Canon EOS-1D Mark III, 10 mp, 10 fps

Pre-PMA 2007: Canon has today announced the latest generation of their EOS-1D series. The Mark III has a ten megapixel APS-H (1.3x FOV crop) CMOS sensor and can shoot at ten frames per second. It features the updated DIGIC III image processor, a new 19 area Auto Focus system, up to ISO 6400 and a 3.0″ LCD monitor (with a live view feature). The Mark III should ship in April for US$ 3999.

Canon today sets new standards for professional photography with the launch of the EOS-1D Mark III. Delivering 10 frames per second at 10.1 Megapixels for a maximum burst of 110 Large JPEG images (30 in RAW), the EOS-1D Mark III replaces the EOS-1D Mark II N as the world’s fastest digital SLR. Dual “DIGIC III” processors drive the camera’s high speed, high resolution performance, and bring 14-bit image processing to the EOS series for the first time.

Digital SLR Rating

Rank	Camera	Overall Rating	Effective Pixels	Lowest Price
1	Canon EOS 5D	654.08	12.80	$2149.95
2	Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	653.35	8.20	$3399.99
3	Nikon D200	639.87	10.20	$1312.95
4	Canon EOS 30D	622.06	8.20	$999
5	Nikon D80	601.83	10.20	Low Price
6	Canon Digital Rebel XTi	601.75	10.10	Low Price
7	Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro	601.10	6.17	$1399.99
8	Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT	575.67	8.00	Low Price
9	Panasonic DMC-L1	569.54	7.50	Low Price
10	Sony Alpha A100	568.91	10.20	Low Price
11	Nikon D50	546.61	6.10	Low Price
12	Olympus EVOLT E-330	533.13	7.50	$569.95
13	Pentax *ist DL	497.85	6.10	$379.47
14	Samsung GX 1S	483.30	6.10	$549.95

Selengkapnya

Nikon D80 Review, September 2006, Phil Askey

Conclusion – Pros

• Excellent resolution, lots of detail, not a leap from eight megapixels, but certainly from six
• Excellent build quality, tight shut lines, quality materials
• Instant power on, very responsive, very short black-out time, very fast media write
• Fast, accurate auto focus (11 area sensor, similar to the D200)
• Auto-focus assist lamp rather than requiring flash to be raised
• Vibrant color response, similar hues to other digital SLR’s
• Reliable, sophisticated, if sometimes a little conservative matrix metering system
• Control over high sensitivity noise reduction
• Very large and bright viewfinder view with short black-out (quoted as 160 ms)
• Extremely useful, customizable automatic sensitivity (ISO)
• Easy to use playback / delete combination
• Very attractive and intuitive menu system
• Highly customizable, lots of camera and feature control
• Status LCD panel on top of camera (we hate to see these go)
• Unlimited continuous shooting in JPEG mode (with a reasonably fast card)
• Good SD card throughput and USB 2.0 transfer speed
• In-camera retouching features including D-Lighting and Red-eye reduction
• Built-in wireless flash commander
• Support for SD and SDHC cards
• Good battery life, battery design provides detailed information to camera
• Good large LCD monitor with wide viewing angles and removable protective cover
• Dedicated help button provides in-menu assistance
• Optional battery / portrait grip
• Programmable FUNC hard button

Conclusion – Cons

• High sensitivity (ISO) noise levels higher than Canon EOS 400D
• Noise reduction can be intrusive, although adjustable, more grain-like appearance
• Default sharpness level perhaps still a little conservative
• Disappointing automatic white balance performance in incandescent light
• No RAW adjustment with supplied PictureProject, only simple conversion
• Limited image parameter adjustment (especially for color saturation)
• Slower maximum shutter speed (1/4000 vs 1/8000 sec) compared to D70/D70s
• Price difference to the competition

Overall conclusion

The number of cons, and the fact that there are no serious ones, is a testament to the thought and work that has gone into the D80’s design. It’s one of those cameras which just feels ‘right and sorted’ from the moment you pick it up. Things just get better the more you use the camera, you will begin to discover the usefulness of major features like the customizable automatic ISO and the subtle touches like being able to tap the DELETE button twice to delete an image (sounds insignificant, but in use things like this make the D80 far more usable than other cameras).

Spend some time with the camera manual and looking through the menus and you’ll begin to realize the amount of customization available, with no less than 32 custom functions there’s very little you can’t configure to your way of working. Stack on top of this control over settings which are just ‘defaulted’ on other cameras (such as high sensitivity noise reduction) and it’s pretty obvious that the D80 is in a class of its own in this respect.

In-use performance also feels as though it’s a step above its price class, instant power on time and on to shot time, very fast auto focus, short shutter lag and ‘just-about a blink’ viewfinder blackout (160 ms), fast record review and playback as well as fast SD card write performance. There’s also ergonomic performance, the camera is smaller than the D70/D70s but not at the expense of usability, the hand grip is a good size and shape (and considerably more comfortable than the EOS 400D) and all controls are within reach. Other small details such as button size and placement are simply just right.

Just as significant is the viewfinder. A digital SLR relies on its viewfinder for scene composition, focusing and depth of field, you do sometimes wonder how seriously this is taken. Nikon clearly did with the D80, instead of a light-sapping (but cheaper) Pentamirror solution they selected a quality Pentaprism setup which is, we are told, similar to that in the D200. That glass Pentaprism viewfinder with its 0.94x magnification equates to a big, bright view which has no distortion and really does bring you up close-and-personal with the entire scene. Optional grid lines can help greatly when taking landscape or architectural type photography.

So we’ve established that the D80 is a great ‘photographers camera’, but how good are the images? The answer is, really very good, Nikon appear to have shaken off the soft-image demons of the past and are also using a slightly stronger (more consumer friendly) default sharpening level than the D200. Resolution is as good as other ten megapixel digital SLRs, color response is vibrant, yet accurate, images are more contrasty than some other manufacturers but of course if you prefer a slightly flatter response you can always create your own custom parameter set.

Onto noise, Nikon’s approach, as it always has been, is to use more chroma noise reduction and leave as much luminance (detail) information intact as possible. This does lead to more visible ‘grain’ in images at higher sensitivities than some other cameras but because this is monochromatic in appearance it is less digital-like, more reminiscent of film grain. Thankfully also if you prefer you can control the amount of noise reduction applied (although this appears to control luminance NR). To be fair the D80 does not perform as well as the EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) at ISO 800 or 1600 but the differences are much less than they ever used to be, Nikon is closing the gap.

The last issue is price, or value for money. In my opinion, its customization, performance, build quality, comfort and design are worth the price difference between it and the competition. Having said that Nikon may struggle ‘in stores’ to fight Canon’s (aggressively priced) EOS 400D ($200 is quite a big difference). If you’re a more discerning photographer who can see the advantages offered by the ‘all round’ D80 you may well consider the extra money well spent.

Detail (D-SLR)	Rating (out of 10)
Build quality	9.0
Ergonomics & handling	9.0
Features	9.5
Image quality	8.0
Performance (speed)	9.0
Value	8.5

Highly Recommended

Pentax K10D Review, December 2006, Phil Askey

Conclusion – Pros

• Smooth clean images with good color and tone, not as crisp as we would like
• Robust body with dust and weather seals, high build quality
• Accurate and fast auto-focus
• Unique exposure modes; sensitivity, shutter/aperture priority, hyper program
• Selectable program lines; Normal, Hi speed, Depth and MTF (lens sharpness)
• Good range of image parameter adjustment (-5 to +5 for each)
• Dedicated RAW button a useful addition
• Selectable RAW format (PEF or DNG)
• Unlimited continuous shooting in JPEG mode
• Occasionally useful ‘digital preview’ allows you to take a test shot which isn’t saved
• User definable Auto ISO (set minimum and maximum ISO)
• Good built-in flash metering
• Large and bright Pentaprism viewfinder (0.95x magnification)
• In-camera Shake Reduction system offers some advantage in low light
• Dust reduction by anti-static coating and optional sensor ‘shake’
• Mirror lock-up implemented as part of the self-timer
• Function menu for quick access to important settings (although hard buttons are better)
• Large, bright and high resolution LCD monitor
• Good battery life from high capacity Lithium-Ion rechargeable
• Proper hinged doors covering the connectors (not the cheap rubber bungs)
• In-camera RAW development and image retouching (B&W, Sepia, Soft etc.)
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface (with mass storage device driver)
• Value for money

Conclusion – Cons

• In-camera image processor unable to deliver crisp sharp edges, better to shoot RAW
• About a third of a stop less highlight dynamic range than the competition
• Slightly inconsistent continuous shooting rate (although always around 3.1 fps)
• Would have been nice to have hard buttons for White Balance and ISO sensitivity
• Turning up sharpness setting doesn’t deliver crisper edges
• Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
• Flash must be raised for AF assist (although AF works even in very low light)
• Color space selection buried in custom menu

Overall conclusion

My first impressions of the K10D were very positive, a well designed and robust body with a clearly extensive range of manual functions and a fairly logical control layout. The positive experience continued in use with the large, bright Pentaprism viewfinder, fast auto focus and short lag times. Menus and playback are equally as snappy although I personally found the connected 4-way controller less easy to use than the K100D’s four separate buttons.

The K10D’s advantages over the competition are fairly clear; dust and weather seals, in-camera Shake Reduction which delivers at least some low light advantage with all your lenses, selectable RAW file format (although both are 10MB+), user definable Auto ISO, digital preview and those unique sensitivity-priority and shutter/aperture-priority exposure modes. It’s a camera which should provide more than sufficient ‘gadget satisfaction’ for even the most demanding shutterbug.

When we reviewed the K100D we thought Pentax had got their image processing just right, however the single element of the entire K10D equation which left us scratching our heads was just that. Either a poorly implemented demosaicing algorithm or a strange choice of sharpening parameters means that while the K10D’s JPEG images have plenty of ‘texture’ they can lack the edge sharpness we’re used to seeing from semi-pro digital SLR’s.

