Canon introduces full-frame, 12.8 megapixel EOS 5D, and 8.5 fps, 8.2 megapixel EOS-1D Mark II N

Sydney, 23 August 2005 - Canon Australia today announced two new digital SLR models in a move to provide dedicated cameras for both serious enthusiast and professional photographers. To support its extensive EOS system Canon also announced two new EF zoom lenses, and a powerful new Speedlite.

Canon's EOS 5D answers many photographers' requests for a digital SLR camera with a Canon-developed full frame CMOS sensor. Measuring 36 x 24mm, the new CMOS sensor offers the holy grail of 1:1 lens conversion. Capturing truly high-resolution 12.8 megapixel images the EOS 5D offers three frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting for up to 60 frames in a single burst. The EOS 5D is truly the digital SLR for photographers who want to take their photography further.

Equally as impressive, Canon's EOS-1D Mark II N offers blistering speed combined with super-high resolution. Capturing 8.2 megapixel images with its Canon-developed CMOS sensor, the EOS-1D Mark II N shoots a super-fast 8.5 fps for up to 48 frames in a single burst - the ideal camera for professionals who refuse to compromise on either image quality or speed.

Both models incorporate Canon's proprietary DiG!C II high-speed digital signal-processing integrated circuit. Labelled as the brain inside Canon's cameras, the DiG!C II circuit performs detailed processing of large-volume data at extremely high speed, satisfying professional demands for exceptional image quality and responsiveness in any shooting situation.

Scott Jackson, Product Manager, Consumer Imaging Products Group, Canon Australia, said both models would quickly find their niche with serious photographers.

"Canon's range of EOS digital SLR cameras continues to evolve, through our own research and development and through the specific feedback we receive from our customers.

"And it's through Canon's own CMOS sensor and DiG!C II Image Processor technology that we can bring such incredible performance to photographers," said Mr Jackson.

EOS 5D

Canon's EOS 5D is the perfect camera for photographers whose passion for photography is a deeply personal form of creative expression.

Central to the EOS 5D's outstanding image quality is its full frame, 12.8 megapixel CMOS sensor, offering ultra-high resolution and 1:1 lens conversion. Using a high-speed 9-point wide-area with six additional Assist Points, the EOS 5D ensures high-speed, accurate focus.

Combined with Canon's complete range of EF lenses, the EOS 5D is the camera for serious photographers who want to take their photography further.

To enhance the experience of capturing the perfect image, the EOS 5D is the first model to include Canon's new Picture Style feature. Recognising that photographers desire a different feel for every image, Picture Style allows photographers to match a desired look with captured images through more advanced control over image processing parameters and colour matrix settings.

For example, users can choose between selectable "looks" to match their shooting objective and the desired picture effect. All future EOS models will also include the Picture Style feature, ensuring consistent image characteristics on all EOS models going forward, from consumer to professional models.

EOS-1D Mark II N

Canon's EOS-1D Mark II N captures a blistering 8.5 fps, for an astonishing burst of up to 48 frames. Its 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor ensures brilliant image quality, while its fast 45-point Area autofocus, and 21-zone metering allow freedom of composition and optimum exposure control.

The consummate professional's camera, the EOS-1D Mark II N also offers the ability to simultaneously capture both JPEG and RAW files, an ideal feature for image transmission and archiving.

"Each of these models is exceptionally durable, thanks to their super tough magnesium alloy bodies," said Mr Jackson.

"The EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N both feature Canon's E-TTL II automatic flash exposure control, which combined with our EX-series Speedlites, employs a revised metering algorithm to achieve more precise, stable exposure control.

"Just one of the additions to these cameras is a 2.5-inch LCD screen, which allows users to review their images up close and in greater detail than ever before," said Mr Jackson.

Further catering to the needs of professional users, the EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N ship with a software suite including Canon's high-speed RAW-image-processing application, Digital Photo Professional. The application incorporates input from professional users, including high-speed image previews, a multi-frame editing window and batch processing, to boost workflow efficiency when working with large quantities of RAW images. Importantly, it also allows Canon RAW images to be processed with Picture Style options, including RAW files captured on previous EOS models back to the EOS D30, enabling a consistent application of the photographer's desired look across images shot on different cameras over a period of time.



Canon's latest addition to its L-Series of lenses, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is a standard zoom lens that incorporates a super UD glass lens and two types of aspherical elements, to effectively correct aberration. Image Stabilizer provides the equivalent of a shutter speed three stops faster during hand-held shooting, while travelling photographers will love the high dust and moisture resistance that makes it suitable for use in harsh environments.

Other features include a circular aperture for improved background blur, full-time mechanical manual focus (even during AF mode) and a closest focus distance of just 45 centimetres at all zoom focal lengths.

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

The Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM combines several advanced optical technologies, including ultra-low dispersion (UD) and aspherical lens elements. These work in conjunction to achieve a high zoom ratio while effectively correcting for a variety of aberrations that can occur when zooming.

The lens provides a closest focus distance of just 1.5 metres at all zoom focal lengths, and incorporates an Image Stabilizer (IS), which compensates for approximately three shutter speeds. This allows photographers to capture handheld shots that would otherwise be blurred by camera shake.

Like many Canon lenses, both models are constructed using only environmentally-friendly lead-free glass.

Speedlite 430EX

In addition to the two new EOS models, Canon has also released its latest Speedlite - the Speedlite 430EX. The Speedlite 430EX relies on a highly efficient power supply design that provides massive improvements, up to 40 percent, in flash recycle time, allowing photographers to make the most of its high-power flash output.

Using E-TTL II evaluative flash metering for critically accurate exposure, the unit also uses data from selected digital SLR cameras to determine autozoom and colour temperature information. A built-in slave with wireless flash compatibility makes it invaluable for use in multiple flash set-ups. Its AF-assist beam is also compatible with EOS multi-point AF systems, utilising up to nine autofocus points for high accuracy.

Pricing and Availability

Canon's EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N are compatible with the full range of Canon EF lenses (except EF-S Lenses), and EX-series Speedlites. The EOS-1D Mark II N, EF lenses and the Speedlite 430EX will be available through selected Canon Photo Dealers from September 2005, while the EOS 5D will be available from October 2005. Pricing is as follows:

EOS 5D: $5,495 RRP, including GST;

EOS-1D Mark II N: $6,999 RRP, including GST;

EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM: $1,999 RRP, including GST.

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM: $1,099 RRP, including GST; and

Speedlite 430EX: $499 RRP, including GST.

For more information customers can contact Canon on ph: 1800 021 167