New Canon DSLR Released Today

From the Canon Canada Press Release:

EOS 7D with WFT-E5A

The EOS 7D Features Fast Eight fps Continuous Shooting, Class-Leading 18-Megapixel Resolution and Full HD Video Recording with Variable Frame Rates and Manual Exposure Control

MISSISSAUGA, ON., September 1, 2009 – Canon Canada Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.

Read the complete press release here.

• See the preview report at Digital Photography Review.
• Vistek is pricing the pre-order EOS 7D at Canadian$2099. See the overview.

 

Spring Awakening

Warming Up

I have had some compliments for this photo from the blogger (and his wife) at The Home Bug Garden, so I have decided to share it. It is a chance scene that I came across while working in the garden, and I used the compact camera  I always carry with me on my belt to record the awakening. A simple composition, but rich in warmth and texture.

(Canon PowerShot SD850 IS. Photo first posted at Gardening Zone 3b)

 

Basic DSLR Macro System on a Budget

In my post on the Lowepro sling bag, Ted McRae of the blog Beetles in the Bush asked about my recommendations for a basic budget DSLR macro system. Since this might be of interest to others, Ted has agreed to let me post this as an open letter:

Hi Ted,

I had to sleep on this overnight! First, I have to say that I have always admired your tiger beetle images. I have only come across  tiger beetles once (along the Milk River in southern Alberta) and I absolutely failed to get any images at all. They are very difficult to photograph and I admire your skill!

In your price range you have to make compromises somewhere.Considering your budget and the way digital technology changes so rapidly, it is probably best to base your system on a good quality macro lens rather than on the digital camera. This way your lens will survive the body upgrade later.

The good news is that a typical macro lens that provides 1:1 magnification also focuses to infinity – so you can use it as a general lens as well.

For bugs a long macro is usually recommended because you will then obtain a better lens to subject distance. If you were just shooting dragonflies and butterflies I would recommend a 180mm or 200mm macro, but with beetles I would go for a mid-length macro lens such as 90mm or a 105mm. They are lighter and they are also great for general use, especially for portraiture. They are also fairly affordable.