| Field-test of the Canon EOS-1v
Professional 35mm AF SLR camera - Part One. The new Canon EOS-1v can be described in one word Ö Fun-tastic! It is really fun to use and a fantastic camera to own, if you can afford it. It is also the first EOS model to use a magnesium alloy for its top body plate and front cover as opposed to the glass fiber-reinforced polycarbornate laminated metal construction employed in the original EOS-1, EOS-1N/1N RS and the EOS-3 (the outer layers of these cameras are polycarbonate but internal sections are metal). The Canon EOS-1v fits the palm nicely, especially for those with large hands. When it is fitted with the Power Booster E2 (PB-E2), the balance is even more assured when telephoto zoom lenses like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM and the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM are fitted. Like its predecessors, the EOS-1v can also be used with the older Power Drive Booster E1 (PDB-E1) and Battery Pack BP-E1. I am not going to delve into a lot of the technological features (except where they matter) of the EOS-1v in this column since most of the EOS users and other photo enthusiasts alike are able to read all about that in Canon Malaysia's "Camera and Lenses" as well as the "What's New" sections of this homepage. I am only going to show how well the camera can cope with the types of daily assignments that professional photographers will be subjecting it to, like news features and offbeat events, travel, nature, sports and others. Among the important aspects for a pro-level 35mm AF SLR is its metering system, aside from ease-of-use and fast motor-drive firing rate. The EOS-1v will gradually replace the EOS-1N, as there are still enough units available worldwide that will enable the latter to celebrate its sixth anniversary of existence in September 2000, despite the fact that the production has since been stopped to make way for the former.
One thing is for sure: Initial impression on the EOS-1v based simply on the publicity photographs, available on the Net, product brochures and first glance previews among photo magazines, may not make an existing EOS-1N owner consider buying one as yet. None of these are going to convince such owners to upgrade to the EOS-1v until they have actually tested one, via demo units available at photo trade shows, official launches and other public displays of the camera for consumers to have a grasp of it. Once they have tested or played around with an EOS-1v, the temptation to own one is greatly enhanced, and these EOS-1N owners will also not give a second thought to any other 35mm SLR camera, whether manual or autofocus version, anymore. Hard to believe? Don't worry, you will eventually be bowled over. Trust me. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . |
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