This Technical Report gives you the latest information on the EOS-1V, the finest-quality professional AF SLR camera, which was simultaneously released worldwide on February 2, 2000.
 Photo 1 EOS-1v (mounting EF50mm f/1.4 USM) |
 Photo 2 EOS-1v HS (mounting EF50mm f/1.4 USM) |
Concept of development: EOS-1V, EOS-1v HS
The flagship of the EOS series, the EOS-1 was released in 1989. It evolved into the EOS-1N in 1994. Since then, the EOS-1N has been choice of the professional photographers all over the world, consistently contributing to documentary and creative photography in myriad ways for over ten years. Now, a worthy successor to the EOS-1N has been developed. The EOS-1V is a professional AF SLR camera and the finest camera in the finest class.
Here are some of its features;
| Highest AF performance | |
| • | The AI Servo AF system enables subject tracking at 9 frames per second when PB-E2 is used. |
| • | The 45-point Area AF, which offers excellent subject trapping capabilities. |
High-speed shooting |
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| • | The top continuous shooting speed is 10 fps in One Shot AF when PB-E2 is used. |
| Improved reliability for professional photographers | |
| • | Outstanding water and dust resistance, better than the EOS-1N or EOS-3. |
| • | Rigid magnesium alloy body covers. |
| • | Enhanced shutter durability of 150,000 shutter-cycles. |
Basic EOS-1N functions plus several innovations |
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| • | Advanced EOS-3 exposure control system improved to meet professional requirements. |
| • | High-speed 1/8000 sec. shutter with 1/250th second flash sync. |
| • | Viewfinder specification conforming to EOS-1N. |
| • | Basic operation system conforming to EOS-1N. |
| • | Uses EOS-1N series camera bottom accessories. |
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| Photo 3 Magnesium alloy body cover |
Exposure data management system
Computer interface
• EOS Link Software ES-E1 was developed with EOS-1V.
The "V" in EOS-1V refers to Canon’s "Vision" for photographic documentation in the 21st century and to "Vertex," indicating the EOS-1V’s position at the pinnacle of the SLR pyramid.
An outline of each function follows, emphasizing how the EOS-1V evolved from the EOS-1N.
Evolution 1: High-speed, high-accuracy 45-point Area AF
The 45-point Area AF debuted in the EOS-3. For much higher speed and better accuracy, its function was reviewed and improved for the EOS-1V as follows;
[1] Higher speed AF
A 32-bit RISC microcomputer (with a clock frequency of 33.3MHz, tops in the EOS series) and a high-speed calculation algorithm are used to realize the fastest autofocus performance even with 45 focusing points.
[2] Higher accuracy Area AF
Like the EOS-3, horizontal line detection f/5.6 sensors are at all 45 focusing points in EOS-1V. Vertical line detection f/2.8 sensors form cross-type sensors with the f/5.6 sensors at the central seven points. Like the proven central metering point employed in EOS-1N, vertical and horizontal elements are simultaneously detected at these seven points by means of pinpoint-accurate metering to capture the subject without fail.
[3] New AF optical system
The EOS-1V uses the 45-point Area AF as adopted in EOS-3, but it incorporates newly designed focusing optics in the AF system to maintain accuracy under severe shooting conditions.
[4] Faster focusing point selection
Both automatic and manual selection of focusing points are possible. With automatic selection, the EOS-1V determines the major subject and focuses on it. With manual selection, photographers can select any focusing point. There are four manual selection modes, which are designed to allow photographers to respond instantly to the shooting conditions. The modes are:
A One point selected from all 45 points
B One point selected from 11 specified points
C One point selected from 9 specified points
D Instant transfer to previously registered focusing point
An Assist Button has been added at the left of the AE lock button on the back of the body (see Photo 5) to enable mode D above, while modes A, B and C are activated through the main electronic dial and quick control dial.
 Photo 4 EOS-1v (top view) |
 Photo 5 EOS-1v (back view) |
[5] The AI Servo AF's predictive tracking of subject movement is the world’s fastest
The AI Servo AF’s predictive tracking captures a moving subject approaching as close as 8m at a speed of 50km/h and will shoot at a maximum of 9 fps when used with EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM. This speed was attained by the development of the Active Mirror stopper mechanism to drastically reduce mirror bounce, and by the use of a new algorithm.
