Canon EOS


Canon EOS is an autofocus single-lens reflex camera and mirrorless camera series produced by Canon Inc. Introduced in 1987 with the Canon EOS 650, all EOS cameras used 35 mm film until October 1996 when the EOS IX was released using the new and short-lived APS film. In 2000, the D30 was announced, as the first digital SLR designed and produced entirely by Canon. Since 2005, all newly announced EOS cameras have used digital image sensors rather than film. The EOS line is still in production as Canon's current digital SLR range, and, with the 2012 introduction of the Canon EOS M, Canon's mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera system. In 2018 the system was further extended with the introduction of the EOS R camera, Canon's first full frame mirrorless interchangeable lens system.
The development project was called "EOS". EOS is also the name of the goddess of dawn in Greek mythology, which further signifies the design's generational stature.
The EOS emblem was created using Handel Gothic typography.
It competes primarily with the Nikon F series and its successors, as well as autofocus SLR systems from Olympus Corporation, Pentax, Sony/Minolta, and Panasonic/Leica.
At the heart of the system is the EF lens mount, which replaced the previous FD lens mount, which mainly supported only manual-focus lenses. The EOS R full frame camera introduced a new lens mount to the system – the RF mount.

EF lens mount

The bayonet-style EF lens mount is at the centre of the EOS camera system. Breaking compatibility with the earlier FD mount, it was designed with no mechanical linkages between moving parts in the lens and in the camera. The aperture and focus are controlled via electrical contacts, with motors in the lens itself. This was similar in some ways to Canon's earlier attempt at AF with the T80. Other manufacturers including Contax, Nikon's 1983 F3AF, and Olympus have since embraced this type of direct drive system. It is a large lens mount compared to most of its competition, enabling the use of larger aperture lenses.

EOS flash system

The flash system in the EOS cameras has gone through a number of evolutions since its first implementation. The basic EOS flash system was actually developed not for the first EOS camera, but rather for the last high-end FD-mount manual-focus camera, the T90, launched in 1986. This was the first Canon camera with through-the-lens flash metering, although other brands had been metering that way for some time. It also introduced the A-TTL system for better flash exposure in program mode, using infrared preflashes to gauge subject distance.
This system was carried over into the early EOS cameras wholesale. A-TTL largely fell out of favor, and was replaced by E-TTL. This used a pre-flash for advanced metering, and used the autofocus system to judge where the main subject was for more accurate exposure. E-TTL II, which was an enhancement in the camera's firmware only, replaced E-TTL from 2004.
Canon Speedlite-brand flashes have evolved alongside the cameras. They are capable of wired and wireless multi-flash setups, the latter using visible or infrared pulses to synchronise. Later models, including RT in their model name, can also communicate via radio links, where up to 16 units can make up a network. Canon also produces Speedlite accessories, including the OC-E3 Off-Camera Shoe Cord, which can be used to hand-hold the flash while allowing the camera to control it through the cord. The Off-Camera Shoe Cord is popular among portrait photographers who need to have more control over lighting than a camera mounted flash can offer.

EOS cameras

As of 2017, Canon has released no fewer than 70 EOS SLR and DSLR camera models, starting with the introduction of the EOS 650 in 1987. In the 1990s, Canon worked with Kodak to produce digital camera bodies, starting with the EOS DCS 3 in 1995. The first digital EOS SLR camera wholly designed and manufactured by Canon was the EOS D30, released in 2000.
Canon sold two EOS cameras designed to use the APS film format, the EOS IX and the EOS IX Lite.
Canon also sold a manual-focus camera, the Canon EF-M, which used the same EF lens mount as the EOS cameras. It came with all the automatic and manual exposure functions but lacked autofocus. It came equipped with a split-screen/microprism focusing screen for precise manual focusing.

Eye-controlled focusing

Through the tracking of eyeball movements, EOS cameras equipped with eye-controlled focusing were able to select the desired autofocus point in the scene, based on where the user was looking in the viewfinder frame. ECF was especially useful in sports photography where the subject may shift its position in the frame rapidly.
EOS cameras equipped with ECF were the EOS A2E, EOS Elan IIE, EOS IXe, EOS-3, EOS Elan 7E, and EOS Elan 7NE.
Canon did not continue its use of eye-controlled focusing in its digital SLRs. The EOS Elan 7NE was the last EOS camera to have this function.

Quick control dial

Most prosumer and professional level EOS cameras feature a large quick control dial on the camera back. The first consumer-level EOS camera with this feature was the EOS 760D/Rebel T6s, announced in February 2015. This feature allows easy adjustment of certain parameters using the thumb. The QCD is used for quick access to often-used functions that would otherwise require a more complicated procedure of button presses and dial clicks. Settings such as ISO button, Exposure Compensation button, or menus are all easily available through the QCD≈.
Cameras equipped with the QCD can easily be operated with one hand without taking the eye off the viewfinder.
A QCD is programmed to perform useful functions, which may include setting exposure compensation, setting of aperture in manual exposure mode, and scrolling of images and menus in digital EOS cameras.

