This month's Technical Report introduces the EOS-1Ds Mark II, Canon's top-of-the-line professional digital SLR camera with a 16.7-megapixel full 35mm-frame CMOS sensor and 4 fps continuous shooting. It was announced on September 22, 2004.
The EOS-1Ds Mark II (see Photo 1) is our new flagship professional digital SLR camera based on the EOS-1D Mark II. The EOS-1Ds Mark II employs our proprietary 16.7-megapixel (approx.) full 35mm-frame CMOS sensor. The development concept is as follows:
Highest image quality among digital AF SLR's
| • | 36mm x 24mm (full 35mm film frame) CMOS sensor with about 16.7 effective megapixels |
| • | DIGIC II digital imaging engine for precise natural color reproduction and high-speed image processing |
Quick response despite the high pixel count
• 4 fps continuous shooting (approx.) and maximum burst of 32 shots in JPEG Large format
• Quick shooting response equal to that of the EOS-1D Mark II
• ISO speed range: 100-1600 (ISO extension settable L: 50 H: 3200)
Same basic specs as the EOS-1D Mark II that is hailed as a truly professional tool
| • | Optimum image quality (selectable color matrix, improved white balance) |
| • | Two memory card slots, magnified zoom display, video OUT, and other features requested by EOS-1D users |
| • | Same basic shooting features and operability as other EOS-1D series models |
| • | Shutter durability of 200,000 shutter-release cycles |
| • | Same water- and dust-resistance as the EOS-1D Mark II |
| • | Magnesium alloy chassis and external covers |
Compatible with the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1
• Image transfer to personal computer via wireless or wired LAN
Original image verification function
• Automatic recording of verification data to detect any modification to the original image
This overview mainly presents improvements of the EOS-1Ds Mark II compared to the original EOS-1Ds.
Evolution of digital features
(1) Full 35mm-frame size 16.7 effective megapixel CMOS sensor (approx.)
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The EOS-1Ds Mark II uses Canon's own large, 36mm x 24mm CMOS sensor with about 16.7 effective megapixels (see Photo 2), RGB primary color filter, and the high-quality three-layer hybrid low-pass/infrared cut filter. This enables the camera to achieve the highest level of precision and image quality of any digital AF SLR camera, matching the performance of digital backs for medium format cameras. The 35mm film frame size and aspect ratio makes 35mm film camera users comfortable shooting with the EOS-1Ds Mark II. |
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The EOS-1Ds Mark II employs the DIGIC II high-speed imaging engine (see Photo 3) developed for the EOS-1D Mark II. The DIGIC II provides advanced processing ability and high-speed 8-channel signal scanning established in the EOS-1D Mark II, for precise, high-quality digital images and high-speed continuous shooting.
Multiple color matrix
The EOS-1Ds Mark II, like the EOS-1D Mark II, offers five color matrix settings and allows the user to customize two sets of color matrix settings in combination of color space (sRGB, Adobe RGB), color saturation (5 levels), and color tone (5 steps).
The EOS-1Ds Mark II supports DCF 2.0 and Exif 2.21 standards, ensuring the proper color reproduction of the image with Adobe RGB color space using software applications and printers compatible with both DCF 2.0 and Exif 2.21.
Finer image-recording quality settings
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has two recording formats, RAW and JPEG. The EOS-1Ds Mark II offers 4 selectable JPEG image sizes: Large, Middle 1, Middle 2, and Small (see Table 1), while the EOS-1Ds had only two: Large and Small. The JPEG image quality (compression rate) can be set independently (10 levels) for each image size, and the EOS-1Ds Mark II can simultaneously record and store a RAW image and a JPEG image with any image size selected.
