I got a Canon EOS 20D

[PhoenixRising]

(edit: I changed the title to this thread to more accurately tell what is in it.)

Yep! I finally took the plunge, and bought a Canon EOS 20D.

It's super keen. Feels like a real camera, looks like a real camera, and yet, uses no film.

One of the many reasons I had not got a digital camera, was I wanted a camera that looked, and felt, like a real camera.

SO today, with my cousin-in-law in tow, we went to Best Buy and got this camera.

I'm still playing with it. So, Justin (or anyone else), did I do good?

[PhoenixRising]

:p

[pdoel]

Cool deal!

I had a hard time making the switch from film to digital. I finally got one about 4-5 years ago so I could post pictures online. But quickly found how nice it was to take tons of pictures and print out the ones you liked. The print outs came out rather well. Even for just a 3.1 MP camera, it did a decent job. I quit using my SLRs soon after.

But after a few years, I started missing the control I had with the SLRs. So I made the plunge after Christmas and got a digital SLR. Definitely the way to go.

From lookin at the specs, looks like you made a good purchase. :)

[jdesigns]

I'm still playing with it. So, Justin (or anyone else), did I do good?


TJ, TJ, TJ, what am I going to do with you? :confused: I thought I taught you that Nikon is better!?!?







:lol:




Yes, you did a fine job, though, honestly, I think you overdid it. The 20D is a lot of camera for you. (Please send it immediately to me! ;))

When I bought my Nikon N90s, I was still a beginner and had a lot to learn. I figured that I would get more camera than I needed at the time so I could grow into it. That is my opinion of this camera for you. There is a lot of things to learn, but you are a pretty bright fella, and you can do it! (Must steer you away from MS paint though!)

When you have questions that you can't figure out, post 'em up, and we'll get you straightened out! :D


Nice job! :goodjob:

[Steinola]

Like Justin, I'm partial to Nikons and will probably go for the D70S in the not-too-distant future.

But the 20D is an awesome camera, TJ! You did good (not sure I would've bought it at Best Buy, but... alright... it's done).

Now that you have such a cool automatic camera, the best thing you can do for yourself is ignore the fact that it has an "automatic" mode. :goodjob: Which seems oddly harder to do with a DSLR than a film SLR... not sure why that is.

[dvious]

Yeah, I like Nikons but that is all I have ever used so I guess I have no opinion really.

[PhoenixRising]

TJ, TJ, TJ, what am I going to do with you? :confused: I thought I taught you that Nikon is better!?!?

:lol:

Yes, you did a fine job, though, honestly, I think you overdid it. The 20D is a lot of camera for you. (Please send it immediately to me! ;))

When I bought my Nikon N90s, I was still a beginner and had a lot to learn. I figured that I would get more camera than I needed at the time so I could grow into it. That is my opinion of this camera for you. There is a lot of things to learn, but you are a pretty bright fella, and you can do it! (Must steer you away from MS paint though!)

When you have questions that you can't figure out, post 'em up, and we'll get you straightened out! :D


Nice job! :goodjob:
You know, I had a feeling you would say that.

About the Nikon that is. But, in this case, it was my cousin in law, knowing the camera, and I trust him. Even if he is in the Air Force.

I figured, like you said, get a camera that I could 'grow' into.

What many might not know here at the ORG, is I come from a family of photographers. My brother Bob, has won a Emmy for his work as a camera man.

So, it's in my blood, just need to do it.

:cool: And, I also believe in getting what you can afford. Buy quality the first time. You will feel less frustrated with it.

(this is why I bought a American Fender Strat when I first started playing, instead of a Squier Strat)

I am sure I will have questions, but for now, I think I will go out and take the manual with me, and take some pictures.

[PhoenixRising]

Okay, it's a start.

[jdesigns]

You are on your way TJ! :goodjob:

[PhoenixRising]

You are on your way TJ! :goodjob:Over 90 pictures taken so far this weekend. Not all good. Some alright.

I have re-sized some of these, but nothing else. I love this camera.

First up is my second cousin Max, and the gift of a guitar I gave him, along with Ellen...

A picture of a Asian Print.

And what was for dinner on Sunday. I used a little tripod for those last two pictures...

I won't keep boring you with this too much longer. Just looking for some feedback. That's all.

[PhoenixRising]

Ducks.

The cross on Sunday at Calvary Chapel.

[PhoenixRising]

Here is one of those shots, that for some reason, I find awe inspiring...

[PhoenixRising]

This is a Lighthouse near where I live.

[PhoenixRising]

Two attempts to shoot pictures of food.

[PhoenixRising]

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/lens/ef75-300_4-56iii_586x225.jpg
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

Telephoto Zoom Lens


I got this today, oh boy~!

[Steinola]

EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

Telephoto Zoom Lens


I got this today, oh boy~!


I don't know enough about Canon lenses... is that the digital version, or the film version? I don't see a "D" in the designation. If it's the film version, the focal length is going to be way off.

[PhoenixRising]

I don't know enough about Canon lenses... is that the digital version, or the film version? I don't see a "D" in the designation. If it's the film version, the focal length is going to be way off.Huh. Well, that is a great question. When I bought it, it was with the other digital cameras. The web site, http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=111

lists it under this subcategory: EOS Camera Systems.

I know it hooked right up, and seems to work with the camera...All I know is I went to the site, clicked on my camera, and right there on that page was these lens.click here to see what I saw (http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=111)

And after looking at the link, I could not find anything that told me that I could not use it with the camera I got...Wait, here I see what makes me breath a sigh of relief...
"Compatible with all EF/EF-S Lenses"

Whew! So there you have it. Does this make sense? I know I wanted the lens for shots outside, sporting events, that sort of thing.

[jdesigns]

What Steinola was getting at is the magnification factor. Since the 20D has a smaller image sensor than the 35mm film size, your 75-300mm lens becoms a 120-480 (That is if I remember correctly that the 20D has a Mag factor of 1.6x, if not, take the magnification factor and mulitply the focal length by that)

Make sense? :D

[jdesigns]

Oh, and make sure you are using shutter speeds of 1/focal length. meaning that if you are shooting with a focal length of 50mm, your shutter speed should be no slower than 1/60th of a second. If you are using a focal length of 200, your shutter speed should be 1/250th or faster (ie 1/500th, 1/1000th, etc...)


Understand? :cool:

[Steinola]

What Steinola was getting at is the magnification factor.

'xactly. All my old film Nikon lenses are going to work on a Nikon DSLR... to varying degrees (they have the same mount, but might not have some of the swizzles). Which is one of the huge reasons I'm considering the D70, even though it has pretty low resolution compared to a couple of the other "prosumer" DSLRs out at the moment. But they won't take pictures the way I'd grown used to with the 35mm body.

My 28-200mm is going to have a focal length more like a 44-300mm... making it far less "universal" than it was on my 35mm.

[PhoenixRising]

Oh, and make sure you are using shutter speeds of 1/focal length. meaning that if you are shooting with a focal length of 50mm, your shutter speed should be no slower than 1/60th of a second. If you are using a focal length of 200, your shutter speed should be 1/250th or faster (ie 1/500th, 1/1000th, etc...)


Understand? :cool:I am starting to. Today, whilst I do the laundry, I plan on sitting down with the rather large manual and pour through it. At this point, I understand what my cousin Aris explained to me, what I know about cameras, and just what I have figured out by fiddling with it.

Oh, this whole thing is rather exciting to me. My father was quite the shutterbug, and I think he left us thousands of slides, which my brother Bob is suppose to be converting to digital.

[Steinola]

Today, whilst I do the laundry, I plan on sitting down with the rather large manual and pour through it

I understand there's an awesome soft-cover book, put out by Magic Lantern Guides, specifically for the EOS 20D (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579906923/sr=8-1/qid=1145478913/ref=sr_1_1/104-1145940-1777515?%5Fencoding=UTF8), too. I hear it's well worth the price... and explains a lot of things that the owner's manual conveniently "leaves out".

[jdesigns]

I'll second the notion of the Magic Lantern books. I bought one many years ago for my NIkon N90s, and it was very helpful. :D

[jdesigns]

'xactly. All my old film Nikon lenses are going to work on a Nikon DSLR... to varying degrees (they have the same mount, but might not have some of the swizzles). Which is one of the huge reasons I'm considering the D70, even though it has pretty low resolution compared to a couple of the other "prosumer" DSLRs out at the moment. But they won't take pictures the way I'd grown used to with the 35mm body.

My 28-200mm is going to have a focal length more like a 44-300mm... making it far less "universal" than it was on my 35mm.


All the Nikon SLR (All the way back to 1959) lenses will fit the D70 or D70s as they use the same mount. However, unless you are using the newer style lenses, you'll lose the fancy meter modes.

As for the prosumer DSLR's, unless the user needs to make a pretty big enlargment, you really don't need a huge amount of megapixels. I mean, come on, how many average users are printing up 20x30" or bigger images? Not a lot. I have talked to a couple of "Pro's" who couldn't believe that my 20x30" tulip shot at the gallery was done with a 3.2MP camera. It totally blew them away! (Which was cool to me!) :cool:

Besides, if all you are using a digicam for is to post pics on the internet, you can get use a "tiny" 3MP camera and still have TOO much camera.

Point is, if you don't plan on making big prints, you don't need to waste the money on more Megapixels. A 5MP camera will do just fine for most people.

[Steinola]

All the Nikon SLR (All the way back to 1959) lenses will fit the D70 or D70s as they use the same mount. However, unless you are using the newer style lenses, you'll lose the fancy meter modes.

Yep... but, then, how I look at it is I wasn't using those modes with these lenses before anyway... so I probably won't miss 'em ;) (what the heck is a 3D meter, anyway??)
If it means not having to spend $5,000 all over again, I'm okay with using my old lenses.

As for the prosumer DSLR's, unless the user needs to make a pretty big enlargment, you really don't need a huge amount of megapixels. I mean, come on, how many average users are printing up 20x30" or bigger images? Not a lot.

I do agree. That's why I'm okay going with the D70 over the D200. I'm just saying... Nikon has lower resolution when compared against similarly-priced (or even lower-priced) competitors. Which makes a lot of people choose those competitors, even though the D70 is a much more capable camera in most other areas, IMHO.

For instance... what made you choose the EOS over the Nikons, TJ?

[jdesigns]

Yep... but, then, how I look at it is I wasn't using those modes with these lenses before anyway... so I probably won't miss 'em ;) (what the heck is a 3D meter, anyway??)
If it means not having to spend $5,000 all over again, I'm okay with using my old lenses.



I do agree. That's why I'm okay going with the D70 over the D200. I'm just saying... Nikon has lower resolution when compared against similarly-priced (or even lower-priced) competitors. Which makes a lot of people choose those competitors, even though the D70 is a much more capable camera in most other areas, IMHO.

For instance... what made you choose the EOS over the Nikons, TJ?


From what I saw, TJ picked the Canon :rolleyes: over the Nikons because of the recommendation of his cousin-in-law.

The 3D Color Matrix meter with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor takes in information about color, contast in addition to light quantity, while using the distance info to analyze how far the subject is away and what color it is to judge how much exposure to give the sensor/film.


My opinion about the Nikon/Canon debate is this: Canon adopts the newest technology, whereas Nikon tends to sit back and see what technology proves to be viable and incorporates it into the newest bodies. This gives Canon the leg up, as they usually have the latest and greatest. The major drawback, IMHO, is that the newest Canon's can't use the older lenses. Nikon has done a great thing with the D200. The reviews I have read about it say that it produces better images than the Canon's with more Megapixels. The D200 (or newer model will be my next camera)


The D70 is a great camera, and unless you plan on doing huge pics, there really isnt' a need for more. Me, on the other hand, with my business am going to need the extra MP's.

Sorry about being off topic TJ! :wave3:

[PhoenixRising]

Sorry about being off topic TJ! :wave3:

No problem! I will respond when I come back; but check this out. No more NOSE against the back of the camera!

http://imagescommerce.bcentral.com/merchantfiles/2025592/Canon%20EP%20EX15.jpg

[PhoenixRising]

From what I saw, TJ picked the Canon :rolleyes: over the Nikons because of the recommendation of his cousin-in-law.

True dat. Also a heavy influence, my brother Bob, who for the past 27, 28 years has been a pro photographer. He has, (I think I mentioned this), won a Emmy for his work with Bob Ryan of WRC-TV4 in Washington D.C. Anyway, he uses Canon cameras all the time.

Nothing against Nikons at all. As a friend told me, it's like the endless battle of Ford Vs. Chevy. They both make great cars, and some lousy cars.

Anyway. I'll be back.

[PhoenixRising]

A picture of my old Brownie. Only re-sized.

[PhoenixRising]

I understand there's an awesome soft-cover book, put out by Magic Lantern Guides, I'll second the notion of the Magic Lantern books. I bought one many years ago for my NIkon N90s, and it was very helpful. :D
specifically for the EOS 20D (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579906923/sr=8-1/qid=1145478913/ref=sr_1_1/104-1145940-1777515?%5Fencoding=UTF8), too. I hear it's well worth the price... and explains a lot of things that the owner's manual conveniently "leaves out".Thanks for the link! You would not have known this, but I am a huge fan of the Amazon (so much so, I order a thing or two from them every week), so that link lead me right to my 'store'! Neat! I ordered the book, should be here Friday. Thanks again.

As for the prosumer DSLR's, unless the user needs to make a pretty big enlargment, you really don't need a huge amount of megapixels. I mean, come on, how many average users are printing up 20x30" or bigger images? Not a lot. I have talked to a couple of "Pro's" who couldn't believe that my 20x30" tulip shot at the gallery was done with a 3.2MP camera. It totally blew them away! (Which was cool to me!) :cool:

Besides, if all you are using a digicam for is to post pics on the internet, you can get use a "tiny" 3MP camera and still have TOO much camera.

Point is, if you don't plan on making big prints, you don't need to waste the money on more Megapixels. A 5MP camera will do just fine for most people.
As it is, I agree with you, but on the other hand, I can see myself 'growing' into this camera, and at some point, making big prints and all. As it is, I love the amount of detail you get with this camera. Wowza. I have a shot I want to show you, at the end of this post. What I did, was take JUST the lens part from the Brownie picture, as in, not re-touched, or blown up. I just cut that part out of the picture. It's something.


What made you choose the EOS over the Nikons, TJ?
As I explained in a previous post, I won't go over that again, but I will say, that I love Nikons, so no hate there.

This is thrilling, again, to be able to throw myself into something like this. I don't know if you can tell that via the posts.

[PhoenixRising]

of my old Brownie. Not much done to this, but a tad bit of re-size.

[PhoenixRising]

I got the Magic Lantern Book; it's a easy, fun read. Thanks for the recommendation!

And I got ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4.0 (the camera came with 2.0)

So, I am messing around with that. Here is some stuff I have shot in the last day or so.

[PhoenixRising]

Now, the same shot, almost, but with only a simple re-size. What I can't figure out, is why the freaky lines??

Maybe I had the setting wrong on the camera...

[jdesigns]

Now, the same shot, almost, but with only a simple re-size. What I can't figure out, is why the freaky lines??

Maybe I had the setting wrong on the camera...

What mode did you use to take this shot? Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, or manual mode?

What happened is that you had a slow shutter speed, (ie, 1/15th sec for example) in combonation with the flash. The duration of the flash is very short (ie like 1/30,000th sec) So during the extra 1/29985th sec, you moved the camera.

This allowed whatever existing light in the room to also been seen by the camera sensor, resulting in the weird lines and wrong color balance.

Make sense?

In simple terms, you moved after the flash went off. :D

[PhoenixRising]

What mode did you use to take this shot? Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, or manual mode?

What happened is that you had a slow shutter speed, (ie, 1/15th sec for example) in combonation with the flash. The duration of the flash is very short (ie like 1/30,000th sec) So during the extra 1/29985th sec, you moved the camera.

This allowed whatever existing light in the room to also been seen by the camera sensor, resulting in the weird lines and wrong color balance.

Make sense?

In simple terms, you moved after the flash went off. :DAh! Thanks!

Here are some samples from today, as I try to find a style. I was reading how every good photo person has a style. I am not sure if I will have one.

I took this, and simple re-sized for the ORG. No, I did not do anything, like crop in Ronny. What I like about it, is, that I could do something with Ronny with the RAW image.

[PhoenixRising]

Flags. Two. Just cropped from the RAW file.

[PhoenixRising]

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/speedlite/430ex_586x225.jpg
Speedlite 430EX
This exciting new addition to the EOS System combines compact size and affordability with an added dose of features and sophistication. Improving on the previous model, Speedlite 420EX, the new 430EX can now be set into manual flash mode (full power~1/64). Flash compensation can be set on the flash unit, and manual control of the flash zoom head is now possible. Improvements in its circuitry make recycle time 40% faster, and since it is compatible with Canon's wireless E-TTL, it can be used as an affordable "slave unit."

Significantly greater user control via new LCD panel on rear of flash
Wide-angle pull-down panel covers 14mm lens (on a full-frame camera)
Slightly higher max. guide number at 105mm setting (GN 141-feet, at ISO 100)
Auto conversion of flash zoom coverage with compatible digital SLRs
White balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLRs
Bounce upward to 90°; swivel right (to 90°) and left (to 180°)
14% lighter and approx. 25% smaller in overall volume than top-of-the-line 580EX
Six flash custom functions built into the 430EX (set on rear LCD panel)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002Y5WZC.01-A1PY46IM1CBEG3._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Canon 200DG Digital SLR Gadget Bag

...a place for my stuff, man.

[PhoenixRising]

I happen to love black and white photos. And after considering the work that Gail has done, and my own experience with film, I choose to get a EOS Rebel K2 today. And I will use it JUST with Kodak 400 speed black and white film. No color in this camera!

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/eos/rebel_k2_586x225.jpg

And, I got a EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III lens to go with it; the groovy thing is, that lens will work with the 20D.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0002Y5WYI.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Finally, as my allowance was drawing to a close, I got this:

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/lens/ef100_28mu_586x225.jpg

EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM...And it works with both cameras.

[PhoenixRising]

That Macro Lens is something. First shot, I focused on the lens cap. Then, in the second shot, I focused on the REBEL word on the camera.

Simple, I know, but it's a start.

[PhoenixRising]

Note the total lack of cars...Errie. Taken from my car, right outside my house, as I was about to turn west (left) onto Copans road. At sunset. A storm was on the way. The next one, I am walking towards the sunset. And then, the storm clouds come in, and it gets totally dark in a matter of seconds. I captured this branch...

[PhoenixRising]

Now, this is what I am talking about, when it comes to Black & White.

The beach. On Wednesday.

[PhoenixRising]

I got a new lens: EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens

This is the lightest EF lens of all at a mere 4.6 oz. (130g). Compact and high-performance, standard lens. Its Gaussian optics provide sharp delineation from near to far focusing distances. The color balance is excellent for a standard lens. Here is an example of the quality photo you get from it:

[Papa Bug]

TJ, I'm jealous of all the fun you seem to be having. My plans to purchase a new digital camera have been put on hold for at least a year. Too many obligations. My youngest daughter graduates next year, so I'll have to wait till after that. But I'm looking forward to it.
At least I can view all the great stuff that you, Justin, Pete, & Gail are doing.:)

[PhoenixRising]

TJ, I'm jealous of all the fun you seem to be having. My plans to purchase a new digital camera have been put on hold for at least a year. Too many obligations. My youngest daughter graduates next year, so I'll have to wait till after that. But I'm looking forward to it.
At least I can view all the great stuff that you, Justin, Pete, & Gail are doing.:)
Thanks man. I'll keep a prayor on for you...and yeah, it's fun. TOO much. No, not too much. In fact, it just get's better and better.

Here is a shot, in PURE black and white, that is hard to describe, yet...I love the way it looks. Tell me what you think.

(shot on 400 speed Black and White Kodak film)

And, you know that color shot up there, of the branch? Here it is, in B& W, again, on 400 speed film.

[PhoenixRising]

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/d_eos/rebel_xt_586x225.jpg
Digital Rebel XT

EOS Digital SLR Camera



Yeah, it's the third camera for me. What can I tell you. This one, is a step down from the 20D, so why get it? I wanted to have a digital camera, that I could set up as black and white, and not touch it. Then, when I want to just simply load pictures to the web, I can (waiting for film to be developed is hard on that).

I know what you are thinking, why? Yes, I could simply take a color photo, and grey scale it, but when you set the parameter on this camera to b&w, it does not capture color. In a sense, it like using b&w film. It's a bit pure, IMHO.

I am still going to shoot film; even today, when I got the latest batch back, the shots I took look so...different then what I took in color. The difference is something. At least to me.

Here is a sample from the camera. It's a picture of two pictures of my mom and dad, both of those are in black and white. It's just something I snapped off.

[PhoenixRising]

Canon Rebels. The one on the left, film, the one on the right, digital.

[PhoenixRising]

(kidding Justin, kidding!)

I just found out (at least it's news to me), that Canon has just released the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM zoom lens.

Featuring the latest 3-stop Image Stabilizer for outstanding camera shake reduction, the lens also features super responsive auto focus. Replacing the popular EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer (IS), the lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.

Image Stabilizer

IS dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM features Canon's latest 3-stop IS, a one-stop improvement over its predecessor. This allows shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur. Photographers normally shooting a 300mm frame handheld at 1/500s can obtain the equivalent result with a shutter speed of just 1/60s, vastly extending options in low light conditions.

Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane.

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM provides 2-mode IS for shooting immobile subjects. Mode 1 stabilizes the image along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For shooting while panning to follow a moving subject, Mode 2 turns off correction in the panned direction and prevents the effect of dragging the subject back through the frame. IS switches off automatically when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabilizer motor vibrations.
Superb auto-focus

The micro USM motor found in the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. Good holding torque stops the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus point and without overshoot. A high speed CPU and optimised AF algorithm result in a significant increase of AF speed compared to that of its predecessor.

A zoom ring locking mechanism is provided that locks the zoom at the wide-angle setting. This ensures that the lens is carried or stored in its most compact position, preventing possible damage caused by the lens extending and hitting obstacles when being carried mounted on a camera with a strap.

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM employs an electro magnetic diaphragm (EMD) with a circular aperture. This helps create an attractive, even defocused background when isolating a subject at large apertures.

Image quality

By optimising Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, Canon's engineers have been effective in suppressing flare and ghosting - more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

Focal length translates to 112-480mm equivalent in 35mm film format when fitted to EOS 20D, which is one of the cameras I have.

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM includes distance metering information, providing compatibility with the E-TTL II flash system of late model cameras such as the EOS-1D Mark II N and EOS 5D¹. When used in conjunction with Canon's range of EX Speedlite flash units, the lens passes distance information to the flash algorithm for markedly improved flash exposure metering.

Accessories for the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM include the lens hood ET-65B and the lens pouch LP1222.

In keeping with Canon's Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

The other lens (in a sense) that I got, was the Kenko KRW-065 PROCB PRO Wide Angle 0.65x, which is a professional wide angle that, when attached, will increase the angle of view by 66%, allowing the video or digital camera to take in far wider scene than it would do with the factory lens alone. The PRO Wide is easily to attach directly to any Canon Camera. Despite the wide angle of view this is very little barrel distortion making this lens suitable for recording in interiors spaces where backing up to get more in the shot is not possible, as well as recording people in large groups.



(some of the text above was cut and paste, but I did my own thing with it; you get the idea)

[PhoenixRising]

An example from the new ZOOM.

:)

[PhoenixRising]

Three from my new zoom. Two views of a storm.

And a Dragon Fly, that was perched WAY up on the top of this palm tree

[PhoenixRising]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/Canon/s2is-press.jpg
(the following is cut and paste, with some of my words thrown in)

I got a camera to have with me almost 24/7, for those times when you just know you might want a shot, but don't want to dig out all the high tech stuff. So, this is the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, 12x optical zoom, 5.0 Megapixel; features optical Image Stabilizer technology, outstanding optics and 30 fps digital video camera quality extended video recording of up to 60 minutes with stereo sound.

Powered by the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s pro-series D-SLR cameras, the PowerShot S2 IS features super-responsive 2.4 fps shooting, start up times and auto focus speeds almost twice as quick as that of its predecessor, 18 shooting modes and shutter speeds to 1/3,200 of a second. The processor even makes it possible to capture a maximum resolution digital still whilst shooting video. As well as giving camera performance a real boost, DIGIC II also improves colour rendition and white balance accuracy, as well as speeding up playback review and scrolling. A USB 2.0 Hi-speed interface is provided for super quick image and video transfers.

Optics

The most powerful optical zoom (36 – 432mm f/2.7-f.3.5) ever to equip a Canon compact camera features Canon’s renowned optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, significantly suppressing blur when taking stills and minimising image shake when shooting video footage. An Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element curbs chromatic aberrations – particularly at longer focal lengths – for extremely faithful colour reproduction and sharp definition. IS can be set to off, continuous (always on), shoot only (operates with shutter release) and panning mode (only up/down movement corrected - suitable for applications such as motor-sports). Providing the equivalent of 2-3 stops, IS allows photographers to shoot with longer than normal exposures without increasing image blur, great for low light shooting at events where use of flash is inappropriate or not desirable – such as concerts and weddings.

As well as driving super-fast, responsive zooming, the lens’ ultra-sonic motor (USM) also delivers exceptionally quiet operation so as to not interfere with stereo sound recording on movies or where wildlife subjects might otherwise be startled. A Super Macro mode performance of 0cm and optional 500D (58mm) close up lens gives the opportunity for interesting and experimental macro photography.

Covering most shooting requirements, optional wide and tele converter lenses extend the zoom range to an impressive 24x – from wide 27mm to super-tele 648mm (35mm equivalent). Without conversion lenses, the S2 IS has a 48x combined digital and optical zoom for both stills and movies.

Functionality and performance

Addition of the DIGIC II processor increases AF speed by approximately 45% and improves start up times by over 50%. With a feature that outshines many digital SLR cameras, the PowerShot S2 IS will shoot continually and uninterrupted at 2.4 fps until the memory card becomes full, providing users with a new realm of action sport sequence opportunity. 17 still shooting modes include full manual mode, 6 pre-set Special Scene modes for quickly optimising settings in tricky lighting conditions, and Stitch Assist for multi-image panoramas.

To commence shooting video immediately supporting VGA fine (640 x 480) mode at either 30 or 15 fps, the PowerShot S2 IS retains the dedicated movie-shooting button. This eliminates the need to enter menu navigation, helping make sure users never miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities.

