• Commercial Photography
• Contact / About Us
• Print Gallery
• Articles, reviews, info
  • Photography articles
  • Reviews (eqpt. and s/w)
  • Digital Black and White
  • Photography Info
  • Tutorials
  • -
  • Rumours section
  • Travel blogs
  • Internet Search
  • Books
  • Viewing Tips
  • -
  • Mac Info
  • Usability and design
• Home
  • What's new on the site

This site, and all its
contents are copyright
©2003-2008 Keith Cooper

Image usage information

	Other info and stuff on this site Digital Black and White Keith's reviews ... hardware and software Articles and tutorials Photography and digital imaging info Some of Keith's Landscape photos Using your film scanner as a microscope A Canon 1Ds pinhole camera Our review policy - for real products All about Colour management Apple Mac info Webcams in Leicester and view from space
----- Rumours pages ----- Canon Medium Format 5Dmk2 /3D/ 7D New lenses page 50D	----- Real Cameras ----- Canon EOS 1D Mark 3 400D/XTi page 40D 450D

Jump to...

• Quick comparison of 1 Ds Mk2 Specifications
• UK Press release
• Some more technical info (and detailed PDF file)

We will keep adding things to this page as they come in (latest at the top)

We'll keep this page active, since a lot of people come to it looking for MkII info. Any particularly useful info will be added here:

Upgrade 1.1.2

This firmware update (version 1.1.2) includes the following additional functions and improvements:

1. When pressing the DISPLAY button immediately after shooting, the LCD monitor would turn completely white, the camera would hang, and the images in the buffer memory would be lost. Countermeasures for this issue have been incorporated into this update.
2. Errata in the German and Russian language displays have been corrected.

This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.1.1 installed. If your camera's firmware is already version 1.1.2, it is not necessary to perform this update.

1Ds MkII firmware 1.1.1 upgrade

Changes in the version 1.1.1 firmware

1. Three new languages (Russian, Traditional Chinese, and Korean) added to the camera menus.
2. Improvement in communication reliability when using some CF cards.

The following improvements from the version 1.0.3 are included:

1. Improvements to AF tracking in AI Servo AF.
   Improves the AF tracking when using the AI Servo AF to shoot low-luminance or low-contrast subjects.
2. Reduced noise when shooting bulb exposures.
   Reduces the color differences between RAW and JPEG thumbnail images when viewing thumbnails in the bundled RAW-image development application Digital Photo Professional.

---

Older news

24 September

More info comes out as the various parts of Canon worldwide catch up to the announcement. Interestingly enough the 'other camera' (EOS 3D) rumours persist, with this comment on the PDN forum:

"The big news is there is a new camera (like the EOS 3) which will not have the build quality of the 1 series, better than the 10D, BUT it will be full frame, 11 mp, 9 focus points and sell for $3,000. This camera may not be announced until September or maybe later."

21 September

Not too long to wait, this seems to be the 'official' press release (Thanks for the info)

It will be priced £5,999 (UK), $7,999 (US) and €8,000 (Europe)

More technical info on the 1Ds mark2

From a large PDF we were sent :-) (Download PDF)

"New 16.7 Megapixel CMOS Sensor

The heart of the Cannon EOS-IDs MarkII is a state-of-the art, 16.7 megapixel, full frame, single-plate CMOS sensor developed and manufactured by Canon. The 1Ds MrkII has the world's highest pixel count in a 35mm digital SLR camera. Its maximum-recorded resolution is 4992 by 3328 pixels. Each pixel is 7.2um, smaller than the 8.2um of the EOS-1D MarkII sensor or the 8.8um of the EOS-1Ds it replaces, but supporting the same range of ISO settings and producing the same low noise as the 1D MarkII and surpassing the 1Ds on both counts.

The 1Ds MarkII sensor shares with the 1D MarkII several substantial improvements made possible by the Canon-developed, on-chip RGB primary color filter together with larger micro lenses that have much smaller gaps between them than those on the 1Ds. These narrow gaps greatly increase the efficiency of light convergence while greatly reducing birefringence. Canon has also improved the design ofthe photo diodes in the CMOS sensor by eliminating transistors in each pixel, making a greater portion ofthe surface area of each pixel sensitive to light. Normally, it's nearly impossible to provide both high resolution and minimal false color, but the EOS-1Ds MarkII has a 3-layer optical low pass filter that works with the DIGICII chip to reduce false colors while having minimal impact on resolution.

A second-generation, on-chip noise elimination circuit attends to fixed-pattern and random noise. In addition to longer battery life, the lower power consumption ofthe CMOS sensor means that the Signal-to-Noise Ratio is less affected when the sensor's temperature rises. For long exposures, including those up to several minutes, the circuit-driving standard current and the power to the output amp are cutoff and, as with the 1D Mark II, the camera applies Dark Frame Subtraction automatically. Additionally, the irregular image edge colors that occur during long exposures have been reduced dramatically.

The next-generation DIGICII Image Processor in the Canon EOS-1Ds MarkII, as well as in the EOS-1D MarkII, features ultra-fast response and high performance. The single board design replaces the multiple boards of the 1D and 1Ds and the DIGICII itself is a single-chip unit whereas the 1D and 1Ds had two separate Image Processors.

The DIGICII has a new signal processing algorithm, 8-channel signal reading and faster image data signal processing. Color reproduction of high-saturation, bright subjects is improved. Auto white balance is more precise and accuracy in low color temperatures, such as tungsten light, is better. False colors and noise in low light have been reduced.

The DIGICII Image Processor enables the EOS-1Ds MarkII to write to card at speeds up to 5.8 MB/sec, depending on the CF cards write speed capability, whereas the 1Ds writes at just under 2 MB/sec. The EOS-1Ds MarkII uses double data rate, synchronous dynamic random access memory, DDR-SDRAM, first seen in a digital SLR in the EOS-1D MarkII. This high speed buffer memory is one of the keys to the 1Ds MarkII's ability to capture 16.7 megapixel files at 4 frames-per-second for as many as 32 JPEGs or 11 RAW images. With its 4.1 megapixels, the 1D could do 21 JPEGs or 16 RAW images at 8 frames-per-second. The EOS-1Ds, with 11.1 megapixels, can fire off 10 frames at 3 fps. The speed king, the EOS-1D MarkII, can fire at 8.5 fps for up to 40 JPEGs or 20 RAW consecutive frames. "

Download PDF

Quick comparison

Feature	Original 1Ds	1Ds Mark 2
Sensor	36 x 24 mm CMOS 11.1 million effective pixels	36 x 24 mm CMOS 16.7 million effective pixels
Max image size	4064 x 2704	4992 x 3328
White balance	External sensor Image sensor	Image sensor
ISO	ISO 100 - 1250 Optional: ISO 50	ISO 100 - 1600 Optional: ISO 50 and ISO 3200
Colour Matrix	4x sRGB Adobe RGB	4x sRGB Adobe RGB 2x user configurable
Contrast	Tone curve	5 level contrast control Tone curve
Sharpness	Level	Level Pattern
Shooting Speed	Max. approx. 3.3 fps	Max. approx. 4.0 fps
Buffer size	JPEG: 10 frames RAW: 10 frames	JPEG: 32 frames RAW: 11 frames
Flash	E-TTL	E-TTL II
Storage Media	Compact Flash	Compact Flash Secure Digital (Dual writing capable)
Comms	IEEE 1394 (FireWire)	IEEE 1394 (FireWire) USB 1.1
LCD Screen	2.0" TFT 120,000 pixels 3x zoom on viewing	2.0" TFT 230,000 pixels 10x zoom on viewing
Orientation Sensor	The Photographer	Built in

Introducing the EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon's new 16.7 Megapixel Digital SLR extends studio photographers options Canon, world leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new flagship camera: the 35mm full-frame 16.7 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. The camera is expected to appeal to professional studio and commercial photographers.