Table 1 Approx. Image File Size and Number of Possible Shots with a 512MB Memory Card According to Image Size
| Image size (Recording pixels) | File size (Approx.) |
Possible shots | Max. burst | ||
| JPEG | Large | 4992 x 3328 (Approx. 16.6 megapixels) |
5.5MB | 80 | 32 |
| Middle 1 | 3600 x 2400 (Approx. 8.6 megapixels) |
3.2MB | 135 | 59 | |
| Middle 2 | 3072 x 2048 (Approx. 6.3 megapixels) |
2.6MB | 169 | 78 | |
| Small | 2496 x 1664 (Approx. 4.2 megapixels) |
1.9MB | 229 | 122 | |
| RAW | 4992 x 3328 (Approx. 16.6 megapixels) |
14.6MB | 25 | 11 | |
| RAW+JPEG | Large | See above | 18 | 9 | |
| Middle 1 | 21 | 9 | |||
| Middle 2 | 22 | 9 | |||
| Small | 22 | 9 | |||
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The file size and number of shots possible are based on Canon's testing criteria (JPEG quality: 8, processing parameters: Normal, ISO 100, etc.). |
| • | The actual file size and number of possible shots will depend on the subject, JPEG quality, shooting mode, ISO speed, processing parameters, etc. |
Automatic noise reduction function
The EOS-1Ds Mark II generates very little noise, so that the noise reduction function takes effect automatically only under the following conditions.
• Exposure time longer than 1 second at ISO 1600 or 3200.
• Exposure time longer than 30 sec. at all other ISO settings.
Processing parameters settable by the camera
The Standard parameter is provided for natural image printing maintaining fidelity with the subject. In addition, the EOS-1Ds Mark II allows users to set up to three sets of Tone Curve, Sharpness, and Contrast without the need for a PC (pre-registration using the bundled software is required). This enables the ideal parameter settings for various shooting conditions, such as no additional processing after shooting.
New RAW format
The EOS-1Ds Mark II employs a new RAW format. This new format will be incorporated in future Canon digital cameras as the standard RAW format (file extension is ''cr2'').
(4) Improved white balance and white balance compensation
Auto white balance
Precise calculations allow the EOS-1Ds Mark II to give accurate and stable white balance equal to that of the EOS-1D Mark II.
Preset white balance
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has seven preset white balance modes, direct color temperature setting, and three custom white balance settings (pre-registration using the bundled software is required).
White balance compensation
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has a digital color filter giving the same effects as commercially available color temperature conversion or color correction gelatin filters.
White balance bracketing
The EOS-1Ds Mark II's white balance bracketing records three bracketed images simultaneously with a single shutter release.
(5) Wide ISO speed range equal to the EOS-1D Mark II
Although the CMOS sensor of the EOS-1Ds Mark II has smaller 7.2 micron square pixels than the 8.2 micron square pixels of the EOS-1D Mark II CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II still offers the same ISO 100 to 1600 speed range (ISO extension to as low as 50 or as high as 3200) as in the EOS-1D Mark II.
(6) Two memory card slots
The EOS-1Ds Mark II provides two memory card slots (one for Type I / II CF card and one for SD memory card), allowing the user to select between the back-up recording to record images on both memory cards simultaneously or to record images on either card.
(7) 230,000-pixel, high-definition, 2.0'' LCD monitor
The EOS-1Ds Mark II's LCD monitor has approximately twice the resolution of the EOS-1Ds. It also incorporates a RGB histogram display.
(8) Magnified zoom view
The LCD image can be magnified up to 10x. By turning the Quick Control Dial while in the magnified zoom mode, the previous or following images can also be enlarged.
(9) Automatic rotation of vertical image
With orientation detection, vertical images captured while [Auto Rotate] is [ON] are rotated automatically to the upright position for viewing.
(10) New video output terminal
NTSC/PAL-compatible video OUT is provided.
Evolution of shooting features
The EOS-1Ds Mark II retains the basic functions of the EOS-1D Mark II.
(1) High-speed, 45-point AF
By incorporating a split multiprocessor with 32-bit RISC microcomputer, the EOS-1Ds Mark II AI Servo AF system is optimized for 4 (approx.) fps continuous shooting, having the EOS-1D Mark II-equivalent predictive AF performance level, and makes the One-Shot AF speed faster than with the EOS-1Ds.
