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OKYO, September 17, 2008—Canon Inc. today announced the development of Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC), a new coating technology for camera lenses that minimizes ghosting and flare caused by reflected light. SWC is used in Canon's concurrently announced large-diameter, wide-angle EF24mm F/1.4L II USM lens for EOS-series SLR cameras.

Reflections are caused by large changes in the refractive index of light at the glass-air boundary on the surface of a lens. To date, efforts to take advantage of light interference and minimize reflections have consisted of applying a thin film of coating onto the lens surface, but this approach can fail to provide adequate protection depending on factors like the light's angle of incidence, and sometimes leads to ghosting and flare.

Canon's special SWC coating, a new type of anti-reflection technology, minimizes reflections by aligning countless wedge-shaped structures more minute than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of a camera lens.

These wedges continuously change the refractive index of light at the glass-air boundary of the lens, thereby eliminating the boundary where the index undergoes large changes. This lack of large change in the refractive index drastically reduces reflections. SWC therefore realizes superior anti-reflective capabilities in environments where previous coating technologies could not, particularly in situations involving light with a large angle of incidence.

Utilizing SWC technology on large-curvature lens elements, which are mainly found in wide-angle lenses, will significantly minimize the occurrence of ghosting and flare caused by reflected light in environments that have posed problems in the past.

Canon will offer high-performance lenses that deliver excellent image quality by actively incorporating SWC technology in future lenses, especially those containing large-curvature lens elements.

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DiG!C 4 Image Processor

Canon's latest imaging processor for fine details, and natural color reproduction at high speed. Significantly faster image processing than the DiG!C III Excellent noise reduction in high-ISO images: four levels of High ISO Noise Reduction now possible, with minimal effect on shooting speed or burst rate Outstanding performance: No loss of shooting speed with full-resolution 14-bit RAW images Speed and power of DiG!C 4 permits new features, such as Live Face Detection AF during Live View

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15.1 Million Pixel CMOS Sensor

Newly-developed, 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor (entirely designed and manufactured by Canon). Entirely new sensor, with multiple innovative technologies to maximize brightness sensitivity at each pixel Superior low-noise performance, even at high ISO settings Highest sensor performance in its class: 15.1 million pixels, 6.3 fps continuous shooting speed, and ISOs up to 12800 Self-cleaning sensor unit adds fluorine coating to front low-pass filter, to further resist dust adhesion

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Higher ISO Range, and 4 levels of High ISO Noise Reduction

ISO Speed increased by two full stops, compared to the EOS 40D Default range is ISO 100-3200 ISO 6400 (H1) and 12800 (H2) available with ISO Expansion Auto ISO range goes all the way up to 1600 High ISO Noise Reduction can now be set to any of four levels (Standard, Low, Strong, and Disable) to better suit the amount of noise. When in the Low, Standard, or Disable settings, the shooting speed and burst rate will not decrease

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HD Video Output

New HDMI output terminal takes advantage of the stunning resolution of High Definition viewing. Playback stills in full High Definition (1920 x 1080), on a compatible HD TV Uses industry-standard HDMI mini out connection; requires appropriate HDMI cable (not included) Standard video-out to conventional TV monitor (standard NTSC/PAL definition) still available with video-out terminal New Slide Show feature lets you view images by folder, or date. Playback times and repeat settings are fully adjustable.

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High-Definition LCD Monitor

The EOS 50D includes an improved LCD monitor, for high quality playback and easier menu navigation. 3-inch, high-resolution, finer detail (920,000 dots VGA) 160-degree viewing angle Triple-layer multicoating (anti-glare, anti-scratch, and anti-reflection) make for clear viewing

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Three RAW Format Options

Three RAW shooting options give photographers more control. New RAW types correspond in size to JPEG Large, Medium and Small New RAW types can be set for the recording quality even in the Basic Zone modes The recording quality menu screen now has two sections: One for RAW types, and one for JPEG types

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Peripheral Illumination Correction

This new feature automatically corrects vignetting, or fall-off, for specific Canon lenses. For JPEG images, the peripheral illumination fall-off is corrected automatically to suit the respective lens For RAW images, the peripheral illumination fall-off is corrected in Digital Photo Professional Upon factory shipment, the camera will have correction data for 26 Canon lenses already programmed in its database, including several zooms and EF-S lenses The camera can register up to 40 lenses, which can be added and changed through EOS Utility (there are currently 82 Canon lenses registered in the software) For more information on this new feature, click here (or on the image to the left)

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Quick Control menu screen

The Quick Control screen lets shooters make adjustments to camera settings right from the LCD monitor (one-touch access through the multi-controller joystick on rear of camera). Convenient navigation and clear navigation is ideal for beginners to adjust camera settings High definition LCD is bright, colorful, and easy to read Adjustable settings from the Quick Control Menu include: ISO, Exposure Compensation/AEB, AF point selection, Picture Style, metering and focusing modes, White Balance, Drive modes, RAW or JPEG recording/image quality, and Flash Exposure Compensation For more information on this new feature, click here (or on the image to the left)

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Creative Auto (CA) Shooting Mode

Creative Auto is a brand new shooting mode designed for beginners who want to go one step beyond Full Auto mode -- to learn about photography or have more creative control. Basic settings are based on Full Auto Quick Control Screen offers easy, intuitive direction for image adjustments, controlled from the LCD monitor Adjustments include flash operation, Program Shift, Exposure Compensation, Picture Style setting, RAW or JPEG recording/image quality, and Drive mode

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High Speed Writing

With a UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) CF Card, high speed transfers are twice as fast. Can support transfer speeds of up to 133 MB/sec Burst Depth (with UDMA): Up to 90 Large/Fine JPG, or 16 RAW images Burst Depth (without UDMA): Up to 60 Large/Fine JPG, or 16 RAW images

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Improved Live View Shooting Options

Overall operability of the Live View Function has been upgraded, for greater control and ease of use. All Live View functions can be adjusted from a single menu screen Common camera settings (such as white balance, AF point selection, motor drive, and ISO) can be accessed live on the LCD, even while running Live View Two new grid display options (course, and fine) Improved AF options, including Live Face Detection

Information from: http://www.usa.canon.com
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