Introducing the NX1000, NX210 and NX20
The innovative additions to Samsung’s NX range represent the future in CSC technology: SMART cameras with in-built Wi-Fi technology that allow users to connect to wireless networks without any additional cards or devices. Full Wi-Fi connectivity is complemented by an impressive range of features, continuing the heritage of innovation that the NX series has been consistently recognized for since the launch of the NX10 in 2010.

As standard, all three NX models feature a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, developed in-house by Samsung to give high quality images in rich color and detail. They are also fully compatible with the NX series’ unique i-Function system, enabling users to control parameters using the lens itself, adjusting the image without ever having to move off target. With Samsung’s range of nine lenses and professional standard accessories, the NX eco-system ensures that all imaging ambitions can be realised, whatever the user’s photographic speciality or interest.

Enhancing Samsung’s 2012 SMART CAMERA ecosystem, these latest additions to the NX range have been designed to satisfy the ambitions of users of all abilities, whether an experienced professional or someone just looking to trade-up from their point-and-shoot.

Enhancing Samsung’s 2012 SMART CAMERA ecosystem, these latest additions to the NX range have been designed to satisfy the ambitions of users of all abilities, whether an experienced professional or someone just looking to trade-up from their point-and-shoot.

The NX1000 is highly portable and its eye-catching compact design makes it as useable as it is attractive. Available in stunning White, classic Black or eye-catching Pink it houses a feature-rich range of specs, with technology such as Smart Auto 2.0 and the Smart Link Hot Key, making it simpler than ever to shoot and share great images instantly.

The NX210 follows the NX’s design heritage, with a premium metallic finish. Like its predecessor the NX200, the NX210 also offers a 3.0” AMOLED display for viewing images and Full HD movies in brilliant resolution. With easy access to Wi-Fi functions, the NX210 allows quick sharing with friends and family, whilst with Samsung Mobile Link users can show off their best images on phones and tablets, or on the big screen with TV Link connecting the NX210 wirelessly to internet-enabled TVs.

The NX20 is the perfect match for enthusiast amateur or professional photographers looking for a highly portable camera that gives the professional look and feel of a DSLR but at a fraction of the size and weight, with the addition of an ergonomic grip to fit comfortably into the hand. Delivering impressive speed with its 1/8000s Fast Shutter, breath-taking images are shown on its clear 3.0” clear AMOLED swivel display, increasing visibility by approximately 20%. The NX20 also incorporates a range of functions and manual controls in order to deliver pro-standard pictures every time, including SVGA EVF so users can frame images like a professional.

In-Built Wi-Fi for simple sharing and saving
With Samsung’s latest SMART features, users can share pictures at the touch of a button, uploading to social networks including Facebook and Picasa, or emailing them to friends and family – all straight from their new NX camera. The cameras also offer further options for capturing and displaying images via other devices, including the ability to link to a Samsung smartphone and use as a remote viewfinder, and – with the Samsung Mobile Link function – to display images on devices such as tablets or internet-enabled TV.

Creative control at the touch of a button
Pictures shared on the spur of the moment are no longer restricted to simply shooting and sending – with the creative features of the new NX cameras, Facebook pictures can be artistic without ever going near a computer. The ten Smart Filters and added Selective Color function, for example, mean that users can adjust the look and feel of shots as they take them. In addition, all three cameras also feature Panorama and 3D Panorama, allowing the whole story to be told in one complete picture. With the Smart Panel featured on all the new models, settings and features can be easily accessed and applied, making creative photography easier than ever.

Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics, commented: “The three new additions to the NX range mark an evolution in Samsung’s SMART CAMERA offering, demonstrating our understanding that digital imaging is about sharing the best moments with family and friends, and not only about taking great pictures. Samsung is paving the way, introducing the world’s first SMART Compact-System-Cameras for professional standard images that are worth sharing.”

“With the inclusion of in-built Wi-Fi connectivity, our customers can now share pictures and videos straight from their NX camera. More importantly, however, the NX camera’s wireless connectivity does not mean sacrificing fantastic image quality – you can now have the best of both at your fingertips. This dedication to innovation will make Samsung a leader in the SMART CAMERA market.”

Canon unveils the EOS 60Da

The EOS 60Da is ideal for shooting astronomical phenomena such as diffuse nebulae – a favourite among astrophotographers due to the distinct red colour caused by the ionisation of hydrogen. In a standard DSLR, an infrared (IR) filter limits the amount of H? light that passes through to the camera sensor, reducing the transmission of red signals to prevent unwanted colour artefacts in the final image. However the EOS 60Da features a new modified filter that offers three times more transparency for H? light than the EOS 60D, combined with an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processing and a high ISO range to capture crisp, clear images of red-coloured emission nebulae.

