Canon Digital SLR
Here is a review of three of the top Canon DSLRs

Canon EOS 60D

Features - Very Good

Price - Moderated

The Canon 60D is the latest in the Canon line. It has alot of upgrades from its predecessors, starting with the 30D, 40Dand most recently the 50D. Below is a summary of its biggest improvements:

• 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
• Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control
• 5.3 fps continuous shooting
• 96% viewfinder coverage allowing you to see more of your image in the viewfinder
• Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
• enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system
• Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards

List price is $1299 - with kit lens 18-135mm; $999 body only

PRODUCT : Canon EOS 60D Full Specifications

DESCRIPTION : The EOS 60D features a new, Canon-designed 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution, it's easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth.

The improved DIGIC 4 Image Processor ensures that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS 60D DSLR's new 3:2 multiple aspect ratio, in-camera RAW image processing, creative filters, image resizing and provided S2 and S3 image-recording quality are all possible thanks to the DIGIC 4 Image Processor. With dazzling results, the new DIGIC 4 Image Processor also works to capture and process data of images shot at 18.0 Megapixels at 5.3 fps, as well as 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, enhanced Face Detection Live mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral Optimization.

Features

* Type: Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash

*Recording Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC card

*Image Format: 0.88 x 0.59 in. / 22.3 x 14.9mm (APS-C size)

*Compatible Lenses: Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses)(35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length)

*Lens Mount: EF mount

*Pixels: Effective pixels: Approx. 18.0 megapixels: 5200 (H) x 3462 (V) pixels

*Total Pixels: Total pixels: Approx. 19.0 megapixels: 5432 (H) x 3492 (V) pixels

*Aspect Ratio: 3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)

*Color Filter System: RGB primary color filters

*Low Pass Filter: Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor

*Dust Deletion Feature1. Self Cleaning Sensor Unit2. Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image3. Manual cleaning of sensor

*File Numbering: Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset.

*RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording;Provided (sRAW+JPEG also possible)

*Color Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB

*Picture Style: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3

*White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature setting

*AF Points: 9 (Cross-type, Center AF point with dual cross sensor for f/2.8)

*Focusing Modes: Autofocus, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)

*AF Point Selection: Automatic selection, manual selection

*Selected AF Point Display;Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel

*AF Assist Beam: Small series of flashes fired by built-in flashEffective range: Approx. 13.1 ft./4.0m at center, approx. 11.5 ft./3.5m at periphery*.

*Metering Modes: Max. aperture TTL metering with 63-zone SPC with the following selectable modes:

* Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF points) * Partial metering (approx. 6.5% of viewfinder at center) * Spot metering (approx. 2.8% of viewfinder at center) * Center-Weighted average metering

*Exposure Control Systems: Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE (Safety shift possible), Aperture-priority AE (Safety shift possible), Manual exposure, Bulb, Full Auto, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Programmed Image Control modes (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait), E-TTL II Autoflash Program AE (Evaluative metering, Averaged metering)

*ISO Speed Range: ISO 100 - 6400 (in 1/3-stop or whole-stop increments)- ISO 12800 can be enabled with a Custom Function.- With [Highlight tone priority], the ISO speed range will be automatically set within 200-6400.

*Exposure Compensation: Manual: ±5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop incrementsAEB: ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments* Indicated up to ±3 stops on the LCD panel and in the viewfinder.

*AE Lock:1. Auto AE lock - In the One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering, AE lock takes effect when focus is achieved.2. Manual AE lock - With AE lock button. (AE lock is updated each time you press the button.) Enabled in all metering modes.

*Shutter:Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically-controlled 1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec.1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode) Soft-touch electromagnetic release 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay (self-timer/remote control) For Remote Switch RS-60E3

*Shutter Speeds:1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec.1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)

*Self Timer:10-sec. or 2-sec. delay (self-timer/remote control)

*Build in Flash Type: Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism. Guide Number 43/13 (ISO 100, in feet/meters)Recycling Time Approx. 3 sec.

