Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit (often styled as "DiG!C") is Canon Inc.'s name for a family of signal processing and control units for digital cameras and camcorders. DIGIC units are used as image processors by Canon in its own digital imaging products. Several generations of DIGICs exist, and are distinguished by a version number suffix.
Currently, DIGIC is implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to perform high speed signal processing as well as the control operations in the product in which it has been incorporated. Over its numerous generations, DIGIC has evolved from a system involving a number of discrete integrated circuits to a single chip system, many of which are based around the ARM instruction set. Custom firmware for these units has been developed to add features to the cameras.
The original DIGIC was used on the PowerShot G3 [1] (Sep 2002), Canon S1 IS (Mar 2004), A520 (Mar 2005), and other cameras. It consists of three separate chips: a video processing IC, an image processing IC and a camera control IC.
DIGIC II is a single chip system introduced in 2004, [2] unlike the first DIGIC, that allowed for more compact designs. DIGIC II also improved upon the original by adding a larger buffer and increasing processing speed. It has been used in some advanced consumer-level cameras and many digital SLRs such as Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 30D.
DIGIC II uses high-speed DDR-SDRAM, which improves startup time and AF performance. It can write to memory card at speeds up to 5.8 MB/sec. [3] Additionally, Canon claims DIGIC II improves color, sharpness, and automatic white balance with its CMOS sensor in its digital SLR camera line.
The DIGIC III Image Processor, introduced in 2006, [2] was advertised to deliver improved image quality, faster operation and extended battery life compared to its predecessor. DIGIC III provides a faster interface to the SD memory card for the Canon PowerShot G7 and G9, SD750, SD800, SD850, SD900, SD 1000, A560, A570 IS, A590 IS, A650 IS, A720 IS, A495, EOS XS/1000D, EOS XSi/450D, EOS 40D, EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 1Ds Mark III, and S5 IS. It also provides higher resolution for their LCD screens. [4] Additionally it has a 14-bit A to D converter providing greater bit depth than previous versions. [5]
iSAPS is a scene-recognition technology developed by Canon for digital cameras. [4] Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS also works with the DIGIC III Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance. [4]
The Canon EOS-1D Mark III uses dual DIGIC III processors to achieve a capture rate of 10 frames per second at 10.1 MP (with a maximum burst of 110 JPEG images, depending on the speed of the attached storage). [6] The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III also uses dual DIGIC III processors to achieve a capture rate of five frames per second at 21.1 MP. [7]
In 2008, Canon introduced the DIGIC 4 processor, used by the EOS 1100D/Rebel T3, EOS 500D/Rebel T1i, EOS 550D/Rebel T2i, EOS 600D/Rebel T3i, EOS 50D, EOS 60D, EOS 1200D/Rebel T5, EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D X (for metering and AF only). It is also used in newer cameras in Canon's PowerShot lines (A, D, G, S, SD, and SX).
Canon claims improvements such as:
Dual DIGIC 4 processors are used in the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV.
This processor was introduced in 2014, replacing the DIGIC 5 in some mid-range compact cameras (particularly in the Elph/IXUS and SX series) and later used in budget DSLRs such as EOS 1300D/Rebel T6, EOS 2000D/Rebel T7/EOS 1500D and the EOS 4000D/EOS 3000D/Rebel T100. Full specifications were not made available at introduction, but Canon claims a 60% speed improvement over the original DIGIC 4 on high ISO shots. [9]
In 2011, Canon introduced the DIGIC 5. [2] It is featured on Canon compact cameras like PowerShot SX40 HS to achieve a capture rate of 10.3 frames per second at full resolution in High-Speed Burst HQ, Full HD 1080p Videos and Intelligent Image Stabilization. Canon claims the new DIGIC 5 processor is six times faster than the DIGIC 4 processor and efficiently manages the increase in scene information and simultaneously reduces the appearance of image noise by up to 75%. [10] According to Canon, DIGIC 5 analyses four times more image information to create each pixel, recording more detail and colour from a scene than ever before.
DIGIC 5 was co-designed with Texas Instruments (TI) and manufactured by TI through foundry partnership in Asia using 45 nm node technology fanned out by TI. [11] [12]
DIGIC 5 Is used in the EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i, EOS 700D/Rebel T5i/Kiss X7i, Canon EOS M, and EOS 100D/Rebel SL1/Kiss X7, as well as PowerShot cameras such as the Canon PowerShot N, S100, S110, G15 and Canon PowerShot SX50 HS. [13]
DIGIC 5+ is an enhancement to the DIGIC 5 and DIGIC 4. The performance is said to be 17x the performance of the DIGIC 4. [14] [15] The additional processing power allows for higher frame rate in continuous shooting (burst) modes, and greater noise correction through the use of signal processing.
DIGIC 5+ is used in the EOS-1D X, EOS 6D, EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS 70D. [16]
The EOS-1D X includes dual DIGIC 5+ processors, allowing for a capture rate of 12 frames per second in RAW + JPEG, and an additional DIGIC 4 processor specifically for its Intelligent Subject Analysis System. [17]
Introduced in 2013, [2] the DIGIC 6 image processor enables improved low-light performance up to ISO 6400, with reduced noise. In addition, it enables improved AF times and reduced lag over previous models. The improved performance allows for shots at up to 14 fps.
Further advancements attributed to DIGIC 6 can be experienced in movie mode, which records in MP4 format and doubles the frame-rate to 60 fps at 1080p. It also features reduced noise at 30 fps and improved image stabilization. [18]
DIGIC 6 is used in EOS 750D/Rebel T6i, EOS 760D/Rebel T6s, EOS 80D, PowerShot G16, PowerShot N100, PowerShot S120, PowerShot SX270 HS, PowerShot SX280 HS, [19] PowerShot SX60 HS, PowerShot SX700 HS, PowerShot SX710 HS and PowerShot SX720 HS. In February 2014, Canon also released the compact Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II. They released their newest compact mirrorless Canon EOS M3 in February 2015 and the Canon EOS M10 in October 2015, both also utilize internal WLAN 802.11b/g/n.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II includes dual DIGIC 6 processors, allowing for a capture rate of 10 frames per second in RAW + JPEG, and an additional DIGIC 6 processor specifically for its Intelligent Subject Analysis System. The Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R also use dual DIGIC 6 processors, with the capability to shoot up to five 50.6MP frames per second.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV includes a DIGIC 6+ processor.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II includes dual DIGIC 6+ processors, allowing for a capture rate of 170 consecutive RAW images at 14 fps or 4K Video with up to 60 fps. [20]
The DIGIC 7 processor was introduced in 2016 with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II the first Canon camera to include this feature.
Canon’s next generation DIGIC 7 added substantially improved image processing power, enabling faster AF speeds and 8 fps RAW continuous shooting, and reducing noise to help users "capture the most fleeting of moments." For assured, responsive shooting, improved subject detection ensures the camera locks onto subjects even when saturation and contrast are low. The EOS-like Auto Lighting Optimizer also improved contrast by providing natural correction while maintaining balanced brightness and darkness. [21]
The following cameras are used this processor:
The DIGIC 8 was introduced together with the Canon EOS M50 in February 2018. It can process 4K videos with up to 30 FPS using MPEG-4 with AVC/H.264 codec.
The new DIGIC 8 image processor has also contributed to an enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. The system can now display more AF points (99 points; up to 143 points with supported lenses), and covers a larger AF area (approximately 88% horizontal by 100% vertical of the screen) when a compatible lens is attached. This contributes to improved AF capability and tracking performance. [22]
Cameras using this processor include:
The DIGIC X was introduced together with the 1D X Mark III in February 2020. It can process 4k videos with up to 120fps (8k videos up to 30fps on EOS R5). The new performance and image quality-based improvements include: [23]
Cameras using this processor include:
The DIGIC Accelerator was introduced together with the Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II in July 2024. The processor powers an improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, now offering an Action Priority AF mode capable of switching focus to subjects that are in action. [24]
The DIGIC DV is used in Canon's single-chip CCD digital camcorders as well as the DC20 and DC40 DVD camcorders.
The DIGIC DV II utilizes a hybrid noise reduction system and a new gamma system. The processor is used in all of Canon's high-definition camcorders and, with the exception of the DC20 and DC40, all of their DVD camcorders including the new SD camcorders FS100, FS10, FS11.
The DIGIC DV III processor is used in the Legria (PAL)/Vixia (NTSC) high-definition HFS100, HFS10, HF200 and HF20.
The Digic DV III has also been incorporated into Cinema EOS line of digital cinema camera, commencing with the C300 in late 2011.
The DIGIC DV 4 processor was introduced in 2013 in the Vixia/Legria G, R, and Mini series camcorders, as well as that year's XA-20 and -25 professional camcorders. Canon claims it is capable of recording simultaneous MP4 and AVCHD video streams.
The DIGIC DV 5 first seen in the 2015 Canon XC10 and the Canon EOS C300 Mark II, which both were announced on 8 April 2015 right before the NAB Show. The XC10 uses a single DIGIC DV 5, while the C300 Mark II uses a dual DIGIC DV 5 implementation. Both are capable of 4k at 24, 25 and 30fps with 4:2:2 colour sampling in the XF-AVC H.264 codec. The DV 5 also allowed for a much more advanced and intuitive GUI.
The DIGIC DV 6 is used at the Canon EOS C200, which were announced on 31 May 2017. The C200 uses a dual DIGIC DV 6 implementation. It is capable of 4k up to 60fps.
The DIGIC DV 7 is used on the Canon EOS C500 Mark II, which was announced on 5 September 2019. The C300 mark III uses a DIGIC DV 7 implementation. The C300mkiii is capable of 4k up to 120fps when recording in XF-AVC 4:2:2 10-Bit, and Cinema RAW Light. The Canon C500mkii is capable of 5952 x 3140 up to 60fps when recording in Cinema RAW Light 10-Bit, as well as 12-Bit 30fps in both 5.9k and 4k super35 modes.
The DIGIC board contains an x86 compatible processor (NEC V30 emulation) running Datalight ROM-DOS [25] and only S1IS running VxWorks and two other chips (the image processor itself and a Motorola 68HC12). [26]
The DIGIC II and DIGIC III ASICs contain embedded 32-bit processors based on the ARM instruction set. Until around 2007, Canon point-and-shoot cameras ran a VxWorks-based operating system, but recent cameras are based on the DRYOS operating system developed in-house by Canon. [27] [28]
The free software Canon Hack Development Kit (CHDK) project, started by Andrey Gratchev, has successfully enhanced many Canon PowerShot cameras without replacing the stock firmware. [29] [30] It allows programmatic control of many Canon compact cameras, enabling users to add features, including games and scripts written in UBASIC or Lua. Features include shooting in RAW, USB-cable remote shutter-release, synchronized shooting between multiple cameras, motion-detection triggered photography, customizable high-speed continuous (burst) TV, Av, ISO, and Focus bracketing (increasing depth of field), 1 Gig video-size limit removed in earlier cameras, Shutter, Aperture, and ISO overrides (shutter speeds of 64" to 1/10,000" and higher). [31]
For the CHDK project to augment or extend firmware, it was necessary to obtain copies of the cameras' original firmware; in some cases this can be done via a pure software method, while others [32] rely on a method of using a blinking LED on the camera as an optical serial port to transmit the firmware to a host computer. [33]
However, to install precompiled firmware on a PowerShot camera, it is only necessary to download the correct binary and copy it to an SD memory card. If the SD card is set to lock and the boot flag is enabled when the camera is turned on, the camera will autoboot from the binary file on the card and CHDK will be loaded into the camera's RAM. If the card is unlocked or removed, the camera will start up in the original Canon firmware. CHDK will mask the lock on the SD card so that the camera will still write to it however. Alternatively, CHDK can be loaded manually from the Canon menu.
CHDK is released under the GNU GPL, version 2 or later.
400plus is a free firmware add-on which offers additional functionality for Canon 400D in a non-destructive and non-permanent way. [34]
Spy Lantern is a surveillance camera commercial project [35] based on PowerShot and CHDK open script. [36]
Magic Lantern is a firmware add-on written for the Canon 5D Mark II by Trammell Hudson in 2009, and ported to the 550D/T2i/Kiss X4 (1.0.8) in July 2010 by the same author. Starting September 2010, A1ex from CHDK forum and other people ported this add-on to the 550D/T2i (1.0.9), 60D, 500D/T1i/Kiss X3, 600D/T3i/Kiss X5 (1.0.1) and 50D; It also runs on the 7D. [37] The firmware is released under the GNU General Public License. [38] Originally developed for DSLR filmmaking, its feature base has expanded to include tools useful for still photography as well. [39]
Current features include:
Planned future features include clean HDMI output, anamorphic preview, and custom curves. [40] Because installing Magic Lantern does not replace the stock Canon firmware or modify the ROM but rather runs alongside it, it is both easy to remove and carries little risk. Canon has not made any official statements regarding the add-on firmware, either on the subject of warranty or on the features. [41] [42]
Canon EOS is an autofocus single-lens reflex camera (SLR) 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 (DSLR) range, and, with the 2012 introduction of the Canon EOS M, Canon's mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) 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 Canon EOS 5D is a 12.7 megapixel digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera body produced by Canon. The EOS 5D was announced by Canon on 22 August 2005, and at the time was priced above the EOS 20D but below the EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1Ds Mark II in Canon's EOS digital SLR series. The camera accepts EF lens mount lenses.
The EOS 1D Mark III is a professional 10.1 megapixel digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) camera body produced by Canon. The EOS 1D Mark III was announced on February 21, 2007 and is the successor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and was first released in May 2007. In late 2009, the camera was succeeded by the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. One of the main benefits of the new Mark III, over the previous models, was the added functionality of Live view, allowing users to take pictures while looking at an LCD screen. While it had the same outdated software as the older 1D series cameras, it had a much improved button layout, which is still used today. It also had improved wireless capabilities over the Mark II. The new WFT-E2 was much smaller than the previous WFT-E1 for the Mark II. The new transmitter could now also connect via a USB port. This allowed the optional addition of a GPS unit and wired PC connectivity.
The Canon EOS 40D is a 10.1-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera. It was initially announced on 20 August 2007 and was released at the end of that month. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 30D, and is succeeded by the EOS 50D. It can accept EF and EF-S lenses. Like its predecessor, it uses an APS-C sized image sensor, resulting in a 1.6x field of view crop factor.
The EOS-1Ds Mark III is a digital SLR camera body by Canon designed for professional photographers. The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III is successor to the EOS-1Ds Mark II and was announced in August 2007. The camera features a full-frame 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor with 14-bit analog/digital converters for a total colour depth of 16,384 tones per subpixel. It features a three-inch (76 mm) LCD screen, capable of "Live View," and dual DIGIC III processors allowing it to shoot at up to five frames per second.
The Canon Extender EF lenses are a group of teleconverter lenses made by Canon. These lenses are used between any compatible EF type lens and any of the Canon EOS line of cameras. When used with a compatible lens, they will multiply the focal length of the lens by a factor of either 1.4x or 2x, at the cost of decreasing the lens' aperture by 1 or 2 stops respectively. For example, using a 1.4x or 2x extender with the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM would result in a 700mm f/5.6 or 1000mm f/8 lens.
The EOS-1D Mark IV is a professional 16.1 effective megapixels digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) camera body produced by Canon. The EOS-1D Mark IV is the successor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark III and was announced on 20 October 2009, just four days after Nikon announced the D3s. It used to be the only Canon APS-H format DSLR to feature HD video recording at 1080p resolution.
The Canon EOS 550D is an 18.0-megapixel digital single-lens reflex camera, announced by Canon on 8 February 2010. It was available since 24 February 2010, and to US dealers from early March. It is known as the EOS Kiss X4 in Japan, and as the EOS Rebel T2i in the Americas. It is part of Canon's entry- / mid-level digital SLR camera series, and was the successor model to the EOS 500D. It was succeeded by the EOS 600D but remained in Canon's lineup until being discontinued in June 2012 with the announcement of the EOS 650D.
Magic Lantern is a firmware add-on for various Canon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and the EOS M. It adds features for DSLR filmmaking and still photography, and is free and open-source.
The Canon EOS-1D X is a professional digital SLR camera body by Canon Inc. It succeeded the company's previous flagship Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV. It was announced on 18 October 2011.
The Nikon Expeed image/video processors are media processors for Nikon's digital cameras. They perform a large number of tasks: Bayer filtering, demosaicing, image sensor corrections/dark-frame subtraction, image noise reduction, image sharpening, image scaling, gamma correction, image enhancement/Active D-Lighting, colorspace conversion, chroma subsampling, framerate conversion, lens distortion/chromatic aberration correction, image compression/JPEG encoding, video compression, display/video interface driving, digital image editing, face detection, audio processing/compression/encoding and computer data storage/data transmission.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a professional-grade 22.3 megapixel full-frame digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera made by Canon.
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(Intelligent Subject Analysis System
A DIGIC 5+ is [...] 17 times faster than DIGIC 4
(Intelligent Subject Analysis System