We have had numerous requests to buy the Merlin so here it is!  We've gone for the new Merlin 2.  Ideal for using with either D-SLRs or lighter camcorders, it is ideal for beginners and pros alike.  

For more details on the Steadicam Merlin 2, have a look at its detailed page.

Well we've now got over the 2012 Olympic Games but we still have the Paralympics to come.  These are being held between August 29th and September 9th.  Some postcodes are going to be affected so please do have a look at the spreadsheet to check your area.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

We've been huge fans of the good old Sony PMW-EX1's since they came out. Sure, the Canon XF300/305 have taken a fair few of the recent headlines due to their Broadcast approved higher recording bit rate but with 1/3inch sensors, they could never quite offer the same low light performance as the excellent Exmor 1/2inch chips in the Sony.

Most people won't be surprised to see the PMW-200 includes the XDCAM 4:2:2 50mb/s codec found in its little brother, the PMW-100.

So what else is new? Fans of the rotating handle will be a little disappointed to find it has not been carried over. I asked the guys at Sony yesterday whilst I was there and the reason was two fold - firstly it allowed them to sort out the balance of the camera to ensure less fatigue (a common complaint to them apparently with the EX1) and secondly not having the rotating mechanism means weight loss. So there you - that's why!

If you fancy finding out some more about the camera, we'd suggest having a look at two reviews from two well known people who have already had a play with Sony's Demo Unit.

Phil Bloom needs no introduction but many may not realise that he has shot a hell of a lot with EX1's and EX3' and so is well qualified to give a qualified opinion on the PMW-200.

I know Alister Chapman well and it never ceases to amaze me just how much knowledge he carries in his head when it comes to the technical stuff and he's absolutely passionate about it.  Well worth having a look at his review.

So Canon have finally announced their M system. Below is the press release just issued. We'll have some thoughts on the camera once we've confirmed some things with Canon.

Canon CMOS sensor

Exclusively designed and manufactured by Canon to work in combination with its own DIGIC processors, Canon’s CMOS technology integrates advanced noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site, delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.

Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting the signal to the image processor. Noise is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

The EOS M APS-C sensor features a new Hybrid AF System with a total of 31 AF points which uses the central pixels of the sensor to enable continuous AF when shooting in Live View Mode or when recording EOS Movies1. The Hybrid AF system uses a combination of both phase detection and contrast AF to ensure quick and accurate auto focus.

The new sensor design also produces DSLR-level image quality at both high and low ISO sensitivities, with 14-bit AD conversion for finer tonal gradation.

DIGIC 5 Image Processor

The latest generation of Canon’s DIGIC processor – DIGIC 5 – has been engineered to process more detailed image data faster than ever before, accurately reproducing every part of the scene with natural colours and smooth tones.

Processing image data six times faster than its predecessor, the power of DIGIC 5 featured in the EOS M enables photographers to utilise a range of advanced shooting settings and modes to enhance image quality or creative scope. For example, with DIGIC 5, the EOS M is able to shoot high resolution stills continuously at 4.3 frames per second, capture low-light images at ISO 12800 with minimal noise and enable new features including HDR Backlight Control.

Live View shooting

The EOS M features a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD II Touch screen which gives photographers the ability to easily compose shots. Photographers are able to choose from a number of onscreen displays and effectively compose and review shots in a number of ways:

• Exposure control – Different metering methods (evaluative, partial, spot and centre-weighted average metering) can be selected, ISO speed is displayed. The results of the exposure settings are also previewed on the screen, allowing users to view the final image prior to pressing the shutter release button.
• Grid display – A choice of two different grid displays divides the screen into either nine or 24 areas, perfect for composing perfectly balanced shots.
• Multi aspect ratios – Photographers can select from four different aspect ratios, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 and 1:1 which will then be displayed on the screen to assist in framing each shot. When shooting in JPEG format, the image will be captured in the chosen aspect ratio, whilst images shot in RAW will be transformed to the chosen aspect ratio when using DPP.

