Join us Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6 – 9pm for an exciting evening of fun, food and refreshments at 47 Booth Avenue Studio. Canon representative Neil Stephenson will kick things off. Then pro photographer Mario Miotti and pro videographer Sean Manton will demonstrate how the 7D performs. On one stage, Mario will photograph models in different lighting and, on another stage, videographers will capture the action in HD video. Catch it all on huge 1080p screens, and on outputs from a Canon pro printer.

Vistek staff will be on hand with the 7D set up in different formats so that you can test drive it for yourself!

The 7D will be put through its paces on 2 separate stages – showcasing its stills and HD video capabilities. It’s a two-pronged test-drive. First you get to watch. Then you get behind the LCD and give the 7D a whirl. And did we mention that one lucky guest will take home their very own 7D?

Food – Refreshments – Music – Gifts – WIN an EOS 7D
Pro Photographer & Videographers shooting live models
Draw for prizes – Special product pricing

Where: 47 Booth Avenue Studio (Toronto) | Shin Sugino’s Studio View Map
When: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 6–10 p.m.
This is a VIP event & you need to register to attend. Space is limited so register today!

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The new Canon EOS 7D has shipped to all Vistek locations (it’s currently available on it’s own, or in 2 kits with either the 18-135 IS lens or the 15-85 IS USM lens) and it looks like it really is everything all the rumours have been claiming. It’s got: 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with 8 frames per second continuous shooting, 1080p 24fps HD video with full manual control, a 3-inch LCD, 19-point AF system, and wireless flash control.

The 7D features a completely new design to meet the specific demands of photographers & incorporates a new 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, developed by Canon It also features Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to offer fast, high-quality performance in all light conditions, an ISO range expandable to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second – without the need for additional accessories.

Highlights Include:

• 18 MP APS–C CMOS Sensor: Designed and manufactured by Canon, the sensor produces an outstanding image and offers fantastic performance at high and low conditions, thanks to a new photodiode and microlens construction.
• 8 fps image capture: Enabled by the Dual “DIGIC 4” processors and improved electrical system, photographers can capture images at 8fps, without the need for additional accessories and in all file types.
• ISO Range: The EOS 7D enables photographers to capture subjects in their natural light.  The ISO range (100 – 6,400) is expandable to 12,800.
• EOS Movie: With improved operation, making it easy to switch directly to movie mode, it is now even simpler to shoot Full HD video.  Users can set exposure and frame rate – with options for 24 fps to create that cinematic feel.
• Dual “DIGIC 4” processors: By utilising Dual “DIGIC 4” processors, users of the EOS 7D never have to compromise between shooting speed, image quality and ISO performance.
• Impressive Design: Canon has listened to photographer feedback when designing the body, as well as the internal technologies.  A magnesium alloy body offers environmental protection – the tough, lightweight construction is designed to defend against moisture, and dust – equivalent to the legendary EOS–1N.

Filmmaker Dan Chung posted this great video footage of Matt Jasper, a cameraman for the UK’s Channel 4 news. Jasper picked up his Canon EOS7D over the weekend and rigged it up with some of his favourite gear to use it for ENG.

Canon 7D – TV cameraman Matt Jasper unboxes and rigs up his new 7D from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

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Most people are lucky enough to find one passion in life. Being able to find two… and combine them? Well that’s just magic. But it happens. Just check out this article by Freelance Web Developer, Len Dobrucki.

Dobrucki has taken his love of bicycle touring – something he’s been doing for years – and combined it with an affinity for photography that makes for a unique perspective as well as a lasting photojournal of his travels.

Whether it’s a single day ride or a multi-day tour, he’s got the gear to take advantage of his opportunities. With a special handlebar mounting camera bag, Dobrucki is able to cart along a multitude of gear, including his Pentax *istDS with Sigma 18-135 mm lens, Canon G7, and his newest aquisition – his Panasonic DMC-LX3.

Have a look at his recent blog posting The Joy of Photography – On a Bicycle? and see what for yourself what’s entailed in making a creative combo of these two hobbies… and just how easy it can be!

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Canon has launched the very exciting new 18-megapixel EOS 7D. Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Not simply a revamped 50D, the 7D features: a new 19-point AF system with a dedicated processor, a 100% coverage viewfinder with 1.0x magnification, dual Digic 4 processors, 3″ Clear View II LCD, 1080p HD video recording with manual controls, Wireless flash control and a new shutter mechanism that provides an 8fps burst mode.

And, just in time for winter photo shoots, the 7D comes equipped with bigger buttons than previous models (perfect for stiff glove-clad fingers!). It also features separate live view and movie modes that you can toggle between using a switch next to the viewfinder. You can check out a detailed list of new & key features HERE.

The EOS 7D is available now for pre-order. Check it out – including all the detailed specs – along with the Canon EOS 7D Kit with EF-S 18-135 IS Lens & the EOS 7D Kit with EF-S 15-85 IS USM Lens.

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At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Canon had a new lineup of camcorders to unveil and, with 5 new High Def  & 5 Standard Def camcorders set to hit the market, they’re making sure they’ve covered all their bases for 2009.

In addition to Canon’s core imaging technologies, these newest to the family include some new features for enhanced image quality and
added flexibility. A new image processor (DIGIC DV III) is featured in
select VIXIA models along with 8.0 Megapixel photo capture, Video
Snapshot Mode, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, and an advanced Auto Exposure system round out this new lineup.

New to the Standard Def lineup are:

• FS22, FS21 and FS200 Flash Memory Camcorders
• DC410 DVD Camcorder
• ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder

The FS200 records directly to an SDHC memory card, while the FS22 and FS21 Dual Flash Memory camcorders incorporate 32GB and 16GB, respectively, of internal Flash memory and allow recording directly to an SDHC memory card. The DC410 DVD Camcorder records straight to DVD while the ZR960 MiniDV Camcorder records directly to MiniDV.

New in High Def:

• VIXIA HF S10, HF S100, HF20 & HF200 Flash Memory Camcorder
• VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder

The HF S100 & HF200 record  to an SDHC memory card while the HF S10 & HF20 give you a choice: record to a 32GB internal Flash drive or directly to an SDHC memory card. The VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder: replaces the VIXIA HV30 and allows you to capture & record 24 progressive fps to a HDV tape.

Canon Canada plans to release these to the public throughout 2009 with prices being announced at a later date.

Full details can be found on the Canon Canada website.

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We told you a few weeks ago about the Instant Rebates on offer for select Canon EOS Lenses & Accessories

Now we can tell you about the rest of the deal…

Everything from Camcorders, DSLRs, standard/macro, telephoto & zoom lenses to Speedlites and accessories & battery grips are up for grabs as part of this offer.

Rebates are valid until December 31/08, so don’t miss your chance!

Check it out!

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Thinking about buying some new gear? If your eye is on Canon, then now’s the time to make those purchases. Vistek has a Canon EOS Lenses & Accessories Instant Rebate section that’s up and valid until Dec. 31.

Everything from standard/macro, telephoto & zoom lenses to Speedlites and accessories & battery grips are up part of the offer. There are even a few great camera body(the EOS 40D)/lens/kit combos included.

Check it out!

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Full frame shooting and HD movie capability, anyone?

With the launch of its successor to the EOS 5D – the EOS 5D Mark II – Canon gives us the world’s first compact full frame digital SLR.  Not only does it boast a 21-megapixel CMOS sensor & DIGIC IV processor along with an expanded ISO range of 50-25,600, the EOS 5D Mark II supports Live View shooting & full 1080p HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video. Add to that a sweet 3.0″ Clear View LCD that features high-resolution 920,000 dots/VGA & you’re looking at far more detail than any previous EOS Digital LCD has provided.

Adding to crystal-clear shooting capability is it’s self-cleaning sensor unit – an Integrated Cleaning system designed specifically for the Mark II’s full-frame sensor (it even features a fluorine coating – the super-slippery chemical used in making Teflon – to help repel dust from its surface).

An increased battery capacity is part & parcel with this new incarnation as well – so you’ll be able to shoot for longer – a great thing when you can shoot at 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting.

Get the full details on the EOS 5D Mark II.

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It’s Back to School time… and it seems rather timely for this offer to hit the streets.

If you’re in the market for a new computer and printer, why not pair up Apple and Canon and save yourself up to $100 cold, hard cash?

From now until September 30, you’ll be eligible for a mail-in cash-back rebate when you buy any new Apple computer with one of the following printers:

Pixma MP210 ($80 mail-in rebate)

Pixma MX700 ($90 mail-in rebate)

Pixma Pro 9000 ($100 mail-in rebate)

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Not to be left behind, Canon has presented to the masses it’s replacement to the EOS 40D… the EOS 50D (didn’t see that coming, did you?)

Mainly targeted against the Nikon D300, the EOS 50D holds quite a few significant improvements over the 40D. For starters, it features a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, as well as a faster DIGIC 4 processor. It has an ISO sensitivity that’s expandable to 12800 as well as a 3″ VGA LCD monitor with a Live View mode that offers 3 AF modes. And since we’re on the subject of the LCD – this one rests comfortably on par with the latest high-end Nikons and the Sony A700 due to its resolution increase from 230,000 dots to 920,000. The Live View function has also been tweaked to include a Quick Mode AF, Live Mode AF, and a Face Detection Live Mode AF that can detect up to 35 individual faces within the camera’s frame.

In addition to a Quick Control screen that allows instant access to the most commonly-changed settings, the 50D features a new Creative Auto mode that offers automatic focus and exposure – while still allowing creative tweaks to settings such as background sharpness.  It also has a continuous shooting capability of 6.3fps, in bursts of up to 90 JPEGs with a UDMA card – making it ideal for low light conditions & great for sports or wildlife photography (or those concerts where you can manage to get your gear past security).

The 50D also features an Integrated Cleaning System to prevent dust & other floaties from collecting on the sensor’s low-pass filter.

Get the full details on the Canon EOS 50D.

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