Canon Unveils EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS 40D DSLRs

Canon has introduced its new EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR (DSLR) camera, a new top-tier professional DSLR camera expected to hit stores in November for $7,999, the same as its predecessor.

The camera features a 21.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, magnesium alloy body and five frame per second shooting speed (for bursts of up to 56 21-megapixel JPEGs or 12 raw images).

The camera features six recording formats like 21-megapixel "Large JPEG" or Raw format, 16.6 or 11.0-megapixel "medium" JPEG format, or 5.2-megapixel small JPEG or "sRAW" format.

The camera features two DIGIC III image engines, a 14-bit analog to digital (A/D) converter and support for the Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) compact flash memory card specification. The camera includes a 45-point autofocus system, a "Live View" shooting mode using the 3-inch LCD display and remote control support.

The EOS-1Ds Mark III features an integrated cleaning system that vibrates to clear contaminants off the sensor; they're trapped by adhesive surfaces surrounding the sensor unit housing. The camera also incorporates a software-based "Dust Delete" system that will enable photographers to get rid of dust specs in post-processing.

USB 2.0-based, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is Mac- and Windows-compatible.

In related news, Canon also unveiled its EOS 40D, a new "prosumer"-oriented camera that serves as the successor to the 20D and 30D models. It will cost $1,299 when it hits stores in September.

The EOS 40D features a 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor and 6.5 FPS continuous shooting capability. It has a 3-inch LCD display and features a body design made of magnesium alloy. It sports a 1.6x focal length conversion factor (the same as the 30D) and is compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Like the EOS-1Ds Mark III, the 40D adds "sRAW" support. sRAW is a raw digital format that's one-fourth the pixel count of a standard raw image.

The camera uses a redesigned nine-point autofocus area with 35-zone metering; ISO 100 to 1600 support in 1/3-stop increments; "Live View" through the 3-inch LCD display; and a self-cleaning sensor unit.

It also uses USB 2.0 and is Mac- and PC-compatible.

For $1,499, Canon is bundling the EOS 40D with an EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens.