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LAS VEGAS
(PMA, BOOTH # E11), Feb. 9, 2004 –
Canon
launched its new flagship advanced amateur
35mm SLR system – the EOS ELAN 7n
and EOS ELAN 7ne
35mm SLR cameras. Designed to be the
fastest, most responsive, innovative and
intuitive cameras in their class, the new
EOS ELAN 7n
and EOS ELAN 7ne
cameras replace the popular EOS ELAN 7
and 7e
models (the ELAN 7ne
model retaining the ELAN 7e’s
popular Eye Controlled Focus option) and
feature an autofocus system that is the
fastest in its class, according to a Canon
Inc. survey.
“With an
ever present eye on technological
advancements and our standard attention to
detail, Canon has ensured that the EOS ELAN
line of 35mm SLR cameras remain
‘state-of-the-science’ for discerning photo
enthusiasts,”
stated
Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and
general manager of the consumer imaging
group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ). “The advancements
and upgrades that we have built in to the
new EOS ELAN 7n and EOS ELAN 7ne
models improve the cameras’ high
quality output, facilitate the photo
experience for our users, and enhance the
cameras’ already enviable reputation in the
photographic community.”
AF
Speed Zone
The EOS ELAN
7 and 7e
already had the fastest autofocus system in
their class when they were introduced four
years ago. The new models have improved on
this performance by adopting the high-speed
AF circuitry of the EOS 10D digital SLR. As
a result, focus detection and lens drive are
faster than ever, and now rival the speed of
Canon’s top-line professional EOS-1v and
EOS-1D series cameras. The ELAN 7n
and 7ne’s
seven-point wide area autofocus is clearly
visible in the camera’s viewfinder,
providing the photographer with greater
focusing flexibility, particularly when used
with the eye-control function of the model 7ne. This exclusive Canon technology allows photographers to
select an AF point simply by looking at it
through the viewfinder. Eye Controlled Focus
can be used by most photographers with or
without eyeglasses, and continues to
function whether the camera is held
horizontally.
At 4.0 frames
per second in One-Shot AF and manual focus,
the EOS ELAN 7n
and ELAN 7ne
cameras still provide the fastest
continuous shooting speed in their class.
When the camera is set to the AI Servo mode
for tracking moving subjects, the maximum
speed is 3.5 frames per second. In
addition, the cameras utilize Canon's
exclusive Whisper Drive film transport
system making them the quietest 35mm EOS
cameras ever.
Revised E-TTL II Flash Metering
Also enhanced
in the new models is the new E-TTL II flash
metering system, which uses distance
information available with most Canon EF
lenses. E-TTL II, which requires the use of
optional EX-series Speedlites
and compatible EF lenses with built-in
distance information encoder,
consistently produces accurate flash
exposures, even when shooting light, dark or
highly reflective subjects.
This “smarter”
system compares the ambient light with the
reflected pre-flash off the subject
reported in
all the metering zones and
selects the
areas with a small difference to be weighted
for flash exposure calculation. The system
also
eliminates or under weights
areas with
large
difference, recognizing them as an
extremely
reflective object in the background or as a
highly reflective
subject,
by smartly ensuring it by considering the
distance information data provided from
compatible EF lenses.
Similarly, in
cases where photographers lock focus and
recompose the shot, this revised E-TTL
system prevents over-exposure by considering
the flash output level calculated according
to the broader distance information rather
than using the single AF point.
Exterior
Enhancements
Constructed
of the same durable yet lightweight aluminum
alloy panels found on its predecessors, the
new EOS ELAN 7n
and EOS ELAN 7ne cameras have several enhancements designed to make
camera controls easier to read. The new
models feature larger icons and labels on
the mode dials and the LCD panel can now be
viewed in low light at the press of the
adjacent illumination button, making it
easier to read as well. For
fashion-conscious photographers, Canon has
added
the
“Ultra-Matte Coating”,
a black
textured finish to the camera to
distinguish it physically from the older
EOS ELAN 7 and EOS ELAN 7E
models.
EOS System
Compatibility
In addition
to full compatibility with legendary Canon
EF lenses and EX Speedlites, the new cameras
are compatible with a wide range of EOS
system accessories, including Battery Pack
BP-300 as well as wired and wireless remote
controllers, eyepiece accessories, etc.
Available this April, the new EOS ELAN 7n and EOS ELAN 7ne
will be available “body only” or in several
kit configurations, including a 28 –105mm
f/4 – 5.6 lens plus batteries and a
neckstrap as well as a printed manual and
Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty card.
The EOS ELAN 7n
and EOS ELAN 7ne “body only” will carry estimated selling prices of
$349 and $399, respectively. The kit
configurations will carry estimated selling
prices of $489 and $539, respectively |
