You can tell the PowerShot N is an unusual little shooter from the start, with its 78.6 x 60.2 x 29.3 mm body almost square face-on, and a hinged rear 2.8-inch touchscreen that folds up 90-degrees. Turn the camera over, so the screen is facing down, and you can hold it over your head and still frame shots; the picture flips 180-degrees automatically. Unfortunately, the LCD doesn’t fold up all the way, so you can’t use it to frame images from the front; that seems a missed opportunity, given Canon’s target audience of the photo-addicted.

While the touchscreen does most of the work, Canon hasn’t skimped on manual controls where they make more sense. To get in close, you twist the ring around the 8x optical zoom lens; pressing down on the ring – from any direction – fires off a shot. It takes a little getting used to initially, though you soon get comfortable with the system. Touch-focus can be used, or face-detection. On the sides, meanwhile, there are some physical switches and buttons: a key to power the PowerShot N on, one for image/video playback, and one to quickly connect with WiFi (b/g/n)to push images to a phone, tablet, or elsewhere. A switch on the other side puts the camera into Creative Shot mode, which automatically applies a range of effects to the original image.

Image quality is solid for a compact camera, with the 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor feeding shots through Canon’s DIGIC 5 processor. The company claims macro images down to a centimeter are possible, though we had a few issues with focusing when dealing with close-up subjects; there’s also lens-shift image stabilization, though you still need a pretty steady hand since the PowerShot N’s relatively light 195g weight and compact body makes it easy to move during shooting. The fact that you need to push the lens-ring sideways to take a picture can exacerbate that.

The Creative Shot system is a mixed bag. Canon uses a combination of different effects as well as cropping to muster up five alternative versions of your original photo (which is also saved), a little like Instagram but without manual control over what gets applied. Sometimes the results are quite pleasing, but other times the cropping is too obituary and the filters too heavy-handed.

Where the PowerShot N could be particularly interesting is in its potential for life-logging. Canon recognizes some may want to wear it round their neck, and so will offer a choice of neckstraps which clip onto the Frankenstein’s Monster-style silver lugs on either side of the camera. Unfortunately there’s no option to set up timed shutter release, so you’ll have to tap the button manually, but with a little work – perhaps a remote control smartphone app; Canon’s CameraWindow can be used to copy images off the camera to your iPhone or Android device, as well as GPS tag them, but not actually control it – it could end up a mass-market alternative to something like Kickstarter-funded Memoto.

Not all is good, however. The battery is good for around 200 shots (280 in Eco Mode) only, and obviously less if you take advantage of the integrated WiFi. It’s also not cheap: $299 or £269, when it begins shipping in the next few days. Still, if you’re looking for a reason to carry both your smartphone and a standalone camera, the PowerShot N makes a great party shooter and drops neatly into a pocket or purse.

Both of the camcorders feature a 1/2.84-inch CMOS imaging sensor and a RGB primary color filter. Both of the camcorders feature approximately 3.09-megapixel resolution total with 2.91-megapixels effective. Both units also feature 20 X optical zoom with a focal length of 3.67-73.4 mm.

The camcorders also feature a hybrid autofocus system supporting face priority autofocus, face only autofocus, and complete manual focus. The cameras both support full 1080p HD resolution recording in AVCHD and MP4 format with multiple frame rates. The camcorders also have special low light modes needing only 0.1 lux.

Other common features for the cameras include integrated dynamic Super Range optical image stabilization using lens shift technology. The cameras have an integrated optical viewfinder and 3.5-inch OLED displays. Dual memory card slots support SDXC cards. The only difference between the two cameras appears to be that the XA25 has a HD/SD-SDI connector to feed video directly to a microwave van, satellite uplink, or other TV transmission system. The XA25 will sell for $3199 with the XA20 selling for $2699. Both cameras are expected to be available at the end of June.

UPDATE from Canon: “The correct estimated list prices for the Canon XA25 HD ENG camcorder and XA20 HD professional camcorder are $2,999.00 and $2,499.00, respectively.”

[via Canon]

You’ll find nothing less than one of the best experiences you’ve ever had with a handheld video camera using this beastly 20x wide-angle (35mm equivalent: 26.8mm – 536mm) f/1.8 HD Video Lens. This lens uses same Hi-UD (Hi Index Ultra Low Dispersion) technology you’ll be finding in Canon’s XF professional camcorder line as well as a new 8-blade circular aperture using the same tech found in Canon’s EF series lenses. You’ve also got a dedicated manual focus ring as well as a custom key – make it work!

You’ve got a whole new HD CMOS PRO Image Sensor here that works in combination with your new DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization for what Canon notes will be “high sensitivity and wide dynamic range while providing images with low noise, more depth, and enhancing vibration control.”

With this camera’s new Dual Recording feature you’ll be able to grab both 1080/60p MP4 (35Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps). You’ll also find cinematic recording at Native 24p, a set of two SD memory card slots (amazing!) and Relay Recording. With Relay Recording your recording will instantly start on one SD card after the first has been filled – greatness!

• 0.24-inch high-resolution (1.56-million-dot) angle-adjustable color viewfinder (CVF) with a large-sized eyecup
• 45-degree angle CVF tilt
• built-in Remote Control Terminal (with LANC protocol support)
• manual color temperature adjustment (2,000K-15,000K in 100K increments)
• color bars with test tone
• manual shutter speed and aperture control
• all new zoom lever

And Wi-fi connectivity allows you to work with Canon’s new set of remote controls – you’ll be able to control your recordings from a web browser while using your PC, smartphone, or tablet. You’ll also be able to use Canon’s Movie Uploader app for iOS – easy and free!

The Canon VIXIA HF G30 camcorder will be available in June starting at an estimated retail price of $1,699.99 USD. We’ll be checking it out soon – stay tuned for SlashGear for all the most excellent Canon action, back to front!

The T5i uses an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. The camera also uses the Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor and boasts an ISO range of 100-12,800. That ISO range can be expanded to 25,600 in H mode. Canon promises that the new digital camera will deliver crisp and detailed images in lowlight conditions and can shoot continuously up to five frames per second.

The digital camera also boasts a cross-type autofocus with nine points of focus. The camera supports Live View mode and has a three-inch touchscreen LCD on the back. Canon has also unveiled a new lens to go along with the camera called the EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM that comes in the standard kit lens bundle. The camera uses the Stepping Motor technology allowing the lens to smoothly and silently focus on the subject automatically.

The rear LCD is a variable angle unit offering intuitive touch controls making the camera easy to use for new photographers. As with any DSLR, the T5i has a wide range of full manual controls and creativity features. The camera features seven integrated Creative Filters and special handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control, and Multi-Shot Noise Production modes. The camera can shoot full HD resolution video using a special movie mode. The camera body will be available in April starting at $749.99. Bundled with the previously mentioned kit lens the camera will sell for $899.99. A second bundle priced at $1099 will feature an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

[via Canon]

You can see a visual representation of the SL1′s small size in the first image in the gallery below, which contrasts it with the T4i (represented by the blue outline). The SL1 measures in at 4.6-inches wide by 3.57-inches high by 2.74-inches thick, weighing 14.36 ounces. While the small size is one of its most alluring features, it also has a lot to offer in its hardware specs.

The Rebel SL1 has an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range from 100 to 12,800 for photos, as well as ISO to 6,400 for videos. There’s a DIGIC 5 Image Processor, giving the SL1 the power to snap 4-frames-per-second. The autofocus is a nine-point system utilizing a Hybrid CMOS AF II sensor, as well as Movie Servo AF for video recording. Around back there’s a 3-inch touchscreen Clear View LCD that supports multi-touch gestures.

Canon’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Imaging Technologies and Communications Yuichi Ishizuki had this to say: “The EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera represents a new era in DSLR versatility: ultra-portable, full-featured DSLR cameras. The EOS Rebel SL1 combines the high speed, high image quality and expanded shooting range of a DSLR camera, with the easy and fun usability of a point-and-shoot camera.”

The EOS Rebel SL1 is slated for release next month at $649.99 for the body and $799.99 for a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens.

[via Canon]

Inside, users will find a DIGIC 6 Image Processor, as well as a 12.1-megapixel sensor. This combination helps to ensure that images are both high-quality and able to be shot in rapid succession. The ISO goes up to 6400, and low-light images are lower noise than you might get in some other compact devices due to the high-sensitivity sensor.

The SX280 HS offers full high definition video recording in up to 60fps, offering Dynamic Image Stabilization to prevent blurs. Content taken with this camera can be geotagged thanks to the integrated GPS receiver, which tags photos as you take them. Likewise, there’s integrated on Wi-Fi connectivity to make sharing images simple. When paired with the CameraWindow app, photographers can transfer photos from the camera to an Android or iOS device.

Yuichi Ishizuka, Canon’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Imaging Technologies and Communication Group, said: “Canon recognizes the importance of capturing the highest quality images possible and sharing them instantly and easily. The PowerShot SX280 HS Digital Camera with its impressive features provides users the resources to shoot in almost any situation and the creative tools to help capture their vision.”

The PowerShot SX280 is set for release next month for $329.99.

[via Canon]

That fits in with the chatter from a prematurely posted Best Buy listing which tipped us off to the EOS-b in the first place. The camera will apparently be called the EOS Kiss X7 in Japan, where it will have a price of 79,000 yen. Best Buy’s product page indicated a $799.99 US street price.

Other specifications include a 100 to 25,600 ISO range, and 9-point AF, using a hybrid CMOS AF system. Shutter speeds of 30-1/400 second will be supported, plus 1080p video recording. Storage is SD/SDHC/SDXC card, and the EOS-b uses Canon’s DIGIC5 processing.

We’ll have to wait until April to see the new EOS-b hit shelves, with an EF-S 18-55m zoom the kit lens. Given how close we are to that release date, we don’t expect to have to wait for long before Canon makes things official.

[via Canon Rumors]

The camera is called the Canon EOS-b and is an 18-megapixel camera that comes with an EF-S 18-55 mm zoom lens. The camera is expected to go official on March 22. The product specifications on Best Buy show that the camera will have a DIGIC 5 image processor and a 3-inch color TFT-LCD screen on the back. That screen has a resolution of 1,040,000 pixels and is touch sensitive.

The camera will record high-definition movies and has Movie Servo AF to keep your subject in focus while filming video. The camera also has an integrated monaural microphone and Video Snapshot feature with integrated editing capability. The listing calls out the ability to shoot photos at four frames per second.

Other features include an ISO range of 100-12,800 that can be expanded to 25,600. The camera has a nine point autofocus system, and optical viewfinder, built-in flash, and integrated optical image stabilization. It also has white balance controls, scene modes, advanced imaging features, and integrated face detection technology. The features sound pretty good for the money and it’s unclear exactly when you might expect to receive the camera if you pre-order.

[via Engadget]

The imageCLASS MF8280Cw offers a printing speed of 14-pages per minute for both color and black-and-white prints. The printer takes advantage of both Pure Black and Auto Graduation Adjustment technologies for producing consistent and accurate prints. There’s a 150-sheet cassette, a 50-sheet auto document feeder, as well as a single-sheet tray that serves multiple purposes.

The slightly more robust imageCLASS MF8580Cdw offers a printing rate of 21-pages per minutes for both color and black-and-white prints. Prints can be made remotely, and can be done via out-of-the-box duplex printing. There’s support for two-sided faxing, scanning, and copying, which can be performed via the printer’s seven-line display. The MF8580Cdw allows scans to be faxed and emailed directly from the printer. There’s a 250-sheet front cassette, 50-sheet duplex, 50-sheet multi-purpose tray, as well as an extended capacity 250-sheet cassette that is optional.

Both printers are compatible with Google Cloud Print, as well as Canon’s iOS app “Canon Mobile Printing.”

Canon’s Vice President and General Manager of its Business Imaging Solutions Group Sam Yoshida said, “To remain competitive in this market, home and office users need workhorse products that produce professional quality output at affordable prices. The new Color imageCLASS laser multifunction printers are high-performance machines that include necessary functions such as wireless connectivity to help create an efficient work environment.”

[via Canon]

Canon is implemented true mediated reality with its headset, using stereoscopic cameras on the front of the HM-A1 HMD to take a view of the real world and then overlaying computer graphics, which are then fed to the twin displays inside. They run at 1280 x 960 resolution, higher than many cheaper HMDs we’ve seen, and use a specially created free-form prism display system that Canon claims means less distortion and fewer optical aberrations around the periphery.

Capturing and displaying graphics is only part of the overall system, however. The MREAL setup also requires tracking data, to know where the user is looking and what they’re interacting with, and of course a software platform that hooks into whatever 3D environment you’re exploring. On the sensor side, there’s a combination of visual markers and an optional gyroscopic sensor, the latter of which tracks the orientation of the headset in space per frame of video.

It’s the markers, though, that are more commonly relied upon. MREAL can work with optical and magnetic sensors, including third-party brands, but the most obvious are a series of QR-like glyphs which can be used to mark the sides of a physical mock-up. By tracking those glyphs, MREAL can map the movement of the virtual object against the user’s manipulation of its physical counterpart.

So, a basic model of a car, or a camera, or the control surface in the plane could be marked out with a few MREAL glyphs, and then Canon’s system will overlay whatever proposed controls or components are intended. The wearer can interact with those controls as if they were real, able to “look around” the environment with the physical perfectly matched to the digital representation.

On the software side, Canon’s MR Platform has been designed to hook into the most common CAD and 3D visualization packages, with an MR Platform SDK to make integrating existing graphic design software with MREAL straightforward. RTT, the makers of 3D visualization software RTT DeltaGen, has already confirmed it will be combining the package with MREAL; existing customers include Audi, BMW, GM, Ferrari, and Porsche, as well as Adidas and Electrolux.

It’s not just prototyping and industrial design that Canon sees as benefiting from MREAL, however. Another avenue the company is pushing is museum use, where visitors would be able to don an HM-A1 headset and have characters – whether famous faces from history, dinosaurs, wild animals, or fantasy constructions – appear in the real-world with them, interacting as if themselves real. Another possibility is retail, where designers of custom furniture, architects, and others could use MREAL to walk their customers through the design refinement process, tailoring the final product to them without costly iterative prototyping along the way.

Compared to the wearable displays we’ve seen on Google’s Glass and from others, Canon’s is obviously a league ahead. The blending of the digital graphics and what’s actually going on around you is surprisingly good, with the mapping of the two very accurate. You can see your hands – if the system decides they’re relevant to the environment – and after a little acclimatization, it really is like you’re handling a more complex object or coming face to face with a dinosaur.

Interactive Demo Gallery

We tried several demos with the MREAL system, tailored to different potential clients. In an educational-style environment, we were able to interact with a virtual dinosaur, walk around it and pet it, while still seeing other people in the vicinity not wearing a Canon HMD. In another setup, we were able to virtually “kick the tires” of a digital car, customizing colors and trim, exploring the dashboard, and generally seeing what we could expect to be driving despite the real-world object being far more basic in its design. A virtual earth-mover allowed us to experience the cabin and identify ergonomic flaws, such as controls that blocked access to the cup holder, and which might normally demand a physical prototype be built before the issue was identified. There’s more details in our hands-on videos.

Hands-on Demo Gallery

As Canon and its partners see it, the big difference between something like Glass and its MREAL system is the introduction of haptics. “We’re already overloading the eyes as it is” Simiosys’ Christopher Stapleton explained to us. “The question is what’s going through what channel, and how. So, this whole aspect of multitasking isn’t about the number of tasks, it’s about competition for attention.”

“You have all the senses, in all dimensions and all directions, all this impact, we’re overloading the eyes in proportion to the hearing, or the touch. The eyes have depth-perception to a certain extent, but the only interactive sense we have is touch, so the aspect of mixed-reality and haptics is a huge jump in how much we can do. What [Google] is doing is too much in one area.”

Meanwhile, the traditional idea of a GUI – whether text or icons – is quickly becoming overwhelmed by the complexity of what today’s systems can deliver. Instead, Stapleton argues, systems like MREAL can take what would be a very complex interface and make it more naturalistic. Today’s users aren’t looking for ever-increasing menus and toolbars, he says, but gesture response, social interaction, and a more human way of encountering the digital world.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, all this doesn’t come cheap. Canon will be selling the entire MREAL Mixed Reality System – the HM-A1 headset and the MR Platform software – for $125,000 from March 1, with a $25,000 annual maintenance fee on top. That might sound expensive, but Canon balances it against the existing costs companies face of producing a hardware prototype. That process – which can be relatively quickly and affordably mocked-up virtually using MREAL – is an even more expensive one, and it’s easy to see how MREAL could earn its keep over time.

Canon MREAL Mixed Reality Presentation Gallery

First up is the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS, which features 10x optical zoom and a 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor. The device can be paired to both Android and iOS devices for wireless image transfer, and the camera itself can be used to comment on photographs that have been uploaded to social networking websites. Its connectivity features aside, the camera boasts Canon’s HS SYSTEM, which utilizes ISO up to 6400 for the most detailed low-light shots possible. The ELPH 330 HS will be available in March in Black, Pink, and Silver for $229.99.

The PowerShot ELPH 115 IS is more of a budget camera, lacking the wireless capabilities of the aforementioned model. The device boasts a DIGIC 4 processor, as well as a 16-megapixel sensor and 8x optical zoom. There are six stabilization modes to reduce blurs. Video footage can be recorded in high definition, and there’s an Eco Mode for power conservation. The 115 IS will be available in Pink, Black, Blue, and Silver for $169.99 in March.

Finally, there’s the PowerShot A2500, an A-series camera featuring a DIGIC 4 processor and a 16-megapixel sensor. The lens is a 28mm wide-angle that extends to 140mm with 5x optical zoom. Video can likewise be recorded in high definition, and images will come out as crisp as possible via Digital IS, which counters shake and subject blurs. Battery life can be extended via Eco Mode, and a handful of filters are in place, including Toy Camera and Fisheye. The unit will be available in March at $129.99.

Of course, those connectivity features might just pale in comparison to the touchscreen that stretches across the entire rear of the device. With this touchscreen, you can add captions to your photos from right there on the camera, and the screen even flips up to create something of a stand for the device. If you’d like, you can view the photos you’ve taken with the camera on your tablet or smartphone, and then use your mobile device to switch the camera off after you’re done viewing your images (though sadly you can use a mobile device to turn the camera on).

The PowerShot N has been officially dubbed a “creative” camera, which will suggest five different creative changes you can make to a photo. These could be anything from cropping to filters like black and white – officially, Canon is saying that the camera uses “intelligent screen analysis” to make these suggestions. Of course, the PowerShot N will also keep your original image, so if you’re not a fan of the suggestions the camera makes, your original will still be intact.

That’s a healthy amount of features for this little 12-megapixel shooter, but this still has plenty of the features you’d expect. These include low-light performance, ISO up to 6400, and the ability to capture video in 1080p. Canon says the PowerShot N will begin shipping in April 2013 and will come with a price tag of $300, which doesn’t seem too bad. We’ll hopefully be getting a closer look at the PowerShot N around then, but in the meantime, check out our CES portal for all of the news you crave from the show!

The 4k EOS-1D C offers a full-frame CMOS sensor, and can record video at 4,096 x 2,160 (24fps) in Motion JPEG. Putting it in perspective, the 1D utilizes about 3.8GB for every 60 seconds of recorded video. There’s Super 35mm Crop Mode and Canon Log Gamma. In terms of hardware, the 1D offers an integrated headphone port and HDMI with time code. The unit boasts dual DIGIC 5+ processors.

While the 1D isn’t available to most consumers yet, it has made its rounds, and as a result, there are a handful of nice test videos and images floating around online. The video below displays a variety of shooting situations from Untitled Film Works. The video was made to “explore the exciting possibilities of motion image photography” using the 1D.

The 1D is Canon’s first DSLR that offers 4k and full HD motion imaging on Compact Flash. The body is similar in weight and design to the 5D Mark II. Says Canon, “The EOS-1D C is designed to go where other 4K cameras cannot go – into hostile environments, into very cramped spaces, mounted on the end of extended jib arms, or embedded on-set.”

[via Engadget]

The MG6320 and MG5420 are all-in-one (AIO) printers, both of which offer wireless connectivity and can print a 6-inch x 4-inch photograph in approximately 21 seconds at max color. The MG6320 features six color tanks, while the MG5420 offers five; the six tank on the MG6320 is grey. Both printers support Full HD Movie Print, which allows high-quality prints to be made from HD videos recorded with PowerShot and Canon EOS cameras and VIXIA camcorders.

The PIXMA iP7220 wireless printer isn’t an all-in-one, and is aimed at consumers who want a simple, yet feature-rich, photo printer without the extra cost associated with AIOs. The iP7220 has a print rate of 15 images per minute in black and white, and 10 images per minute in color. Like the other printers, it can print a color 4 x 6 in about 21 seconds. Last but not least is the CanoScan, which is a consumer-level photo and document scanner offering 9600x9600dpi for film and 4800×4800 for everything else. The scanner includes an adapter for scanning 35mm film strips.

While none of the devices are available yet, Canon has given us estimated selling prices. The PIXMA MG6320 AIO printer has an estimated selling price of $199.99, while the MG5420 AIO printer is a bit lower at $149.99. The PIXMA iP7220 printer, meanwhile, is the lowest of the three printers, with an estimated selling price of $99.99. The CanoScan 9000F Mark II Photo Scanner is the same as the MG6320 at $199.99.

It can maintain its f/4 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, and is made up of 15 lens elements split into 12 groups. The aperture is a 9-blade circular and Canon has used inner focusing and a ring-type ultrasonic motor for quieter use, though which supports manual override at any time.

The EF 24-70 f/4L IS USM measures in at 93mm long, is dust and water resistant, and comes with a pouch and reversible lens hood. It’ll hit shelves in December, priced at $1,499.

As for the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM prime, that’s the fruits of the company’s work to improve picture quality around the edges of the frame, as well as make for a faster, quieter lens than its predecessor. It has optical image stabilization and the same manual focus override support as the new zoom, a circular aperture diaphragm, and has been coated for flare reduction.

It will go on sale, again in December, priced at $849.99.

Demand for cameras is actually mixed, Canon says, with different parts of its product range either struggling or  flying off shelves. Compact cameras continue to flail, “due to the stagnation of the global economy” it suggests, while interchangeable-lens cameras saw “robust growth in all regions.” However, the EOS Digital Rebel, 5D Mark III, and 60D all encountered lower sales than predicted.

Elsewhere in the product line, inkjet printers declined and laser printer demand leveled off; only multifunction devices were popular, with sales growing in the US and Europe.

Looking ahead, Canon warns that things may not change quickly. Interchangeable-lens cameras, such as its DSLRs, are tipped to slowly grow in demand, but compact cameras will need “high functionality and high added value” in order to draw consumer attention. Multifunction printers will grow steadily, the Company predicts, particularly in Japan and the US.

However, Canon has cut its full-year 2012 outlook predictions and now estimates a 0.7-percent decline in net sales, year-on-year, and a 5.9-percent decline in net income.

The new firmware will support a maximum aperture of f/8, even when 5D Mark III is fitted with an extender and lens /8, with central cross-type AF. Currently, that’s only compatible with maximum apertures of up to f/5.6. The benefit will be autofocus even when working with distant subjects and using a sizable zoom lens.

In addition to uncompressed HD output for an external recorder, once updated the 5D Mark III will support external, real-time, on-site monitoring of HD video during its recording.

Canon’s new firmware for the EOS 5D Mark III will be released, free of charge, in April next year. It’ll be available either to download from the company’s support site and install manually, or owners will be able to take their camera to their nearest Factory Service Center to have it installed for them.

The camera also offered the ability to record full HD resolution video and had a weatherproof design. Canon has announced that it now has a firmware upgrade available for the camera that adds in new features that users have been asking for. Once the new firmware supplied the digital camera is capable of AF point illumination during AI Servo AF and cross-type AF for maximum apertures as small as f/8.

The firmware update is being offered at no cost from the Canon website or the Canon factory service centers. The firmware update also allows the AF points in the viewfinder of the camera to be illuminated in red when the shutter button is pressed halfway during AI Servo AF to support the needs of photographers working in lowlight. Canon says that this feature will improve the photographer’s ability to aim the camera accurately in low light situations.

The firmware also allows an effectively expanded AF detection area size to enhance autofocus formats with subjects that are small in the frame and difficult to track such as animals or birds in flight. That is possible thanks to the four AF points surrounding the center point acting as AF Assist points. Canon says that AF points above and below the center are sensitive to vertical contrast with the points the left and right of center sensitive to horizontal contrast when AF point expansion is selected with compatible settings.

The Spark is priced well at $80 and is available for Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras. The lens is designed to let photographers capture creative images that have a sweet spot of focus surrounded by artistic blur. The Spark is a manual focus lens that photographers squeeze to focus and then tilt to move the sweet spot of focus around the image.

The Spark is a lightweight lens that uses a 50 mm selective focus multi-coated class doublet optic. The optic features a fixed f/5.6 aperture making it easy to use. Photos taken using the lens have a clear sweet spot of focus and that sweet spot of focus is surrounded by gradually increasing blur.

The focus range is about 13-inches to infinity according to Lensbaby. The lens is compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System, and all Lensbaby 37mm threaded accessories. The lens will be available on September 18 online and in retail stores.

The HTC One X was spotted in a leaked photo earlier today, and it would appear that many of the world’s online retailers are having some trouble keeping Wii U pre-orders in stock. Google Plus has grown to 400 million users total, with 100 million of those people using the social networking service actively. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer thinks that Windows 8 may prove to be as big as Windowws 95 (and talks very briefly about the “sweet spot” for Surface pricing), while we’re hoping that Microsoft’s Windows 8 event on October 25 will give us some more solid details on the price of Surface.

The Kindle Fire HD 7-inch tablet was the subject of a teardown earlier today, showing us just what exactly is under the hood. Speaking of the Kindle Fire, today Nokia confirmed that it has licensed its Location Platform to Amazon for use in the Fire line up, meaning that Amazon will be giving Google Maps the boot. JetBlue says it will soon be offering free Wi-Fi during its flights, and HP CEO Meg Whitman has looked to Apple for inspiration when it comes to redesigning the PCs and laptops it offers. Dragon Age III: Inquisition was officially announced today too, something we’re sure will get the anti-BioWare crowd all riled up.

The Angry Birds spin-off Bad Piggies was given its first gameplay video today (no it isn’t the same as Angry Birds), and today we got word that the Samsung Galaxy S IV may be launching as early as March 2013 – less than a year after the S III hit shelves. The Nokia Lumia 820 has been outfitted with a new bumper shell, and in one of the day’s more interesting stories, archaeologists may have uncovered a fort that was critical to Caesar’s conquest of Gaul. Canon revealed a number of new cameras today, but perhaps the most important reveal was of the Canon EOS 6D. Not to be outdone, Olympus had a couple of reveals as well, announcing the new Stylus XZ-2 iHS and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60MM F2.8 “Nature Macro Lens.”

Finally tonight, we invite you to check out new review of the Sony Reader PRS-T2. That does it for Monday’s Evening Wrap-Up, so go out and enjoy the rest of your night!

There’s also an integrated stereo microphone and a 10-frame burst photo mode capturing full-resolution shots, while the accessory shoe can be used for a flash or an optical viewfinder. Otherwise, you’ll be using the 3-inch 922k dot LCD. A waterproof housing is also available.

The Canon PowerSHot SX50 HS, meanwhile, brings a massive zoom to the party, slotting together a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a whopping 50x optical zoom (24-1200mm) with 24mm wide-angle lens, something Canon claims is an industry first. It unsurprisingly has optical image stabilization, and supports up to ISO 6400 and a 10-shot burst mode at full resolution.

A 2.8-inch, 461k dot multi-position LCD is on the back, together with an electronic viewfinder, and there’s a Zoom Framing Assist feature which locks onto a close-up subject, zooms back out to show you its context in the overall frame, and then zooms right back in on it again when you lift your finger off the button. 12-bit RAW + JPEG capture is an option too.

Finally, the Canon PowerShot S110 packs WiFi and the same sensor as the G15, here matched up to a 24mm wide-angle lens, 5x optical zoom, and f/2.0 aperture. It can offload photos to a computer remotely, or indeed be remotely controlled via the Canon CameraWindow app for iOS and Android.

Like the other two models, it can grab up to 10 shots in rapid succession, at full 12.1-megapixel resolution, and there’s ISO up to 12800 and Full HD 1080p video recording with stereo sound (and an HDMI output to watch it). On the back there’s a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen.

The Canon PowerShot G15, PowerShot SX50 HS and PowerShot S110 will all go on sale in October 2012, priced at  $499.99, $479.99, and $449.99 respectively.

There’s 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering and 4.5fps continuous shooting, along with various preloaded “creative modes” including a built-in HDR photography option – combining three exposures of the same frame into a single image, without requiring post-processing on a computer – and a Multiple Exposure mode which can combine up to nine images.

