Canon is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the introduction of their first SLR – the Canonflex.

Introduced in May of 1959, the 35mm focal-plane shutter SLR camera used a high-quality, breechlock lens mount. The lens flange ring was turned to lock the lens onto the camera flange’s bayonet lugs. The lens flange and camera flange did not rub against each other like today’s lens mounts.

The camera used Super-Canomatic lenses which had a fast, fully-automatic diaphragm. A 130-degree winding trigger at the camera bottom enabled quick film advance. An external selenium exposure meter could also be attached.

The top-class 35mm camera market gradually shifted from rangefinder cameras to single-lens reflex cameras. The major reason was that SLRs could handle close-ups, photomicrography, duplication work, and other applications without being constrained by the limits of rangefinder camera lenses. When Canon introduced the Canonflex, there were already eight SLR models on the market.

The cost of the Canonflex in 1959 was 59,500 Yen (US$ 643). Quite a bit if money in those days!

Canonflex Specifications

• Type: 35mm focal-plane shutter single-lens reflex camera
• Negative Size: 24 x 36 mm
• Normal Lens: Canon R50mm f/1.8
• Lens Mount R mount: Dedicated bayonet (spigot) mount (inner dia. 48 mm) with three outer lugs
• Shutter: Two-axis, horizontal-travel focal-plane shutter with cloth curtains
• Shutter Speed: X, B, 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000 sec
• Timer: Built-in self-timer and shutter button lock
• Flash Sync: FP- and X-sync (automatic-switching sync contacts, X-sync speed of 1/55 sec)
• Viewfinder: Interchangeable eye-level pentaprism. 0.9x magnification, 92% vertical coverage, 94% horizontal coverage. Split-image rangefinder (diffraction grating)
• Exposure Meter: Aperture-reading selenium photocell coupled to the shutter speed dial. Metering range (at ISO 100) switchable between EV 10 – 19 (high) and EV 4 – 13 (low)
• Film Loading & Advance: After opening camera back, insertion onto spool. Advances with camera-bottom trigger. (130 single stroke)
• Frame Counter: Counts up. Resets automatically when camera back is opened. 1.5x loupe provided
• Film Rewind: Collapsible crank
• Dimensions & Weight: 145 x 100 x 49 mm, 940 g (body)

Want one for your collection? Try eBay:

RARE Canonflex Model R2000 Camera 1960 With Lens NP

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Canon USA has announced a new camera in the Rebel line – the Canon EOS Rebel XS. Clearly a replacement for the EOS Rebel XTi at the bottom of Canon's dSLR line, the new camera retains the 10MP CMOS sensor and 2.5-inch LCD while using the same body as the 12MP Rebel XSi.

While positioned as an entry-level dSLR, Rebel XS incorporates a range of technologies used in Canon's professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode. Battery (BG-E5) life has been improved also.

On the downside, Canon is shifting from the nine-point AF of the XTi to seven-point AF. Canon says the change provides a significant cost savings. While autofocus performance be impacted? We get won’t know until independent testers get their hands on the camera. It’s worth noting that the camera’s primary competitor, the Nikon D60, has only three AF points.

Features

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 7-point wide-area AF system
• Up to 3 frames per second
• 2.5" LCD with Live View shooting
• DIGIC III image processor (12-bit)
• Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
• Compact and lightweight body
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

And, yes the Rebel XS uses the newer DIGIC III processing chip, however, the 12-bit processing remains from the XTi rather than going to the 14-bit processor used in the XSi.

What’s in the box?

• Rebel XS Body (Black or Silver)
• EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS Lens (kit only)
• Eyecup Ef
• Wide Strap EW-100DBIII
• Video Cable VC-100
• USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
• Battery Pack LP-E5
• Battery Charger LC-E5
• EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manuals
• “Great Photography is Easy” Booklet and “Do More with Macro” Booklet

Price and Availability

The Canon Rebel XS will be available in August in black or black/silver colors; each in a body-only or kit (w/ EF-S 18-55mm lens) version. The price for the body-only is $649.99 (MSRP) while the kit is priced at $699.99 (MSRP).

Canon USA has announced a new camera in the Rebel line – the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. Clearly a replacement for the very popular EOS Rebel XTi, the new camera jumps resolution to 12MP.

What else is new? Image processing now uses a 14-bit A/D converter. That means 14-bit RAW files! Also, there is new spot metering (4%). The Rebel XSi also incorporates an advanced Live View function. Storage now switches to SD/SDHC memory cards. There is a new higher capacity battery. And, numerous tweaks.