Manual focus for stills and movies is available with the use of the omni-selector up/down buttons. High quality stereo sound recording at selectable sampling rates is available, either as part of movie recording, as a stand alone sound recording, or for annotation of stills. A selectable Wind filter improves sound quality of outdoor recordings made in blustery conditions. The camera’s mono sound playback is extendable to stereo when connected to a suitable device with the supplied stereo video cable. Also added is the popular in-camera slow-motion replay, introduced in a selection of recently launched dedicated Canon digital still cameras.

With its own spot on the mode dial, the ‘My Colors’ function allows 9 different colour effects to be applied in real time whilst shooting both stills and movies.

Simultaneous movies and stills

A new Photo-in-Movie feature lets users capture a maximum resolution still image whilst shooting a movie by simply pressing the shutter release. Movie recording is temporarily interrupted whilst the still image is captured, continuing thereafter until the user chooses to stop. The video footage and still image are saved separately and the fragmented sequence can be stitched back together with a special edit menu option in the supplied ZoomBrowser EX 5.2 / ImageBrowser 5.1 software.

Other features

Taking on board feedback from PowerShot S1 IS users, Canon has increased the size of the vari-angle LCD from 1.5” to 1.8”. A Night Display function assists with framing in low light. Electronic viewfinder (EVF) brightness is adjustable to one of 2 levels.

The integrated flash now has manual pop-up control. Along with the conversion lenses, other optional accessories include Canon’s High Power Flash HF-DC1, a lens hood and lens adapter set to reduce flare and a Soft Case DCC-90. The camera is supplied with 4 AA Alkaline batteries and a 16MB SD card as standard.

Prints without computers

With extensive PictBridge support, the PowerShot S2 IS offers ID photo and movie print when connected to a SELPHY Compact Photo Printer such as the Compact Photo Printer SELPHY CP600. Using KP-108IP media with SELPHY CP Compact Photo Printers gives 6 x 4” (10 x 15cm) prints as low as 30 euro cents. A new Print/Share button provides one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.

Sensor • 5.0 million effective pixels *
• 1/2.5" Type CCD *
Image processor DIGIC II * with iSAPS
Image sizes • 2592 x 1944 *
• 2048 x 1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips • 640 x 480, 30/15 fps *
• 320 x 240, 30/15 fps *
• Up to 1 GB or 60 mins *
• With stereo audio *
Image formats • JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
• Super Fine, Fine, Normal
Lens • 36 - 432 mm equiv. *
• 12x optical zoom *
• Image Stabilized (lens shift type)
• F2.7 - F3.5 *
• 11 elements in 9 groups, 1 aspherical element, 1 UD element *
• USM (ultrasonic motor) zoom, multi-speed
• Bayonet fitting for optional add-on lenses / hood
Digital zoom Yes, smooth up to 4.0x *
Focusing • TTL
• 1 point AF (any position available) *
• Manual FlexiZone AF/AE area selection
• Single / Continuous AF
• Manual focus
• Focus bracketing
• 0 cm minimum focus range (macro) *
AF Assist lamp Yes *
Shooting mode • Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter priority AE
• Aperture priority AE
• Manual
• Custom
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• My Colors *
• Special scene mode *
• Stitch Assist
• Movie
Special scene modes * • Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Indoor
• Night snapshot
Metering • Evaluative
• Center-weighted average
• Spot (center or linked to AF)
Sensitivity • Auto
• ISO 50
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
Shutter speed • 15 - 1/3200 sec
• Shutter speed limits at some combinations of aperture / zoom
• Automatic noise reduction for exposures of 1.3 sec or slower
Manual exposure • Any combination of shutter speed and aperture above
• No Bulb mode
AE Lock Yes
Exposure compen. • -2 EV to +2 EV
• 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing • 3 images
• +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0 EV
White Balance • Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Flash
• Custom
WB fine tune No
Color space sRGB
Photo Effects • Vivid
• Neutral
• Low Sharpening
• Sepia
• Black & White
• Custom (contrast, saturation, sharpness)
• My Colors *
Continuous • High speed: 2.4 fps, until card is full *
• Normal speed: 1.5 fps, until card is full *
Timelapse • Interval: 1 - 60 mins
• Shots: up to 100
Self-timer • 2 or 10 sec delay
• Custom *
Remote control Unknown
Flash • Built-in, pop-up (electronic)
• Auto, Manual on/off
• Red-eye reduction: on/off
• Slow sync: on/off
• Range (Auto ISO): W 0.7 - 4.2 m, T 0.7 - 4.0 m *
• Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps
External flash No (slave only)
Tripod mount Yes, metal
Video out Yes, selectable NTSC / PAL
Viewfinder • Electronic Viewfinder (0.33" type LCD)
• 115,000 pixels *
• 100% coverage
• Dioptre adjustment (-5.5 to 1.5 dpt)
LCD • 1.8" P-Si TFT, 115,000 pixels *
• 100% coverage
• Tilt, twist and swivel ('Vari-angle')
Histogram display • Record review
• Playback
Direct print • Canon Selphy Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Movie Print supported by SELPHY CP printers only)
• PictBridge compatible printers
Other features • Sound recorder (stereo, up to 2 hours per recording) *
• Selectable audio quality (11 Khz, 22 Khz, 44 Khz, wind filter) *
• Histogram
• Orientation sensor
• Playback zoom 2x - 10x
Storage • Secure Digital (SD) card *
• 16 MB card supplied
Connectivity • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed *
• A/V out
• DC-IN
Power • 4 x AA batteries (NiMH recommended)
• Optional Canon NB-2AH batteries
• Optional Canon CA-PS700 AC adapter
Weight (no batt) 405 g (14.3 oz) *
Dimensions 113 x 78 x 76 mm (4.5 x 3.1 x 3.0 in) *


Here is a shot, that I just got, of this groovy old limo...now, I'll admit, this is just a quick shot, but one never knows when one might see the next Great Thing.

