Read More..

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Product Features

* 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon EOS SLR cameras
* 3-stop Image Stabilizer for reducing camera shake; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
* Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create attractive background at large apertures
* Super Spectra lens coating and lens element shaping suppresses flare and ghosting
* Measures 3 inches in diameter and 5.6 inches long; weighs 22.2 ounces; 1-year warranty

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Canon
* Model: 0345B002
* Lens Type: Zoom lens
* Mounting Type: Canon EF
* Minimum focal length: 70 millimeters
* Maximum focal length: 300 millimeters
* Minimum Focal Range: 5 feet
* Maximum Aperture Range: F/4.0-5.6
* Camera Magnify Power: 0.26
* Lens System Special Functions: Zoom
* Focus Type: auto-focus, manual-focus
* Real Angle Of View: 34
* Weight: 1.81 pounds
* Item Display Diameter: 3 inches
* Length: 6 inches

Product Description
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom lens * Image Stabilization allows in-focus shots with longer exposure times (up to three stops slower shutter speed) * Micro Ultrasonic Motor for fast autofocus * compatible with all Canon EOS SLR cameras * minimum focus distance: 4.9 feet * lens is 5-13/16" long, 3" in diameter *

Quite happy with the lens, March 21, 2006

After debating between this and the 70-200 L series I decided to purchase this lens. I have been pleasantly surprised by the results. I also own the 17-85 and the 50mm 1.8 lenses and I have found that I have gotten the "most pleasing" results from this lens. The pictures have been very sharp from my 20D - even in the 200mm - 300mm range. I've also been happy with the quality of the bokeh.

The primary drawback I see is that the AF tends to hunt a fair amount when confronted with low contrast images. That being said, I used it for some flying bird shooting at the wildlife refuge and was surprised to see how many of the shots were in sharp focus. However, it was a little bit of all or nothing. Several shots were also wildly out of focus. Since the lens is fairly slow to focus, you never know what you're gonna get with such a fast moving object against the distant sky.

I had much more consistent results when shooting soccer, softball and football in the park. The AF speed did not present an issue for any of these activities and the results were excellent.

I wish the lens were a little less expensive but I the prints I have gotten from my 13 X 19 printer have been worth the extra money.
By pveman (New York)


Read More..

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens

Product Features

* 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-6400
* Includes Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens
* DIGIC 4 Image Processor; high-performance 3.9 fps continuous shooting; Live View Function for stills
* Full HD video capture at 1920x1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip ; HDMI output
* Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor


Technical Details

* Brand Name: Canon
* Model: EOS 5D Mark II 24-105 IS
* Optical Sensor Resolution: 21.1 MP
* Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
* Optical zoom: 4.3 x
* Maximum Aperture Range: F/4.0
* Minimum focal length: 24 millimeters
* Maximum focal length: 105 millimeters
* Lens Type: Zoom lens
* Optical Sensor Size: 24 x 36mm
* Included Flash Type: None
* Display Size: 3 inches
* Light Sensitivity: ISO auto (100-3200), ISO 50, ISO 12800, ISO 25600, ISO 100-6400
* Image types: JPEG, RAW
* Shooting Modes: Landscape, Portrait mode, Neutral, Faithful, Portrait, Monochrome
* Exposure Control Type: Landscape, Portrait mode
* Viewfinder Type: Optical
* Width: 6 inches
* Depth: 3 inches
* Height: 4.5 inches
* Weight: 1.8 pounds

Product Description
Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly-designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames. Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps -- for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism. The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1-megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available -- from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.

Great Camera for my First Full Frame, December 27, 2008

This was my first full frame camera. Prior to it I had owned and operated a 40D, 30D and Rebel XTi. I am a wedding and sports photographer primarily, so I have been able to test the 5D Mark II out under both of these conditions.

For basketball I used it with AI Servo, Center Point focus, but went into custom settings and enabled the AF assist dots. It worked like a dream, focusing faster and more accurately than my 40D ever had. While no, the FPS aren't ideal for sports, if you can lock on focus like this from the start, you can still achieve amazing sports photographs. Plus the fact that I was able to shoot at ISO 4,000 and not have noticeable noise was just incredible. The shots auto-white balanced correctly too which normally in the arena I shoot at is not what happens on my 40D.

My first wedding all I could say all day was wow. I was getting available light photographs I never would have dreamed of before. The new screen also made it incredibly easy to determine if something was in focus or not. When I would switch between my 40D and 5D2 I found out just how spoiled that screen had made me, since the 40D screen looked terrible to me now when previously I thought that had a great screen. I sure was wrong! 920,000 pixels is definitely the way to go on this LCD. I primarily shot with center point (one shot) for my focus and it nailed focus every time. I did a mix up of manual, aperture priority and some program (Program mostly for the formals)

What else do I love about it? The 98% view finder is awesome. I like being able to use UDMA cards in it...

Video! Although I'm not a video / motion person by nature, I prefer stills, I've been testing out the video quite a bit. At Christmas I took a few short clips of my nephew and was really happy with how they look. It's very neat to be able to take high definition video of a little kid and have that awesome affect of a wide aperture blurring out the background. The only downside is that the files are huge. My 1 minute clip was over 300MB, but that's what I get for shooting in 1080!

The batteries this camera use really do hold a charge for a while. I used mine with the battery grip at the wedding, and the two batteries after going for over 500 shots (maybe close to 600 shots that day?) still had about 72% charge each left on them. I could easily have shot 3 times that much and still have had left over charge on the batteries. Also the new battery info screen is really nifty since you can see what serial number battery has what charge, making it a lot easier to keep track of.

So far I've used a 35 1.4/L, 135 2/L, 70-200 f2.8/L, 50 1.4, and 100 2.8 Macro on this camera body and all have performed wonderfully. I don't miss the pop up flash that my 40D has since I never used it anyway, I always throw my 580 EX II on top when I need flash.
By Catherine Hoffman "Cat" (Valparaiso, IN)

Read More..

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD and 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

Product Features

* 18.0-megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed
* Kit includes 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens
* Advanced HD movie mode with manual exposure control and selectable frame rates
* Intelligent Viewfinder with 100 percent field of view; 19-point, all cross-type AF system equipped with dual diagonal cross-type sensors
* Capture images to CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards (not included)

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Canon
* Model: EOS 7D 28-135mm Kit
* Optical Sensor Resolution: 18 MP
* Optical zoom: 3 x


Product Description
A Whole New Class of EOS. With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera. Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities - not just with stills but also with video - are beyond amazement.

Does the 7D beat full frame cameras?, October 13, 2009

No, but it's so good that one starts to contemplate this question, which was never the case before the 7D was introduced. Both systems, crop and full frame, have their pros and cons and place in photography. But before I get into that let me say I have not been as excited about a camera since the introduction of the 5D MK I four years ago. That's because the 7D raises the crop camera bar to the point where crop users will not feel at a disadvantage to full frame camera users, especially if coupled with awesome ef-s lenses such as the 17-55 f2.8.

How so? The 7D sets a new standard in four major ways.

1. It produces whopping 18MP pictures, which are just 3MP shy of the current top of the line full frame Canon cameras. Just few years ago most pros were producing stellar results using the 1Ds MKII 16MP camera. Now you have more MPs in a crop sensor, that's a major achievement. This achievement translates into bigger prints and, perhaps more importantly, cropping power. Out shooting wildlife with a 300mm instead of 400mm? You can crop the 7D files down to 50% of their original file size and still obtain sharp pictures. It's just not that easy with the 1D MK III 10MP files.

2. Many worried that extra MPs in small crop sensors would translate into nosier pictures, but the amazing thing is that this camera produces images with what seems to be less noise than the 1Ds MKII. The noise level is very good. At ISO 1600 I still prefer pictures coming from my 5D MKII, but below ISO1600 they are very close. Frankly, I can go with either camera because most of my professionally shot portraits and product pictures are shot at ISO100. At ISO100 both produce very clean files and are practically indistinguishable.

3. Focus is the one area that was lacking on the previous 1.6 crop Canon cameras and this camera changes that. It's not a 1D in focus speed and accuracy, but it's the next best thing compared to them. It's faster than the Canon 5D MKII, which is known to be slightly faster or around the focus performance range of the 50D and 40D.

4. The drive chain is fast, so fast it's beyond anything I needed in my professional work in portrait, commercial, and product photography. Going through pictures taken at 8fps produces very little difference from frame to frame. One probably has to shoot a very fast moving subject/object to see the advantage of such fast drive system.

There are obviously many other things that I have not covered in this review. But based on the above, all I can say is that this camera has really raised the bar for all cameras and made it much more affordable to obtain a professional level camera for all types of photography. If you were considering buying the 5D MKII as an upgrade give this camera a test because it might be all you need.


As for the advantages of crop cameras I always find it odd that casual users who shoot many things but focus on landscape think they need a full frame to realize their potential. Crop cameras such as the 7D and 50D are fine for most users and offer many advantages including:

1. greater depth of field at lower aperture for landscape photography

2. greater tilt and shift effect because of sensor size relative to effect (8mm in shift is greater in effect relative to a 22mm sensor compared to a 35mm sensor)

3. greater magnification with micro lenses and extension tubes because of smaller sensor (1:1 in full frame equals 35mm, 1:1 in crop equals 22mm)

4. smaller lighter lenses with wider aperture that achieve greater reach (such as the 17-55 2.8 vs the 24-70 2.8 similar reach but much lighter and smaller)


Traditionally the three areas full frame cameras outshine crop cameras are a bigger brighter viewfinder, shallower depth of field for portrait photography, and better ISO performance, which on the last point the 7D has proven not be an issue anymore.
And for the second point really, most beautiful low depth of field portraits are done around f2.8-2.0 in full frame (going wider will make depth of field too narrow to place two eyes in focus). Hence, if one is using a wide prime, a crop sensor will produce the same depth of field at 2.0-1.4. Considering an affordable 50mm f1.4 lens on crop has the same field of view as 85mm lens on full frame there is really no reason to discount a crop camera any more as the 7D levels the playing field
By Abdulrahman Aljabri (Jeddah)
Read More..

Canon PowerShot A480 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.3x Optical Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD

Product Features

* 10.0-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for prints up to 13 x 19 inches
* 3.3x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer; 2.5-inch LCD screen
* DIGIC III Image Processor; 15 shooting modes
* Uses 2 AA-size batteries
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)



Technical Details

* Sensor: 10 Megapixel
* Size: 1/2.33 CCD (1.1cm)
* Image Resolution: 3648 x 2736
* Storage Media: MultiMediaCard
* Storage Media: HC MMC Plus Card
* Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
* Storage Media: MMC Plus Card
* Compressed Format: JPEG/EXIF v 2.22
* Movie File Format: AVI (Motion JPEG)
* Optical Zoom: 3.3x
* Digital Zoom: 4x
* Focal Length: f= 6.6 - 21.6mm
* Focusing Range: Normal: 1.6 ft. / 50cm - infinity
* Focusing Range: Macro: 1.2 in. - 1.6 ft./3 - 50cm
* Focusing Range: Macro: 9.8 in. - 1.6 ft./25 - 50cm

Product Description
Affordable, intuitive and fun, the PowerShot A480 uses Canon know-how to let everyone take great 10 megapixels photos. Its compact, lightweight design slips easily into any pocket.

Nice Camera with a small price tag., May 23, 2009

I have a canon digital SLR camera, and wanted to go on a hummer 4x4 extreme off road adventure. Rain was in the forecast and several days of rain on the trail already, taking the digital SLR was totally out of the question.

I picked this nifty device based on the price, the batteries, storage on the SD card, and the 10mp really perked my interest. The gentleman at the camera shop showed me the easy access on/off button, and where the "press here for picture" button is located. 20 minutes after the purchase, I was in the hummer taking photos and within the hour, I was being bounced around, getting muddy water all over me, I was able to laugh and press the button to take pictures without problem.

Ease of operation:
I use my cameras in the auto mode, (the if SLR is for my wife), and the auto mode does work. I was able to view the pictures I took using the 2.5" view screen with ease. I did not even need the instruction manual.
The batteries and memory card were easy to install too, without the need for instructions. The camera does boast a host of different shooting modes, but auto is all I use.

Picture quality:
Not a fine as my digital SLR camera, but the price difference is over 1000.00 dollars.
Compared to my old 5mp camera, this camera does a very good job for the price. Image stabilization is WONDERFUL. I was trying to take picture of the hummer tires while we were in motion bouncing everywhere (the tire at times was in the air) and the pictures look almost as if the tire is still. You can read the manufacturer on the tire

Battery life:
After two days of use, the camera was still able to go. To save battery life, the LCD screen turn itself off and the followed by the camera (the auto shut off was annoying some times)

Summary:
The camera is very easy to operate, image stabilization works very well. Time from button press to picture taken is almost unnoticeable.
Picture quality is pretty darn good.

By Thomas M. Taylor "runman" (Phoenix, AZ)


Read More..

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Product Features

* 50mm standard lens with f/1.4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
* 2 high-refraction lens elements and Gaussian optics help eliminate astigmatism
* Delivers crisp images with little flare at the maximum aperture
* Extra-small Micro USM focus adjustment and full-time manual focusing
* Measures 2.9 inches in diameter and 2 inches long; 1-year warranty

Technical Details

* Angle of view (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal): 40 degrees, 27 degrees, 46 degrees
* Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
* Number of diaphragm blades: 8
* Minimum aperture: 22
* Closest focusing distance: 1.5 feet
* Maximum magnification: 0.15x
* AF actuator: Micro USM
* Filter diameter: 58 millimeters
* Maximum diameter by length: 73.8 by 50.5 millimeters
* Weight: 10.2 ounces
* Magnification with Extension Tube EF 12 II: 0.39 to 0.24
* Magnification with Extension Tube EF 25 II: 0.68 to 0.53
* Lens hood: ES-71II
* Hard case: LHP-C10
* Soft case: ES-C9, LP1014
* GF Holder III (Hood III): 2
* GF Holder IV (Hood IV): 2
* Warranty: 1 year

Product Description
Canon offers this standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture.

A review for parents, August 23, 2006

I bought this lens to take indoor portraits of my nine-month-old daughter using available light. I was tired of the harsh photos produced by the built-in flash on the Canon 20D or Digital Rebel. A bounce flash improves matters great deal, but I wanted to see what could be done with a fast lens.

The Canon 50mm 1.4 gobbles light. It opens up a world of indoor photography that is not possible with a 4.0 lens. The 50mm focal length combined with available light produces natural-looking results. It is exactly what your eye sees. Shadows and highlights are intact. It is a revelation if you're used to the harsh drop shadows and evenly-lit faces produced by flashes. This is a jarring step up in quality from snapshot to "wow"

As noted, focus is soft at /1.4 and begins to sharpen at /2.0 to /2.8. Not a bad thing, though. Some of my favorite pictures have been produced with the aperture wide open. The depth of field is so narrow at this point, that the subject's face is in focus, but the shoulders start to blur.

I use this lens with a 20D. The balance is perfect, the combination feels very professional and responsive. Operation is very simple. Move the camera into aperture priority mode (Av), look though the view finder and adjust the aperture until you see the shutter speed is faster than 1/30th a second (30).

I agonized over the 1.4 vs. the 1.8 versions of this lens. The additional stop does provide more shooting options. Often I'm shooting at the edge of acceptable shutter speed, and juggling both aperture and ISO. Many reviews comparing the two talk about build quality, focus motor speed/noise, etc, but the bottom line for me was the extra stop was totally worth it. If you want to shoot indoors without a flash, get the 1.4. If you simply want a nice sharp lens at this focal length, the 1.8 is for you.

As a father, my only regret is I wish I had this lens earlier. From one parent to another, I'll tell you the price of the lens is irrelevant, as the pictures it produces are priceless.

Now, go make a backup of your photo library.
By Matthew Davidson (Cambridge MA)

Read More..

Canon PowerShot A1100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD

Product Features

* 12.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
* 4x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer; 2.5-inch LCD screen
* DIGIC 4 Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology; Face Detection Self-timer
* Uses 2 AA-size batteries
* Compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC/MMC Plus/HC MMC Plus (not included)

Technical Details

* Brand Name: Canon
* Model: A1100IS Green
* Optical Sensor Resolution: 12.1 MP
* Optical Sensor Technology: CCD
* Optical zoom: 4 x
* Maximum Aperture Range: F/2.7-5.6
* Minimum focal length: 6.2 millimeters
* Maximum focal length: 24.8 millimeters
* Lens Type: Zoom lens
* Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.3"
* Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
* Display Size: 2.5 inches
* Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 800, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO 80, ISO auto, ISO 1600, ISO 3200
* Image types: JPEG
* Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
* Exposure Control Type: Beach, Kids & pets, Night snapshot, Snow, High sensitivity, Landscape, Portrait mode, Aquarium, Slow shutter, Fireworks, Night scene, Sunset, Indoor, Foliage
* Viewfinder Type: Optical
* Width: 3.8 inches
* Depth: 1.2 inches
* Height: 2.5 inches
* Weight: 0.35 pounds


Product Description
From the Manufacturer

There’s nothing more satisfying than taking great pictures! And with the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS it’s so effortless. The 12.1-megapixel resolution and 4x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer ensure radiant, detailed images. Plus, you’ve got an advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor with evolved Face Detection Technology and the Face Detection Self-Timer for extraordinary control and performance. Smart AUTO lets you handle challenging conditions with ease.

Fun and easy to use camera!, July 11, 2009

I purchased this camera just before a 19-day trip to the East Coast and gave it quite a workout...nearly 2800 pictures taken during the trip, and only about 5 of them were unclear due to my unsteady hand. The rest were great, even zoomed out to a ridiculously large size on my computer, with crisp lines and faces, and vivid colors, far exceeding any 35 mm or digital camera I have used in the past.

The camera itself and the software included with it are incredibly intuitive. Though there are many manual settings possible, I set the camera in Auto mode and just clicked away. Many places I took pictures required me to turn off the flash, but even those were very clear and bright, and I had to do nothing but aim and shoot.

The delay time between pictures was negligible, and the rechargeable AA batteries I used were good for around 200 pictures a charge, even using flash and with frequent zooming in and out. I used a 16 GB SDHC chip and had the capacity to take 5,000 pictures! I'm still working on filling the first chip!!

The provided software is also very simple to use...as easy as plugging in the provided USB cable, and turning the camera on. All pictures are quickly and automatically saved in folders by date regardless of how many times in a day you download them, and renaming or tagging pictures is a breeze. I have not even begun making full use of the picture touch-up features, but the software includes a fun and easy slideshow application that makes sharing pictures via desktop or projector a snap.

Overall, I could not be happier that I purchased this camera! I look forward to mastering all its features, but as a user-friendly, versatile, and inexpensive point-and-click camera, it blew away all my expectations. It does all that Canon says it does and makes taking pictures fun and easy, right out of the box!
By Jon H.
Read More..