SYDNEY, Australia — 18 October, 2011— Apple® today announced it has sold over four million of its new iPhone® 4S, just three days after its launch on 14 October. In addition, more than 25 million customers are already using iOS 5, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, in the first five days of its release, and more than 20 million customers have signed up for iCloud®, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it to all your devices. iPhone 4S is available today in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the UK, and will be available in 22 more countries on 28 October and more than 70 countries by the end of the year.

“iPhone 4S is off to a great start with more than four million sold in its first weekend—the most ever for a phone and more than double the iPhone 4 launch during its first three days,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPhone 4S is a hit with customers around the world, and together with iOS 5 and iCloud, is the best iPhone ever.”

iPhone 4S is the most amazing iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including Apple’s dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics; an all new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and Siri™, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking.

Pricing & Availability 
iPhone 4S comes in either black or white and is available in Australia for a recommended retail price (RRP) of AUD$799 inc GST for the 16GB model and AUD$899 inc GST for the 32GB model and AUD$999 inc GST for the new 64GB model. iPhone 4S is available from the Apple Online Store, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorised Resellers. iPhone 4 is available for just RRP AUD$679 inc GST and iPhone 3GS is available for RRP AUD$449 inc GST.

iPhone 4S will be available on 28 October in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Collection Brings Together Remastered Versions of Three Original Devil May Cry® Titles in Celebration of 10 Year Anniversary 

London, UK. — Oct. 17, 2011 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Devil May Cry™ HD Collection for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Devil May Cry™ HD Collection brings the first three original Devil May Cry® titles; Devil May Cry™, Devil May Cry™2, and Devil May Cry™ 3: Dante’s Awakening Special Edition together in one high definition package for the first time. The collection will be available early 2012 in Europe and North America.

Devil May Cry is one of Capcom’s most successful and critically acclaimed franchises, having sold more than 10 million units worldwide. Featuring Dante, one of the most iconic video game characters of the last decade, Devil May Cry HD Collection will be full of the award-winning gameplay and style that the series has become known for with the addition of stunning HD graphics, bonus content and support for Trophies and Achievements.

Debuting in 2001, Devil May Cry immediately redefined the action genre, achieving a metacritic of 94. The title captured gamers’ hearts through its stylish, over-the-top action and bad boy anti-hero Dante. Son to a human mother and a devil father named Sparda, the half-demon Dante uses his innate abilities and the powers of ancient demons to fight a one-man war against the forces of darkness and save humanity from damnation.

The follow up to Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2 centres on Dante and his new devilishly agile partner Lucia in their fight to defeat a horde of evil and a man hell-bent on achieving supreme power. Devil May Cry 2 released in 2003 and was praised for its variety of environments, additional playable character, new ideas and updated control scheme. 

Released in 2006, Devil May Cry™ 3: Dante’s Awakening Special Edition is the definitive edition of Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, featuring a number of enhancements, including the opportunity to play as Dante’s twin brother, Vergil, as well as the addition of Bloody Palace Mode and Turbo Mode.

ABOUT CAPCOM

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices.  Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Devil May Cry. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Tokyo Korea and Hong Kong, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan.  More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com.

Tuesday 18^th October 2011 – SEGA^® Europe Ltd. & SEGA^® America, Inc., today confirmed that a second demo is being released prior to the launch of the highly anticipated Sonic Generations™ game for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system. 

The first demo, released on June 23^rd 2011 – the anniversary of Sonic’s 20^th year – allowed fans to play as Classic Sonic only. Now the second demo means fans can finally play as Modern Sonic – as well as Classic Sonic again – in the stunning environments of the iconic Green Hill level from Sonic Generations™. Demo #2 for the game will be available via XBLA and PSN on 19^th October for Europe and Australia. 

Gamers will be able to get their hands on the full game on the 3^rd November when Sonic Generations™ finally hits stores for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system and PC digital download.  Sonic Generations™ PC boxed product and the Nintendo 3DS™ system will be released later in November 2011. 

For more information please visit www.sonicthehedgehog.com/generations 

About SEGA^® Europe Ltd.:

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA^® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega.com 

About SEGA^® of America, Inc.:

SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA^® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home.  The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com

NBN price truths: analysis reveals many price plans cheaper
on NBN than ADSL 2+

Many customers will pay less for plans on the National Broadband Network (NBN) than existing ADSL 2+ and line rental plans, according to an analysis by leading comparison site WhistleOut (click here to download). Price analysis of the four internet service providers that have announced NBN consumer pricing – iiNet, Internode, Exetel and iPrimus – shows the collective underlying prices for many NBN plans are cheaper, on a per gigabyte usage basis, than their existing monthly ADSL 2+ and phone line rental plans.

WhistleOut Director Cameron Craig, says, “On the NBN’s entry level speeds (12Mpbs and 25Mbps) we found consumers will actually be paying less than today’s ADSL 2+ and line rental plans for the equivalent usage, with savings of 23% to 43% on the entry level speeds (12Mbps). Our analysis centres on what people already pay for copper phone line rental and ADSL usage from the four providers.”

“However, as the speed options get faster on the NBN, consumer plans get more expensive than today’s ADSL2+ prices, with the highest increase being a combined hike of 66% across the four providers over today’s prices when you look at top NBN speeds of 100Mbps and mid-tier data usage,” says Cameron.

The high-speed network will make internet usage and interaction significantly faster for the majority of Australians. Currently, on the largest usage quota ADSL 2+ plan of 1000GB, it takes 9 days, 22 hours and 36min to download the 1000GB, compared to 7 hours and 9 minutes on the NBN’s highest possible speed of 100Mbps. Movies will take just one to two minutes to download on the top speeds.

“While 10 per cent of Australians already have access to high speeds via cable internet in metro cities, 90 per cent of Australians are on speeds from dial up to ADSL2+ with no guarantee of the actual speed they’ll get. Around 569,000 Australians are still on dial-up internet access. The NBN’s biggest benefit will be the democratisation of high speed internet access,”says Cameron.

Telstra and Optus are yet to announce their consumer pricing for the NBN, but have passed NBN Co’s certification process in readiness to test services and signed landmark agreements with NBN to share infrastructure. The network is forecast to be completed in 2020 and is currently being rolled out in states across Australia under the Regional Backbone Blackspots program and in Tasmania.

Logitech Alert Complete HD Video System Delivers No-Hassle Setup, Motion-Triggered Alerts, Access from Anywhere

SYDNEY, Australia — October 18th, 2011 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) today introduced Logitech® Alert™ to the Australian market, a complete HD digital video security system allowing for the surveillance of what matters most, the home. Whether it’s looking in on the house while travelling, checking in on the baby while at work, or monitoring the second home, the Logitech Alert™ 750i Master System and the weatherproof Logitech Alert™ 750e Outdoor Master System with night-vision allows the home-owner to be there, even when they’re not, by providing everything needed to monitor the home inside and out. The new Logitech Alert master systems come with a smart HD camera, powerful PC and Web software, and free remote viewing on a PC or Mac® computer, or smartphone.

To support easy expansion, Logitech also introduced the Logitech Alert™ 700i Add-On Camera and the Logitech Alert™ 700e Outdoor Add-On Camera. For those who are often away from home, Logitech Alert™ Web and Mobile Commander is an optional premium service that lets you watch video that is recorded and stored on your camera, and manage settings and alerts from the Web or your smartphone.

“The video security market is characterised by expensive, hard-to-install and hard-to-use security systems, as well as poor-quality monitoring cameras,” said Annabelle Woods, General Manager of Logitech Australia“ As part of our vision to bring HD video to anyone, anywhere, Logitech is thrilled to introduce a completely new video security solution to consumers and small businesses, which offers HD video quality and motion-triggered live viewing and recording at attractive price points.”  

No-Hassle Setup

Setting up the Logitech Alert security system just takes minutes with a simple three-step process – install the Logitech Alert software, connect to a network, and plug in the camera. Logitech Alert features HomePlug® AV networking, which means connecting the Logitech Alert camera is as easy as plugging in a toaster. There’s no new wiring or networking hassles – HomePlug AV uses existing electrical wiring and outlets to connect your cameras to your network.

Motion-Triggered Alerts and Recording – Capture Only What’s Important

Logitech Alert smart cameras also feature a built-in DVR (Digital Video Recorder), and automatically record video when motion is detected, letting you capture only important events. The Logitech Alert Commander software lets you define up to 16 motion zones, allowing you to easily pay attention to critical areas of your home while ignoring others – reducing false recordings. Logitech Alert cameras come equipped with a 2GB MicroSD card for storage, eliminating the need for your PC to always be on. The card can give you enough space for up to a week of video based on the amount of motion-triggered recording in a typical home. The recorded video is automatically backed up when a PC is connected to the network.

Capture Video More Clearly – Even at Night, in Any Condition

Every camera in Logitech’s new video security lineup captures high-definition 720p video and features a 130-degree wide-angle lens, making it easier to recognise the faces of potential intruders or the license plates of suspicious vehicles. The Logitech Alert 750e and 700e feature IP55 (International Protection Rating) certified, weatherproof outdoor cameras with powerful HD night-vision, allowing surveillance in complete darkness regardless of weather conditions.

Watch From Anywhere

Logitech Alert Commander software allows you to easily configure your video security system, watch live video, archive recorded video on a PC and review the recordings captured by the camera. The Logitech Alert master system includes free remote viewing of live video through a browser on a secure site from any Internet-connected computer or through Logitech’s free smartphone applications for iPhone®, Blackberry® and Android®. For power users who would like more control on the go, the premium Logitech Alert Web and Mobile Commander service provides access to all Logitech Alert PC software, even away from home.

Easily Expandable

There’s no need to limit security coverage to a single camera. Logitech Alert is designed to be easily expandable. Set up as many locations as required and mix and match up to six Logitech Alert cameras per location – indoors and out.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Alert 750i Master System and the Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master System will be offered for a suggested retail price of AUD 399.95 and AUD 499.95, respectively. The Logitech Alert 700i Add-On Camera and the Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-On Camera will be offered for the suggested retail price of AUD 299.95 and AUD 399.95, respectively. Logitech Alert Web and Mobile Commander will be available as a bundle with a seven-day free trial and a suggested retail price of USD 79.99 per per year.

All cameras are on shelves now at Dick Smith, Officeworks, LogitechShop, or online at Logitech.com.

Customer success stories
J. Prewitt: Crazy-determined thief in the back yard
After being burglarised 3 times in one week – storage sheds damaged and property stolen, her daughter suggested the Logitech 750E Security System. They installed the camera and caught their thief the very next day.

B. Jurgensen: East Coast Earthquake, August 2011
“This footage was recorded during the recent east coast earthquake – one of my pool, the other of my deck. The pool video was featured on the local Washington DC NBC affiliate and also used on the lead in to NBC Nightly News.”

M. Stewart: Two men steal the A/C unit off the front porch
“I was at work when I received an email of movement in my front yard. It also had a picture showing two men. So I logged onto my WiLife Online Account website and brought up the video footage. The camera caught the two stealing an A/C window unit off my front porch.”

To view other stories and the full video evidence visit, www.wilife.com/Customer-Stories/

To keep up-to-date with the latest Logitech Australia news
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LogitechAustralia or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/logitech_au.
About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech’s combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

BlizzCon^® Virtual Ticket allows viewers at home to watch sold-out show, including closing concert featuring Foo Fighters, on October 21-22 

IRVINE, Calif. – BlizzCon^® 2011, Blizzard Entertainment’s two-day festival celebrating the Warcraft^®, StarCraft^®, and Diablo^® game universes and their global player communities, begins on Friday, October 21, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. The sold-out show features a wide range of events and activities, including discussion panels with developers of Blizzard Entertainment games; intense eSports competition featuring top pro gamers from around the world; costume and dance contests hosted by comedian Jay Mohr; and an epic rock concert headlined by the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Foo Fighters. 

While tickets to BlizzCon sold out in seconds, viewers can watch at home by ordering a BlizzCon Virtual Ticket, offering over 50 hours of comprehensive live HD coverage of the event (including Foo Fighters’ performance) across four channels globally over the Internet. Those who order a Virtual Ticket will also receive this year’s BlizzCon-exclusive World of Warcraft^® in-game pet, the fearsome-ish Murkablo, as well as a yet-to-be-revealed StarCraft^® II in-game gift. DIRECTV^® customers in the United States can also order BlizzCon 2011 as a Pay Per View event and receive a Virtual Ticket for free. Limited streaming coverage of the BlizzCon opening ceremony and certain BlizzCon tournaments will be available via the Internet for free. More information on the Virtual Ticket can be found at www.blizzcon.com/live-stream/.

“Every BlizzCon, we look forward to meeting up with our players and sharing the latest news about our games with the world,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’ve put together a great lineup of events this year, capped off with an awesome Foo Fighters show, and we can’t wait to provide attendees and everyone joining us from home with an unforgettable weekend.” 

Previous BlizzCons have featured a variety of exciting events and announcements, including the unveiling of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm™, the first-ever public hands-on with Diablo III, and epic rock performances by Ozzy Osbourne and Tenacious D. 

This week, Blizzard Entertainment also launched a series of special charity auctions giving game enthusiasts a unique chance to own a piece of World of Warcraft history — original Hewlett Packard^® ProLiant server blades that once housed hundreds of different realms across North America and Europe. The net proceeds from the auction will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. Interested buyers can find more information on the auction schedule as well as a detailed FAQ at www.ebay.com/blizzard. 

BlizzCon would not be possible without the enthusiasm of Blizzard Entertainment gamers around the world and the generous support of the event’s sponsors, who provide demo-station hardware, peripherals, and more. This year’s sponsors are Intel, NVIDIA, ASUS, LG Electronics, Antec, SteelSeries, DIRECTV, Razer, and VASCO Data Security. 

Anyone attending BlizzCon who is interested in pursuing career opportunities at Blizzard Entertainment should bring their resumes, portfolios, or business cards. Members of different Blizzard teams will be on hand to review materials and discuss any job-related questions. More information on available career opportunities can be found at http://jobs.blizzard.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@BlizzardCareers. 

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft^® and the Warcraft^®, StarCraft^®, and Diablo^® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net^®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with dual OS ViewPad 10pro

ViewSonic releases ViewPad 10pro tablet with Windows 7 and Android

Sydney, Australia, October 18, 2011 – ViewSonic® Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced a new addition to its ViewPad tribe of tablets, the ViewPad 10pro. With dual operating systems, the ViewPad 10pro allows switching between Windows 7 and Android platforms at the click of a button and is powered by the Intel Oak Trail processor. Featuring two models, the ViewPad 10pro incorporates Windows 7 Professional with Android for business or Windows 7 Home Premium and Android for pleasure.

Presenting a 10.1-inch capacitive multi-touch screen, the ViewPad 10pro beams with LED backlighting and represents with 1024×600 resolution. The Intel Atom Z670 1.5GHz processor provides superior computing power for rapid Internet browsing and improved video playback, plus its energy efficient design enables long battery life. Dual operating systems allows the device to be used for work and play – simply touch an icon on the desktop to toggle between Windows and Android without rebooting to easily review business documents or enjoy the latest applications.

For work

Equipped with essential features, the ViewPad 10pro features Domain Join to connect to company networks easily and securely; full-system Backup and Restore that backs up files, folders and drives to a network; file encryption that helps secure confidential information; and Windows Mobility Center for greater productivity. A 1.3 megapixel front camera enables video calling to colleagues when out of the office; the built-in G-sensor flips the screen horizontally or vertically depending on how the device is held; and the ambient light sensor adjusts backlighting to provide the most comfortable viewing experience in different lighting environments.

For play

Supporting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the ViewPad 10pro meets web browsing, social networking and mobile office needs. Experience seamless e-mailing and high-definition video playback anytime, anywhere and make use of the optional dock which offers two USB ports, a microphone and a headphone jack. Storage includes 2GB system memory and up to 32GB solid state drive, and the 5000mAh high capacity battery supplies up to eight hours of battery life to power through an entire workday or hours of entertainment. Thin and light in design with reinforced edges for durability, the ViewPad 10pro presents power and portability in a sturdy package.

Available now in Australia, the ViewSonic ViewPad 10pro with dual operating systems – Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Home Premium and Android satisfies the suits for business needs and electrifies with digital entertainment for recreational users.

RRPs inc GST:

 About ViewSonic

ViewSonic® Corporation is a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions. ViewSonic develops, markets and supports a broad range of innovative products, including media and PC tablets, LCD monitors, PCs, projectors, digital signage displays, digital photo frames and other technology solutions. For more information, visit www.viewsonic.com.au.

Exceptional image quality and high-speed shooting performance combine to offer all professional photographers the ultimate camera for any shooting assignment 

Key features:

• Autofocus (AF) continuous shooting at 12 fps (14 fps with mirror lock-up)
• Full-Frame 18.1MP CMOS sensor with large pixel size and gapless microlens technology
• ISO range 100­­-51200 (L:50; H2: 204800) and low noise for high quality in all lighting conditions, including near-dark
• FULL High Definition movie recording, video industry standards compliance (ALL-I, IPB)
• Dual DiG!C 5+ image processors for high-speed processing and noise reduction
• New AF system features 61 AF points (41 cross points) for precise focussing accuracy
• Unique Auto Exposure (AE) metering uses RGB colour and face recognition for enhanced subject tracking 

Sydney, 18 October, 2011: Canon Australia has today announced the new flagship model of the renowned EOS 1-series of digital SLR cameras for professional photographers: the Canon EOS-1D X. Superseding the EOS-1D Mark IV and the EOS-1Ds Mark III, the EOS-1D X is the ultimate tool for all professionals offering both exceptional image quality and unparalleled speed in one camera. Also announced today are the GP-E1 Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for EOS, and the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter unit, enabling functions such as time synchronisation between cameras. 

The EOS-1D X revolutionises the professional camera category, combining the world’s fastest shutter release and AF continuous shooting of 12 frames per second (fps); benchmark image quality of a new 18.1-megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor, ISO range of 100-51200 (L:50; H2: 204800), and an innovative new AF system; and Full HD movie recording and compliance with video industry standards. 

“The EOS-1D X is a truly ground-breaking camera developed in response to requests from professional photographers for an all-round camera that combines both speed and image quality,” said Cathy Hattersley, Brand Manager – EOS Professional, Canon Australia. “The EOS-1D X is the ultimate all-rounder for professionals from sport, photojournalism and nature photography through to studio, fashion and wedding/portrait work, also offering the ability to capture Full HD movies and comply with video industry standards.”

“Also the new GPS receiver for EOS and the Wireless File Transmitter unit will extend the appeal of this camera for news agencies, police and security organisations due to the ability to effectively catalogue images and synchronise units for purposes such as 3D image creation.” 

Exceptional Image Quality, Ultra-low Noise 

The EOS-1D X incorporates an all-new 35-mm Full-Frame CMOS sensor enabling both a large pixel size of 6.95 microns and 18.1-megapixel image resolution. Canon’s gapless microlens technology ensures that light is delivered more efficiently to the light diodes, while Dual DiG!C 5+ Imaging Processors ensure low noise and high-speed processing. Standard ISO settings of 100­-51200 (expandable L: 50; H1: 102400; H2: 204800) contribute to achieving unparalleled low-light shooting possibilities ­– including near-dark situations – with low image noise. 

Unrivalled High-Speed Shooting 

The new flagship professional EOS enables image capture never before possible, delivering 12-fps continuous AF shooting. Super High Speed mode enables continuous shooting 14-fps with the mirror locked up, ideal for fixed-focus shooting and capturing motion trails. The EOS-1D X has also achieved the world’s fastest*¹ shutter release lag – as short as just 36 milliseconds – to ensure instantaneous first response. 

An all-new AF system delivers better subject tracking and precise focus accuracy than conventional systems. The new system features a 61 point AF sensor for wide, high-density coverage to enable photographers greater freedom to compose their shots as well as enhanced subject tracking. Up to 41 cross-type points (depending on lens used) means enhanced focus in situations such as subjects with stripes or in low-contrast situations. 

In addition, Canon has developed a unique ‘intelligent’ AE system that employs an RGB AE sensor and a DiG!C 4 image processor dedicated to AE, which work together to allow subject recognition based on brightness, colour and facial features. Ensuring accurate tracking, this feature is ideal for sports such as tennis, speed skating, or soccer where subjects move erratically. 

High precision is further enhanced by Smart AF Adjustment – a new semi-automatic feature that accurately adjusts camera and lens focus, and records the settings, to ensure that the setup is optimised for every combination of camera and lens. The feature will be ideal for situations, such as newspapers, where multiple camera and lens combinations are possible. 

Intuitive Operation 

In response to user feedback, the new camera features a range of enhancements to operation buttons, controls and menu structures. These include consolidation of function-setting operations into the Menu for consistent location, with most-commonly used settings (centred on AF) elevated to higher hierarchical positions in the Menu for easy access. A new Camera Guidance feature provides a clear and concise explanation of individual settings when the Info button is pressed. 

New buttons for direct touch control include a Live View/Viewfinder button, a Quick Control button to change settings using just the right hand and a Multi-Controller for easy AF point selection when shooting in the vertical position. Moreover, the front of the camera features Multi-Function buttons enabling users to assign customised functions such as Electronic Level Display or Registered AF for intuitive access without needing to take your eyes of the subject. 

EOS Pro Build Quality 

The EOS-1D X takes the renowned build quality of the EOS 1-series to the next level for even greater reliability under heavy shooting or extreme environmental conditions. To meet professional field requirements, shutter durability of 400,000 cycles combines with the lightweight, heavy-duty magnesium-alloy chassis and superior dust and moisture seals at 76 locations.

Internally, the camera features a new “carrier wave” type self-cleaning sensor unit, which effectively removes extremely light weight dust particles that may be visible near the minimum aperture (f/22 or higher). A new System Status Display also keeps users up to date with performance and service-related information such as shutter count. 

Full HD EOS Movie ­– Enhanced 

Only Canon EOS offers Full HD (1920×1080: 24/25 fps) movie-making in a professional-grade DSLR camera, and the new EOS-1D X features refinements to enhance the quality and utility for professional purposes.  Processing and CMOS sensor upgrades have enabled enhanced movie recording performance, including a reduction in moiré and false colour. Moreover, the camera achieves an expanded movie ISO range of 100-25600 (H:51200; H1:102400; H2:204800) for high sensitivity and exceptional low-light performance. Assisting continuity of shooting, the camera automatically segments files every 4GB of recorded content. 

Enabling best quality editing results, the camera supports the ALL-I compression format, as well as high-quality, high-compression IPB format. Audio recording is manually adjustable both before and during shooting. 

Expansion of the EOS System 

The launch today of a new compact Wireless File Transmitter unit WFT-E6 offers extended functionality for the EOS-1D X, including synchronised shooting with multiple camera units, remote control shooting, image review and download using an Internet browser, and high-speed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth file transfer. 

Also launched today, the GPS receiver GP-E1 adds location and direction information to images during shooting for such uses organising news coverage and research. Bundled software enables tracking of shooting locations on a map. 

Pricing and availability

The EOS-1D X will be available through Canon Professional Dealers from March 2012 (RRP: TBC). For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au 

*1  Among mirror-drive cameras

Related Links 

–        Learn more about Canon EOS digital SLR cameras

–        Learn about Canon Professional Photography

–        Enter World of EOS – a world of inspiration that comes with every Canon EOS camera

About Canon:

Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 19 years, and had global revenues of around $US45 billion in 2010. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

– Developed by LEVEL-5 with Animation by Studio Ghibli, the Eagerly Awaited Title Takes Japanese Role-playing Games to New Heights of Beauty and Brilliance – 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 18^th October 2011 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S today announced that the game-changing Japanese role-playing title Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch^™ is bringing its potent blend of preeminent anime talent and role-playing video game expertise to Europe in 2012 exclusively for PlayStation®3.  

The unique fantasy RPG is developed by LEVEL-5, the studio behind the smash hit Dragon Quest VIII and IX, and the Professor Layton series.  For the game’s characters and animations, LEVEL-5 collaborated with the legendary Studio Ghibli, the team responsible for countless anime masterpieces including My Neighbour Totoro, Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away.  The in-game music comes from the hand of Joe Hisaishi, the composer of the scores to over 100 films including many of Studio Ghibli’s greatest productions.

“It was a momentous experience to create a game with artists who represent Japan as much as Studio Ghibli and Mr. Hisaishi do,” said Akihiro Hino, president and CEO of LEVEL-5 Inc. “We sincerely want to share this title with the entire world.” 

“The incredible people involved in this game give it a pedigree that is rarely seen in video games, and it’s a fantastic addition to our line-up for 2012,” said Olivier Comte, Senior Vice President at NAMCO BANDAI Partners. “It takes a very hard heart not to be thoroughly enchanted by the amazing universe they have created together.” 

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a heart-warming tale of a young boy called Oliver, who embarks on a journey into a parallel world to become a magician in an attempt to bring back his recently-deceased mother. Along the way Oliver encounters many new friends who help him learn and grow. He can also befriend the wonderful creatures that inhabit this parallel universe, turning them into pets that Oliver can raise and collect a whole menagerie of. Why, he can even use these critters to battle other creatures on his behalf! Join Oliver as he explores the vast new world and faces a variety of formidable enemies. 

In the game, the beauty of Studio Ghibli’s hand-drawn animation has been perfectly reproduced, with the cel-shaded graphics engine producing stunning real-time animations of a quality normally only seen in their industry-leading feature films.  In addition, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch on PlayStation®3 brings a wealth of new content to the Ni no Kuni universe, with an additional cast of mysterious characters to meet, new areas to explore, and a whole different perspective on the involving story. 

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is scheduled for European release in 2012. For more information on NAMCO BANDAI Partners’ entire line up please visit www.namcobandaipartners.com.au