Cavalcade of Canon releases

In the past few days Canon fans have had plenty to chew on with a whole slew of juicy new models announced across the board, including top-tier DSLRs, a new mirrorless model, and stylish new compacts.
The headliners in the recent announcements are additions to the Canon EOS 5D range; the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R. Both models offer a huge 50-megapixel sensor, with the 5DS R ditching the optical low pass filter to offer maximum image sharpness (much like the difference between Nikon’s D800 and D800E).

Looking like a possible alternative to medium format options, both new DSLRs feature 5fps continuous shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800), 61-point autofocus system, and new Digic 6 image processor.

Both cameras also feature three in-camera crop modes – 1.3x, 1.6x, and 1:1 – so shooters who do not require the full resolution of that huge sensor can create more flexible image files.

Both models are scheduled for a New Zealand release in June, with no official price point yet confirmed.

Canon also announced a return to the mirrorless market with the newly unveiled Canon EOS M3, with a design and specs that indicate the company is taking the category more seriously than it previously had.

The EOS M3 boasts a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and the company’s latest 49-pint Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system, making it six-times faster than the original Canon mirrorless, the EOS M.

Design-wise, the camera leaves behind the touch-screen-only control design of the earlier EOS M models and provides both a mode and exposure compensation dial, in addition to the 7.5cm LCD touch-screen. There’s still no electronic viewfinder provided, but the EOS M3 does have a hot shoe compatible with PowerShot G1 X’s add-on EVF, as well as Canon Speedlites.

The Canon EOS M3 will be available in New Zealand from April, with no official price yet announced.

Canon’s entry-level DSLR line also got significant bump with the announcement of the Canon EOS 760D and EOS 750D. Both models feature the 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and Hybrid CMOS AF III autofocus system found in the EOS M3, making them the most powerful entry-level DSLRs Canon has yet to release.

Both models are identical in most respects, aside from the 760D featuring an LCD display on the control top (usually reserved for mid-range DSLS and up), the ability to shoot in Live HDR Mode, and the ability to activate servo AF in live-view (much like the impressive EOS 70D).

Both the EOS 760D and EOS 750D will be available in new Zealand from April, with no official price point announced.

Canon finishes up its run of new releases with two sleep new compacts; the PowerShot SX410 IS and IXUS 275 HS.

Aimed at travellers, the PowerShot SX410 IS features a 40x optical zoom with ZoomPlus technology extending the reach to 80x, a 20-megapixel CCD sensor, the ability to shoot 720p video, and Intelligent IS stabilization technology.

The IXUS 275 HS fits 12x optical zoom, 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, Digic 4+ image processor, and smartphone and Wi-Fi connectivity into a light, compact, stylish body.

Both the PowerShot SX410 IS and IXUS 275 HS will be available in New Zealand from April, with prices still forthcoming.