System Brochure

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 advancement
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.
EOS SLR TECHNOLOGY
Autofocus Technology
T h e 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
not only a large AF coverage area, but also
the greatest range of control over focusing
point selection. 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, guaran-
teeing the same optimal performance no
matter the camera’s orientation. To main-
tain 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 microcom-
puters use advanced algorithms that
ensure fast and accurate AF performance under
a wide variety of conditions. Focus tracking modes
include single point AF, Spot AF (which narrows the
area used by the AF line sensor, helping to reduce
detection errors that occur from near and far objects
when aiming at small subjects), and AF point
expansion, where AF points surrounding the one
chosen can assist when the subject becomes unfo-
cused. Canon’s AF systems also detect the type
of light source and automatically compensate
the focus by taking into account artificial lighting
sources and making appropriate adjustments.
AF Modes
Canon EOS cameras feature a number of dedicated
autofocus modes designed to enhance reliability
in specific shooting situations. ONE-SHOT AF
mode is ideal for static subjects — the camera
rapidly selects the optimum focusing point, and
the subject is instantly brought into focus even if
it is off-center. AI SERVO AF/AI SERVO II AF mode is
excellent for moving subjects. Aided by a highly
intelligent predictive focusing algorithm, it precisely
tracks subject movement across the wide AF
coverage area, automatically shifting the active
focusing point vertically and horizontally as
required. AI FOCUS AF mode, in which the camera
automatically decides between ONE-SHOT and AI
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
EOS 7D, uses new algorithms for even better pre-
dictive focus tracking performance when shooting
subjects with unpredictable movement. Even diffi-
cult, high-magnification subjects, such as a flower
in a breeze are captured accurately with a Canon
Macro lens using these new tracking algorithms.
High-Speed Shooting
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
40 msec, an 80 msec viewfinder black-
out 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.
Diverse AF Shooting Options
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
AF Technology — The EOS 7D features an all cross-type
19-point AF system with AI Servo II AF that precisely tracks
subject movement for sharp, accurate focus almost every time.
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