High resolution, high sensitivity and low noise
The EOS 60Da provides astrophotographers with high performance and creative flexibility. Its 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is ideal for capturing rich detail in star clusters, and advanced performance at high ISO speeds up to ISO 6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800) ensures images are low in noise, reducing the need for longer exposures and star tracker mounts. Working alongside powerful 14-bit DIGIC 4 processing, the sensor also provides excellent signal-to-noise ratio in final output data, producing pictures that are rich in natural colour with smooth tonal gradations – ideal for capturing the subtle colour transitions of interstellar gas clouds, for example.

Easy control
Utilising the advanced ergonomics of the EOS 60D, the EOS 60Da has been designed to be comfortable to hold and highly customisable. A curved shape features an easy-to-reach button layout, with frequent controls grouped together for easy access. Controls can be easily adjusted and reassigned to suit each user’s individual requirements, and a top LCD screen with backlight illumination provides additional flexibility to monitor and adjust image parameters mid-shoot. A dedicated Quick Control button also provides instant and convenient access to the full range of camera settings during shooting.

The EOS 60Da also features a 7.7cm (3.0”) Vari-angle wide LCD screen and Live View support – ideal for composing shots using a tripod. The screen’s Vari-angle hinge provides flexibility, while Live View mode provides convenient, precision control, allowing photographers to finely adjust composition and camera settings. The LCD’s fine 1,040k-dot resolution also provides exceptional levels of on-screen detail during and after shooting, allowing astrophotographers to compose and review their shots with confidence.

For more flexible shooting, the EOS 60Da is compatible with the optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3¹ – a programmable remote shutter control that allows the adjustment of settings without disturbing the camera’s position. The TC-80N3 provides the flexibility to remotely capture images at custom-selected intervals or shoot exposures over long periods, making it ideal for shooting time lapse movies of the night skies. A supplied ACK-E6 AC Adaptor allows continued shooting using mains power – ideal for long exposures – and EOS Utility software allows users to control settings, or view the framed image from a PC or Mac connected via USB mid-shoot.

As part of the EOS System the EOS 60Da is also compatible with the world’s most comprehensive selection of interchangeable lenses, ranging from the 8mm to 800mm – providing both power and exceptional creative choice for astrophotographers.
EOS 60Da – key features:

• Enhanced sensitivity to IR light
•  18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen
• ISO 100-6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800)
• Time-lapse shooting with EOS Utility or optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3

Pricing and Availability
The EOS 60Da is available from June 2012, priced at £1,174.99/€1,399.00 RRP incl.VAT.

B&H Photo is excited to share with professional photographers the release of the Canon 60Da DSLR camera which features a host of updates and improvements for shooting long-exposures and deep-sky that will enthuse professional photographers who are serious about long-exposures and deep-sky astrophotography.

Canon Announces the 60Da Astrophotography DSLR Camera

The 60Da DSLR camera has been specifically redesigned for astrophotography right out of the box. So whether a photographer wants to use live preview on the pivoting display to get the composition of a constellation just right, or record the next meteor shower in stunning HD video, the EOS 60Da takes these fantastic features, among many others, and shoots for the stars.

B&H Photo Video is now accepting pre-orders on Canon 60Da DSLR camera

With features like manual exposure control, the option to attach on any of the Canon EF or EF-S lenses, and various audio adjustments–including an external stereo mic connection, and both manual and auto gain control–the Canon 60Da puts DSLR film-making at your fingertips. With the built-in 1920 x 1080 HD video resolution users will be able to capture MOV video clips up to 4GB in size (time depends on resolution). Other noteworthy features of the video function include in-camera editing, a number of other recording resolutions to choose from, and an HDMI output for one-cable connection to your HDTV.

Learn and research the Canon 60Da astrophotography camera at BH InDepth

Modified Infrared Cut Filter
Canon has altered the filter to provide the Canon 60Da with greater infrared light sensitivity and enabled it to achieve hydrogen-alpha light transparency. Hydrogen-alpha, also referred to as H-alpha or H?, is a very specific red visible spectral line created by hydrogen with a wavelength of 656.28nm. This red visible line in the spectrum occurs when hydrogen electrons fluctuate between the second and third-tiered orbits (or energy levels) of a hydrogen atom (according to the Balmer Series). When they move between these levels they absorb or release energy; and this emission and absorption of energy occurs at 656nm. The IR cut filter modification of the 60Da helps to allow as much light as possible to pass through this narrow bandwidth at the H-alpha frequency.

