There is rumor of the impending release of another update to the EOS 1N, to be called EOS 1V. Anyone has any concrete info on that?

-- chuck fan (chaohui@msn.com), January 29, 2000

Answers

I would normally delete all of the Canon vs Nikon stuff, but so far it has been amusing. Keep it civil of course, and maybe I'll leave it. Who knows, maybe I'm just in a good mood this week.

Anyway, the new body looks great, but will probably be well out of the average user's price range. Even though several people are glad it doesn't have eye control, I can't imagine trying to select between 45 focus points without it. If the price drops enough of the EOS 3, I'll probably just end up buying one of those. Really, an E-TTL capable EOS 5n would be what I need, but Canon seems determined not to intoduce one.

-- Brad Hutcheson (bhutcheson@iname.com), February 05, 2000.

The best info I've seen to date is pasted below:

SUBJECT: NEW CANON EOS 1v - Major specifications DATE: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 18:45:47 GMT ORGANIZATION: Deja.com - Before you buy. NEWSGROUPS: rec.photo.equipment.35mm

Today, I have talked to my local Canon dealer and I can confirm: 1// Canon has suspended the production of the Canon EOS 1N 2// The new Canon EOS 1v replace Canon EOS 1n

Here is official data sheet.

CANON EOS 1 v - Major Specifications

- Type 35 mm AF/AE single-lens reflex with focal-plane shutter and built-in motor drive. Picture size : 24 mm x 36 mm - Compatible lenses : Canon EF lenses. Lens mount : Canon EF mount

Viewfinder - Type : Eye-level pentaprism. - Picture coverage : 100 percent vertically and horizontally (20 mm eye relief) - Magnification : 0.72x (-1 diopter with SOmm lens at infinity) - Built-in dioptric correction-S - +1 diopter. (Standard diopter : -1 dpt) - Focusing screen : Interchangeable (9 types), Standard focusing screen - Mirror : Quick-return half mirror (Transmission : reflection ratio of 37 : 63, no vignetting with FE 1200 mm f/5.6 or shorter lens) - Viewfinder information : (1) On the screen : Area AF ellipse, focusing points, center spot metering circle (2) Below the screen : Manual exposure setting, AF lock, flash ready, unsuitable, FE lock warning, high-speed sync (PP flash), shutter speed, FE lock (FEL), bulb (buLb), focusing point selection mode, depth-of- field AL (dep 1, 2), aperture, exposure compensation/flash exposure compensation, in-focus indicator. (3) Right of screen : Exposure level scale (+-stops), exposure level indicator, flash exposure level, frame counter, frame count down indicator. - Depth-of-field Preview : Enabled with depth-of-field preview button - Eyepiece shutter : Built4n

Exposure Control - Metering modes : TTL max. aperture metering with a 21-zone silicon photocell. (1) Evaluative metering (linkable to any focusing point) (2) Partial metering (approx. 8.5 % of viewfinder at center) (3) Center spot metering (approx. 2.4 % of viewfinder at center) (4) Focusing point4inked spot metering (approx. 2.4 % of viewfinder) (5) Multi-spot metering (Max. 8 spot metering entries) (6) Centerweighted averaging metering Exposure Control Methods : 1 Program AL (shiftable), 2 Shutter speed-priority AL, 3 Aperture-priority AL, 4 Depth-of-field AL (not shiftable), 5 F-TTL program flash AL, 6 A-TTL program flash AL, 7 TTL program flash AL, 8 Manual, 9 Bulb (Safety shift possible for 2and3.)

Metering range : LV 0-20 for all metering modes (at 20 C/68 F with SOmm f/1.4 lens, 150 100) ISO film speed range : ISO 6-6400 (Set automatically

with fiX-coded film at ISO 25-5000.) Exposure compensation (1) : Autoexposure bracketing (AEB) : +-3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. (2) Manual exposure compensation up to +-3 stops in 1/3-stop increments set with the Quick Control Dial AEB and manual exposure compensation can be set together. AE Lock : (1) Auto AL lock : Operates in One-Shot AL mode with evaluative

Metering when focus is achieved. (2) Manual AL lock : AL lock button activates AL lock in all metering modes. Multiple exposures : Max. 9 multiple exposures per frame. (Cancelable and resettable at any time.) Cancels automatically after all multiple exposures are taken.

