Technology Behind Canon’s ‘DIGIC-III Processor’
November 24, 2008
DIGIC Processing technology was introduced by Canon, which it uses in all its models. This Image processor uses signal processing to augment the picture quality, as well as the image processing speed.
Evolution of DIGIC Processors:-
Canon had set its R&D team to develop a technology that could change the way the images were produced. It was on the lookout for a technique, using which the processing speed, the automatic focus and the image quality could be improved. The outcome was the development of the Digital Imaging Core (DIGIC) technology by Canon.
There is an image sensor in the digital camera, which converts the light that enters the camera through its lens into electrical signals. Now a Digital Image Processor is a technicality that removes the noise from these signals and generates images with natural colours and realistic effects. The DIGIC is an image processor that reduces the false colours and moiré patterns in the pictures and cancels the noise that is generated during long exposures.
The original DIGIC was used on the Canon S1 IS and other cameras. This technology was used to improve the image quality and reduce the processing speed. However, it consisted of three separate chips: a video processing integrated circuit, an image processing integrated circuit, and a camera control integrated circuit.
The DIGIC II; unlike the initial DIGIC, was all about a single chip, thus the design becoming more compact. This new version was enhanced by the addition of a large buffer and faster processing speed. It uses a Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Static RAM (DDR-SDRAM), which improves the start-up time, as well as the Auto-Focus speed. DIGIC II also improves the colour, white balance and sharpness. This technology is used in Canon EOS 400D Digital Camera, Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera, etc.
The DIGIC III processor is the advanced version of the DIGIC II processor. It has all the above mentioned qualities. Additionally, it can extend the battery life, deliver better quality images, and improve the operating speed as well. It also provides for a faster interface to the SD card memory. It also provides Face Detection Technicality, using which it can track about 9 faces in the frame and adjust the exposure, focus and flash, and provide proper lighting effects to produce explicitly realistic images. It also helps in improving the LCD screen resolution.
DIGIC III Processor:-
The circuit board of DIGIC contains a x86 compatible processor, a Datalight ROM-DOS operating system and the image processor. The DIGIC III processor consists of an embedded 32-bit ARM architecture processor.
DIGIC III Image Processor enhances the performance of the digital cameras in the following areas:-
• JPEG Compression or Expansion
• Memory Card Control
• LCD Control
• Video Processing
DIGIC III uses Advanced Noise Reduction Technology, due to which high light sensitivity can be produced. The cameras with higher light sensitivities are capable of capturing images in low light conditions with no loss to image quality and clarity. A higher light sensitivity also ensures faster shutter speed, thus reducing blurs in the images, or in fast moving pictures that refer to sports events or wildlife in action.
DIGIC III Processor has a superior processing speed, accurate auto-focus functionality, a fast camera response and continuous shooting capability. Its rate of operation and accuracy of colour reproduction, enables it to be used in Professional EOS Cameras; the Canon EOS 1000D Digital Camera, Canon S5 IS, etc.
Canon’s DIGIC technology is considered as a revolution in the digital camera industry and it emphatically displays Canon’s leadership in this industry.
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