(2) 4 fps continuous shooting and maximum 32-shot burst
The EOS-1Ds Mark II employs the same features as the EOS-1D Mark II, such as high-speed sequence control for shutter and mirror charging, high-speed 8-channel reading of the CMOS data, and the DIGIC II high-speed imaging engine. These features enable the camera to achieve 4 fps (approx.) continuous shooting and maximum burst of 32 shots in JPEG Large format or 11 shots in RAW format, allowing speedy shooting despite the very high-resolution 16.7-megapixel (50% higher than the EOS-1Ds) sensor.
The memory card writing speed of the EOS-1Ds Mark II is 50% faster than that of the EOS-1Ds. This also reduces the time required for the buffer to clear when it becomes full (see Table 2).
| Table 2 Required Time for Buffer to Clear When It Becomes Full | Unit: Second |
| Conditions (Time until - -) | EOS-1Ds Mark II | EOS-1Ds |
| camera is ready for next shot in JPEG Large mode | 1.0 | 1.8 |
| camera is ready for next shot in RAW mode | 2.5 | 1.8 |
| buffer is completely cleared | 37 | 49 |
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The interval time applies to Canon 512MB CF card and is based on Canon's testing criteria. |
| • | The actual time will depend on the subject and ISO speed. |
(3) 0.3-second start-up time, approximately 40ms shortest release time lag
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has a quick 0.3-sec. start-up time. The default shutter-release time lag is intentionally set to the same 55ms as the EOS-1Ds, but a very short 40ms time lag (approx.) can be set with P.Fn-26.
(4) Power-saving design more than doubles battery life of the EOS-1Ds
The EOS-1Ds Mark II is capable of taking twice as many shots as the EOS-1Ds. This is possible because of the low power DIGIC II, CMOS sensor, LED backlit LCD monitor, power-saving circuitry design, and improved firmware.
(5) E-TTL II algorithm for precise, consistent flash exposure
The EOS-1Ds Mark II incorporates the improved version of Canon's proprietary Evaluative Through-The-Lens (E-TTL) Autoflash system. This E-TTL II algorithm offers new average metering that utilizes the distance information data provided by EF lenses. This effectively controls flash exposure even with changes in subject location, reflectivity, size or brightness level, improving the exposure accuracy in flash photography using EX-series Speedlites.
(6) Shutter durability of 200,000 cycles
The EOS-1Ds Mark II achieves shutter durability of 200,000 cycles, about 30% better than in the EOS-1Ds.
Evolution of design and operability
(1) Based on the EOS-1D design
The EOS-1Ds Mark II is easy for EOS-1D series users to operate because basic operations are based on the EOS-1D.
(2) Improved mechanical operation
Redesigned memory card slot cover knob
In response to user demand for easier operation with gloves, the knob has been reshaped to make it easier to turn, and it has also been modified to prevent data loss if the slot cover is opened accidentally during data writing.
Improved digital operation
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JPEG and image size, RAW or RAW+JPEG and image size can be selected in a single operation with the image size selection button and Quick Control Dial. |
| • | ISO speed extensions have been moved to the menu screen. |
| • | Color temperature can be set directly with the WB button and Main Dial. |
(3) Enhanced custom functions
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has a new feature which enables the user to save and read the camera settings in the memory card. The camera settings include those in the top LCD panel, rear LCD panel, and almost all items displayed in the menu including C.Fn and P.Fn. The Quick Control Dial's ON/OFF switch now also can apply to the Main Dial.
(4) Direct printing
The EOS-1Ds Mark II has a small USB port for direct printing with PictBridge-compatible printers, Bubble Jet Direct and CP Direct.
Table 3 shows the major specifications comparison between the EOS-1Ds Mark II and the EOS-1Ds. More information on the wireless/wired LAN kit Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1 (see Photo 4) developed with the EOS-1Ds Mark II and improvements in the bundled software application DPP will be provided in a later issue.
Table 3 Major Specifications Comparison between EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS-1Ds
