The EOS 350D Digital features a newly developed,
second generation, extremely low noise APS-C size 8.0 Megapixel
CMOS sensor the fourth new CMOS sensor from Canon in just
twelve months. It is powered by the same DIGIC II image processor
found in Canon’s professional series D-SLR cameras, and
features 3 frames per second, 14 frame burst operation, USB 2.0
Hi-Speed interface, simultaneous RAW and Large JPEG writing and
0.2 second start up time. The camera is more than 10% lighter
and 25% smaller by volume than the EOS 300D. It is available in
the traditional EOS black finish.
“The camera combines ease of use with many
of the same compelling technologies found in Canon’s professional
series EOS cameras, chosen by more than 70% of pro photographers
at the 2004 Athens Olympics ,” observed Hills. “For
the first time, every camera in the EOS digital range now incorporates
a Canon original CMOS sensor and Canon DIGIC II processor.”
In terms of speed and resolution, Canon now has
the leading performance camera in every D-SLR segment; all launched
since January last year:
- EOS-1Ds Mark II - 16.7 Megapixel full frame
35mm sensor, 4 fps
- EOS-1D Mark II - 8.2 Megapixel APS-H size sensor,
8.5 fps
- EOS 20D - 8.2 Megapixel APS-C size sensor, 5.0
fps
- EOS 350D - 8.0 Megapixel APS-C size sensor,
3.0 fps.
Target user
With plain language menus, intuitive controls
and default settings chosen to reflect general every-day use,
the EOS 350D is designed to appeal to digital still compact users
looking to expand their creativity, and film SLR users who have
been waiting for 8.0 Megapixel performance at this price point.
It will be available as body only and in kit form with the new
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens.
Improvements over the EOS 300D
The new CMOS sensor and high performance DIGIC
II performance lead a number of improvements to the EOS 300D.
Other advances include E-TTL II distance-linked flash metering
for easy, consistent and precise flash exposures. Users can now
select between three focus modes: One-Shot AF, AI SERVO and AI
Focus. Writing to memory card is 3.5 times faster and the interface
is upgraded to USB 2.0 Hi-Speed for fast image downloads. Mirror
lock-up and 2nd curtain flash have also been added.
The camera now features the same Monochrome mode
found on the EOS 20D, allowing users to shoot in black & white
with a range of filter effects. White Balance correction of both
blue/amber and magenta/green bias is available to ±9 levels
and WB bracketing is extended to include the magenta/green bias
direction. Digital Photo Professional RAW image processing software
the same professional workflow software supplied with Canon’s
£5999.99 EOS-1Ds Mark II, has been added to the standard
supplied software.
Low noise sensor and precision optics
The CMOS sensor features redesigned pixel sites,
with improved capacity to isolate any residual charge remaining
after the pixel site is reset. This is then subtracted from the
exposure to suppress any random pattern noise. Improvements in
image quality are particularly noticeable with long shutter exposures
and high ISO settings, and result in more even rendering of uniform
surfaces, such as blue skies. The low noise of the second generation
CMOS sensor delivers clean images from ISO 100 through to ISO
1600.
The APS-C size sensor gives the camera a 1.6x
magnification compared to 35mm cameras. The camera’s EF-S
lens mount works seamlessly with all of the more than 60 Canon
EF lenses the world’s largest interchangeable lens
system. It is also compatible with the four EFS lenses developed
for Canon’s APS-C format digital SLRs (the EOS 20D and EOS
300D) including the new EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens.
Faster processing for better results
Underpinning the camera's performance is Canon's
high-speed DIGIC II (Digital Image Core) processor, as found in
Canon’s professional series EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1Ds Mark
II. DIGIC II is Canon’s second generation image processor,
purpose built to handle the complex algorithms required for maximum
image quality; optimally processing functions such as white balance
and colour rendition. By integrating key functions onto a single
processor, DIGIC II delivers superb quality images without trading
camera responsiveness. "Digital image quality is dependent
on three factors: lens quality, sensor performance and image processing
capability,” said Hills. “Canon is a developer, designer
and manufacturer of the key components in each of the three critical
technology areas: lens, CMOS sensor and image processor. It is
the leadership position in each of these core technology areas
that gives the EOS 350D its edge.”
Better focusing
Focus can now be selected between One Shot AF
(for single shot focusing), AI SERVO AF (for predictive tracking
of subjects approaching at up to 50kph up to 10m away ) and AI
Focus AF (switches automatically between One Shot AF and AI SERVO
AF when subject movement is detected). This improves on the EOS
300D by providing direct selection of the three focusing modes.
For more flexible focusing, AF point selection is now possible
with the cross keys as well as from the main dial. Full time manual
override is available with all EF Auto Focus lenses, while a new
Precision Matte screen gives a brighter viewfinder image for easier,
more accurate manual focusing.
Improved flash
The pop-up flash has a guide number of 13 and
sits even higher (95.5mm) above the optical axis than on the EOS
300D, helping suppress red eye effect and reducing the possibility
of lens barrel shadow. Angle of coverage extends to support wide
lenses to 17mm. Flash compensation of ±2 stops in 1/3-
or 1/2- stop increments is available with both the built-in flash
and with all EX-series Speedlite flash units.
Print and review
Lab-quality prints can be produced without the
need for a computer by directly connecting the EOS 350D to any
PictBridge compatible photo printer via the supplied USB cable.
The new USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection improves computer upload times,
and is also compatible with USB 1.1 and Picture Transfer Protocol
(PTP) for driverless transfers.
The 1.8" LCD is used to select and review
photographs to be printed and set print variables. During image
playback, it is possible to jump forward or back by date, by single
image, or by groups of 10 or 100 images. Review display modes
have been extended, making it possible to review an image without
overlaying any information.
High-end exposure control
The EOS 350D retains the accurate 35 zone TTL
metering of the EOS 300D. The three metering modes (evaluative,
partial, and centre weighted average) are now manually selectable
and both exposure compensation and exposure bracketing are available
in 1/2 stop increments as well as the 1/3 stop increments of the
EOS 300D. The EOS 350D Digital retains the popular Programmed
Image Control modes of the EOS 300D, such as Night Portrait, Sports,
Close-up, Landscape, Portrait and Flash OFF.
Shooting adaptability
Shutter speeds extend from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec,
plus bulb and high-speed x-sync at 1/200s. The memory card slot
supports 2GB and higher CompactFlash Type I and II cards. Optional
wired or infra red wireless remote control is available. Seven
preset White Balance settings (such as cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent,
etc.) plus custom White Balance and ±3 stop White Balance
Bracketing (WB-BKT) ensure that image colours match the photographer’s
recollection of the scene.
Comprehensive accessories, software and online
access
The EOS 350D comes complete with NB-2LH battery
pack, charger, USB cable, video cable, wide embroidered anti-slip
neck strap. A new optional
Battery Grip BG-E3 gives the camera a solid and
balanced pro feel, particularly when the camera is fitted with
longer lenses, and includes a shutter release and main dial for
vertical/portrait shooting. It comes complete with one magazine
that takes six AA batteries and another that takes two NB-2LH
Li-Ion rechargeable batteries.
Purchase of the EOS 350D entitles photographers
to membership of the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY with a 100 MB online
photo album for image uploads. As well as Digital Photo Professional
RAW image workflow software, ZoomBrowser EX 5.1 (Windows) and
ImageBrowser 5.1 (Mac) are included for handling image file transfers
between camera and computer, managing and printing files, and
preview and conversion of RAW images. PhotoStitch is included
for seamless merging of panorama shots. Arcsoft PhotoStudio software
allows artistic and creative manipulation of images.
Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
The EOS 350D will be available from March 2005
for:
Body Only: £749.99 RRP inc VAT / €1,099.99
RRP inc VAT.
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens kit: £799.99
RRP inc VAT/ € 1,199.99 RRP inc VAT
Reader enquiries:
UK 08705 143723 / www.canon.co.uk
Eire (01) 2052400 / www.canon.ie
