Canon is to upgrade its flagship EOS 1-series digital SLR camera from March 2012 when the weatherproof Canon EOS-1D X will supersede the EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III. Among the many new features of the EOS-1D X is a new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF system, AF continuous shooting at 12 fps (14 fps with mirror lock-up), a full-frame 18.1MP CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100-51200, the world's fastest shutter release lag (as short as just 36 milliseconds), and full high definition movie recording.
The new 1D X EOS offers full HD (1920x1080: 24/25 fps) shooting, with a host of refinements. Processing and CMOS sensor upgrades have enabled enhanced movie recording performance, including a reduction in moiré and false color.
While Canon has already forged an exceptional reputation for its low-light video with the 5D Mk II, the 1D X offers an expanded movie ISO range of 100-25600 (H:51200; H1:102400; H2:204800) for high sensitivity and exceptional low-light performance. The camera automatically segments movie files every 4GB to assist with continuity of shooting. The 1D X supports the ALL-I compression format, as well as high-quality, high-compression IPB format. For the first time with a Canon digital SLR shooting video, audio recording is manually adjustable both before and during shooting.
The Canon EOS-1D X will sell for US$6,800.
Also shown for the first time today was a new compact Wireless File Transmitter unit (the WFT-E6) which offers extended functionality for the EOS-1D X, including synchronized shooting with multiple camera units, remote control shooting, image review and download using an Internet browser, and high-speed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth file transfer. The Wireless File Transmitter will become available in March at around US$600. Also launched today, the GPS receiver GP-E1 adds location and directional information to images during shooting for such uses as organizing news coverage and research. Bundled software enables tracking of shooting locations on a map. The GPS Receiver will become available in April 2012, priced at around US$300.
