12 Megapixel camera phone image sensor

Photo News - No Comments » - Posted on November, 22 at 10:51 am

New Sony Exmor image sensors : Sony announced the commercialization of “Sony IMX060PQ”, a new type 1/2.5 CMOS image sensor “Exmor” for use in camera enabled mobile phones that leverages Sony’s proprietary formation technology to realize the industry’s smallest unit cell size (1.4Вµm), and the industry’s highest pixel count (12.25 effective megapixel resolution). The “Sony IMX060PQ” is designed to meet the increasing need for advanced image quality within mobile phone enabled cameras. Sony also announced the launch of “IMX046PQ”, a type 1/3.2 CMOS image sensor “Exmor” with 8.11 effective megapixel, and “IMX045PQ”, a type 1/4 “Exmor” CMOS image sensor featuring 5.15 effective megapixel resolution.

New Sony camera phone sensors
Furthermore, Sony will also commercialize “IU060F”, a type 1/2.5 lens module with 12.25 effective megapixel resolution, and “IU046F”, a type 1/3.2 lens module with 8.11 effective megapixels. Equipped with lens and auto focus functions, the two modules are the industry’s smallest and thinnest in their class, and with the launch of these products Sony will seek to enhance the enjoyment of taking high quality images using camera enabled mobile phones.

Sony IMX060PQ CMOS image sensor
The newly developed CMOS image sensor “IMX060PQ” leverages Sony’s proprietary formation technology to deliver the industry’s smallest unit cell size (1.4Вµm), and the industry’s highest pixel count (12.25 effective megapixel resolution). The implementation of a Cu process that achieves extremely fine interconnections, together with the sensor’s unique pixel structure and improvements in condensing efficiency have realized high sensitivity levels and a high S/N ratio, despite the industry’s smallest 1.4Вµm size unit cell. Furthermore, Sony’s proprietary “Column-Parallel A/D Conversion technique” minimizes image quality degradation cased by noise that arises during analog processing, while also enabling higher pixel count and frame rates (10 frames/s for “IMX060PQ” and 15frames/s for “IMX046PQ”).


Mobile phone camera technology
In recent years, the convenience offered by cameras in mobile phones has driven an increase in their use, while demand for higher image quality has also continued to grow. In addition, as mobile phone designs have become more refined, and models become smaller and thinner, the need for further miniaturization in mobile phone camera technology has also increased. To meet these requirements, improvements in both image quality and sensor miniaturization must be achieved, but the more the shrinking process is continued, the more difficult it becomes to gather light into the sensor pixels, leading to the risk of image degradation resulting from reduced sensitivity and S/N levels.

Camera enabled mobile phones
By enhancing its “Exmor” range of CMOS image sensors, used in product line-ups such as digital SLR cameras and high definition digital video cameras as well as mobile phones, Sony will aim to meet customer needs for advanced imaging performance comparable to dedicated compact digital still cameras in slimline, camera enabled mobile phones.

Read More..>>

Posted in Photo News | No Comments »

50 Megapixel Kodak Sensor

Cameras, Tips Tricks - No Comments » - Posted on July, 22 at 12:27 pm

Kodak has introduced the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography. With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the KAF-50100 sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. The new Kodak KAF-50100 sensor is the first to utilise the new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers. In an aerial photo of a field 1-ВЅ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot). The KAF-50100 is first being used in the new Hasselblad H3DII-50 camera.

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak Achieves New Breakthrough in Imaging Technology

World’s First 50 Megapixel CCD Sensor Sets New Standard for Professional Photographers

London, UK, July 8 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has achieved another breakthrough in its storied history of imaging technology innovation with the introduction of the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography.

At 50 million pixels, or megapixels, the sensor captures digital images with unprecedented resolution and detail. For instance, with a 50 megapixel camera, in an aerial photo of a field 1-ВЅ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot).

