Canon EOS-1D X – key features

• 18.1 MP full frame CMOS sensor
• Up to 12fps and 14fps shooting
• 100-51200 ISO, up to H:204800
• 61 point AF system
• 100,000 pixel RGB AE metering with DIGIC 4
• Full HD 1080p EOS movie
• Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors
• Clear View II 8.11 cm (3.2”) 1040K-dot LCD
• Ethernet port

The new 61-point wide-area AF system looks particularly interesting; I was impressed enough with the EOS-1D Mark IV responsiveness in this respect, so I can’t wait to see how the upgraded system performs.

The pioneering incorporation of dual latest-generation DIGIC 5+ processors should ensure a snappy performance from the EOS-1D X, and I’ll be interested to see whether the resolution hike for its newly-developed 18.1mp Full Frame CMOS sensor will affect image quality, particularly in terms of noise control throughout its expanded ISO sensitivity range, which now spans 100-51200, expandable up to an unprecedented 204800.

It looks like action photographers are well-catered for, with a very impressive-sounding new super high-speed mode extends the shooting speed to 14fps (JPEG format only). In standard mode, those Dual DIGIC 5+ processors allow for continuous shooting up to 12fps with 14-bit A/D conversion and full camera operation – making it the fastest of any currently available DSLR.

Budding film directors will get Full HD 1080p movies from the EOS-1D X, maintaining manual control over settings while shooting.

Those are just some of the key highlights of what looks to be a truly outstanding new professional DSLR – read on for the full press release, specs and images, and be sure to come back for news of my full review once the EOS-1D X review units become available.

PRESS RELEASE

Performance redefined – Canon unlocks new possibilities for professional photographers with the EOS-1D X

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 18th October 2011 – Canon today announces the arrival of the EOS-1D X – its next generation professional Digital SLR (DSLR). Offering an unparalleled combination of speed, resolution and image quality, the EOS-1D X is the ultimate camera for capturing stunning images and Full HD movies. Whether shooting in the studio, the sports field, or anywhere in between, this model is ideal for virtually any professional photographer. The new model launches as the flagship in Canon’s DSLR line up – marking the 10th generation of Canon’s professional system with the most advanced EOS model ever produced.

The culmination of 40 years’ experience in developing professional cameras, the EOS-1D X represents a new era for the EOS system and supersedes both the
EOS-1D Mark IV and the EOS-1Ds Mark III. Combining a new 18.1MP full-frame sensor, a redesigned autofocus (AF) system and powerful new metering technology with new dual “DIGIC 5+” processors, this camera has been designed to offer unparalleled usability and image quality – ensuring any scene is captured with greater accuracy and speed than ever before.

“The EOS-1D X is the ultimate camera for all types of photographer” said Kieran Magee, Professional Marketing Director, Canon Europe. “Professionals often shoot in fast-paced, high pressure situations, and the EOS-1D X provides the features and performance they need. We’ve carefully listened to the needs of professionals and created a versatile, powerful camera that will meet the requirements of more photographers than ever before.”

Setting new standards
The EOS-1D X offers a comprehensively-upgraded specification that’s packed with new technologies. A newly-developed full-frame 18.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor offers exceptional flexibility, allowing photographers to shoot a wider range of scenes and subjects in high resolution. Redesigned architecture offers an incredible ISO range of 100-51200, expandable up to 204800, while dual “DIGIC 5+” processors offer a 2-stop improvement in noise performance – making it easier to capture outstanding quality, low noise images, even in extreme low-light conditions.

The new 61-point wide-area autofocus system offers even greater sensitivity, delivering increased precision and speed. With 41 cross-type points, including five dual cross-type points, the camera’s AF system offers unsurpassed accuracy across the frame, while new AF pre-sets are specifically designed for shooting common challenging subjects – providing exceptional reliability in notoriously difficult shooting situations.

The EOS-1D X also features a newly-designed RGB metering system, providing incredible levels of accuracy. A 100,000 pixel RGB metering sensor is linked to the AF system and powered by its own dedicated DIGIC 4 processor, detecting faces and colour to ensure correct exposure levels and improved AF tracking, even when shooting the most challenging of scenes.

Extreme power
Powered by next-generation processing technology, the EOS-1D X is the first-ever camera to feature dual “DIGIC 5+” processors. Offering performance up to three times faster than standard DIGIC 5, each processor is designed to manage huge levels of image data while simultaneously reducing image noise. In combination with the sensor’s 16-channel read-out, the dual processors enable full-resolution continuous shooting up to 12fps with 14-bit A/D conversion and full camera operation – the fastest of any DSLR currently available (according to Canon research, correct as of September 2011).  A super high-speed mode extends the shooting speed to 14fps (JPEG format only), while a new shutter and mirror mechanism reduces shutter lag and mirror bounce, delivering consistently high performance when shooting at high speed.

