Basic camera's features D. Features around the Camera at the Top Panel Section / Left
Hand Side (from
photographer position)
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Shooting mode selector
Easily one of the most frequently used button on the EOS-1N because it permits the creative photographer to select a preferred solution in interpreting a effect. To select the shooting mode, simply holds down this button and turn the Main Dial next to the shutter release button. When it turns to the right (when viewing the camera top from behind) changes the shooting mode in the following order:
M(Manual) --> Tv(Shutter Priority Auto) -->Bulb(Long time ambient/flash exposure) -->P(Programmed Auto) -->Av(Aperture Priority Auto)--> DEP(Depth of Field Priority Auto) --> back to M(Manual).
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| In a typical operation, for an example, if Aperture Priority AE (you set the aperture and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed according to the lighting conditions.) is chosen. | ||
1 While pressing the shooting mode selector, turn the main dial until Av appears in the LCD panel (center illustration). Release the shooting mode selector. 2 Turn the main dial until the desired aperture value appears in the viewfinder or LCD panel. Then, press the shutter button halfway to focus the subject and confirm the exposure. Note: The aperture value and corresponding shutter speed are displayed in the viewfinder and LCD panel (see illus. far right). Other shooting (or exposure control) modes operates in similar styles (may be the depth of field mode is a little complicated to someone new in operating a Canon SLR (such as one who just switched from Nikon or the Minolta - you can refer to the instruction manual or the exposure control section for more details in how-to..).
The Shooting mode selector button is
also used for secondary camera function such as multiple exposures. To operate, hold
down this button with the metering selector simultaneously while turn the Main Dial
to display numbers yo wish to set for the number you wish to set for repetitive exposures.
AF
mode selector
As the EOS-1N is essentially an AF SLR camera. This is the button used for selecting/choosing either the One-Shot or Al Servo AF mode. Prior to operation, you MUST select the focus mode on the lens to "AF" postion. To operate, holds down this button while turning the Main Dial, the LCD panel will display "ONE SHOT" or "Al SERVO." (One-Shot AF:- Use this mode with stationary subjects, shutter cannot fires IF subject is NOT in focus. In Al SERVO mode, shutter will release regardless subject is in focus or not). It is similar to the earlier discussed Shooting Mode Selector button, this AF mode Selection button also provides secondary functions. For an instance, if you wish to override auto DX-film setting by the camera, and prefer to set ISO film speed manually, just hold down BOTH AF mode selector button and metering mode selector simultaneously while turning the Main Dial for detailed film speed setting.
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For a quick
guide & illustrations how it works:- 1. While pressing the
AF mode selector, 2. turn the main dial
to the left or right until the desired AF mode appears in the LCD panel. Release
the AF mode selector NOTE:- Acts as a visual reminder, these
two (AF & Shot mode) buttons have interlocking signs to the Meter Mode cum Flash
exposure compensation button (see next) that they have other related functions to
be extended in camera functionalities.
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New Yoirk, New Yoirk .. |
Metering mode selector/Flash exposure compensation button
The bottom button completes the three MAIN operational control in a modern AF SLR. i.e. Exposure, AF & Metering Modes Selection - all locate at one section. One way of another, I would think Nikon F4's straight forward way of proving a Dial-like wheel at the side of the viewfinder is easier to control without multiple pressing of buttons and check the LCD in the Canon EOS-1N. But I guess it is not a particular problem for any EOS-1 users, as the operation is similar on both models. The metering button in the EOS-1N permits photographer to use a few means to tackle even some of the most difficult-to-dealt-with lighting conditions.
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Depending on your personal preference as well as experience. One of three metering modes can be selected: Evaluative, Partial, and Fine Spot Metering. |
| To manipulates the options, first, hold down this button and turn the Main Dial. | ||
One of the most important offering in the Canon EOS-1N during its time of introduction was:- when used in conjunction with the Custom Function, Center-weighted Average Metering or Spot Metering linked to the focusing point can also be selected. Also, by holding down this button and turning the Quick Control Dial, flash exposure compensation can be set for the Speedlite. This flash exposure compensation feature is new on the Canon EOS-1N and not found on the previous original Canon EOS-1 model. Besides, these options and along with some other factors, has indirectly made the comparing Nikon F4 pale in features and functionality.
The dual function Metering/Flash Exposure compensation button is also being used for setting flash exposure compensation. For those who often uses flash for their photography, you have to pick up something to expand your photographic option with this camera. Basically, flash exposure compensation permits you vary the automatic flash exposure level of EOS dedicated Speedlites. The flash exposure can be compensated up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. Note: with Custom Function F6, Flash exposure compensation can also be set in 1/2-stop increments.
To operate this function, first make sure you have a Canon dedicated AF Speedlite first that permits flash compensation function first. Many third party labels may work as well, but you ought to check the manual first to see if it works. Next, by pressing the metering mode selector / flash exposure compensation button, turn the quick control dial to set the desired compensation amount.
