDHC card
Power	• Lithium-Ion LP-E5 rechargeable battery (7.4 V, 1050 mAh) • Optional ACK-E5 AC adapter kit
Battery Grip	Yes, BG-E5
Direct printing	• Canon Selphy Printers • Canon Bubble Jet Printers with direct print function • Canon PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge • PictBridge
Dimensions	126 x 98 x 62 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)
Weight (with battery)	500 g (1.1 lb)
Software	• Zoom Browser EX / ImageBrowser • PhotoStitch • EOS Utility (inc. Remote Capture; Windows & Mac except Mac Intel) • Digital Photo Professional (Windows / Mac)

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Camera contraction continues as Olympus announces its latest baby DSLR, the E420 and a compact lens to combine with it. The E420 is a 10 megapixel digital camera featuring the now-widespread Live View feature that Olympus pioneered. Alongside the diminutive DLSR is the equally bijou 25mm f2.8 pancake lens, creating a near pocket-sized combo. Updated: now with 25mm lens specifications.

OLYMPUS E-420: World’s smallest and lightest consumer digital SLR delivers enhanced autofocus Live View

Compact Size Makes It the Ultimate DSLR to Take Anywhere, Next-Generation Live View Ensures It Performs Better When You Get There

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., March 5, 2008 – Olympus today announces the extremely portable E-420 – perfect for everyone who wants to step up to the power and performance of a digital SLR (single lens reflex) yet enjoy the ease of use and ability to compose images on the LCD common to point-and-shoot cameras. Weighing a mere 380 grams (13.4 ounces), the E-420 is 20 to 40 percent lighter than competing DSLRs. Good things come in this small package, including Live View, which enables users to hold the camera away from their faces and interact with their subjects – ideal when capturing photos of children, for example.

This lightweight 10-megapixel DSLR offers heavyweight technologies, including a bigger, more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and consumer-friendly fast On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. Additionally, when it comes to Live View, not all LCDs are created equal. At 2.7-inches, the portable E-420 LCD is large enough for users to compose and review images without squinting. The small camera’s LCD is not just larger, it is part of a camera with technologies intelligent enough to take advantage of the Live View photography experience. These innovative technologies include:

• On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way;

• Face Detection Technology targets and locks on up to eight faces to ensure they are in focus and crystal clear for amazing portraits;

• New and Improved HyperCrystal II™ Technology delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extreme lighting conditions, a broader range of color detail, and a wider angle of view on the LCD so you and your friends can see it up to 176 degrees off-center;

• Shadow Adjustment Technology captures detail in the bright areas of a frame and opens up detail in the shadows that other cameras would render too dark or underexposed; and

• Perfect Shot Preview enables you to view and select your favorite effect right on the LCD, and see how the image will look before you even capture it, so you know that what you see is what you get.

“The Olympus E-420 delivers the professional-grade image quality of a digital SLR with the simple operation of a point-and-shoot camera,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Thanks to the camera’s small size and lightweight body, users can take the E-420 everywhere, and they will never miss another shot because the of the camera’s straightforward controls. Additionally, our innovative technologies help consumers get more from Live View.”

World’s Smallest Digital SLR
A camera designed to be held away from the face lets you take great photographs without weighing you down. The E-420 is small enough to fit into a purse or a jacket pocket and light enough to shoot with comfortably all day. Measuring 5.1 inches by 3.6 inches by 2.1 inches (excluding protrusions), it is the world’s smallest digital SLR. And at a featherweight 13.4 ounces, only its predecessor (E-410) weighs less. The E-420’s new ergonomic grip on the front of the body allows for easier one-handed operation and ensures a secure hold in the most challenging shooting conditions.

One of the World’s Thinnest Lenses Meets the World’s Most Compact DSLR
The world’s smallest DSLR deserves a similarly compact lens, and Olympus has it: the ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens. This 0.9 inch-thick lens offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view. Together with the E-420, the Zuiko 25mm f2.8 lens will offer the ultimate combination of ease of use and portability.