The film-maker’s DSLR
The EOS-1D X is ideal for all professionals who want to exploit the EOS system’s extensive selection of lenses and accessories – whether shooting stills or HD movies. Users can record Full HD (1920x1080p) movies from the full-frame sensor with a full range of manual settings to control exposure, focus and frame rate (1920 x 1080: 30 (29.97), 25, 24 (23.976) frames per second, 1280 x 720: 60 (59.94), 50 fps, 640 x 480: 30 (29.97), 25 fps), while sound levels can also be displayed and adjusted on the LCD screen, ensuring complete control over every aspect of a shoot.

Thanks to the power provided by the dual “DIGIC 5+” processors moiré artefacts are also reduced, while EOS Movie now offers longer recording options, automatically creating a new file once the 4GB file limit has been reached. A new intra frame video codec also maintains the highest possible video quality, limiting compression of image data so users retain increased levels of information for post-production editing.

Designed for professionals
The EOS-1D X offers a carefully revised version of the classic EOS-1 series design, with larger, more tactile buttons that make it easier for users to control settings – even in extreme conditions where gloves are required. Two multi-controllers and a touch-sensitive control wheel, for use in movie mode, make it easier to change settings, while a range of customisable function buttons allow users to set-up the camera to suit their individual needs by allowing shortcuts to the features and pre-sets they use most.

A 100% viewfinder makes framing each scene easy, while intelligent viewfinder functionality instantly adds a grid display when required. A large, 8.11cm (3.2”) Clear View II LCD screen offers a 1040K-dot resolution, and the anti-reflective structure prevents light reflections or glare when viewing images in bright conditions. A hardened glass cover also provides resistance to knocks and scratches commonly picked up while shooting on the move.

The menu system also features a comprehensively redesigned user interface, incorporating Help functions to make camera operation faster, clearer and easier. Additionally, a new dedicated AF tab allows photographers to access and customise AF pre-sets for common shooting situations or subjects, allowing users to concentrate on capturing the moment without the need to constantly adjust camera settings.

Built to last
The EOS-1D X offers a highly durable body constructed from high-grade magnesium alloy that provides protection against both the elements and the knocks of everyday use. The latest implementation of Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System also uses technology adopted from Canon lenses, using wave-based vibrations similar to that of Ultrasonic Motors to shake dust and dirt from the sensor even more effectively.

An enhanced shutter mechanism also provides extended durability, providing 400K shutter cycles so photographers can rely on their camera to meet the challenge of repeated, demanding shoots. The EOS-1D X also features Canon’s protective sealing around the controls and cover seams, making the camera dust and water-resistant when combined with Canon’s range of weather-resistant EF lenses – perfect for shooting in a range of weather conditions.

Enhanced connectivity also ensures photographers can send images to picture desks or studios quickly and securely. An integrated gigabit ethernet port provides a fast, reliable way to transfer images from on-location events or in a studio, without the need for an adaptor.

The EOS System – unrestricted creativity
As part of the award-winning EOS System, the EOS-1D X is compatible with the world’s largest selection of lenses, Speedlite EX flash units and an extensive range of accessories. The ideal upgrade for existing EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III users, it’s also compatible with numerous EOS accessories, allowing the new body to seamlessly join any existing EOS-1 series kitbag.

In addition, launching alongside the EOS-1D X is the new WFT-E6 – a new, compact WiFi transmitter designed for transferring images when a wired connection isn’t available. Supporting the 802.11n WiFi standard and offering Bluetooth support for connectivity to external GPS devices, the WFT-E6 offers secure transfer of images and video to an FTP server, or the ability to display content on a compatible screen over a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) connection.

The EOS-1D X will also be compatible with a new GPS receiver – the GP-E1. Enabling users to add location information to EXIF data and geographically track the progress of travelling shoot, the GP-E1 is particularly useful for wildlife or location-based photographers who may need to record the location of a scene for future reference.

Canon EOS-1D X – key features

• 18.1 MP full frame CMOS sensor
• Up to 12fps and 14fps shooting
• 100-51200 ISO, up to H:204800
• 61 point AF system
• 100,000 pixel RGB AE metering with DIGIC 4
• Full HD 1080p EOS movie
• Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors
• Clear View II 8.11 cm (3.2”) 1040K-dot LCD
• Ethernet port

Chloe looked stunning in her beautiful dress and Peter looked dashing in his Army uniform – take a look at some of the photos from this wonderful day and I’m sure you’ll agree!