Evolution 2: High-quality rigid magnesium alloy body covers
The magnesium alloy used for the top and front covers is lightweight, yet possesses exceptional strength. The new material is hard to machine and was initially thought to be unsuitable for molding the delicate three-dimensional curves of the EOS body. This problem was solved with the application of “thixo-molding”, an advanced technology combining metal die-casting and plastic injection molding technology. Four rounds of black annealing strengthen the surface abrasion resistance of the covers. The hybrid framework structure that forms the chassis of the EOS-1V is made from diecast aluminum molded with engineering plastics. The mirror box is also made of diecast aluminum. The optimum use of carefully chosen high-tech materials has resulted in remarkably improved rigidity and durability.
Evolution 3: Advanced water and dust resistance to satisfy demanding professionals
The level of water and dust resistance has been raised to a new level. The 72 major body seams and switches are carefully sealed with silicone rubber, the back cover is thoroughly sealed with packing, and the battery chamber located inside the new grip is also protected by packing. Furthermore, a mating surface around the lens mount has been incorporated. It provides a seat for the water-resistant rubber ring on the mount of recent IS telephoto lenses. When used with one of the water- and dust-resistant EF lens, durability is greatly improved.
Evolution 4: Ultra high-speed shooting to a maximum of 10 fps
Despite the moving reflex mirror, the world’s fastest continuous shooting speed of 10 fps is achieved with the EOS-1v HS after One-Shot AF is in focus. Approximately 9fps is the maximum when in AI Servo AF mode. The continuous shooting speed of the EOS-1V itself is 3.5 fps in One-Shot AF mode and 3 fps in AI Servo AF mode (see Table 1).
When in continuous shooting mode, noise is minimized to the level of EOS-1N HS. During single frame shooting, the noise has been slightly reduced in comparison to the EOS-1N. Noise reduction was achieved through advanced silencing technology such as floating support of the film transport mechanism.
| Table 1 Continuous shooting speeds | ||||
| Combination | Power source | Winding mode | ONE SHOT AF /Manual Focus (approx. fps) |
AI SERVO AF (approx. fps) |
| EOS-1V only | 2CR5 x 1 | Continuous | 3.5 | 3 |
| EOS-1V+BP-E1 | Size-AA Alkaline x 4 |
Continuous | 3.5 | 3 |
| EOS-1v HS (EOS-1V+PB-E2) |
NP-E2 (Nickel Hydride pack) |
Ultra High-Speed |
10 | 9 |
| High-Speed | 7 | 7 | ||
| Low-Speed | 3 | 3 | ||
| Size-AA Alkaline x 8 |
High-Speed | 6 | 5 | |
| Low-Speed | 3 | 3 | ||
| EOS-1V+PDB-E1 | Size-AA Alkaline x 8 |
High-Speed | 6 | 5 |
| Low-Speed | 3 | 3 | ||
Evolution 5: Operation durability of 150,000 shutter cycles
The EOS-1V employs an electronically controlled rotary magnet shutter and shutter blades made of carbon fiber. This shutter system provides high reliability in all shooting conditions and excellent durability, confirmed by in-house testing in excess of 150,000 shutter cycles. The figure of 150,000 shutter cycles reflects the durability of camera's operation as a whole, not that of the shutter unit only.
The 100% viewfinder field of view provides sharp and clear viewing. It has built-in eyepiece adjustment with the same adjustment range as EOS-1N, and viewfinder black-out is a short 0.078 second, approximately 38% shorter than the EOS-1N. The image through the viewfinder is as clear when shooting at 10 fps as when shooting single frames. A new laser matte focusing screen with Area AF frame is the standard focusing screen. The EOS-1N focusing screens can also be used. The EOS-1V viewfinder displays new information such as Area AF data, high-speed sync mark, flash exposure level and two-digit film counter, in addition to the information displayed in the EOS-1N.
| Fig. 1 Viewfinder Field |
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Evolution 7: Advanced exposure control system
The exposure control system is based on the EOS-3 system, with evaluative, partial, spot, multi-spot, and centerweighted averaging exposure control modes. The evaluation algorithm using the 21-zone evaluative metering method is replaced with "focus point linked, centerweighted averaging metering with high brightness exposure compensation. This slight change is made to realize more stable exposure. Exposure control modes and exposure compensation are the same as the EOS-3, while the shutter speed range is 1/8000 to 30 seconds and the maximum flash synch (X) speed is 1/250 second.