Pentax may well have been aiming for a smooth film-like appearance but I at least feel that the inability to tweak this out by increasing sharpness is a mistake. That said it’s unlikely you’ll see this difference in any print up to A3 size, it’s a 100% view thing so you have to decide if that’s important to you or not. To get that absolute crisp appearance you’ll need to shoot RAW, and use Adobe Camera RAW or another third party converter (as the supplied converter produces similar results to the camera).

With the criticism out of the way we return to the K10D as a ‘photographic tool’, something it does very well. It’s a camera you get used to very quickly and never really leaves you searching for the correct setting or control. It’s also a camera you can grow into, the unique exposure modes are both creatively interesting and useful, a range of options such as this encourage you to experiment. At just under $900 it’s a very strong proposition, so despite our reservations about the slightly soft image processing the K10D just achieves a Highly Recommended.

Detail (D-SLR)	Rating (out of 10)
Build quality	9.0
Ergonomics & handling	8.5
Features	9.5
Image quality	7.5
Performance (speed)	8.5
Value	9.0

Highly Recommended (just)

Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera Review

Want to create a new Digital SLR category? Take a Canon 20D, enlarge the mirror box, viewfinder, sensor and price – and you have a Canon EOS 5D – the smallest, lightest, full-frame Digital SLR available today. And with 12.8 megapixels of Canon CMOS resolution, the Canon EOS 5D offers excellent image quality at a great price.

 

 

The first thing a Canon 20D (above left) user will notice when picking up the Canon EOS 5D (above right) is the slightly larger body size. The first thing they will feel is the slightly larger and very comfortable grip. The smile will appear immediately when they put the large viewfinder to their eye.

The big full-frame viewfinder is a big asset to this camera. While not quite the 100% viewfinder found on the 1-Series Digital SLRs, the Canon EOS 5D’s 96% viewfinder is very nice. Be sure to read the Field of View Crop Factor (FOVCF) page for more information on the advantages/disadvantages of the 5D’s full-frame sensor. The following table illustrates sensor and viewfinder differences across the recent Canon Digital SLR models.

Model	FOVCF	Sensor	Pixel Size	Pixels/Megapixels		Viewfinder
Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel	1.6x	22.7 x 15.1mm	7.4µm	3088 x 2056	6.3	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	1.6x	22.2 x 14.8mm	6.4µm	3456 x 2304	8.0	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 10D	1.6x	22.7 x 15.1mm	7.4µm	3088 x 2056	6.3	.88x	95%
Canon EOS 20D	1.6x	22.5 x 15.0mm	6.4µm	3504 x 2336	8.2	.90x	95%
Canon EOS 30D	1.6x	22.5 x 15.0mm	6.4µm	3504 x 2336	8.2	.90x	95%
Canon EOS 1D Mark II	1.3x	28.7 x 19.1mm	8.2µm	3520 x 2336	8.2	.72x	100%
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	1.3x	28.7 x 19.1mm	8.2µm	3520 x 2336	8.2	.72x	100%
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	1.0x	36.0 x 24.0mm	7.2µm	4992 x 3328	16.6	.70x	100%

To accommodate the larger viewfinder, mirror box and sensor, a body size slightly larger than the 20D’s was required. Most of the Canon EOS 5D’s additional size is in the chunkier center of the body. The built-in flash was sacrificed in this design. The table below compares the size and weight of some current-at-this-time Canon Digital SLR cameras.

Model	Body Dimensions		Weight
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6″	(127 x 94 x 64mm)	17.1 oz (485g)
Canon EOS 20D	5.6 x 4.2 x 2.8″	(144 x 106 x 72mm)	24.2 oz (685g)
Canon EOS 30D	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9″	(144 x 105.5 x 73.5mm)	24.7 oz (700g)
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1″	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	43.2 oz (1225 g)
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	6.1″ x 6.2″ x 3.1″	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	42.9 oz (1215g)

Keep in mind that the 1-Series bodies above have an integrated portrait grip that adds to their base weight. The BG-E4 Battery Grip brings the Canon EOS 5D’s weight closer to the 1-Series models. Many will appreciate the versatility provided by a removable grip. Without the grip, the Canon EOS 5D is very comfortable to hold – noticeably better than the 20D in my opinion. Good indentations are provided for the thumb and second finger. The deep grip hangs onto fingers well. As always, a picture is worth a thousand words …

 

Above are the Canon EOS 20D (left) and the Canon EOS 5D (right). Aside from the slight size difference, they are very similar. Notice the finger grove on the 5D.

Overall, the Canon EOS 5D’s build quality is excellent. The rugged body is composed of a magnesium alloy and stainless steel chassis (including the optional BG-E4 Battery Grip). Although this is not a dust and weather sealed design, the feel is solid and sure. Next to the 1-Series bodies, this is my favorite Canon grip thus far. A sculpted Canon logo, electroplated “EOS 5D” badge and higher density matte finish complete the quality look and feel.

Differentiating the Canon EOS 5D from many of Canon’s other mid and high end Digital SLRs is the relatively slow 3 fps continuous shooting drive mode. However, a large image buffer allows the 5D to keep shooting for a long time. Keep in mind that rated fps requires shutter speeds of 1/250 sec. or faster (this requirement is not unique to the 5D). Compare …

Model	fps	Max JPG	Max RAW
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	3.0	14	4
Canon EOS 20D	5.0	23	6
Canon EOS 30D	5.0	30	11
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	8.5	48	22
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	4.0	32	11

Durability-tested to 100,000 exposures, the Canon EOS 5D’s shutter should last through twice as many actuations as the 20D – or half as many as the 1-Series bodies. Shutter speeds range from 1/8000 to 30 sec. (in 1/3-stop increments) plus Bulb. X-sync is at a somewhat slow 1/200 sec. (higher shutter speed synch is generally made available by the flash).

The Canon EOS 5D is one of the quietest Canon DSLRs currently available. Listen to the Canon EOS 5D’s shutter sound and frame rate compared to the Canon 20D …

Canon EOS 5D 3 fps Burst
Canon 20D 5 fps Burst

Canon EOS 5D Single Shot
Canon 20D Single Shot

The Canon EOS 5D is equipped with a newly developed 9-point AF unit with 6 invisible Supplemental AF points. Results include improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and improved focusing from a defocused state. I find the 5D’s autofocus to be both fast and accurate – even in low light situations. Although not quite as good as the 1D Mark II and 1Ds Mark II, the 5D performs well for real AF challenges such as action sports photography. My AI Servo AF hit rate through several soccer games was slightly less than what I generally see with the 1Ds Mark II, but still very good.

The 9 AF points span approximately the same subject area as Canon’s other Digital SLRs. Like the 20D, the 5D requires a lens with a maximum aperture opening of at least f/5.6 for AF to function. Canon’s 1-Series bodies can AF with a maximum aperture of at least f/8 (1-stop less). All modern lenses have 5D AF-compatible apertures – the difference comes when adding extenders to these lenses. To learn more about the Canon EOS 5D’s AF technology, read the white paper (link below).

The Canon EOS 5D’s Image quality is excellent. This should be a surprise to none. As a broad statement, I would say that the Canon EOS 5D’s image quality falls between the 20D and the Canon EOS 1DS Mark II – more because of the number of pixels than anything else. Dynamic range is good, but appears to be slightly closer to the 20D than the 1Ds Mark II.

The Canon EOS 5D expands the 20D’s ISO 100 to 1600 to include ISO 50 and 3200. In addition, the 5D allows 1/3 increment stops. Noise performance is similar to the 1-Series Mark II bodies and very slightly better than the 20D.

The above noise comparison clips were taken from a color with very apparent noise. Many subjects will show far less noise than these samples do. The set of ISO 1600 clips below attempt to show some of the difference I am referring to.

 

The Canon EOS 5D’s AE (Auto Exposure) works as expected – very well in my opinion. The 5D shares the 20D’s +/- 2 EV under/over exposure control (the 1-Series’ +/- 3 EV would have been nice). Single Spot Metering (3.5% at center) has been added to the 5D as well as the 20D’s list of metering modes.

New this round are Picture Styles. Picture Styles are said to simulate the qualities of various film types by adjusting sharpness, color tone, contrast and sharpness. The six preset Picture Style settings include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome. Three user-defined options are available as well. Apparently, most of these films are not ones I want to use. I may adjust to them; but thus far, I am not too excited about the preset settings. The one exception may be the Landscape Picture Style that appears to emulate Fuji’s Velvia Film. And neutral of course – the setting I am using in-camera. I say in-camera as Picture Styles settings can be changed in post-process using the included Digital Photo Pro software. In fact, RAW files from cameras as old as the Canon D30 can be processed using the new Picture Styles. The ability to create your own User-Defined Picture Styles is great. Mix up your own parameters to perfection. In addition, Canon’s Picture Styles web site provides additional downloadable Picture Styles for use in-camera or in DPP.

 

I think a 2.5″ LCD was overdue for this class of camera, but I wouldn’t have put this feature at the top of my wish list. The 1.8″ LCD on the 20D (above left) was fine with me, but now that I have used a 2.5″ (on 5D above right), I like it – more than I thought I would. While viewable at angles up to 170° (impressive), the 230,000 pixel LCD is a too dim in bright sunlight. The larger menu text is easier to read (unless it is displayed in bright sunlight of course), image review is very nice. The LCD’s color and contrast are good. An RGB Histogram is also available.

Canon 20D users will feel right at home with the Canon EOS 5D as the 5D has inherited most of the menu navigation and button functionality. Slight differences exist – but few are significant in my opinion.

One such insignificant-to-me change is the addition of a print button. Why is there a print button on a high end DSLR? Maybe I’m out of touch with some aspect of photography, but it sounds to me like Canon’s printer division has been lobbying very successfully. Replacing the function of the print button with the mirror lockup function (that is buried in the custom functions) or some other commonly used function would make more sense to me. The already-programmable set button is another candidate for the mirror lockup function, but this function is not currently available here either.

The Canon EOS 5D’s features and functions are extensive – there are very few pro or prosumer functions not included. I will leave the complete list to the retailers and Canon’s white paper (linked below), but will touch on a few additional ones – especially differences between the 5D and the 20D.

The 5D has far fewer shooting modes than the 20D. With the exception of the Full Auto (point and shoot) mode, all of the basic modes (Portrait, Landscape …) have been removed. Most people moving to a camera as advanced as the Canon EOS 5D do not use these modes anyway. New on the mode dial is a new ‘C’ (Camera User Setting) selection. Setup the 5D for a certain situation and save the settings (including custom functions – which include mirror lockup) to ‘C’. When you want to immediately recall these settings, simply turn the mode dial to ‘C’. Be wary of powering down the camera – or having it go into sleep mode – while in ‘C’ Mode. The camera likely will revert to the stored ‘C’ Mode settings even if you have altered them prior to power down/sleeping.

The Canon EOS 5D has 3 interchangeable focusing screens available. Most users will stay with the standard focusing screen, but this option will be important to some.

The Canon EOS 5D adds user selectable folders. This is a nice option for those who want to organize their shots into specific folders. Create a new folder, select it and begin shooting. Do the same again for the next set of shots you wish to keep grouped together.

New image viewing jump options are available on the 5D. You can jump by 10 or 100 images, by date or by folder. This makes finding a specific shot easier.

The Canon EOS 5D’s full-frame sensor is certainly one of it’s biggest selling points. Photographers have been asking for an affordable full-frame Digital SLR since DSLRs were first produced. Landscape and other wide angle photography needs are better met by a full-frame body. Portrait photographers want the shallow depth of field attainable with the larger sensor. The Canon EOS 5D is Canon’s answer to these needs. Although it will be a long time before the goal is realized, Canon plans for all but the least expensive DSLRs to have full-frame sensors in the future.

Like the 20D, the Canon EOS 5D is powered by a Canon BP-511A Battery. With a fully charged BP-511A (or BP-514), Canon indicates battery life at approximately 800 shots at 68°F (20°C) or 400 shots at 32°F (0°C). My first fully charged battery delivered 743 shots in my normal use, my second delivered about 800 shots. This includes a 4 second shot review, a fair amount of image reviewing and a lot of powered-on-but-idle time over 2+ weeks.

I have a heard a fair amount of complaining about the “poor” battery life of the 5D. What may not be understood is that there can be many shots left when the battery low indicator shows. Those without a spare battery or those who can’t have the battery die at an uncertain moment use this indicator to recharge/replace the battery. The low battery indicator first showed after about 400 shots, the low battery indicator began flashing at around 600 shots. The battery went on working for another 143 shots for a respectable 743 total shots. That is a lot of pictures from a small, light battery. The optional battery grip allows two batteries to be used simultaneously for approximately double the number of shots from the 5D.

Power performance from the Canon EOS 5D is excellent. Power-on seems instant and all features and functions are responsive. Playback performance is very good as well. The 20D and Canon EOS 5D also share the same CB-5L battery charger. I appreciate the compact design of this 90 minute charger.

The Canon EOS 5D fits nicely in the Lowepro Toploader 65 AW (as long as the lens size is compatible) but the fit is very snug when the BG-E4 is mounted as pictured above.

So, who is going to buy the Canon EOS 5D?

The Canon EOS 5D will appeal to both advanced amateurs and professionals who need or want very high image quality, wide angle field of view and/or shallow depth of field but do not require a high continuous frame rate, durability or weather and dust sealing. Those needing higher frame rates (typically sports and sometimes wildlife photographers) should consider the Canon EOS 20D or the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N as alternatives. Those wanting the ultimate image quality should consider the Canon EOS 1DS Mark II – an incredible camera (See crop comparison page in the more reviews section below).

The Canon EOS 5D represents a great value in a high quality, high performance, full-frame Digital SLR. You get excellent quality, high resolution images for less money than ever before. I found very little to critique or complain about. This camera will exceed the requirements of many photographers.

For more information on and more pictures of the Canon EOS 5D, I highly recommend downloading Canon’s white paper (in the more reviews section below).

Canon EOS 5D Sample Pictures …

Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR Camera Review

The Canon EOS 30D has the perfect price point and features including excellent image quality to become the favorite Digital SLR for a significant number of photographers – amateur and professional alike. An incremental upgrade from the hugely popular Canon EOS 20D, the 30D is destined to capture a great number of our generation’s images.

With the Canon EOS 30D, Canon has “Targeted at an increasingly discerning population of serious creative photographers.” The Digital SLR market is exploding – by 120% in Western Europe in the last 12 months (according to Canon). Canon owns a signification market share in this rapidly growing sector. “A rapidly expanding population of serious and semi-commercial creative photographers is helping drive EOS growth,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “As well as putting many high-end pro features into their hands, the EOS 30D becomes a launching pad into the world’s most comprehensive interchangeable lens system and huge range of flash units and accessories.”

The Canon EOS 30D is shown above (and from above) with a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens mounted.

According to Canon, the 20D “… was number 1 in its category virtually from start to finish over its 18-month market life, an outstanding accomplishment for any digital SLR in this highly competitive time. Its biggest rivals turned out to be other EOS cameras, first the Digital Rebel XT, which was priced below it, and then the more expensive EOS 5D.” Now the 30D looks to take the place of this extremely successful Digital SLR body.

The Canon EOS 30D shares many of the 20D’s excellent specs and features including the same 8.2 MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC II Image processor, 5 fps fast continuous shooting, high-precision 9 point AF (Auto Focus) system, viewfinder and a durable magnesium alloy body. These are the same core components that delivered the excellent performance from and image quality of the EOS 20D.

And the Canon EOS 30D is in fact delivering the exceptional image quality I have come to expect from Canon’s latest generation DSLRs. I’m still looking for something of significance to complain about – maybe I can re-use the not-so-good auto white balance under incandescent-only lighting complaint.

Sharing the 20D’s sensor means also sharing its 1.6x Field of View Crop Factor (FOVCF). This factor enables the Canon EOS 30D to utilize the Canon EF-S Lenses including the announced-at-the-same-time Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens. Be sure to read the FOVCF page for more information on the advantages/disadvantages of the 30D’s 1.6x sensor. The following table illustrates sensor and viewfinder differences across the recent Canon Digital SLR models.

Model	FOVCF	Sensor	Pixel Size	Pixels/Megapixels		Viewfinder
Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel	1.6x	22.7 x 15.1mm	7.4µm	3088 x 2056	6.3	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	1.6x	22.2 x 14.8mm	6.4µm	3456 x 2304	8.0	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi	1.6x	22.2 x 14.8mm	5.7µm	3888 x 2592	10.1	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 10D	1.6x	22.7 x 15.1mm	7.4µm	3088 x 2056	6.3	.88x	95%
Canon EOS 20D	1.6x	22.5 x 15.0mm	6.4µm	3504 x 2336	8.2	.90x	95%
Canon EOS 30D	1.6x	22.5 x 15.0mm	6.4µm	3504 x 2336	8.2	.90x	95%
Canon EOS 5D	1.0x	35.8 x 23.9mm	8.2µm	4368 x 2912	12.8	.71x	96%
Canon EOS 1D Mark II	1.3x	28.7 x 19.1mm	8.2µm	3520 x 2336	8.2	.72x	100%
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	1.3x	28.7 x 19.1mm	8.2µm	3520 x 2336	8.2	.72x	100%
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	1.0x	36.0 x 24.0mm	7.2µm	4992 x 3328	16.6	.70x	100%

The Canon EOS 30D utilizes Canon’s latest 2.5-inch LCD monitor featuring 230,000 pixels, a much wider viewing angle and substantially improved visibility compared to its predecessor. The viewing angle has gone from 40° left/right of perpendicular and from 20° above/60° below to 170° total and evenly in both directions. This makes viewing position less critical – it is easier to show friends and clients images directly on the LCD. At the factory-set middle brightness setting, images are very hard to see in bright sunlight. Canon has been using this LCD on the Canon EOS 5D and the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N. I like it – this is a nice upgrade.

Other 30D LCD-related improvements include … An improved jump function (jump by 100). The info screen has been enhanced with a new, switchable RGB histogram and now includes the image file size. No longer on the info screen are the AEB setting, processing parameters and image confirmation time. Image zoom is now available during image review. What I would like to see, however, is a single button press to Zoom-To-100% at the location of the active AF point.

One last LCD-related addition function – A new in-camera-software-only auto image rotation now exists on the Canon EOS 30D. In addition to auto rotate on/off, the 30D can display auto rotated but vertically taken shots in non-rotated orientation on the LCD to make better use of the display. In other words, If you take a portrait-oriented shot with this new option enabled, The picture will fill the LCD and be upright when the camera is in the same orientation as the shot was taken in. Compatible software applications will display auto rotated shots in the proper orientation once transferred to a computer. I like this feature – I expect to see it in all subsequently released Canon Digital SLRs.

The Canon EOS 30D provides more granularity in ISO settings by allowing 1/3-stop increments (vs. 1 stop increments in the 20D – from 100 to 1600 with ISO 3200 available. The ISO setting is now visible in the viewfinder while the ISO speed button is pressed. Both are nice improvements.

An additional metering mode is now provided. The Canon EOS 30D shares the spot metering capabilities of the EOS-1 Series and EOS 5D. This is a very useful upgrade in my opinion – and leaves one less differentiator between the 30D and the more expensive bodies.

The Canon EOS 30D incorporates Canon’s Picture Style controls – just like Canon’s other recently-released DSLRs. Canon has made a lot of talk about Picture Styles but I personally don’t find them very useful. I select Neutral and adjust my settings during post-processing. But, everyone is different – and apparently many like this simple-to-use feature (or at least Canon thinks so). Users intending to do no post-processing may want to select the “Standard” style. What I do like is that Canon is standardizing the imaging parameters across its DSLR line.

With reduced energy consumption, the 30D should be good for roughly 10% more shots per battery charge. I was seeing approximately 600 shots from a fully-charged BP-511A on the 20D, so the 30D should deliver in the upper 600 range from the same battery. My battery is still showing full charge with over 400 shots on it. Also good is a new 4-step battery level display.

The Canon EOS 30D is shown above with a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens mounted.

Like the 5D, the Canon EOS 30D has a professional-grade shutter rated to approximately 100,000 cycles. While most 20Ds will not see the 50,000 shutter actuations its shutter is rated for, serious amateurs and pros will appreciate the double-length rated shutter life on the 30D. By the way, this is referring to the expected life of the shutter only – the shutter can be replaced by Canon Service.

While still able to shoot at a fast 5 fps rate, the Canon EOS 30D is also switchable to a low-speed 3 fps continuous shooting rate. The 30D can also shoot at rated speed with non-USM (Ultrasonic Motor) lenses while the 20D fell back to 3.5 fps when using these. A larger buffer is very welcomed by most (especially sports shooters). Compare …

Model	fps	Max JPG	Max RAW
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	3.0	14	4
Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XT	3.0	27	10
Canon EOS 20D	5.0	23	6
Canon EOS 5D	3.0	60	17
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	8.5	48	22
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	4.0	32	11

Those shooting in quiet venues such as weddings will like the Canon EOS 30D’s quieter shutter sound. The 20D shutter has a “CLACK” sound to it whereas the 30D has a more subtle sound. You can Listen to the 30D’s shutter sound and frame rate compared to the 20D and the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT …

Canon EOS 30D 5 fps Burst
Canon EOS 20D 5 fps Burst
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT 3 fps Burst

Canon EOS 30D Single Shot
Canon EOS 20D Single Shot
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT Single Shot

It seems like the 20D powers on immediately, but the Canon EOS 30D is .05 seconds faster with a 0.15-second startup time. To wake the 30D on from Auto Power Off mode, pressing the Playback button, the Menu button or the AE Lock button will now also perform this task just as pressing the shutter button halfway did and still does.

“The multicontroller’s operation and diagonal scrolling have been improved with new firmware and a re-shaped controller” on the [Canon EOS 30D]. I think the joystick-like multicontroller on the 20D was a great idea, but I found it an effort to use properly. The results of this improvement are nice – I find the multicontroller easier to use – or I’m just getting more competent. Uses for the multicontroller include AF point selection – push the multicontroller in the direction you want the active AF point to move or press the multicontroller to select the center AF point. In addition, the multicontroller is used to navigate zoomed images in review mode. Maybe Canon should add some games to use the multicontroller with.

The Canon EOS 30D features improved folder management with up to 9,999 images in each folder and file numbering with manual reset. Manual reset could be performed in the past, but required a procedure that included switching continuous numbering off and back on again. Depending on how you are transferring the files to a computer, the increase in shots per folder may be greatly appreciated.

The Canon EOS 30D has one new custom function – C.Fn-17, “Magnified View”. With CF 17 set to 0, the 30D functions like the 20D – image zoom is only available during image playback. Set to 1, image zoom is available during image review immediately after the shot (Hold the infamous “Print” button and press “+”). The downside to this mode is that the AF Selector and AE Lock buttons are not available for their shooting tasks.

A new Custom Function 02 setting provides auto noise reduction for long exposures. You can read more about this in the Canon EOS 30D white paper linked at the end of this review.

Like the 5D and 1-Series cameras, the Canon EOS 30D retains AE/AF lock in One Shot mode until the shutter release is allowed to return completely. Subsequent shots using the same AE and AF settings can be taken by allowing the shutter release to travel half way up and then depressing the shutter release again.

The Canon EOS 30D incorporates some physical design changes in addition to the larger LCD “… to move the EOS 30D in the direction of the EOS 5D.” “Shapes around the flash head and lens mount have been changed subtly to suggest Canon’s upper-range models. The mode dial now has a metallic finish. The grip below the shutter button has been extended for better purchase with the middle fingers and improved overall handling. A new groove where the middle finger falls improves comfort and security. The body is 2mm thicker than the EOS 20D’s, also enhancing comfort and security. Indented surrounds have been added to the row of four buttons on the back of the camera and the Delete key has been given its own location. Like the EOS 20D, the 30D is compact, solid, elegant, durable and purposeful. It is easy to carry and a delight to hold and use.”

The first thing I noticed when picking up the 30D was the grippier surface on the rubber grip. The reshaped grip is nice, but just slightly different than the 20D. The 30D grip is much nicer for me to hold than the Rebel XT, but the camera is noticeably larger as well. I still like the 5D grip better. The 30D feels very solid and the overall appearance is very attractive – a modern design.

Because of the design changes, the Canon EOS 30D differs from the 20D very slightly in size and weight. The table below compares the size and weight of some current-at-this-time Canon Digital SLR cameras.

Model	Body Dimensions		Weight
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6″	(127 x 94 x 64mm)	17.1 oz (485g)
Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6″	(127 x 94 x 65mm)	18.0 oz (510g)
Canon EOS 20D	5.6 x 4.2 x 2.8″	(144 x 106 x 72mm)	24.2 oz (685g)
Canon EOS 5D	6.0 x 4.4 x 3.0″	(152 x 113 x 75mm)	28.6 oz (810g)
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1″	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	43.2 oz (1225 g)
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	6.1″ x 6.2″ x 3.1″	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	42.9 oz (1215g)

Canon’s white paper details many other small internal changes made to the Canon EOS 30D.

The Canon EOS 30D shares battery grip compatibility with the 20D – both utilizing the Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip.

Although errors are unusual on Canon’s Digital SLRs, they do happen occasionally. New “Error code readout on back screen together with countermeasures help” will save some research time in identifying what is wrong. I haven’t been able to activate this feature yet (and hope to never do so).

While a majority of 20D users are not using the wireless transfer feature (using the accessory WFT-E1A), a new display for image transfer failure will be valued by those using it.

The Canon EOS 30D’s built-in flash is great for shadow-fill and snapshots. New for the 30D is an upgraded flash to match the 100,000 shutter cycle durability. A new FEL (Flash Exposure Lock) icon is displayed in the viewfinder.

Like the Canon EOS 5D, the Canon EOS 30D now has the infamous Print button. I suppose some people use it, but this button gains some new functionality this time around. On the 30D, this button can be used for direct image transfer when the camera is connected to a computer via a USB connection. Although I use a high speed card reader for transferring images, I can see some people liking this image transfer method.

The Canon EOS 30D is shown above with the pop-up flash popped-up and with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens mounted.

Canon’s included DPP (Digital Photo Professional) software v2.1 supports cameras from the new Canon EOS 30D to the old Canon EOS D30 and beyond. Note: This might be a good time to sell that old D30 at an auction as name similarity may cause the value to go up. 🙂 Anyway, everyone using a Canon Digital SLR gets an upgrade with each new version of DPP. The big thing we get this time is noise reduction on RAW conversion. This is a feature I had been asking for – one that can eliminate Photoshop from the workflow on some of my images. Unfortunately, Canon placed this feature in the global preferences. Why there Canon?! A Tone Curve Assist function has some promise “… for the automatic adjustment of failed shots.” Some print enhancements have also been included. I am finding many unadvertised small fixes and changes in v2.1. At this date, there are a lot of RAW conversion software applications available. While many are showing promise, I continue to use DPP because I like its conversion quality best. And it does hurt anything that Canon gives us this software with the camera.

Newly released with the Canon EOS 30D is EOS Utility Ver.1.0. Not to be confused with EOS Viewer Utility, “EOS Utility Ver.1.0 integrates and upgrades CameraWindow and EOS Capture, bringing together all the functions that involve communication with the camera. It is the gateway that allows users to download images to a computer, adjust camera settings, shoot photos remotely, monitor folders when the WFT-E1A wireless transmitter is used and even see images as they are shot. It supports automatic image transfer using the [new] Print/Share button on the EOS 30D, as well as selectable linked display in Digital Photo Professional and ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser. This means that Canon EOS users can now download their images directly into Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX or ImageBrowser – a huge workflow improvement, integrated from shooting all the way to printing.” Ok, that might be a very good use for the new “Print” button. 🙂

Canon’s white paper details other included software and their enhancements.

The one change from the 20D that everyone can like is a lower introductory price.

The big decision – which Digital SLR is for you?

If your budget is tight, you want a compact Digital SLR, do not need a fast frame rate and do not need the higher grade build quality and additional features of the Canon EOS 30D, the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT is probably the choice for you. It is a huge leap up from most of the point and shoot digicams available – and is an exceptional value.

If you need a full frame sensor and/or a higher megapixel count but do not need a higher frame rate, look at the Canon EOS 5D. There is a noticeable increase in available detail in a jump from 8.2 to 12.8 megapixels.

If you are looking for the ultimate sports camera, need very rugged build quality and/or need weather sealing, the Canon EOS 1D Mark II N is likely your best choice. The Canon 1-Series Digital SLR Cameras represent the ultimate in features and performance.

For everyone else (a very high percentage of the market), the Canon EOS 30D delivers the very high performance at a modest cost they are looking for. Many serious amateurs and professionals will be choosing this body as their primary camera. Many others will be choosing the 30D as their backup camera (I am a member of this group).

Should I upgrade? If you have a 20D, you must look at the new enhancements and determine if they are worth the cost to you. For some, the Canon EOS 30D will easily be worth that cost. And there is always something exciting about getting the latest model. Many others will wait for the next generation to be introduced – and buy a lens instead. 🙂

If you have an older Digital SLR or one of the Digital Rebel models, this is a more substantial upgrade – One that should be considered carefully.

Canon EOS 30D Sample Pictures …

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel SLR Camera Review

With each iteration of the Digital Rebel family, Canon raises the bar on image quality and camera features while lowering the introductory price. This iteration brings us the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi, an entry level-priced DSLR with professional level image quality and capabilities. The EOS Digital Rebel XTi (USA), EOS Digital Kiss X (Japan) and EOS 400D (everywhere else) is easy enough for a beginner to use but powerful enough to get the job done for many professionals. In 18 months, Canon sold 1.2 million 350D/Rebel XT DSLRs. The 400D/XTi will take its place in the market. Note: Canon seldom discontinues updated DSLRs when new models come out. The old models are reduced in price for a period of time – and then become unavailable.

Leading the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi’s improvements list is the brand new Canon-designed 10.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor. Since this sensor retains the same format size (1.6x FOVCF), a more-dense pixel spacing is required. A denser sensor often results in lower image quality per pixel – and more noise. This is not the case with the XTi’s sensor – its high ISO results are excellent – and the reasons why are good. Sensor spacing between the on-chip microlenses is now approximately half that of its predecessor. A higher percentage of each pixel’s surface area is now sensitive to light. The output amplifiers have also been optimized. The second-generation, on-chip noise reduction circuit minimizes random noise and removes fixed-pattern noise. Canon has been renowned for their clean high ISO results. And, the new 400D is looking very good from this perspective. Remember, to properly compare ISO noise levels, the comparison exposures must be identical. The following images were shot in RAW format, output to 16-bit TIFF files, cropped & combined in Photoshop and saved as a very high quality JPEG image.

Any differences in results above are not enough for me to be concerned with – I’ll take the extra resolution. Use the extra resolution for improved image quality/detail – or to have more headroom for cropping. The denser pixel placement results in greater reach for your lenses (when cropping down to a lower resolution-equivalent image) – Wildlife photographers understand this well – think feather detail from farther away. The only downside I can see is that the denser pixel placement demands more from lenses in term of optical quality. In actual use, the additional resolution is visible, but it is not vastly different. I’ll definitely take it, but I’m not sure it is reason enough alone to justify an upgrade from one of the 8.x megapixels DSLRs for most people. Use the mouseover feature on the following pages to see the 400D/Rebel XTi’s extra resolution over the 30D’s 8.2 megapixel sensor…

30D / 400D Resolution Comparison using Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
30D / 400D Resolution Comparison using Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens

The above link shows the same crop sizes (700×250 pixels) taken from nearly identically framed images. There is about a 1% difference in the actual framing of the sample shots due to what the respective LCD panels show during image review. The 400D/XTi LCD shows about 99% of the image, the 30D shows about 98%. None of these figures are enough to matter.

This newly-designed sensor has another benefit – it shows less vignetting. Apparently the new microlenses with their tighter spacing are better-capturing angular light than the previous design. Use the mouseovers on the following links to see the difference.

30D / 400D Vignetting Comparison – EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS Lens
30D / 400D Vignetting Comparison – EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Lens

The dust shaker … Sitting on top of the new sensor is another of the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi’s major improvements – a self-cleaning, sensor-sealing low-pass filter. Canon has attached an ultrasonic vibrating unit directly to the low-pass filter – negating the need for additional potentially-image-degrading glass in the optical path. Shaken-off dust adheres to a dust-holding material surrounding the low-pass filter – preventing it from getting back on the sensor. I wonder – does this material ever fill up? An indicator appears on the LCD while this cleaning is taking place and a faint noise can be heard. The 400D/XTi user has full control over the timing of the sensor cleaning with the default being very logical – at startup and at shutdown.

As all of Canon’s Digital SLRs are designed to be shooting-priority (if you press the shutter button, the camera immediately readies itself to take a picture), the sensor cleaning can be interrupted at any time to catch a shot. The frequent cleaning prevents some dust from becoming sticky – which requires a manual cleaning procedure.

I currently get more email regarding sensor cleaning than any other specific question. If this works as advertised, the self-cleaning sensor feature is going to be greatly appreciated by everyone. I say “If” because I will need a longer period of time to draw my own conclusions – I am not anxious enough to evaluate this feature to purposefully let dust into my camera.

Ironically, my 400D/Rebel XTi came with the dirtiest-from-the-factory sensor I have seen yet. And no, the self-cleaning sensor didn’t make a difference. After using the XTi for a reasonable period of time, I will say I have noticeably less dust on my sensor but the system is not perfect.

The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi implements a secondary dust-fighting feature that Canon refers to as “Dust Delete Data Detection“. DDDD uses an OOF (out of focus), narrow aperture photo of white paper (or anything similar) to determine where unshakeable dust remains. It then maps the dust out of the resulting images. This is certainly not as elegant of a solution as the self-cleaning sensor, but it is available. Of course, the good old fashion manual methods of sensor cleaning can still be implemented to remove this stubborn dust.

Yet another major change (improvement) in the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi revolves around the new, larger, brighter, 2.5″ LCD display. The new LCD is 40% brighter than Canon’s prior 2.5″ LCD displays featured in the 1D II N, 5D and 30D and features a wide 160° viewing angle. The LCD is definitely nice, but at the highest brightness settings (brightness level is set using a menu option), gamma is increased enough to make exposure hard to determine. Use the histogram for this purpose.

If you look at the back of the Canon EOS 350D/Rebel XT and visualize the 1.8″ LCD being replaced by a 2.5″ LCD without changing the body size, you quickly see a problem. There is no room. To resolve this issue, Canon removed the monochrome LCD panel and moved its functionality to the main color LCD. Current settings are now displayed in a black-on-white format on the 2.5″ LCD. The XTi takes advantage of the additional available LCD real estate by displaying more information than the XT’s mono LCD displayed. It didn’t take me long to get used to the new display – and I like it better than the 350D/Rebel XT’s small mono LCD.

To prevent the white info display from being a distraction to picture taking (it is just below eye level), an infrared proximity detector (seen just above LCD in photo above) turns off the LCD when the photographer looks through the viewfinder. The LCD can be manually turned off as well. With this display off, the only way to tell that the XTi is powered on is to look at the power switch – or the new green power-on indicator LED located right beside it. The new power-on LED has proven unnecessary to me – the white display works much better. I suppose it might be helpful to those that keep the display turned off.

An RGB histogram is a very useful new LCD-related feature – now you can watch all channels individually for blown highlights or blocked shadows.

The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi has inherited the 30D’s high-precision 9-point autofocus unit. A sophisticated dual-precision/cross-type sensor in the center AF position is supported when f/2.8 or wider lenses are used. Focusing performance under low light has been improved by 1 stop (EV -0.5). My experienced focus hit rate has been very good with this lens – including the results from sports action at several soccer matches. The AF improvements are very welcomed.

I’ll let the following chart speak for itself regarding the frame rate and improved buffer capacity of the 400D/Rebel XTi. Remember that we are getting higher resolution files from the XTi, so the same rate is actually better performance …

Model	fps	Max JPG	Max RAW
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	3.0	14	4
Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi	3.0	27	10
Canon EOS 20D	5.0	23	6
Canon EOS 30D	5.0	30	11
Canon EOS 5D	3.0	60	17
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	8.5	48	22
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	4.0	32	11

The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi’s shutter sound is soft/quiet – rather stealthy. Listen to and compare the sound and frame rate compared to the 30D …

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi 3 fps Burst
Canon EOS 30D 5 fps Burst

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi Single Shot
Canon EOS 30D Single Shot

The viewfinder remains essentially the same as the 350D/XT – adequate. Large compared to point & shoot models, somewhat smaller than the 30D and much smaller than the full frame Canon EOS 5D and the Canon EOS 1DsII. New in-viewfinder indicators coming from the EOS 30D are an FE lock indicator and white balance adjustment (+/-). The following table illustrates sensor and viewfinder differences across the recent Canon Digital SLR models.

Model	FOVCF	Sensor	Pixel Size	Pixels/Megapixels		Viewfinder
Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel	1.6x	22.7 x 15.1mm	7.4µm	3088 x 2056	6.3	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	1.6x	22.2 x 14.8mm	6.4µm	3456 x 2304	8.0	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi	1.6x	22.2 x 14.8mm	5.7µm	3888 x 2592	10.1	.80x	95%
Canon EOS 10D	1.6x	22.7 x 15.1mm	7.4µm	3088 x 2056	6.3	.88x	95%
Canon EOS 20D	1.6x	22.5 x 15.0mm	6.4µm	3504 x 2336	8.2	.90x	95%
Canon EOS 30D	1.6x	22.5 x 15.0mm	6.4µm	3504 x 2336	8.2	.90x	95%
Canon EOS 5D	1.0x	35.8 x 23.9mm	8.2µm	4368 x 2912	12.8	.71x	96%
Canon EOS 1D Mark II	1.3x	28.7 x 19.1mm	8.2µm	3520 x 2336	8.2	.72x	100%
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	1.3x	28.7 x 19.1mm	8.2µm	3520 x 2336	8.2	.72x	100%
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	1.0x	36.0 x 24.0mm	7.2µm	4992 x 3328	16.6	.70x	100%

Little change has been made in the size/weight of the 400D/Rebel XTi over the 350D/Rebel XT. The table below compares the size and weight of some current-at-this-time Canon Digital SLR cameras.

Model	Body Dimensions		Weight
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6″	(127 x 94 x 64mm)	17.1 oz (485g)
Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6″	(127 x 94 x 65mm)	18.0 oz (510g)
Canon EOS 20D	5.6 x 4.2 x 2.8″	(144 x 106 x 72mm)	24.2 oz (685g)
Canon EOS 30D	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9″	(144 x 105.5 x 73.5mm)	24.7 oz (700g)
Canon EOS 5D	6.0 x 4.4 x 3.0″	(152 x 113 x 75mm)	28.6 oz (810g)
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N	6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1″	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	43.2 oz (1225 g)
Canon EOS 1DS Mark II	6.1″ x 6.2″ x 3.1″	(156 x 158 x 80 mm)	42.9 oz (1215g)

Gone is the fingernail scratch-collecting 350D/Rebel XT coarse exterior finish. It has been replaced with a nicer smooth finish. A new “rubber slip guard” for the thumb and an improved grip shape in the back have been incorporated. The grip is also thicker – by a whole 1 mm (Oooh, Aaaah). The 400D/Rebel XTi body changes over the 350D/Rebel XT are nice but minor in my opinion. The grip continues to be small for my medium adult male hands. The upside is that the entire camera is small – it is easy to take everywhere.

Adding the Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip provides a nicer normal grip – and a very nice portrait grip. The grip also allows a second NB-2LH Li-ion battery to be used.

Battery life is rated at approximately 500 shots (73°F/23°C, flash off). My first battery lasted in the 600-700 frame range with some burst shooting and no flash use. These batteries are very small – it is easy to take several with you for those long shoots. The battery power remaining indicator now has 4 levels, rather than 3.

The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi continues to use cross-keys for changing settings and navigating menus. However, the buttons now have a nicer (in my opinion) smooth, non-rubber finish. And, the set button is no longer required to be pressed after making setting changes. This is a more intuitive design in my opinion.

Additional changes … Picture Style settings are now available. Folder management with manual folder creation is now a feature as is up to 9,999 images per folder. Four Custom Functions were added or changed: SET button functions (Picture Style, Quality, Flash exposure compensation adjustment, Flash exp comp, AF frame selection), Long exposure noise reduction (Off/Auto/On), Magnified view (Image playback only/Image review and playback) and LCD display when power ON (Display/Retain power OFF status). Auto image rotation with three options (not recorded, record don’t rotate, record and rotate) is now provided. Print / share / direct print features have been improved. Depth-of-field preview is enabled in the Creative Zone modes.

Of course, one of my favorite improvements is the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi’s $100 lower introductory list price.

The image quality coming out of the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi is excellent – We expect nothing less from Canon and they have delivered. Image quality is, however, different from Canon’s other recent DSLRs. Since a change such as this takes time to get used to (post processing-wise), I will continue to evaluate my results. But, what I am seeing is a new tone curve. Reds, yellows, and oranges seem to be slightly darker while blues seem slightly lighter. The tone curve seems to push shadows darker – but the detail remains. In addition, the 400D/XTi meters 1/3 stop darker than the 30D. Maybe Canon got tired of looking at our blown highlights.

The list of features and specifications for this camera is very long – I refer you to Canon’s white paper (highly recommended – linked in the other information section below) for this information. In this white paper, Canon gives the reasons why they chose to omit image stabilization from their camera body. Basically, the reasons are, because they can build more effective image stabilizers in the lens (tuned for the focal length range) and because a stabilized sensor does not yield a stabilized viewfinder.

Canon continues to include their Digital Photo Pro software in the box. Other third party software may arguably provide better features, but I continue to use DPP because I like Canon’s conversion image quality the best.

Many people considering the purchase of a Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi will also look at the Canon EOS 30D. While many of the previously discussed XTi improvements are not found in the 30D body, the 30D has many advantages of its own.

Obviously the 30D is larger (on the right in the comparison images above), but along with the larger size comes what most people will find to be a more comfortable grip – it is larger and rubberized. Also somewhat larger is the 30D’s viewfinder which has a .9x magnification compared to the Rebel XTi’s .8x viewfinder.

The 30D’s shutter lag is much shorter at 65ms vs. the XTi’s 100ms (same as XT) lag. This is noticeable when a shot must be taken at a precise time – think sports. I find that capturing the precise sports moment is easier with the 30D than with the 400D/Rebel XTi. And I need to learn to release the XTi’s shutter button earlier to prevent an extra frame when shooting in burst mode. The 30D’s 5 fps frame rate with shorter mirror blackout is also a sports shooting advantage over the XTi’s 3 fps rate. The 30D is louder.

The 30D has a more-rugged magnesium alloy build – and feels more solid. 30D has 1/3 stop ISO setting increments and has ISO 3200. 30D has Kelvin white balance. The 30D has a pentaprism viewfinder while the XTi utilizes a pentamirror. The 30D sports a thumb wheel and joystick while the XTi uses cross key buttons. The 30D’s shutter life rating is significantly higher than the XTi’s which is “the same as in the Digital Rebel XT” (Canon’s XTi White Paper). [Note: I am getting some email regarding an apparent conflict in the XTi’s rated shutter life. My understanding is that the XT & XTi’s shutter life is around 50,000 actuations – a very high number. Apparently a 100,000 figure (same as the 30D) is also floating around. I welcome correction if I am wrong.] The 30D has an LCD panel on top. 30D has spot metering, a PC Synch port, a heavier-duty neck strap (with red edges).

Thus, the decision is not an easy one. And sorry, I can’t answer it without knowing your specific situation.

 

What about an upgrade?

If you want a big step up in capabilities from a prosumer point & shoot camera, the 400D/Rebel XTi will be an excellent choice. This may be the right time for original Canon 300D Digital Rebel users to make a jump as well – The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi’s features and image quality improvements are definitely significant enough to justify this upgrade. For 350D/Rebel XT owners, well, if you want the latest and greatest – and the cool factor – go for it. The improvements will be nice – but a new lens might make a bigger difference in your results. I suggest EOS 30D owners wait for the next 30D upgrade to be released unless they see a must-have feature in the 400D/XTi – or better yet, go for a Canon EOS 5D (the price has come down). Email me if you need other upgrade recommendations – be sure to tell me what you use the camera for.

For an entry-level-priced Digital SLR, the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi has more features than most entry-level-priced Digital SLR buyers will ever use – and has performance and image quality to satisfy many professional needs. Overall, I’m pleased with this DSLR.

After determining that a 400D/Rebel XTi is going to live at your house/business, you need to decide which lens(es) you are going to use with it. The EF-S 18-55mm lens is available in one variation of the XTi kit. When purchased with the kit, this lens is a reasonable value. For those wanting to get the most from their DSLR, I suggest one of the other separately available lenses. Start your lens search on the Canon Lens Recommendations page.

Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi Sample Pictures …

Canon General Purpose Lens Recommendations

My Canon general purpose lens recommendations …

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens (optically excellent, EF-S mount only)
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens (optically excellent)
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens (optically excellent)
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens (EF-S mount only)
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens (EF-S mount only)
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens

Some excellent additional general purpose lenses include …

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens (EF-S mount only)
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens (great value)
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens (not as good on full frame bodies)

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens (great value)
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM Lens (great value)
Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L USM Lens

And many more …

Most people are looking for at least one general purpose lens when they buy a Canon DSLR. The heart of the focal length range targeted by Canon for lenses with this purpose is around 28-70mm. The DSLR FOVCF (Field of View Crop Factor) comes into play here, effectively requiring a shorter focal length range for 1.3x and 1.6x FOVCF DSLR bodies to yield the same subject framing.

When selecting a lens, I generally look for the highest image quality I can get in the most versatile and highest quality package I can get it in. My personal highest recommendations for general purpose lenses are the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L USM Lens and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens.

Prior to the introduction of the EF-S 17-55 and 24-105 L, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens was what I considered the ultimate general purpose lens. I personally find the 1.3x field of view crop factor to be just about perfect with this lens. I take a lot of people pictures and the slightly tighter framing provided by 1.3x and 1.6x FOVCF bodies works well for this purpose. I use the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS USM Lens with more frequency on a full frame body, but still recommend the 24-70 as a one-lens-does-everything selection.

The 24-70’s 24mm end is wide enough for environmental portraits and wide landscapes while 70mm makes a reasonable head/shoulders portrait focal length. Group pictures, birthday parties, weddings, photojournalism, travel pictures … the uses are endless. The image quality from this lens is unsurpassed by any Canon EF lens containing this focal length range with the 24-105 L (next) being the only possible exception. And with a fixed f/2.8 aperture, this lens is as fast as any zoom lens. Build quality is excellent. Read the review for more information.

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lensjoined my most-recommended list after the 24-70 L. The Image Stabilization and additional focal length on the 24-105 offset (and for many situations surpass) the benefits of the fixed f/2.8 aperture on the 24-70 L. Especially when shooting with a full-frame body, I find the extra 35mm of focal length a very valuable in a general purpose lens – and especially for portraits. Image, build and mechanical qualities of this lens are top of the line. The 24-105 L’s size and weight make it a very nice handling lens.

When using a 1.6x FOVCF body, we often want wider focal lengths from our general purpose Canon lenses. The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens (EF-S mount only) delivers very high image quality, a wider aperture and an excellent implementation of image stabilization.

Not everyone wants to spend as much as the above lenses cost. For these people, I recommend the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens (EF-S mount only) and Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens. Both lenses are very good values with excellent image quality and relatively small size/light weight.

For some people, the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0 L USM Lens and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens make a nice general purpose set.

Some additional good Canon general purpose lens choices include the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens and the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens (for EF-S capable DSLRs only). Both offer one of my favorite features – Image Stabilization.

Check my full reviews to see which lens(es) are best for you.

Hoya and Pentax to Merge

Hoya, a very familiar name in the photographic industry (not least because they supply lens blanks to many manufacaturers) and Pentax have jointly today announced their intention to merge and become Hoya Pentax HD Corporation (actually Hoya are ‘merging’ Pentax into their business). This merger is due to be completed by October 1, 2007. Once complete Fumio Urano (current PENTAX President & CEO) will become Chairman of the Board and Hiroshi Suzuki (current HOYA President and CEO) will become President & CEO. The major conclusions in this announcement are that the Pentax name will remain, that Pentax’s optical business will merge with Hoya’s but that Pentax’s current imaging systems division (that which is responsible for digital cameras) will continue.

