An Eye On The Future – Canon At Japan’s CP+ 2012
Inviting the HWM Team to experience “kyosei” (the philosophy of living and working harmoniously towards the future) firsthand, Canon Marketing Philippines flew us all the way to Japan last week to witness Canon’s participation in the third annual Camera & Photo Imaging Show (CP+).
Turning Heads At CP+ 2012
Late last week, the HardwareZone team gave you a special look at highlights from the festivities of the 2012 Camera & Photo Imaging Show held in the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center in Yokohama, Japan. This time around, let’s turn our focus to one of the most recognized and most well-renowned names in the digital imaging industry, Canon, who took us all the way to the land of the rising sun to experience CP+ 2012, as well as tours into the company’s local facilities, firsthand.
Canon owned the largest booth at the CP+ 2012 show floor and it was bustling with activity from the moment the event went live.
Raising The Professional Standard
A pair of presenters eagerly introduced the Canon EOS-1D X and the Canon Cinema EOS C300 to the crowd.
Canon’s biggest newsmakers at CP+ 2012 came in the form of the company’s two new flagship digital imaging devices. One caters to the demanding modern pro photographer, while the other is Canon’s latest innovation engineered to address the needs of the professional movie-making industry. In case you’re still in the dark about what we’re talking about, we’re referring to the Canon EOS-1D X full-frame DSLR camera and Canon Cinema EOS C300 video camera system, respectively.
Canon EOS-1D X: High Speed, High Image Quality, And Zero Compromise
Offering outstanding image quality at 18.1 megapixels and superb speed with a 14fps maximum (12fps standard) burst rate, the EOS-1D X is the newest force to be reckoned with in professional photography.
Canon’s latest full-frame offering, the EOS-1D X, is undoubtedly the manufacturer’s most powerful DSLR to date, representing “the pinnacle of DSLR technology,” as Canon would describe it. It features a full-size 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors, and a 61-point autofocus system which includes a cross-type focus point that allows it to function as intuitively as human eyes do. Putting this all together, the EOS-1D X delivers unparalleled image quality even at its jaw-dropping 14fps Super High-Speed Mode burst rate.
The EOS-1D X, shown here with the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens.
While this super-snapper won’t be available until spring this year (that is, sometime around Q2 here), for now, we can take the pros’ word for it. Sports snapper Takahito Mizutani and landscape photog Michiko Yone have already vouched for the EOS-1D X’s never-miss-a-moment speed and capture-even-the-most-delicate-details clarity in their respective testimonies as shown in Canon’s video presentations at CP+.
Canon Cinema EOS C300: A Revolution In Movie Production
Canon claims it’s just getting started with the Cinema EOS line. With gear that looks this good (that, of course, delivers the performance to match), exciting times are ahead for digital film-making.
Meanwhile, Canon has also begun to venture in advanced digital movie production with the introduction of its new Cinema EOS digital video camera system category. The first model released from this product line, the Cinema EOS C300, was introduced as early as last November 2011 in Paramount Studios in Hollywood, but expectedly continued to receive much fanfare from CP+’s predominantly Asian attendees.
Leveraging on Canon’s already established competitive advantage in lens technology and variety, the Cinema EOS C300 boasts an 8.3-megapixel Super-35 CMOS sensor that supports four times the resolution of 1080p Full HD at 3840 x 2160 resolution. It also offers a maximum sensitivity of ISO 20,000, enabling movie-makers to capture material even in the most challenging low-light situations. With the Cinema EOS system’s compact, lightweight, and highly versatile form factor added into the mix, the movie industry definitely now has something new to consider for its primary content creation gear.The HardwareZone team had earlier published Canon Cinema EOS C300-related material on HWZ TV. Check out the impressions of award-winning director and photographer, Vincent Laforet right here.
Putting More Power In Your Hands
Not too keen on getting a system camera? These prosumer compacts will give you your high-quality imaging fix even without the interchangeable lenses.
Beyond the pro-grade EOS-1D X and Cinema EOS C300 cameras, Canon’s newest high-performance compact cameras were also highly celebrated at the Canon CP+ booth. We’ve already published quite a bunch of material related to both the Canon PowerShot S100 and the newer Canon PowerShot G1 X here on HardwareZone, as well as in HWM Philippines (in the S100’s case), but here’s a quick refresher just for you.
Canon PowerShot G1 X: The Epitome Of A PowerShot
The PowerShot G1 X (US$ 799.99) drew the largest crowds at Canon’s compact camera exhibit at CP+ 2012.
Built with the same overall look and feel of the well-received PowerShot G series, the G1 X now boasts a large, 1.5-inch Canon HS System CMOS sensor that almost matches those used in most DSLR cameras (APS-C sized), making it even better equipped to handle high quality still image capture at 14.3 megapixels, as well as 1080p HD video recording (upping the grade from the G12’s 720p movie capture feature).
There’s a lot more to be said about the Canon PowerShot G1 X, and for that, allow us to lead you to this special hands-on preview that we’ve shared, served fresh off the CES 2012 show floor in Las Vegas back in mid-January.
Canon PowerShot S100: Snapshooter Extraordinaire
If you still prefer a camera that can fit in your pocket, but are meticulous about image quality, the PowerShot S100 (PhP 28,998) is probably more to your liking.
Another high-performance compact that garnered a lot of interest from the CP+ crowd was the PowerShot S100, the latest from Canon’s similarly successful PowerShot S series of digital compact cameras. Introduced globally towards the close of 2011, this premium digital compact camera has merited the HardwareZone regional team’s nod as “one of the best compact cameras of 2011” as this review will attest.
This recognition comes with no small thanks to the S100’s significant upgrades over its predecessors, the S90 and S95, which were already highly regarded for their impressive imaging performance – especially in low light – despite the extremely compact form factor. Such enhancements include a 12-megapixel HS system CMOS sensor, 1080p video recording, 5x optical zoom, and even a built-in GPS module. Of course, one of the series’s best features, the handy control ring, is maintained to give users the extra advantage when maximizing full manual control on this pocket-sized photography powerhouse.
Want to learn more about this one? Check out our full review right here.
But Wait, There’s (A Lot) More!
Canon is rolling out a total of fourteen (14) new digital compact cameras throughout 2012. This count already includes the aforementioned PowerShot G1 X and PowerShot S100 models. Just very quickly now, here’s a rundown of the other models that you can watch out for if you’re planning to get a new compact within the first half or so of the year.
From The Digital IXUS Line: In Style, In Focus
The Digital IXUS 125 HS (left, US$ 249.99) and Digital IXUS 240 HS (right, US$ 279.99) cater to style-minded users who enjoy taking keepsakes of their social activities. Both share key specs such as 16.1-megapixel shooting based on Canon’s HS system, 5x optical zoom (24-120mm) lens, Full HD video recording, and Intelligent IS technology, among others, but the newer Digital IXUS 240 HS now also boasts built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to enable quick and easy sharing of photos and video clips to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices in real time.
These two boast a sleek, ultra-slim design that pays homage to the 12-year legacy of the original Canon IXUS camera. Common features include a 10.1-megapixel HS system CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, Intelligent IS, and a remarkable 12x optical zoom (28-336mm) lens. The Digital IXUS 500 HS (left, US$ 299.99) is the slimmest 12x optical zoom camera out there today at 19.2mm thin, while the Digital IXUS 510 HS (right, US$ 349.99) adds built-in Wi-Fi, like the Digital IXUS 240 HS.
From The PowerShot Line: Bang-for-the-buck Entry-level To Mid-Range Options
While the most basic among the easy-and-fun-to-use A series PowerShot cameras, the A800 (left, US$ 109.99) and A1300 (right, US$ 119.99) are by no means lightweights in the digital imaging field. Both pack 16-megapixel CCD sensors and offer a 28-140mm (5x optical) focal range with Digital IS technology to ensure quality snaps every time. The PowerShot A1300’s defining feature is an optical viewfinder, something which you won’t find on many of today’s digital compacts.
More from the A series, the PowerShot A2300 (left, US$ 149.99) and PowerShot A2400 IS (right, US$ 159.99) bring high image quality, ease of use, and style together in a handy compact form factor. Shooting at 16 megapixels with a 5x optical zoom range (also 28-140mm), both of these models boast 32 preset scene modes for users to get creative with, 720p video recording, and advanced subject detection and face detection features. The A2300 uses digital image stabilization, while the A2400 IS uses Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology.
Leading the pack among Canon’s affordable, yet feature-rich A series point-and-shoot camera models are the PowerShot A3400 IS (left, US$ 179.99) and the PowerShot A4000 IS (right, US$ 199.99). The A3400 IS is the first touchscreen-equipped model from the PowerShot A series, while the A4000 IS offers 8x optical zoom. Both are capable of shooting 16-megapixel stills and 720p movie clips.
Also From The PowerShot Line: Long-range And All-Weather Shooters
Fans of the previous iterations of the Canon PowerShot SX super-zoom camera line will be thrilled to know that the new models, the SX240 HS and SX260 HS (US$ 349.99) now boast a 20x optical zoom range (25-500mm) while maintaining the signature compact form factor! The 12.1-megapixel Canon HS system-based super-zoomers share most of the key specifications, but the SX240 HS bears the distinction of being the slimmest 20x optical zoom compact camera to date (at 33mm thin), while the SX260 HS adds the advantage of having a built-in GPS module for image geotagging.
Another standout compact from the new Canon PowerShot lineup is the all-weather D20 (US$ 349.99). Succeeding the popular PowerShot D10, this new model features a much-improved design that allows for a more stable grip for when its adventure-minded user decides to really rough it out. Shooting at 12.1 megapixels with Canon’s HS system, the D20 is waterproof up to 33 feet, temperature-resistant from -10°-40° C, and shockproof from up to 5 feet. Truly a great companion for the outdoors, this PowerShot also houses a built-in GPS tracker.
Seriously, We’re Not Done Yet
VIXIA Goes Wireless
Of course, while Canon may be best known for its still cameras, part of its ever-growing “history of diversification” is its line of digital camcorders for consumers. Amid the CP+ 2012 festivities, Canon also introduced its latest wave of VIXIA camcorders. Let’s breeze through them quickly below.
The VIXIA HF R300 is the newest basic consumer camcorder from the Canon portfolio, offering 32x optical zoom (with 51x advanced zoom), along with Intelligent IS and Smart Auto technologies. Unlike the HF R30 and R32 models, this one does not have any built-in flash memory, but it does support one SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card.
On top of built-in flash storage (8GB for the HF R30 and 32GB for the HF R32), these VIXIAs also bring Canon’s new wireless connectivity functions to entry-level audiences. These two also share the 1/4.85-inch, 3.28-megapixel CMOS sensor that the R300 uses.
Similar to the HF R300, the HF M500 is the storage-less and Wi-Fi-less model in its series. However, the M series boasts a larger 1/3-inch Canon HD CMOS Pro Image sensor, which promises even better image quality that even the professionals will approve of.
Sleek, lightweight, and designed to combine high quality video recording with the ease and convenience of both built-in flash memory and Wi-Fi connectivity, the VIXIA HF M50 and M52 represent the best that Canon has to offer for aspiring video amateurs so far. The HF M50 has an 8GB capacity, while the HF M52 offers 32GB of virtual space.
As we’ve mentioned, Canon has added the convenience of wireless sharing on its new lineup of digital camcorders. Here’s a quick demo of the function, courtesy of Ms. Aya Sakami from Canon’s Image Communication Products Operations department:
Quick and easy, right? You might notice though that the demo was done using an iPad. So far, only an iOS app has been created to support the Canon VIXIAs’ new Wi-Fi feature. We can rest assured, though, that apps supporting other mobile platforms are already in the works, according to Canon. (Also, in case you’re wondering, the sound in the background isn’t gunfire – it’s the EOS-1D X’s 14fps continuous shooting at work.)
More Highlights From The Canon CP+ 2012 Booth
Now before we wrap up, allow us to share with you some of our favorite sights from the Canon booth at CP+ 2012.
Canon, of course, flaunted its diverse range of lenses in an awesome display which it rightfully called, “The Eyes of EOS.”
Just above the aforementioned exhibit, there were fully setup DSLRs with the various EF lenses that were freely available for the expo-goers to try.
Here’s a peek over Canon’s compact camera area, where crowds gathered to try out the new digital compacts that we’ve just discussed earlier. If you’ll notice the smile on the face of the girl in the foreground, you’ll see that the Canon staff were more than eager to assist the curious onlookers.
Ever wondered what the insides of your massive EF lenses look like? You're in luck! Canon sliced up a few just for you… Well okay, not really, but at least these cross-section models should give you a better idea of what goes on inside your precious glass.
And here’s another one for good measure.
Meanwhile, for all you curious cats, this is fluorite (shown in various progressive states of its development), the artificial crystal that Canon uses in its Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass lens elements. This material is used in the focusing group of zoom lenses to eliminate secondary chromatic spectrum aberrations.
Of course, there was no shortage of lovely booth ladies always at the ready to share some more information about Canon’s latest innovations, not to mention flash a smile or two for the guests wandering around the show floor.
A History Of Diversification, A Tradition Of Innovation
Care to join us for a quick trip down (Canon’s) memory lane?
Last but not least, we’ll share with you a few more highlights from our trip to Japan. This time, though, the shots didn’t come from the CP+ 2012 venue, but from Canon’s HQ building in Tokyo itself! Inside the facility is a mini-museum of sorts, where Canon commemorates milestones in its rich history.
The Kwanon prototype camera from 1934, developed by Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, the company that would eventually become the Canon that we know today. This was Japan’s first 35mm focal-plane shutter camera, and derives its name from the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy (an engraving of Kwanon’s likeness is even placed on the top of the device).
This here is the CX-35, Japan’s first indirect X-ray camera from 1940, which utilizes some of the earliest lenses developed by Canon as a relatively newly minted camera company.
The Canon 8T (1956), the company’s first 8mm cinecamera.
The Canonet (1961), Canon’s first autoexposure electric eye (EE) camera.
We’ve mentioned Canon as having a “history of diversification,” right? Here’s proof: while you may be familiar with the cameras and copying and printing devices, don’t forget that Canon also manufactures… calculators! The Canola 130, developed in 1964, is the world’s first 10-key electronic calculator.
Canon’s AE-1 (1976), the company’s first computerized fully automatic SLR camera.
From 1985, here’s the BJ-80, Canon’s first bubble jet printer, and an early ancestor of today’s ubiquitous inkjet priners.
Here’s something that looks somewhat more familiar: Canon’s EOS 650 from 1987. This was the first model of Canon’s AF EOS SLR camera series.
2000’s Canon IXY Digital, a card-sized digital camera which featured a 2-megapixel CCD sensor and 2x zoom.
This one, we’re sure, some of you might still remember fondly. Here’s 2003’s Canon EOS 300D (a.k.a. Digital Rebel), one of the first full-fledged AF digital SLR cameras made available at an affordable, consumer-friendly price.
No Signs Of Stopping In Sight
This has been quite a lengthy feature story (thank you if you’ve still hung around to read up to this point!), but we’re sure we’ve provided you with a lot to get excited about as far as what the Canon camp has in store for shutterbugs and video buffs in 2012 -- along with some nice trivia to keep in mind, at that...
As the company itself has claimed during our stay in Japan last week, we should all continue to “keep [our] expectations high for Canon’s efforts [in the future],” and of course, we here at HardwareZone and HWM Philippines will do our best to keep you posted on all these developments. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, if you're itching to learn more about the new products and features described earlier, check out Canon’s USA site while for a look at what Canon Philippines currently has on offer until the exciting new wave of products arrive, be sure to visit www.canon.com.ph.
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