Canon has launched what it claims to be the world's fastest 8-megapixel digital SLR.To put it simply, the Canon EOS-1D Mark II is the successor of the EOS-1D which was launched near the end of 2001. But, boy, have they answered the challenge put forward by Nikon's recently released D2H (a model targeted squarely at the same market that's addressed by the original EOS-1D). This newer-generation EOS doubles the resolution stakes, rendering massive 8-megapixel photos while improving the capture speed of the original EOS-1D and D2H by 0.5fps. If that's not enough, this monster has enough memory buffer to maintain that frame rate for 40 large 8-megapixel JPEG pictures or 20 shots in RAW format--equaling the short-lived advantage of the Nikon D2H.
Other improvements added to the rejuvenated EOS-1D include a 30 percent better shutter durability, new-generation DIGIC II (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit)--that the firm accredits the blindingly fast swiftness to--, a higher pixel-count LCD display, improved white balance compensation and a customizable color matrix for easy adjustments to color space, saturation and tone.
On paper at least, the only "compromises" made to the newer EOS-1D have to do with shutter speeds. While the older camera allows the shutter to close as fast as 1/16000 second and flash X-sync at 1/500 second, the newfangled shooter halves both those numbers. Strangely enough, Nikon's recent baby and Canon's own top-of-the-line EOS-1Ds offers the same 1/8000-second option only. This probably indicates that both manufacturers do not see much need for anything faster.
35mm purists will be disappointed to know that the EOS-1D Mark II still retains the same focal length multiplier of 1.3--unlike the extremely expensive full-frame EOS-1Ds--although the sensor is slightly larger by about 1mm in the vertical axis. With ISO sensitivity settings the same as its predecessor, it's hoped the Japanese manufacturer's CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imager will continue to offer good low noise performance over its previous CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) technology.
While all of the above seem to prove the Mark II to be a capable digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex), one peculiarity did surface. The revitalized EOS-1D sports an SD (Secure Digital) card slot in addition to the compulsory CF (CompactFlash) support. While the SD card format has been slowly appearing on many of the company's ultracompacts, this is the strongest indication given by Canon on its future support of the format.
Canon Australia's press release advises that exact pricing for the EOS-1D will appear closer to the second quarter release date. It's estimated that it will retail for around US$4,499 (~AU$5900), and at that price the EOS-1D Mark II won't find itself in any enthusiast's hands anytime soon. However, one thing's certain: Come April, this 8-megapixel super-performer will set shutterbugs' hearts aflutter.
Nice preview but I think they under estimate the loss of 1/500 flash sync for high speed shooter like sports PJ work. While this will be a minor impact to most, several will really miss that as an option.
Also, the ISO rating has been expanded to 100-1600 + an extended range ISO 50 and 3200.