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Canon expands professional EOS system with new lens and accessories.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 February, 2007: Canon today releases its latest L-series EF lens along with several accessories optimised for its new professional SLR, the EOS-1D Mark III.

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is set to become the ultra wide-angle zoom of choice for professionals. With vastly improved peripheral sharpness, it replaces the popular EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM as Canon’s leading wide-angle zoom. A constant f/2.8 aperture ensures exceptional low light performance and depth-of-field control throughout the zoom range.

In combination with the EOS-1D Mark III, Canon expands the professional EOS system with the following accessories:

* Speedlite 580EX II – When connected to the EOS-1D Mark III, the Speedlite 580EX II allows for weather resistant flash shooting and flash control via the camera’s menu system. Replacing the Speedlite 580EX, it offers faster, silent recycle times and a more durable build quality. A new Off-Camera Shoe Cord, Compact Battery Pack and Speedlite Bracket (also released today) maintain moisture and dust resistance for off camera shooting.
* Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – Smaller, lighter and more versatile than its predecessor, the unit enables wireless image transfers to computers and remote FTP servers. Support for HTTP means that picture editors can connect to the EOS-1D Mark III over the internet – allowing them to view, select and download images from the camera’s memory card moments after capture. PTP connection mode enables two-way communication between the EOS-1D Mark III and a computer for wireless remote shooting with the supplied EOS Utility software.
* Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 – Like the Data Verification Kit DVK-E2, the Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 can detect whether an image has been changed since it was captured by the camera. In addition to data verification, Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 supports image encryption for protection of critical images.

EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM – Superior image quality

Canon’s engineers have completely redesigned the optics on the EF 16‑35mm f/2.8L II USM to deliver higher contrast levels and improved resolving power. To ensure corner-to-corner sharpness and contrast throughout the focal range, the lens includes three types of aspherical lens elements (ground, replicated and glass moulded). Two UD lens elements virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, while Super Spectra lens coatings suppress flare and ghosting.

Rapid auto focus is driven by a virtually silent Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) incorporating Canon’s latest auto focus algorithms. Full-time mechanical manual focus override is also provided. As with all L-series lenses, the EF 16‑35mm f/2.8L II USM is weather sealed to protect against dust and moisture.

A new 82mm Protect filter for the EF 16‑35mm f/2.8L II USM has been released to coincide with today’s launch.

Speedlite 580EX II – Increased durability

The Speedlite 580EX II improves on many of the specifications of its predecessor. Recycling is silent and up to 20% faster. Weather seals ensure that when attached to the EOS-1D Mark III, the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 achieves the same level of dust and moisture resistance as the camera itself. A redesigned metal flash foot plate and connector pins allow more stable communication between the camera and flash, while a quick release mechanism minimises wear and tear on both units. The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm.

The new Off Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3, Compact Battery Pack CP-E4 and Speedlite Bracket SB-E2 also allow sealing against dust and moisture, giving photographers a complete system to achieve off-camera lighting effects in difficult weather conditions.

Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 – Faster workflows

Responding to feedback from Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1 users, Canon has expanded the functionality of the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 to also support two-way communication via peer to peer (PTP) and HTTP protocols. Remote users can trigger the shutter button or download images from the camera via an internet browser window, dramatically reducing the time it takes from capture to publication. The Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 offers users a greater degree of security by allowing up to 4 types of WEP encryption as well as WPA2-PSK, which supports high security AES encryption.

USB host functionality means photographers can shoot directly to external storage media on longer shooting assignments. The unit also supports recording of GPS data - when connected to a portable GPS device, the location and time of capture is automatically added to each image as EXIF data.

Requiring no additional batteries, the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 fits neatly onto the side of the EOS-1D Mark III and offers the same degree of weather resistance as the camera body.

Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 – New encryption feature

The Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 supports advanced image encryption when used with the EOS-1D Mark III, answering a need in the market for a secure way to transmit electronic images. The system works by writing captured images to a standard CF memory card, while the SD card slot contains the Original Data Security card (supplied with the kit) which acts as the encryption key. Encrypted images can be decrypted only by a computer with the same encryption key, allowing photographers to send images over public networks – such as wireless LANs or the internet – with the assurance that only the intended recipient can view them.

The Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 is capable of detecting the slightest (single bit) discrepancy in image data. For images shot with the EOS-1D Mark III and a GPS-connected Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2, it can also be used to verify that GPS data recorded at the time of capture has not been altered – an increasingly important consideration for news publications.

Listening to photographers

Developed with valuable feedback and advice from EOS photographers, today’s releases underline Canon’s commitment to the professional market. Canon’s policy of listening closely to its users has been central to the success of EOS over the last 20 years and will continue to be a cornerstone of future development.

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