Canon ready to click 40D, 1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras

Japan's biggest digital camera maker, Canon on Monday announced the launch of its much-awaited Canon 40D and Canon 1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras, the updated versions of its widely successful Rebel series in the Digital SLR Camera segment.

Building on the success of Canon's immensely popular "prosumer" EOS 20D and 30D models, the EOS 40D is loaded with enough high-powered features that will appeal photography enthusiasts as well as professionals seeking a second camera.

The Canon EOS 40D features a 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor (up from 8.2-megapixels on the 30D), 3 inch LCD screen, 6.5 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting, new sRAW mode, 35-zone metering system and integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit.

The new consumer-based EOS 40D includes DIGIC III image processor; highlight tone priority and 14-bit conversion in addition to a weatherproof body, Live View and the dust removal system. It is Canon's first consumer SLR to include Live View. Intended for entry-level photojournalists, wedding, and portrait photographers, the 40D includes a revised BG-E2N battery grip and WFT-E3A wireless transmitter.

“[There are] very pro type capabilities on this camera, certainly some big improvements over the 30D in all of these areas,” said Chuck Westfall, Canon’s director of media and consumer relations.

To be sold for 150,000 yen ($1,299) excluding lenses, the EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera from Canon U.S.A., Inc. will hit the market shelves in early September. A version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens will be sold with $1,499 price tag. Introduced in February 2006, 30D was sold for $1,400 (excluding lenses).

Aimed at professionals, Canon 1Ds Mark III DSLR camera features a 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 3 inch LCD display with Live View and five frames per second shooting for a burst of up to 56 JPEG frames or 12 raw images.

Packed in a compact, lighter-weight magnesium alloy body, the EOS-1Ds Mark III has a 45 area AF system, with 19 cross-type points and 26 "Assist AF" points. In addition, it has sRAW mode, an integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit, 100% coverage and a 0.75x magnification.

The professional Canon 1Ds Mark III will be available from December 10th at $7,999.

'The EOS-1Ds Mark III takes Canon's pro-digital prowess into the realm of high-fashion and commercial photo studios where bulkier, medium format cameras previously reigned', a Canon spokesman said.

With the launch of its long-awaited refresh of its step-up camera from the entry-level Digital Rebel series, the camera maker expects to restore its position as Japan's largest maker of digital single-lens reflex models from Nikon Corp. by year-end.