Using Multiple AF Points On The Canon 1D X And 5D III

The new 61-point, High Density Reticular AF system used in both the EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS-1D X allows tremendous flexibility and control, and ability to set it up to capture nearly any type of subject matter. One of the biggest advantages this wide-area AF system provides is the ability to use more than one single AF point at a time. And, this can be done in a multitude of ways.

We've discussed AF Area Selection settings in a separate article for the EOS-1D X here on the Canon Digital Learning Center; the options for the new EOS 5D Mark III are the same. But we'd like to explore the possibilities in a more application-based way, and hopefully simplify the options and where they can be utilized to their fullest. There will certainly be times where using a single AF point will deliver the optimum focus results in a given situation. But by understanding how to exploit the advantages of a true Area AF system, users will be to adjust to the situation, and get even better results.

Why not just use a single AF point?

With 61 available AF points, any time you're using one single AF point, you're dealing with a relatively small area of AF coverage. Even though the actual area covered by an AF point does extend beyond the area you see in the viewfinder, it remains a very small portion of the entire focus screen – and with many subjects, a small part of the subject you're trying to focus upon. Sometimes, this is fine. Especially with a stationary subject, when you want to get precise sharp focus on one small part of a subject or scene, using a single, manually-selected AF point is often the way to go. And for users who want to take this to the next level, you can choose Spot AF, which further reduces the size of an AF point, allowing focus on an even more precisely-chosen part of a scene.

Precise focus sounds great. But in some cases, focusing on just a small part of a subject can be a problem, or lead to focus errors and soft pictures.

Even with an AF system as advanced as that in the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X, the system still demands that the active AF point(s) see some detail or texture at the subject in order to be able to assess focus properly. This is vital: if using a single AF point, and that point falls upon a part of a subject that doesn't have much of detail, texture or contrast, it's entirely possible for the AF system to either hunt back and forth (if it's set to One-Shot AF mode), or to allow soft frames to sneak into a sequence of shots in AI Servo AF. This may not be a problem when shooting a finely-detailed, non-moving subject. But it can become a significant issue when photographing anything that's moving – it can sometimes be hard to keep the active AF point on the subject itself, let alone to keep it steadily on a detailed area of that subject.

The sample here is very typical: with little detail in the young man's shirt, the AF system is forced to look at a small area of his mid-section for folds in the shirt, texture and so on to try to ascertain sharp focus. Not always easy – and the problem is compounded if the subject is moving!

When more than one AF point becomes active, the AF system suddenly can look around for extra help whenever it needs it.

AF Point Expansion – the pro's first option

Many serious enthusiasts and professionals are used to manually selecting one AF point and working exclusively with that. Nothing wrong with this approach, although as just mentioned, you need to find a way to have the active AF point see real detail at the subject for best results.

One way is to move off-center, and manually select an AF point that's going to fall more upon a detailed part of the subject. The obvious example is to move it upward toward the face of a human subject, and this is often a good strategy.

But another option is to expand the size of the active AF point area. The 61-point AF system in the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D X is especially well-suited for this, and the first method is via AF Point Expansion. This process calls upon the shooter to manually select an AF point, but the point is now surrounded by either four or eight additional "assist points". Using this AF Area selection type, the photographer initially focuses using the central, principal AF point that he or she has selected – the "larger box" of the ones visible in the finder, and in the accompanying illustrations here. But with surrounding AF points also active an on stand-by, if the principal AF point either loses track of the subject, or encounters an area without sufficient contrast and detail, one or more of the surrounding AF points immediately become active and will continue to read and track the subject.

With AF Point Expansion active, it's important to remember that the AF system still expects to perform most AF tasks using a single AF point – that is, the principal point the user has manually selected (again, it's indicated on-screen with the larger, central AF point visible, surrounded by smaller AF point icons). The remaining points in the expanded area are usually waiting to be called into action, but only if the principal point has trouble continuing to track or find the subject you're shooting.

Expanding the size of an AF point can also be useful when tracking relatively small objects (an obvious example is birds in flight), where it may be very difficult to keep one AF point continuously upon the subject. With a larger "cluster" of active points, if the subject suddenly leaves the principal AF point, the surrounding points instantly kick-in to try to locate and continue to hold focus on that subject.

Controlling how quickly the system changes AF points

There's a built-in algorithm in the AF system that's designed to smoothly move AF points from one to the next when multiple AF points are active. But in an example like the figure skaters illustrated here, it may be prudent to speed-up the system's responsiveness. That can be easily done in the AF menu, in a couple of different ways:

• Using the AF Configuration Tool (first AF menu), select either Case 5 or Case 6. The difference is that Case 5 presumes a subject like the figure skaters, who aren't rapidly moving toward or away from the camera. Case 6 would be preferable for something like a bird in flight, that's both hard to keep upon one AF point, and that that's moving at a high rate of speed, too.
• Using the same Menu screen (with any of the six AF Cases active), refine the AF pt. auto switching setting. Press the RATE button to access the Detail Settings, and scroll to AF pt. auto switching. Moving this setting from "0" towards the "2" setting increases the speed and responsiveness the system will apply when it needs to change AF points. Keep in mind: the "0" setting is intended to be optimal for most everyday uses; simply changing it to level 1 or 2 just because they're "faster" may make the AF system seem more nervous during ordinary shooting.

Zone AF – keep sharpness on the nearest subject

Another AF Area option in the EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark II is Zone AF. First seen in the EOS 7D, it's been refined in the 61-point AF system to allow the user to pick any of nine possible locations within the AF array. So it certainly doesn't have to be used in the center area only! Depending on the location you select, either 9 or 12 points are active in each zone (it's not possible to increase or decrease the size of a given zone, other than to change its location).

With Zone AF, you're using an active cluster of AF points where all the points are active and ready to go. Whether you're using One-Shot AF or tracking a moving subject with AI Servo AF, the Zone AF option always seeks to focus upon the nearest subject visible within the active zone of AF points. It can be ideal when you have more than one subject – especially if they're moving – and you want to insure that the nearest one to the camera is the one that's held in sharpest focus. And even when you have only one subject, Zone AF makes it a lot easier to keep it within the AF system's field of view, and insure at the same time that the nearest part of the subject is what will be focused upon. While it's true that the most critical of professional bird shooters, for example, might prefer to keep a single AF point upon the eye of a flying bird, the difficulty of this technique with a bird in flight makes Zone AF a welcome alternative for many photographers.

The point or points within the zone that correspond to that nearest subject (or nearest part of a subject) are the ones that will be used; when in AI Servo AF and tracking a moving subject, the points will continuously be updating their information, and active points within the zone will change as needed. Normally, you'll see this happening in the viewfinder, but if you find it annoying, it can be hidden from view (5th AF menu screen > AF point display during focus).

Again, Canon's new 61-point AF system allows the user to tailor just how quickly these changes of active AF point occur during a shooting sequence. The AF pt. auto switching option (see above) can be used to either speed-up or slow-down the system's tendency to change which AF points within the Zone you've chosen will be used to keep focus on the nearest subject in a scene.

Zone AF isn't for every situation. The main thing to remember is its goal of keeping the sharpest plane of focus upon the nearest thing within the zone of active AF points. Even with something as ordinary as a speaker at a podium, for instance, Zone AF might well try to put sharpest focus on the podium, rather than the speaker's face, if it's used without care. But applied in the right conditions, Zone AF can be a terrific option when you feel the need to move beyond a single AF point.

Automatic AF point selection – use the entire 61-point AF area

From time to time, even the most critical EOS shooters may want to consider this AF Area setting, when simply pin-pointing focus with a single AF point isn't right option for a given situation. It's not new to the EOS 5D Mark III or EOS-1D X... Automatic AF point selection has been in the EOS system, in one way or another, for more than two decades. But with the power of the new 61-point AF system, and recent improvements in how it works when in AI Servo AF, it's worth re-visiting.

The first thing to make clear is that Automatic AF point selection is not the same as Zone AF or AF Point Expansion. Those AF Area settings rely on restricting AF operation to a limited area of the 61-point AF array. You can move that area up and down, and/or left and right, but it's a limited area for focus (albeit larger than a single AF point). But with Automatic AF point selection, the entire 61-point area becomes potentially available for focus.

The next thing is that unlike AF Point Expansion or Zone AF, Automatic AF point selection works differently depending upon whether you're in One-Shot AF mode (locking focus on non-moving subjects) or using AI Servo AF to focus-track a moving subject.

• One-Shot AF mode: 
  Camera focuses upon the nearest subject taken-in by the 61-point AF array; the point or points that are used to actually focus on that nearest subject will be highlighted in the viewfinder momentarily, so the shooter knows what the camera has decided upon. (This behavior is essentially identical to all previous EOS models when Automatic AF point selection is combined with One-Shot AF.)
• AI Servo AF mode: 
  Photographer selects any ONE AF point to begin focus-tracking a moving subject; if subject then moves away from that first point, any of the remaining 60 AF points are called-in to find and continue to track its movement. Unlike either Zone AF or Automatic AF point selection with One-Shot AF active, this combination of settings won't simply try to focus on the nearest subject – once it's identified a main subject, it attempts to stick with it.
  With most previous EOS cameras, Auto point selection with AI Servo required the user to start focus-tracking a moving subject initially with only the center AF point. The new EOS 5D Mark III, EOS-1D X and EOS 7D allow the user to manually pre-select any available AF point, and use this as the starting point to begin tracking a subject.

