eK-gadgets info

Canon has introduced their new EOS-50D digital SLR, which has been the subject of rumors for the last several days. Since we’re under a non-disclosure agreement, we’ve been unable to publish anything until now.

Since Canon (as usual) didn’t provide any specs, press releases, or product photos in advance, I’ll be updating these news items frequently tonight, so check back often. It’s pretty frustrating that those of us who sign and honor non-disclosure agreements are not given information ahead of time, only to watch Canon leak the information themself, and allow it to proliferate across the Internet.

Here are the details on the new EOS-50D. By the way, the 40D isn’t going anywhere — it’ll slot in-between the Rebel XSi and the 50D.

EOS-50D

• 15.1 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Supports EF and EF-S lenses with a 1.6X focal length conversion
• New DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3-inch LCD display, with 920,000 pixels; screen has multiple coatings for dirt, reflection, and scratch resistance
• Live view with three AF modes (including contrast detect), plus face detection
• Full manual controls; ISO can go to 12,800
• Can take up to 16 RAW or 90 JPEGs at 6.3 frames/second when using a UDMA CF card (there will be fewer JPEGs if you are not)
• Has three different RAW sizes: full resolution, 7.1MP, and 3.8MP
• Adjustable noise reduction (apparently only in continuous shooting mode)
• New Creative Auto Mode gives point-and-shoot users a little more manual control
• Quick Control screen lets you quickly adjust camera settings (like Olympus SLRs)
• Automatic vignetting correction + auto lighting optimizer (brightens shadows)
• Dust reduction system (same as the 40D)
• CompactFlash Type II slot; compatible with UDMA high speed cards
• HDMI output
• Optional battery grip and wireless file transmitter
• Uses BP-511A battery; 640 shots per charge
• Priced at $1399 body only, $1599 with the 28 - 135 mm EF lens

There’s also a new F3.5-5.6, 18 - 200 mm EF-S IS lens to mention. This lens is equivalent to 28.8 - 320 mm on the 50D, and it’s priced at $699.

Moving onto point-and-shoot cameras now, we have the PowerShot SX110 IS ultra zoom. As you might have guessed, it replaces the SX100, and it has these specs:

PowerShot SX110 IS

• 9.0 effective Megapixel CCD
• 10X optical zoom lens
• Optical image stabilization
• 3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• DIGIC III image processor (same with the cameras below)
• Full manual controls, plus an “Easy Mode”
• Face detection, naturally
• VGA movie mode (at 30 fps) with sound
• Can be controlled from your Mac or PC over the USB connection
• Supports SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, and HC MMCplus memory cards; 32MB card included
• Uses two AA batteries; no word on battery life
• Available in silver and black
• Ships in September for $299

Next, we have two new A-series models, which replace the PowerShot A590 and A720, respectively. I’m disappointed to see that neither of these cameras have manual controls, which is a step back from their predecessors. Here are the specs:PowerShot A1000 IS

• 10.0 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.7-5.6, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35 - 140 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• 2.5″ LCD display (115k pixels) + optical viewfinder
• Point-and-shoot operation
• Same face detection and Easy Mode as the SX110
• Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound
• Same memory card support as the SX110
• Uses two AA batteries; battery life not available
• Comes in four colors: gray, gold, blue, and purple
• Ships in September for $199

PowerShot A2000 IS changes:

• F3.2 - 5.9, 6X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 36 - 216 mm
• 3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels / no optical viewfinder
• Only comes in two-toned silver
• Priced at $299

The last of the new Canon cameras for the day is a totally new model: the PowerShot E1. While the press release makes it sound like a camera for teens (it can capture every “OMG moment”), the E1 sounds like it’s a good value for just about everyone. And I like the choice in colors, too. Here are the details:

PowerShot E1

• 10.0 effective Megapixel CCD
• F2.7-5.6, 4X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35 - 140 mm
• Optical image stabilization
• 2.5″ LCD display (115k pixels) + optical viewfinder
• Point-and-shoot operation, with face detection and Easy Mode
• VGA movie mode (30 fps) with sound
• SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus slot; 32MB card included
• Uses two AA batteries
• Compact, stylish body comes in white, blue, and pink
• Ships next month for $199

Along with announcements of the Nokia N96 and Nokia N79, the folks over at Espoo also unleashed the new Nokia N85 multimedia computer featuring a 2.6 inch, battery-saving OLED display. The feature set is pretty similar to the N79, including the integrated FM transmitter, 5 megapixel camera, HSDPA and Wi-Fi support as well as 10 pre-loaded N-Gage games.

Where it differs is in its dual slider design and of course the display technology. When the phone is in landscape mode, the gaming keys light up for an enhanced experience. The camera on this baby can shoot videos at 30 fps - which you can store on the included 8GB microSD memory card.
The N85 features a standard 3.5mm audio jack and, with the built-in FM transmitter, you can play your music through your car or home stereo.

The Nokia N85 will be available starting October 2008 for &eur;450 before taxes and subsidies.