Features

• 12.2 million effective pixels
• 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS Sensor
• AF sensor (9-point cross-type)
• 1.6x Field of View
• Viewfinder with 0.87x mag. and 95% coverage
• 3-inch (230,000 pixels) Rear LCD
• 100-1600 ISO, Auto 100-400
• DIGIC III Processor
• 30 – 1/4000 sec Shutter
• 3.5 fps up to 53 JPEG or 6 RAW
• EF or EF-S Lens Mount
• RAW or JPEG File Format
• Supports SD/SDHC Cards
• Plastic Body with Stainless Steel Chassis
• Lithium-Ion LP-E5 Battery
• Dimensions 129 x 98 x 62 mm
• Weight 475 gm

One of the most noticeable differences between the EOS Rebel XSi and its predecessor is the inclusion of a large 3-inch rear LCD screen. It’s got the same number of pixels as the LCD on the EOS Rebel XTi which means the actual resolution is lower. Yet, it is clear and easily readable.

New in the Rebel line of DSLRs is Canon’s ‘Auto Lighting Optimizer’. This feature processes photos after they’ve been taken to try to correct contrast and brightness to optimize the image.

The EOS Rebel XSi incorporates a new battery. The new, larger LP-E5 Li-ion battery has a capacity of 1080mAh, rather than 720mAh found in the standard BP-511. This change was necessary due to the greater power demands from the live view mode.

The dust reduction system is the same as in the EOS Rebel XTi.

Price and Availability

The EOS Rebel XSi will be available in April in silver/black and all black colors for US$799 (MSRP for body-only) and US$899 (MSRP for the kit).

Canon U.S.A. has introduced a new SX series of their popular PowerShot line of digital cameras. The ultra-zoom PowerShot SX100 IS is first camera in that line-up. It features a 10x optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), 8MP resolution, a DIGIC III image processor, Canon’s Genuine Face Detection Technology (with Face Selector capability) and a large 2.5-inch LCD screen.

The sleek body has been designed with an extended grip for further stability during zoom shots. The steady effectiveness of the OIS has been further enhanced by pairing with the new “Auto ISO Shift” feature. At the touch of a button, the SX100 IS can automatically increase the ISO speed setting as needed to maintain fast shutter speeds while shooting in low light conditions without a flash.

Features

Canon PowerShot SX100 IS Features

• 8.0 MP (1/2.5″ Type CCD sensor)
• 10x optical zoom lens
• Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
• DIGIC III image processor
• Face Detection Technology enhanced with new Face Select
• Track function and dedicated Face Selector button
• Canon's total anti-blur solution with ISO 1600
• Auto ISO Shift
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• Improved Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 2.5" LCD screen
• 18 shooting modes including full manual control
• SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus compatible
• Powered by 2x AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries
• Optional AC adapter (ACK-800)

What’s in the box?

The PowerShot SX100 IS camera kit includes two AA Alkaline batteries, a 16MB MMC plus memory card, a USB interface cable, an AV cable, a neck strap, and Canon’s software suite.

Price and Availability

The PowerShot SX100 IS digital camera will be available in black or silver beginning in October at a selling price of $299.99 (US MSRP).

Canon USA has launched its new flagship compact for advanced photographers – the 12.1MP PowerShot G9. The successor to the PowerShot G7, the PowerShot G9 incorporates improvements driven by market feedback offering a wide range of user-oriented enhancements, including RAW image capture and a redesigned grip and thumb rest for improved handling. Other advancements include a high resolution 3.0" PureColor LCD II, enhanced Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction in playback.

Features

• 12.1MP (1/1.7" sensor) with RAW (CR2) mode
• 6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating
• DIGIC III processor with iSAPS
• Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
• 3.0" high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with wide viewing angle
• ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
• 25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
• Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom
• Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional accessories

In addition to VGA (30fps) and high resolution XGA (15fps) movie recording, the Canon G9 also features a LP (Long Play) mode. This mode offers movies of half the file size without compromising on resolution or frame rate. The new Time Lapse Movie function allows the extended capture of changing scenes – such as a blooming flower, or bustling city streets – for accelerated playback as smooth VGA-quality movie clips.

For storage, the PowerShot G9 supports SD, SDHC and MMC cards as well as the new MMCplus and HC MMCplus formats for storage capacities of up to 32GB. The camera is supplied with a 32MB memory card.

The PowerShot G9 can accommodate a wide range of Canon accessories. These include optional lenses and Speedlite flash units including Canon's Speedlite ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter.

Canon PowerShot G9 12.1 Megapixel

US $150.99 (13 Bids) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 16:25:25 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

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Canon USA has just announced the highly-anticipated Model EOS 40D digital SLR body. This model has been the subject of rumors and speculation on major photography forums for several months. Canon practices evolution rather that revolution in it’s product lines making it relatively easy to guess model names and features.

The new EOS 40D will not disappoint photographers as it is packed with many new features and improvements including a newly enhanced 10.1MP CMOS imaging sensor, re-designed 9-point autofocus, interchangeable focusing screens, integrated sensor cleaning system, new LCD with Live View function, and 6.5fps continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 large/fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images).

Key Features

• Magnesium alloy body
• 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS sensor
• 10.1 million effective pixels
• DIGIC III processor
• Canon EF/EF-S lens mount
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 9-point TTL autofocus with cross-type sensors
• Interchangeable focusing screens
• Auto ISO in Creative Zone exposure modes
• ISO sensitivity in viewfinder
• 3.0″ TFT LCD with Live View
• Improved burst buffer
• sRAW file recording format
• 6.5 fps high-speed continuous shooting
• New Battery Grip BG-E2N (not included)

Enhanced Durability

Canon design engineers have made the EOS 40D’s magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors with upgraded dust and weather resistant construction, particularly around the camera’s connection ports, battery compartment and single-slot compact flash memory card door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door “alarm” will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card without interruption.

New cross-type AF system

A key advancement of the EOS 40D is its new 9-point cross-type AF system. All nine AF points can achieve focus on both horizontal and vertical planes. A central AF point is capable of accurate focusing up to aperture f/2.8, with eight outer points working up to f/5.6. In response to requests, the dedicated AF Start (AF-ON) button allows photographers to execute autofocus with their thumb.

LCD with Live View mode

The Live View mode simplifies shooting from awkward angles such as ground-level macro or mounted tripod shots. The 3.0" LCD displays a real-time image in Live View mode, including a selectable grid overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure. The AF-ON button can be configured to flip the camera mirror momentarily and engage auto focusing. For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

Price and Availability

The Canon EOS 40D body will be available at retailers in September for a price of $1,299.99 (US MSRP). The Canon EOS 40D kit adds the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens for a price of $1,499.99 (US MSRP).

Canon USA has just announced the HG10 AVCHD hard disk drive (HDD) camcorder featuring a Canon 10x HD video lens, Canon 3MP CMOS sensor, Canon’s DIGIC DV II image processor, Super Range Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AF.

The HG10 camcorder also features a new Navigation Control Dial on the LCD panel, enabling users to access the menu easier for improved operation and enhanced ability to search for scenes. The HG10 incorporates a bright 2.7″ wide screen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. A built-in HDMI terminal allows connection to high-definition televisions (HDTV) with a single cable.

The HG10 can also function as a 3MP still image camera with simultaneous photo shooting, 2MP images can be captured from footage, histogram, auto exposure bracketing, and flash. And, with the Photo Grab function, you can grab 2MP still photos directly from the HD video footage during playback (photos written to a miniSD card).

Additional Specs

• Lens: 10x with 200x digital zoom
• Focal Range: 43.6 - 436mm (35mm equivalent)
• F-Stop: f/1.8 - 3.0 (movie); f/2.8 - 3.0 (still image)
• Frame rates: 60i, 24P (2:3 pull down, 60i)
• LCD: 2.7" Multi-Angle Vivid LCD / 211,000 pixels
• Metering: Center-weighted average
• External Illumination: Ultra Video Light (4.9' Range)
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 10 mm (AF linked; wide-end), 1 m for full zoom area
• LUX Rating: 3.0 lx (0.2 lx night mode)
• Recording Format: MPEG4-AVC/H.264
• Hard Drive: 40GB Internal
• Still Images: recorded to miniSD
• Advanced accessory shoe

The HG10 is bundled with a software suite from Corel (compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista only). The Corel Software includes AVCHD editing in which users can trim, reorder and combine scenes, as well as add music titles and transitions, allowing the user to burn edited video onto either a full size AVCHD DVD or Standard Definition DVD. The HG10 also comes with a Backup Utility Disc, enabling users to safely backup recorded video onto a computer's hard drive.