Evolution 8: Improved E-TTL autoflash system
The EOS-1V adopts the E-TTL (Evaluative Through-The-Lens) autoflash system, which reached its pinnacle with the release of EOS-3. E-TTL enables more sophisticated flash photography to create a more natural atmosphere with high-speed sync (FP flash), FE lock, FEB, optional exposure compensation by the camera body and wireless multiple autoflash. The EOS-1V employs a new algorithm to finely detect the reflected light from the entire flash area, independent of the main subject area. This provides even more reliable flash exposure control than the EOS-3. When used with EOS Speedlites other than the EX series, focus point-linked 3-zone TTL autoflash is activated.
Evolution 9: New custom functions
[1] Twenty Custom Functions
Two new Custom Functions with nine settings, and two new settings for existing functions have been added to the Custom Functions of the EOS-3, giving a total of 20 Custom Functions with 63 settings.
Additional functions are;
C-Fn.18: Determines method of pre-selected focusing point recall.
C-Fn.19: Reassigns AF stop button on lenses to other functions.
[2] Thirty Personal Functions
The EOS-1V offers 30 Personal Functions. They enable a more refined setup than Custom Function, responding to the personal demands of individual users. Personal Functions are set by connecting the EOS-1V to a personal computer with the EOS Link Software ES-E1 and following instructions that appear on the computer screen. Personal functions consist of items to meet individual professional requirements, such as limiting the available shooting modes, setting AI Servo AF's subject-tracking sensitivity, starting silent film wind only when shutter button goes off, and preventing shutter release when film is not loaded. Detailed explanation of these personal functions will be given in future issue.
The EOS-1V is equipped with an automatic memory function for shooting data in the camera body. It will store data for approximately 100 rolls of 36-exposure film with the default settings. With the default settings, 17 items (see Table 2) are stored: a number (00-99) selected by the user and the film ID number (001-999) are always optically imprinted onto the “zero” frame of the film leader (see Fig. 2), and stored in the camera’s memory. This film ID number can be used as automatic indexing since it automatically counts up each time a film is loaded. Stored data can be read and edited on a computer using the EOS Link Software ES-E1. Developed film can be recognized by its ID number.
| Fig. 2 Film ID imprinting |
 
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| Table 2 Shooting data memory items | |
| Memory contents (default settings) | |
| 1 | User Number |
| 2 | Film ID Number |
| 3 | Film Loaded Date |
| 4 | DX Film Sensitivity |
| 5 | Frame No. |
| 6 | Shooting Mode |
| 7 | Maximum Aperture |
| 8 | Shutter Speed |
| 9 | Working Aperture |
| 10 | Manual Preset ISO Film Speed |
| 11 | Exposure Compensation |
| 12 | Flash Exposure Compensation |
| 13 | Flash Mode |
| 14 | Exposure Mode |
| 15 | Focus Distance |
| 16 | Winding Mode |
| 17 | AF Mode |
| Additional items available through EOS Link Software ES-E1 | |
| 1 | Bulb Exposure Time |
| 2 | Shooting Year/Month/Date |
| 3 | Shooting Time |
| 4 | Custom Function Preset Status |
| 5 | AF Frame Choice Status |
| 6 | Multiple Exposure |
| 7 | Focus Adjusted AF Frame |
| 8 | Battery Installation Date |
Evolution 11: Reflection of EOS-1N user requirements
Feedback from professional photographers played a major role in the development of the EOS-1V. Major feedback points incorporated include;
• One-touch, locking remote control terminal
The terminal is in the same location as the EOS-3 terminal (opposite to EOS-1N) with an attached cap for protection against loss.