The EOS M features a 31-point Hybrid AF System that delivers super-fast, accurate AF when shooting both images and movies. The EOS M’s CMOS sensor couples Phase- difference AF with Contrast AF to provide a fast and highly-accurate Hybrid Autofocus system. During both stills and movie shooting, Phase-difference AF provides high-speed focus, using the central part of the CMOS sensor. Contrast AF, which focuses using the wider scene, then provides the final stage of focusing for enhanced accuracy.

The EOS M offers photographers One-shot AF or Servo AF operation as well as a collection of different AF methods to ensure an optimised approach to focusing on every different subject. The AF methods include:

• Face detection and tracking – Automatically detects and focuses on faces in the frame and tracks movement by switching between AF points. Photographers can control where the camera focuses by selecting points on the camera’s LCD.
• FlexiZone – Multi – Automatically divides the frame into 31 different AF zones and uses an algorithm to prioritise focus on the centre and closer parts of the subject. Users can select one of nine AF zones to change the area of focus
• FlexiZone – Single – The standard AF mode that allows photographers to select any AF point on the LCD touch screen.
• Focus Adjustment after AF – Similar to Full-Time Manual focus found on EOS DSLR models, once the automatic AF has been established, the camera automatically changes to manual focus, allowing photographers to manipulate the image.
• Touch AF and Touch Shutter Release – photographers can simply touch the display to pinpoint the area on which the camera should focus and instantly capture a still image.

 

 

EF-M lenses and EF lenses

The EOS M features a new, bespoke EF-M mount diameter which has been optimized for APS-C sized sensors. However, photographers have the freedom to explore the Canon EOS System of more than 70 EF lenses thanks to the new Mount Adapter EF-EOS M. In addition, two new EF-M lenses have been specially engineered for the EOS M, offering photographers the ideal compact lenses to take with them wherever they go. The new lenses are:

• EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM – an 18-55mm standard zoom
• EF-M 22mm f/2 STM – a 22mm pancake lens

 

 

EOS Movie

EOS Movie allows users to record Full HD (1920x1080p) movies with full manual control of exposure and frame rates of 30, 25 and 24 fps at full resolution, with 60 and 50 fps available at 720p resolution. 

The EOS M also features high speed AF in Movie mode, with three AF methods used to capture sharp, detailed movies. The AF in Movies functionality uses the phase- difference AF which uses the central part of the CMOS sensor to achieve rapid focus. AF in Movies uses the following AF methods to achieve optimal focus:

• Face detection and Tracking
• FlexiZone – Multi
• FlexiZone – Single

 

The EOS M features a built in stereo microphone in order to record sharp, crisp audio to compliment the visuals. The microphone is located to the left of the EOS M’s hot shoe so it can easily capture audio, while the sound recording menu features an attenuator to? ?automatically reduce any sudden loud noises. Photographers can also enable a wind filter which works by reducing the recording level to below the 100Hz frequency.

Audio is recorded at a sampling frequency of 48KHZ, 16-bit, and photographers have the ability to switch the recording level between Auto and Manual, the latter giving the choice of 64 sound levels.

For budding movie makes, the EOS M also features a 3.5mm Stereo mini plug which allows users to plug in a compatible external microphone.

 

Video Snapshot

The Video Snapshot feature enables the user to capture short video clips of 2, 4 or 8 seconds in length. These short snapshots are then stitched together into one file as a Video Snapshot Album, creating a dynamic, fast-paced movie sequence. Once video clip duration has been selected, every time the Movie shooting button is pressed a video clip of that length will be captured. For example, if a 4 second Video Snapshot is selected, the Video Snapshot Album will be created consisting of 4 second movie clips.

When playing a Movie, Video Snapshot Album or Slideshow, background music (BGM) can be applied, whether on the camera’s touch screen, or on a larger HDTV using the camera’s HDMI connection. To do this, users must convert audio files2 to the supported .WAV format, before using EOS Utility software to upload the files to the camera’s SD card ready for selection during playback. A choice of five music tracks supplied with the camera can also be used. With the EOS M, users can now also edit video snapshots, changing the order or deleting clips in-camera.

 

Clear View LCD II Touch screen

The EOS M features a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD II Touch screen which employs capacitive technology to support natural, gesture-based control during shooting and playback – providing support for multi-touch gestures including pinching, swiping and dragging. The new touch interface allows users to touch-select AF points, track faces and objects, use Touch Shutter to take pictures directly from the screen interface or adjust image settings instantly with the Quick Control screen.

