Canon Powers On

The 3rd quarter financial results for Canon have been released and it seems that Canon is getting stronger and stronger with a huge 29% growth in Digital camera sales. Interestingly, 34% of the market was for DSLR and this is projected to increase to 37% in the 4th Quarter. I’m sure the Canon 400D / Rebel XTi (EOS Kiss Digital N) has a lot to do with this increase. I can't wait to see how Nikon is going.


Here's what they say about DSLR:

"In digital cameras, the small, light-weight, portable and mobile “EOS Kiss Digital N” continued to enjoy a favorable response in the single lens reflex (SLR) market, which is experiencing extremely growing demand. We also released the “EOS 30D,” a high-end amateur model offering great mobility and image quality, and worked to increase sales together with the “EOS 5D,” a high-end amateur model that was introduced last year and is equipped with a full-size 35mm, approximately 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, and our flagship “EOS-1D Mark II N.” Sales increased significantly as a result. Our EF lens series of interchangeable lenses products also enjoyed higher sales as a consequence."

Here's what they say about compact digital cameras:

"In the area of compact digital cameras, we introduced three new products, including the “IXY DIGITAL 800 IS” equipped with an image stabilizer function and the “IXY DIGITAL 80” equipped with a 3.0 inch LCD monitor, in our compact and stylish “IXY DIGITAL series.” We also introduced six new products, including the “PowerShot A700” and “PowerShot A540,” in our “PowerShot series,” which features steady handhold. We enjoyed strong sales growth as a result."



Source

Nikon D80 versus the Canon 400D / Rebel XTi

After reading a few reviews on the two cameras, I have to admit it's a close contests. Judging by the recent review by Dcview.com, it makes the same conclusion.

Canon has a slightly better image quality with better value for money. Nikon has more a better build, features, ergonomics and flash performance.

Here what they say:

"If you want the highest image quality, user friendly operation and sensor cleaning the Canon EOS Rebel XTi is your camera. In addition the price is $200 lower than of the D80. The EOS Rebel XTi comes standard with good RAW-software, which is optional for the D80 at extra cost. In case you want a camera with a robust body, extra features and better flash performance, the Nikon D80 is a very good choice. But, as said before, none of these two cameras will disappoint their user."

Click here for the full review

Kodak's new full frame sensor - 16 megapixels!

Eastman Kodak Company continues its leadership position in image sensor technology with the release of the KODAK KAI-16000 Image Sensor, offering the highest resolution interline transfer CCD image sensor.

The only problem for DSLR manufacturers is that the sensor is only available for commercial and industrial markets. It builds on Kodaks robust CCD technology, which already includes the highest resolution sensors for the digital photography marketplace, the KAI-16000 is a 35mm optical format (full frame) 16 megapixel CCD targeted at the industrial, scientific, aerial, and security markets. The sensor allows camera manufacturers to improve system throughput by utilizing a wider field of view while also enhancing image quality.

The KODAK KAI-16000 image sensor is designed for manufacturers of cameras serving the machine vision, aerial imaging, and security industries. KAI-16000 allows these companies to build advanced imaging systems that capture a wider field of view without sacrificing image quality. This wider field of view improves overall system throughput allowing automated optical inspection systems to increase the number of parts inspected per hour. For aerial or security applications, the sensor?s high resolution helps ensure that images achieve unsurpassed image quality. Other key features in the KAI-16000 include electronic shutter, progressive scan readout, two 30MHz high-speed outputs allowing for 3 frames per second and a combination of low noise and high sensitivity for excellent dynamic range.

"For industrial, scientific, aerial and security applications, there are two main requirements - image quality and speed - that can impact a companys bottom line", said Terry Guy, Market Segment Manager, Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company. "The new KODAK KAI-16000 meets both these requirements. Its the highest resolution interline transfer CCD for these markets and offers performance advantages required by our customers. This demonstrates our ability to understand our customers? needs and deliver products that provide them with a competitive edge."

The KAI-16000 is the latest sensor in Kodaks Interline Transfer family to leverage the same timing and control circuitry already used by other KODAK sensors. As a result, Kodaks customers can integrate this sensor easily into new camera designs ensuring short product development cycles.

The KAI-16000 extends Kodaks position as a leading supplier of high performance image sensors and includes the core technology that drives the most advanced developments in digital imaging applications. A pioneer in image sensors, Kodak develops, manufactures, and markets both CCD and CMOS sensor technology for applications ranging from satellite and medical imaging to digital cameras and machine vision products.



Source

Canon pushes the advantages of a full frame sensor

It seems that Canon is the only camera manufacturer to really push the advantages of a full framed sensor. They have two DSLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II and the EOS 5D which incorporates the full-frame CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors. As Nikon and other top camera manufacturers have yet to enter the full frame market, Canon has really started to push the advantages with the release of the 30 pages White Paper on their Full Frame CMOS sensor. Interestingly they also explain why it is more expensive which in their own terms, is their justification to charge more for these camera. Here what they say:

.. "For now, appreciate that a full-frame sensor costs not three or four times, but ten, twenty or more times as much as an APS-C sensor. Here, then, is the greatest disadvantage of full-frame sensors and the greatest advantage of small sensors. Regardless of future technological developments, cameras with full frame sensors will always cost much more than cameras with smaller sensors. That’s why the EOS Digital Rebel XT, EOS 20D and EOS 30D are such excellent values, and it is also why the EOS 5D and the EOS-1Ds Mark II must come with a substantial price differential. (Interestingly, the APS-H sensor of the EOS-1D Mark II N is the largest size that can be imaged in one shot onto a wafer. Extended through the whole sensor production process, the difference in price between the 1D Mark II N and the 1Ds Mark II can be readily understood.)"



The White Paper on Canon Full frame CMOS sensor can be download here.

Is Nikon going to develop a full frame sensor?

According to an interview with the Assistant Manager, Product Planning and R&D Department for Nikon, Charles- André Wamberque, full frame sensor may become a reality when the cost decreases.

Here's what he says:

"We never said we abandoned the full frame. But then again, we never said when we will introduce a camera with a full frame sensor. As you might have read in the Canon white paper – full frame sensor is still six times the price of an APS-C one. That has a big impact on the retail price. 5D costs 3500€ and it’s not easy to sell such an expensive product. We have to be careful not to make the full frame idea too popular. We’re definitely still thinking and working on it but I cannot tell you when it might happen.

DX lenses are only four years old and they are still very popular. The quality is still very good and the users know it. But sometimes the full frame is necessary."


Click here for the full interview.

S5 Pro and Dynamic Range

There have been a few DSLR announcements in the past few months such as the Nikon D80, the Pentax K10D and even the Olympus E-400. All of these DSLR have one common theme; a sensor with higher megapixels.

It's interesting that the much awaited Fujifilm S5 Pro with a Nikon D200 cloned body has decided to go against this trend and stick with the same size 6 megapixel sensor as the previous model. Although the S3 Pro (6 megapixel) was a great camera with it's extended Dynamic Range, it's price was much higher than the competition and this is where the Fujifilm strategy went wrong. For those who do not know what dynamic range is, it is as follows according to Dpreview, "Dynamic range of a sensor is defined by the largest possible signal divided by the smallest possible signal it can generate. The largest possible signal is directly proportional to the full well capacity of the pixel. The lowest signal is the noise level when the sensor is not exposed to any light, also called the noise floor." Click here for more information.

The great thing about the new Fujifilm S5 Pro is that it has even greater creative control over the dynamic range and you can now choose from up to six preset ranges between 100% and 400%. In addition, three new variations of the original film simulation mode (F1) have been added (five modes in total) to give an improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Although the "development” of the S5 pro has been announced with the release date in 2007!, it's interesting the price has not and I hope the pricing will be much better this time round. Let's wait and see.