Canon replace EOS 300V with EOS 300X

Canon announce their latest analogue SLR camera, the EOS 300X. Replacing the popular EOS 300V, the EOS 300X produces the fastest AF speed in its class with 7-point wide area AF, while 2.5fps in AI SERVO AF mode gives the camera class-leading predictive focus speed. The camera can fire off up to 3fps in One Shot AF mode and Flash metering is upgraded to Canon’s new distance linked E-TTL II system. The camera will sell as body only, or as a kit with the new Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III, which is compatible with the E-TTL II flash metering.

Shutter speed is increased and now extends from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec, with flash synchronisation at 1/125 sec. AF points can be manually selected with new ergonomic cross keys, which fall under the fingers for intuitive, one hand operation. The more compact body has an improved ergonomic design and features a luxuriant dark metallic finish and a rubber skin on the grip. A large 30 x 30 mm illuminated LCD shows all key camera controls at a glance, while the durable body features a rugged metal lens mount. Extremely quiet shutter release and motor wind makes the camera suited for shooting in situations where discretion is required.

“The EOS 300X succeeds the EOS 300V; Europe’s best selling analogue SLR camera for 15 consecutive months[1]. This launch confirms Canon’s commitment to film SLR photographers", said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “Film continues to be the medium of choice for many photographers, who deserve the latest and best that technology has to offer.”

New E-TTL II flash metering
The EOS 300X employs the new E-TTL II metering system for high precision and stable exposures with both the built-in flash and external EX Speedlites. E-TTL II improves flash results by linking distance information to the metering sensor readings from the pre-flash. Flash calculation eliminates errors caused by subject reflection by ignoring highly reflective areas. The new system also allows pre-focus to be used to alter composition without risking under or over-exposure caused when a subject is not in the focus point. The new exposure algorithm also exposes white objects more correctly, resulting in more natural exposures of subjects such as wedding dresses and china.

Wide focus
7-Point wide area Auto focus (five horizontal focusing points with two above/below the centre point) ensures rapid focus establishment, even with non-centered subjects. Points are selectable, their position superimposed in the viewfinder for easy navigation. The broad spread of focusing points gives the EOS 300X the widest AF area in its class. The AF mode select button switches between One-Shot AF (for static subjects), AI SERVO AF (for predictive tracking of approaching or receding subjects) and AI Focus AF which automatically switches between One-Shot and Servo modes, depending on the subject’s movement. To accommodate users wearing prescription glasses, a dioptric adjustment allows the viewfinder focus to be altered from –2.5 to +0.5.

Accurate Metering
35-Zone evaluative light metering uses significantly more metering zones than competing brands, taking readings from across the entire frame to deliver consistently accurate exposures. An evaluation algorithm identifies and subsequently rejects particularly bright zones. This lessens the chance of irregular exposures and assures balanced exposure – even in difficult light situations. Exposure modes include Program (P), Shutter-priority (Tv), Aperture-priority (Av) and Manual (M), and Auto depth of field (A-Dep). A-Dep measures closest and furthest focusing points in the frame before selecting the best settings for optimum depth of field. Six PIC program modes include Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, and Night Portrait. Shutter speeds range from 1/4000th to 30 seconds, as well as bulb exposure. Users can set six custom functions to recall favourite settings from a range of 12 variables, including first or second curtain flash, two or 10 second self-timer delay, and an automatic or fixed 1/125 sec flash sync speed in the Av mode. This feature allows the flash to be synchronised to 1/125th shutter speed, with the aperture fixed to the user’s preferred setting.

Checks and balance
A safety release lock (SRL) function prevents the camera from firing if there is no film in the camera or if there is no lens attached and a camera shake warning helps prevent shots that might result in image blur.

Powerful flash
The powerful built-in retractable flash has a guide number of 13 and delivers a wide angle of coverage, suitable for lenses to 28mm. When in use, the flash head extends high above the lens, helping to eliminate lens shadow and reduce red-eye. As with all EOS cameras, the EOS 300X is compatible with all current EX Speedlite flash units.

New lens
The EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III is a lightweight, compact standard zoom lens, developed as a best match for the EOS 300X. Designed to synchronise perfectly with the camera’s auto focus algorithms, the camera/lens combination is capable of exceptionally fast auto focus. It also passes distance information back to the camera for use by the E-TTL II flash metering. Using only lead-free glass, the lens incorporates an aspherical element for high corner-to-corner resolution throughout the entire zoom range. When kitted with the EOS 300X, the lens is available in an attractive silver finish to match that of the EOS 300X body. A black version will be available when sold separately.

Accessories and additional lenses
As with all EOS cameras, the EOS 300X is compatible with any of the 60+ lenses in Canon’s EF range[2]. Optional extras include a battery pack BP-220, soft case EH-15L and remote controllers RC-1 and RC-5, and the vast array of EOS system accessories.