The screen itself offers an approximate resolution of 1.04 million dots, allowing high- quality viewing of images, and focus checks, in playback. A solid construction eliminates the layer of air between the LCD and its hardened glass protective cover, reducing reflections. Additionally, an anti-smudge coating ensures marks on the screen ?are prevented and colours on the monitor appear natural and close to the sRGB colour space.

 

Multi Shot Noise Reduction

With Multi Shot Noise Reduction, the EOS M captures four shots in quick succession and combines them to produce a single image with minimal noise. This new function has been designed to be more effective than Strong Noise Reduction.

 

EOS Scene Detection Technology

EOS Scene Detection Technology automatically analyses faces, brightness, movement, contrast and distance in the scene, with information provided as feedback to the Scene Intelligent Auto mode.

 

Scene Intelligent Auto

Scene Intelligent Auto takes the information gathered by the EOS Scene Detection System and determines the best settings to capture the scene. For example, when shooting portraits, the settings are adjusted to make skin tones appear more natural.

 

Picture Styles

Picture Style presets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable preset, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s Standard Picture Style is designed to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without the need for additional processing. When shooting RAW images, Picture Styles can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The presets available with the EOS M are:

• Standard: For crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing.
• Portrait: Optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive, natural skin tones.
• Landscape: For punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines.
• Neutral: Ideal for post-processing.
• Faithful: Adjusts colour to match the subject when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K.
• Monochrome: For black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green.

 

The EOS M also features Picture Style Auto. This new Picture Style makes fine adjustments, based on the EOS Scene Detection System’s analysis, to create a Picture Style for the image. Three User Defined Picture Styles can be selected to store customised pre-sets created using the supplied Picture Style Editor, or any of the pre- sets available for download from Canon’s web site: www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/index.htm

 

Basic+

Basic+ makes it easy for newcomers to photography to create different image effects, without changing individual settings, allowing users to shoot by ambience selection or according to lighting or scene type.

When shooting according to ambience selection, users can select from one of nine effects: Standard Setting, Vivid, Soft, Warm, Intense, Cool, Brighter, Darker, Monochrome.

When shooting according to lighting or scene type, users can select from one of seven settings which present white balance in a more user-friendly way: Default setting, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light, Sunset.

 

Creative Filters

The EOS M provides a range of creative effect filters which can be applied to RAW images and all JPEG images. Since the filter can be applied after the shot is taken, users can apply different filters to the same image and see the effects:

• Art bold effect (Low/Standard/Strong): Creates an “oil painting” type effect with the ability to adjust the contrast and colour saturation.
• Water Painting effect (Light/Standard/Deep): Creates a “watercolour painting” effect with soft colours. You can adjust the colour density according to three levels of intensity.
• Fish-eye effect: Creates a barrel-shaped distortion similar to a fish-eye lens. The effect can be adjusted, and, depending on the level of distortion, the image periphery may be cropped.
• Grainy B/W: Creates a grainy, black-and-white image. The effect can be emphasised by adjusting the contrast.
• Soft focus: Produces a soft result. This can be increased by adjusting the blur.
• Toy camera effect: Provides colour cast typical of toy cameras. The four corners are also darkened. The image looks soft with a subtle grainy look. The colour cast can be changed to cool or warm colours.
• Miniature effect: Gives the effect of a very narrow depth of field, making the scene look like a small-scale model. When shooting, designated portions of the top and bottom of the image are blurred, while the rest of the image remains in focus. The orientation (vertical or horizontal) of the area can be changed by pressing the INFO button.

 

 

ImageBrowser EX

ImageBrowser EX is a software programme for viewing, editing and organising images and is intended for users who shoot mainly in JPEG format. It merges the popular functionality of ZoomBrowser EX and ImageBrowser into one programme, enabling users to perform basic image editing, including brightness and colour balance, with an in-software connection to DPP for RAW image editing. Users can also select, rename, and resize multiple images at once, and print images via a range of simplified integrated printing options.

EX Speedlite flash compatibility

The EOS M features a hot shoe that offers instant compatibility with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units. A new compact Speedlite, the Speedlite 90EX, offers a new a guide number of 9, as well as optional wireless control for more creative flash.

 

1 AF in Live View and Movies subject to use with Canon STM lenses

2 Copyright laws in your country may prohibit the use of your recorded images or copyrighted music and images with music in the memory card for anything but private enjoyment

I popped in to see James Miller on the way back from collecting the first camera and initial impressions suggested that it was picking up a bit more detail.

We both decided that a longer test should be done over the weekend and so it was we met at 4.45am on Sunday to catch the sunrise down on Eastbourne beach with both cameras side by side.

James has very kindly put together the following comparison video. Huge thanks to him for his time on this (I know he quite enjoys playing anyway!).

Sunrise 1DX - 5D3 Test from James Miller on Vimeo.

Well to be honest I suspected the Nikon was still ahead, having been blown away by its ability to shoot (and focus) in near darkness but there was only one way to find out!

So I've brought both cameras home with for a not very scientific test on our kitchen table using the same Zeiss 35mm lens on each camera.  

So here we go....

Canon 1DX - 800 ISO

Nikon D4 - 800 ISO

Canon 1DX - 1600 ISO

Nikon D4 - 1600 ISO

Canon 1DX - 3200 ISO

Nikon D4 - 3200 ISO

Canon 1DX - 6400 ISO

Nikon D4 - 6400 ISO

Canon 1DX - 12800 ISO

Nikon D4 - 12800

Canon 1DX - 25600 ISO

Nikon D4 - H2

So does the Nikon still hold the crown?  Well yes but not by as much as people would think considering how good it is.  One thing I did notice the difference in metering.  The Nikon was consistently set to a lower meter reading than the Canon yet still the photos came out brighter!  So apologies for not matching exactly.

EDIT

Okay I have now had a chance to take photos again with the cameras at exactly the same ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed.  On the JPEGs the D4 holds the advantage and most definitely wins.  But once you look at the RAWs, the Canon comes back into play a great deal more.  As this is such a contentious subject, we are going to spend a bit more time doing this test and then post up.

The good news (for customers at least) is that we're swallowing the surcharge over the period and courier charges will remain as normal.

Click on image above to download.

We will be trying our best to send out equipment early where we can.  If you have any questions, please do give us a call.

Tomorrow sees us in Bristol for the Photovision Roadshow.  If you are local, do pop down and say hello - would be great to see you!

Our new ratings system is run by a company called Testfreaks and they show not only user reviews but also expert reviews.  You will find a score rating underneath the brief description.

All you need do is click on the button to view the reviews (as below)

You can also submit your own reviews which, once approved, will also appear on the site!

It is a demanding role working at our warehouse facility in rural Sussex.  All applicants will be expected to meet high targets and cope well under pressure within the demands of an expanding business.

The role includes packing and unpacking of equipment, liaising with customers and couriers, reporting faults and monitoring the quality of stock.  

Strong attributes include a pre-existing knowledge of cameras and production gear, a willingness to learn and working well as part of a team.  You will also need to be able to drive due to our location.

The salary will be based on experience.  Please contact Jaine Creighton on 01435 873028.

Canon's made a big announcement about a firmware update for the Canon 7D.

The new EOS 7D Firmware Version 2 update will enhance the camera with the following additional features:

IMPROVED RAW MAXIMUM BURST

In the EOS 7D the maximum burst of RAW file frames was 15 – with the firmware update this will be significantly increased so that the camera’s buffer will handle up to 25 RAW frames in a continuous burst.

IN-CAMERA RAW CONVERSION

The EOS 7D will allow for in-camera post-processing of images. RAW images can be edited in-camera and options can be changed before saving the finished file as a ready-to-print JPEG or for sending wirelessly. This function can be used with full resolution RAW files, but not with M-RAW or S-RAW files.

The settings for in-camera RAW processing include White balance, Picture Style, High ISO speed noise reduction, Colour Space, and lens data corrections (Peripheral Illumination Correction, distortion correction and Chromatic Aberration Correction).