Photographers can also purchase the E-420 in a kit with a compact, Zuiko Digital 28-84mm equivalent (ED 14-42mm Four Thirds) f3.5-f5.6 lens that perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Both lenses (Zuiko 25mm f2.8 and 28-84mm f3.5-f5.6) are part Olympus’ expanding line of 100 percent digital lenses – designed specifically for digital photography. Unlike other camera companies, Olympus does not rely on old film lenses, which often result in images with soft edges or other imperfections.

The Live View Experience
Olympus was the first to bring Live View to a consumer DSLR (the E-330 in 2006), and Live View has revolutionized DSLR photography. Anyone who has photographed young children knows that you get the best reactions when you hold the camera away from your face and maintain eye contact and an engaging smile. If you have tried to take photos high above the heads in a crowd or low near the ground, you will appreciate that it is easier to use a swivel LCD screen than to climb a ladder or lie on your stomach.

The E-420 solves these problems with its Live View LCD, which enables photographers to hold the camera away from their faces and at angles they just cannot reach by using the optical viewfinder alone. The E-420’s new Live View autofocus functionality now simplifies the process by working just like a point and shoot. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway, your subjects come into focus on the LCD, so when the perfect moment occurs it is easy to capture sharp images.

A viewable LCD is where a great Live View experience begins. Few things are more annoying for a photographer than squinting to see an image on an LCD screen in bright sunlight or a dimly lit room. The E-420 solves this problem with its large, bright 2.7-inch LCD display that incorporates new HyperCrystal II technology. This display offers twice the contrast for better viewing in extreme light conditions (i.e. when the sun is at your back), a broader color gamut that displays a greater range of color detail, and a 176-degree viewing angle.

Always Find a Face in the Crowd
A camera this consumer-friendly is perfect for taking portraits of friends and family while out and about. The E-420’s Face Detection feature distinguishes between people’s faces and the background. It tracks up to eight faces within the image area and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subjects are moving, the camera continuously tracks their faces.

Bright Day or Deep Shadow, Never Miss a Detail
Shooting scenes with shadows can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-420 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that compensates for extreme contrast when shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. Now users can preview and capture images with the same fine contrast they see with their own eyes.

Preview All the Possibilities
With 18 pre-set scene-select modes for every imaginable shooting scenario and full manual controls, the E-420 offers a world of possibilities to photographers. Additionally, Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen on the LCD before snapping the shot. This feature shows photographers what their images will look like beforehand under various settings, ensuring that they capture exactly what they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Enlarge Your Photos
Capturing, enlarging and displaying amazing images on your wall is a snap thanks to the E-420’s 10 million pixels for high-resolution photos. The 10-megapixel sensor gives users the flexibility to enlarge prints to the sizes supported by many of today’s printers, or crop the image to print only a part of the image that is important to them. The high-performance Live MOS image sensor in the E-420 delivers excellent dynamic range for accurate color fidelity and a new state-of-the-art amplifier circuit dramatically reduces noise and captures fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas.

Improved Auto White Balance
Many digital SLR users want to focus their attention on things other than white balance while they are on the move. As a result, the E-420 features an improved automatic white balance performance with a new algorithm for more accurate color.

TruePic III for Image Clarity & Speed
Olympus’ TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible for every photo with accurate color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal representation in between. TruePic III also lowers image noise by one step to reduce graininess in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

Worried about missing the winning goal at the soccer game? The image processor on the E-420 enables it to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in sequenced shooting mode, which means that photographers will be able to capture fast-paced action as it happens.

Dust Reduction System for Spot-Free Images
Life moves too fast to spend time worrying about dust ruining your images. Olympus’ proven Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™. The patented ultrasonic technology vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor and captures it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on. These spot-free photos liberate users from hours spent retouching photographs at the computer or sending their cameras back to the manufacturer to remove dust trapped inside.

Media Versatility
Accepting both CompactFlash Type I & II, Microdrives, and xD-Picture Cards, the E-420 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.

Wireless Flash Capability
If you decide to venture into the arena of advanced lighting, the E-420 is ready to meet the challenge. The E-420 is compatible with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless electronic flashes that are designed exclusively for digital photography. When these flashes are used in combination with the E-420, wireless multi-flash photography is possible. The E-420 can control up to three wireless flash groups independently, with several flash units per group.