Press Release:

HOYA CORPORATION
Hiroshi Suzuki, President and CEO
(TSE code: 7741)

PENTAX Corporation
Fumio Urano, President & CEO
(TSE code: 7750)

HOYA and PENTAX Reach Basic Understanding for Management Integration

[TOKYO December 21, 2006] HOYA CORPORATION (“HOYA”) and PENTAX Corporation (“PENTAX”) announced today that they have reached a basic understanding aimed at a management integration of the two companies, expected to be completed on October 1, 2007. The new company’s name will be HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation. Under a corporate center with strategic planning functions, the new company will realign the business areas of HOYA and PENTAX. HOYA and PENTAX have recognized that they are the best possible business partners to establish a solid business structure that draws on their respective strengths. Through this management integration, the planned new structure will allow the new company to swiftly allocate significant management resources to develop strategic business areas, aiming at accelerating future growth.

1. Purpose of Management Integration

In an integration of equals, HOYA and PENTAX aim to enhance customer and shareholder value. The parties aim to achieve this through the establishment of a solid management foundation that will draw on the complementary managerial resources of the two companies to create synergies and accelerate business growth.

The common core technological platform for HOYA and PENTAX is grounded in optics, imaging and materials. Using this core platform, the two companies aim to optimize their business portfolios, focusing on the life care, optics, information technology, eye care and imaging systems areas. Expected stable revenue from the information technology and eye care areas will support the life care area to achieve strategic growth. In addition, vertical integration of the optics areas will lead to qualitative structural reform and further strengthen competitiveness.

The divisions of the new company are expected to be as follows:

• Life care area: (Major products include: endoscopes, medical accessories, new ceramics, and intraocular lenses) Life care is positioned as a strategic growth area. HOYA and PENTAX will pursue business development in the minimally invasive medical area where future demand is expected to grow. The newly integrated company will operate in areas which range from diagnostic to treatment fields, such as minimally invasive diagnosis using endoscopes and treatment using endoscopes and ancillary surgical devices, and will focus on globally cultivating bionic material markets including new ceramics and intraocular lenses. In addition, HOYA and PENTAX will enhance product development capabilities through aggressive research and development and mergers and acquisitions strategies and will strengthen sales and marketing structures in Japan and overseas. Through these measures, HOYA and PENTAX aim to double the size of their life care business.
• Optics area: (Major products include: optical glass and lenses, digital camera modules, micro-lenses, etc.) HOYA and PENTAX will vertically integrate the design, materials, lenses, processing and module groups in the optics area, which is expected to lead to qualitative structural reform and further strengthen competitiveness. HOYA and PENTAX will mutually utilize their respective manufacturing sites and customer bases, in order to secure a competitive edge against newly emerging Asian players and strongly position themselves for sustainable growth in the face of structural change in the optics industry.
• Information technology area: (Major products include: mask blanks, glass disk substrates, etc.) This is a core earnings driver where HOYA has secured a leading market position globally. The integrated company aims to further strengthen competitiveness and growth in this area.
• Eye care area: (Major products include: eyeglass lenses, contact lenses) Stable earnings growth is expected in this business. Positioning this business as another core earnings driver, the new company will continue to further strengthen competitiveness and further grow this business area.
• Imaging systems area: (Major products include: digital cameras, binoculars, etc.) In order to enhance business value, the new company will differentiate its offerings by specializing in high-value added products with unique technology and will focus on areas where it has a competitive edge. This area will be positioned as a foundation for development of new optical-related equipment and is expected to diversify into the life care and security business areas.
• New areas, other areas: (Major products include: business systems equipment, survey equipment, etc.) HOYA and PENTAX seek to invest aggressively in areas where they see future earnings growth opportunities. At the same time, they will focus on selected business areas to improve efficiency and to achieve optimal usage of managerial resources.

2. Background to the Management Integration Plan

HOYA started as an optical glass manufacturer. Since its inception, the company has been diversifying its business by leveraging its optical materials technologies and precision processing technologies. HOYA has successfully built global niche market positions through its aggressive technological innovation and has established leadership in its areas of expertise, resulting in strong earnings. In the information technology area, HOYA has maintained a leading position globally for its semiconductor-related mask blanks and glass disk substrates for hard disk drives, and it is positioned as one of the leading manufacturers in optical glass and lenses. The company has also established a leading position in the eye care area, including in eyeglass lenses. HOYA continues to cultivate new business areas, in particular medical-related areas which are positioned as mid- to long-term core growth drivers, and has initiated global business development of intraocular lenses used for the surgical treatment of cataracts.

PENTAX’s expertise stems from its long-accumulated know-how attained through the development and manufacturing of cameras and lenses. The company has successfully adapted its optical design and image processing technology for use in a variety of product areas and has developed businesses based on this optical technology. In the life care business, PENTAX has made early progress in developing a leading global position in the production of endoscopes, and it is also marketing globally various other products such as medical accessories and new ceramics for bone grafts. In its optical components business, PENTAX has leveraged its competitive edge in advanced optical technologies, where its major products include digital camera modules and DVD/CD convertible pickup lenses. PENTAX has also built a strong global brand in its imaging systems division, and the company has positioned the life care area as the focus for its mid- to long-term growth strategy. PENTAX has been working to ensure earnings improvement and company-wide growth through mergers and acquisitions, alliances and aggressive research and development activities.

While the market for advanced medical products has been growing globally with further growth expected, competition has also been intensifying. HOYA and PENTAX have been developing advanced medical products including endoscope diagnostics, minimally invasive surgical technologies, and bionic materials including new ceramics and intraocular lenses. In order to continue delivering growth in this market, it is critical that HOYA and PENTAX leverage their respective competitive advantages and make aggressive investments through mergers and acquisitions and research and development, as well as establish global sales and marketing networks at the earliest possible stage.

Significant structural changes have occurred in optical equipment and related materials since the emergence of digital cameras. Competitors in Asia have grown rapidly and are expected to continue gaining market share through low price campaigns and increasing the added value of their products. Along with existing camera manufacturers, home appliance makers have also entered the digital camera market, further intensifying competition in this segment. In order to maintain growth capabilities, cost competitiveness must be strengthened by lowering production costs and focusing on unique, high-end products. Measured structural change is necessary to ensure differentiation in this environment.

Based on the recognition that HOYA and PENTAX are the best possible business partners to establish a solid business structure that draws on their respective strengths, the two companies have reached a basic understanding aimed at management integration. Through this management integration, the planned new structure will allow the integrated company to swiftly allocate significant management resources to develop strategic business areas, aiming at future growth.

3. Method of Management Integration

Under the terms of the basic understanding announced today HOYA will be the surviving company.

4. Management Integration Timing

The merger of the two companies is planned to become effective as of October 1, 2007.

5. New Company Name

After the management integration, the new company will be named HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation.

6. New Company Structure

(1) Corporate Governance

The integrated firm will be managed through a committee system under Japanese Company Law to ensure strong corporate governance. The board will consist of 10 directors, five of whom will be non-executive directors, further reinforcing management transparency. Three of the executive directors will be appointed from HOYA and the others from PENTAX.

Fumio Urano (current PENTAX President & CEO) will become Chairman of the Board and Hiroshi Suzuki (current HOYA President and CEO) will become President & CEO.

(2) Organizational Structure

The structure of the integrated firm will be based on the concept of a small headquarters with empowered business divisions. Allowing for an appropriate transition period, the new company is expected to have a corporate center with strategic planning functions and the business divisions outlined below. Moreover, the newly integrated company will continue to make the best possible use of the respective brands of both HOYA and PENTAX.

• Life care area: Combining HOYA’s medical division and PENTAX’s life care division
• Optics area: Combining HOYA’s optics division and PENTAX’s optical components division
• Information technology area: The remaining business after separating HOYA’s optics division from the electro-optics area
• Eye care area: The remaining business after separating HOYA’s medical division from the eye care division
• Imaging systems area: Continuing PENTAX’s imaging systems division
• New areas, other areas: Continuing other existing divisions
• Research and development: Integrating HOYA’s research and development center and PENTAX’s research and development division

7. Merger Ratio

Each shareholder of PENTAX common stock will be allotted 0.158 shares of HOYA common stock per PENTAX share.

In order to achieve fairness, the parties received advice from third party advisers in respect of the determination of the merger ratio. HOYA was advised by UBS Securities Japan Ltd. (“UBS Investment Bank”), and PENTAX was advised by Morgan Stanley Japan Securities Co., Ltd., (“Morgan Stanley”) for the basis of the merger ratio calculation. Both companies have discussed the results presented by the financial advisors, and settled at the ratio announced today.

Both financial advisors used a combination of average market price analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, comparable trading multiples analysis and other methods, respectively, to calculate the merger ratio.

Based on these analyses, HOYA obtained a fairness opinion from UBS Investment Bank, and PENTAX from Morgan Stanley, regarding the merger ratio from a financial point of view.

Neither UBS Investment Bank nor Morgan Stanley are related parties of HOYA and PENTAX.
This ratio is subject to change if there is a material change in the conditions which were used as fundamentals in the calculation.

8. Schedule

HOYA and PENTAX intend to continue discussions to conclude a definitive agreement on the management integration in early April 2007. The expected schedule is outlined below. However, as discussions proceed, if exceptional circumstances arise, the two companies may decide to change the schedule or the method of integration in their effort to achieve management integration.

1. Early April 2007: Signing of definitive agreement
2. Middle of June 2007: HOYA will hold an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders where it will seek approval for proposed changes in the company articles of incorporation and the board of directors
3. End of June 2007: PENTAX will hold an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders where shareholders will be asked to approve the merger agreement
4. October 1, 2007: Effective merger date
5. TBA: Delivery to PENTAX shareholders of shares in the new company

Under Article 796, Clause 3, of the Japanese Company Law, HOYA is not required to receive shareholders’ approval for the merger.

9. Structure for Proceeding with the Management Integration

HOYA and PENTAX will form an integration committee, co-chaired by Fumio Urano, President & CEO of PENTAX, and Hiroshi Suzuki, President and CEO of HOYA, to ensure swift and smooth integration of the management and operations of the newly integrated company. The integration committee will review the administrative systems of each company, aiming at creating a best-practice administrative system for the newly integrated company.

10. Accounting Policies

Accounting treatment associated with the merger will be disclosed when definitively determined. The exact amount of goodwill, the probability of accrual, and the amortization period have yet to be determined, and will be disclosed in due course.

11. Expected Impact on Earnings Forecasts as a Result of Merger

The newly integrated company aims to strengthen the competitiveness of each business area and to maintain the rate of growth of corporate value.

12. Other

The newly integrated company will continue the listing status of HOYA on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Information regarding the new company headquarters, total assets, paid-in capital, the number of shares newly issued upon the merger, and treatment of warrants and convertible bonds issued by PENTAX, will be provided when such matters are determined.

(1)	Company Name	HOYA CORPORATION (merging company)		PENTAX Corporation (company to be merged)
(2)	Areas of Business	Manufacturing and sales of electro-optics, eye care, and health care products		Manufacturing and sales of life care, imaging systems, and optical component products
(3)	Established	August 23, 1944		December 17, 1938
(4)	Headquarters	2-7-5 Naka-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo		2-36-9 Maeno-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo
(5)	Representative	Hiroshi Suzuki, President & CEO		Fumio Urano, President & CEO
(6)	Paid-in Capital	6,264 million yen		7,510 million yen
(7)	Shares Outstanding	435,017,020		127,697,952
(8)	Shareholders’ Equity	102,330 million yen		40,088 million yen
(9)	Total Assets	236,504 million yen		119,570 million yen
（10）	Fiscal Year End:	March 31		March 31
（11）	Number of Employees	3,338 (27,974 on a consolidated basis)		1,336 (5,651 on a consolidated basis)
（12）	Major Business Partners	DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD. Sony Corporation Others		CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Others
（13）	Major Shareholders and Shareholding Ratio	Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (in trust): 7.23％ The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (in trust): 5.35％ The Chase Manhattan Bank N.A., London: 3.54％ State Street Bank and Trust Company: 3.36％ State Street Bank and Trust Company 505103: 3.17％ The Dai-Ichi Mutual Life Insurance Company: 2.65％ Nippon Life Insurance Company: 2.29％ Mamoru Yamanaka: 2.07％ The Chase Manhattan Bank 385036: 1.96％ The Chase Manhattan Bank N.A., London SL Omnibus account 1.78％		HSBC Fund Services Sparx Asset Management Corporated: 11.44％ Japan Trustee Services Bank, Ltd. (in trust): 8.66％ The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (in trust): 5.15％ Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.: 4.77％ Trust & Custody Services Bank, Ltd. as trustee for Mizuho Bank, Ltd. Retirement Benefit Trust Account re-entrusted by Mizuho Trust and Banking Co., Ltd.: 3.91％ State Street Bank and Trust Company: 3.76％ Resona Bank, Ltd.: 2.42％ Asahi Mutual Life Insurance Co.: 2.42％ The Ashikaga Bank, Ltd.: 2.19％ Nippon Life Insurance Company: 2.16％
（14）	Main Bank	The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.		Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. Resona Bank, Ltd. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.

（15）	Relationships between Integrating Companies	Capital relationships	N/A
		Personal relationships	N/A
		Business relationships	The two companies have business in some product areas.
		Relationships between people concerned	N/A

（16） Results for the past three years (non consolidated basis)
	HOYA CORPORATION (merging company)			PENTAX Corporation (company to be merged)
Fiscal Year Ending:	March 2004	March 2005	March 2006	March 2004	March 2005	March 2006
Sales (million yen)	183,771	224,608	248,195	104,665	98,057	108,312
Operating Income (million yen)	28,341	35,131	29,746	5,728	2,647	2,001
Ordinary Income (million yen)	33,610	46,536	44,788	4,632	2,736	3,976
Net Income (million yen)	15,558	24,967	22,062	2,012	2,499	830
Net Income per Share (million yen)	34.56	56.38	50.14	15.59	19.84	6.71
Dividend per Share (yen)	25.00	37.50	60.00	3.00	4.50	6.00
Shareholders’ Equity per Share (yen)	322.68	357.59	222.01	285.40	302.02	320.24

(17) Results for the past three years (consolidated basis)
	HOYA CORPORATION (merging company)			PENTAX Corporation (company to be merged)
Fiscal Year Ending:	March 2004	March 2005	March 2006	March 2004	March 2005	March 2006
Sales (million yen)	271,443	308,172	344,228	134,493	133,558	142,211
Operating Income (million yen)	68,166	84,920	101,095	6,937	3,586	2,985
Ordinary Income (million yen)	66,554	89,525	103,637	5,375	3,396	3,260
Net Income (million yen)	39,548	64,135	75,620	3,089	3,526	805
Net Income per Share (million yen)	87.74	144.71	171.71	24.37	28.23	6.50
Shareholders’ Equity per Share (yen)	491.90	623.59	648.87	254.97	280.48	305.79

Note: For HOYA, the net income per share, dividend per share and shareholders’ equity per share have been revised to reflect a 4 for 1 split of the company’s common stock that took effect from November 15, 2005.

Nikon D40 Review

Conclusion – Pros

• Excellent image quality, great resolution and detail, who needs eight megapixels?
• Surprisingly good build quality, tight shut lines
• Very compact and lightweight (especially with kit lens) yet still comfortable to use
• Kit lens is better quality than many others
• Great in-use performance, very responsive, short black-out time, very fast media write
• Good fast auto focus system (only 3 areas but that’s not a big issue for this camera)
• Auto-focus assist lamp rather than requiring flash to be raised
• Reliable, sophisticated, if sometimes a little conservative matrix metering system
• For a Pentamirror the viewfinder delivers a surprisingly bright image
• Extremely useful, customizable automatic sensitivity (ISO)
• Easy to use playback / delete combination
• All playback functions available in record review
• Very attractive and intuitive menu system
• Unlimited continuous shooting in JPEG mode (with a reasonably fast card)
• Good SD card throughput and USB 2.0 transfer speed
• In-camera retouching features including D-Lighting and Red-eye reduction
• Support for SD and SDHC cards
• Good large LCD monitor with wide viewing angles
• Dedicated help button provides both shooting and in-menu assistance
• Programmable Fn hard button
• Value for money

Conclusion – Cons

• No lens motor in body means non-AF-S/AF-I lenses are manual focus only
• Disappointingly RAW+JPEG setting only records Basic quality JPEG’s
• No status LCD panel on top of camera (we hate to see these go)
• No exposure or white balance bracketing
• No hard buttons (without customizing) for ISO or White Balance
• No depth-of-field preview
• Occasional visibility of moire artifacts (although seldom)
• Fixed exposure steps (1/3 EV)
• Disappointing automatic white balance performance in incandescent light
• No RAW adjustment with supplied PictureProject, only simple conversion
• Limited image parameter adjustment (especially for color saturation)

Overall conclusion

The D40 is perhaps one of Nikon’s most important digital SLRs. It’s certainly their smallest and lightest, their most affordable and ships with a fairly decent kit lens too. But noteworthy is the fact that it’s their first digital SLR not to provide Auto Focus to their large range of lenses which do not have built-in AF motors. This was a move which in the grand scheme of things was not unexpected and although disappointing to some is unlikely to be of too much consequence for the average D40 buyer (those with more specific lens requirements are expected to go for the D80).

One thing which stood out for us when we reviewed the D80 was its responsive performance, the feeling of instant connection between the photographer and the camera. So imagine I was very happy to find that the emphasis on responsiveness has been carried through to the more affordable D40. Indeed apart from a very slightly slower viewfinder blackout and probably slower auto-focus (although not measured) the D40 doesn’t really feel any slower in use and for some functions is actually faster thanks to smaller files.

Nikon have also obviously worked to ensure that no corners were cut in image processing, after all when you make a digital SLR you are also effectively designing the ‘film’ that will be permanently locked into it (we have seen very few firmware updates which actually improve image quality; this mostly because the ‘heavy processing’ has to be done in hardware, not software). Image quality was probably the best of any current six megapixel digital SLR and good enough to question any advantage touted by an eight megapixel.

So the D40 has some shortcomings, over and above it’s lack of an internal AF motor there were a few annoyances; I didn’t like the fact that when I shot RAW+JPEG I was only getting Basic quality JPEG’s, I didn’t like that there wasn’t a dedicated ISO or WB button (already) on the camera (you can program the Fn button but I would have thought it more logical to use the four-way controller on the rear from day one) and as with most recent digital SLRs automatic white balance was something you should really only use in natural light. Other things which will be of less importance to D40 owners are the lack of bracketing, depth-of-field preview and fixed exposure steps.

In everyday use the D40 is just what it set out to be, a very capable, compact, lightweight and easy to use camera which makes a perfect first step for anyone wanting to get into digital SLR photography. It provides enough control and a large enough range of manual settings to enable you to experiment and learn but also helps you to take great pictures in the process. It’s one of those cameras you can just pick up and start shooting without fuss, that you can hand to a friend who’s never used an SLR and know they’ll be able to do the same. All of this and a pretty decent kit lens for $600, I’d say it’s a bit of a bargain.

Detail (D-SLR)	Rating (out of 10)
Build quality	8.0
Ergonomics & handling	8.5
Features	8.0
Image quality	8.5
Performance (speed)	9.0
Value	9.0

Highly Recommended