Press Release: Feb 2, 2000
From Canon U.K.

CANON INTRODUCES TOP OF THE RANGE EOS-1V – THE PROFESSIONAL CHOICE

Canon has confirmed its position as the leading camera manufacturer with the launch of theEOS-1V¯ a camera that incorporates all Canon¹s latest developments at the cutting edge of camera technology and replaces the market leading EOS-1N.

The EOS-1V is the world¹s fastest SLR camera with a shooting speed of 10fps* in one shot AF mode and 9 fps in AI Servo mode. This speed is combined with both an improved high-speed focus tracking system and predictive autofocus.

The EOS-1V is Canon¹s most durable and robust camera to date incorporating the popular, and now improved, 45-point area auto focus first introduced on the EOS 3, personal and custom functions, PC connectability and an exposure data management system.

All this technology comes in a camera body whose ergonomic grip, main layout and switch arrangements are based on its EOS predecessors, therefore removing the need for the majority of professionals who use Canon to learn yet another layout.

Recognising that computers are an integral part of many professional photographers¹ lives, Canon has developed new software that enables the EOS-1V to be linked with a PC¯EOS Link Software ES-E1, (separate release available). Supplied on CD-ROM with a dedicated cable that links the EOS-1V to the USB port of a computer.

In addition the EOS-1V and EOS Link Software, Canon have also extended its professional photographic system by introducing aMacro Ring LiteMR-14EX, andMacro lens EF100mmf/2.8,(separate release available).

With the PB-E2 Power Drive Booster and the nickel metal hydride Battery Pack attached, the EOS-1V achieves an unrivalled high speed continuous shooting performance of 10 fps in one-shot mode and 9 fps in AI Servo AF mode (for subjects moving at up to 50 kph as close as 8m). Even without the Power Drive, the EOS-1V can shoot at 3.5 fps while still only emitting the same noise level as the EOS-1N.

This speed is achieved by employing a new Active Mirror Control system that reduces mirror bounce, resulting in a lower mirror blackout time of 87ms and at the same time reducing camera shake, which guarantees a clear sharp viewfinder image even when using the rapid continuous shooting mode.

Built using a magnesium alloy shell the EOS-1V is both light and strong, with rubber coating for firm grip. To give improved water and dust resistance all 72 major body parts are sealed with silicone rubber, the edges of the back cover are thoroughly finished and a new water-resistant rubber ring has been added to protect the lens mount.

The EOS-1V¹s electronically controlled rotary magnet shutter has been designed to provide accurate, consistent and trouble free operation even after long use and severe shooting conditions. In tests, Canon has recorded over 150,000 shutter cycles. The unit performs with this accuracy at its maximum speed of 1/8,000 second and has a maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 second, with the possibility of also using high-speed sync (FP sync).

The wide area focus system packs 45 focusing points into a 8x15mm zone that can be manually or automatically selected to meet the shooting needs of any situation.

Following feedback, Canon has introduced a system that enables photographers to record the most often used focusing point (Home Position) and revert back to it with a simple one-touch operation with custom function 18/1.

To clearly show which points have been selected for focus, the focus point display in the viewfinder has been made two stops brighter than on the EOS-3, while still keeping the same possibilities to change the way it flashes by setting Custom Function 10.

At its simplest level, in One shot AF mode, based on the subject information obtained by the Area AF focusing points, the optimum focusing point is selected automatically.

Alternatively, any one of the 45 points can be selected allowing optimal focus while maintaining composition.

By setting Custom Function 13 options 1, 2 or 3, the number of focusing points available during manual selection can be reduced from 45 to 11 or 9. This gives photographers greater control in high contrast conditions and when shooting fast moving subjects.

Using Custom Function 17 options 1 or 2, enables the EOS-1V to expand the number of focusing points around the actual point selected thus giving a wider AF field that makes tracking some types of movement easier, especially when using long lenses or photographing small subjects.

Up to 20 Custom Functions with 63 settings can be selected to match a wide variety of shooting styles. Most items are numbered in the same way as the EOS-1N. Selection can be performed on the camera itself or via the EOS Link Software.