B&H Photo Video is currently accepting pre-orders on Sony NEX-FS700 and NEX-FS700 camcorder kit

Sony Announced a More Powerful Fully Professional Large Sensor Video Camera

The fully professional Sony NEX-FS700 large-sensor video camera is now available for Pre-Order at B&H Photo Video. Unlike smaller, broadcast-style sensors or the larger “full-frame” sensors of some DSLR s, the NEX-FS700′s imaging area matches that of standard Hollywood film cameras, providing complete compatibility with cine-style film lenses (sold separately), as well as any of Sony’s optional E-Mount lenses. The sensor’s large size offers a variety of other advantages, including increased control over depth of field, higher sensitivity in low light, lower image noise, and an exceptional dynamic range.

Sony FS700 is able to shoot full 1080p video in a range of frame rates up to 60p, supports 4K 12-bit RAW data live recoding at up to 4096 x 2160 resolution. Plus, the FS700 provides the option of recording AVCHD footage onto SD or FMU port, or it can output 4:2:2 video (with embedded timecode) and RGB via HDMI 1.4 to an external recording unit. Simultaneous recording to both is also possible when instant backup is called for. There’s no stinting on audio, either, as the camera includes not only a shotgun microphone with mount/carrying handle, but dual XLR inputs for recording uncompressed, professional-level sound from an external source.

Other features -such as 3.5″ LCD panel with detachable with viewfinder attachment, super sensitivity, four ND filters and 1 – 960 fps super slow motion, all help to set this model in a class truly by itself. Not only will it intercut perfectly as a 2nd unit or B camera, it can stand on its own in applications as diverse as indie film, commercials, music promos, education, and wedding videos.

Read and learn more detail information about the Sony NEX-FS700 at BH InDepth

At this time Sony also announced the HXR-NV30 Camcorder

B&H Photo Video is pleased to share with professional photographers that the Canon EOS-1D X camera is now available for pre-order.

Canon Announces Price for Flagship EOS 1DX Digital SLR Camera

Starting with the camera’s imaging sensor, the EOS 1D X contains a full-frame, 18.1MP CMOS sensor that features pixels that are 1.25 microns larger than the pixels found in Canon’s EOS-1D Mark IV, and 0.55 microns larger than the pixels found in Canon’s EOS-5D Mk II, which combined with gapless micro lenses, should translate into greater dynamic range, less noise and smoother shadow-to-highlight transitions than both of the aforementioned cameras. As with all EOS 1D-series cameras, the 1D X features 14-bit A/D conversion for optimal color and tonal range.

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera is designed with the pro shooter in mind, as evidenced by its tough magnesium alloy body, large 3.2″ LCD, the Intelligent Viewfinder, and of course the 18.1Mp CMOS sensor, among other professional features. If you’re looking for a tough rig that knows what a photographer wants and needs, then Canon answers the call with this impressive offering.

The EOS-1D X was built to stand up to the grind of daily shooting. In addition to its large pixel size – for outstanding still images and 1920 x 1080 video – the camera provides the serious photographer with a generous ergonomic design, along with smart layout of the controls. Dual CF card slots ensure that every shot can be captured, while the Gigabit Ethernet terminal and the WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter and the GPS connection provide quick connectivity for file sharing on the fly. What’s more, the magnesium alloy body is dust and weather resistant, and features shutter durability of up to 14 fps for up to 400,000 cycles – allowing you to do your job without hesitation, or worry.

In the performance department, the new camera boasts a total of three image processors including a pair of Canon’s latest DIGIC 5+ image processors and a DIGIC 4 image processor, which has the sole duty of operating the EOS-1D X’s 100,000-pixel RGB Metering System and new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking & Recognition) and 61-Point High Density Reticular AF system.

In addition to 12 frame-per-second continuous shooting speeds (or up to 14 fps in Super High Speed Mode), the new DIGIC 5+ imaging processors allow for lower noise levels, chromatic aberration correction for Canon EF optics (formerly a post-production chore), and a standard ISO range of 100 to 51,200, which is expandable to a lower ISO 50 and an expanded range of up to 102,400 (H1) and ISO 204,800 (H2).