Antofocus Type : TTL-ARLA-SIR with a CMOS sensor Focusing points : Area AL with 45 focusing points AF working range : LV 0-18 (at 150 100) Focusing modes : (1) One-Shot AF : Autofocus stops when focus is achieved, resulting in AL lock. (2) Al Servo AL : Tracks subject movement up to the start of exposure. No in-focus indicator (blinks at 8 Hz only if AL fails). (3) Manual focusing : Enabled with the focusing ring when the lens focus mode is set to ME (or M). Electronic manual focusing during continuous shooting and exposure is enabled with PB-F2 and NP-F2. In-focus indicator : Flashing focusing point in viewfinder (can be disabled with a Custom Function), in-focus indicator, and beeper (can be disabled with the Main Switch).

Focusing point selection. (1) : Automatic selection : Focusing point camera-selected. (2) Manual selection : Focusing point manually-selected. Foctsingpoinl rtgi'straIioll and swiaching..Any one focusing point, 45-point automatic selection can be registered by pressing the Assist button and FE lock button. Pressing the Assist button and focusing point selector switches to the registered focusing point. AF focusing point indicator.Superimposed focusing point in viewfinder and also indicated on LCD panel AF-assist beam : Emitted automatically by the attached LOS Speedlite when necessary.

Shutter Type : Vertical-travel, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically-controlled. Shutter speeds : 30 to 1/8000 sec. in 1/3- stops, X-sync at 1/250 sec. Shutter release : Soft-touch electromagnetic release Self-timer : 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay.

Film Transport Film loading : Automatic. After film is loaded and the back closed, the film advances to frame 1 automatically, taking about 1 sec. Film advance system : Automatic film advance with built-in motor. (1) FOS-lV : Single-frame and continuous shooting. (2) FOS-1V + Power Drive Booster PB-E2 : Single-frame, low-speed continuous, high-speed continuous, and ultra-high speed continuous (wINP-F2). Infrared film : Compatible Film rewind system : At the end of the roll, automatic film rewind with a built-in motor. Midroll rewind possible. Film rewind time/noise : High-speed rewind : Approx. 4.5 sec. for 24- ex. him and approx. 8 sec. for 36-ex. film at 59 dB Silent rewind : Approx. 12 sec. for 24-ex. film and approx. 18 sec. for 36-ex. film at 49 dB Film ID Imprinting (w/standard camera back) Information Imprinted Any number from Ofi to 99 and film No. from 001 to 999 Imprinting position and size Frame 0 on film leader, text height approx. 1 mm Imprinting method : After film advances during initial loading, a minilamp imprints a transparent LCD numerals on the film base. (Imprinting cannot be disabled.) Imprinting confirmation.During imprinting, the ID mark lights on the LCD panel.

Ambient temperature : Imprinting assured between 45 C/ill F and -10 C/14 F Power source : Same as for the camera

Shooting Data System : When a picture is taken, the shooting data is automatically recorded in the built-in memory. The data can be later transferred to a personal computer for viewing and editing. Data recorded

The data cannot be viewed or edited with the camera. Shooting data memory rapacity With the standard number of data items, shooting data for 100 rolls of 36-ex. film can be stored.

Camera Specifications Flash contacts : (1) Hot shoe : X-sync direct contacts (2) Right side bottom : PC terminal (threaded) External flash system compatibility.E-TTL autoflash, A-TTL autoflash, TTL

Autoflash Custom Functions : 20 (No.0 - 19) Personal Functions : 3 Custom Function groups can be registered.

Remote control : Remote control/data transfer terminal with waterproof and dustproof cap provided.