In addition to the 20 Custom Functions, there are also three Custom Function Groups. Each group can contain one setting from each of the twenty separate Custom Functions. Once programmed, banks of custom functions can be activated at the touch of a button.

TheEOS Link Software ES-E1kit, thatincludes a cable link,has beendeveloped solely for use with the EOS-1V to ensure fast, easy customisation and data transfer.

EOS-1V Memoryallows the photographer to record and manage shooting data. Up to 25 items of shooting data, such as aperture value or shutter speed, can be recorded in the EOS-1V¹s built-in memory. Using this function, the shooting data, downloaded via the cable link, can be viewed, edited and searched. Scanned images can be also be acquired as thumbnails and attached to the data for each shot.

EOS-1V Remoteallows the photographer to set the film ID function, initiate downloading of the shooting data and further customise the EOS-1V. Up to 30 Personal Functions (P.Fn¹s) can be set using this software and then transferred via the cable link.

The EOS-1V incorporates the same metering system first introduced on the EOS-3, with an improved algorithm for even better performance. Metering methods compatible with the area AF system are: 21-zone evaluative metering linked to the focusing points, partial metering at the centre (8.5% of viewfinder screen), spot metering at centre (2.4% of viewfinder screen), spot metering linked to the focusing point, centreweighted and average metering, E-TTL Autoflash, A-TTL Autoflash and TTL Autoflash. Multi spot metering is possible for up to 8 points.

Shutter speed range is 30 sec to 1/8000 sec with a maximum sync speed of 1/250 sec. However, the flash can be synced up to 1/8000th of a second, using the FP flash mode.

Six exposure modes are provided for creative control; shutter speed priority, aperture priority, program AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure and bulb.

As well as the improved brightness of the focus points, the viewfinder gives 100% coverage with a magnification of 0.72x. A new digital frame counter, displays the same detail as shown on the LCD panel and an FP flash icon has been added below the image area. Eye relief is 20mm and dioptric correction‚¯3 to +1. A built in eye piece shutter prevents stray light entering the camera during long exposures.

The LCD panel on the top cover of the camera displays the camera settings at a glance. For low light conditions a built-in illumination system enhances the display.

Basic operation is very similar to the EOS 1N‚¯ most operations can be performed without taking your eye off the viewfinder or your finger off the shutter button. The same camera control layout presents no familiarity problems for EOS-1N users.

The EOS-1V also features a newly developed infrared sensor which allows the use of infrared film.

The EOS-1V is fully compatible with Canon¹s range of EX Speedlite flash units to give both creative power and control to photographers.

With the Speedlite 550EX an AF-assist beam is linked to the area AF providing optimum exposure in standard mode. This system also offers FEB, E-TTL wireless multiflash control and slave unit control. Flash coverage is set automatically from 24mm to 105mm, and a wide-angle panel extends the coverage to 17mm.

For E-TTL wireless (multi-flash) autoflash shots, an ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter can be mounted on the camera¹s hot shoe to control an unlimited number of Speedlites 550EX. The transmitter also has a built-in AF assist beam linked to the area AF.

The EOS-1V is available from April at an RRP of‚£1599.99 body only and

£1799.99 for the EOS-1V HS Drive model.

* with Drive E2 and Ni-MH battery.

The Power Drive Booster PB-E2 has its own shutter button, AE lock button, FE lock/multi-spot metering button, Main Dial, focusing point selector and ON/OFF switch for the Power Drive Booster buttons.

A 12v nickel metal hydride Battery Pack, NP-E2, is dedicated for use with the EOS-1V and EOS-3 in combination with the PB-E2 Power Drive Booster. The NC-E2 charger/discharger dedicated to the NP-E2 battery pack will charge the battery pack in about 100 minutes.

Other existing accessories include:

DatebackDB-E2, a standard interchangeable camera back with Quick Control Dial and date imprinting function;Timer Remote ControllerTC-80N3,with four built-in control functions: self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer and frame quantity setting;Remote SwitchRS-80N3; Extension CordET-1000N3;Wireless ControllerLC-4, which enables the camera to be controlled from up to 100meters; andRemote Switch AdapterRA-N3ensuring backward compatibility with existing EOS-1N remote accessories.

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