What’s more, the KODAK KAF-50100 Image Sensor features a newly designed pixel that is smaller in size than the pixel used in current products for this professional market. This new pixel also reduces “click-to-capture” time for improved camera response, lowers power consumption for improved battery life, and improves colour fidelity without compromising on the benefits to be enjoyed from larger pixel sizes.

“Professional photographers need to capture ever-increasing image detail with higher camera performance, and that drives us to develop new technologies and products to serve this important market,” said Michael Miller, manager of Kodak’s CCD Image Sensor Business, part of the company’s Image Sensor Solutions group.  “Kodak image sensors have been known as the professional imaging standard for years, and today’s announcement reaffirms our dedication to provide industry-leading image sensors that give professional photographers a real competitive advantage.”

The new Kodak sensor is the first to utilise the company’s new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers.  Based on a newly designed 6.0 micron pixel, the platform provides increased data throughput for faster frame rate, a reduced “click to capture” time for improved camera response, lower power consumption for improved battery life, and improved colour fidelity, while still retaining key performance parameters available from the larger, 6.8 micron pixel used in current products.  With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the 50 million pixel sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. 
The KAF-50100 is the latest addition to Kodak’s family of full-frame CCD image sensors for the professional photography market.  Engineering grade devices of the KAF-50100 are currently available, with volume production planned for Q4, 2008.

For additional information regarding this technology, please contact Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company at (585) 722-4385 or by email at .  For more information on Kodak’s entire portfolio of image sensors, please visit http://www.kodak.com/go/imagers.

About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, PluggedIn.kodak.com, and GrowYourBiz.kodak.com

Read More..>>

Posted in Cameras, Tips Tricks | No Comments »

Olympus E-510 Review

Photo News - No Comments » - Posted on October, 20 at 7:24 am

Olympus E-510 Review : Olympus is making waves with the digital SLR cameras. The models are quickly being improved and renewed. We still await the successor of the E-1 (Olympus E-3), but the Olympus E-510 D-SLR gives us a taste of what is to come. The Olympus E-510 is the successor of the E-500, which was released more than a year and a half ago. The changes made to the E-400 in the E-410 were minimal, but the Olympus E-510 digital SLR is truly different from its predecessor. An important change is the image sensor. Olympus uses a Panasonic sensor for the E-510 instead of a Kodak sensor. The CCD has been replaced with the LiveMOS. As the name suggests, the Olympus E-510 also has Live View, just like other Olympus models have.


Read More..>>

Posted in Photography | No Comments »

Nikon D2X review

Camera Reviews - No Comments » - Posted on August, 9 at 7:31 pm

Nikon D2X review : When Nikon introduced the D2H reflex camera for the enhanced action/photojournalist; the world expected the camera to be followed by a D2X very promptly. This was the case with the D1 series and the Internet rumours made us expect the new flagship any minute. But while Canon reacted quickly with a fast camera equipped with high resolution, the Nikon users had to be patient and wait a bit longer until Nikon finally put the Nikon D2X on the market. The camera features some highly interesting functions just like we are used to from Nikon.

Nikon D2X D-SLR – High-speed crop
The Nikon D2X holds a higher resolution than the D2H, mainly meant for speedy photography. In order to enable fast shooting the engineers came up with a trick; High-speed crop. This is quite simple; only part of the sensor gets used and because of this fewer pixels are generated which means processing less data, so it offers a higher shooting speed. Standard the Nikon D2X has 12.2 Megapixels, in High-speed crop 6.8 Megapixels remain, which still suffices to print an A4 quality print. The image speed rises from 5 to 8 frames per second with High-speed, so the photojournalist or action photographer benefits from this speed.

Nikon D2X digital SLR camera – CMOS sensor
Striking is the fact that Nikon made the choice to use a Sony sensor for the D2X and not one of their own JFET-LBCAST sensors. Officially Nikon chose the Sony sensor because Nikon couldn’t meet the demand for JFET-LBCAST. Other than the D1X, the D2X does feature a CMOS sensor. Of course the focal length multiplier remains 1.5. Nikon sticks to a certain factor and that really has its advantages. The specially designed DX lenses form a perfect combination and there are no mutual differences as far as crop factor is concerned within the assortment of Nikon digital reflex bodies.