Availability
The Olympus E-420 Digital SLR will be available in May 2008. It includes: E-420 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Warranty Card.

Olympus E420 specifications

Kit price	$499.99 – Body Only $599.99 – with ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom lens $699.99 – with ED 25mm f/2.8 Zuiko Digital lens
Body color	Black
Sensor	• Four Thirds Live MOS sensor • 10 million effective pixels • 11.8 million total pixels • RGB Color Filter Array
Anti-dust measures	• Supersonic Wave Filter
Image sizes	• 3648 x 2736 • 3200 x 2400 • 2560 x 1920 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480
Image quality	• ORF (12-bit compressed RAW) • JPEG Superfine (1:2.7) • JPEG fine (1:4) • JPEG normal (1:8) • JPEG basic (1:12) • ORF (RAW) + JPEG
Color space	• sRGB • AdobeRGB
Lens mount	Four Thirds mount
Autofocus	• TTL Phase detection • Contrast detection system (with 25mm f2.8, 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, 40-150mm f4-5.6)
Lens servo	• Single AF (S-AF) • Continuous AF (C-AF) • Manual focus (MF)
AF Area mode	• Auto • Option selectable
Focus area	• 3-point multiple AF with phase detection • 11-point multiple AF with contrast detection
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AEL button (customizable)
Focus tracking	Interlocked with Continuous-AF
AF Assist	Yes
Exposure mode	• Programmed auto (P) with flexible program • Shutter-priority auto (S) • Aperture priority auto (A) • Manual (M) • Scene program AE     - Portrait     - Landscape     - Macro     - Sport     - Night + portrait • Scene select AE     - Portrait     - Landscape     - Landscape + portrait     - Night Scene     - Night + portrait     - Children     - Sport     - High-key     - Low-key     - Digital image stabilization     - Macro     - Nature Macro     - Candle     - Sunset     - Fireworks     - Documents     - Beach/snow     - Panorama (when using Olympus xD-Picture Card)
Metering	TTL open-aperture exposure metering system • Digital ESP metering • 49-point multi pattern metering • Center-weighted average • Spot: Meters approx 2% for viewfinder screen • Spot with Highlight control • Spot with Shadow control
Metering range	• EV 1 – 20 (at normal temperature, 50mm f2, ISO 100)
Exposure compen.	• +/- 5.0 EV • 1/3 EV steps
AE Lock	Exposure can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway or by pressing AEL button (customizable)
AE Bracketing	3 frames in 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600
Shutter	• Computerized focal-plane shutter • Auto mode: 2 – 1/4000 sec • P,S,A, M modes: 60 – 1/4000 sec • Bulb: up to 30 min
White balance	• Auto (TTL white-balance with Live MOS sensor) • Eight manual modes with fine-tuning     o Lamp (3000K)     o Fluorescent 1 (4000K)     o Fluorescent 2 (4500K)     o Fluorescent 3 (6600K)     o Daylight (5300K)     o Flash (5500K)     o Cloudy (6000K)     o Shade (7500K) • Preset white balance (can register 2000K – 140000K)
WB fine tuning	+/- 7 steps in Amber-Blue or Green-Magenter axis
Image parameters	• Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone • Contrast, Saturation and Sharpness adjustable in 5 steps (no Saturation in Mono) • Four levels of gradation available • Picture tones and filter effects availabl in Monotone mode
Viewfinder	• Optical fixed eye-level • Penta-mirror type • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3.0 to +1.0 m-1) • Frame coverage 95% (approx.) • Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.92x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 • Focusing screen: Neo Lumi-Micro Mat screen
Viewfinder information	• Aperture value • Shutter speed • Record mode • AF confirmation mark • Flash • White Balance • AE lock • Number of storable still image remaining • Exposure compensation value • Metering mode • Battery warning • Exposure mode • AF frame (super impose)
Live view	• 100% field of view • Exposure adjustment preview • White Balance adjustment preview • Gradation setting preview
LCD monitor	• HyperCrystal II LCD (semi-transmissive TFT color LCD) • 2.7" • 230,000 dots
Playback field of view	100%
Built-in flash	Guide number 12 at ISO 100 (m)
Sync speed	1/180 sec or less. Super FP up to 1/4000
Flash control	• TTL-Auto (with pre-flash) • Auto • Manual
Flash mode	• Auto • Red-eye reduction • Red-eye reduction slow sync • Slow sync at first curtain • Slow sync at second curtain • Fill-in
Flash compensation	• -2 to +2 EV • 1/3 steps
Wireless flash	• Compatible with FL-50R or FL-36R • 4 channels • 3 groups
Shooting modes	• Single-frame shooting (3.5 fps) • Sequential shooting • Self-timer • Remote control
Continuous buffer	• Unlimited Large, Normal compression JPEG, 8 RAW frames
Self-timer	12 or 2 sec
Remote control	RM-UC1 cable release or RM-1 optical remote control
Playback functions	• Single frame • Index (4/9/16/25/49/100 frames) • Calendar • Zoom (2-14x)
Storage	• Compact Flash Type I and II • xD Picture Card
Video output	NTSC or PAL selectable
Connectivity	• High speed USB • Dedicated AV multi-connector
Languages	English, French, Spanish, Portuguese (US Spec)
Power	• BLS-1 Li-ion battery
Working environment	• 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F) • 30-90% humidity
Dimensions	129.5 x 91 x 53 mm (5.1 x 3.6 x 2.1 in)
Weight (no batt)	380 g (13.4 oz)
Supplied accessories	E-420 body, Li-ion battery BLS-1, Li-ion battery charger BCS-1, USB cable, Video cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Master CD-ROM, Instruction manual, Registration card, Eye piece cap EP-4

