The Microsoft Photography Blog talks about an issue with the way Vista handles RAW files created by the Canon EOS 1D and 1Ds models.  (Though, why Canon chose “TIF” for a Raw File extension, I’ll never know - CRW and CR2 should suffice, surely)

The good news from it is that there is confirmation that Canon will be releasing a RAW codec for Windows Vista.    I just wish they’d hurry up and join Nikon and others that already have that support ‘out-of-the-box’.

I shoot almost exclusively in RAW now - So I usually need to install some bits of software to actually get at my photos (even for just a basic preview).

Canon have released the specs of their new Canon EOS 1D Camera, and it looks particularly nice:

• APS-H Size Sensor (NB: NOT Full-Frame, see below “1D vs 1Ds”)
• 10.1 Megapixels
• 10 Shots/sec, for about 110 JPEG Photos
  (Note: They tested on a 1GB CF Card, I assume that with a faster and larger card, you might get more)
• Weather sealing (as per all 1D and 1Ds)
• ISO 100 to 3200 (plus expansions to ISO 50 and ISO 6400)

The significant improvment in shots-per-second (10 shots per second, Up from 8.5 on the 1D Mark II), even with larger file sizes (10.1Mpx, up from 8.2Mpx on the 1D Mark II) is due to having two “DIG!C III” image processing chips running in parallel.

The sensor is also very very low noise - even at ISO 3200, the image appears to be almost as good as that from my 20D on any setting. So, when Canon say that the ISO 6400 setting is “highly usable”, they’re not bluffing.

They have added some other features - like a “Live Preview” - i.e what you get on a Point-and-shoot camera by default. It’s not something I’ve been particularly hanging out for on a DSLR - at least, not since I got used to using an SLR anyway.   The larger preview screen, however is probably more useful. Even if the pro’s do call it “chimping“.

 Lets just hope that Canon finally included the current ISO setting in the TTL preview, something several others have complained about before.

Oh - and go gawk at the sample images.  Oh, and all (bar one) of the samples were taken with L-series lenses - some of them worth over AUD$11,000.

EOS 1D vs EOS 1Ds

A lot of people get confused when talking about the Canon EOS 1D and Canon EOS 1Ds.  Here’s the differences:

There are, of course - other differences - but these are the major ones. Both models have weather sealing too.

Basicly, the 1D has always been aimed more at the sports and wildlife photographer or papparazzi type - those that have little time to get the right shot, and no possibility of a second chance.  i.e the ultimate in “spray and pray” photography.  

The 1Ds has been aimed more at fashion and others that need very large exposures, but don’t want to, or can’t use a digital medium-format camera. Plus, if you have a significant investment in EOS lenses, you don’t want to go re-purchasing them all again for a medium-format.