Canon 1D MkIII/1Ds

Aj malce da procitame sto ne ceka od Canon

Future technology

DIGIC IV uses less power, and is faster than the dual DIGIC 3 found in the 1D3 and 1Ds3. In particular it can support 16bit raw and the larger 40-50MP sensors under development. With the larger sensors, it also supports pixel-binning where pixels are aggregated to deliver low noise and higher ISO performance at lower resolutions.

Canon is working on a new generation CMOS sensor – lower voltage, full 100% cover micro-lenses and better dynamic range allowing 16 bit per channel raw files.

These will support a clean 6400 ISO similar to today's 1600 and go to 25600 with acceptable noise.

Target for this is the next generation of the 1D series cameras in 2010, before spreading to other models. These are being trialled at 50MP in FF format

Canon are very excited about these sensors – seeing them as being as big a step up in performance as their move from CCD to CMOS a decade ago.

What to do with those 50MP images... Canon are considering built in hard drives (moving or solid state) in the 80-100GB range in future generations of cameras – mostly likely in a optional grip.

Canon have working MPEG DIGIC III code for their P&S range

This was tried in some of the test cameras sent out during 1D Mk3 trials. It's expected that this will appear in the entry level camera (xxxD range) next year

Canon are seeing this as an important feature in the 1D Mk IV range in 2010 (it would be HD video)

In body IS

Canon are looking at in-body IS for the entry level range DSLRs.

They have worked out how to integrate it with the lens IS so that the in-body IS turns off if a lens with IS is attached and the lens IS is active.

There is no definite decision about its appearance - however it could be added to the 2nd generation 400D replacement (the 450D is already pencilled in for Jan. 2008)

Technologically, this could also be added to any other DSLR. However at the moment, Canon's engineers are opposed, believing that all those moving parts around the sensor is not good on a high end camera.

Faster Lens Upgrades

Lens design is very specialised, with Canon typically only being able to develop 3 or 4 new or upgraded lenses a year

Canon has several programmes of upgrades it wants to pursue:

Upgrading more of the wide primes (as per the 14mm L Mark II) Many of these are relatively old designs. These sell to FF professionals and will need upgrade as sensors climb into the 25MP+ range.
Upgrading the telephotos and telephoto zooms with latest generation IS. Some of these (e.g. 100-400mm ) have 1st and second generation IS and could benefit from an upgrade.
A broader range of consumer and enthusiast lenses with their affordable analogue based IS.