The last big Canon announcement was the low end Entry Level dSLR – EOS 500D / Rebel T1i – 15 Megapixels, now they have changed things up a bit and come out with a direct competitor to the Nikon D300/D300s.

Features

• 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• 8 frames per second continuous shooting
• 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
• 3.0 inch Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dots
• 19-point AF system (all cross-type)
• 1.0x magnification and 100% coverage viewfinder
• Wireless flash control
• Environmental sealing

It’s quite a beast, especially with 18megapixels, I think Canon finally released their 40/50D couldn’t compete with the Nikon D300 and now the D300s, so they had to step up their game.

Now they have with a high end APS-C (crop sensor) model in their line-up with dual Digic IV processors.

The full hands on preview is here:

Canon EOS 7D Preview

You can find sample images here:

Canon EOS 7D Preview Samples

So Canon has already come out with a successor to the succesful Canon EOS 450D – it seems to be a firm competitor to the Nikon D90 and in some ways is better than the Canon EOS 50D.

Features

• 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
• ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
• 3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
• Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
• 3.0” ClearView LCD with Live View mode
• 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
• High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System

I’ve seen some sample images and it looks incredibly clean up to ISO3200, plus the full HD capability (even if it’s only 20fps) – 720p will be fine for most people at 30fps.

I think this is going to be a popular model and Nikon needs to do something about the D60/D40x segment to strengthen their hold if they are really serious about the lower end models.

You can find a hands on preview here:

Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3 Digital) Preview

The Canon 5D MKII leaked specs weren’t quite accurate, but the more information got leaked towards the actual release date the more accurate it became.

One thing most people didn’t expect was full HD video (1080P)!

Features

• 21 megapixel CMOS sensor (very similar to the sensor in the EOS-1Ds Mark III)
• Sensor dust reduction by vibration of filter
• ISO 100 – 6400 calibrated range, ISO 50 – 25600 expansion (1Ds Mark III & 5D max ISO 3200)
• Auto ISO (100 – 3200) in all modes except manual
• 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
• DIGIC 4 processor, new menus / interface as per the EOS 50D
• RAW and SRAW1 (10 MP) / SRAW2 (5 MP)
• RAW / JPEG selection made separately
• Permanent display of ISO on both top plate and viewfinder displays
• AF microadjustment (up to 20 lenses individually)
• 98% coverage viewfinder (0.71x magnification)
• 3.0″ 920,000 dot LCD monitor with ‘Clear View’ cover / coatings, 170° viewing angle
• Automatic LCD brightness adjustment (ambient light sensor)
• Movie recording in live view (1080p H.264 up to 12 minutes, VGA H.264 up to 24 mins per clip)

Most people find the frame rate a little slow, but then it can’t be faster or it’d be eating into the Canon EOS 1Ds MKIII section of the market! It’s already full frame and with the same resolution, it’s a dangerous move by Canon..

Much like what Nikon have done with the new Nikon D700 Full Frame dSLR.

There was an awesome video shot by Vincent Laforet here, but it’s been taken down as Canon can’t handle the bandwidth! How crazy is that.

There some more preview stuff here, some high ISO shots here and plenty of other info popping up all over the web.

I have to say even has a Nikon user, this is a fantastic camera!

Full preview here:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Hands-on Preview

Canon is hitting the market with a new entry level dSLR to compete with the Nikon D40x and Nikon D60 offerings from Nikon and other entry level models like the Sony A200 and the Olympus E-420.

Features:

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 7-point wide-area AF system with f/5.6 cross-type centre point
• Up to 3 frames per second
• 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
• DIGIC III image processor
• Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
• Compact and lightweight body
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

It looks like Canon might be shifting their line-up a little to compete more evenly with Nikon.

This camera is lower spec than the 450D, means the next 4xxD series might be more in line with D80/D90 when it comes out and the next 40D/50D will shift up a gear to be more in line with the D300.

That leaves the 1000D series to compete with D40/D60/E-300/A200 etc.

It’s certainly an interesting development.

If they can someone hooked on the Nikon or Canon system by offering a competitive dSLR at only slightly more than a high end prosumer compact or bridge camera….they will make a lot more in the long run selling lenses, accessories, upgrade bodies etc.

It’s a slippery slope once you’ve started and now they’ve realised that they are pouring resources into the very bottom of the market.

This is good for us too in the long run, the more people using low end cameras means cheaper sensors for us and more money for R&D, whatever new tech they develop will go in the high end cams first.

Around a year after the launch of the Powershot G7, Canon has launched its new flagship compact for advanced photographers – the 12.1 Megapixel PowerShot G9. The successor to the PowerShot G7 – recently named EISA European Advanced Compact Camera 2007-2008 – the PowerShot G9 incorporates improvements driven by market feedback with a range of user-oriented enhancements, including RAW image capture and a redesigned grip and thumb rest for improved handling. Other advancements include a high resolution 3.0” PureColor LCD II, enhanced Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction in playback. A wide range of accessories – including optional lenses and Speedlite flash units – now also features Canon’s Speedlite ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter.

At last a compact with a proper hot shoe and compatible with off camera flash, I see a lot of G7’s going up for sale! RAW capability has thankfully returned too.

The PowerShot G9 features:

• 12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
• 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
• DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
• 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
• Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

The Powershot G7 was a camera I considered as a backup compact when I don’t feel like carrying my SLR or perhaps the batteries are flat along with the similar specced but cheaper A710 IS.

But the performance just didn’t quite do it for me, that’s why I went for the Fuji F31d instead, I’m looking forwards to the new F50fd with image stabiliser!

Of course we have to wait for the G9 reviews and see how it actually performs, it might disappoint just like the G7 did.