By Diane Berkenfeld

With Canon Expo happening next week in New York City, one had to wonder whether or not there would be any photography announcements coming this week from the company. The answer is a definite yes! Canon today introduced the EOS 60D DSLR, a replacement to the EOS 50D. The camera is designed for advanced amateurs but we’re sure to see it show up in the gear bags of pro shooters too. Canon also introduced four pro lenses and two tele-extenders. The lenses include new 300mm f/2.8 and 400mm f/2.8 prime telephoto lenses—pro glass for sure, with hefty price tags.

The 18MP EOS 60D is Canon's first DSLR to utilize a vari-angle LCD.

The EOS 60D is Canon’s first DSLR that utilizes a vari-angle LCD. The 3-inch LCD can be tilted up or down for ease of use when shooting stills or video. Ideal for capturing very low-angle or overhead shots that would otherwise be hard to compose.

The EOS 60D offers 18MP of resolution, utilizing an APS-C sized image sensor, and utilizes Canon’s proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor. Other features include a new 9-point AF system, Canon’s pro-level iFCL Metering System, and a frame rate of full resolution images up to 5.3 frames per second. ISO range is 100-6400 expandable to 12,800. Images are recorded to SD media, and the camera can utilize the newer SDHC and SDXC media cards. The camera also features a built-in pop-up flash with integrated Speedlite Transmitter that can control up to two groups of off-camera Speedlights.

The camera also features a number of EOS “firsts” including a new Multi-Control Dial which offers streamlined camera navigation. Responding to customer requests, the EOS 60D also features a locking mode dial, which makes camera operation more secure by preventing inadvertent changes to the photographer’s selected shooting mode. In-camera RAW image processing features let you edit in-camera, producing optimized JPG files without effecting the RAW data. This feature lets you process Picture Style, White Balance, Color Space, High-ISO Noise Reduction, and more. The EOS 60D also offers a new image resizing function which lets you downsize full resolution JPGs for display on HDTVs or for quick uploading to the web. The downsized image file is saved along with the original high-resolution file.

Canon also added new creative filters, which have been incorporated into the Canon PowerShot point and shoot cameras for some time. These artistic filters let you create a second “filtered” JPG file leaving the original RAW or JPG file unaffected when used applied to a captured still image. The four creative looks include soft focus, grainy B&W, “Toy Camera” and Canon’s Miniature Effect which simulates the look of a tilt-shift lens.

In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 60D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing. The EOS 60D camera’s movie mode also includes manual controls for exposure as well as manual audio levels in 64 steps, much like the latest firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II HD-SLR. Standard Def. video can also be captured

An in-camera movie editing feature has also been added to the camera. The EOS 60D also includes Canon’s Movie Crop mode, which allows you to achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video. When using this mode, the camera crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution.

The Canon EOS 60D DSLR camera is scheduled to hit store shelves in late September. MSRP for the body-only is $1,099. The camera will also be offered in a kit version with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,399. The Canon BG-E9 battery grip accessory is expected to ship at the same time with an estimated price of $270.

New Pro Lenses and Tele-Extenders

Canon also introduced four new L-series lenses and two tele-extenders for the pro. They are the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens, EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, and two fast prime lenses: EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses; and two new tele-extenders: Canon Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III.

Immediately noticeable to Canon shooters is the fact that these new L-series lenses feature a more neutral white tone than earlier lenses. This new shade of white will be used for all future Canon L-series lenses.

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

According to Canon, the EF 8-15mm f/4L USM is the world’s widest fisheye zoom lens. It delivers 180º diagonal angle of view images for all EOS DSLR cameras whether they utilize a full-frame image sensor or the smaller APS-C sensor. The lens provides 180º circular fisheye images for full-frame EOS cameras. Both still photographers and cinematographers are sure to love this new lens.

The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens is expected to be available in January 2011 for an approximate retail price of $1,400.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens is the ideal telephoto zoom lens for advanced amateurs. An updated optical image stabilization system compensates for camera shake up to an equivalent of four full shutter-speed steps, a full step improvement compared to earlier EF 70-300mm lenses.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens is expected to be available toward the end of October for an approximate retail price of $1,500.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the sixth generation of the Canon 300mm f/2.8 lenses that first appeared in 1974. This lens features a lighter weight, improved Image Stabilization, and enhanced durability. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation. Canon has enhanced the durability of this lens by using more magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches. Additionally, a new security slot attachment has been included on this lens to allow a wire-type security lock to be easily affixed, a great safety feature for professionals shooting from high vantage points above arenas and crowds.

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $7,000.

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

Ideal for the professional sports photographer, Canon’s EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the fifth generation in Canon’s 400mm f/2.8 series and the successor to the current EF 400mm introduced in 1999. The new lens is lighter than its predecessor. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation. Canon has enhanced the durability of this lens by using more magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches. The new security slot attachment has also been included on this lens as well.

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $11,000.

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III & Canon Extender EF 2x III

The Canon Extender EF 1.4x III & Canon Extender EF 2x III are direct replacements of the current extenders offered by Canon. They have been designed to provide faster autofocusing and improved AF precision with compatible EF lenses. Each extender features a newly developed microcomputer that increases AF precision when the extenders are used with a IS Series II EF super-telephoto lens.  Both extenders are equipped with rubber gaskets and seals to enhance weather resistance.

The Canon Extender EF 1.4x III & Canon Extender EF 2x III are expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $500 each.

For more information, go to www.cusa.canon.com.