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23rd August 2005
Canon launches the EOS-1D Mark II N
Introduction
Release Issued by Canon:

Professional requirements drive Canon's new EOS-1D Mark II N

Read our News Story: Canon Pixma ink jet evolution surprise.

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EOS-1D Mark II N: an upgrade of the award winning EOS-1D Mark II. Still featuring 8.2 Megapixel performance at 8.5 frames per second, the upgraded camera has a higher performance buffer to deliver a 48 frame burst in JPEG and 22 frame burst in RAW. LCD monitor size increases from 2.0" to a 2.5", and dual CF and SD memory card slots provide for separate RAW and JPEG recording. Colour Matrix and parameter settings are replaced with Canon's new Picture Style - six pre-sets that simplify in-camera control over image optimisation and processing.

"The EOS-1D Mark II took photojournalism and sports photography by storm and was chosen by more than 70% of professional photographers at the 2004 Athens Olympics," reported Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "Taking feedback from the professionals as their guide, Canon's engineers have made a great camera even better."

Exceptional image quality is assured with an APS-H size (28.7 x 19.1 mm) CMOS sensor and high performance DIGIC II processor. The EOS-1D Mark II N also features 45-point Auto Focus and a start-up time of 0.2 seconds. Its wide 100-1600 ISO speed range is expandable to L:50 and H:3200.

First choice of professional agencies
Launched in January 2004, the EOS-1D Mark II fast became Europe's best selling professional D-SLR camera. It secured the major share of sports and photojournalism worldwide, with the world's leading wire agencies such as Reuters, Getty Images and AFP choosing Canon professional products for their photographers. "One of the big pluses of working with Canon is the interaction we get as a 'body' of photographers," explained Stephen Munday, Director of Operations - Editorial, Getty Images. "Canon consults with us about our wish list for new products. When they come to testing a new camera, most of the work has been done because they have listened to their clients - the photographers."

New screen
For improved image review and menu readability, the EOS-1D Mark II N is fitted with a larger, brighter 2.5" 230K pixel poly-silicon TFT LCD monitor, giving photographers a significantly larger viewing area. The improved screen has twice the number of backlighting LEDs so that it retains brightness and visibility throughout a wide 170° angle of view, both vertically and horizontally. This makes it easy to view images when camera is mounted in a fixed position. With image playback, the magnified view can now be examined straight away on any selected AF point, and magnification is possible during the quick review immediately after image capture.

Meeting photographers' needs, listening to the market
The EOS-1D Mark II N incorporates a host of improvements to enhance performance, operation and speed. To avoid shooting disruption, new folders are now automatically created when image number 9999 is reached in the current folder. A new memory card selection short cut makes it fast and easy to switch between card slots when choosing recording location. A Low Level Format option executes secure and permanent deletion of SD card data and increases SD card write speeds.

When shooting RAW and JPEG simultaneously, images can now be recorded separately onto a different memory card (CF or SD). In-camera file names are now customisable: users can decide the first four characters of the filename and the camera will append the four digit image number - a feature particularly useful for agencies and photo libraries dealing with memory cards from multiple photographers.

Ready to use images as standard
New Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image quality. The camera's factory default configuration delivers more immediately usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types - each one offering a different colour response. Within each easily selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation.

The pre-sets include:
  • Standard - for crisp, vivid images that don't require post-processing

  • Portrait - optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones

  • Landscape - for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines

  • Neutral - ideal for post-processing

  • Faithful - adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K

  • Monochrome - for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green)


  • Three additional user defined entries enable the creation of further variations on the in-camera styles. Alternative custom Picture Style files, available for download from Canon's website, can also be installed.

    Picture Style replaces internal image processing previously controlled by setting processing parameters and colour matrix. It is also supported by the supplied Digital Photo Professional and RAW Image Task software.

    Exceptional image quality, total reliability
    Exceptionally high quality images are assured due to the combination of Canon's DIGIC II processor and 2nd generation CMOS sensor, which features an on-chip noise elimination circuit to reduce the creation of fixed pattern and random noise. A low-pass filter placed in front of the sensor reduces false colour and moiré effects, while the infrared filter suppresses red fringing caused by sensor reflections and fog.

    The EOS-1D Mark II N has a shutter durability of 200,000 cycles, and a weather resistant magnesium-alloy casing with over 70 dust and moisture resistant seals protects the camera.

    A new Auto option is available on the Noise reduction menu screen, which offers automatic detection and correction when necessary of noise levels in images with exposures of 1 second or longer.

    Compatibility and accessories
    The EOS-1D Mark II N is compatible with all Canon EF lenses and the entire EX series Speedlite flash range. Canon's E-TTL II flash system optimises flash exposures by linking distance information from the camera/lens system to the 21-zone evaluative or averaged metering readings from the pre-flash.

    The camera's focusing screens are interchangeable; an optional new Super Precision Matte Ec-S focussing screen enables easier manual focusing with fast lenses.