Nikon D2X SLR – I-TTL wireless flash system
Besides an extensive lens assortment, the user also has, what might be considered as the best flash system ever, at his disposal. I-TTL gets the best out of it. Wireless flash lets you create ingenious flash exposures. You’re able to rebuild a studio installation as it were, which additionally makes things get a lot compacter on the whole.

Nikon D2X – Professional SLR camera
The Nikon D2X is mainly targeting at the professional user working under the most extreme circumstances. The appearance of the D2X exposes this by its built. The D2X is solidly built and provided with the necessary protection. Dust and moist don’t get a chance to break into the internal part of the camera. Of course the sensor remains sensitive to dust but this can eventually be removed using a pair of bellows or special sensor brushes.

Nikon D2X digital reflex camera review
With the D2X D-SLR Nikon has made it again for professional photographers and you will often spot the D2x working in the field! We were able to test the D2X extensively and our experiences with this camera can be read in the following Nikon d2X digital camera review.

Continue to read our

Read More..>>

Posted in Camera Reviews | No Comments »

Pentax K10D review

Camera Reviews - No Comments » - Posted on August, 2 at 5:31 am

Pentax K10D digital SLR camera review : After having produced several models in the cheaper classes of digital SLR cameras, Pentax is now aiming at (semi) professional photographers. It’s not a completely new market for Pentax, as they used to be one of the leading brands of camera manufacturers. Pentax has a lot of catching up to do with the digital market. They have come up with the Pentax K10D, a compact ten Megapixel DSLR camera with inbuilt image stabilisation and several interesting features.

Pentax K10D waterproof housing & moving sensor
The Pentax K10D digital SLR camera has to compete with cameras like the Canon EOS 30D and the Nikon D200, no easy task. One of their weapons in the battle is to make the Pentax K10D so sealed that rainwater and dust cannot penetrate it. The Nikon D200, however, is also water resistant. What Nikon and Canon don’t have is a moving sensor. The 10 Megapixel sensor has been hung so that it can eliminate camera vibrations, allowing you to stabilise any lens. This is cheaper than having to buy lenses with image stabilisation. The vibrating sensor also shakes dust off from the lens. Dust is definitely the biggest irritant in DSLR cameras.

Pentax K10D SLR camera – Focus points
To focus, the Pentax K10D uses eleven points, nine of which are super sensitive cross sensors. Thanks to the SAVOX VIII, the Pentax K10D is suitable for use with lenses with inbuilt ultrasonic motors. Unlike Canon and Nikon, Pentax does not yet have lenses like this in their program, but they will not be long coming. It will probably allow the speed of the auto focus to match that of its closest competitors.

Pentax K10D d-SLR – Exposure programs
The Pentax K10D DSLR’s exposure programs are truly unique. As well as the familiar program setting, manual exposure and aperture and shutter priority, Pentax has two more options that make use of the sensitivity, the third variable in exposure. The first is the shutter speed/aperture priority, whereby you choose the shutter speed and aperture and the camera chooses the sensitivity. The other option is the sensitivity priority. Of course the unique Hyper program is also present. You can use it to vary shutter speed or aperture quickly without having to work in the manual setting.

Pentax K10D – 2.5 inch LCD preview screen
Another clever feature in the Pentax K10D is that it not only uses the 2.5-inch screen on the rear to view pictures that have been taken, but to show previews. You can check depth of field, white balance and exposure before taking the photo for real. All this doesn’t require an expensive construction. It is not quite live-view, as we know it from the Olympus E-330, but has its biggest advantages.

Pentax K10D DSLR – PRIME processor
The information is processed by the new PRIME. Following in Canon and Sony’s footsteps, Pentax has also given its processor a name. Rightly so, as the sensor is a very important part of the digital photo chain. The digital signal is converted with a 22 bit A/D converter. The more bits, the more nuances can be shown. Of course, the pictures can be saved as (12 bits) RAW or (8 bits) JPEG. With RAW, you can also choose between Pentax’s own PEF (Pentax Electronic File) or the more universal DNG (Digital NeGative) from Adobe.