IMAGE RATING CAPABILITIES

Like other Canon EOS DSLRs, such as the EOS 60D, EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III, the EOS 7D will be able to rate images from 1 to 5 stars in-camera for quicker and easier sorting of images within your workflow. The ratings can be used to sort images in applications such as Adobe Elements, Adobe Bridge and Apple Aperture. The ratings are XMP compliant and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software has been updated to reflect this.

AUTO ISO MAXIMUM SETTING

Within the EOS 7D’s shooting menu photographers will have the ability to set a maximum ISO speed for ISO Auto, within the ISO range of 400-6400, so that you can minimise the amount of noise in your images.

MANUAL ADJUSTMENT FOR AUDIO RECORDING LEVELS

During EOS Movie shooting you will be able to manually adjust the audio recording levels to one of 64 levels, whilst the sound volume during playback can be set to one of 11 levels. During movie recording noise from the aperture is reduced and the camera also has an automatic wind cut filter.

JPEG RESIZING

Within the camera’s image-recording menu with all JPEG images you will be able to resize the image (for image downsizing) and save it as a new image. JPEG L and M images can be resized and saved as separate JPEG M or S images. Note that the aspect ratio cannot be changed.

SUPPORT FOR THE GP-E2 GPS UNIT

The GP-E2 unit arrived with the EOS 5D Mark III and this firmware update will enable the GPS unit to be used with the EOS 7D, via a cable connection, so that photographers can geo-tag images with latitude and longitude data in the EXIF fields.

QUICK CONTROL DURING PLAYBACK

With the Quick Control (Q) button pressed during image playback photographers will be able to select options for protect images, rotate images, rate images, resize images, highlight alert, AF point display and image jump.

FILE NAME SETTING

In the EOS 7D’s camera settings menu in user setting 1 the first four characters of the file name can be adjusted, whilst in user setting 2 the first three characters of the file name can be adjusted and the fourth will be set automatically according to the recording quality.

TIME ZONE SETTING

Within the EOS 7D’s camera settings menu you will be able to set the time zone, plus daylight saving time can also be set.

FASTER SCROLLING OF MAGNIFIED IMAGES

The screen scrolling speed will be faster for scrolling through images when they are enlarged. The ease of use is improved when using the camera to zoom in and check focus.

The existing impressive specifications of the EOS 7D include up to 8fps shooting speed, high ISO sensitivity up to 12,800 for low light shooting, an iFCL metering system with a 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor for superbly accurate exposures, plus outstanding in-camera Speedlite Transmitter flash technology.

EOS 7D - KEY FEATURES

• 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and dual “DIGIC 4” processors for exceptional image quality.
• Shoot in low light with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400, expandable to ISO 12,800.
• Keep up with the action, shooting bursts of 130 JPEGs or 25 RAW files at 8fps.
• Capture Full-HD movies with full manual control.
• Fast, accurate focusing with 19-point wide-area AF.
• Enjoy crystal-clear Live View shooting on a 7.7cm (3.0”) 920,000-dot LCD screen.
• Accurate framing with (approx.) 100% viewfinder coverage.
• 63-zone iFCL metering for accurate exposures every time.
• Explore off-camera flash with the EOS 7D’s Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
• Weather sealed magnesium-alloy body.

We like to think we're up with the latest trends and one that seems to be going on at the moment is Pancake Lenses.

Enter the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens.  This lens is somewhat unique in the world of SLR lenses.  Thankfully by all accounts it is also not bad optically.   There's no full time manual focus override which may annoy video shooters but it's fast at auto focusing with excellent sharpness.

Is it worth considering?  That depends on your needs but it's an interesting addition to their range.  More details can be found on the lens here.

I am a huge fan of this camera.  I was a little sceptical when I saw the X-Pro1 at Focus as the first thing that hit me was the cost of it.  But if you start thinking about Leica M9's then perhaps this is an absolute bargain.

Intrigue got the better of me and so I bought one with all of the launch lenses.  After a couple of weekends of using it, I am completely converted.  I'll be writing a blog post in the next couple of days on the camera but the main thing was to get it up on the site for you guys to try.

We're offering it as a kit.  Why?  Well whilst I mostly used the 35mm, the other two lenses are most definitely worth playing with.  The 18mm is superb for interior shots or landscapes and 60mm makes a great portrait lens and the macro on it is just wonderful.

