New Canon Cameras Offer HD Video, Power

By Geoff Duncan September 17, 2008

Canon has announced a bevy of new digital cameras, including new shooters for entry-level users, serious and pro-sumer photographers, and its much-anticipated EOS 5D Mark II DSLR digital camera, which can now shoot full frame high definition video. The announcements come just after Canon unveiled a new passel of cameras in August, which also ran the gamut from a pro-level DSLR to entry-level cameras.

First up, the EOS 5D Mark II offers a 21.1. megapixel resolution along with the capability to capture full HD video at 1,920 by 1,080 resolution and 30 frames per second (The camera can also handle VGA-resolution video capture.) The EOS 5D Mark II is the first Canon DSLR to offer video capture capability, and works with the camera’s Live View function so videographers can adjust sharpness, contrast, saturation, white balance, and other parameters, as well as tap into the full world of Canon EF lenses. The camera will record clips up to 4 GB in size or 29 minutes and 59 seconds, whichever comes first—depending on resolution, a HD clip hits 4 GB after about 12 minutes. Movies are stored in QuickTime .mov format using MPEG-4 compression, and audio is recorded without compression.

Also full-frame HD video might be the big feature in the EOS 5D Mark II, Canon has also packed in some new goodies, including sensitivity all the way down to ISO 25,600, a 15-point autofocus system, continuous still shooting at 3.9 frames per second, a 3-inch LCD viewfinder, and an integrated cleaning system to keep the sensor dust-free. The EOS 5D Mark II whould be available by the end of November, with a body-only configuration going for a suggested price of $2,699; a kit with a Canon EF 24–105mm ƒ4L US USM zoom lens will run $3,499.

If the EOS 5D Mark II is a little pricey, maybe check out that new PowerShot G10 which aims to provide the image quality of DSLRs while still appealing to serious amateurs. Teh PowerShot G10 offers a 14.7 megapixel resolution 5× optical zoom, and a 3-inch LCD screen, along with a 28mm wide-angle lens. The G10 also features a wide range of controls, including a dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial for quick exposure adjustments, along with 26 shooting modes. The G10 offers face detection, advanced motion tracking, optical image stabilization, and supports a wide range of accessories including a remote switch. Expect to see the G10 in October for a suggested price of $499.99.

Next up, the PowerShot SX10 IS packs the zoom, offering a 20× optical zoom, optical image stabilization, 24 shooting modes, and VGA video capture, all wrapped in a 10 megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The SX10 offers face detection and motion tracking technology, a face detection self-timer that can take a picture two seconds after a new face enters a scene, , and high ISO speed noise reduction processing—and the camera runs off four AA batteries so its easy to keep going on the road. The S10 should be available in October for $399.99.

Finally, folks looking for something smaller—or more colorful—might check out the new PowerShot SD990 IS and PowerShot SD880 IS Digital Elph cameras. The SD990 packs a 14.7 megapixel resolution, a 3.7× optical zoom, and a new Quick Shot mode, while the SD880 offers a 10 megapixel resolution, motion detection technology, a 3-inch LCD, and a 4× optical zoom. Both the SD990 and SD880 offer optical image stabilization, face detection (with self-timer), and intelligent contrast correction. Expect the see the cameras available in October, with the SD990 in black and silver for $399.99. (A limited edition SD990 will also be available in red from Canon’s online store as a celebration of making the 100 millionth PowerShot camera). The SD880 will also land in October for $299.99, and will sport a two-toned black-and-silver or gold-and-brown body.

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