Chase Jarvis CURRENT: The Consequences of Creativity from Chase Jarvis on Vimeo.

Also feel free to watch the presentation video:

That being said i would like to point out some very cool features:

• first and foremost it’s the improved high dynamic range that allows the camera to capture more details in darker area of a photograph
• another feature first seen in a DSLR camera, it’s the ability to produce a HDR image in camera from 3 different exposures.
• 77 metering sensors improves the ability of the camera to automatically set the correct exposure of the photograph
• ability to embed copyright information into the EXIF of all the photograph, feature seen only in pro DSLRs like Canon 1Ds Mark III or Nikon D3
• improved weather sealing on the body of magnesium/steel alloy with steel sub-structure
• ability to correct chromatic aberrations and lens distortions in camera.
• live view with contrast and face detection focusing
• improved vibration reduction with Sensor-shift system
• ability to scan the image sensor and exactly points out where you have dust on your sensor, and ability that can help a lot when manually cleaning your sensor
• video capture as the rest of the cameras from this generation
• dedicated RAW button that allows easy switching between RAW and JPG file formats without wasting time changing it in the menu settings
• allows you to custom change the name of the images
• another useful feature is the dedicated white balance sensor
  
• and last, but not least cool feature is, THE SIZE, having a very small size compared to Nikon or Canon.

Bottom line is that, they pulled out a cool camera, that I would love to have it in my equipment arsenal. These were only the features that appealed to me, but if you wish to read more about it’s specifications you can go to http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr/K-7/.

Also you can watch the introduction video:

But the cherry on top of the cake is the fact that it can record a photograph that contains a high range of brightness, which a normal camera cand record. This is doing by take 2 consecutive shots at different exposure and automaticaly combines them in a photograph with a High Dynamic Range to up to 12 EV closer  to the dynamic range of the human eye.  Now this being developed I think it’s only a matter of time until othe camera manufacturers follow the trail. And I hope we will see this feature especially in future DSLRs which greatly need this function.

The lens is the eye of the camera, and every photograph is recorded after the light come through the lens. Taking your DSLR without putting your lens on, and start taking photos, your see that the image processor records and extremely blurry photographs.

Lenses allows us to:

• get more light ( lenses with big aperture), even if your camera have high iso numbers, you’ll still need a fast lens to get  fast shutter speeds.
• get  close-up of your subject without actually being close ( telephoto lenses )
• get incredibly sharp photographs
• get sharp images of a mosquito’s eye ( macro lenses )
• isolate our subject with small depth of field
• capture sharp images of huge mountains and big fields of flowers ( wide lenses )
• make creative photographs with lens-baby

As you can see lenses are way more important that the camera.

In creating the ultimate lens is involved a lot of precision mechanics and optics science. Also there is use a high amount of very expensive glass materials, so you will need a lot of glass elements in building a zoom lens with fast aperture. Also every piece of glass is treated with other substances for durability, minimize chromatic aberrations, reduce flare, etc. Also raw optical glass costs around 1000$ per kilogram, as Discovery Channel points out in their “How it’s made” show.

All of this being said, you can easily explain why a good lens costs hundreds and even thousand of dollars.

Also please check this video created by Discovery Channel on how lenses are made.

Here are the supposed specifications:

• 15.1mp (apparently it will be the same sensor with some internal upgrades)
• DIGIC V (DIGIC IV a stopover to a big advancement in processing)
• New 13 Point AF
• 1080p Movie Mode
• 8 fps
• 3″ VGA LCD
• 98% Viewfinder coverage
• New Battery
• Weathersealing
• Ergonomic Upgrades
• 1x Compact Flash and 1x Secure Digital Slots

As seen from the specs, this seams a camera worth to buy for 40D and 50D owners (since 50D is a bit of a dissapointment).

Anyway we will wait and see how true of a rumor this is.

Now I wonder whith what canon will present themselvs at the coming PMA?

“…Canon has a replacement for the 1D MKIII ready to launch during the second quarter of 2009. What’s holding Canon back is a decision from FIFA … to allow pro-cameras with video capability ( see 5D MKII) during sporting events. FIFA is currently looking into the legal implications with television rights and contracts with broadcasters. If FIFA give the green light then Canon will release the camera.”

But it’s not a huge dead, because Canon won’t delay the launch of the camera whatever the answer from FIFA will be. There isalso a rumor that the possible announcement date is May 19, 2009.

Well, today, with my smile on my face ( I’m a huge fan of the 5D Mark II), I can say that the “black dots” and “banding issues” on the 5D Mark II are fixed with the new firmware update ( at least that’s what Canon says).

The black dot problem is fixed due to this test made by Andrew Yip. For you 5D Mark II owners ( lucky bastards ) out there here is the link to the official Firmware 1.0.7.

2009: THE START OF A NEW ERA FOR CANON’S SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERAS, COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS SINCE CANON LAUNCHED ITS FIRST IN 1959

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 6, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is honoring 50 years of SLR camera sales, beginning with the sale of Canon’s first SLR camera in 1959. 2009 is a milestone year, commemorating the passing of 50 years since Canon sold its first single-lens reflex camera. Canon’s single-lens reflex cameras have evolved with the times, incorporating advanced and groundbreaking technology. Exceeding a cumulative total of 53 million units, they have garnered extensive support from photographers around the world. Looking to the future, Canon will continue its efforts to develop its single-lens reflex cameras and lead image culture for the next fifty years.

Canon’s history with 35mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959, when Canon Inc. launched the Canonflex. Thereafter, the Company continued to introduce cameras that embodied solid technology and innovation, including the F-1, its first professional model (1971); the AE-1, the world’s first single-lens reflex camera with built-in CPU (1976); and the T90, a state-of-the-art T Series model (1986).

Additionally, in March 1987, Canon adopted the world’s first electronic mount and launched the EOS650, a new-generation AF single-lens reflex camera with electronic control that was originally between the lens and the body and then encompassed the entire system. The EOS Series, which has continued to the present day, has rapidly expanded users in both the professional segment, with the top-of-the-line EOS-1 (1989), and in the entry segment, with the EOS Rebel (1993), for which size and weight reductions were accomplished.

Since the year 2000, an era of full-fledged digitalization has been dawning, beginning with the EOS D30 (2000). With speed, ease and high image quality as its key concepts, the EOS Digital Series has constantly been a leader in the evolution of single-lens reflex cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors, the high-performance image processor DIGIC and an EF lens group that boasts outstanding optical performance and an abundant line-up.

Last year, in 2008, Canon released four models, including the EOS Rebel XSi, which has acquired the top market share in numerous countries around the world, and the EOS 5D Mark II, which is equipped with the first full high-definition movie recording functions for a single-lens reflex camera. With the introduction of these camera models, the Company has successfully created an even more powerful line-up.

As we review this half a century of history, Canon is truly grateful to all of its photographers for their support and seeks to continue the challenge of creating single-lens reflex cameras that provide the best image quality and reliability for the next generation.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.