Price and Availability

The Canon HG10 HD camcorder will be available in October for a price of $1,299 (US MSRP). The Canon HG10 can be pre-ordered to insure quick delivery once the camcorder is released.

Canon HG10 HD Camcorder 40gb

US $150.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 3:05:22 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

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Canon U.S.A. has announced the SELPHY CP740 Compact Photo Printer that offers a two-Inch color LCD screen and automatic red-eye reduction. The new printer has multiple direct printing options that enable printing with or without a computer.

The SELPHY CP740 can print from a computer via a built-in USB cable or directly from memory cards, or wirelessly from a Bluetooth enabled camera phone (requires optional Bluetooth adapter). The front panel contains four memory card slots that can accommodate virtually any of the current versions of CF, SD, MMC, Memory Stick and xD. In addition, the CP740 can be attached to any PictBridge-enabled cameras or Canon Direct Print devices.

Features

• Photo lab quality 4″ x 6″ photos approximately 58 seconds
• Print from credit card size up to 4″ x 8″ with optional paper cassettes
• Archival quality photos that last up to 100 years
• Canon Direct Print and PictBridge compliant
• Wide two-inch LCD screen
• Built-in retractable USB cable
• Supports Windows 2000 / XP / Vista; Mac OS X v10.2 – v10.4
• Dimensions: 7″ (W) x 2.5″ (H) x 5″ (D)
• Weight: 2.1 lbs.

The CP740 produces water-resistant, archival quality photos that last up to 100 years¹. Cost is very reasonable — about $0.28 for a 4″ x 6″ photo produced in less than a minute.

The Canon SELPHY CP740 Compact Photo Printer is available for a price of $99.99 (US MSRP).

Canon Selphy CP740 Photo Printer

US $20.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 13:37:45 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

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Canon has just released Firmware Update Ver 1.1.0 for the EOS Rebel XTi and EOS 400D digital cameras. Whether or not the listed changes impact your photography, it’s a good idea to keep your camera’s firmware up-to-date. Make sure that you follow the directions carefully so that you avoid a trip to Canon Service Center.

Changes in Version 1.1.0:

• Adds support for the new Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) USB protocol.
• Corrects errors in the Simplified Chinese menu screens.

The Version 1.1.0 firmware release is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.5.

Changes in Version 1.0.5:

• Fixes the printing of lens names (EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro) when using PictBridge.
• [Redeye 1] can now be selected when connecting with specific Canon printers.
• Improves the reliability of communication with the Speedlite 380EX.

Canon has introduced the world’s smallest¹AVCHD DVD camcorder that allows users to shoot HD movies direct to 3-inch (8cm) standard DVD discs.

The HR10 is Canon’s first AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) DVD camcorder. AVCHD uses an MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) video codec, recording true 1080 High Definition resolution video. The advantage of the AVCHD format is that it captures twice as much video using less storage onto DVDs which can be played in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players.

The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder offers the benefits of a Canon 10x optical zoom lens, a full HD 1920×1080 CMOS image sensor² and the AVCHD video format. The HR10 HD Camcorder also helps users obtain the sharpest High Definition video possible with the help of Canon’s exclusive Instant AF focus system and Super Range Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

Features

• Ultra-compact HD camcorder, recording to DVD (AVCHD)
• Canon Full HD CMOS (3.1MP)
• DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor
• Instant AF, through the lens manual focusing
• HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom and Super Range OIS
• DIGIC DV II
• Multi-angle Vivid 2.7″ LCD
• Slim and compact design
• 25p Cinema Mode
• Advanced digital photography features
• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
• miniSD card slot for stills
• Power: BP-214 Battery Pack (supplied)
• Dimensions: 2.6 x 3.7 x 5.2 in. (W x H x D)
• Weight: 1.2 lbs (not including lens and battery pack)

What’s in the box?

The package includes HR10 Camcorder; BP-214 Battery Pack (with Terminal Cover); CA-570 Compact Power Adapter; STV-100 N Stereo Video Cable; WL-D86 Wireless Controller; IFC-300PCU USB Cable; CTC-100 S Component Cable; DVD-R Disc; Digital Video Solution Disc for Windows and Macintosh; Corel Application Disc. A HDMI cable is recommended but not included.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon HR10 HD Camcorder will be available in August at an estimated selling price of $1,199 (US MSRP). Links to retailers are below.