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Wilson!

I’m very excited to announce that I’ve just started reviewing cameras for the excellent reviews site TechRadar, starting with a trio of new Canon compacts: the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS, Canon IXUS 310 HS, and the Canon PowerShot A3300 IS. Click each of the camera names to access the full review – complete with tech specs, pricing and test shots, or head over to the TechRadar camera reviews section to browse their extensive range of comprehensive reviews.

Watch this space for more news and reviews!

Chief Cupcake Maker, Chelsey Gourgaud, created an exquisite selection of cupcakes, designed with ten different themes in mind, then gave me free reign to make them look their very best in a range of images for her website and promotional material.

The ten themes – comprising Summer Wedding, Adult Birthday, Kid’s Party, Valentines, Summer Picnic, Mother’s Day, Chocolate Collection, Easter, Baby Shower and Cake Pops – took a lot of time to conceptualise and source props for, but I found Chelsey’s designs incredibly inspirational and enjoyed the shoot immensely.

Watch out for my images appearing on Chelsey’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed by following the links below, and look out for C’s Cupcakes appearing at a local event near you! To view more of Chelsey’s designs or to place an order, contact her via the website.

Web: www.Cs-Cupcakes.co.uk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChelseyCupcakes

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CsCupcakes

Here’s a taste of some of my favourite images from the shoot -click here to view more in my Flickr Photostream

First, let’s take a look at the headline specifications: the Pentax 645D – the first digital version of their excellent 645 medium format camera system – offers a colossal Kodak-manufactured 40MP (44 x 33) CCD sensor, 3-inch, 921,000-dot LCD and a high-speed PRIME II imaging engine. Compatible with the manufacturer’s existing 645 system lenses, the 645D can be snapped up for a cool £10k.

What does that buy you? Well, in addition to an incredibly robust, yet surprisingly lightweight, camera body, you get a wonderful user-experience, thanks to the logically laid-out and well-proportioned controls. There are a few niggles when it comes to operating speed, but if it’s top-notch image quality you’re after, then the 645D cannot be faulted.

The huge 7264×5440 pixel images produced by this camera are gloriously detailed, with very accurate colours and superb dynamic range. Noise is well-controlled throughout its – albeit relatively narrow – ISO sensitivity range, with perfectly usable shots up to the top ISO 1600 setting.

This camera may not suit everyone’s needs (or indeed budget) but it excels in the controlled studio environment, or when out in the field, armed with a tripod and on the look-out for stunning landscapes.

Check out issue 6 of Digital Photography Enthusiast for my full, in-depth review, but in the meantime, take a look at a few of the test shots I captured during my time with this superb camera (for a closer look, visit my Flickr Photostream: www.flickr.com/photos/josiereavely/)

Combining good looks with functionality has long been an area in which Olympus excels and the TG-310 is no exception to this rule. With attractive styling, a simple user interface and comprehensive a feature-set, this little compact looks set for success.

With an easy-to-use iAuto shooting mode, a plethora of scene modes and a Program mode for more advanced users, there’s enough functionality for those who don’t hanker after absolute control over the finer details of the shooting process. There are also some interesting features to investigate, not least the TG-310′s d automatic panorama and 3D shooting modes.

Add all this to the TG-310′s waterproof (down to 3m) and shockproof (when dropped from up to 1.5m) headline specifications and you have an exciting prospect for the adventurous photographer.

My full review can be found in issue 6 of Digital Photography Enthusiast. Take a look at a few of my test shots taken with the TG-310 here in the meantime:

Building on the solid reputation set by the Ricoh G700, the new G700SE version has even more to offer the photographer that’s used to dealing with hazards on a daily basis.

Designed to meet the rigorous demands of professionals working in construction, medical and other hazardous industries, the G700SE is dust-proof, waterproof to a depth of 5m, freezeproof down to -10°C and shockproof if dropped from a height of up to 2m.It is even chemical-resistant, allowing the body to be easily disinfected with ethanol or sodium hypochlorite.

In addition to its tough credentials, this camera is packed with the latest technologies to help it cater for the specialist market at which it is aimed. The G700SE offers GPS and/or barcode-reading functionality (with optional extra plug-in modules), as well as wireless LAN (802.11b/g) and Bluetooth (Ver.2.1+EDR) connectivity as standard.

Image quality is very good, particularly when making use of its excellent 1cm Macro mode. low light proves to be more challenging for this camera, but in good light the colours and detail that are capable of being reproduced are both excellent.