Other images

Lens specifications

Lens name	Zuiko Digital 25 mm 1:2.8 Pancake
Focal length	25 mm
Focal length (Equiv. 35mm)	50 mm
Maximum aperture	f/2.8
Minimum aperture	f/22
Lens construction	5 lenses, 4 groups
Closest focus distance	20cm
Maximum reproduction ratio	1:5.2
Aperture blades	7
Filter attachment size	43 mm
Focusing	floating focus mechanism
Dimensions	23.5 mm× 64 mm
Weight	95g
Compatibility	• EC-20 Tele converter • EC-14 Tele converter • EX-25 Extension tube

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The Ricoh Caplio R7 is a 8.15 (CCD) megapixel digital camera with a 7.1x Optical Zoom lens (28-200mm equivalent).

It features image stabilization, upgraded image processing system and a 2.7 inch LCD.

The Ricoh Caplio R7 comes in black, orange and silver. It will have a retail price of £230 when it hits stores in September.

Ricoh Caplio R7 News Release 7.1x Wide-Angle Digital Camera Features Low Noise in High-Sensitivity Photography

Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has developed and introduced the new Caplio R7 digital camera. With a new image processing engine and a 7.1x optical wide zoom lens (28–200 mm in 35 mm camera format) mounted on a slim body only 20.6 mm at its thinnest point, the Caplio R7 takes digital photography to an even higher level of image quality.

The new Caplio R7 is the successor to the award winning Caplio R6 (launched March 23, 2007), which earned high recognition for its slim body, wide-angle zoom lens, vibration correction, and face recognition mode.

With a new image processing engine and a 7.1x optical wide zoom lens (28–200 mm in 35 mm camera format) mounted on a slim body only 20.6 mm at its thinnest point, the Caplio R7 takes digital photography to an even higher level of image quality.

Retaining the best features of earlier models, the Caplio R7 further enhances the line’s established reputation for high image quality with the introduction of:

1. Smooth Imaging Engine III, a new image processing engine capable of even more sophisticated image processing, and 2. An effective 8.15 megapixel CCD for outstanding results.

In addition, the Caplio R7 achieves a variety of other evolutionary advances in fun and easy photography with enhanced usability for its unique ADJ. (Adjust) button function, which makes it easy to set exposure compensation and white balance. The introduction of brightness and colour-tone functions allows still image brightness and colour-tone to be adjusted in the camera after the picture is taken.