    With the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1, photographers can work cable-free as images transfer automatically through a wireless LAN to a computer in seconds. Interfaces include Video Out (for display in both NTSC and PAL formats), IEEE1394 (Firewire) and USB. The camera is PictBridge compliant for PC-less direct printing to any brand of compatible photo printer.

    The EOS-1D Mark II N supports the optional Data Verification Kit DVK-E2 v2.2, which verifies the originality of images taken with the camera.

    New software
    The EOS-1D Mark II N is bundled with the EOS Digital Solutions Disk v11, which includes an upgraded version of Canon's RAW image processing software Digital Photo Professional (DPP). DPP v2.0 now supports RAW images shot on all EOS digital cameras from the EOS D30 forwards, and includes support for Picture Styles. Improvements and additions are aimed at improving functionality and workflow efficiency for professionals, and include: easy image selection with three levels of check marks; real-time adjustment of sharpness; improved image correction (Copy Stamp); enhanced image transfer function, making single image transfer to PhotoShop possible; extended colour space support, now including Apple RGB and ColorMatch RGB; and an enhanced CMYK simulation function.

    Also provided is on the solution disk is ZoomBrowser EX (PC) and ImageBrowser (MAC) v5.5 for managing images, EOS Capture v1.5 for remote shooting, PhotoStitch v3.1, PhotoRecord v2.2 (PC), RAW ImageTask v2.2 and CameraWindow v 5.3. EOS-1D Mark II N is compatible with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY providing a 100 MB online photo album.

    Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
    The EOS 1D Mark II N will be available from September 2005 for £3049.99 RRP inc. VAT/ Euro4399.99 RRP inc. VAT.