Downsides?  Well the autofocus isn't that quick but that does need to be put into perspective.  I'd spent the previous month shooting with manual Zeiss and Leica lenses so it didn't phase me at all.  Sure you do get issues in low light or contrast situations but you use your head and find something the system will work with of a similar distance and hey presto, it works!  If you're coming from a new age SLR, then yes you will find it slow.  But for me, that was not what the camera was about.

Anyway, I'll leave that all for my post.  In the meantime, feel free to check out our detailed camera page where there are some video reviews you have a look at.

We're quite intrigued to get our hands on this camera, the new Sony DSC-RX100.  Yes it looks like every other compact (although to be fair to Sony, the current top of the range HX20 packs a fair punch and is every bit a rival for Canon's brilliant S100) but it hides something not before seen on a compact like this - the same size 1 inch sensor as Nikon's J1.

So what you get is vastly improved low light performance (which is always comparably good using Sony's Exmor CMOS sensor) and combined with an f/1.8 Carl Zeiss lens, a lovely short depth of field not usually associated with this type of camera.

Is it any good?  Well reviewers are starting to get their hands on them and early indications are that it is very good indeed.

We've decided to stock them for hire as £500 is quite a lot to spend on a compact but you can't help but be intrigued!

For more information on the camera, please visit our detailed page on the camera.  It should be available mid-July.

Today sees us jumping on a plane heading back up to Scotland for two Bigger Picture Roadshows.  If you have not really heard a great deal about the Bigger Picture Roadshow, take a moment to have a look at their website.

So where are we going to be?  Tomorrow, 12th June, sees us in Motherwell, details below - 

Strathclyde Country Park

Hamilton Road

Motherwell

ML1 3RT

Wednesday the 13th sees us move North East to Aberdeen.  You can find us at - 

Farburn Terrace

Dyce

Aberdeen

AB21 7DW

We look forward to seeing people there!

 

Canon today has announced the launch of the EOS650D and a couple of new lenses.

Initial impressions are that it looks very similar to the 600D and indeed the specification looks very similar.  However for video users there is quite a significant first - this is the first Canon SLR capable of continuous tracking and focus whilst recording video!  How does it do this and is it any good?  Well the 650D's new Hybrid CMOS sensor uses much the same method as Nikon's 1 cameras and includes pixels dedicated to phase detection.  As we all know, phase detection is vastly superior is most cases to contrast detection - for one thing you don't the 'hunt' you can do with contrast detection and bear in mind that all of Canon's SLR lenses are optimised for phase detection.  How good it actually is, we'll soon find out once we get our hands on one!

Another big change is the introduction of a touchscreen LCD.  Being able to select AF points on Live View is a great idea and could prove very useful.  Also having direct access to the Quick Control screen should make live a great deal easier.  The Vari-angle screen design remains which whilst nowhere near as good as Sony's A77 design is nonetheless very good.

On the mode dial, you will now find HDR Backlight Control - basically auto bracketing 3 shots and combining them into one jpeg.  The Handheld Night Scene sound suspiciously similar to what Sony offers on their cameras where four different images are shot rapidly together before combining them into picture.  It does work brilliantly on the Sony's so well done Canon for including this.

Visually there isn't much difference.  You will notice the power switch now has a video 3rd click on it but that is really all.  We really like the 600D - it's a very friendly camera for beginners and its successor looks like building on this with its extra features.

Once we've had a play with the AF Movie function, we'll let you know how we get on!

Canon also announced two new lenses which have linear stepper motors for the autofocus.  Stepper motors are often used on CSC camera lenses as they're fast and very quiet when focusing on video.  This is the first time we've seen an SLR lens use this type of system though.  Unlike normal SLR lenses, the manual focus is controlled electronically.

The first lens is the EF40mm f/2.8 STM pancake.  A pancake SLR lens is definitely a first and it is by far the smallest Canon SLR lens you can buy.  It seems a bit of a bizarre focal length to put in a pancake lens when you think about all the CSC ones that are wide angle but if of course you put this on a full frame camera like the 5D Mk III, it could prove quite useful.

The second lens is the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.  This is an EFS lens (so no using with full frame cameras) that features Dynamic IS image stabilisation which as we understand it has been optimised to work with video.