Pentax K10D digital SLR review
Pentax clearly doesn’t like to do things by halves and has produced a digital SLR camera that will be seen as a serious competitor for the Canon EOS 30D and the Nikon D200. These two currently set the standard in this camera segment. To see if Pentax had succeeded in setting a new standard, we tried the K10D out for an extended period. You can read our findings in the following Pentax K10D digital SLR camera review.

Read More..>>

Posted in Camera Reviews | No Comments »

Olympus E-510 Live View
Live View is now definitively the future of the DSLR. Not only Olympus and Panasonic are applying this, but also Canon and Nikon have included Live View in their new DSLR products. At first Olympus and Panasonic were looked upon with pity when they first showed the Live View, but quickly it appeared to be a consumer advantage.


Olympus E-510 Flash Memory Cards
Olympus has already gotten us used to the xD Picture Card as storage format. Olympus was after all one of the ones who pioneered this format. Luckily Olympus knows that not everyone is pleased with the xD cards and that there are also вЂ?switchers’, who already have different memory cards. That is why it is a good thing that the Olympus E-510 also uses CompactFlash cards. They are available in all kinds of capacities and speeds for very affordable prices.


Olympus E-510 SLR Review
Next to the new sensor the amount of pixels has increased. The Olympus E-510 now has ten Megapixels, the same amount as the E-410. This amount of resolution allows for large prints. The signal is processed differently than in the E-410, though, so that we can expect different results. Thanks to the SuperSonic Wave Filter placed in front of the sensor, you do not longer have to worry about having to retouch a lot of dust spots. This is great, because with ten Megapixels you can see almost every detail. The filter in front of the sensor shakes and the sensor itself can move as well. This has allowed Olympus to integrate a physical image stabilizer. You do not need special lenses in order to prevent blur from camera shake. We have tested an Olympus E-510 and a few lenses for a while in our test lab. The results can be read in the following Olympus E-510 review.

Read More..>>

Posted in Photo News | No Comments »

Olympus E510 review

Camera Reviews - No Comments » - Posted on October, 10 at 10:55 am

Olympus E-510 digital SLR camera review : Olympus is making waves with the digital SLR cameras. The models are quickly being improved and renewed. We still await the successor of the E-1 (Olympus E-3), but the Olympus E-510 D-SLR gives us a taste of what is to come. The Olympus E-510 is the successor of the E-500, which was released more than a year and a half ago. The changes made to the E-400 in the E-410 were minimal, but the Olympus E-510 digital SLR is truly different from its predecessor.

Olympus E510 DSLR – LiveMOS image sensor
An important change is the image sensor. Olympus uses a Panasonic sensor for the E-510 instead of a Kodak sensor. The CCD has been replaced with the LiveMOS. As the name suggests, the Olympus E-510 also has Live View, just like other Olympus models have. Live View is now definitively the future of the DSLR. Not only Olympus and Panasonic are applying this, but also Canon and Nikon have included Live View in their new DSLR products. At first Olympus and Panasonic were looked upon with pity when they first showed the Live View, but quickly it appeared to be a consumer advantage.

Olympus E-510 – 10 Megapixel reflex camera
Next to the new sensor the amount of pixels has increased. The Olympus E-510 now has ten Megapixels, the same amount as the E-410. This amount of resolution allows for large prints. The signal is processed differently than in the E-410, though, so that we can expect different results. Thanks to the SuperSonic Wave Filter placed in front of the sensor, you do not longer have to worry about having to retouch a lot of dust spots. This is great, because with ten Megapixels you can see almost every detail. The filter in front of the sensor shakes and the sensor itself can move as well. This has allowed Olympus to integrate a physical image stabilizer. You do not need special lenses in order to prevent blur from camera shake.

Olympus Evolt E-510 – Compact camera body
The dimensions have hardly changed at all. The camera is a bit wider and a bit thinner and longer as well. The prism housing has remained. The camera still has a lot in common with the legendary Olympus OM series. It is compact, yet stylish. The compact body is partly possible because of the FourThirds System, of which Olympus is one of the pioneers. The sensor format is half the size of a 35 mm film. The focal range has a factor of 2, so that a 14-45 mm lens behaves as a 28-90 mm lens would (on a 35 mm camera). The whole system is easy to carry with you.

Olympus E510 D-SLR review
The FourThirds System keeps expanding, not only with new cameras, but with new lenses, including a few real top models. While we tested the Olympus Evolt E-510, we also had a few lenses at our disposal, including the Zuiko Digital 7-14mm 1:4 ED. It is an ultra wide-angle lens, but not quite a fisheye. On a 35 mm camera it would be equivalent to a 14-28 mm lens. This is a very interesting range for photojournalists and landscape photographers. We have tested an Olympus E-510 and a few lenses for a while in our test lab. The results can be read in the next Olympus E-510 review.

Read More..>>

Posted in Camera Reviews | No Comments »

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, previewed

Photography - No Comments » - Posted on August, 24 at 6:56 pm

Canon has today tipped digital SLR resolution over the twenty megapixel barrier with the new EOS-1Ds Mark III. The much anticipated Mark III version of the full-frame EOS-1Ds delivers medium-format threatening resolution; 5616 x 3744 (21.1 million) pixels to be precise, in a portable and robust five frames per second Canon EOS body. From a built, function and usability point of view the EOS-1Ds Mark III is identical to the EOS-1D Mark III apart from the full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor, (naturally) larger viewfinder and UDMA support (up to 45 MB/sec) for Compact Flash cards. At full tilt (at five frames per second) the Mark III is processing an mighty impressive 185 MB of data every second.

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III key features

  • 21 megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor (36 x 24 mm)
  • 5 frames per second shooting (up to 56 JPEG or 12 RAW images buffer)
  • Compact Flash UDMA support (up to 45 MB/sec)
  • Large bright ‘full size’ viewfinder with higher magnification than the EOS-1Ds Mark II
  • All of the operational improvements and enhancements delivered by the EOS-1D Mark III

Press Release:

Canon strengthens pro lineup with 21 Megapixel
EOS-1Ds Mark III

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 20 August, 2007: Canon raises the stakes in the professional photography market with the launch of the 21 Megapixel, 5 frame per second EOS-1Ds Mark III. Delivering 14-bit depth resolution from a newly developed 35mm full frame CMOS sensor, Canon’s new flagship digital SLR produces files that convert to over 100MB uncompressed 16-bit TIFF, setting a new benchmark in image resolution and sharpness for 35mm-format digital photography.

As well as producing outstanding colour rendition, Dual DIGIC III processors drive 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 Large JPEGs (12 RAW) – unrivalled by any other camera at this resolution. This capacity to shoot such large images uninterrupted is regarded as a big driver in switching studio photographers to the EOS platform.

The EOS-1Ds Mark III inherits the new technology platform introduced earlier this year in the EOS-1D Mark III, including 63-zone exposure metering, 19 cross-type auto focus system, a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Highlight Tone Priority function expands dynamic range for more depth and detail in bright areas. The launch is supported with the announcement of Canon’s new ultra wide-angle lens, the Lens 2.

“Taking image quality and versatility to unprecedented levels, the EOS-1Ds Mark III redefines commercial photography conventions”, said Karz Suzuki, Head of Canon Professional Services. “The camera will strengthen Canon’s popularity amongst professional studio photographers. Culminating 20 years of EOS development, the EOS-1Ds Mark III represents a definitive moment in our company’s photographic history.”

Key features

  • 21 Megapixel full frame (35mm) CMOS sensor
  • 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 frames
  • Dual “DIGIC III” processors
  • Highlight Tone Priority
  • Auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors and 26 focus assist points
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning System
  • ISO 100-1600 (expandable to L:50 H:3200)
  • 3.0” 230K pixel LCD with Live View mode
  • Redesigned viewfinder now wider and brighter

Image quality

The EOS-1Ds Mark III produces files that exceed the standard resolution requirements of leading agencies and stock libraries. The third generation CMOS sensor incorporates a new pixel design with on-chip noise reduction circuitry to ensure high image quality all the way to ISO 1600. 14 bit A/D converters provide a total colour depth of 16,384 tones per pixel – delivering smoother gradations and more accurate colour reproduction.

The option to expand to H:3200 will be welcomed by professionals working in churches and sensitive situations where the use of flash is not permitted or desired. Where discretion is paramount, a silent drive mode delays shutter re-cocking for as long as the shutter release remains depressed.

Highlight Tone Priority mode gives wedding and landscape photographers the option to boost dynamic range for highlights when shooting above ISO 200 – reproducing more tonal detail from wedding dresses, clouds and other bright objects.

Precision and control

The auto focus system includes 19 cross-type sensors with sensitivity up to f/2.8, spread across the AF area to better accommodate off-centre subjects. An additional 26 AF assist points help with AF tracking accuracy.

The control layout includes a dedicated AF-ON button on the back of the camera, allowing users to instantly switch auto focus on when composing. The viewfinder is now brighter with a wider angle of view, while the 63-zone metering system gives photographers a greater degree of control over exposure.

New LCD with Live View

The bright 3.0” LCD monitor provides 230K pixels resolution for precise framing and reviewing. Live View mode displays a real-time image on the LCD, including a selectable grid overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure. For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

New controls and menu

The EOS-1Ds Mark III’s menu incorporates a tab structure that eliminates scrolling for vastly improved readability and ease of use. Improving on previous models, personal settings and custom functions are consolidated into 57 custom functions grouped into four logical categories. Photographers can also now see at a glance any default setting changes. The My Menu option allows photographers to store frequently used settings on a separate menu for immediate access. Settings for recently released accessories such as the Speedlite 580EX II and the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 can be controlled directly from the LCD. Along with a new dedicated ISO button, ISO is permanently displayed on the top LCD panel.

Reliability

Shutter durability is increased by 50% to 300,000 cycles. A magnesium alloy casing with dust and moisture resistant seals protects the body. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System reduces, repels and removes dust from the sensor to significantly limit the need for manual cleaning. To avoid image loss, a warning alarm sounds if the memory card door is opened while images are still being written.

Connectivity

Interfaces include video out (for display in both NTSC and PAL formats – with the Live View mode ideal for live display to clients during the shoot) and USB 2.0. To prevent the USB cable becoming accidentally dislodged during shooting, a special connection secures it to the camera body.

Compatibility and accessories

As well as full compatibility with all EF lenses and EX Speedlite flashes and accessories, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is supported by the recently released Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2. The WFT-E2 enables secure wireless uploads to FTP servers as well as remote access via HTTP and PTP protocols. The unit also connects wirelessly to external storage media and supports GPS tagging when used with a portable GPS device. For assignments where image protection and authenticity are crucial, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is compatible with the Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3.

New lens

Today’s launch coincides with the release of the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM: Canon’s new professional L-series ultra wide-angle lens for the photographer requiring a slightly different perspective. As with many L-series lenses and the Speedlite 580EX II, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM incorporates environmental sealing to match that of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, creating a fully weatherproof camera system. Aspherical and UD lens elements produce exceptional image quality with improved corner-to-corner sharpness. The ring-type USM delivers fast, silent auto focus with full-time manual focus override. A circular aperture produces pleasing bokeh at wide apertures and Super Spectra coatings suppress ghosting and flare by suppressing internal reflections from lens element and sensor surfaces.