Power source : EOS-1V : One 2CR5 lithium battery EOS-1V + Power Drive Booster PB-F2 : 8 size-AA batteries or Ni-MH Pack NP-F2 (sold separately) Battery Pack BP-F1 : 1 2CR5 lithium battery and 4 size-AA batteries (size-AA lithium batteries cannot be used)

Battery check : Automatic when the Main Switch is turned on. Battery level displayed in four levels (not including blank display) on LCD panel.

Dimensions : EOS-1V : : 161 (W) x 120.8 (H) x 70.8 (D) mm, 6.3 (W) x 4.7 (H) x 2.8 (D) in. EOS-1V + PB-F2 : 161 (W) x 164.3 (H) x 82.5 (D) mm, 6.3 (W) x 6.4 (H) x 3.2 (D) in. Weight EOS-1V : 945 g I 33 oz (body only, excluding battery) EOS-1V + PB-F2 : 1380 g/48.7 oz (body only, excluding battery) ----- EOS-1V Body : US $ 2.600/2800 Availbility : APRIL 2000

-- Garrett Adams (gadams@jps.net), January 29, 2000.

The one thing that surprised me that someone noted on Deja was that there doesn't appear to be eye focusing.

-- Brian Potts (brianp@primary.net), January 29, 2000.

What's a "half mirror"?

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), January 30, 2000.

Apart from 100% pic coverage, it seems the 1V has nothing superior to EOS 3.

-- (eung@hongkong.com), January 31, 2000.

A half mirror is a mirror which reflects some light and transmits some light (not necessarily 50/50, as the name might imply). The main mirror on every EOS AF body is a half mirror; the light which is reflected goes to the viewfinder, while the light which is transmitted is then reflected by a smaller mirror into the AF detectors.

From looking at the specs that have been posted again and again and again (and then included, in full, in almost all replies) on rec.photo.equipment.35mm, I'd have to agree - this doesn't look like it's much more advanced than the EOS-3. But you never know if the specs are complete or accurate until they actually come from Canon, and PMA is at the start of February, so we'll all know soon enough.

-- Steve Dunn (steved@ussinc.com), January 31, 2000.

Not having to pay for ECF that may not work sounds good to me.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), January 31, 2000.

If this early, "leaked" data on the EOS 1v is truly coming from somewhere within Canon "Europa", and if the tentative price of about $2800.00 U.S. dollars is correct, then one is left to ponder what Canon is doing with the extra cost of the 1v compared to the "3". I believe it's now a fairly safe bet that the 1v will not come with ECF, and if it is true that the cost of the EOS 3's ECF was about $400.00 for the consumer compared to if no ECF was on-board, then the numbers might look something like this: 1) EOS 3 with ECF = $1300.00; EOS 1v = $2800.00; difference = $1500.00; 2) "EOS 3-like" camera without ECF = about $900.00 (?); difference compared to EOS 1v at $2800.00 = a $1900.00 difference... What might Canon be doing with the EOS 1v that would so increase the price of this camera over the "3"? I certainly don't know the answer to this question, but I wonder if upgrades to its metering, AFPS systems, and microprocessors might be involved. Will its metering system rival the Nikon F5? I quess we'll all just have to stay tuned to find out more!

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), January 31, 2000.

The ~$2800 is a "list" price, not a "street" price. I'm not sure what the typical discount is, but I'd guess around 30%. I'd expect an initial "street" price under $2000. I don't think I'll be buying one...

-- Bob Atkins (bobatkins@hotmail.com), January 31, 2000.

Ok - one A-TTL body outta the way (EOS-1n), what's the fate of the other (EOS-5)? I guess we'll find out soon enough. I'm just looking for an E-TTL body with a tight spotmeter, a grip that will take AA batteries and the same controls as the VG-10 (and hopefully won't cost a small fortune).

-- Jim Hicks (jhicks992@aol.com), February 01, 2000.

Take a look at the new EOS 1 V and the new EF 100 USM Macro at

http://www.canon-sales.co.jp/pressrelease/2000-02/pr_eos1v.html http://www.canon-sales.co.jp/Product/camera/eos/ef100usm.html

Man if the EOS 1 doesn't get any sexier than it does!!