    UK - www.canon.co.uk
    Eire - www.canon.ie

    Specifications


    EOS-1D Mark II N Specifications
    IMAGE SENSOR
    Type 28.7 x 19.1 mm CMOS
    Effective Pixels Approx. 8.2M
    Total Pixels Approx. 8.5M
    Aspect Ratio 3:2
    Low-Pass Filter Built in/ Fixed
    Colour Filter Type Primary Colour
    IMAGE PROCESSOR
    Type DIGIC II
    LENS
    Lens Mount EF (excludes EF-S lenses)
    Focal Length 1.3x Multiplication with EF lens fitted
    FOCUSING
    Type TTL-AREA-SIR with a CMOS sensor
    AF System/ Points 45 -point AF (Area AF)
    AF working range EV 0-18 (at 20°C & ISO 100)
    AF Modes One Shot
    AI Servo
    AF Point Selection Automatic selection, Manual selection, Home position (switch to registered AF point)
    Selected AF point display Superimposed in viewfinder
    Predictive AF Yes
    AF Lock Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode.
    AF Assist Beam Emitted by an optional dedicated Speedlite
    Manual Focus Selected on lens
    EXPOSURE CONTROL
    Metering modes TTL full aperture metering with 21 zone SPC
    (1) Evaluative metering (linked to any AF point)
    (2) Partial metering (approx. 13.5% of viewfinder at centre)
    (3) Spot metering:
    Center spot metering (approx. 3.8% viewfinder at center)
    AF point-linked spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder)
    Multi/Spot metering (Max 8 spot metering entries)
    (4) Center weighted average metering
    Metering Range EV 0-20 (at 20°C with 50mm f1.4 lens ISO 100)
    AE Lock Auto: Operates in 1-shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved Manual: By AE lock button in all metering modes
    Exposure Compensation +/-3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (can be combined with AEB).
    AEB +/-3 EV in 1/3-stop increments. 1/2-stop increments selectable with C.Fn-06 Bracketing methods:
    1 Shutter speed or aperture
    2 ISO speed
    ISO Speed Equivalent 100-1600 (in 1/3-stop increments) ISO can be expanded to L: 50 or H: 3200 (selected on shooting menu)
    SHUTTER
    Type Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter
    Speed 30 - 1/8000 sec. (1/3 stop increments), Bulb,
    Shutter release Soft touch electromagnetic release
    WHITE BALANCE
    Type Auto white balance with the imaging sensor
    Settings Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom, Colour Temperature Setting, Personal WB, (Total 10 Settings) White balance compensation: 1. Blue/Amber +/-9 2. Magenta/ Green +/-9.
    Personal White Balance Up to 3 personal WB settings can be registered
    WB Bracketing +/-3 stops in full stop increments. 3 bracketed images per shutter release. Method: 1. Blue/Amber 2.Magenta/Green.
    COLOUR MATRIX
    Type Two types of colour space, sRGB and Adobe RGB.
    VIEWFINDER
    Viewfinder Pentaprism
    Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal) Approx. 100% (for JPEG images)
    Magnification 0.72x (4)
    Eyepoint 20mm
    Dioptre Correction -3 to +1 dpt
    Focusing Screen Interchangeable (10 types). Standard Focusing Screen Ec-CIII
    Mirror Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 37:63, no mirror cut-off with EF1200mm f5.6 or shorter)
    Viewfinder Information AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, spot metering circle, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, FP flash, FE lock, flash exposure level), white balance correction, JPEG recording, number of remaining shots, memory card information.
    Depth of field preview Yes
    Eyepiece shutter Built-in
    LCD MONITOR
    Monitor 2.5" TFT, approx. 230K pixels
    Coverage Approx. 100% (for JPEG images)
    Brightness Adjustable to one of five levels
    FLASH
    Modes E-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual
    HotShoe/ PC terminal Yes/ Yes
    X-sync 1/250sec
    Red-eye Reduction
    Flash Exposure Compensation +/-3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments with EX series Speedlites
    Flash Exposure Bracketing Yes
    Flash Exposure Lock Yes
    Second Curtain Synchronisation Yes
    Built-in Flash Range
    Guide Number (ISO 100, meters)
    External Flash E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support.
    SHOOTING
    Modes Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual
    Photo Effects Monochrome (selected from the "Picture Style" menu) with options for Filters and Toning Effects.
    Drive modes Single/ Continuous L/ Continuous H
    Continuous Shooting Max. Approx.8.5fps. (speed maintained for up to 48 images (JPEG), 22 images (RAW)) (2)
    RECORDING PIXELS / COMPRESSION
    Image Size (L)3504x2336, (M1)3104x2072, (M2)2544x1696, (S)1728x1152, (RAW)3504x2336
    Compression JPEG (1-10 settings, user selectable), RAW (Canon RAW 2nd edition)
    FILE FORMAT
    Still Image Format JPEG (Exif 2.21 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system (2.0), Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
    RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording Yes (separate formats to sperate cards)
    Folders Folder creation & selection is possible
    File Numbering (1) Consecutive numbering
    (2) Auto reset
    (3) Manual reset
    Processing Parameters 6 Preset 'Picture Styles' with 3 User defined settings
    Sound Files WAVE (monaural)
    DIRECT PRINT
    Canon Printers Canon Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge
    PictBridge Yes
    OTHER FEATURES
    Custom Functions 21 Custom Functions with 69 settings
    Personal Functions 27
    LCD Panel (EL) Illumination Yes
    Water/ Dust resistance Yes
    Sound Memo Up to 30sec per image
    Intelligent Orientation Sensor Yes
    Histogram Brightness: Yes
    RGB: Yes
    Playback zoom 1.5x - 10x
    Display Formats (1)Single image with information (inc. file size)
    (2) Single image
    (3) 4 image index
    (4) 9 image index
    (5) Magnified view
    Image Erase Protection Erase protection of one image, all images in a folder, or all images in the memory card can be applied or cancelled at one time
    Image Erase Single image, All
    Self Timer Approx. 2 or 10 sec.
    Menu Categories (1) Recording Menu
    (2) Playback menu
    (3) Set-up menu
    (4) Custom/ Personal Functions Menu
    Menu Languages English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian
    Firmware Update Update possible by the user.
    INTERFACE
    Computer IEEE 1394 (Supplied with 4-pin dedicated cable), USB 1.1(Mini-B, PTP)
    Other Video output (PAL/ NTSC)
    MEMORY CARD
    Type CompactFlash Type I/ II (Microdrive compatible)(3), SD memory.
    SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM
    PC Windows 98SE / 2000 / Me / XP
    Macintosh OS X v10.2-10.4
    SOFTWARE
    Browsing & Printing ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
    Other PhotoStitch, Remote Capture
    Drivers TWAIN (Windows 98/2000), WIA (Windows Me/XP)
    Image Manipulation Digital Photo Professional (Windows 2000 / XP)
    POWER SOURCE
    Batteries 1x Ni-MH pack NP-E3, 1x CR2025 for date & settings
    Battery life Approx. 1200 (at 20C) (5) Approx. 800 (at 0C)
    Battery check Automatic
    Power saving Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 or 30mins.
    A/C Power Supply Power adapter DCK-E1
    ACCESSORIES
    Case
    Lenses All EF lenses (excludes EF-S lenses)
    Flash Canon Speedlites (220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, Macro-Ring-Lite, MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2)
    Battery Grip
    Remote Controller/ Switch Remote control with N3 type contact
    Power Supply & Battery Chargers DC coupler kit DCK-E1, Battery charger NC-E2
    PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
    Body Materials Magnesium Alloy
    Operating Environment 0-45 °C, 85% or lower humidity
    Dimensions (WxHxD) 156.0 x 157.6 x 79.9mm
    Weight (body only) Approx. 1225g (battery weight 335g)

    2 Depending on memory card speed / capacity
    3 Compatible with all memory card capacities, including cards of 2GB and more
    4 with 50mm lens at infinity, -1 dpt
    5 Based on the CIPA Standard and using the batteries and memory card format supplied with the camera, except where indicated
     
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