Software

The EOS-1Ds Mark III is packaged with a comprehensive software suite to streamline the photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP) RAW conversion/processing software for complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Style. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, ImageBrowser/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III specifications

List price (body only) US: $7,999
EU: €7,999
Body material Magnesium alloy (exterior, chassis and mirror box)
Sensor * • 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
• Full 35 mm size frame
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 21.9 million total pixels
• 21.1 million effective pixels
• 6.4 µm pixel pitch
• 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor * Dual DIGIC III
A/D conversion * 14 bit
Image sizes (JPEG) * • 5616 x 3744 (L; 21.0 MP)
• 4992 x 3328 (M1; 16.6 MP)
• 4080 x 2720 (M2; 11.0 MP)
• 2784 x 1856 (S; 5.2 MP)
Image sizes (RAW) * • 5616 x 3744 (RAW; 21.0 MP)
• 2784 x 1856 (sRAW; 5.2 MP)
File formats

• RAW (.CR2; 14-bit)
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) – Fine / Normal
• RAW + JPEG (separate files)
File sizes (approx.) * • JPEG L: 6.4 MB
• JPEG M1: 5.2 MB
• JPEG M2: 3.9 MB
• JPEG S: 2.2 MB
• RAW: 25.0 MB
• sRAW: 14.5 MB
JPEG quality options Each JPEG size (L, M1, M2, S) can be set to a quality level of 1 to 10 (1 high compression, low quality – 10 low compression, high quality)
Lenses • Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses)
• No field of view crop (1.0x)
Dust reduction * • "EOS Integrated Cleaning System"
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown – can be disabled)
• Dust Delete Data – Data from a test shot is used to ‘map’ dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software
Auto focus • 45-point TTL
• 19 cross-type points, require F2.8 or faster lens *
• Center cross-type point requires F4.0 or faster lens
• 26 assist points, require F5.6 or faster lens *
• TTL-AREA-SIR with a CMOS sensor
• AF working range: -1.0 to 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
Focus modes • One shot AF
• AI Servo AF
• Manual focus
AF point selection • Auto
• Manual (all 19 or inner 9 / outer 9)
AF assist External Speedlite only
Exposure modes • Program
• Aperture-priority
• Shutter-priority
• Manual
• Bulb
Metering

• 63 zone metering linked to 19 AF points *
• Metering range: 0 – 20 EV
• Modes: Center, Linked to AF point, Multi-spot (up to 8 readings)
Metering modes

• Evaluative (63 zone linked to active AF point)
• Center-weighted average
• Partial (8.5% of picture area)
• Spot metering (2.4% of picture area)

AE lock • Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering
• Manual: AE lock button
Exposure compensation • +/- 3.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Exposure bracketing • 2, 3, 5 or 7 shots
• +/- 3.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Sensitivity

• ISO 100 – 1600
• 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• ISO 50 (Enhanced L)
• ISO 3200 (Enhanced H)
Shutter • Focal-plane shutter
• 300,000 exposure durability *
• 30 – 1/8000 sec
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV increments
• Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec
• Bulb
Aperture values • F1.0 – F91
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV increments
• Actual aperture range depends on lens used
Noise reduction • Long exposure (1 sec or longer)
• Optional for High ISO (default Off) *
White balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Shade
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Flash
• Custom (up to 5 can be stored)
• Kelvin (2500 – 10000 K in 100 K steps)
• Personal WB (up to 5 can be preset in software *)
WB bracketing • +/-3 levels
• 3 images
• Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias
WB shift • Blue (-9) To Amber (+9)
• Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)
Picture style * • Standard
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Neutral
• Faithful
• Monochrome
• User def. 1
• User def. 2
• User def. 3
Custom image parameters * • Sharpness: 0 to 7
• Contrast: -4 to +4
• Saturation: -4 to +4
• Color tone: -4 to +4
• B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G
• B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G
Color space • sRGB
• Adobe RGB
Viewfinder • Eye-level pentaprism
• 100% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.76x * (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity)
• Eyepoint: 20 mm
• Dioptric adjustment: -3 to +1 diopter
• Precision matte screen Ee-C IV (interchangeable)
• Eye-piece shutter available via lever
Mirror • Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 37:63)
• Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)
Viewfinder info • AF points
• Focus confirmation light
• Metering mode
• ISO sensitivity *
• Shutter speed
• Aperture
• Manual exposure
• AE Lock
• Exposure compensation amount
• AEB level
• Spot metering circle
• Flash ready
• Red-eye reduction lamp on
• High-speed sync
• FE Lock
• Flash compensation amount
• Warnings
• Maximum burst for continuous shooting
• Buffer space
LCD monitor * • 3.0" TFT LCD
• 230,000 pixels
• 7 brightness levels
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)
• Aspect ratio masking for 6:6, 3:4, 4:5, 6:7, 10:12 and 5:7
• Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
• Manual focus only
Record review • Off
• On (histogram via INFO button)
• Display mode same as last used Play mode
• 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold
Playback modes *

