EOS SLR TECHNOLOGY
The history of Canon EOS SLR cameras is brimming with examples of technological
innovations that have set new industry standards for performance and usability. And
yet, at Canon, technology is never an end in itself. Every technological advance must
yield tangible benefits to the user. Does a new feature enable the camera to more quickly
and faithfully respond to the photographer's will? Does a new material or process
improve the camera's long-term reliability? Canon EOS advancements endure because
they enhance the photographic experience, whether you
are a seasoned professional or new to SLR shooting.
Put simply, Canon EOS SLR technologies are
impressive because of the quality of the images
they enable you to create.
©Simon Bruty
The best autofocus system is comprised of the
ultimate combination of accuracy and speed. And
for that combination, there's nothing like the AF
systems found in EOS SLRs. With cutting edge
technical innovations, EOS cameras always feature
the latest in AF performance, raising the bar with
each successive camera introduction. Top EOS
SLR cameras use an extraordinary 45-point
high-density Area AF system that provides a
large AF coverage area, but also the greatest
range of control over focusing point selec-
tion. The focusing point can be selected
automatically by the camera (based on
high-speed microcomputer analysis of
image content) or manually by the user.
Select EOS cameras feature up to 39 cross-
type AF points that provide both vertical
and horizontal sensitivity, guaranteeing the
same optimal performance no matter the
camera's orientation. To maintain focus,
advanced Canon focus tracking technology
helps to retain the accuracy of the initial AF
setting, no matter how fast the subject is
moving. High-speed microcomputers use
advanced algorithms that ensure fast and
accurate AF performance under a wide variety of
AF Technology — The EOS 7D features an all cross-type
19-point AF system with AI Servo II AF that precisely tracks
conditions. Focus tracking modes include single
subject movement for sharp, accurate focus almost every time.
point AF, Spot AF (which narrows the area used by
the AF line sensor, helping to reduce detection
it is off-center. AI SERVO AF/AI SERVO II AF mode is
errors that occur from near and far objects when
excellent for moving subjects. Aided by a highly
aiming at small subjects), and AF point expansion,
intelligent predictive focusing algorithm, it precisely
where AF points surrounding the one chosen can
tracks subject movement across the wide AF
assist when the subject becomes unfocused.
coverage area, automatically shifting the active
Canon's AF systems also detect the type of light
focusing point vertically and horizontally as
source and automatically compensates the focus
required. AI FOCUS AF mode, in which the camera
by taking into account artificial lighting sources
automatically decides between ONE- SHOT and AI
and making appropriate adjustments.
SERVO AF modes based on subject movement, is
ideal for shooting unpredictable subjects. The new
AI SERVO II AF, found on the EOS-1D Mark IV and
Canon EOS cameras feature a number of dedicated
EOS 7D, uses new algorithms for even better pre-
autofocus modes designed to enhance reliability
dictive focus tracking performance when shooting
in specific shooting situations. ONE-SHOT AF
subjects with unpredictable movement. Even diffi-
mode is ideal for static subjects — the camera
cult, high-magnification subjects, such as a flower
rapidly selects the optimum focusing point, and
in a breeze are captured accurately with a Canon
the subject is instantly brought into focus even if
Macro lens using these new tracking algorithms.
10 fps — This highly responsive AF technology contributes to
the rapid continuous shooting capability of EOS SLR cameras
—a maximum of 10 fps (frames per second) with the EOS-1D
Mark IV & EOS-1v equipped with Power Drive Booster.
EOS SLR CAMERAS
EOS SLR cameras have always been
associated with speedy operation.
Certain Canon EOS cameras offer 10
frames-per-second continuous shooting,
up to 28 RAW files or 121 full-resolution
JPEGs. Canon provides other aspects of
camera responsiveness as well: the
speediest EOS has a minimum lag time of
40msec, an 80msec viewfinder blackout
time (at speeds of 1/60th and above),
shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec., and a
flash sync as fast as 1/300 sec. when
used with EOS Speedlites. Dedicated,
quiet low-speed modes and self-timers
add flexibility to speed.
Beyond the AF modes supported in each EOS
camera, Canon developed a number of AF options
to further enhance customization and creativity.
Certain Canon models can register original AF
points' "Home Positions" and represent them in
both horizontal and vertical shooting positions,
suitable for shooting in situations where compo-
sitions are retained from shot to shot. For more
flexibility, the new Canon Zone AF system is
particularly useful when the subject is off-center.
One of five distinct focus zones can be chosen
and the optimal point can be selected from
there. In addition to these modes, certain EOS
cameras' AF systems can be further customized
via the Custom Function Menu. Parameters such
as initial focus point, AF beam control, AF zone
expansion, AF Stop and more can be selected and
refined to suit the photographer and the situation.
5