Featuring a full-frame 36 x 24mm 16.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II produces images with outstanding colour rendition and dynamic range. It has sufficient resolution to produce files which convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24 bit colour depth, now considered standard acceptable size by leading international photo agencies and stock libraries.

Replacing the award winning 11.1 Megapixel EOS-1Ds, the camera is powered by Canon's second generation DIGIC II image processor and is capable of firing at 4 fps for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG, or 11 frames in RAW. An optional wireless adaptor (WFT-E1 - also released today) delivers high speed IEEE802.11b/g wireless LAN and 100 Megabit per second wired LAN support.

Besides the inherent advantages of digital, such as immediate turn-around and elimination of film costs, it is the flexibility of the EOS 35mm SLR format which Canon expects to appeal to many studio photographers. For the first time, medium format image quality combines with access to the world's most extensive range of professional lenses, spanning from 14mm to 1200mm.

The EOS-1Ds Mark II is a tremendous achievement, it represents the pinnacle of Canon's digital camera technology, said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. With its resolution, image quality, immediacy of wireless and the power and flexibility of SLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II offers the first real digital alternative to medium format, which has so far been the choice for mainstream commercial studio and location work.

Canon expects the camera to be adopted in areas such as fashion, car, calendar, advertising and architectural photography.

Key camera specifications include:

1. 16.7 MP full frame 36 x 24mm CMOS sensor
2. 0.3 second start up and 4fps performance
3. ISO 100-1600, expandable to L:50 and H:3200
4. Digital Photo Professional v1.5 RAW processing software with support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and wide gamut RGB colour spaces plus various European, North American and Japanese standard CMYK separation simulations
5. Hi-Speed FireWire and Video out interface for complete connectivity
6. Dual high performance SD and CF/CF-II card slots (supports cards greater than 2GB)
7. Complete compatibility to all EF lenses / EX-series Speedlites
8. 2.0 LCD screen with 230,000 pixels, 1.5-10x playback zoom
9. Simultaneous RAW / JPEG shooting
10. Battery life approximately 1200 shots at 20C, 800 at 0C in accordance with CIPA testing standards

Unsurpassed image quality

The EOS-1Ds Mark II full frame 16.7 Megapixel resolution sensor has a built in low-pass filter to reduce false colour and moiré effects, which can appear when shooting subjects with fine regular detail, such as textiles. The second generation DIGIC II processor delivers 0.3 second start up time, fast continuous shooting and simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording. It also features advances in the image processing algorithms to improve white balance, auto exposure and overall image quality.

Photographers can choose between four resolutions and 10 quality levels for JPEG images. Within the camera, the EOS-1Ds Mark II supports sRGB and Adobe RGB colour spaces with user settable colour saturation and tone levels, and provides five preset and two user-definable colour matrices. When using the Digital Photo Professional software and RAW image files, Wide Gamut RGB is also available. White Balance (WB) bias is correctable by +/- 9 levels for both blue/amber and magenta/green bias and the camera supports WB bracketing up to +/- 3 levels.

Flexibility of SLR in the studio

Photographers switching to Canon's EOS system open up access to over 60 EF lenses, including tilt-shift, macro, super telephoto and Image Stabiliser lenses. The EOS-1Ds Mark II is compatible with the entire range of EX-Series Speedlite flash units, including two macro set ups and a range of wireless master/slave flash solutions. For photographers comfortable with the vertical orientation viewfinders of some medium format cameras, the camera accepts an optional Angle finder C right-angle viewfinder.

