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Canon gently updates its entry-level dSLR and accessories lineup

With today's product announcements, Canon bookends its sub-$1,000 dSLR lineup with two new models--the entry-level EOS Rebel T3 and the slightly more advanced T3i--as well as introduces an updated version of its 18-55mm kit staple lens and two enhanced low-end Speedlite flash units. Rather than introduce new dSLR models at bargain-basement prices as Pentax and Sony tend to do, Canon traditionally lets its slightly higher-end models gradually fall in price until they're the de facto entry-level models. But its current starter, the EOS Rebel XS, and which the T3 will replace, has been around since the … Read more

Canon's PowerShots get sensitivity training

Canon announced replacements to its A-series models back at CES 2011, leaving its Elph lineup untouched. That changed today, though, as Canon rolled out three new ultracompacts as well as a new compact megazoom. Oh, and Canon changed its naming system.

The PowerShot Elph 100 HS, Elph 300 HS, and Elph 500 HS all feature 12-megapixel high-sensitivity backside-illuminated CMOS sensors and a Canon Digic 4 image processor; the combination makes up Canon's HS System, hence the HS is now part of the model names. Canon did away with the "SD" and "IS" in their names … Read more

Canon introduces entry-level pro camcorder

LAS VEGAS--Along with the announcement of a new "prosumer" camcorder, the Vixia HF G10, Canon announced a version of the product targeted at professionals. The XA10 seems to be identical to the G10, but comes with a detachable handle that includes dual XLR inputs, audio switches, an infrared light, tally lamp, removable microphone holder, zoom and record switches, and an accessory shoe (though the G10 has a shoe, it looks like the handle attaches to it, so the handle gives you another shoe).

It's not clear whether at some point you'll be able to upgrade the … Read more

Canon introduces wireless camcorder microphone

I don't normally cover accessory announcements for products that only work with a single manufacturer, but Canon's WM-V1 microphone sounds kind of neat. Because it doesn't require an accessory shoe it's suitable for use with the compact models that don't have one, which is generally the group that needs better sound the most. It mounts on the camera strap and can record sound up to 164 feet. You'll be able to find it in May for the steepish price of $250.

Canon refreshes A-series PowerShot cameras

LAS VEGAS--Much of Canon's PowerShot compact camera lineup is due for a refresh, but at CES 2011 it's just the "easy and fun" A-series that's getting updated.

Four models are entering the lineup priced from $179.99 down to $89.99: the A3300 IS, A2200, A2100, and A800. The feature mix is much better than what Canon offered in its 2010 models, giving you solid reasons to pick one model over another. The 16-megapixel A3300 IS, for example, is the only one with optical image stabilization and a 3-inch LCD, while the 12-megapixel A1200 gets … Read more

Canon's entry-level camcorders get cheaper

This year's entry-level Canon camcorders incorporate a higher resolution sensor than last year's--3.28 megapixels--for an effective video resolution of 2.07 megapixels. Canon is actually using enough pixels this go round to hopefully capture decent video. As long as you're not using the Dynamic IS setting. Sigh. The Vixia HF R21, R20, and R200 also seem to be priced a little lower than they're predecessors were at their launch: $499.99, $399.99, and $379.99, respectively for 32GB, 8GB, and 0GB configurations.

The lens remains a 20x optical zoom, and the LCD display size … Read more

Canon mainstream camcorders get better sensors

The most interesting thing about Canon's mainstream camcorder lineup for 2011, the Vixia HF M41, M40, and M400 ($799.99, $699.99, and $649.99, respectively) is that they use the HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (see the HF G10). That's nontrivial, of course; if it results in improved video quality then I'm all for it. The top-end M41 has an EVF, and they use the same 10x zoom lens as last year's models.

On the downside, Canon hasn't changed its poorly designed touch-screen user interface, so you can look forward to more complaints from … Read more

Canon puts pro sensor in top prosumer camcorder

Canon's redefining its top-end prosumer camcorder model. Not just with a higher price--you can look forward to forking over as much as $1,499 for the best the company has to offer, up from $1,399 in 2010--but with a pro-level sensor brought down from its XF series. It will be in the Vixia HF G10, which launches a new AVCHD-compliant G series for Canon.

The sensor, newly dubbed HD CMOS Pro, is the same 1/3-inch 2.07-megapixel model currently used by the company's entry-level pro models, albeit by itself rather than in a trio. Because it'… Read more

Trends in digital photography: The good

A photographic landmark of sorts took place at the end of 2010. Dwayne's Photo accepted the last roll of Kodachrome slide film for processing. Kodachrome was long a favorite of many professionals and advanced amateurs but required a unique and complex development process; Dwayne's was the last lab to provide this service.

Digital has replaced film for most, pros and amateurs alike. And it's not standing still. The current trends are mostly positive--which isn't to say there aren't a few product and technology areas that couldn't stand improvement.

Here I look at the good. … Read more

Apple releases Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.5, adds Nikon D7000

Apple has released version 3.5 of its Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update, which includes support for several new cameras including Nikon's D700 and Coolpix P7000.

Other cameras included in the update are:

Canon PowerShot G12 Leica D-Lux 5 Leica D-Lux 7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Users can find a running list of compatible cameras, here.

If you do not see Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.5 in Software Update, be sure you are running Mac OS X 10.6.5. If you have a lesser version of Mac OS X installed, the update will not … Read more