1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot
2. As 1 but also image count and quality
3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram
4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms

Playback features • Optional blinking highlight alert
• Optional AF point display
• Magnified view (up to 10x)
• 2×2 or 3×3 thumbnail index
• Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images / by screen, date or folder) *
• Delete / Protect
• Record audio clip up to 30 seconds
Flash • No built-in flash unit
• E-TTL II auto flash / metered manual
• Flash compensation +/-3.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
• X-Sync: 1/250 sec
• High-speed flash with EX-series speedlites up to 1/8000 sec
• Hot-shoe & PC Terminal
Drive modes • Single
• Silent (single frame) *
• High-speed continuous: 5 fps * (adjustable 5 – 2 fps)
• Low-speed continuous: 3 fps * (adjustable 4 – 1 fps)
• Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (3 sec with mirror lock-up)
Burst buffer * • Large/Fine JPEG: 56 frames
• RAW: 12 frames
• RAW+JPEG: 10 frames
Orientation sensor Yes
Auto rotation * • On (recorded and LCD display)
• On (recorded only)
• Off
Custom functions * 57 custom functions in 4 groups
My Menu * Up to six menu options can be customized
Menu languages * • English
• German
• French
• Dutch
• Danish
• Portuguese
• Finnish
• Italian
• Norwegian
• Swedish
• Spanish
• Greek
• Russian
• Polish
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• Korean
• Japanese
Firmware User upgradable
Wireless Via WFT-E2/E2A (optional)
Connectivity

• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed *
• Video out
• N3 type wired remote control
• PC Sync flash terminal
Storage • Compact Flash Type I or II (supports UDMA) *
• SD card slot (supports SD/SDHC) *
• External USB hard drives (requires WFT-E2/E2A) *
• Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original Image Data")
Storage options * • Record to one memory card
• Record same image to both CF and SD cards (backup)
• Record RAW image to CF and JPEG to SD card
• Overflow (once one card becomes full camera uses next card)
• Copy from one card to another
Power • Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery * (supplied & charger)
• AC adapter
Power information • Current power source
• Remaining capacity
• Current shutter count on this battery charge
• Recharge performance
Dimensions * 150 x 160 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)
Weight (no batt) * 1205 g (2.7 lb)
Weight (inc. batt) * 1385 g (3.1 lb)

* New or changed compared to the EOS-1Ds Mark II

Technologies Explained

CMOS

Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.
Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signals to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

  1. Reduce – Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
     
  2. Repel – Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
     
  3. Remove – A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.

Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Picture Style

Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style pre-sets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The six presets include:

  • Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing
  • Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
  • Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines
  • Neutral – ideal for post-processing
  • Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
  • Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green)

The User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up to three customized pre-sets, or any of the pre-sets available for download from Canon’s web site at www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/. Additionally, users can create their own custom Picture Style pre-sets using the supplied Picture Style Editor software.

Software

Digital Photo Professional Software

Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and the immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and colour tone. Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space. Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces.

ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a combination and applied.

Improvements in the latest version of Digital Photo Professional include three times faster image previews, an enhanced Noise Reduction tool and simultaneous batch processing of TIFF and JPEG images.

EOS Utility

The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for remote shooting control, camera configuration, remote Live View support and configuration of the new Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3 accessories. EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system – ideal for Wi-Fi transfers, or for commercial and studio photographers who want to shoot direct to a computer.