The immediacy of wireless image transfer

With the optional Wireless LAN adapter plugged into the camera's IEEE1394/Firewire connection, photographers can work untethered as huge full-frame RAW files transfer automatically to the studio LAN in seconds. A London publisher can now lay out a production-ready front cover of a magazine with a photograph taken literally seconds beforehand in a Milan studio, observes Hills. Once this level of immediacy becomes commonplace, it is hard to imagine anyone accepting the risks and costs associated with the delays of film developing.

The Wireless LAN adapter supports both IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g wireless network standards and also includes a 100 Megabit wired ethernet connector for automatic and immediate transfer to any wide or local area network. The system supports a comprehensive range of major wireless network encryption and security features.

The CMOS advantage

The EOS-1Ds Mark II's CMOS sensor offers lower noise levels and a superior dynamic range (capacity to capture subtle tonal gradations in shadow, midtone and highlight areas) to that of sensors found in other digital cameras and camera backs. Canon is the only camera manufacturer with a history of significant research and development investment into image sensors. The resulting CMOS sensor technology found in its Digital SLR range is key to the company's competitive advantage. CMOS sensors have formed the basis of a long line of award winning cameras including the EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II and EOS 10D. Such is the strength of Canon's sensor development that this is the third new CMOS sensor Canon has commercialised this year. Canon's first commercialised sensor technology formed the basis of the 1987 EOS Auto Focus system, with CMOS technology first appearing as an image sensor in 2000's EOS D30.

RAW processing

Digital Photo Professional v.1.5 image processing software is provided for high-speed processing of lossless RAW files. Processing with Digital Photo Professional is approximately six times faster than the File Viewer Utility supplied with the EOS-1Ds. It allows real-time display and immediate application of adjustments to images and includes a wide array of RAW, TIFF or JPEG image editing functions, which give control over variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and colour tone. sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces are supported, and an ICC (International Colour Consortium) profile is automatically attached to RAW images that have been converted to TIFF or JPEG formats. This allows images to be displayed in true colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. Image processing of various parameter changes can now be batched rather than carried out sequentially, vastly increasing the efficiency of applying a number of changes to the same images. The new version of Digital Photo Professional adds the ability to simulate the CMYK separation of images based on regular Japanese, European and USA printing industry practices.

Pricing, availability and reader enquiries.

The EOS-1Ds MKII will be available from November 2004 for £5999.99 RRP inc. VAT / €8699.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Reader enquiries: 08705 143723 / www.Canon.co.uk Eire - (01) 2052400 / www.Canon.ie

- Ends - Editors only

For Canon product images please visit www.Canon.co.uk/imagelibrary

For further information please contact:

Hayley_buery@cuk.Canon.co.uk / 01737 220 378

Alexis_besson@cuk.Canon.co.uk/ 01737 220 520

download an Excel spreadsheet of the specs here

20 September

More info on the EOS-1DSMK2

As ever, some people are claiming that the Japanese brochure is a fake :-) If anyone can read what it actually says we'd appreciate some info. Obviously some people are still after the 22MP...

Resolution: 16.7 MP L and RAW:4992x3328 M1: 3600x2400 M2: 3072x2048 S: 2496x1664 Type: Digital Af/AE SLR Card: CF+SD ImageSize: 36x24mm Lens: EF except EF-S Imaging Element: CMOS Ratio: 3:2 Color filter System: RGB Interface: USB (printing) + IEEE1394 (comm) Focus: 45 AF, EV 0-18 Metering: 21-zone TTL Range: 0-20 EV ISO: 100-1600 in 1/3 stop, (50, 3200 extension) Shutter: 1/8000 - 30 sec., X-SYNC 1/250, 2sec or 10 sec delay Flash: E-TTL II Drive mode: 4 FPS Max Burst: JPEG (Large JPEG Qu=8) 32, RAW 11 LCD Monitor: 2", 230000 pix, 100% view, 5 Levels, 12 Languages Zoom: 1.5x to 10x 20 Custom functions with 65 Settings, 27 Personal functions 12 bit Weight 1215g + 335g battery (NP-E3)