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Note *: The flash exposure compensation amount is displayed in the LCD panel's exposure compensation display. ** In the LCD display, the + side indicates overexposure compensation, and the side indicates underexposure compensation. |
Features around the Camera at the Top Panel Section / Right Hand Side (from photographer position)
On the Canon EOS-1N, the exposure compensation button is located where the LCD panel illumination button was on where the original Canon EOS-1 locates. The LCD panel illumination button has therefore been relocated next to the exposure compensation button. The LCD panel can be illuminated for easy viewing and It is incredibly useful when shooting in dim light (such as theater, stage, data confirmation or even flash checking etc.).
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Pressing the button will illuminate the LCD panel for about 6 seconds. The illumination turns off automatically 2 seconds after releasing the shutter. If you wish to conserve power (highly unlikely... ) but decide to terminate visual checking or just for whatever reasons thinking of turning off illumination midway, just press the button once again, the illumination ends. Note: You can also keep the LCD panel illuminated longer than 6 seconds by pressing any operation button again while the illumination timer is activated. Next, the LCD panel cannot be illuminated during bulb exposures. |
Exposure Compensation Button
In an auto exposure process, you can use a couple of secondary functions to alter or adjust/fine-tune the camera set exposure. One of the most common way is via the exposure compensation. However, using less forgiving slide films, this feature requires plenty of knowledge and experience. IF I can provide a suggestion, use the exposure lock is more safe. But this feature is good when you are in a shooting situation that requires continuous succession in shooting. For an instance, in a studio with controlled lighting environment. Since the focusing point selector has been relocated to a new location; thus, Canon redesigned the exposure compensation button to where the LCD panel illumination button was once located on the original Canon EOS-1. Exposure compensation is set by pressing the button and turning the Main Dial. The exposure compensation setting is retained even after the main switch is set to L.
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When taking pictures in an AE shooting mode, you can compensate the exposure according to the subject conditions either by using the quick control dial while looking through the viewfinder or by using the exposure compensation button and the main dial. Exposure can be compensated up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments OR when used in conjunction with Custom Function F6, in addition to 1/3-stop increments, the exposure compensation amount can also be input in 1/2-stop increments. |
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In operation, first Focus the subject and confirm the exposure. Then, turn the quick control dial to set the desired exposure compensation amount. The quick control dial is active only when the shutter button is half pressed or while the six-second timer is operating. Further, the exposure level indicator and exposure compensation symbol are displayed in the viewfinder, and the compensation amount is displayed in the LCD panel's exposure level indicator. |
Note:- In the LCD panel,
+ indicates overexposure and indicates underexposure relative to the cameras
meter reading. In the viewfinder display, overexposure and underexposure are indicated
respectively by exposure compensation amounts above and below the triangle index
at the center of the scale. Further, after setting the desired compensation amount,
it is recommended to set the quick control dial switch to 
to prevent accidental alteration
of the setting. Lastly, to
cancel the exposure compensation,
operate the quick control dial to return the exposure level indicator to the zero
(
) position.
No room for an Extra - Nature Series |
The rotating electronic main dial is another original Canon design, in fact this trend setting concept has revolutionalized how a modern SLR camera should be operated. The electronic input dial was first seen with the classic manual focus Canon T90 back in 1986. This improved electronic input method has, hence deployed on the EOS SLRs that followed (which includes the oddly-spec , manual focus Canon EF-M). It comes with a simple touch of the fingertip will turn the dial to the desired setting. This dial demonstrates the ease of operation found in all AF-Canon EOS cameras.
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Note:- There are two input dials in this flagship Canon EOS-1N model. However, NOT exactly all Canon EOS SLR cameras are employed with such a TWO-dials system. The original Canon EOS-1, 1989 was the first EOS SLR that deployed this multi-input dials system (subsequent EOS-1 Series has it as standard); the second EOS models was the Canon EOS-100/Elan, followed by Canon EOS-5/A2E, Canon EOS-3 etc. Basically, Canon has decided this unique dual dials system should be reserved exclusively for advance Canon EOS models only (as at 2005). |
One main advantage of the electronic input via finger-control is being, the method actually can improve precise control and elevate ease in handling a camera quickly. The main dial on the Canon EOS-1N can be rotated with multiple click-stops in BOTH directions. The design permits photographer to change/select with selection of any specific setting in picture shooting/control. Some important controls like, when choosing a particular focusing point (AF), altering metering mode, converting between various autofocusing modes or shooting modes, and even can be used to change any custom function setting. However, each of the main dial or the quick control dial doesn't work on its own for various control but they work with a specific corresponding button such as pressing another button and use the dial(s) to alter other settings.
When turning the main dial with your
index finder, it will display all the possible variations in one full cycle and it
will repeat once again. However, an exception is, shutter
speeds & aperture values are NOT subject to such a cycle.
Once the highest shutter speed is displayed or the smallest f-number is shown when
an EF lens is attached, even if the main dial can still rotate but displayed value
will not be changed.
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Similar to the earlier EOS-1 (see picture at left), the Canon EOS-1N dual input dials using the thumb-controlled Quick Control Dial and index finger-controlled main dial allows the photographer react quickly to any needs in fine adjustments of various controls. As I explained earlier at the QCD section, it may work singularly as well as complement with each other for many combinations of shooting requirement. For an example, when operating in manual exposure control, main dial is used to adjust the shutter speed while the rear Quick Control Dial is used for setting an aperture. |
| LCD Display
Panel There are two sources of information display in adding the photographer during shooting. First, although the viewfinder system is rather complex but it only shows critical data essentially relating to a picture situation. The alternate source is via the top panel LCD display. Different types of picture-taking information are displayed on this panel. Except for a few textual indicators that have been changed into symbols, the display is basically the same as the previous Canon EOS-1. |
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Among the information that can be displayed are the various shooting modes, chosen shutter speeds, film speed, CF (custom function) setting, selected focusing point, AF mode, metering system, film winding mode, battery condition, shooting frame counter, flash exposure compensation; the aperture, shutter speed(s) and a host of other secondary functions. When handling the camera in dimly lit situation which may make visibility of shooting data difficult to read, Canon EOS-1 series models have a LCD panel illumination button (read above) provided, in the case of the EOS-1N, it is located just above the LCD with a light-bulb symbol imprinted. The background colour of the illumination shown is a very beautiful blue/indigo colour, the light will slowly fade off in approx. 6 seconds after the illumination button is pressed or 2 seconds after the shutter button is released. |
Note: The LCD panel uses liquid crystal to indicate camera settings. Due to the characteristics of the liquid crystal, the display may become difficult to read because of its life span which varies according to the condition of use. HEAT is one primary factor in affecting the life span of LCD. It can be replaced but at owners expense in case of out of warranty term. Liquid crystal may also respond relatively slowly in temperatures below 32°F/0°C. It may also darken in temperatures of around 140°F/60°C. The LCD panel will return when the temperature returns to normal.
| Accessory
Shoe / Hot shoe The Located at the top of the fixed pentaprism, Canon EOS-1N's accessory shoe has a X-sync contacts, auto flash exposure signal contacts, and a shoe-lock hole. The number and purpose of the electrical contacts are the same for all EOS cameras. The flash connection can either be direct mount or via off-camera flash accessories such as sync cord with an ever expanding range of E-series TTL Speedlite models. |
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Other than using the standard, fixed position accessory show, you can also make use of a JIS-standard PC-terminal (located at the side of the camera) for third party models not compatible with shoe mount TTL in either bracket mount or cable-connection for off camera flash applications. Refer below for more info. |
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The PC terminal Please referred back to PC terminal section. This is an optional flash connection terminal for flash photography. Note: when use with this connection method, even if you are using a dedicated Canon flash, ONLY auto or manual flash control is possible i.e. non-TTL flash photography. |
| Previous | Main Index Page | Next -->>> Next section covers palm door for other extension of functions, Remote control socket, inside the camera after film back is opened, film transport in brief, Film winding and remove film during Mid-Roll etc.
Basic Design: - Part 1 | 2 | Basic Camera Features: - Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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Back | Main Index Page The Canon EOS-1
Series Professional SLR camera
Background and Various
Issues | The Basic Features & various Setup
Manual &
Auto Focusing |
Metering Systems | Exposure Control | Viewfinder
Optical
System Flash Photography (with Speedlite 540EZ extension & Selective info on Canon TTL Flash Models:-160E | 200E
| 300EZ | 300TL
| 420EZ | 430 EZ | 480EG | MacroLites | Other non-TTL Canon flash model
Reliability Issues:- Body Chassis | Shutter Unit | Electronic Circuitry | Film Transport & film handling Secondary Functions:- Custom Function Part One | Part Two | System Accessories:- Film Back Options - instruction for Command Back E1 | Macro/Close Up Part one | Part two and Part III Flash for Macro-Photography | Power Sources -BP-E1 | PDB-E1 | Focusing Screens | Remote Control with Wireless Remote Set LC-3 | System compatibility
Variants of Canon EOS-1N:- Canon EOS-1N RS | Canon/Kodak Digital DCS-1, 3 -5 & 520/560 Series | Full Technical Specification | Main
Reference Map / Nomenclature
| Resource Centre:- Comparative Charts between EOS-1 &
EOS-1N / or with
its active Competition(s) (Nikon); Quick Operational Reference Card (278k Gif File);
Listings of 7-segment
digital numbers/letters
appeared on LCD display panel/viewfinders (HTML page); External Link:-Instruction Manual (3.3MB
PDF file applicable for both Canon
EOS-1N (RS). | Using EOS system for your photography | Bots & Nuts of EOS System - by Philip Chong |
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