Available colours: Silver, Black and Orange

Available: September 2007 at £229.99 inc vat. Main features of the new Caplio R7

1. The introduction of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III makes higher-picture-quality photography possible. * Smooth Imaging Engine III reduces the noise that can occur in high-sensitivity photography, without loss of resolution. As a result, even with high-sensitivity photography, crisp outlines are preserved and clear, non-grainy images are possible. * Through sophisticated brightness and colour-tone adjustment, natural colours are reproduced that are closer to those seen by the naked eye.

2. The Caplio R7 comes equipped with a new high-resolution 8.15 megapixel CCD. * An effective 8.15 megapixel CCD has been included. Working together with the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III, this new CCD achieves high-quality photography.

3. The Caplio 7 features a 7.1x wide angle zoom lens on a body measuring only 20.6mm at the thinnest point – the slimmest in its class.* * As a result of the adoption of miniaturized components and the original double retracting lens system, Ricoh was able to equip the Caplio R7 with a 28-200mm 7.1x wide-angle zoom lens in a slim 20.6 mm body. * A wide range of photographic options are supported, from wide-angle photography – for panoramic landscapes and indoor shooting near the subject – all the way to impressive telephoto photography.

4. Enhanced usability when shooting * ADJ. (Adjust) button increases usability o A cross-key function has been added to the ADJ. (Adjust) button, which makes it easy to switch exposure compensation, white balance, ISO sensitivity, and other settings to reflect the preferences of the photographer. As a result, menu operations can be operated quickly and easily with one hand. * New on screen display o The elegant and functional style of the new on screen display gives a high-quality feel of the Caplio R7 operation. The adoption of a highly readable font and clearer menu tabs makes the Caplio R7 even easier to use. * Two zoom speed levels o Zoom speed can be switched between the two levels of high speed and low speed to enable the photographer to move quickly and accurately to the desired zoom position.

5. Image editing functions allow for a variety of changes to images after shooting in the camera * Brightness correction for adjusting image brightness and contrast o With the brightness correction function it is possible to adjust (on a five-level scale) the brightness and contrast of a still image in the camera and then record the resulting image. In this way, the image as it was intended by the photographer can be recreated in the camera without unwanted black or white saturation. * Colour tone correction for adjusting image colour tone o With the colour tone correction function it is possible to adjust colour tone by strengthening red or blue tones (on a five-level scale) of a still image in the camera and then record the resulting image. In this way, the original image shot can be adjusted to better reflect the colour tone desired by the photographer. * Image rotation o Still images in the camera can be rotated 90 degrees and then recorded. (The rotation is only reflected when the image is viewed in the camera.)

6. Popular vibration correction function and face recognition mode * The Caplio R7 contains Ricoh’s original CCD-shift vibration correction function which compensates for camera shake when it is detected. * Face recognition mode automatically identifies faces in a scene and automatically adjusts the focus, exposure, and white balance for best results.

7. Wide viewing angle, high contrast 2.7-inch LCD * The Caplio R7 has an easy-to-see 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels. In addition to having a wide viewing angle and high contrast, its colour reproduction is excellent, making it easy to view images during shooting and playback.

8. Powerful macro functions, a Ricoh specialty * Ricoh’s original macro mode allows close-in shooting of objects as close as 1 cm with wide macro and as close as 25 cm with telemacro. A zoom macro function enables the use of digital zooming from the optical zoom position where subjects can be captured at their largest.

9. Three types of bracketing functions * The Caplio R7 has three different types of bracketing functions: auto bracketing automatically shoots consecutive shots changing the exposure each time, white balance bracketing automatically shoots consecutive shots changing the white balance each time, and colour bracketing automatically shoots three consecutive shots, a black and white image, a colour image, and a sepia image.

Accessories included:

Rechargeable Battery DB-70 / Battery Charger BJ-7 / USB Cable / AV Cable / Handstrap / Software CD-ROM / Instruction Manuals

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