Automatic AF point selection is often looked down upon by critical, experienced shooters, who often prefer to be in direct control of where their cameras focus. But from time to time, it can be a real asset and time-saver. Refinements to the EOS 5D Mark III (and EOS-1D X) make it even more worthwhile to think about for use with solo moving subjects and AI Servo AF.

In One-Shot AF mode, Automatic AF point selection can be perfectly viable for run-and-gun candid shooting at events, where you typically are trying to focus on the nearest subject and want to insure no inadvertent focus is set on the background. When you're working quickly, it can also be useful when you know you'll be shooting fairly close to a primary subject (that you want to foucs upon), but want to include a lot of background info in the shot... think of on-location fashion shots with a model, taken from fairly close with a wide-angle or standard lens, with the model positioned well off-center.

In AI Servo AF, the new system will be very useful to try in situations where a moving subject is expected to move across the frame, and composition is as important as sharp focus. In other words, anyone can simply use the center AF point and move the camerato keep a moving subject sharp as it moves side-to side across the frame, but each shot will have pretty similar composition. With the ability to pre-set an active AF starting point, and let the camera take care of shifting AF points as the subject moves away from the first point, users can maintain better composition with a sequence of shots, and often still maintain good, sharp focus... even with long telephoto lenses.

One important difference between the EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS-1D X: while both share the same 61-point AF system and essentially the same AF optics and supporting electronics, only the EOS-1D X has the 100,000 pixel RGB metering system, and ability to activate "EOS iTR" – Intelligent Tracking and Recognition. This system uses not only AF information, but information about an initial subject's color, size and location (from the RGB metering sensor) to help guide the AF system to continually update AF points when Automatic AF point selection is combined with AI Servo AF. With the EOS 5D Mark III, this automatic switching of points to follow a moving subject is done strictly using info from the AF system, not the metering system as well.

Summary:

AF Point Expansion. Zone AF. Automatic AF point selection.

All are valid and valuable tools to have when pin-pointing focus with a single focus point may not be the best route to take. We've seen these options in the EOS 7D, with its 19-point AF system, but the new 61-point AF used in the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X underscores the power of using more than a single AF point.

The first key is understanding how each operates – since they're not identical – and then being able to apply their respective benefits to the type of shooting and types of subjects you're likely to encounter. These aren't necessary AF Area settings you'll use every day, all the time (although some shooters may do just that). But they are very valuable assets you can turn to when conditions call for it.

There's no such thing as one AF setting that will be perfect for every situation, but the beauty of the new Canon High Density Reticular AF system is the flexibility and options it offers to the working photographer, along with its blistering performance when shooting rapidly-moving subjects. We've outlined some examples of how multiple AF points can be applied to get better results, but most shooters will be able to come up with their own scenarios where it may be helpful to them.

Maybe the most important key point is understanding why using a single AF point and acquiring focus upon a small area of a subject or scene can sometimes be a risky proposition. Knowing how important detail, texture and contrast are to an AF sensor, it begins to make a lot more sense to occasionally open up the Canon tool box and at the very least experiment with using multiple AF points.

Canon Announces The Canon 1DX

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps).  Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon’s recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company’s 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

“The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains

The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera’s new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work.  The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor  – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level.  The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light.  When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning.  The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera’s new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon’s second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released.  The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8.  All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. (See image below for AF point configuration)

All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models).  A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.

Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection. (See image below AF point selection options.)

EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance

The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

Exposure Control

For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X’s 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure.  The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera’s automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.

Multiple Exposure Modes

The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X’s Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.

Super High Speed Mode

The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG mode[i]. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X’s 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.

Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording

Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work.  The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i )compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.

Canon’s all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB.  The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.

The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.

Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design

Photographers familiar with Canon’s EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement.  The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.

The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user’s thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally.  On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position.  The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.

This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV.  A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.

Connectivity

For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission.  If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent.  The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.

Accessories

Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models.  With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras.  In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.

The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera’s body.  Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting.  The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.

**Super High Speed Continuous shooting at 14 fps requires mirror lock and JPEG mode at ISO speeds less than 32000.