-- Alex Yap (marusho@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au), February 02, 2000.

Check out the following page on Canon Malaysia web-site for detailed English description: http://camera.canon.com.my/what_new/product/EOS1V/index.htm

-- Subhasis Laha (slaha@lucent.com), February 02, 2000.

Old news is no news but here's the blurb on the EOS 1V from Canon USA anyway, www.usa.canon.com.

-- grasshopper (renequan@hotmail.com), February 03, 2000.

945g without battery! Add the PB-F2 and you've got an anchor. The other specs sound nice but that's ridiculous, I won't be buying one.

-- Karl Lehmann (outback@gte.net), February 03, 2000.

Here's some more info in English: http://www.canon.com/eos/i ndex2.html.

It looks like Canon's upped the ante with 10 FPS.

-- Geoffrey S. Kane (grendel@nauticom.net), February 03, 2000.

Although I'm not a Canon user, I've been waiting to see what Canon's response would be to Nikon's F5 (as has everyone else, I'm sure). While the introduction of the new EOS 1V will bring some badly lacking features to the Canon body lineup (computer link and at least the availability to shoot at a higher frame rate---up to 10 fps, for example), I really feel the whole introduction of this body is rather anticlimatic. Please, here me out...

Many of these features that are being made available to Canon users with this body have been available now to Nikon users (via the F5) for over FOUR years now! Canon's only reply by introducing the 1V seems to be just getting the Canon body options up to where Nikon has been. Please be patient with me, I'm not trying to rip on Canon users--you have a LOT of VERY NICE lenses and features available to you. My point is the following: Canon has had over FOUR YEARS to contemplate the Nikon Flagship body--to disect it, test it, find its flaws, find its strong points--and all it has to offer in the 'new' 1V is basically a souped up EOS3 with many badly lacking features that Nikon has already had available as well as a "we now offer the fastest* framing rate camera" (*under certain conditions only) by presenting a framing rate of 10 fps body. In my opinion, Canon has just passed up a prime opportunity to beat Nikon hands down in the line of photographic equiptment.

I say that Canon has passed up this opportunity because they haven't implemented major new advances for the photographic world in this new body. I was really hoping to see truely new technology being made available for the photographer to utilize. When the Nikon F5 was released, it DID revolutionize camera bodies, with its speed, AF system, 3D COLOR matrix metering (still no attempt to further or perfect that technology Canon?), computer interface, etc.. Canon, you were foolish to let Nikon live in this case. Your opportunity was ripe and you chose to glide. Perhaps I would have converted at the introduction of a truely revolutionizing body to match your excellent lens lineup. However, Nikon seems to finally be introducing lenses that not only admit that they (Nikon)have been lazy in the lens department, but are making an attempt to further the technology (specifically Image Stabilization in this case) available to photographers--not just following. An example of this can be seen in the fact that Nikon is claiming an additional stop of hand-holdability over the Canon lenses. Nikon seems to truely be following in the lens department--however, at least they are trying to wisely improve upon the innovations that Canon is offering. I can't, with any confidence, say the same regarding Canon in regard to the new 1V body.

To date, Canon has only made an attempt to 'one-up' (basically one-feature at a time) Nikon's revolutionizing body. For example, EOS 3's supposed faster and more sure footed autofocus acquisition speed (when limiting the F5's framing rate to the same as the EOS 3's)--as reported by MR. Kwok's comparison article between the two (My question to Mr. Kwok (that he wouldn't post on his review site)--Is the F5 REALLY operating at its full capacity when you purposefully slow down its framing rate--after all, with a higher framing rate, less focus adjustment would need to be made in between frames, so how on earth can you say that the hit rate percentage of the Nikon (NOT operating in optimized conditions) is accurate and claim those victories for Canon?) over the F5? Anyway, my challenge to the Canon Corporation: Introduce something revolutionizing in terms of camera bodies and convince ALL Nikon users to make the switch. Don't think that finally introducing features like a metal body, fast(er?) film advance rate, and a computer linking interface, are revolutionary--their not, their merely reactionary! Canon user's, you have a lot going for you in terms of an overall system but, if I were in your shoes, I'd feel awefully let down. Demand a truely revolutionizing body that will stun ALL photographers--Nikon did it 4 years ago, proving it is possible. Technology has come a long way in the last four years, why hasn't Canon utilized it in their Bodies? Sean

-- Sean Haggerty (smhagger@execpc.com), February 03, 2000.

Oh my god, Sean, please stay cool and don't start again these endless wars on camera equipment. It is just too ridiculous to calim that Canon is not innovative (eg: quick-control dial, IS, 45 Autofocus points) which were actually copied by Nikon, the first too at least. Of course and hopefully there will always be advantages of both systems (Nikon: better viewfinder, maybe flash, matrix meter) as this keeps up competition and hopefully Canon NEVER introduces a body which will make all Nikon users switch. A ludicrous asumption anyway as tastes vary in people. So please don't get that emotional. Happy shooting with your excellent F5 :-) Cheers Michael

-- Michael Schmidt (mschmidt@data.net.mx), February 03, 2000.

Michael, forgive me if my emotions bled through slightly... ;-)

To ALL: I am NOT trying to start another Canon vs. Nikon War: I hope that was clear enough through my complimentary attitude towards the things that Canon has done well. I also do (and did, I thought) acknowledge that Canon is indeed an innovative company. Therein lies my disappointment with the release of this body: The photographic world has waited for over 4 years for the release of this new body and Canon has already proven (as you pointed out Michael) that it is indeed innovative, when it wants to be. My comments relating to technological strategy (implied in my position) are not unfounded but come from an understanding of what it means to lead, follow and be an outsider in terms of technological development and management from the standpoint of business or entreprenuer.

My only point was that I, for one, was disappointed to see this opportunity for major technological advancement pass by with such passivity. Oh well, perhaps Nikon will glide as well whenever the F6 is released--we all know that wouldn't be a first! ;-)

Take care and don't take my statements as personal attacks--we are all in the same photographic boat together, after all. I really believe that one of the two brands is not better than the other: they just offer different tools for us to use! Sean

-- Sean Haggerty (smhagger@execpc.com), February 03, 2000.

Hi Sean, I am quite relieved to hear your explanations, probably I have gotten you a bit wrong. As a matter of fact, I also think that Canon could have made a better, a more innovative statement. It seems so, that according to their opinion polls with professionals around the world, they (the pro's) preferred a more "conservative" body. Canon seems to have laid their priority on the development of an even more durable camera and the catch-up with Nikon with this link software and film advance speed. As a user of the EOS3, I really don't see much sense in buying this camera. On the other hand, it has been Canon politics since the EOS5 to test new developments in the higher end consumer bodies and take only the most reliable parts along to the pro bodies. Judging from the sales of the 3 many Canon professionals have probably waited for the pro version of the 3 to be released. Nice though is this new button which serve to save a certain cluster of AF-points and then quickly returns to them. BTW, a really nice, though often overlooked feature of the 3 and the 1V is the new shutter which almost doesn't consume energy during long exposures. Much more interesting for me personally is the new ring-light EX1,4 and the new 100 USM Macro now coming with a dedicated tripod mount. Let's just hope, that Canon caught up a bit with NIkon on the viewfinder, which is for spectacle-wearers still far superior in Nikon. Cheers Michael

-- Michael Schmidt (mschmidt@data.net.mx), February 03, 2000.

Michael, Thank you for stating for me the design criteria that Canon had established when setting out to design the new 1V. Given that criteria, I believe Canon did an acceptable job of meeting the design objectives (what engineers term to be constraints). Hopefully camera manufacturers will use professionals' input as mere guidance (they probably do already) and not as actual design constraints. The problem with using professionals' input as constraints is that the constraints are usually limited to what the professional has seen already--thus potentially limiting creativity and innovation. I am not certain, but this may be a case of setting constraints too tightly formed around what the professionals requested? What do you think?

Also note, I don't think that the EOS 1V is a failure, just not the revolution that I was hoping to see. Regards, Sean

-- Sean Haggerty (smhagger@execpc.com), February 03, 2000.

Hi Sean, well, I am not so sure about the limited creativity through opinion polls of pros. I just remember the for long years ongoing discussions of german professional nature-photogs about a zoom 200-600mm f/4,5. Of course the industry still hasn't fulfilled this wish/need but many others the pros haven't dreamt yet about (IS, matrix meter). I guess, that Canon will come up in 2 years with a new body (3n??) which will have revolutionary specs like the 3 had in 1999 or was it 98? Lets just get surprised. Michael

-- Michael Schmidt (mschmidt@data.net.mx), February 03, 2000.

I am a Nikon user, so I known I am committing heresy. I think EOS 1V is an entirely adaquate reply to the F5. Sure it may not blow the F5 clean out of the water, but from what I've read, it is certainly a worthy, perhaps threatening, competitor to the F5. Sure, Nikon might be able to tweek the F5 to get 10FPS as well, but Canon has it now. From the sound of it, EOS1V's focus at the very least match F5's in performance and probably exceeds the later in versatility. Sure, Nikon is solid aluminum and EOS1V only has a magnesium shell surrounding a plastic chassis. But find one person who has even anecdotal evidence that the EOS1N wasn't tough enough. It seems to me the much touted color metering is more desirable in theory than practice. No one has shown me any evidence, let alone proof that the 1003 segment matrix color meter produce better exposures in a statistically significant fraction of pictures when compared to my N90s' 8 segment black and white meter. So I don't see how not having the color meter is a disadvantage, except to those who perfers to boast about their camera's features rather than actually use them.

-- chuck fan (CHAOHUI@MSN.COM), February 03, 2000.

We can't really compare this newest EOS flagship body to Nikon or even the EOS 3 based only on press releases, hyperbole, and the like! The proving grounds will be real world shooting experience with this new camera, not in press releases. From what I've read in the past, the main advantage of Nikon's advanced metering system is its ability to frequently "know" when exposure compensation is appropriate (for example, when shooting a black cat in a coal bin, or a polar bear in a snow field). I suspect that the ability of the Nikon cameras to "see" color may not be nearly as useful as its ability to see shades of gray in a very clever manner. After reading most of Canon's press releases on the EOS 1v, I note that Canon is claiming that the improved evaluative metering algorithm is now reliably capable of this, but only experience with this camera will tell if this is true. (Why hell, in my experience Canon's P mode often did a fairly decent job of this, and I've ruined a number of shots by trying to second guess an A2 or 1n in some situations, when using P mode...). In addition, I personally don't recall reading or hearing of the Nikon F5 AF tracking system being superior to higher-end EOS gear, and in fact I seem to recall many accounts of the EOS gear often performing better in this regard. It may well be that Canon engineers and Canon sponsored pro shooters eventually dismissed Nikon's concept of "color" metering in favor of more sophisticated "gray" metering. Unlike the Nikon F5, which offers several redundant manual vs. electronic operating features such as film rewind or advance, Canon continues to design entirely electronic cameras--simply put: no electronic power, no pictures.

In summary, I believe it is very unfair for anyone ("Nikonite" or otherwise) to suggest to us "Canonites" that we should feel let-down or somehow robbed, just because the initial PRESS RELEASES of the 1v do not, in aggregate, constitute a point-for-point one-upmanship with respect to the Nikon body. (I believe I possibly detect some panic, insecurity, and "sour grapes" type thinking among at least one Nikonite here...). I believe the EOS 1v will prove to be a stellar camera.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), February 03, 2000.

I did not really expect from Canon to work very hard to introduce a camera that would challenge F5; because biggest threat for Canon's market share comes not from F5 but from D1. Canon is probably busy with building a digital SLR with more features and pixels than D1, may be with a truly 35mm CCD.

-- Umit Dincel (umyth@mailcity.com), February 04, 2000.

Just a small contribution to this discussion, from an EOS 1n user's perspective. 1. Thumbs up for Canon for resisting the tentation of introducing a flagship camera overloaded with geezwhiz tech spec that would prove either redundant or useless. 2. You have to admire them to maintain the development philosophy started with the EOS 1 in 1989. Test new technology in the second in line body, and then only transfer the truly useful advances, based on input from a broad base of professional photographers. 3. It is ridiculous to say that they are not innovative. 100 % electronic lens mount, USM, IS, autofocus up to f/8. IMO, much more important than color matrix metering. 4. Thumbs down for the weight of the camera, the 1N is tough enough already.

-- Paulo Bizarro (pbizarro@cgg.com), February 04, 2000.

I paid a short visit to my usual camera store and had a small chat with the owner, a friend of mine. He was quite excited with the 1V and showed me a brochure. I flipped through it and here are the main points that caught my attention: 1. The 1V will keep on working under pouring rain, thanks to its construction. It features a magnesium alloy body with two coatings, one that is called "anti-rust" and on top of it comes the reinforced polycarbonate. I suppose this should be the main difference when compared to the 3. The downside is weight... 2. IMO, its main point is that EOS users will immediately feel at home using this camera, something that is quite important for the market segment that is targeting.

-- Paulo Bizarro (pbizarro@cggp.pt), February 04, 2000.

I was just wondering, what's so great about the Eos3 center focusing point working at F8? I've tried my F100 with a F4.5 lens plus 2X TC and all 5 points will autofocus. I know it's a bad combo and it's off topic but I don't think it's worth a new thread. I'm not trying to say that a camera is better than another, I'm just looking for a short answer.

On the topic now, I think Canon just wanted to update their time-proven 1n. Umit has good point saying they are probably working on a digital body.

-- Erick Lamontagne (meteo.ygp@globetrotter.net), February 04, 2000.

Boy, reading these threads is amusing. Its funny how they always disintegrate into the infamous Nikon/Canon debate. People sitting around debating the merits of one camera/system versus another. Wow, how useful. Let me just share a little revelation to you folks about the difference between Canon and Nikon. In case you havent figured it out yet, Canon is a very technologically driven company, while Nikon is much more conservative. Duh!! Of course, the Canonites love to bash Nikon by pointing out how behind they are, and the Nikonites respond by making excuses to try and defend themselves as if they were somehow attacked personally. So Nikon isnt as advanced, great, maybe thats not such a bad thing. Why is it that most people see more advanced as being better. If you look at the majority of the Canon users youd probably find they come from guys who work in the computer industry and have a genuine affinity for technology. This also is the internet, and most people here are tehno-savvy or they wouldnt be here, so if you Nikon guys feel somehow in the minority, dont sweat it (although I dont know why you would in the first place). The internet is still small and not an indicator of what the majority of society is using/buying/thinking. I personally shoot with Nikon, but I have nothing against Canon, in fact I think they make great stuff, every bit as good as Nikon. Personally, I shoot with Nikon because I like to be conservative, and I hope Nikon continues to be this way; keep selling those F3s, God, please dont ever let them stop selling F3s. Regarding the new EOS-1V, hey sounds great - if you like that much technology. Personally, I dont. I sit behind a computer all day at work and I hate the goddamned things. The last thing I want, is to have my face stuck behind one while out taking pictures. I noticed that Canon is even advertising the processor speed of this new body: a 33 Mhz, 32 bit Risc processsor. Hey whats next, little "Intel Inside" stickers on the back. Gimme a break. I imagine now that it has a computer connection, youll be able to connect to the internet and download the latest firmware and driver updates from the Canon website directly to the camera. Yeah right, software updates for a camera, I dont think so. But like I said, if thats your cup-o-tea than fine. And this goes for Nikon as well, as far as Im concerned the F5 is an over-priced piece of techno-junk. A $2000 point-and-shoot. If you need an RGB meter, program modes, an 8 or 10 FPS motor, high speed AF lenses and IS or VR technology just to take a shot, than you need to learn how to take pictures. Give this setup to any 4th grader on the street and theyd be able to take great shots as well. "You mean mister, all I have to do is point?" The Nikon vs. Canon debate is about the stupidest argument possible; youd be better off debating the merits of different brands of butt wipe.

-- Rob Landry (rob_landry@hotmail.com), February 04, 2000.

"Give this setup to any 4th grader on the street and theyd be able to take great shots as well".

Sorry Rob, I have to disagree there... That won't be possible until the EOS-9AC ("Auto Composition") is released in 2007.

-- Karl Lehmann (outback@gte.net), February 04, 2000.

By the way I heard the EOS-9 AC will also incorprate a 10Ghz processor and ECSR (Eye-Control Shutter Release). The OS will be Windows 2008.

-- Karl Lehmann (outback@gte.net), February 04, 2000.

Rob, I agree with you that those arguments on Canon/Nikon are stupids. That's why I asked for a short answer. I use Nikon so I don't know how The canon works and I'm just wondering, plain curiosity.

Can you imagine, you'll be in the field with a lighting problem, don`t worry, just log on photo.net with your new camera and a question!

-- Erick Lamontagne (meteo.ygp@globetrotter.net), February 04, 2000.

Now, Erick,

"Can you imagine, you'll be in the field with a lighting problem, don`t worry, just log on photo.net with your new camera and a question!"

THAT is the goddamnedest bestest idea I have heard in a long while. Imagine, you are out in the field with a technique problem. Select photo.net option in a side-bar of your viewfinder (you use a fancy Eye-Controlled Option Pointer, of course). The Camera, with an integral satellite mobile GSM phone with GPS, dials up photo.net. You shoot a digital 'Polaroid' (Camera comes with a billion pixel CCD), download it to photo.net for all the world to see. Photo.netters photoshop it to hell and send it back to you. You upload the answers to view on your Databack with Screen. Select what you like and then shoot away. Come to think about it, why shoot anyway? Just take the answers and call it your own. After all, you are the originator of the situation and thus own the copyright. Now, that's progress. Anyone can be a pro in the near future.

-- grasshopper (renequan@hotmail.com), February 05, 2000.

Waddya know! The future is now. The following message is by courtesy of BJP:

In a welcome move for mobile photographers, Kodak is soon to launch new software which does away with the need for laptops for image transmission from their professional digital cameras and, the company claims, soon a mobile phone will be unnecessary too.

The new software, which will be available free via Kodak's website (http://www.kodak.com/go/professional), allows photographers to produce raw, finished TIFF or JPEG files in-camera. DCS 315, 330, 520 and 620 digital camera users will also be able to attach IPTC information to image files to enable smooth workflow integration in newspaper or archive systems. A serial cable will transmit images straight through a mobile phone with a virtual modem application.

-- grasshopper (renequan@hotmail.com), February 08, 2000.

I agree with Brad. I am still waiting for the update of EOS 5.

-- Thang Nguyen (nguyentnt@hotmail.com), February 10, 2000.

Sean, I understand your point and pretty much have to agree with you. I am a Canon user and while I'm excited about the new 1v I would have to agree that it is nothing very revolutionary. Possibly the f8 useable AF with center focus, but that's already available with the EOS 3. It will be interesting to see how pricey this body is when it's finally available. Many Canon users have been waiting for a body that could match or beat the F5, but I think Canon would make a big mistake by introducing it at a price much higher than the current F5. I would be willing to bet that if they did so, some Canon users may switch to Nikon because they could get just as a good a body in the F5 for much less. Currently the F5 goes for about $2000 but it includes the vertical grip (built in) so Canons EOS 1v would have to include the PB-E2 grip for close to $2000. I believe Canon would make a big mistake thinking that because this is a new body they can get more money for it than the F5.

-- Bill (william_meyer@stortek.com), March 14, 2000.