Canon Rebel XTi...

Looks like I was completely wrong about the 400D. It seems that Canon were launching the replacement for the Rebel XT (or the Canon EOS 350D, as it's known here in the UK) and not the Canon EOS 400D. Although, it may actually end up being called the 400D here... confused? I am...

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System and Canon's Picture Style technology, all in a lightweight, ergonomic body. The Digital Rebel XTi is proof positive that Canon continues to lead the way with our phenomenal digital SLRs.

According to the canon site, it has a few significant upgrades on the old model:
- High performance digital SLR with 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image processor. High performance digital SLR with 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image processor.
- Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with new user interface and wide viewing angle. Fast 3 frames-per-second shooting with 27-frame burst and a 0.2 second startup time. High precision, wide area 9-point autofocus system. Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with new user interface and wide viewing angle. Fast 3 frames-per-second shooting with 27-frame burst and a 0.2 second startup time. High precision, wide area 9-point autofocus system.
- Picture Style settings for a broad range of control over color, contrast and sharpening. Print/Share button featuring advanced camera direct capabilities for greater user control while direct printing. Picture Style settings for a broad range of control over color, contrast and sharpening. Print/Share button featuring advanced camera direct capabilities for greater user control while direct printing.
- Fully compatible with over 50 EF and EF-S Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories. Fully compatible with over 50 EF and EF-S Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories.
- Strong, lightweight body with the EOS Integrated Cleaning System including a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. Strong, lightweight body with the EOS Integrated Cleaning System including a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit.

Looks good, and may be a very affordable way to get into digital SLRs...

Canon 400D

I can't see anything on the Canon UK site about the 400D Digital SLR, but it looks like Canon China has spilled the beans... it appears to be a 10.1 megapixel CMOS, 2.5-inch LCD, 9 point AF, 1600 ISO setting, DIGIC II processor, ultrasonic dust removal, and, of course the Canon EF lens mount. But who knows? It's in Chinese, after all, and has been through Altavista, so I wouldn't trust any of it...

Canon may also have a nnounced a couple of new lenses. More details as they emerge.

Accentuate...

Just when my I thought my vicarious T-Shirt collecting days were over (I've been banned from buying T-Shirts), I see this stunning Koi long-sleeved women's T-shirt from Accentuate.
Not only is it fish-related (always a plus) but it's also got a story / concept:

An ancient Chinese myth has it that when a koi fish persists in swimming upstream against the rapid waters all the way to the top, then with every bit of its strength leaps off the waterfall, it will transform from a fish into a dragon.

And now for the bad news. They don't seem to deliver to the UK. I guess I'll just have to keep on browsing...

Categories: Life, Style

Ceramics in the City...

Coming soon to the Geffrye Museum in London, is Ceramics in the City, featuring 50 selected potters working in a range of styles, sizes and techniques. It's on from Friday 22 - Sunday 24 September 2006 and is now in its fifth year.

I can't seem to get the PDF of the Press Release to work at the moment, but I'm expecting that this year will be even better than 2005.

Categories: Art, Life

London Motor Show

The London Motor Show, held in London' Excel, is now over. While there were many car premières and launches, including the Jaguar XKR (pictured), the Aston Martin Rapide, and the MX5 Roadster Coupe, the big surprise for me was the number of marques missing / absent from the show.
There was no representation from Audi, Volkswagon or even Porsche; the supercar marques were largely relegated to a couple of examples in the "Supercar Paddock", rather than there own stands; and the majority of the premières were novelty buggies (such as the Citroen C-Buggy or the Toyota AYGO).
I've posted a few pictures in a Flickr set, and many more can be found here.

Categories: Gear