In the EOS-1N, the battery is checked on the LCD display by opening the side cover and pressing the battery check (BC) button. The EOS-1V activates battery checking every time the main switch is turned on, at each exposure, after film winding or film rewinding. The battery data is always displayed on the LCD panel (see Fig. 3).
| Fig. 3 All items displayed on LCD Panel |
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• Enhanced superimposed AF frame display brightness
Under well-lighted conditions, the brightness of display screen has been increased up to four times that of the EOS-3.
• Switching film transport modes
Changing film transport modes on EOS-1N required pressing a button under the palm door and turning the main electronic dial. On EOS-1V, film transport modes can be changed externally by turning the main electronic dial while simultaneously pressing down the shooting mode selection button and metering mode selection button.
• Intuitive marking of main switch and quick control dial switch
The EOS-1N used somewhat obscure markings on the main and quick control dials, but the EOS-1V uses instantly clear ON / OFF markings.
A single lithium battery (2CR5) powers the camera. Battery life is approximately 50 rolls of 36-exposure film at ordinary temperatures.
Despite all the innovative characteristics described so far, there is a single drawback we must report; the body weight of EOS-1V (945g) is 90 grams heavier than the EOS-1N.
| Table 3 Comparison of the major specifications of EOS-1V, EOS-1N and EOS-3 | |||||
| Item | EOS-1N | EOS-1V | EOS-3 | ||
| Focusing Points | 5 | 45 | 45 | ||
| AF | Focusing Area : f/2.8 High Accuracy
Focusing |
 |
 |
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| 50Km/h Moving Subjects Predictive Capacity + Continuous Shooting PB-E2 + 300/2.8L |
10m 5fps |
8m 9fps |
8m 7fps |
||
| Eye-controlled Focus | - | - | Yes | ||
| AF Frame Registration / Transfer |
- | Yes | - | ||
| Viewfinder | Coverage (%) | 100 | 100 | 97 | |
| Eyepoint (mm) | 20 | 20 | 19.5 | ||
| Eyesight Adjustment (dpt) | -3 to +1 | -3 to +1 | - | ||
| Eyepiece Shutter | Yes | Yes | - | ||
| Metering | Sensor Segments | 16 | 21 | 21 | |
| Multi-spot Metering | - | Yes | Yes | ||
| Shutter | Speed range (sec.), X Sync (sec.) |
1/8000- 30, 1/250 | 1/8000-30, 1/250 | 1/8000-30, 1/2000 | |
| Durability (Operations) | 100,000 | 150,000 | 100,000 | ||
| Flash Control |
E-TTL autoflash, FP flash | - | Yes | Yes | |
| FE Lock, FEB | - | Yes | Yes | ||
| Wireless Multiple Speedlite Flash | - | Yes | Yes | ||
| Film Transport |
Maximum [fps] | Body only | 3 | 3.5 | 4.3 |
| With/PB-E2 | 6 | 10 | 7 | ||
| Infrared Film Use | OK | OK | N/A | ||
| Custom Functions (kinds/items) | 14/35 | 20/63 | 18/52 | ||
| ID Number Imprinting/Shooting Data Memory | - | Yes | - | ||
| Computer Connection | - | Yes | - | ||
| Water and Dust Resistance | Very Good | Excellent | Very Good | ||
| Top and Front Cover Material | Plastic | Magnesium alloy | Plastic | ||
| Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) mm | 161x112.1 x71.8 |
161x120.8 x70.8 |
161x119.2 x70.8 |
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| Weight (excluding battery) g | 855 | 945 | 780 | ||
This report has brought you the latest information on the EOS-1V, but we hope you will examine the camera directly at your local dealer, or a camera show near you. Further details of EOS-1V and information on Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX (see Photo 6), EOS Link Software ES-E1 (see Photo 7) and EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM (see Photo 8), which were all released simultaneously with the EOS-1V, will be available on this site in the very near future.
Photo 6
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX
 Photo 7 EOS Link Software ES-E1 |
 Photo 8 EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM |