Comments or feedback should be addressed to Robert Scott

EOS-forums.com launched

EOS magazine has set up its own forums site where you can chat with other EOS enthusiasts, exchange information, and seek help with photographic problems. You will find the site at EOS forums.

As with most forums, anyone can read the messages, but you need to register and set up your profile before posting any messages or replies.

EOS-forums only went live today, so there are few messages on the boards at the moment - please register and post to get the site off to a good start.

Canon now number two in patents' ranking

Canon has reinforced its position as a leading innovator in imaging technology solutions by surging ahead to the No.2 position for patents registered in the US in 2005 - second only to IBM and up from its No.3 ranking in 2004. For more information, read Canon's press release.

Canon gets tough on parallel importing

Canon is adopting a hard-line legal stance against the import of goods into the European Economic Area (EEA) which were intended for sale in US and Asian markets.

Goods imported from countries such as US and China for sale in EEA can leave consumers without appropriate after-sales support and warranties. Many parallel imported products have been found to have compatibility issues, i.e., products are sold without correct software packages and supporting cables and are accompanied by instruction manuals in non-local languages.

For more information, read Canon's press release.

30 million EF lenses

Earlier this month, Canon celebrated the production milestone of 30 million EF lenses - and 10 million of these lenses have been manufactured in the last five years.

The EF lens mount was introduced in 1987 with the EOS 650 camera. It revolutionised SLR photography in 1987 by replacing mechanical links between camera and lens with electronic contacts and providing for an internal auto focus motor. Even with continued development and evolution of focus systems, Image Stabiliser technologies, lens element materials science, weather sealing and design, the EF mount remains consistent. Every EF lens is compatible with every EOS camera ever produced, including the latest digital EOS cameras.

For further information, read Canon's press release.

Focus-on-Imaging

The UK's annual Focus-on-Imaging show takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham, from 26 February to 1 March 2006.

There will be no Canon stand at this year's event. Canon UK is looking to organise its own events and activities to introduce the latest products to customers.

However, Canon equipment will be available on some of the dealer stands, where you can expect to see special show offers on selected items.

Focus-on-Imaging exhibition details.

Next EOS-mail

February is one of the months Canon traditionally announces details of new photo products. If there are any new EOS cameras, lenses or accessories introduced, you will receive an EOS-mail within hours of the details being made available. Don't be misled by rumours circulating on the internet - wait for our accurate information.

Next EOS magazine

As mentioned in the last EOS-mail, we are making a few changes to EOS magazine. We are also taking the opportunity to improve our publication schedule. In the past, we have often delayed publication to include details of new products. We are now moving the publication date a couple of weeks forward to allow for Canon launch dates. The next issue will be published around the middle of March, and then quarterly in June, September and December.

Free issue when you subscribe online

If you are not already a subscriber to EOS magazine, visit the EOS magazine website to see what you are missing. Subscribing online gives you the bonus of a free back issue.