Multi-point autofocus system

Currently, top-line EOS cameras have either 61 or 65 user-selectable autofocus points. Autofocus is a camera's ability to focus a lens automatically on an object by pressing down on the shutter button. Autofocus most often chooses the closest image in the field of view to focus on. The following EOS cameras feature such a system, with 61 points unless otherwise indicated:
The release of the 5D Mark III gave Canon the lead once again in this category; previously, its top-line cameras had 45 AF points, which led the industry until Nikon released its D3 and D300 DSLRs with 51-point AF systems.
A higher number of AF points increases the chances of a sharply focused photograph in situations where the subject travels across the frame at high speeds.
Having so many AF points also helps relieve the photographer from having to use the 'lock focus and recompose' method of framing a photograph that can introduce focusing inaccuracy. The camera generally focuses on the closest object or on human faces, which may not be what the photographer wants, so EOS cameras equipped with a multi-point AF system still allow the photographer to manually select an AF point.
The EOS-3, EOS-1v, all EOS-1D models prior to the EOS-1D X, EOS 80D, EOS 77D, and EOS 800D/Rebel T7i feature a 45-point AF system. Most Canon DSLRs introduced since late 2005, starting from the EOS 20D and the Rebel XTi, feature a nine-point AF system in a diamond-shape formation. The EOS 5D, released in 2005, takes this 9-point AF system a step further by introducing six more 'invisible' AF points in helping the camera acquire focus faster during subject tracking. There have been several exceptions to Canon's recent rule of a 9-point AF system. The EOS 1000D has the 7-point AF system of most older Canon DSLRs. The EOS 7D, released in 2009, has a 19-point AF layout, fitting essentially within the same diamond-shaped area of the frame as the nine-point layout. The EOS 70D, released in August 2013, inherited the 7D's 19-point layout, but with fewer AF control options. The 70D system was in turn handed down to the EOS 750D and 760D, announced in February 2015. As mentioned above, the EOS 5D Mark III, EOS-1D X, EOS 5DS/5DS R, and EOS-1D X Mark II have 61-point AF layouts. The EOS 6D, released in October 2012, has an 11-point layout. The EOS 80D, announced in 2016, marked the return of 45-point AF systems to the Canon EOS line, as well as the first appearance of a 45-point system in a non-professional body. This system was brought downmarket in 2017 with its inclusion in the upper-entry-level EOS 77D and mid-entry-level EOS 800D/Rebel T7i.
For the earlier generation of 45-point AF system, the central column of 1 or 2 sensors are cross-type sensors, which are sensitive to both vertical and horizontal lines to offer a high degree of accuracy. The EOS-1Ds Mk III, replaced by the EOS-1D X, has 19 cross-type sensors for higher accuracy, as well as placing the cross-type sensors to complement the Rule of Thirds. The other Canon professional SLR replaced by the EOS-1D X, the APS-H EOS-1D Mk IV, has 39 cross-type sensors, a major increase from the 19 of the Mk III. Of the 61 AF points of the EOS-1D X and 5D MkIII, 21 central points and 20 outer points are cross-type, and five central points are dual-cross-type. All 65 points of the 7D MkII are cross-type, but only the center point is dual-cross-type.
Similarly,, all AF points on later generations of the X0D series are cross-type sensors for higher accuracy, and the center sensor is dual-cross-type for even greater accuracy and sensitivity. In June 2012, the EOS 650D became the first consumer-level Canon to receive this AF system.

Naming scheme of EOS DSLR">Digital single-lens reflex camera">DSLR and SLR">Single-lens reflex camera">SLR cameras