Less then a week into owning this, I gave it to my father in law. I got the UPGRADE, the Powershot S3 IS.

[Blue Thunder]

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/lens/ef75-300_4-56iii_586x225.jpg
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

Telephoto Zoom Lens


I got this today, oh boy~!

Ah the dust pump!.....keep it clean.

[PhoenixRising]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/canon/canon_s3is_frontback-001.jpg

Okay, here is the deal. My father in law came to town, to visit. And his wife's camera took a spill, so they were with out a camera. And he really liked my S2 IS from Canon. He even thought he would buy one when he got back home.

Now, I just happened to see that the UPGRADE, the Canon S3 IS was about to come out, and it's in black...and I like the latest bells and whistles...So I got one of these for myself, and gave my S2 to him. He was happy, I was happy, and you know that Canon is happy, since I bought another camera from them. The following is CUT AND PASTE, with some of my words tossed in.

Successor to the popular PowerShot S2 IS, the latest addition to the PowerShot S-series incorporates a 6.0 Megapixel CCD sensor, Canon's renowned optical Image Stabilizer technology and video functionality rivalling that of dedicated digital video camcorders. Sporting a striking new finish in gunmetal grey (black) , the compact PowerShot S3 IS answers the demands of advanced photographers with several improvements over its predecessor, including an increased sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 800, a larger 2.0" vari-angle LCD screen, widescreen (16:9) recording, new movie features and an additional Sports mode.

The PowerShot S3 IS features:

* 12x optical zoom lens with USM and UD lens element
* Optical Image Stabilizer
* 6.0 Megapixel CCD
* Larger size 2.0” Vari-angle LCD
* 30fps VGA movies with stereo sound and Photo in Movie feature
* DIGIC II, iSAPS and Flexizone AF/AE for fast, precise results and 2.3 fps continuous shooting performance
* 20 shooting modes and My Colors photo effects
* High ISO Auto and ISO 800 for low light flexibility
* Widescreen (16:9) recording

The PowerShot S3 IS caters for serious photo enthusiasts (like myself) seeking extended zooming flexibility and fully featured movie recording in a versatile compact digital stills camera.

Optics

Still the most powerful zoom in a Canon digital compact camera (36 – 432mm f/2.7-f.3.5), the PowerShot S3 IS’s lens incorporates the same leading technologies used in Canon's professional EF lenses. An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) drives rapid and near-silent zoom operation; an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element significantly reduces chromatic aberration in telephoto shots; Canon's optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology counteracts camera shake to reduce image blur when shooting stills or recording video, essential for handheld shots at longer focal lengths. IS allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower for reliable flash-free photography in low light conditions.

The PowerShot S3 IS's 12x optical zoom combines with digital zoom to deliver 48x magnification for recording both stills and video. For even wider framing options, optional Wide and Tele converter lenses extend the focal length from wide 27mm to super-tele 648mm (35mm film equivalent) for an impressive 24x optical zoom. A Super Macro mode with 0cm shooting distance and optional Close-Up lens 500D (58mm) allow for detailed macro photography.

Increased ISO speed

In addition to Image Stabilization, the PowerShot S3 IS features a new High ISO Auto setting and ISO 800 to further extend the camera's low light shooting capabilities. High ISO Auto automatically sets exposure using the higher range of ISO sensitivities, enabling faster shutter speeds in low light and increased image stability at the telephoto end. A dedicated ISO button allows for easy switching between ISO sensitivities.

Movie functions

Powerful video functions make the PowerShot S3 IS far more than just a high performance digital still camera. A dedicated movie button means users do not need to switch modes to start recording, so spontaneous moments can be instantly captured in full motion. Users can record smooth 30fps VGA quality movies of up to 1GB with stereo sound, or create 60fps QVGA clips for sharp slow motion playback. The Movie mode also allows users to pre-select exposure and white balance, zoom throughout the camera's focal range and manually adjust focus while shooting. A Photo In Movie feature enables the capture of full resolution digital stills during video recording.

Creative shooting

The PowerShot S3 IS offers 20 shooting modes including full Manual mode, Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority. Together with 2.3 fps continuous shooting, a new fast-shutter Sports mode with improved auto focus accuracy provides unprecedented capabilities for capturing action sports sequences. Special Scene modes – such as Night Snapshot and Snow – assist with tricky lighting conditions, while Color Accent and Color Swap modes enable dramatic colour effects to be applied to both images and movies. Canon's My Colors photo effects have been enhanced for this model, and can now be applied to images both before and after shooting.

The PowerShot S3 IS features a new Widescreen mode (2816 x 1584 recording pixels) for capturing still images in 16:9 format – perfect for viewing images on widescreen television or printing wide (10 x 20cm) photos with a SELPHY Compact Photo Printer.

Printing and other features

A new, dedicated Print menu simplifies printing of multiple images. Full PictBridge support means users can print directly to any PictBridge compatible printer without the need for a PC. New PictBridge features include the ability to print shooting data and optimise faces in portrait shots when connected to a compatible Canon PIXMA printer. The camera's ID photo and movie stills features are also available when connected to a SELPHY CP Series Printer. A handy Print/Share button allows one-touch printing and easy uploads to Windows or Mac systems.
The camera's menu system now features support for Arabic, bringing the total number of supported languages to 23.

Accessories

A complete range of optional accessories is available to extend the functionality of the PowerShot S3 IS:

* Tele-converter 1.5x lens (TC-DC58B)
* Wide-converter 0.75x lens (WC-DC58A)
* Lens Adapter/Hood Set (LAH-DC20)
* Close-Up Lens 500D (58mm)
* High Power Flash HF-DC1
* Soft Case (DCC-90)
* Compact AC Power Adapter (CA-PS700)
* Battery and Charger Kit (CBK4-300)

The camera is compatible with MMC/SD cards, and comes supplied with a 16MB Canon card.

Technologies Explained

Optical Image Stabilizer

Canon's lens shift-type optical Image Stabilizer counteracts the camera shake caused by slight hand movements. Vibration sensors detect the angle and speed of movement and send this information to a processor, allowing the camera to compensate. This adds stability to hand-held, telephoto or moving shots and enables shooting at shutter speeds of up to three stops slower with no noticeable increase in image blur.

DIGIC II

Canon's purpose-built DIGIC II (DIGital Imaging Core) image processor links all primary camera functions for maximum efficiency. High-speed processing results in outstanding responsiveness, rapid auto focus and extended continuous shooting ability. Advanced image processing algorithms deliver superb image detail and colour reproduction with accurate white balance and minimal noise. DIGIC II operates efficiently to extend battery life, for longer shooting on a single charge.

iSAPS

iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) automatically optimises key camera settings before every shot. Each scene is analysed and cross-referenced against Photographic Space – a vast in-camera library of photographic data. This enables the camera to make optimal adjustments to auto exposure, auto focus and auto white balance before image capture occurs.

9-Point AiAF

Canon's 9-point AiAF (Artificial Intelligence Auto Focus) automatically scans and selects subjects from a set of nine focusing areas across the scene. This ensures accurately focused images even when subjects are not in the centre of the frame.

FlexiZone AF/AE

FlexiZone AF/AE lets users manually select the focus point from almost any point in the frame by moving the auto focus window in the viewfinder. Exposure is linked to the focus point to ensure that the chosen subject is accurately focused and exposed.

Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens technology

No matter how well engineered, conventional optical glass lens elements cause chromatic aberrations which can ‘soften’ images and appear in photographs as fringing around the outside edge of subjects. Canon’s Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass has special optical properties to successfully reduce these aberrations. Especially effective in super telephoto lenses, UD glass helps to deliver crisp, sharp, high contrast images.

Pricing and Availability

Canon’s new PowerShot S3 IS digital camera will be available in May for an estimated selling price of $499.99.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS specifications
Sensor

• 1/2.5 " Type CCD
• 6.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes • 2816 x 2112
• 2816 x 1584
• 2272 x 1704
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips • 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps
• 320 x 240 @ 60 / 30 / 15fps
• WAVE (stereo)
File formats • Still: JPEG (Exif 2.2)
• Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG compression)
Lens • 36-432mm equiv
• 12x Optical zoom
• F2.7-3.5 (max)
Image stabilization Yes (Lens shift-type)
Conversion lenses Yes
Digital zoom up to 4x
Focus • TTL
• 1 point AF (any position)
• Single
• Continuous
• Manual
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance Closest 0cm
Metering • Evaluative
• Center-weighted average
• Spot (centre or linked to focusing frame)
ISO sensitivity • Auto
• High ISO Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
Exposure compensation • +/- 2EV
• 1/3 stop increments
Exposure bracketing • 1/3-2EV
• 1/3 stop increments
Shuttter speed 15 – 1/3200 sec
Aperture F2.7-3.5 (max)
Modes • Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter Priority AE
• Aperture Priority AE
• Manual
• Custom
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• Sports
• Stitch Assist
• Special Scene
Scene modes • Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Indoor
• Night Snapshot
• Color Accent
• Color Swap
White balance • TTL
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Flash
• Custom
Self timer • 2 or 10secs
• Custom
Continuous shooting • High Speed approx. 2.3fps
• Normal approx. 1.5fps
Image parameters My Colors (Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, Positive film, Lighter skin tone, Darker skin tone, Vivid blue, Vivid red, Vivid Green, Custom color)
Flash • Auto
• Manual Flash On / Off
• Slow Synch
• Red eye reduction
• Flash exposure lock
• Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments
• Manual Power adjustment
• Second Curtain Synch
• Range: 50cm-5.2m (wide) / 90cm-4.0m (tele)
Viewfinder • EVF (0.33" type)
• 115,000 pixels
LCD monitor • Vari-angle 2.0-inch Low Temp P-Si TFT
• 115,000 pixels
• Adjustable Brightness
Connectivity • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out
Print compliance • PictBridge
• Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP printers only)
Storage • SD / MMC compatible
• 16MB card supplied
Power • 4x AA Alkaline battery supplied or NiMH batteries
• Optional AC adapter
Weight (no batt) 410 g
Dimensions 113.4 x 78 x 75.5 mm


All in all, a snazzy camera.