19 September

Thanks to Dave and all the others who sent us the pics of the Japanese brochure

16.7MP it would seem to be

.

and some specifications (in Japanese)

Click on an image to open a full size version

We will update the specs as soon as we have a translation

18 September

• Lots of people still rubbishing the French web site that posted the 2D rumours. They were suggesting they saw a 22MP 1Ds at the olympics (did it have a big 22MP logo? :-) We had a mail suggesting that it will still be the 1Ds Mark II and will have 16.6MP, with a bigger buffer to allow 4 fps for 20 frames (some say 3 fps). Availability for us mere mortals is early next year.
  
  16.6 is a nice jump and should soundly trounce film in many applications (Keith stopped using film after getting a 1Ds - see elsewhere on the site) As yet, no info on max ISO, but if you look at the 1D MkII , I'd be expecting 3200 to be available (maybe via a custom setting). 22MP is still a possibility if you extrapolate the 20D sensor specs, but the amount of data needing to be processed starts getting rather high for DIGIC II (Digital Imaging Core)

16 September

• Thanks to everyone who sent in the info!. Is it to be the EOS-2D ?. Reports from France ( Chasseur d'Images has a mention on their home page) suggest 22MP and a whole new name?. To be officially annouced the 27th of September. There is some debate as to whether there are two new -big- cameras to come from Canon, since several people have said the 1Ds replacement was delayed until the spring.
  
  
• Several sources have even suggested that it is all a plot to plant false info :-) We'll see how this one plays out...

14 September

• News from France on what Nikon have to offer. It goes over the 1Ds pixel count, so Canon is certainly going to want to get the Pixel count title back (oops, I forgot the 14MP from Kodak ;-)
  "D2X : 12.4 MP, 5 fps, 15 NEF picts buffer. -- Crop x2 = 8fps / 6.9 MP
  ISO 100 to 800, then only 1600 and 3200 accessible by custom settings.
  Faster Wi-Fi and in two ways : the camera can be remotely operated from a computer.
  DXO integrated : each lens is recognised and corrected by DXO in the camera...
  Special setting : individual treatment of bright groups of pixels to avoid or delay overexposure and improve dynamic response.
  Same body as D2H, except a minor improvement on the vertical grip.
  Improved (!) 3D metering system - still 1005 rvb pixels but new algorythm.
  Price in France : 5200 € - VAT included"
• Interesting to see the mention of DxO. Keith recently did a short review of the DxO software, and is looking forward to trying out the raw processing version. How similar is this to the Kodak 'lens optimisation', that has had a mixed reaction from some?

11 September

• Nothing new to report! This of course leads to suggestions that the new version of the 1Ds won't appear until PMA in February (see the comments from mid July). We're still expecting Canon to announce something big at Photokina, certainly if Nikon come up with something good. Until Photokina, Keith is going to be visiting the US (Oregon coast) to take a few more pictures, but we'll keep up the search for info!

6 September

• Nothing yet on the 1Ds replacement, but more talk of an EOS 7D (8MP, 1.3x & 4fps) A better built (solid cast body) version of the 20D with a 1D Mkii type of sensor. Probably the same as the '3D' below.
  
  October delivery? We hear from someone in the UK contacted by their dealer, asking if they would like to pre-order a 1Ds Mk 2 ... delivery expected in October.

4 September

• Some people still hoping for an EOS-3D which would sit in between the 1D Mk2 and the new 20D. The best money still looks to be on the 1Ds Mk2 at Photokina (info about event).

3 September

• That grand meeting in Stockholm (see 24 Aug) Might it be:
  http://www.Canon-europe.com/concerto/about1.asp?ComponentID=208270&SourcePageID=220291#2
  Not much on the photo side there :-(

2 September

• Seems that there is info in the September issue of Rangefinder.
• Thanks to Richard for sending me the link. They don't have any details, but John Rettie says:
• "We know that Canon plans to unveil the next version of the 1Ds at Photokina, but at the time of this writing we were not privy to any details on its specs. But, unless another manufacturer pulls a surprise, the new version of the 1Ds will probably be the star of the show."
  http://www.rangefindermag.com/magazine/Sep04/digiphoto.tml
  
  
• Also, there might be several other manufacturers knocking at the 11MP full frame sensor market. The full frame sensor from Dalsa could soon be in several cameras.
• http://www.dalsa.com/pi/products/productdetails.asp?ProductID=FTF4027C
• or maybe the huge 22MP 36.1mm x 48.1mm sensor :-)
• http://www.dalsa.com/pi/products/productdetails.asp?productID=FTF4052c
  
  
• One mail we received suggested that Canon might "announce a 15-16 megapixel SLR (1Ds MkII) which will be an improved version of the 1Ds at about the same price as the current camera. This will be followed with a high megapixel (1Dpro, 1Dx, ?) priced between US $10,000-15,000. Canon has demonstrated with the 20D that they can cram 158x158 pixels/sq.mm onto a cmos chip with good results. My calculation shows this pixel density produces 20.9 megapixels on a full frame sensor. So lets call it a 21 megapixel camera."

1 September

• All quiet on the rumour front. Someone pointed out that the 'new printers' that might be coming might be the Pixma Range which have actually been out for a bit:
  http://eng-pixma.Canon.mikrosites.com/chooser.php?lang=en
• Latest wave of wishing now includes eye activated focus as per the Elan (ECF - Eye Controlled Focusing). There is the point however that this technology is not new and has not yet made it into any of the other DSLRs.
• Amongst the more clueless suggestions I've seen are ... Pop up flash and Video recording
• I suppose what -I'd- like would be the functionality of my 1Ds in a box the size of my old OM2 (see the first pic in my original article on the 1Ds, for the comparison :-) 70's retro design anyone?

27 August

• It seems that even the 'usual' reliable sources are finding that Canon has gone very quiet. Perhaps two new cameras? One to replace the 1Ds and either (take your pick) a new 'mid-range' (possibly full frame) 'pro' camera between the 20D and 1D MkII or even a really high MP assault on the medium format market.
  
  I asked for more info on the dust removal system, but the only info I got back was that it was an integral part of a whole new sensor design. From a cleaning point of view, it would help if they just altered the sensor holder so that it did not have little corners to collect dust quite so easily -- hardly 'active' though :-) (see info on Dust problems in the photography info section)
  
  There is also the story that Canon have not made any new 1Ds for a while.

24 August

• Big news on the rumour mills. It seems Canon is inviting dealers to a big event (in Stockholm) on the 5th September (a Sunday). They are billing it as the 'biggest news since 1994'. Of course it could just be a new range of printers... I believe the EOS1n was launched ten years ago? What's it to be? a 2D ? 1Dsn?
  
  
• Maybe an entirely new system -- seems a reasonable time for all us EF lens mount users to buy new glass -NOT.
  
  
• One comment I've also received was that they had cracked the sensor 'dust problem' ADR - 'Active Dust Removal', No mean feat if they have, since afaik the Olympus E1 is the only body with 'active' dust removal. They also suggested 22MP which is at the high end of the rumour range (it would be nice though)

18 August - we get sent pics of the new EOS 20D (1,2,3)

• 8.2Mp 22.7x15.1mm sensor, ISO 100-3200, ETTL II, Digic II, 5 FPS, 25 pic buffer, EF-S 17-85/4-5,6 IS USM lens.
• Interestingly the same source could find no info on an EOS 1Ds MkII, so either Canon is being a little less 'leaky' over it, or there ain't going to be one yet :-(
• Possibly Nikon D2X at photokina (Sept) so Canon wait until early next year...

17 August - Someone 'claims' (dpreview forum) to have one on order at $6499 - they didn't say where!

• "(dealer) was told it would be 14.3 mega-pixel and 5fps. Thats pretty much what Ive heard numerous times from several "in the know" reliable people.
  
