Sydney, 17 September 2008: Canon Australia today announced the highly-anticipated EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, successor to Canon's acclaimed EOS 5D. The new model sets the benchmark in full-frame Digital SLR cameras and is perfect for enthusiasts and professional photographers seeking unrivalled image quality and high performance.

The EOS 5D Mark II boasts a range of new features, enabling users to take their photography to unprecedented levels, including Live View movies in Full High Definition (HD) and increased ISO capabilities to an incredible range of 50-25600.

Packed with Canon's core technologies, the EOS 5D Mark II ensures Canon users continue to achieve the superior quality and creative control that they have become accustomed to with the popular predecessor model.

"Canon's range of EOS digital SLR cameras continues to evolve through our own research and development and through the specific feedback we receive from our current EOS users," states Chris Macleod, Brand Manager - Digital SLR, Consumer Imaging Products Group, Canon Australia. "New and improved technologies such as Canon's DiG!C 4 Image Processor and Live View Movies enables Canon to continually bring incredible performance to photographers,"

Full Frame for Fine Detail and High Image Quality
Central to the EOS 5D Mark II's outstanding image quality is its high resolution 35mm full-frame, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. In addition, 14-bit A/D conversion results in finer tonal gradation.

The EOS 5D Mark II offers the widest ISO speed range of any EOS digital camera, with a standard range of 100-6400, which can be extended to an incredible 50-25600 with ISO expansion (three stops more than its predecessor). Like never before, photographers are now able to capture incredible subject detail in extremely low light conditions. In addition, precise, low noise images can be achieved using the low ISO speeds - a must for professionals and high end enthusiasts who are producing large detailed images.

The EOS 5D Mark II also features Canon's newly developed DiG!C 4 Image Processor, recently announced in Canon's new EOS 50D. Building on DiG!C III's high-speed rendering of fine detail and natural colour reproduction, DiG!C 4 provides even faster signal processing. This detailed processing of large-volume data at extremely high speed satisfies professional demands for exceptional image quality and responsiveness in any shooting situation.

New Features to Expand Shooting Possibilities
The EOS 5D Mark II features Live View movies and boasts an industry first with Full HD recording quality. Canon incorporated this feature in response to photographer's demands for a camera that could shoot both stills and video in High Definition. In any shooting mode users can capture still photos and movies in Full HD quality or standard TV quality (VGA), making this the ideal camera for photographers who need to efficiently capture stills and movies without compromising on quality.

Like other Canon DSLR models, the EOS 5D Mark II features Live View shooting with Auto Focus capabilities. This allows photographers to preview images in real time on the 3.0-inch VGA LCD monitor with 920,000 dots for greater flexibility and creative composition. Similar to the recently announced EOS 50D, the EOS 5D Mark II also features live Face Detection mode in Live View shooting. By distinguishing human faces in each shot and adjusting the focus and exposure accordingly, Live Face Detection allows photographers to ensure their subjects are captured clearly and accurately.

Compatible with Canon's range of EF lenses (excluding EF-S lenses), the EOS 5D Mark II is the camera for serious enthusiasts and professional photographers who to take their photography further with no limitations.

Canon Launches New High-Performance Wide Angle Lens
To support its extensive EOS system, Canon has also announced a new high-grade, fast, wide angle lens for professional photographers, the EF24mm f/1.4L II USM (successor to the EF24mm f/1.4L USM). The new lens is the brightest large diameter f/1.4 high-performance wide-angle L lens in the 24mm class. Improvements have been made in the periphery area of the lens, a requirement brought about from the rapid advancement of high resolution sensors available in EOS DSLRs. The circular aperture in the new EF24mm f/1.4L II USM produces beautiful blur effects and the also offers high resistance to dust and water droplets.

The Perfect DSLR Companion - the PowerShot G10
Canon also welcomed the PowerShot G10 to its second half 2008 line-up. Incorporating DSLR capabilities into a compact body, the PowerShot G10 makes the ideal companion to the EOS 5D Mark II. An upgrade from the highly acclaimed G9, the PowerShot G10 features Canon's new DiG!C 4 Image Processor, new 28mm wide lens and increased megapixels while retaining the prized RAW format mode. Canon's PowerShot G10 will impress professionals or photo enthusiasts looking to support their DSLR gear with a more portable option.

The EOS 5D Mark II body will be available in Body Only (RRP TBC), and as a Premium Kit with the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens (RRP $TBC). These kits will all be available from December 2008 through Canon dealers nationally. For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website canon.com.au