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.

Ah Nikon maintaing the lead in Digital SLR sales..

But is that a good thing? Too many entry level models in the Nikon range recently, where are the serious cameras for professionals and advanced amateurs? The D200s with better noise control, the D3x that can top the 1D MKIII.

If you look at it from an optimists point of view its all good though, as more sales = more money = better R&D for better products.

So it could all turn out well in the end.

Nikon has led Canon in its share of the DSLR market in Japan for the past six months, according to latest sales figures.

‘Nikon nudged Canon from its pedestal in December with the introduction of the D80 in October,’ reports Japanese trade publication PEN News Weekly.

‘Since then it also launched the D40 and D40x and has been maintaining the lead for six months, with a 48% market share in May, while Canon ended up second with a 35% market share,’ adds the report which was based on figures released by market research firm BCN.

The statistics reveal a turnaround on a year ago when Canon held a 53% market share in Japan, leaving Nikon behind with 33% in June 2006.

The figures show that Sony’s market share dropped to 2.6% in May this year, from the near 20% share it held in July 2006.

Pentax’s share also fell compared to last summer, from 13% in July 2006 to 7% in May this year – putting Pentax in third place behind Nikon and Canon.

Olympus share has picked up since March - rising to 6.1% in May, a growth attributed to the launch of the Olympus E-410 digital SLR.

The figures were compiled from sales data received from 2,200 stores across Japan, including ‘large electronic home appliance merchandisers’, says PEN.

Source: Amateur Photographer

Canon has launched a new section of their site showing how the high grade lenses are manufactured in Japan (In this case it’s the EF 500mm F4L IS USM lens)

It’s a lengthy process.

You can see how the Raw materials are processed, the lenses machined and the final lens assembly process.

You can see the whole show here:

Canon Camera Museum - Virtual Lens Plant.

Some guy recently tested the current crop of SLR cameras with ‘dust removal’ systems to see how effective they actually are.

Sensor cleaning is becoming a standard feature on modern digital SLR cameras. While the manufacturers may use different techniques to get rid of the dust from the image sensor, they all promise clean, dust free images. Do they all work equally well? Can we throw our air blower away? We have tested the four different types of sensor cleaning technologies to see which one will most likely to fulfill the expectations.

I was quite surprised with the results, and how badly they all performed. It turns out they are all pretty much useless when it comes to cleaning/dust removal. Only the Olympus fared reasonably.

Here is our ranking according to effectiveness:

1. Olympus: good
2. Canon: poor (we are disappointed)
3. Pentax and Sony: useless (we are very disappointed)

If you are looking for a camera, have the dust removal as an expectation only at the end of your list. If sensor cleaning / dust removal is a must, the choices are limited to Olympus and Panasonic cameras.

Read the full test here:

Review: Dust removal systems / sensor cleaning