Canon EOS IX7 APS SLR Camera

Canon EOS IX7 APS SLR Camera

Continuing its commitment to the Advanced Photo System format (APS), Canon has introduced the stylish EOS IX7, a second single lens reflex (SLR) camera that incorporates the benefits of the full range of EOS EF lenses plus the creative possibilities of the Advanced Photo System.

As stunning in design as the EOS IX, the EOS IX7 is Canon's smallest and lightest SLR camera, easy to use and highly portable, weighing just 360g. It incorporates a complete set of IX functions - mid-roll film change, IX data exchange, drop-in loading and print format selection - alongside new features such as print quantity setting and a versatile title printing function.

The EOS IX7 combines these functions with Canon's EOS features including nine AE modes, three point autofocusing with six zone evaluative metering, automatic or manual focus point selection, focus point indicator, built-in TTL automatic light adjustment and a built-in retractable flash with TTL automatic exposure compensation.

As with the EOS IX, Canon's first Advanced Photo System SLR, the EOS IX7 uses the EF lens mount system, so it can be used with all EF lenses and accessories that are available for 35mm EOS cameras.

Two new lenses have also been launched at this time, with compact lightweight design specifically for the EOS IX7. The EF 22-55mm f/4-5.6 USM lens features a replica aspherical lens for ultra-wide-angle coverage up to 22mm and a focal length equivalent to 28mm to 69mm in 35mm format. Whilst the EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 USM lens provides a high magnification zoom ratio alongside a standard range (equivalent to 69mm to 250mm in 35mm format). Both lenses retain compatibility with the EOS series of 35mm format cameras.

Canon EOS IX7 - Ultra Compact

Weighing just 360g, the EOS IX7 is 18% lighter and slightly narrower than the EOS IX. This makes the camera ideal for those demanding a portable and attractive SLR camera.

Canon EOS IX7 - Advanced Photo System Features

In addition to all the IX features available on the EOS IX, Canon has added two new functions to the EOS IX7; print quantity and title selection.

A print quantity setting enables users to select the number of prints of each shots (from 0 to 9) either before or after taking the picture. Using this feature, the number of extra prints of a picture can be recorded immediately so the photographer does not have to remember how many are required.

The title selection feature gives users the option to select from up to 100 titles from 12 languages for a single frame, sequence of pictures or whole film. Titles are printed on the back of the picture.

Canon EOS IX7 - Focusing

A three point auto focus system enables the camera to focus on off-centre subjects. The focus point can be selected automatically or manually. Focus mode (One Shot or Al-Focus) is set automatically. A focus point indicator in the lower margin of the LCD viewfinder and on the external LCD panel enables the photographer to check on which part of the image the camera is focusing.

Canon EOS IX7 - Exposure Control

Metering, compensation and exposure control are identical to that of the EOS IX, except that the maximum shutter speed range is from 30 to 1/2000 of a second and the x-sync speed 1/125 seconds.

Nine AE modes give users the option of a variety of automatic exposure options for flexibility as well as full manual operation.

Canon EOS IX7 - Flash

A built-in retractable TTL auto pop-up flash includes a red-eye reduction function, has a zoom reflector giving coverage for lenses as wide as 22mm, has guide number of 10m at ISO 100 and is compatible with the E-TTL flash system.

Canon EOS IX7 - Film Loading

In addition to easy drop-in loading, the EOS IX7 features a cartridge cover safety lock.

The EOS IX7 with EF22-55mm USM lens is available from April at a price of £400 in UK.

CANON UK

www.canon.co.uk

Canon IXUS Z70 APS Compact Camera

Canon IXUS Z70 APS Camera

Canon has launched another Advanced Photo System camera to enhance its IXUS range, the Canon IXUS Z70. Based on the well know IXUS design, the stainless steel body and compact size of the IXUS Z70 are combined with a 3x zoom lens and light guide flash.

Measuring just 95 x 64.5 x 32mm, the Canon IXUS Z70 is marginally bigger than the IXUS so that it can incorporate the high quality 23-69mm f/4.5-9.9 with GMo aspherical lenses (equivalent to 29 to 87 on a 35mm camera).

Canon IXUS Z70 - Light Guide Flash

The new Light guide flash system introduced for the first time on the IXUS Z70 is more efficient than normal flash systems and, being smaller, is incorporated into the sleek design of the camera to slide out automatically when the camera is turned on.