Along with impressive still performance (JPEG/RAW/JPEG+RAW), Canon’s EOS-1D X offers HD video with full exposure control and a wide choice of frame rates, including 1080/30p (29.97), 24p (23.976), 25p, 720/60p (59.94), 50p, 480/60p (59.94), and all with 4GB of automatic file partitioning for continuous recording times of 29 minutes and 59 seconds.

Read more on the latest in photography news at BH InDepth

Sony Announces a New Powerful DSLR Camera

B&H Photo Video is excited to share with photo enthusiasts the release of the latest Sony A57 DSLR Camera.

B&H PHoto is now accepting orders on the Sony A57 camera.

Capture every moment beautifully
Even when shooting in challenging conditions, the accelerated speed, supreme sensitivity and cutting-edge functionality of the new A57 ensure beautiful results. Discover the pleasure and creativity of class-above interchangeable lens photography and HD moviemaking.

1200-zone Evaluative Metering
Achieve balanced exposures in wideranging lighting whether shooting photographs or movies. The 57 analyzes subjects and shooting situations based on light and color data taken directly from the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor at an extremely high 1200-zone density to enable highly precise metering and accurate subject recognition. One can choose between Multi segment, Center weighted, and Spot metering modes, and activate AF/AE lock by pressing the shutter button half way.

Two-axis White Balance
In addition to automatic white balance and a full range of white balance presets, the Sony A57 camera provides a two-axis White Balance mode for even finer white balance adjustment. This mode lets you adjust white balance in the amberblue and green-magenta directions to achieve more true-to-life color under almost any kind of light source.

Sophisticated styling
The sophisticated styling of the 57 is reminiscent of higher-grade models. Every curve and detail of the body has been painstakingly refined to enhance operational ease. The more one uses the A57, the more they’ll appreciate its class-above design.

Read more about the latest in photography news at BH InDepth

The Smart Camera Era Begins - SAMSUNG’s WB150F and DV300F SMART Cameras Available Now; Offer Connectivity for Instant Sharing Without Compromise

The WB150F digital camera enhances the advanced optical zoom and image quality that the WB line of cameras are known for, with wireless capability to facilitate sharing and saving images – wherever users are in the world. Housed in a compact, lightweight and durable body, the new 14.2-megapixel WB150F from Samsung makes the perfect travel companion with an 18x optical zoom.

The DV300F builds on the success of Samsung’s popular DualView line and includes a 1.5-inch LCD on the front of the camera to assist in self-portraiture, or keep children focused while capturing memories, thanks to colorful animations to draw their attention. It’s also the first model in the DualView line to integrate wireless technology for instant storage and sharing on Facebook, Picasa, PhotoBucket and YouTube.

“Both the DV300F and WB150F cameras take such impressive pictures that people will want to share them immediately – and with integrated wireless features, they’ll be able to do just that,” said Reid Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Digital Imaging, Samsung Electronics America. “Now, photographers don’t have to compromise. They get the benefits of a great digital camera – including optical zoom, high quality image sensors, true flash and image stabilization – along with the connectivity they expect.”

Advanced Wireless Features

With the wireless capabilities included in both the new Samsung WB150F and DV300F cameras, sharing is quicker and easier than ever. From any Wi-Fi hotspot, users can email photos, or share them on social networks such as Facebook and Picasa or post videos to YouTube in a few simple steps.

The new login browser featured on the WB150F and other SMART camera models, makes it possible for users to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot in hotels, airports, coffee shops or other locations which may require visiting a landing page before gaining access to an internet connection.

Connect to the Samsung Ecosystem

The new Smart Cameras also interface with Samsung’s line of Smart TVs, Blu-ray players, PCs, tablets and smartphones, creating a truly unique and integrated ecosystem.

The WB150F and DV300F cameras support Remote Viewfinder features, allowing users to remotely control the camera’s shutter, zoom and flash from the palm of their hand, using a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet.

Samsung TV Link allows the new Smart Cameras to connect to a TV or Blu-ray player without wires – so photos and movies can be shared and enjoyed on the biggest TV on the house.

The Samsung Mobile Link application makes it a snap for users to transfer photos from the camera directly to a supported phone or tablet, using a free app available for download in the Android marketplace. Further, the new Smart Cameras support WiFi Direct technology for peer-to-peer transfers with any Samsung Galaxy device – no wireless router required.

The Auto Backup function easily manages users’ photo transfers by quickly and securely connecting the camera wirelessly to their PC – no need for clumsy USB cables or fumbling with memory cards.

Microsoft® Sky Drive® Cloud services are also integrated into the new models– so photos can be accessible anywhere, and from any connected device. Additionally, the in-camera editing feature allows users to edit images directly on the camera prior to sharing them, eliminating the need for a PC to make adjustments.