Check out issue 6 of Digital Photography Enthusiast for my in-depth review of this impressive camera. In the meantime, here are a few shots from the G700SE:

Outwardly, very little has changed in terms of the control layout when comparing the G12 to its predecessor, but inside, there’s a fair few new features and functions to get your teeth into. Video enthusiasts will relish the updated HD 720p movie recording feature, complete with stereo sound, while photographers with a penchant for HDR receive the added benefit of a rather good in-camera HDR mode, which produces pretty impressive results.

AF performance is stunning, as is – predictably – image quality. Whether you shoot RAWs or JPEGs, the G12 delivers detailed shots with a wide dynamic range, faithful colours and well-controlled noise. All-in-all, if you’re looking for an advanced compact that offers a superb shooting experience: look no further!

Look out for my full review in issue 6 of Digital Photography Enthusiast. In the meantime, check out a few of my test shots to show you what this excellent camera can do.

1) Put mum at ease:

Pregnancy is a time of great change for any woman – some will love their enhanced bodies, embracing their new shape, while others may not feel quite so confident.

Take the time to have a cup of tea and a chat with her before you begin and make certain you know exactly what she wants from the shoot – does she want to remain fully clothed for example and are there any parts of her body that she feels particularly self-conscious about?

Understanding more about your mum-to-be and how she wants to be captured at this special moment in her life makes for a better experience for everyone involved in the shoot, and you’ll get gorgeous, relaxed-looking images as a result.

2) Back to black:

If – like our Mrs A – your mum-to-be has flawless porcelain skin, then a black background makes the perfect backdrop against which to really show it off.

Black velvet is the best choice if you have it at your disposal, as it does a fantastic job of absorbing any stray light that happens to hit it, rather than reflecting it back. Black card or any other type of black cloth will also do the trick, just be careful about the direction of your light source.

Black clothing is a flattering choice, and it will help maintain the striking high-contrast look that works so well with fair complexions.

3) All white:

That’s not to say that white doesn’t work well too – here I experimented with direction and strength of the light source, creating some hazy flare that lends a summery feel to this image.

To recreate this look, position your light source behind your subject, aimed directly at the wall directly behind them. Have your subject stand so they mostly obscure the light source, crank up the power and fire away!

You may need to adjust the output to get the look you want, but keep trying out different settings and lighting directions until you’re happy with the results.

4) Two’s company:

Don’t be afraid to get other members of the family involved too – particularly dad of course!

Including other children that are part of the family can also make for poignant images too – try and find a way to get everyone involved and you’ll end up with a unique family portrait.

5) Accessorise:

Rather than cramming your memory card with anonymous bump-against-backdrop shots, try personalising a few images with accessories that say something about the personality of your subject.

Opting for a striking piece of jewellery that works with Mrs A’s skin tone and adds to the high-contrast look of this image was an excellent choice, inspired by the creative mum-to-be’s artistic flair.

6) Step outside:

Don’t just confine your shoot to the studio – once you’ve bagged some indoor shots, get out into nature for some unique images.

Go to your mum-to-be’s favourite place and photograph her in the surrounding environment.

Autumn colour worked brilliantly for this shoot, but you could get stunning results at any time of year – you just have to keep your eyes open to new possibilities.

7) Play with pattern:

I loved the way in which Mrs A’s strikingly patterned top contrasted with the natural autumn foliage in the background. Look for details like this and try different compositions to get the best effect.

8) Leading lines:

Look for lines in your location that can be used to direct the viewer’s attention towards distant subjects, for an unusual take on the standard pregnancy portrait.

9) Crop in close:

As well as full-length portraits, try composing a few images that centre on the beautiful baby bump alone, the results can prove very compelling.

10) Step back:

Taking inspiration from the more candid style of portraiture that I often favour, Mrs A was happy to pose by this flowing stream while I took some more intimate-looking images of her, seemingly alone in this place of natural beauty. These turned out to be our favourite images from the shoot.

Congratulations Mr & Mrs A, on the birth of your beautiful baby boy!

Packed with high-end features, the K-5 boasts Full HD (1080p) movie recording with optional stereo input, a very good in-camera HDR mode, Live View and a great selection of more advanced features too.

I’m not sure why more manufacturers don’t offer the ‘more unusual’ exposure modes that Pentax stocks its mode dials with. Sensitivity Priority in particular makes perfect sense as a semi-automatic mode: you select the ISO you want and the camera chooses the aperture and shutter speed accordingly – a useful option if you’re not ready for full manual operation.

Image quality is superb under all manner of conditions – take a look at my selection of test shots to get a taste of what the K-5 can do. For my full review, in-depth ISO and white balance tests and the opportunity to scrutinise full-res images, check out issue 105 of Digital Photographer magazine.