SINGAPORE, 17 February 2005 – Canon introduces its latest entry-level digital SLR – EOS 350D. Incorporating the very latest Canon technologies – including those found in Canon’s higher range digital SLRs like the EOS 1D Mark II and EOS 20D – the EOS 350D delivers high-specification performance at a very affordable price point. The EOS 350D features an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC II high-resolution imaging processor, and a wide spectrum of other high-end functions.

The unique blend of high-specification performance and affordability will appeal to first-time digital SLR buyers; recreational photographers upgrading from prosumer cameras; analogue SLR users upgrading to digital; and photography enthusiasts or amateur photographers wanting to experiment more advanced digital SLR technology. Available in two colours, silver and black, the EOS 350D is ergonomically designed for optimal performance in a lightweight and compact, yet highly robust body.

Superior Image Quality

The EOS 350D delivers superior image quality by using a highly advanced 2^nd generation 8-megapixel CMOS sensor which features an on-chip noise reduction circuit that more effectively minimises unwanted noise for visibly clearer images. Thanks to the improved CMOS sensor, ISO speed range has been expanded from ISO100 to ISO1600, allowing greater flexibility as photographers can now shoot under widely varying lighting conditions, achieving previously unattainable creative effects.

Drawing on nearly 70 years of optical imaging excellence and engineering expertise, the advanced DIGIC II imaging processor used in the EOS 350D is the culmination of selected Canon technologies. Offering even more superior colour reproduction, photographers can look forward to shooting high-definition, true-to-life images with razor-sharp clarity.

The EOS 350D uses a high-quality optical low-pass filter – the same one used in the higher range models – to provide better quality images by minimising false colours. An additional hybrid infrared cut filter prevents the false red coloration of images cause by infrared light.

Fast & Highly Responsive

The speed and responsiveness of a digital SLR camera is largely dependent on the imaging processor. The DIGIC II imaging processor at the heart of the EOS 350D delivers accelerated processing speed and even shorter lead times. Start up time is quite literally a blink of an eye, requiring a mere 0.2 seconds. Image capture has never been faster with a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second (fps) at a maximum burst of 14 frames. Photographers are able to continuously shoot the action taking place, selecting the best shots later and ensuring that great photo opportunities are never missed.

Improvements to the EOS 350D’s responsiveness do not just end with the electronics. A newly improved high-speed shutter achieves shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 sec. Shutter release time lag has also been improved to a superbly responsive 100 msec, allowing fast capture of fleeting images. The EOS 350D is equipped with a 7-point AF system with a wide field of view that accurately captures subjects with razor-sharp clarity. Even fast moving subjects are kept in focus with the EOS 350D’s predictive focus feature.

Ease of Operation

The EOS 350D inherits the EOS tradition of ease of operation featuring a large Mode dial for selecting amongst the seven easy shooting modes in addition to the manual or semi-manual modes. Camera setting buttons located at the back of the camera body and a highly intuitive Quick Menu Function allows direct access to frequently used settings like AF mode, metering mode, white-balance and ISO speed.

Wide Range of Functions

Initially only available in higher range of SLR cameras, a wide spectrum of functions have now been incorporated into the EOS 350D. Three AF modes are selectable according to the scene or type of shooting purpose; one-shot AF and AI focus keeps fast moving subjects in focus. Three metering modes in the EOS 350D cater to different lighting conditions. The flash exposure compensation can be controlled and adjusted to suit lighting conditions and reflectivity of the subject. The users can also customise functions according to their personal preferences using the nine customisable functions like the noise reduction function, Av mode flash synchronisation speed, and functions for the shutter and AE lock buttons and more. Adding to the versatility of the EOS 350D, the White Balance correction and White Balance bracketing functions allows even greater experimentation and creativity.

Optional Accessories

Consumers can easily expand their creative options with Canon’s widely available range of over 70 EF and EF-S lenses and photographic accessories. Supporting the popular E-TTL II flash system used in the EOS 1D Mark II and EOS 20D, the EOS 350D communicates perfectly with the new Speedlite 580EX, and calculates the optimal flash exposure for perfect pictures every time. A newly designed dedicated optional battery grip (BG-E3) provides a handy extension to the EOS 350D’s compact body, serving as a power pack with the option of using six AA batteries or two NB-2LH Lithium-ion batteries.

Software & Connectivity

The EOS 350D comes bundled with three software applications: the EOS Digital Solution Disk, ArcSoft PhotoStudio, and Software Instruction Manual CD. The EOS 350D features a useful Print/Share button on the camera body for convenient one-button printing or transferring of files to the computer. File transfers are fast thanks to the USB 2.0 High Speed interface. Being PictBridge-compatible, the EOS 350D supports direct printing of images using a compatible printer without going through a computer.

The EOS 350D is sold as a kit set bundled with EF-S 18-55 mm/ F3.5 - 5.6 II lens and is expected to be available in Singapore in mid-March.