Exciting Shots Made Easy
Samsung’s Smart Auto setting analyzes, identifies and automatically selects the most appropriate of its scene modes to provide users with the best possible result every time. From a brilliant fireworks display to a dimly-lit party environment, scene detection technology identifies the shooting conditions and automatically tailors the settings to help achieve standout results. For users seeking more control over their photo-taking experience, the WB150F allows them to explore their own photographic skills with the Full Manual Control setting, while also taking advantage of the camera’s dual image stabilization (DIS).

Whether filming exotic locations and fauna on vacation or capturing sentimental family footage on the football field, Samsung’s latest cameras allow users to capture and share their video in stunning HD quality. The WB150F and DV300F feature fantastic 720p/30fps HD recording, ensuring that once-in-a-lifetime experiences are captured in the same color and vibrancy that existed in real life.

Dynamic Live Panoramas Capture the Big Picture
The Live Panorama function featured on the WB150F, allows consumers to capture even more of the action, facilitating wide panoramic shots which don’t miss any of the detail, from sprawling mountain peaks through to large groups of friends. By simply holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across the subject users want to capture, the camera can seamlessly stitch together a dynamic scene. Users can even preview the whole image they’ve just captured via the ultra-clear AMOLED screen.

Fun Features Add Pizazz to Pictures
With Split Shot, camera users can divide the screen into three separate shots and create up to three different photographs by simply blending them together to create a whole new view of their travels. Using Magic Frame they can also position their target in the middle of a fun background – either choose from one of the many pre-designed backgrounds like movie billboards or posters or erase part of an existing picture to get even more creative! Or use the Picture-in-Picture feature to insert a photo – whether an eye-catching monument or personal portrait into another image or video so users can combine their favorite shots to make a memorable collage. Finally, users can also bend, stretch, and warp pictures of friends and family for big laughs — with the Funny Face feature. Simply press the 5-direction key to enlarge heads or noses, or create hilarious distortions. When they move the camera, Face Tracking preserves the funny looks just the way they want them.

Pricing and Availability
The WB150F (MSRP: $229.99) and DV300F (MSRP: $199.99) are now available from authorized Samsung retailers. For more information on the WB150F, DV300F and the full line of Samsung digital cameras, please visit www.samsung.com .

Creativity, redefined - Canon unleashes the EOS 5D Mark III

Incorporating feedback from photographers worldwide, the EOS 5D Mark III offers improved performance in virtually every area. A new 22.3 Megapixel (MP) full-frame sensor offers the ideal balance of resolution for stills and HD movies and up to 6 frames per second (fps) shooting, whilst a 61-point AF system and 63-zone metering provide greater speed, flexibility and accuracy. Powered by the latest DIGIC 5+ processing technology, the EOS 5D Mark III also features enhanced video functions, offering improved image quality alongside greater audio control – redefining creative possibilities for photographers and amateur videographers alike.

“The EOS 5D Mark III represents a big step forward for the EOS 5D series” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “The EOS 5D Mark II is an exceptional camera and we’ve listened carefully to feedback from its passionate community of users to improve performance in every area.  This camera has been designed to meet virtually any creative challenge – it’s faster, more responsive and features the tools to adapt to everything from studio photography to creative videography, while producing results of the highest quality.”

Enhanced performance
With its comprehensively upgraded specification, the EOS 5D Mark III is the ideal tool for the growing number of photographers shooting both stills and movies. It incorporates a number of the features launched with Canon’s revolutionary EOS-1D X, providing vastly improved performance, flexibility, handling and durability.

The camera’s newly-developed 22.3MP full-frame sensor provides increased resolution and finer detail, enabling the capture of a wide range of scenes, from sweeping landscapes to beautiful portraits. Higher speed continuous shooting also offers expanded creative possibilities. With an increased 8-channel read out, the camera comfortably handles a maximum full resolution speed of up to 6fps in bursts of 18 RAW images or over 16,000 JPEGs¹, without the need for additional accessories. Additionally, the sensor’s advanced architecture offers a huge native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 102,400, making it possible to capture clean, high quality pictures, even in extreme low-light conditions.

The EOS 5D Mark III utilises the same 61-point wide-area AF system as the flagship EOS-1D X, providing exceptional sensitivity, precision and speed. One of the most advanced AF systems currently available, it features an impressive 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type points, providing unsurpassed accuracy across the frame. The customisable AF pre-sets introduced in the EOS-1D X are also available, helping the capture of traditionally challenging subjects, and providing additional reliability in situations where subject movement can be unpredictable.

Highly accurate exposures are provided by Canon’s acclaimed iFCL metering system, which incorporates a 63-zone Dual-Layer sensor linked to each point of the AF system. Focus information gathered from the AF system is analysed alongside colour and luminance signals measured by the metering sensor itself, enabling the EOS 5D Mark III to deliver consistently accurate skin tones and excellent results in a wide range of shooting situations.

Creative performance without compromise
The EOS 5D Mark III features Canon’s latest DIGIC 5+ image processor, which powers a range of new functions without affecting the camera’s performance. 14-bit A/D conversion provides smoother tonal gradation and transitions between colours, while in-camera HDR shooting combines three different exposures and allows one of five preset tone maps to be applied, enabling photographers to capture all the detail in high contrast scenes. With in-camera RAW processing and editing capability, photographers also have the option to immediately begin post-processing their images while still on a shoot.

The increased power of DIGIC 5+ also enables a range of tools which contribute to higher image quality. Lens peripheral illumination correction, Lens chromatic aberration correction (lateral and axial) and high ISO noise reduction are all performed in-camera without affecting performance, allowing photographers to continue shooting without any camera lag. Additionally, in-camera image rating via a dedicated button makes it easy for photographers to organise images ahead of post-production.

The EOS 5D Mark III features a new Creative Photo button, which enables users to quickly select Picture Styles and capture multiple exposures, as well as offering direct access to the HDR shooting mode. In playback, pressing the Creative Photo button displays a new comparative playback function, displaying two images side-by-side to allow photographers to view, magnify and compare the quality of different exposures mid-shoot.

For situations where photographers want to avoid being noticed, such as weddings, the EOS 5D Mark III also features a new silent shooting mode that dramatically reduces the sound of the shutter and mirror, ensuring they can work quietly in the background. A continuous silent mode is also available, enabling photographers to capture faster-moving subjects without attracting attention.

Next generation EOS Movies
The EOS 5D Mark III builds on the reputation of the EOS 5D Mark II, with a range of new features introduced following feedback received from photographers to provide even better Full HD video performance. As well as offering the depth-of-field control loved by video professionals, the new full-frame sensor combines with the vast processing power of DIGIC 5+ to improve image quality by virtually eradicating the presence of moiré, false colour and other artefacts. The addition of a movie mode switch and a recording button also offers greater usability, enabling videographers to begin shooting immediately when movie mode is engaged.

Additional movie functions include manual exposure control and an enhanced range of high bit-rate video compression options, with intraframe (ALL-I) and interframe (IPB) methods both supported. Variable frame rates range from 24fps to 60fps, and the addition of SMPTE timecode support provides greater editing flexibility and easier integration into multi-camera shoots. Users can also check and adjust audio during recording via the camera’s Quick Control screen and a headphone socket enables sound level monitoring both during and after shooting. Enhanced processing power provided by DIGIC 5+ also makes it possible to conveniently trim the length of recorded movies in-camera.

Professional build, easy operation
The EOS 5D Mark III has been built to offer photographers easy-handling and robust build quality. Its lightweight, high-grade magnesium body offers advanced weather proofing for protection against the elements, while the construction of the shutter has also been reinforced, with 150,000-cycle durability making it ideal for repeated, everyday use. An enhanced version of the Intelligent Viewfinder featured in the EOS 7D offers approximately 100% coverage, as well as an on-demand grid display via the built-in transparent LCD.

The same reinforced 8.11cm (3.2”) Clear View II LCD screen as used by the EOS-1D X provides high quality framing and playback in all conditions. 1,040k-pixels provide the resolution to accurately check image sharpness and focus, while the gapless structure design introduced with the EOS-1D Mark IV prevents reflections and protects against dust or scratches. A headphone socket and locking mode dial have been included, while the inclusion of a UDMA 7-compatible CF card slot plus an SD card²  slot enables shooting to both cards simultaneously, auto switching when the one in use becomes full and the option to copy images from one card to the other in-camera.

Digital Lens Optimizer – new in Digital Photo Professional v3.11
The EOS 5D Mark III comes complete with the most advanced version of Digital Photo Professional (DPP) yet – Canon’s free, in-box software enabling high-speed, high quality processing of RAW images. New in DPP v3.11 is Digital Lens Optimizer – a revolutionary new tool designed to drastically improve image resolution take the image nearer to how the scene appears to the naked eye. This creates exceptionally detailed, high-quality images with highly manageable file sizes, providing photographers with maximum image quality and greater flexibility.

Digital Lens Optimizer (DLO) precisely imitates lens performance, with a series of complex mathematical functions replicating each stage of the journey of light through the optical path. Using this information DLO can correct a range of typical optical aberrations and loss of resolution caused by a camera’s low pass filter, by applying an inverse function to each shot to take the image nearer to how the scene appears to the naked eye. This creates exceptionally detailed, high-quality images with highly manageable file sizes, providing photographers with maximum image quality and greater flexibility.

EOS System compatibility
As part of the EOS System, the EOS 5D Mark III is immediately compatible with over 60 EF Lenses, including the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – the new, essential wide-angle zoom lens from Canon’s famous L-series. The camera is also compatible with a newly-announced range of accessories designed to offer extended creativity, including the Speedlite 600EX-RT – a high performance TTL flash with wireless radio connectivity. Additionally, the new Battery Grip BG-E11 offers greater handling flexibility alongside the ability to double the camera’s battery life.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III – Key features:
• 22.3 Megapixel full-frame sensor
• 61-point autofocus
• Up to 6fps continuous shooting
• Native ISO 100-25,600 sensitivity
• Full HD video with manual control
• 14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor
• Enhanced Weather sealing
• 8.11cm (3.2-inch) 1,040,000-dot screen
• HDR mode with presets

Pricing and Availability:

The EOS 5D Mark III will be available from end of March 2012, priced at £2999.99 / €3569.99 RRP including VAT.

EOS 5D Mark III first look

The EOS 5D Mark III will be available to touch and try on the Canon stand at the Focus on Imaging Show 2012 4th March to 7th March 2012, NEC Birmingham.

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¹When used with UDMA 7 certified cards
²Compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC cards and Eye-Fi connected functions

Shoot with freedom - Canon unveils new range of professional accessories

Sitting at the top of Canon’s range, the Speedlite 600EX-RT is Canon’s first flash unit to feature inbuilt wireless radio connectivity and replaces the advanced Speedlite 580EX II. Partnering with the new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT, this new model offers enhanced opportunities for photographers wishing to explore creative lighting techniques. In addition, Canon is also launching the BG-E11 battery grip, Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7 and GPS Receiver GP-E2, which complement the newly-announced EOS 5D Mark III – offering increased versatility across a range of shooting situations – from studio portraits to field-based shoots –  with a compact lightweight and affordable configuration.

Speedlite 600EX-RT – Taking creative flash further
The Speedlite 600EX-RT is a high-performance TTL flash unit designed to meet the expanding creative needs of modern professionals. Integrated radio frequency triggering, in addition to standard infra-red wireless flash control, allows photographers to achieve exciting results with complex on-and-off-camera lighting set-ups. Using one master 600EX-RT or the new ST-E3-RT radio-frequency wireless Speedlite transmitter, up to 15x 600EX-RT flash units, positioned up to 30m away, can be remotely triggered – offering great potential to experiment with more creative lighting techniques and effects. EOS cameras with a connected Speedlite 600EX-RT can also be triggered remotely by either model, allowing photographers to explore more extreme shooting angles to produce surprising and inspiring creative results.

Subjects over a wide range of distances can be lit creatively or evenly exposed, thanks to an increased guide number of 60m¹  and wide lens coverage of 20 – 200m. For wide-angle shots, a diffuser adapter can also reduce the focal length to 14mm and the bounce-and-swivel flash head creates more flattering, shadowless effects. Ideal for shooting portraits, a catch-light panel produces natural catch-lights in the eyes of a subject when shooting with bounce flash. Additionally, custom flash coverage options provide more creative scope by using guide number priority to light the subject, while creating slightly darker edges to the frame.

Like its predecessor, the Speedlite 600EX-RT communicates white balance settings to the camera through the hot shoe connection. However, to further balance flash and ambient light, a new colour filter adapter and two supplied colour gels can be fitted to balance the temperature of the flash and create a more natural effect when shooting around tungsten or mercury lighting. When shooting in dark conditions, photographers can also employ the AF-assist beam for accurate autofocus with lenses of 28mm or longer, ensuring the subject remains in focus when the flash fires

Designed for professionals, the Speedlite 600EX-RT and Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT feature a robust, weatherproof design matching that of the EOS-1D X, with a clear LCD display making it easy to select settings and switch between normal flash mode and wireless modes.  Powered by four AA/LR6 batteries for added convenience, the Speedlite 600EX-RT offers fast, silent recycle times, allowing photographers to keep shooting and exploring creative lighting effects in all conditions.

WFT-E7 – High-speed wireless control
The WFT-E7 is a new wireless file transmitter for a wide range of EOS models. For those who need to transfer their images quickly and easily, for example, photojournalists or sports photographers, the new WFT-E7 provides enhanced versatility through high-speed Wi-Fi and support for wired connectivity over Gigabit Ethernet. Featuring 802.11a/b/g/n support for file transfer speeds of up to 150mbps, and Bluetooth for linking to external GPS units, the WFT-E7 offers super-fast image transfer direct to an FTP server or even to a DLNA² -enabled HDTV.

When creative shoots or harsh conditions require the photographer to control the camera from a distance, the WFT Server function of the WFT-E7 allows the camera settings and the scene framed in the viewfinder to be accessed and controlled through a web page on any internet-enabled device, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. Camera settings can also be changed remotely via EOS Utility, allowing photographers to control and trigger the camera over a wired or wireless LAN connection.

The WFT-E7 has a lightweight design and can be attached to the bottom of the camera, to the new bracket AB-E1 or even to the strap. For added versatility, it also supports Linked shooting with up to ten other cameras, with Wireless Time syncing ensuring that the time across all slave devices is aligned with the master camera in order to maintain consistency across multiple units. During Linked shooting, the WFT server function can also be activated to allow easy remote access to the master and slave cameras for even greater creative control of lighting effects during multi-camera shoots.

GP-E2 – Geo-tag your images with compact, lightweight GPS
Also launching today is the GPS receiver GP-E2 – a new compact, lightweight, high-performance hot shoe GPS unit which makes it easy for photographers to geo-tag their images.  Compatible with the EOS-1D X, EOS 7D³  and new EOS 5D Mark III, the GP-E2 tags photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken, adding information to the EXIF file of the image.

A GPS Logger function also allows photographers to track their route by downloading GPS data at regular intervals, whether the unit is attached to the camera body or stored in its case. Once back in the studio, photographers can tag their images with the GPS data stored in the log files and their route can be displayed using Google Maps or the bundled Map Utility software.

For improved accuracy and precision when recording the time of image capture, photographers can also synchronise the clocks of their cameras with the global atomic clock via UTC information downloaded from the satellite. This is particularly useful for professional photographers shooting with multiple EOS 5D Mark III bodies, who may wish to process all the images together and sort them according to the time each was recorded.

BG-E11 – Improved handling for the EOS 5D Mark III
For photographers who want to shoot for longer with the EOS 5D Mark III, the new ergonomic battery grip BG-E11, doubles the battery life with two additional LP-E6 batteries, with the added flexibility of using AA batteries as an emergency back-up. For those who frequently shoot vertically, such as sports or portrait photographers, duplicate AF start, Focus point and AE-lock controls in addition to a second Multi Controller and Control Dial make shooting vertically more comfortable and intuitive.

In keeping with the premium design of the EOS 5D Mark III, the BG-E11 is made of durable magnesium alloy and offers the same high standard of weather-proofing – ideal for harsher shooting environments.

Speedlite 600EX-RT Key features
• Guide number 60 (m, ISO 100, at 200mm)
• Radio triggering with 30m range
• Use up to 15 units together
• Infra-red wireless functionality
• Remote camera triggering
• Bounce-and-swivel head with zoom control
• White-balance correction filters
• Fast, quiet recycling

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT Key features
• Radio frequency remote flash trigger.
• Fire selected Speedlites from 30m away.
• Controls up to 15 flashguns.
• Remote camera triggering.
• Weather sealed against dust and moisture.

Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7 Key features
• Supports IEEE 802.11n
• Built in Bluetooth
• Versatile design
• Easy Wi-Fi protected Setup
• FTP server transfer
• Remote control functions
• DLNA media server compatible
• Linked shooting

GPS Receiver GP-E2 Key features
• Hotshoe-mounted GPS unit for compatible EOS cameras.
• Embeds location and altitude data into each file’s metadata.
• Digital compass records heading information.
• Data logging mode.
• Portable design, powered by 1xAA battery.
• Accurately set camera’s time using UTC time.

Battery Grip BG-E11 Key features
• Improved handling for EOS 5D Mark III
• Duplicate controls for vertical shooting.
• Larger grip for bigger hands.
• Use two LP-E6 batteries, or four AA/LR6 cells as an alternative.

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¹ISO 100 at 200mm setting
²Digital Living Network Alliance
³Via firmware update – connection via cable only