CMOS sensor

Canon’s CMOS sensors are designed, developed and manufactured internally by Canon. Precise control over every stage of production allows Canon to achieve large sensor sizes, a wide dynamic range and minimum noise: key features of EOS image quality.

The CMOS difference
Canon CMOS sensor technology offers several advantages over traditional CCD sensors. Amplifiers at each pixel site vastly speed up the process of transferring signals to the image processor. Unnecessary charge transfers are avoided, reducing power consumption and prolonging the life span of your battery.

Low electronic noise means that even with high ISO sensitivity settings, resolution and quality are not lowered. In-built circuits reduce permanent structural and random noise to enable shooting at speeds as high as 6400 ISO (equivalent). A low-pass filter in front of the sensor eliminates the risk of false colours and unwanted lines, which can affect high-resolution images.

Wide dynamic range
Large pixels on every Canon CMOS sensor make for a wide dynamic range. This means that images retain greater contrast and detail in shady and brightly lit areas. Subtle nuances in colour and light are accurately reproduced. Large pixels also gather light more efficiently, responding with greater sensitivity in low lighting conditions.

Sensor sizes
APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm): EOS 30D, EOS 400D, EOS 350D
APS-H (29 x 19 mm) : EOS-1D Mark III
Full Frame (36 x 24 mm): EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS 5D

DIGIC image processors

Image data captured by the CMOS sensor is processed by Canon’s DIGIC II processors before being recorded to the camera’s memory card. DIGIC technology uses advanced image processing algorithms to ensure precise, natural colours and accurate white balance in any lighting situation.
Ultra-fast processing speeds result in highly responsive camera operation and near-instant start-up times.

DIGIC processors work with a high-speed DDR-SDRAM buffer, able to read, process, compress and write image data fast enough to keep the buffer clear during long continuous shooting bursts.
And because DIGIC processors integrate all key processing functions into one chip, power consumption is kept to a minimum.

Built-in EOS sensor cleaning system

The built-in EOS sensor cleaning system combats dust on the sensor in three different ways: by reducing the build up of dust, preventing dust from settling and removing collected dust.

Reducing the build up of dust
Materials used in the shutter mechanism and body cap are designed to minimise the production of dust within the camera itself.

Preventing dust from settling
Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so dust is not attracted.

Removing collected dust
The self-cleaning system uses high frequency vibrations to shake off lingering dust on start-up. To enable immediate shooting, the cleaning cycle stops instantly if the shutter is pressed.
The cycle repeats when the camera is switched off and can be manually activated at any time.

The built-in EOS cleaning system also incorporates Dust Delete Data, a software-based feature that determines the position of any visible dust. Dust spots can then be deleted after shooting with Digital Photo Professional software.

Picture styles

Picture style presets simplify the control of image processing parameters.
Just like different traditional film types, each picture style preset offers a different colour response to suit your shooting requirements, whether it’s subtle skin tones in a portrait shot, or the blue sky of a landscape.

When using one of the creative zone modes, you can adjust sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation within each of the six picture style presets provided.
Three user-defined options allow you to create custom picture styles. A total of over 48,000 possible setting combinations are available.

An EOS 400D set on the “Standard” picture style will produce images with the same qualities as the EOS-1D Mark III set on “Standard”.
Picture style information is fixed onto JPEG images at the time of capture. When shooting RAW images, all picture style information can be adjusted with Digital Photo Professional software after shooting. You can download additional picture style presets from Canon for use in Digital Photo Professional.

ISO sensitivity range

Canon’s CMOS sensors amplify signals on a per-pixel basis, significantly reducing noise.

Noise reduction technology at each pixel site reduces residual noise, enabling EOS cameras to produce smooth, clear results at exceptionally high ISO speeds of up to ISO 6400 (equivalent) on selected models.
Despite their low-noise characteristics, CMOS sensors in some EOS cameras are sensitive enough to produce spectacular results at ISO 50 (equivalent) in expanded mode.

Colour space

A colour space defines a range of reproducible colours. The EOS 30D supports both sRGB and Adobe RGB colour spaces.

sRGB describes the range of colours that can be shown on a standard computer monitor or a multimedia projector.

Adobe RGB describes a broader colour space than that offered by traditional sRGB, especially for colours in cyan-green and orange zones. Adobe RGB images therefore look better than sRGB when printed, but do not look as good on a monitor or projector as an sRGB image. As Adobe RGB has a wider colour space than sRGB, it is possible to convert Adobe RGB to sRGB images with post processing.

White balance

The sophisticated image processing algorithm of DIGIC II processors delivers extremely stable white balance. This ensures natural skin tones and true-to-life reds under low colour temperatures such as tungsten lighting. White balance information is integrated into JPEG images at the time of capture. When shooting RAW images, white balance information may be adjusted after shooting using Digital Photo Professional software.

Each colour is correctable by ±9 levels in single level increments. Blue/amber bias and magenta/green bias can be set in combination.
White balance bracketing is available for either blue/amber or magenta/green bias, for up to ±3 stops in whole stop increments. White balance bracketing records three images at different white balance settings in a single shot.

RAW/JPEG recording

LEOS digital SLR cameras can record each image as either a RAW image, JPEG image, or both simultaenously.

Like a digital negative, RAW images contain all the unprocessed data from the camera’s sensor. Recorded at 14 bits per pixel on selected models, RAW images provide maximum post processing flexibility. Picture Style information is stored in the image header, so parameters can be adjusted after the shoot without affecting the original image data. Picture style presets are only fixed on the image if it is converted into JPEG format. For RAW image handling, Digital Photo Professional software is provided.

JPEG images have compression and Picture Style processing applied and are designed to be more usable straight out of the camera. Depending on the desired file size, different levels of compression can be applied.

E-TTL II flash system

All currently available EOS digital SLR cameras are equipped with an E-TTL II flash system for consistently accurate flash exposure. This advanced distance-linked flash alogrithm works with internal flashes and any EX series Speedlite flash units. It controls several metering zones by taking into account factors such as the presence of reflective objects in the frame and ambient light readings, as well as lens distance information from compatible EF lenses in order to calculate flash power.

The E-TTL II system ensures perfect exposure in tricky circumstances with traditional metering systems that memorise exposure before cropping scenes where the presence of reflective objects in frame would otherwise result in over- or underexposure.

AF system

Canon AF sensors are renowned for their sensitivity and precision. EOS digital SLR cameras can use selected focus points to support AF all the way to f/2.8*. The AF remains effective in extremely low lighting conditions, with a required brightness range of –0.5 to 18 IL on entry-level models.

AF points are positioned to cover a wide field of view for optimal focusing control, particularly with "rule of thirds" compositions.

Depending on the model, AF modes are selectable between:

AF One-Shot : single shot autofocus

AF Servo-Ai : automatic tracking of a subject approaching or receding at speeds up to 50 kph, from up to 8 metres** away.

AF Ai-Focus :

*Central AF point sensitive to vertical lines to f/2.8.
**Approximate shooting distance with an EF 300 mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.

LCD screens

The TFT LCD screens on EOS cameras make creating* and viewing images a real pleasure. Ultra high-resolution displays allow you to focus accurately and check image details. For even more peace of mind, images can be magnified by up to 10 times in playback. Screens boast a wide viewing angle, giving you increased control over images when shooting from a tripod. Illumination is provided by high performance LEDs, which are evenly spaced to ensure uniform brightness across the screen area.

*With Live View mode on selected models only.

Live View mode

Live View mode allows you to view a scene in real time on the camera’s LCD screen. This mode makes it easier to capture images from awkward positions or from a tripod: the image can be magnified by 5 or 10 times to aid manual focusing. Exposure and field of depth can be checked and adjusted before the photo is taken.
All shooting modes and capture modes are selectable when shooting in Live View mode. Evaluative metering is used to determine exposure.

Shooting information can be displayed on the screen to aid with shot preparation. Options include brightness and RGB histograms, a grid display to help with composition and aspect ratios for common photo sizes.

For studio photographers, the Live View mode can be used with an external monitor or EOS Utility. Images can then be captured remotely in the prescence of art directors or clients, saving precious time.

Direct printing

All current EOS digital SLR cameras support PictBridge for instant direct printing without having to use a computer. Direct printing functions include image cropping, multiple copy printing, index prints and paper size or media type selection.
A direct print button on selected models makes direct printing even easier – simply press the button when it lights up to print the currently selected image.

When connected to Canon's PIXMA Pro range of A3+ photo printers, the EOS 400D and 30D offer extended direct printing functions. You can make adjustments to colour tone, colour balance, saturation and contrast on the camera, or select from a choice of monochrome print modes, including cool tone, warm tone and neutral.
OFull support for picture styles means that images are faithfully printed according to the camera’s settings, giving you complete colour control, from image capture to printing.

Software

Every EOS digital SLR camera comes bundled with a set of powerful, easy-to-use tools.

Digital Photo Professional
CDigital Photo Professional is a high-speed RAW image processing program designed to streamline digital imaging workflows. Adjust parameters such as white balance, dynamic range or Picture Style settings without altering the original RAW data.
This software includes a stamp tool to remove white or dark spots from images, a cropping tool, CMYK printer simulation and batch conversion capabilities. Up to 36 edit screens may be opened at one time.

Accessories

Owning an EOS camera gives you access to the world’s most comprehensive SLR accessories system.
From the acclaimed Speedlite range of external flash units to wireless file transmitters, the EOS system provides everything you need to advance your creativity and enhance your workflow.

Battery life

The highly efficient components in every EOS camera keep power consumption to an absolute minimum, allowing you to shoot for longer on a single charge.
The CMOS image sensor, for instance, requires significantly less power than CCD sensors. And by integrating all key camera processes in a single chip, DIGIC technology works more efficiently than conventional image processors.