Video is captured at 1080p Full HD resolution, with support for 30,24, and 25 fps, while 60fps and 50fps are supported in 720p mode. The camera also offers manual control over exposure and audio levels while recording.

On the back, there’s a 3-inch 1,040k dot VGA resolution LCD display, which promises 100-percent coverage during video recording, as well as a viewfinder. Inside, meanwhile, you get both a WiFi chip and GPS – two options most DSLRs would demand you add separately – which allow the EOS 6D to offload its photos and video to your computer, smartphone or tablet, or indeed be remotely controlled via the free Canon EOS Remote app for iOS and Android. Geotagged content can be subsequently shown on a map with details of where, exactly, it was captured.

The Canon EOS 6D will go on sale in December, priced at $2,099 body-only. It will also be offered as a kit, with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USZ zoom, for $2,899.

Apple seems to be preparing its resellers for something, and some are thinking that it’s the rumored iPad Mini. One of Facebook’s earliest investors has sold off 20 million shares of his stock, it appears that a spec list for the next Galaxy Nexus has surfaced, and we think that Samsung might be onto something with it. Google Play gift cards have arrived at a number of retailers across the country, and Canon has announced a pair of new PowerShot cameras.

Nintendo is gearing up to show off the Wii U at a press event on September 13, while Sony says that there won’t be a PS3 price cut anytime soon. Verizon is saying no to late September vacations in anticipation of a new iPhone launch, and Everything Everywhere has been given early 4G access in the UK. Amazon has apparently submitted a new version of the Kindle to the FCC while astronauts aboard the International Space Station performed a spacewalk high above the Earth.

Sadly, the day didn’t only bring exciting news, as we were also told of the shutdown of the classic gaming magazine Nintendo Power. Bejeweled developer PopCap Games announced that it will be letting 50 of its North American employees go, and Dell revealed that profits slipped quite a bit in Q2 of its fiscal year. On a lighter note, Ford has a new vehicle that can reportedly go 570 miles on a single tank of gas, and on a weirder note, eBay has decided to stop allowing the sale of metaphysical items.

That does it for the news, but we’ve also got a couple SlashGear originals for you to check out, like this hands-on with Jawbone JAMBOX The Remix bluetooth speaker, and this review of the HP Z1 Workstation. Enjoy the rest of your evening, folks!

[Illustration via Vicki Ellen Behringer]

PowerShot SX500 IS

With this first of two units being introduced this week, Canon brings 30x optical zoom (up to 720mm) in a compact camera design. This unit has 16.0 megapixel sensor and powerful DIGIC 4 image processor for fabulous results once you’ve done all the zooming and focusing you’re going to do, and you’ve got Canon’s Intelligent IS system as well. With Canon’s Intelligent IS system, you’ll be getting “rock-steady” images and HD video that’s top quality even when you’re zoomed in all the way. It’s not perfect, but Canon notes that it’s close!

You’ll be getting a Zoom Framing Assist feature for making your zoom action seem effortless. This feature exists as a button that sits on the lower left of your camera, it able to zoom out to re-locate and frame your subject. A framing box will appear on your display – the display being a lovely bring LCD, by the way – this box able to help you frame before shooting, then allowing you to move back to zoomed-in range when you need it!

PowerShot SX160 IS

This device doesn’t quite have the massive amount of zoom ability that the other model does, but a powerful 16x optical zoom should do the trick for your everyday activities. You’ve also got a dynamic optical zoom range from 28mm wide up to 448mm and a 16.0-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and Canon’s Intelligent IS system once again. This device also has the ability to start and stop recording HD video at the push of a button right alongside full range optical zoom – your videos are about to get a whole lot more dymanic!

Both of these devices expected to be available in September 2012 for an estimated retail price of $329.99, and $229.99, respectively. Sound like a pair of point and shoot cameras you’d consider for yourself for this upcoming school season? Let us know!

Canon built its 80 millionth EF lens on August 3 of this year. The company hit the 10 million mark in 1995, and by 2001 had constructed 20 million EF lenses. Canon took another five years to reach the 30 million mark and in 2008, the company had produced 40 million EF lenses. When Canon’s EOS Digital SLR cameras took off, production of EF lenses boomed as well with the 50 million unit milestone coming in 2009.

That means between 2008 and 2009 Canon constructed 1 million EF lenses thanks to its popular digital cameras. By January of 2011, the number of EF lenses constructed had reached 60 million and only nine months later, production had reached 70 million. It has now been nine months since that 70 million mark was hit in 2011, and Canon is celebrating 80 million lenses produced in its EF series.

The EF lens was first introduced with the EOS SLR camera system in March of 1987. Canon says that its line of EF lenses has included a number of world’s first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor, Image Stabilizer, and multilayered diffractive optical (DO) elements. The current Canon line of EF lenses has 76 models.

The Canon EOS C300 played a pivotal role in capturing the movie which has another product tie-in with the airplane being specifically a Virgin Atlantic flight. This movie also has the lovable trip of Philip Baker Hall, Janeane Garofalo, and Luis Guzman in it, and has already premiered in short at the LA Film Festival on the 17th of June. It wasn’t revealed until now the full details of the shoot.

Director of photography Doug Chamberlain spoke up about filming the movie with the equipment of choice:

“I knew it would be a challenge to figure out how to get it done just in terms of lighting, mobility, electrical power, and airport security. I looked at the Canon EOS C300 digital cinema camera and was immediately convinced that it’s the perfect tool for shooting ‘Departure Date.’ The EOS C300 is a very production-friendly camera.” – Chamberlain

This movie had Chamberlain using the Canon EOS C300 with PL-mount compact prime lenses and the camera’s long recording time options to make it all work out well. Have a peek at our Canon EOS C300 timeline below to find out more about the camera and how you’ll be using it for your own film and photo adventures soon!

There are some disadvantages to using an unofficial mount or adapter, although we doubt those with an expensive collection of Canon lenses will be complaining about getting an opportunity to use their glass with a smaller camera. There’s also no word on when Kipon will be offering the mount, or how much it will cost, but taking a look at the company’s listings on eBay shows that it should be relatively inexpensive.

While an adpater may be on the cards for various micro four thirds cameras, you could simply spring for Canon’s own mirrorless offering when it’s eventually released. The Canon EOS-M features an APS-C CMOS sensor at 18-megapixels, ISO that ranges from 100 all the way up to 25,600, and has 1080p video recording at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second. Canon has carried across some autofocus tricks from the EOS T4i, and everything can be framed correctly using the 3-inch screen on the back of the camera. The camera is up for pre-order now for delivery in October, and currently costs $799.

[via 4/3 Rumors]

First you’ll see the Speedlite 90EX, this little item a pocket-sized flash you can quickly slip on to the head of your EOS M in real mobile fashion. This device is right between the 270EX II and the RC-6 also revealed today, with the largest costing somewhere around $200 USD and the smallest (the 90EX) costing closer to $90. The RC-6 is a controller that allows you to control the camera and its flash – and video – from afar for right around $25. Final prices on these devices of course depend on your region and choice of store.

There are a couple of straps you’ll be able to buy in each of the different colors that he body jackets come in – black, white, red, and brown. There’s a wrist strap ER-E1 that’s made for hand-holders and a neck strap EM-E1 for hanging out around your head. The EG23-CJ body jacket is an interchangeable series of colors to match or mix and match your way to fashionability, each of them with a lovely material that’s comfortable to touch. The straps will ring up around $30 USD while the jacket will be closer to $45 USD when the time comes – sooner than later!

[via Canon Japan]

Although the target segment might be new, that doesn’t mean Canon isn’t clear on who, exactly, it comprises. The EOS M is ”for people who are interested in photography and want to take better images, but don’t know, or don’t want to know about shutter speeds, aperture and so on” Parry explained.

For that audience, Canon has borrowed liberally from smartphone and tablet UIs, introducing pinch-zoom and swiping gestures to the EOS M’s 3-inch touchscreen LCD. It also offers a Scene Intelligent Auto mode which basically takes the thought out of all shooting scenarios.

However, while the EOS M might end up stuck in automatic mode more often than not, it’s not to say that the camera can’t manage more flexibility. There’s full control over the hybrid AF system and a native ISO range of 100-12,800 (extendable to 25,600), while the stereo microphone has 64-step user-adjustable audio to go with its 1080p Full HD video recording.

If those photography-keen but tech-shy buyers want to get their hands on the EOS M when it hits shelves in October, they might want to order sooner rather than later, though. Retailers are already warning that Canon’s first wave of stock is unlikely to satisfy even pre-orders, never mind those who decide they want the mirrorless camera at the last-minute.

“Initial orders for this product are scheduled to begin shipping in October, but due to the high demand we anticipate being unable to fulfill all customer orders with our first allocation” Amazon warns today. “Product supply from Canon is very limited. Your place in line will be maintained, and we will not charge your credit card until we ship the product.”

The retailer also has pre-order listings for the EOS M accessories, with the Speedlite flash and 18-55mm zoom lens also expected in October and also carrying stock warnings. The basic EOS M kit comes with the camera body itself, the EF-M 22m f/2 STM kit-lens, a neck strap, LP-E12 battery pack, LC-E12 battery charger, USB interface cable and a CD with the various manuals and apps.

Unsurprisingly, given the EOS M being Canon’s first attempt at the mirrorless segment and the huge number of aficionados to the brand, the camera has prompted a fair degree of interest. As well as being more pocket-friendly than Canon’s DSLR range, it uses a slick touchscreen interface which borrows gestures like pinch-zoom from smartphones and tablets.

More details on the Canon EOS M here.

Unsurprisingly, Canon is talking up the balance of compact portability and image quality in its advert for the EOS M. The roughly palm-sized body – shown in black, silver, white and a rather fetching red – is small and sturdy enough to be dropped into a bag without a case, and the touchscreen brings a smartphone-like degree of easy control and navigation.

Canon EOS M promo video:

As for the samples, while Canon is obviously going to pick the shots that paint the EOS M in its best light, we can’t say we’re disappointed with the output. The landscape has some beautifully saturated blues but doesn’t lose the brown tones of the bushes to murk, for instance (click the image for full-size).

As for the macro, it’s as crisp as you’d hope, with evidence of the shallow depth of field Canon is so keen to highlight in its promo clip. You can find video samples here.

The Canon EOS M will go on sale in October, priced at $799.99. More details here.

A stepping motor system in the pair of new lenses for the EOS M – consisting of the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM kit lens and the optional EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens – mean pretty much silent AF, Canon claims, and there’s a stereo microphone integrated with 64-step user-adjustable audio. 1080p and 720p MPEG-4 AVC H.264 footage is captured.

Construction is from magnesium and stainless steel; on the back, meanwhile, is a 3-inch Clear View 1.04m dot LCD touchscreen, complete with multitouch support for pinch-zooming and swipe navigation, and finished off with an anti-smudge coating. The touchscreen is also used for the EOS M’s more consumer-centric editing features, such as Picture Styles to add filters and the like to stills and video, and Video Snapshot which collates a sequence of stills into a video clip, all in-camera.

Meanwhile, Canon’s existing EF and EF-S lenses can also be used with the EOS M, thanks to an optional Mount Adapter; there’s also a Speedlite 90EX flash for the hotshoe, with a 30 foot range at ISO 100. It can also be controlled wirelessly.

The Canon EOS M will go on sale in October, priced at $799.99 with the EF-M 22m f/2 STM kit lens. A white version, with the same lens, will be available exclusively through Canon’s own online store at the same time. Meanwhile, the new EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens will arrive at the same time, priced at $299.99, along with the $199.99 Mount Adapter EF-EOS M and $149.99 Speedlite 90EX flash.

There isn’t much more info to go along with the picture, although Canon Watch believes the camera will be announced on Monday July 23rd. The APS-C sensor would make the included 22mm lens a 35mm equivalent, but there’s no info on what to expect in terms of megapixel count, ISO, or even control.

Various camera manufacturers such as Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic have been pushing mirrorless camera systems for some time, claiming that the system can achieve near DSLR quality in a smaller form factor. More recently, Sony released its new entry-level mirrorless camera, the NEX-F3, with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and interchangeable lens system. That camera starts at around $600, while the NEX-5N and NEX-7 start at $700 and $1,200 respectively.

For professional photographers, Nikon’s new 800mm telephoto lens may be worth the big investment for photographing birds or any type of wildlife. Nikon hasn’t specified when they lenses will start to ship or how much it will cost, but you can bet that it will be pretty expensive. Canon’s EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM costs photographers a whopping $13,000.

The new 800mm telephoto lens will be shown off by Nikon at the Photokina show scheduled to take place this September in Cologne, Germany. Nikon currently offers super-telephoto models at 400mm, 500mm and 600mm with a 200-400mm zoom.

[via CNET]

The company says that until suffering the issue were manufactured in a 16 day period between May 31st and June 15th. The rubber manufacturer supplying the grips seems to have used a higher rubber accelerator than normal, resulting in the chemical reaction when exposed to high temperatures or humidity. Zinc bis is also deposited on the grips as a result, which may lead to an allergic skin reaction for some users.

Canon say that they’ll begin swapping out any units that suffer from the issue. To check if your camera is affected, you’ll have to consult your serial number to see if the sixth digit is 1. After you input the full serial number into Canon’s online tool, you’ll be told whether your camera is affected or not. If it is, the company will send out a free replacement in the next couple of weeks.

[via Gizmodo]

The Vimeo clip isn’t the full 4K, however, instead encoded down to 1080p/24 H.264 from 4K/24 MJPEG. The footage is recorded at 8 bit 4:2:0, and a 32GB SD card can hold a grand total of eight minutes of footage. EOSHD doesn’t seem overly impressed with the native 4K video output, saying it’s a little on the soft side and lacking what other 4K video has. Still, for a camera of this size, it’s still very good, with EOSHD noting the video is a big step up from video found on other DSLRs.

There’s also the fact the camera this was pulled from is still an early prototype, and the footage hasn’t been color timed at all. The final product, and resulting tweaks, may yield video that looks completely different. EOSHD does mention though that Canon has used “a strong anti-aliasing filter … to prevent as much moire and aliasing as possible.” You can peek the video for yourself below, and EOSHD has some 1:1 crops of the untouched 4K footage on its site plus a very short 4K video sample.

[via Engadget]

The remote has a small LCD display for easily setting interval and long-exposure timers, with a backlight for nighttime use, and there’s a “time remind” speaker which beeps to let you know a countdown is in progress. If you’d rather not have the audio, a two-color light can show shooting status instead.

In contrast, Canon’s remote range starts at $65, but that’s for a wired system; instead of the 50 foot range of the Satechi, you get 2-3 feet instead. Canon does have a wireless option, the LC-5, but it’s a heady $680.

As well as the 5D Mark III, the WRT-A is compatible with Canon’s EOS-1V/1VHS, EOS-3, EOS-D2000, D30, D60, 1D, 1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II,III,IV, EOS-1Ds Mark II,III, EOS-10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II and 7D. It’s on sale now.

Continuous shooting of up to 5fps is suported, and there’s a new autofocus system with a nine-point all cross-type sensor array; the T4i also gets a new Hybrid CMOS AF mode which can be used when shooting either stills or video in Live View mode. The touchscreen can be used to tap subjects in Live View, and optionally set to instantly shoot off a frame as soon as they’re touched.

As for video, that’s recorded in HD with a new, quieter AF servo for less noise in the shot. Canon expects that to work well with a new lens targeted at videographers, the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, with image stabilization that the company promises can even smooth out footage shot while walking. The other new lens, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, is a super-slim pancake less than an inch thick, targeting those who want to be able to slip the T4i into a (large) pocket.

Other features include in-camera HDR like the larger EOS D5 Mark III, support for Canon’s GPS dongle accessory, an intelligent auto mode, and multi-shot noise reduction, which can be used to combine multiple photos to reduce grain.

The Canon EOS Rebel T4i will go on sale at the end of June, priced at $849.99 body-only. It will be available as a bundled with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens kit for $949.99, while a Movie Kit bundle will be $1199 with the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

Meanwhile, the new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens and the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will each be sold separately at the end of June, priced at $199.99 and $549.99 respectively.

The T4i is listed as having an 18 megapixel sensor, possibly the same one found in the current T3i, as well as a 3-inch one million dot touchscreen LCD. ISO will range from 100-12,800, and is expandable to 25,600. A Live View mode will be on offer, and there will be a constant 9 point cross-type autofocus during Live View and video recording. Video is served up using H.264 and can be captured up to 1080p/30, with 24fps and 25fps modes too.

Naturally, you’ll be able to shoot all your photos to an SDHC or SDXC memory card in either JPEG or RAW formats. The total weight of the camera (without a lens attached) is 520 grams, with battery life rated at around 440 shots when using only the viewfinder, 180 shots when using Live View, and about 1 hour and 40 minutes of video recording. If the rumors are true, keep an eye out for an official announcement tomorrow.

[via Peta Pixel]

The primary reason to move to robotically-assisted production is the reduction of labor costs, which is why it’s so popular in the automaker and appliance industries. But there’s a cultural element as well, according to Japan Daily Press. They report that part of Canon’s drive comes from keeping up Japan’s image as “a nation of technological advancement”. While other companies are taking up robotic assembly as a means of moving high-paying jobs to china and other nations, Canon says that it will train its employees for new types of work and avoid eliminating a single job.

The change should allow Canon to produce its cameras and lenses at a cheaper price point, something that every photographer should be happy with. The 5D Mark III retails for $3500 for just the body, a significant step up from the previous generation even considering its advances in features and specs. More options for more consumer and pro photographers should be welcome.