Autofocus, EF mounts and digital cameras

Canon's first EOS camera had the latest technologies including a super microcomputer and a Canon-developed BASIS sensor for high-precision AF. The EOS 650 boasted incomparable autofocusing. Each EF lens has its own optimum built-in motor for autofocusing, and only electronic signals are exchanged between the lens and camera body. It is an ideal AF system. Since there is no high-torque driving noise, autofocusing is quick. The high-precision Ultrasonic Motor (USM) was also developed successfully. EOS was the start of a new and unique series of AF SLR cameras.

* September 1987

The EOS 5 is the world's first 35mm SLR camera with Eye Controlled Focus. The camera has five focusing points (||+||). You just look at the desired focusing point to select it and the camera autofocuses at that point. It was a dream feature. A focusing point can also be selected manually.

Other outstanding features include silent operation, 16-zone evaluative metering linked to the five focusing points, 3.5% spot metering at center, centerweighted averaging metering, shutter speed-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Intelligent program AE, depth-of-field AE, Programmed Image Control modes, and metered manual.

Following the EOS 5, this is the second AF SLR camera featuring Eye Controlled Focus. The EOS 55's Eye Controlled Focus is twice as fast as the EOS 5's. Also, the Eye Control BASIS AF sensor enables Eye Controlled Focus even during vertical shooting. The new AF sensor also enables focus tracking with your eye while you press the shutter button halfway or during continuous shooting. The camera controls include a Command Dial (well received on other EOS cameras), LCD panel, a new AF mode dial on the camera's right shoulder, a metering mode lever, and a film advance mode lever. This two-dial and two-lever system makes camera operation quick and easy. The exterior finish incorporates high-quality aluminum.

The Canon EOS 5D was developed to meet the needs of advanced amateurs seeking a high-performance 35 mm full-frame image-sensor-equipped digital SLR camera that is smaller and lighter than professional models. Featuring a full-frame 35 mm CMOS sensor boasting 12.8 million effective pixels, the EOS 5D realizes outstanding image resolution, rich color gradation, and a wide ISO sensitivity range (ISO 100-1600, L:50, H:3200). The 35 mm sensor size also allows users to fully utilize the angles of view offered by the entire range of Canon EF lenses*, permitting unrestricted lens performance for a shooting feel on par with film SLR cameras. Moreover, the new camera incorporates Canon's proprietary DIGIC II imaging engine, providing detailed and natural color reproduction, and ultra high-speed image processing to meet the needs of advanced users.

The latest addition to Canon's EOS digital lineup backs outstanding image quality with high responsiveness. The Canon EOS 5D achieves a continuous shooting speed of approximately 3 frames per second for up to around 60 consecutive frames (JPEG L, fine) in a sequence while also realizing an ultra-fast startup of just 0.2 seconds. The model offers high-response writing of images to CompactFlash card media, and includes a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface, enabling high-speed transfer of image data to a PC. In addition, the EOS 5D sports a newly developed 9-point AF + 6 Assist AF point sensor (high precision AF at f/2.8 with three AF points).

Canon's EOS 5D features a revolutionary new Picture Style function which consolidates and advances the processing parameters and color matrix settings. Users can achieve optimized images by simply selecting from six preset settings --Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, and Monochrome-- to match their shooting objectives, just as they would select the type of film according to the desired effect. Compared with previous models, the new function offers approximately double the adjustment range for sharpness, contrast, color saturation and color tone. Picture Style will also be incorporated in future Canon digital SLR cameras to ensure unified and consistent image characteristics across the EOS Digital lineup.

Other high-end features supporting superior performance sure to please advanced amateur users include a large 2.5" LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots and a wide 170-degree viewing angle, and interchangeable focusing screens. The new camera also features 21 Custom Functions with 57 settings. The new EOS 5D offers outstanding resilience, realizing a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second with shutter durability capable of withstanding 100,000 cycles.

With a plethora of advanced features, including contained in a stylish, compact, and lightweight body made of magnesium alloy, the Canon EOS 5D offers users luxury and reliability on par with professional-use cameras.