*Drive Modes: Single, high-speed continuous, low-speed continuous, 10-sec. self-timer/ remote control, or 2-sec. self-timer/remote control

*Continuous Shooting Speed:High-speed: Max. 5.3 shots/sec. (approx.)Low-speed: Max. 3.0 shots/sec. (approx.)Maximum BurstJPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 58RAW: approx. 16RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 7

*Shooting Modes:(1) Live View shooting(2) Remote Live View shooting (with a personal computer installed with EOS Utility)

*Focusing:Autofocus (One-Shot AF)1. Live mode - One-point, contrast AF. Switching to another AF point possible.2. Face Detection Live mode - Face Detection, Contrast AF. Face selectable.3. Quick mode - Nine-point, phase-difference AF, same as normal shooting.

*Monitor Size:Wide 3.0-inch (Screen aspect ratio of 3:2)Coverage:Approx. 100%Viewing angle: Approx. 160°Brightness Control:7 levels provided

Canon Rebel t3i

Type - Pro 1

Features - Good

Price - Low

The new Canon EOS Rebel t3i is the sixth in its very popular Digital Rebel series. Because of its remarkable features based on its low price, I recommend this camera most often to those just starting out. Here is a line up of whats new from its predecessor:

• 18.0 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed.
• ISO 100 - 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light.
• Improved EOS Full HD Movie mode with manual exposure control, expanded recording with new Movie Digital zoom
• Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor (3:2) for shooting at high or low angles and 1,040,000-dot VGA with reflection reduction
• New Scene Intelligent Auto mode and Picture Style Auto incorporating the new EOS Scene Detection System
• And Video Snapshot features for enhanced video shooting options.

List price is $899 with 18-55mm IS lens.

Canon has unveiled the EOS T3i (known in Europe as the EOS 600D) upper entry-level DSLR. It continues to use the 18MP CMOS sensor seen in the Rebel T2i (550D) but gains a tilt and swivel 1,040k dot LCD monitor like the one offered on the more expensive 60D. It also gains the ability to remotely control flashguns using its internal flash, a feature previously only featured on higher-end models. Alongside the camera, Canon is also launching the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II, a cosmetically revised version of its optically stabilized kit lens.

The EOS Rebel T3i has an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops. This first-class sensor features many of the same new technologies as used by professional Canon cameras to maximize each pixel's light-gathering efficiency.

Canon EOS Rebel t3i Full Specifications:

*Type: High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor

*Pixels: Effective pixels: Approx. 18.0 megapixels

*Aspect Ratio: 3:2 (Horizontal : Vertical)

*Color Filter System: RGB primary color filters

*Dust Deletion Feature:(1) Automatic Sensor Cleaning (2) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image (3) Manual cleaning of sensor

*File Numbering: Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset.

*RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording

*Color Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB

*Picture Style: Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined 1-3

*White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom

*Viewfinder Information:

1) AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light)

2) Exposure information (Shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle, exposure warning)

3) Flash information (Flash ready, flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, FE lock, red-eye reduction light)

4) Image information (Highlight tone priority, Monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, SD card information)

5) Composition information (Grid, electronic level)

6) Battery check

*Depth Of Field Preview: Enabled with depth-of-field preview button

*AF Points: 9 points (Center AF point is cross-type, vertical-line sensitive at f/2.8.)

*Focusing Modes

(1) Autofocus

* One-Shot AF * Predictive AI Servo AF * AI Focus AF

(2) Manual focus (MF)

*AF Point Selection:

(1) Manual selection

(2) Auto selection

*Metering Modes: TTL maximum aperture metering with 63-zone metering sensor

* Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF points)

* Partial metering (center, approx. 9% of viewfinder at center)

* Spot metering (center, approx. 4% of viewfinder at center)

* Center-weighted average metering

*Exposure Control Systems: Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Manual exposure, Automatic depth-of-field, Scene Intelligent Auto, Flash Off, Creative Auto, Programmed Image Control modes, E-TTL II autoflash program AE

*ISO Speed Range: Auto, ISO 100 - 6400 (in whole-stop increments), H: 12800

*Exposure Compensation: Manual: ±5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (AEB ±2 stops)

*Shutter: Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled. 1/4000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec.1/4000 to 30 sec., Bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.)

*Soft-touch electromagnetic release 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay

*Shutter Speeds1/4000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec.1/4000 to 30 sec., Bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.)

*Self Timer: 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay

*Remote Control:

(1) The EOS Rebel T3i has a remote control terminal for Remote Switch RS-60E3.

(2) Compatible with Remote Controller RC-6, RC-1 and RC-5.Back to TopBuilt in Flash

*Flash Type: Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism, Guide Number: Approx. 13/43 (at ISO 100 in meters/feet),Recycling Time: Approx. 3 sec.

*Flash Exposure Compensation:Up to ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments *Flash Metering: E-TTL II autoflash

*Continuous Shooting Speed:Max. approx. 3.7 fps [TD] (with One-Shot AF or AI SERVO AF)* Same as with Battery Grip BG-E8 loaded with size-AA/LR6 alkaline batteries.

*Maximum Burst:JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 34RAW: approx. 6RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine): approx. 3

*Shooting Modes: Still photo shooting and video shooting

*Metering Modes:

(1) AF point-linked evaluative metering

(2) Center-weighted average metering

*Monitor Size: 3.0 in. (Screen aspect ratio of 3:2)

*Coverage:Approx. 100%, Viewing Angle: 170°

Canon 5D Mark II

Type - Pro 3

Features - Excellent

Price - High

The Canon 5D Mark II was probably the most anticipated new pro SLR camera. It is a huge improvement from the 5D and much less expensive than the Canon 1D Mark III.

Here is a summary of its outstanding features

• 21.1 MP
• shoots HD video full frame
• 3.9 FPS
• ISO range of 100-6400 expandable to 12,800 and 25,600
• improved low light performance
• live view shooting

List price is $2700 body only

Canon EOS 5D MkII: Full Specifications

* Canon EOS 5D MkII Resolution: 21.1Mp

* Sensor size: 36x24mm full frame

* Sensor type: CMOS

* Image size: 5616x3744

* Aspect ratio: 3:2

* Focus system: TTL-CT-SIR

* Focus points: 9 point AF plus 6 assist AF points

* Crop factor: 1.0x

* Lens mount: EF (excludes EF-S lenses)

* File type: JPEG, RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2

* Sensitivity: ISO100-6400 (expandable toISO50, ISO12,800 and ISO25,600)

* Storage: Compactflash

* Focus types: One-shot, AI servo, AI focus

* Metering system: TTL full aperture

* Metering types: Evaluative (selective AF point), Partial (approx 8% of centre), spot (approx 3.5% of centre),centre-weighted

* Exposure compensation: /-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 step increments

* Shutter speed: 30sec-1/8000sec

* Frames per second: 3.9fps (max 78 images in JPEG or 310 with UDMA card, max 13 images in RAW)

* Flash: Built-in, hotshoe for external EX speedlite

* Flash metering: E-TTL auto flash

* Flash sync speed: 1/200sec

* Image stabilisation: Lens based

* Integrated cleaning: EOS integrated cleaning system with fluorine coating

* Live view: Yes, 100% coverage

* Viewfinder: Optical, pentaprism type with approx 98% coverage

* Monitor: 3in TFT LCD 920,000dot (307,000px)

* Interface: USB 2.0

* Power: LP-E6 Li-Ion battery

* Size: 152x113.5x75mm

* Weight: 810g

Click here to return from the Canon Camera review page to camera reviews page


Click here to return from the Canon Digital SLR page to the home page


Click here to go to the online course