  It will be nice to have a full frame 14 mega-p camera. Digic-2 will be a nice clean feature as well."

Hmm, 14Mp - don't Kodak already do some of those ;-)? Others pointed to a higher Mp

Also sneak preview artwork (not!) at http://www.worth1000.com/view.asp?entry=127192

29 July -- rumour from the forums

• "I heard from a Canon sales representative that the 1Ds II will still be a fullframed DSLR - it should come with a much better buffer - and 16.3 Mpix sensor (could be a brand new type)
• And heaps of other improvements compared to its predecessor. "

18 July -- An interesting bit of numerology from Josiah Davidson in Texas...

The 10D followed the D30 by about two and a half years, at 1.4x (the square root of 2) the pixel pitch and 65% of the price.
On a cycle roughly one year later, the 1D Mk II followed the 1D by about two and a half years, at 1.4x the pixel pitch and 65% of the price.
If the ratios hold true, the "1Ds Mk II" should follow the 1Ds by about two and a half years (announcement Feb. 2005), at 1.4x the pixel pitch which would = 22MP) and 65% of the price ($5500).

Camera	pixel pitch (sites per linear mm)
D30	95
10D	136
1D	86
1D MkII	122
1Ds	114
1Ds -2	161 ?

---

14 July. A comment from a senior Canon CPS person in US that they had not heard of a replacement.
10 July it seems there are still a few 1Ds available in the UK and the 'No longer available' comment came from a clueless camera sales rep ... we shall see
As of mid June, 2004 Canon is saying that the 1Ds is no longer available. This suggests that the replacement for the 1DS is on its way.
The noise on the streets points to at least 16 megapixels and vastly reduced noise at higher ISO ratings.

Canon's UK site
Canon Brochures (still has 1Ds)
A 35mm film photographer goes digital
Keith's first impressions of the original EOS 1Ds DSLR
How Keith made a pinhole camera with his 1Ds

We have been asked by several people if they should buy a new camera or wait before buying. The answer depends very much on why you want the 'new' 1Ds.

The original EOS 1Ds - just for info

Featuring a full frame 35mm CMOS sensor, with 11.1 million effective pixels. Targeting the professional user that seeks the highest image quality, the EOS-1Ds captures astounding detail & colour.

Full Frame

Having a full frame sensor the same size & aspect ratio as 35mm film allows the use of wide-angle lenses without any focal length magnification, a traditional limitation of previous digital cameras.

High Resolution

The EOS-1Ds has made a huge leap in resolution by means of the continuous development of the CMOS sensor. Canon's ground breaking CMOS technologies deliver high resolution, low noise and low power consumption. With its extremely high resolution, the EOS-1Ds has been designed to meet the needs of those professional photographers who require the ultimate in digital image quality. The camera will be ideal for professionals active in a wide range of specialities including studio, commercial, reportage, or fashion photography.

Professional and quick response

The EOD-1Ds can capture images at approximately 3 frames per second for a 10-frame burst, even at the highest quality setting. It features the same shooting functions and operation system as the EOS 1D. The EOS 1Ds has fast shutter speeds with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and X-sync at 1/250 sec. Users have the choice of an ISO speed range of 100-1250 and ISO 50 provided with custom functions. Photographers also benefit from the high speed, high precision 45 -point area auto focus and 21-zone metering.

Colour Quality

The EOS-1Ds sees the introduction of Canon's new imaging engine. This has been specially designed to achieve high image quality, excellent colour reproduction and a wide tonal range equal to, or better than, the 35mm slide film often favoured by professionals. In addition, the CMOS sensor's extremely high signal to noise ratio means that noise is minimized, even at the equivalent of ISO 1250.

Reliability

The EOS-1Ds incorporates outstanding professional features tried and tested by the EOS-1D including the same dust and water resistance. The Chassis and external covers are made of magnesium allow for light weight and excellent rigidity. The shutter has been tested to an incredible 150,000 exposures.

Advanced Features

In response to customer requests, an image enlargement function has been introduced. 25 sections of a selected image can be enlarged on the camera's LCD screen, thus allowing users to check for detail & sharpness.

As CMOS sensors consume less power than CCDs, battery life has been improved, so that the NP-E3 battery pack can now capture up to 600 exposures on one charge (at 20° C). With the high-speed FireWire standard IEEE1394 you will get 40 MB per second high speed transfer to give rapid plug & play downloads to a computer. CF cards can be formatted in either the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. Formatting in FAT32 is intended for high-capacity CF cards over 2GB and is selected automatically by the camera when formatting this type of card.

Other leading innovations include the unique ability to dial in colour temperatures to meet specific lighting conditions. 10 White Balance (WB) modes and WB bracketing provide maximum flexibility and superb colour accuracy. ISO speed bracketing allows photographers to fix aperture and shutter speeds, yet shoot at 3 different equivalent film speeds. Such advances offer the professional advanced creative opportunities. Entirely new software is available for the EOS-1Ds from the EOS Digital Solutions Disk and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

The camera also features a CF card type I/II slot enabling the use of CF cards and IBM Microdrives.

An optional accessory, the Data Verification Kit DVK-E1 consists of a dedicated IC card and card reader, together with special software for Windows 2000/XP. This allows one to check that the EOS-1Ds' image files have remained absolutely unaltered after being circulated. This may well be a landmark for digital imaging in law enforcement, copyright and many other areas. Availability of this is to be confirmed.

The EOS-1Ds is compatible with over 60 of Canon's EF lenses. Canon has also extended its professional photographic system by introducing the Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX for extremely versatile macro flash photography.

Additional Information

Specification Features

MegaPixel (Effective Resolution) 11.1

CCD Size (WxH mm)
35.8x23.8mm

Max Image Resolution
4064x2704

Lens Fitting
Canon EF

Focal Length Conversion Factor 1.0

Storage

CompactFlash

CompactFlash Type II

Compatible with MicroDrive Yes

Max No of Images on an optional 64MB Card 5, 15, 37, 45

Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) 3fps

Max Consecutive Shots
Up to 10

Battery Type
Ni-Mh NP-E3

Exposure Modes
Program
Aperture Priority
Shutter Priority
Manual Metering Modes
Evaluative
Partial Metering
Centre Weighted

Spot ISO Speed Range
50-1250

Exposure Compensation
Yes

LCD Monitor
Yes

Built in Flash
No

Auto Exposure Bracketing
Yes

Flash Modes
E-TTL

Connection Type
FireWire (IEEE 1394)

White Balance Modes
White Balance Bracketing
Custom
Auto
Manual

Preset Depth of Field Preview
Yes

Focusing Modes
One-shot AF
AI Servo AF

Manual Audio Recording
Yes

Flash Sync Socket
Yes

Operating System
Windows 98
Windows 98 SE
Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Mac OS 8.6-9

Tripod Thread
Yes

Dimensions (WxHxD) mm
156x157.6x79.9 mm

Weight (Kg)
1265 g (batt 335g)

Other areas of our site that may be of interest...

NEW -- Create your own customised A3 size wall calendar from a choice of 90 of Keith's images. Choose your own images for your own custom printed calendar - 12 months starting any month of the year - many all new images not yet in our main gallery.

Digital Black and White. Keith was recently interviewed about digital black and white photography for a magazine article. We have an expanded version here covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those thinking of trying black and white.

As well as our Commercial Photography services and Training there is a growing collection of photography Articles and Reviews on the site aimed at helping you get the best out of your own photography. We also have a growing collection of Photography related information and links that we hope you find useful.

New site features and some of Keith Cooper's latest work are always covered in the What's New page.

Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras.