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Thursday, September 26, 2019

Canon released Firmware Version 1.3.0 for EOS RP mirrorless camera





In addition to the new Canon EOS R firmware V 1.4.0, Canon has also released a major update for the Canon EOS RP mirrorless camera.

Version 1.3.0 includes the following enhancements and fixes :

  • Enhances the auto-focus (AF) eye detection to improve face and eye recognition at greater distances.
  • Improved AF performance allows the camera to focus and track smaller subjects.
  • Reduces the response time between the actual AF and the AF frame to display the image in the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor.
  • Corrects a phenomenon in which the main dial icon is not displayed when pressing the zoom in / out button while the image is playing.
  • Corrects the PTP communication vulnerability.

Download Canon EOS RP firmware at Canon USA.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Canon EOS R mirrorless camera Firmware Version 1.4.0 available for download




In addition to the new Canon EOS R firmware V 1.4.0, Canon has also released a major firmware update for the Canon EOS RP mirrorless camera.

Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following major enhancement :

  • Enhances eye detection Auto Focus (AF) for improved face and eye recognition at greater distances.
  • Improved Auto Focus (AF) performance helps the camera to focus on and track smaller subjects.
  • Reduces lag time between the actual Auto Focus (AF) and the AF frame display for images in the viewfinder or on the LCD.
  • Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF frame size cannot be changed in the Servo AF setting.
  • Fixes PTP communication vulnerability.

Download Canon EOS R firmware Version 1.4.0 at Canon Europe.

Read my thoughts on the EOS R camera one year after its announcement and the expected follow up models coming in the first half of 2020.

Canon announced the EOS M200 mirrorless camera







MELVILLE, N.Y., September 25, 2019 – Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or revel in documenting everyday moments, memories should be captured and easily shared. Offering social media enthusiast high image quality, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduces the EOS M200 camera. Great for those with wanderlust in their hearts, this camera ushers in a variety of new features, such as vertical video1, for those looking to step up from smartphone photography and enter the realm of interchangeable-lens cameras.

“Ease of use, convenience and shareability are imperatives for consumers today, especially when introducing new imaging products into an ever-changing market place,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new EOS M200 camera is a mix of tried and true Canon features as well as new ones, and combined they create a non-intimidating mirrorless camera for the experienced photographer – yet it is approachable for someone beginning their visual storytelling journey.”

Standout Attributes of the EOS M200 Camera

Designed to capture life’s special moments in vibrant color and clarity, the EOS M200 camera is built with quality and connectivity at its core. Key components include:

  • DIGIC 8 Imaging Processor
  • 4K UHD, Full HD up to 60p, Vertical video support1
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Eye Detection Auto-focus
  • Convenient Wi-Fi®2 and Bluetooth®3 Technology
  • Capable of Sharing Photos and Videos to Social Media Platforms
  • Compact and Lightweight Design
  • Compatible with Extensive Line of EF-M, Canon EF4 and EF-S4 lenses
  • 24.1 megapixel APS-C sized sensor
  • Capture amazing details, colors and tones
  • Detailed footage looks superb on your 4K TV
  • Fast for photos, smooth for video 
  • Portable design
  • Let’s you capture life’s special moments with the camera they deserve
  • Creative Assist
  • Makes professional-looking photos easy 
  • For online image sharing and remote control 
  • 180˚ tilt-out touchscreen
  • For creative shooting and selfies 
  • Time-lapse movies
  • Record movement on a different timescale

Thanks to an impressive 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, the EOS M200 camera is capable of rendering detailed images of your travel escapades or your family milestones. The tilting LCD with touch screen allows for artistic expression when shooting subjects from a variety of angles, including selfies. Understanding the importance of sharing photos and videos, this camera is capable of transferring files directly to compatible smart devices using the Canon Camera Connect app. Images can then be seamlessly shared on social media platforms and web services or printed directly to compatible wireless Canon printers.

Pricing and Availability of the EOS M200

The EOS M200 camera has an estimated retail price of $599.99*, and is currently expected to be available in October 2019. For more information and the full list of product specifications, visit http://shop.usa.canon.com/

Sunday, September 22, 2019

My thoughts on Canon EOS R mirrorless camera one year after its introduction


Canon announced the EOS R system featuring the newly designed RF mount on September 5, 2018. You can download the whitepaper on this new body here. I was invited by Canon to a hands-on demonstration of the production camera on September 9, 2018.

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer. I have been using Canon gear for over 30 years. You can follow my travels on FacebookTwitter and Instagram, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

After attending the invitation, I determined this new camera is not for me and made a post to explain my decision. It is the worst kept secret Canon is still 'behind' Sony in cutting edge mirrorless camera technology. The reason is not technical, it is incremental. Canon can easily match or beat Sony in any camera but since they have a huge existing EF mount and DSLR customer base to protect, Canon's caution is understandable due to the possible cannibalization of their existing business.

Canon's reluctance to match Sony's mirrorless performance must end soon and all signs point to 2020 as the year they will take their gloves off. Low to medium end DSLR sales have been dropping for quite a few years due to smartphone cameras' competition and to a lesser degree, competition from mirrorless cameras. 

First, there will be a major firmware upgrade V 1.4.0 to the EOS R and EOS RP on September 26, 2019. This will be an interim fix to pump up the performance of the two cameras. The megapixel version and the pro version of the EOS R will be announced in 2020, most probably before the June Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. To round out the debut, a mirrorless version of the EOS-1D X Mark III will eventually be announced, perhaps later in 2020 or 2021, since the Mark III will be the last top-of-the-line DSLR camera Canon will make.

I have not decided whether to acquire either the EOS R pro version or the EOS-1D X version of Canon's new mirrorless camera. Personally, I find the current EOS-1D X model to be nearly as perfect a camera line as possible. The weight does not bother me at all. I do not like looking at images through an EVF. Images do not appear natural to me. The new RF mount lenses are over priced and the current EF mount lens lineup is hard to beat. Canon can change the perception of a long time user like myself if they work hard enough but only time will tell whether management is willing to take some calculated risks and stay ahead in the competitive world of digital photography.

Canon Announced 8x20 IS and 10x20 IS Binoculars with Lens-Shift Image Stabilization




MELVILLE, NY, September 19, 2019 – What do birdwatching, hiking, camping and sports watching all have in common? They all need a trusted and high-quality set of binoculars to view and bask in the full experience. Continuing to elevate viewing through impressive optics, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced two new, lightweight entry-level Image-Stabilized Binoculars with an 8×20 IS and 10×20 IS. Specifically, the 8×20 IS binoculars are the world’s lightest binoculars with image stabilization*. These new entry-level models also feature Lens Shift Image Stabilization (IS) technology, a technology that allows users to see an even sharper image by moving the IS lens to help correct shaking from handholding.

“One of the secrets to Canon’s success is the company’s dedication to its strong legacy of optical brilliance and imaging technologies that match the various needs of our customers for today and into the future,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “These new binoculars embody those same principles, enhancing the viewing experiences for our customers while offering the familiarity and quality they trust in Canon optics.”

The new binocular models both feature Shift Image Stabilization, a feature frequently found in Canon digital cameras and camcorders. This technology incorporates a microcomputer and improved gyro performance that assists in cancelling out the effects of user-shake or movement, resulting in an enhanced detailed view of objects. Reducing shake also lessens fatigue when viewing for long periods of time, making them comfortable to use at concerts and events. Canon is offering two models with different zoom powers (8x and 10x) which can handle various situations for a wide range of users.

Additional features in both models include:

  • Compact and Lightweight Binoculars with Image Stabilization
  • High-Magnification Ratio of 8x to 10x, respectively
  • High-Efficiency Shift-System Image Stabilizer
  • Powered IS Mode
  • Field Flattener Lens
  • Super-Spectra Coating
  • Minimum focusing distance of up to 6.6 feet (2m)
  • Ergonomic design and comfortable grip

Pricing and Availability

Canon’s new 8×20 IS and 10×20 IS binocular models are scheduled to be available in early November 2019 for an estimated retail price of $499.99 and $549.99 respectively**. For more information, please visit, usa.canon.com.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera possible specs and announcement date









As reported earlier, the successor to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera, the Mark III is expected to be announced by Q1, 2020 with a possible development announcement before the end of 2019.

I have been an EOS-1 user since the line was introduced in 1989. The latest and possibly last EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR body may have the following specs :

  • All new mid 20MP sensor
  • Powered by dual DIGIC 9 processors
  • Deep Learning AF system through viewfinder and Live View 
  • Dual card slots - 2 CFexpress
  • 10-bit HEIF file capture (in addition to JPEG and Raw)
  • Shoots Super 4K 60p 10 bit video without cropping
  • 3.2 million-dot touch screen
  • Optical viewfinder with more information than the Mk II model
  • 61 AF points spread wider than Mark II model
  • 525 AF points in Live View
  • AF-ON trackpad is fast and precise 
  • LCD display on top of camera similar to EOS R
  • Illuminated back buttons
  • GPS plus built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
  • Burst rate 16 fps in AF, 20 fps with LiveView
  • Improved silent shooting mode. Completely 'silent'.
  • Improved LP-E19 battery with extended life
  • Release date - Q1 2020

Frankly, I find the present burst rate of the Mark II model more than adequate. The sensor and LCD screen can use a bump up in megapixels. The WiFi and Bluetooth features serve little purpose for me but may be useful for some landscape photography and photo journalism assignments. I am excited about the new AF capabilities, sensor IQ improvement and video enhancements.

Keep checking back for the latest development and information. I am very interested in getting this body.