Identical Canon models are sometimes marketed under different names in different parts of the world. For example, the EOS Rebel 2000 known in the Americas is also known as EOS Kiss III in Japan, and EOS 300 in other parts of the world.
Target market segmentCommon featuresInternationalAmericasJapan
Entry-level/consumerPentamirror viewfinder, lighter and cheaper build than other ranges, APS-C sized sensor on digital models. Built-in small pop-up flash unit. Single CF card slot on three-digit models starting with the 300D through the 400D ; single SD slot on all models since.3- or 4-digit model number
E.g., EOS 650D, EOS 300X, EOS 1100D, EOS 100D, EOS 4000D		Rebel
E.g., EOS Digital Rebel T3, EOS Rebel T4i, EOS Rebel SL1		Kiss
E.g., EOS Kiss Digital N, EOS Kiss X6i, EOS Kiss X7
Advanced amateur/midrangePentaprism viewfinder, higher frame rate and more rugged construction than contemporary "entry-level" models. Partial weather sealing and crop APS-C sized sensor on digital models. Built-in small pop-up flash unit. Single CF card slot on digital models through the 50D; single SD slot on the 60D and later models. Canon used a magnesium alloy construction in the 50D and prior models.2-digit model number
E.g., EOS 40D, EOS 70D.		Elan
E.g., EOS Elan 7N 		7-series
E.g., EOS 7s
Prosumer/high-endFull frame sensor, somewhat better weather sealing than the amateur enthusiast line, and tougher construction. No built-in flash unit. Single CF card slot on digital models except for the 5D Mk III, 5D Mk IV, 5DS/5DS R, and 7D Mk II, with two slots, and the 6D series, with one SD slot.
With the introduction of the EOS 7D in 2009 the 1-digit formerly reserved for full-frame cameras is now also used to designate crop-sensor cameras. The crop sensor models also retain the internal camera flash from the prosumer line.
The company's cheapest and most versatile full frame camera to date, the EOS 6D, was announced in September 2012. It was replaced by the 6D Mark II in June 2017.		1-digit model number
E.g., EOS 3, EOS 5, 5DS / 5DS R, 5D, 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark IV, 6D, 6D Mark II, 7D, 7D Mark II		Same as International, except EOS A2 Same as International
Professional/flagshipMore rugged build and better weather sealing than premium models, larger build with vertical grip, 100% viewfinder field of view, faster performance. APS-H sized sensors on 1D models through the Mark IV and 35mm "Full-frame digital SLR" sensors on 1Ds models; the most recent 1-series bodies, the Canon EOS-1D X, 1D X Mark II and 1D X Mark III, are full-frame. Single CF slot on the original 1D and 1Ds; dual card slots for redundancy/backup on all other models.Model number 1
E.g., EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1V, EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1D X Mark II		Same as InternationalSame as International

Naming scheme of EOS M Series MILC">Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera">MILC cameras

Naming scheme of EOS R Series MILC">Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera">MILC cameras

Film cameras

This is a list of the 35 mm Film and APS Canon EOS models in order of introduction:
Model Model Model Release date
EOS 650EOS 650EOS 650March 1987
EOS 620EOS 620EOS 620May 1987
EOS 750EOS 750EOS 750October 1988
EOS 850EOS 850EOS 850October 1988
EOS 630EOS 600EOS 630 QDApril 1989
EOS-1EOS-1EOS-1September 1989
EOS RTEOS RTEOS RTOctober 1989
EOS 10SEOS 10EOS 10 QDMarch 1990
EOS 700EOS 700EOS 700 QDMarch 1990
EOS RebelEOS 1000-October 1990
EOS Rebel SEOS 1000FEOS 1000 QDOctober 1990
EOS 10S commemorative kitEOS 10EOS 10 QDAugust 1991
EOS ElanEOS 100EOS 100 QD/EOS 100 PanoramaAugust 1991
EOS Rebel IIEOS 1000N-March 1992
EOS Rebel SIIEOS 1000FNEOS 1000S QDMarch 1992
EOS A2/A2eEOS 5EOS 5 QDNovember 1992
EOS Rebel XSEOS 500EOS KissSeptember 1993
EOS Rebel X––November 1993
EOS-1NEOS-1N/1N HS/1N DPEOS-1N/1N HS/1N DPNovember 1994
–EOS 5000EOS 888January 1995
EOS-1N RSEOS-1N RSEOS-1N RSMarch 1995
EOS Elan II/IIeEOS 50/50eEOS 55September 1995
EOS Rebel GEOS 500NNew EOS KissSeptember 1996
EOS IXEOS IXEOS IX EOctober 1996
EOS IX LiteEOS IX 7EOS IX 50March 1998
EOS-3EOS-3EOS-3November 1998
–EOS 3000EOS 88March 1999
EOS Rebel 2000EOS 300EOS Kiss IIIApril 1999
EOS-1vEOS-1vEOS-1vMarch 2000
EOS Elan 7/7eEOS 33/30EOS 7October 2000
––EOS Kiss III LNovember 2001
EOS Rebel XS NEOS 3000NCanon EOS 66February 2002
EOS Rebel TiEOS 300VEOS Kiss 5September 2002
EOS Rebel GII––March 2003
EOS Rebel K2EOS 3000VEOS Kiss LiteSeptember 2003
EOS Elan 7N/7NEEOS 33V/30VEOS 7sApril 2004
EOS Rebel T2EOS 300XEOS Kiss 7September 2004

Digital cameras

Prior to the introduction of the EOS D30 digital SLR, Kodak produced four digital SLRs also sold under the Canon brand. These cameras used a digital camera back with the image sensor and associated electronics designed and built by Kodak together with modified internals of the EOS-1N film SLR. Due to using the Canon EOS body, these four digital SLRs can accept EF lenses. The four cameras were:
ModelRelease date
EOS DCS3July 1995
EOS DCS1December 1995
EOS D2000/Kodak DCS520March 1998
EOS D6000/Kodak DCS560December 1998

After termination of the agreement by Canon, Kodak cooperated with Sigmawho at that time had a Canon licenseto produce the Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c based on a SA9 SLR body in 2004, which was compatible with EF lenses.
The following digital SLRs, starting from the D30, had bodies and sensors completely designed and manufactured by Canon.
Canon digital SLRs are equipped with a CMOS sensor. Canon designs and manufactures their own CMOS sensors.

Canon