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12/02/2005 05:44:00 AM · #1 |
I stumbled across this article while doing research. It's from 1996. CLASSIC.. I've bolded my favorite parts, for dramatic effect. ;)
NEW TOOLS
At a list price of $28,995 (see Note below), you can now get the Kodak-Canon EOS-DCS 1 camera (Illustration 1) which has a new sensor capable of producing images having a total resolution of 6 million pixels, which is approximately the same resolution provided by a 35mm film camera, using standard Canon EOS lenses and accessories. It has an equivalent ISO rating of 80, capability of capturing an image every 5 seconds, a microphone for recording image identification, and almost infinite storage capability with reusable PCMCIA-ATA memory cards. The pictures can then be downloaded to a Macintosh or Windows-based computer for image enhancement (as would otherwise be done during enlargement in a darkroom when using film and paper), and printing on a dye-sublimation or equivalent printer.
Illustration 2 shows a photograph taken with this camera and printed on the Kodak XLS 8600 printer. In the 8x10 color print from which this is reproduced, it is impossible to tell the method by which the picture was made. (Note: though the price seems high, consider that this is a state-of-the-art camera, and represents limited production and sales; as the market grows, the price will drop. Also consider that photographers during the beginning years of photography paid, in their currency, prices probably equivalent for their equipment, which is why most of the early work was done by professionals who could afford to make the outlay. And if you consider that working in the "lightroom" does not have the environmental problems of the dangerous chemicals and pollution found in darkrooms, even now, the net cost may make electronic photography an affordable alternative.)
Canon also uses a Kodak sensor with a lesser, but still excellent, resolution of 1.3 million pixels in their EOS-DCS 3 camera (Illustration 3). It is available in three versions: full-color, monochrome, and infrared, each with a list price of $16,000. Like the 6 million pixel model, it is based on Canon's EOS-1N SLR, and has all the functions of that camera except it captures the pictures electronically instead of on film.
To go with these cameras (as well as all the EOS series) Canon has also introduced four powerful EF zoom lenses: a 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, (note: still a must have, ten years later!!) 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM, 35-80mm f4-5.6 III, and 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II.
The EF70-200mm f/2.8 (Illustration 4) is a big lens weighing almost 3 pounds, with a diameter of 3-5/16 inches and length of 7-5/8 inches. Though it can be hand-held (the large aperture makes short exposures possible) it is supplied with a tripod mount. The front lens barrel does not move, so special effects filters (77mm size) can be used. Suggested list price is $2340. The EF 70-300mm is an all-purpose AF zoom, compact for its range (approximately 3 by 5 inches), takes 55mm filters, and weighs a bit more than a pound. Suggested list is $430.
While the EF 35-80mm zoom (Illustration 5) has a rather smallish aperture of f4-5.6, it weighs only 6 ounces, with a length of only 2.5 inches. Filter size is 52mm. Suggested list price is $170: The EF 80-200mm AF zoom is also "pocketable" weighing in at 8.5 ounces and only 3 inches long. Suggested list: $280. For full information, Canon can be contacted at 1 (800) 828-4040.
Independent lens manufacturers haven't been sitting still, either. Sigma has announced two small zooms .with great range, with mounts to fit all popular AF cameras, as well as manual focusing ones. The one Sigma claims is the smallest in its class is their 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 lens with a length of less than 3.25 inches and a weight of less than a pound. (Illustration 6) What has made this possible is the use of aspherical elements which simplify the design and help optical performance. Closest focusing distance, however, is 59 inches, so it does not have macro capabilities.
Their other new lens (Illustration 7) does have macro down to 9.45 inches (1:2 ratio) and is a general purpose 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 with a length of 2.74 inches and an amazingly low weight of 9 ounces. Both these lenses have the matte "Zen" finish for non-slip grip. Prices were not available at press time, but your dealer should know by the time this is published. (Sigma Corp., 15 Fleetwood Court, Ronkonkoma, NY 1 [779,(516) 3'85- 11 44')
Horwitz, Sil. "New Tools," PSA Journal 62 no. 4 (1996): 8-9. |
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12/02/2005 05:55:20 AM · #2 |
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12/02/2005 05:59:26 AM · #3 |
Bit mind-blowing when you think that this was only 10yrs ago! Wonder what we'll be using (and what they'll cost) in 2016!
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12/02/2005 07:35:31 AM · #4 |
Its amazing how prices change! I was looking at a photo mag from October 2003, compact flash - 1 gig was selling for around £180, now you can get 1 gig for around £40!!
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