Uniform illumination is provided by using a light tube, acrylic light guide and a small reflection umbrella at the back of the flash. As light is dispersed to match the photographic field, the ratio of lost light is improved by about 35%. As a result, a more consistently lit subject area is obtained.

Additionally, miniaturisation is possible because there is no need for a fresnel lens or large reflection umbrella. As the flash unit slides out from the main body of the camera, the distance between flash and lens is increased, further reducing red-eye effect.

Canon IXUS Z70 - Advanced Photo System (APS)

APS features on the IXUS Z70 include mid roll film change and print quantity setting. The print quantity setting enables users to select the number of prints of each shots (0 to 9) either before or after taking the picture. Using this feature, the number of extra prints of a picture can be recorded immediately so the photographer does not have to remember how many are required.

Other APS features include print format selection, date/title back printing, drop-in loading and IX data exchange which records eleven types of photographic data on each frame to ensure consistently high picture quality.

Canon IXUS Z70 - Three Point Auto Focus

The hybrid auto focus system combines the advantages of infra-red auto focus, which works well at close range and in low light, with passive autofocus which can operate through glass and is highly accurate at longer distances.

The system also incorporates a three point distance measuring system to give sharp images from wide angle through to telephoto. Five infra-red beams change the illumination angle according to zoom position of the lens so that correct focus is almost guaranteed.

Other features incorporated are five flash modes - including red-eye reduction and auto back-lit -, +1.5 automatic exposure compensation and a minimum focusing distance of just 60cm.

The Canon IXUS Z70 is available from April at a price of £260 in UK.

CANON UK

www.canon.co.uk

Canon ELPH Advanced Photo System Compact Camera Announcement at PMA 1996

Canon ELPH Advanced Photo System Compact Camera

The Canon ELPH was announced at PMA Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas.

The Canon ELPH is the smallest, and "most elegant", 2x zoom camera ever designed by Canon and offers consumers several Advanced Photo System features, as well as unique features which are distinctively Canon including: a durable, stainless steel body; an ultra-sharp 24-48mm all -glass aspheric lens; superior AF performance using Canon's exclusive Hybrid AF active/passive autofocus technology; simple drop-in loading; built-in flash and fully automatic operation.

Advanced Photo System features of the Canon ELPH include: a real-image viewfinder with built-in masks for producing three Print Aspect Ratios ("C" or Classic, "HDTV" or wide-angle and "P" or Panorama); Magnetic Information Exchange (IX), which allows specific information to be "read" or "translated" from the camera to any of several Advanced Photo System-format films; easy drop-in film loading; back printing capabilities for user storage and record-keeping without infringing on the elements within the photograph and Print Quality Improvement (PQI) for outstanding photo finishing prints.

Canon ELPH is Canon's Smallest 2x Camera

The ELPH is designed to be the Canon's smallest 2x zoom camera, taking advantage of the Advanced photo System's compact film cartridge and Canon's unique space-saving technologies. At the same time, this camera is easy to use because of its well-designed control layout and fully automatic operation. The Canon ELPH measures 3.6 (W) x 2.4 (H) x 1.1 (D)-inches and weighs approximately 6.3 ounces without battery. Main features of the Canon ELPH include an elegant, yet durable stainless steel body; an ultra-sharp, all-glass 24-48mm power zoom lens with two aspherical elements;a retractable built-in flash; a totally new autofocus system that combines active and passive AF technology within a single, compact unit

Canon ELPH: Elegant Stainless Steel Finish Adds Touch of Class

The Canon ELPH features the first all-stainless steel exterior to be used on any camera. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, very hard, and resists deformation. At the same time it can be made slightly thinner than comparable aluminum or titanium steel exteriors, contributing to the camera's small size.

The Canon ELPH uses SUS316 stainless steel (also referred to as 18/12 stainless), which has exceptional corrosion resistance and hardness among stainless steels. It is less costly than titanium, but provides an equivalent quality appearance and elegant impression.

Canon ELPH: Hybrid Active/Passive Autofocus System Assures Sharp Photos

Rather than relying on a single AF system, the Canon ELPH incorporates both active and passive autofocusing modes, automatically switching from one to the other as image conditions mandate. The active mode, which is the more traditional means of autofocusing with lens shutter cameras, uses an infrared emitter and sensor to detect subject-to-camera distance. The passive mode detects differences in subject contrast. The combination of these two autofocusing methods assures users that focus will be sharp with each exposure, regardless of the lighting condition or subject.

The hybrid system ensures improved distance measurement accuracy with hard-to-focus subjects, including long-range subjects. Off-center subjects can become primary subjects with the focus lock feature while the ELPH's 150 autofocusing steps assure focusing accuracy.

Canon ELPH: Drop-in Loading Simplicity

The Advanced Photo System was designed to minimize basic mistakes made by consumers including the improper loading of film. The new, compact cartridge simply "drops-in" to the camera without further loading steps or requirements by the consumer. On the Canon ELPH, for example, the film cartridge is simply inserted into a small loading chamber accessed through a small flip-open cover at the base of the camera. An optical disk on the cartridge is read by the camera for automatic setting of film speed.

Canon ELPH: Multi-Function Flash and 3-Zone Metering

The Canon ELPH incorporates a built-in multi-function flash unit incorporating red-eye reduction capabilities. The flash unit pops up and retracts as the camera's main switch is turned on and off. The flash's covering power is sufficient to cover its wide angle focal length of 24mm and a minilamp, located within the flash unit helps to reduce red-eye when photographing people.

The ELPH's built-in flash unit offers several modes including AUTO (with and without red-eye reduction), Flash ON, Flash OFF and SLOW-SYNC. The program AE system of the Canon ELPH uses an advanced 3-zone evaluative metering system which enables automatic exposure compensation for backlighted scenes. In the Program AE mode, light measurement, film speed, AF distance, and lens focal length data are integrated to provide users with the proper combination of shutter speed and aperture settings to create optimum exposures. The shutter speed range of the ELPH is 2 seconds to 1/500 second.

Canon ELPH: System-Wide Camera Features

As with any camera manufactured within the Advanced Photo System format, the Canon ELPH provides users with universal System features including a real-image zoom finder with aspect ratio masks; and Information Exchange (IX) capabilities which allows information to be transferred from the camera to film for optimum photo finishing results and drop-in loading of film.

The viewfinder on the ELPH optically zooms with the lens to enable users to see, through the viewfinder, precisely what they can expect to record on film. A green LED indicator alerts users when it is "OK" to make a properly exposed image, or if the subject is too close or out of AF range. An orange LED indicator provides consumers with necessary flash information.

The viewfinder field is automatically adjusted with masks to reflect the user's aspect ratio selection. No masks, or crop marks, are visible when the camera is set in the "HDTV" (wide angle) ratio. Masks at the right and left of the viewfinder appear when the "C" (Classic) aspect ratio is selected, while masks will appear at the top and bottom of the viewfinder when the "P" (Panorama) aspect ratio is selected. The user's ability to physically see these "crop marks" will serve as a constant reminder of the specific aspect ratio, or "format", the camera is set for at any time during use.

Another key feature of the Advanced Photo System, in general, is Magnetic Information Exchange (IX), which enables the entire system -- from camera exposure to photo finishing -- to communicate information with each other. For example, the Canon ELPH records data for every exposed frame including date, print aspect ratio, flash conditions, lighting conditions, etc. This information is recorded on a magnetic stripe located on the edges of the film, outside the image area. The information is read by photo finishing equipment to create an optimum print.

The primary advantage to the Information Exchange feature is the ability of Advanced Photo System cameras to record how a subject was actually recorded on film, along with information about how the photograph can be improved, and relay this information to the photo finishing process for appropriate compensations. The result is increased numbers of "acceptable" prints with each roll of film.

The Canon ELPH will be available in USA at the end of April.

CANON USA

www.usa.canon.com

Canon USA at PMA 1996 - Advanced Photo System Cameras Announcement

Canon USA at PMA 1996 - Advanced Photo System Cameras Announcement

Canon USA has announced it will unveil four new cameras for the Advanced Photo System at this year's PMA Trade Show and Convention. Canon's lineup of Advanced Photo System cameras include three compact models and one single lens reflex (SLR) model.

What is the Advanced Photo System

The Advanced Photo System is more than a new film system. Developed as a joint effort between Canon, Kodak, Fuji, Minolta and Nikon, the Advanced Photo System is a new photographic system that defines a new standard in photography.

The Advanced Photo System is based around a new, compact film cartridge designed to drop into a camera without the need for further loading steps. An optical data disk on the cartridge is automatically read by the camera, indicating the film speed and other data.

Visual Exposure Indicators (VEI) on the exterior of the cartridge enable users to tell at a glance whether the film is entirely unexposed, partially exposed, fully exposed or processed. The Advanced Photo System minimizes the risk of simple, yet common mistakes, by consumers to provide them with optimum satisfaction with their cameras.

Canon's Role in the Advanced Photo System

Canon's involvement with the Advanced Photo System is based on a desire to help emphasize the joys photography can bring to consumers worldwide. The needs of consumers are constantly changing, including the need for easy-to-use, advanced imaging technology. It is important for manufacturers, in all industries, to develop new technologies which will enhance the quality of life for today's consumers. Canon believes that the Advanced Photo System will be attractive to a wide variety of photographers searching for more satisfaction from their photography.

Canon also believes that there will be a harmonious co-existence between current 35mm format cameras and the Advanced Photo System. While the Advanced Photo System will certainly attract a wide variety of consumers, Canon believes there is still a very important place for traditional 35mm format cameras and film.

The introduction of the Advanced Photo System marks the beginning of a new system of photography that offers consumers new ways of seeing the world around them and also creates new ways of organizing and storing their photography. "Canon's diverse line of Advanced Photo System cameras will provide all photographers with an opportunity to utilize the new technology the Advanced Photo System has to offer," said Haruo Murase, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A.

"Canon has always been committed to the idea that photography should be made accessible to consumers everywhere. Canon's involvement with the Advanced Photo System furthers that commitment," added Ted Ando, director and general manager of Canon's Camera Division.

Canon's Product Line-Up Announcement

This year Canon plans to introduce four new cameras dedicated to the Advanced Photo System. The new line of Canon Advanced Photo System cameras include:

- a 2x zoom lens ultra-compact camera called ELPH, which will be the first Canon compact Advanced Photo System camera available in the product line;

- a 4x zoom lens compact camera;

- a single focal length autofocus compact model and;

- an SLR model.

The Canon ELPH will be available at the end of April. The other models will be available in the fall of 1996.

CANON USA

www.usa.canon.com

Related Post:

Four New Canon EF Lenses at PMA 1996

Canon USA at CES 1996

APS Konica JX400 Color Print Film

Advanced Photo System Konica JX400 Color Print Film 

Konica Corporation announces the introduction of its new Konica JX400 Color Print Film. Fulfilling all the standard specifications of the new Advanced Photo System, the new film will be available with 15, 25, and 40 exposures as of April 22, 1996.

The new film will be ISO 400, a speed which has established a firm position for itself in the conventional 135 film market based on its all-around convenience for taking pictures. Although the frame size of the new film, at 16.7mm x 30.2mm is approximately 58 percent of the area of conventional 135mm film, resultant print quality is as good as conventional prints.

Konica JX400 Color Print Film embraces Konica's latest film technologies and satisfies the attractive features of the new Advanced Photo System.*

- The new, smaller film cartridge enables the development of even smaller-sized compact cameras

- The cartridge fits into the camera only one way; the right way.

- The new film allows you to select from among three print formats - C for 2:3 format, H for 9:16 format and P for 1:3 format - each time you shoot.

- The magnetic layer on the new film can record picture-taking information and some of the information such as messages and date can be printed on the back of each print.

- Advanced Photo System prints are returned with the film in its original cartridge along with a convenient positive image index print.

- The film, returned in its original cartridge, is easy to handle and file.

The new film comes in a sophisticated eye-catching purple and black package designed to express the film's high grade and quality. Inside, a barrier bag rather than a plastic canister, is used to minimize packaging size.

Konica JX400 Color Print Film is but one of the full range of Advanced Photo System products offered by Konica. Such products as single-use cameras, compact cameras, photofinishing equipment and related materials are also offered in Advanced Photo System standards to satisfy the diversified requirements of various customers for the joy of photography.

*The features of the Advanced Photo System vary with the sophistication of cameras and photofinishing services.

Konica Corporation, Tokyo - February 13, 1996