Translate this blog into your language

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Canon Announced First Quarter, 2019 Financial Results




Canon Inc. is the largest photographic equipment manufacturer in the world. The following commentary accompanied their latest financial results for Q1, 2019. As you can see, sales of DSLRs are still declining and Mirrorless cameras are on the rise, again. However, the name of the game is Profitability. Canon must strive to get the maximum profits from a combination of DSLRs, Mirrorless and Lens sales. 

"In the first quarter, sales of interchangeable-lens cameras were down 19% to 850 thousand units. This reflects the combined impact of accelerated market contraction for DSLRs, in particular entry-level models, and economic slowdown in China, which is a sizeable market for interchangeable-lens cameras. 

The habit of capturing images with smartphones with improved cameras has become a part of daily lives of consumers. As a result, the market for entry-level DSLRs is contracting at a pace that exceeds the outlook we had at the beginning of the year. That said, we expect the user base of professionals and advanced-amateur, people who value the image quality and expressive possibilities afforded by cameras with large sensors and an abundance of interchangeable-lenses to remain. For the market overall, however, we expect the trend of market contraction to continue for some time. 

In light of these circumstances, we decided to reexamine our full-year projections for the market and our own unit sales. We now expect the market and our own unit sales to decline 17% to 8.6 million units and 4.2 million units, respectively. 

Mirrorless cameras, known for being small and lightweight, are increasing their presence in the market. Amid this situation, we will steadily shift our focus from DSLR to mirrorless cameras with the aim of maintaining our overwhelming competitiveness, which we have built upon DSLRs. 

In the first quarter as well, we grew our unit sales of mirrorless cameras at a pace far exceeding the overall market, thanks to such new products as the EOS M50 and EOS R. Additionally, at the end of the quarter, we further enhanced our lineup, with the launch of the EOS RP, a smaller and lighter mirrorless camera equipped with a full-frame sensor and the same new mount found on the EOS R. Additionally, we plan to release six new models of RF lenses within the year. Users have not only praised the performance of these bodies and lenses, but also expressed their high expectations for the R system overall having felt our sense of urgency in strengthening our lineup over a short period of time. We will work to maintain sales growth of the EOS RP, which got off to a flying start, while also successively launching new RF lenses as we work to further stimulate sales of our strengthened mirrorless lineup. 

From a profit perspective, in the full-frame sensor category where particularly high growth continues, even among mirrorless models, we will work to improve our product mix, actively expanding sales of both R System products. Additionally, for lenses with high profitability, we will not only promote sales of RF lenses, but also continue to promote the appeal of our broad range of EF lenses. Furthermore, we will work to expand automation initiatives not only to other products, but also other processes, raising our cost competitiveness and linking this to a recovery in profitability."

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Will Canon announce EOS-7D Mark III camera to replace EOS-7D Mark II model?



Canon announced the expected entry level EOS RP, full frame mirrorless camera recently and is planning to announce at least 6 new RF lenses in the next few months. You can download the Owner Manual here and read it before you buy. As I mentioned before, unless Canon comes out with an EOS-1 equivalent type of full frame mirrorless camera, your truly has no interest in this line of equipment.



As my readers know, I am waiting for the successor of the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-7D Mark II bodies to arrive some time in late 2019 or Q1, 2020. The EOS-80D and EOS-7D Mark II replacement may morph into a single camera. Frankly it's about time. There are too many models in Canon's lineup it is becoming a difference without a distinction.

In my opinion, there should only be four EOS line of cameras - EOS-1, EOS-5, EOS-7 and EOS-R. In addition, the PowerShot line can fill out the remainder. Anything more than that is unnecessary and add more confusion than differentiation.

Admittedly, medium and high end DSLR sales are on the decline. Their price and weight (including the complementary line of Super Telephoto lenses) will deter many except the die-hard photographers who demand the best equipment.

It is early days yet to speculate on the new camera's features but I am hoping for the following specs for the EOS-7D Mark III or its equivalent. Keep checking back for the latest information :

  • Low to Mid 20MP sensor
  • Dual Digic 8 processors
  • 10 fps (12 fps possible but unlikely)
  • 4K+ video @ 30fps and 1080p @ 60fps
  • Pop up flash and WiFi. GPS and WiFi  more likely
  • 2 memory slots, one SD and one CFast (Unlikely. Dual SD more likely)
  • AF points to below 100 with more cross-type points
  • Increase in high ISO and Dynamic Range performance
  • Addition of illuminated buttons on the back panel

Canon announced EOS R Camera Firmware Version 1.2.0






Canon Canada has released EOS R Firmware Version 1.2.0  Download is available for both Windows and Mac.

Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

  • Eye-detection AF
  • Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
  • Now available when shooting movies regardless of "Movie Servo AF" setting.
  • Small AF Frame Size
  • Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
  • Now available when shooting movies regardless of "Movie Servo AF" setting.
  • Under certain conditions the electronic level displayed in the electronic viewfinder did not display properly.
  • Under certain conditions information displayed in the electronic viewfinder was not properly rotated.
  • Under certain conditions updating the firmware for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E7 was not possible.


Canon announced the EOS R and the EOS RP cameras, featuring the newly designed RF mount in the last few months. You can download the whitepaper on this new body here.

Summary of Canon EOS R Features

  • Brand new RF mount, compatible with EF/EF-S/TS-E/MP-E lenses with adapter
  • 30.3 megapixel, 6720 x 4480 px, 35mm Full Frame Canon CMOS sensor
  • New programmable Multi-Function Bar with touch interface
  • New Fv (Flexible Priority) mode
  • 1.27cm/0.5" OLED color EVF, 3.69 Million dots viewfinder
  • 4K 30P, Full HD 60P and Full HD 120P video with Movie Servo AF via a Dual Pixel CMOS sensor
  • Movie Digital IS with Combination IS (when used with compatible lenses) for smooth video
  • Canon Log available with up to 12 stops of dynamic range
  • 4K video delivery with output in 10-bit 4:2:2 over HDMI
  • 4K Frame Grab for 8.3 mp still JPEG images from 30 fps capture
  • DIGIC 8 Image Processor
  • 5,655 AF points with 88% horizontal and 100% vertical coverage supporting up to f/11 max apertures
  • World's most sensitive AF with sensitivity down to EV -6
  • World's fastest AF system, capable of achieving focus in 0.05 seconds
  • Touch and Drag AF with Eye Detection AF
  • Manual focus peaking display with customizable sensitivity and color
  • Max. 8 fps continuous shooting, 5 fps with AF Tracking
  • Silent shooting capable
  • Shutter durability rated up to 200,000 cycles
  • 384 zone metering system
  • ISO 100-40000 with expansion down to 50 and up to 102400
  • 3.15" (8.01cm) Clear View LCD II, approx. 2,100K dot Touch Screen Vari-Angle LCD
  • Flicker Mode adjusts shutter release timing to avoid flickering light issues
  • Distortion, Diffraction, Peripheral Illumination and Chromatic Aberration Correction along with Digital Lens Optimizer available for in-camera aberration correction
  • Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) memory card
  • Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Canon announced EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera









MELVILLE, N.Y., April 10, 2019 – Combining ease-of-use with high-image quality, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled the EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR camera, the smallest and lightest product within the current EOS lineup. Weighing just 15.84 oz1, the EOS Rebel SL3 offers users a compact system delivering high-resolution images – complete with an APS-C imaging sensor, DIGIC 8 Image Processor and 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen as well as 4K video, a first for the EOS Rebel lineup. Compatible with Canon’s full line of interchangeable EF and EF-S lenses, along with the ability to instantly send images to compatible smartphones through Auto Image Transfer via Wi-Fi®connectivity2, the EOS Rebel SL3 is the tool needed to empower aspiring photographers to capture gorgeous shots quickly and easily.

“Since its inception, the EOS Rebel product line has aimed to provide imaging excellence for entry-level visual storytellers,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Therefore, it was imperative that the next step in the EOS Rebel journey include innovative features such as 4K video and DIGIC 8 Image Processor to meet the needs of emerging photographers, while living up to the high-image quality and compact size EOS Rebel DSLRs are known for.”

The EOS Rebel SL3 carries a powerful 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, enabling users to snap photos and express themselves across a multitude of settings – whether it be a beautiful night scene, stunning family-vacation destination or a picturesque landscape. The camera is equipped with Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor – first introduced in the EOS M50 and later built into the revolutionary EOS R full-frame mirrorless system. DIGIC 8 helps improve autofocus performance and allows for the processing of 4K video and 4K time-lapse movies – helping budding videographers record scenes such as the colorful evening skyline in brilliant detail.

The EOS Rebel SL3 features autofocus (AF) capabilities, delivering nine AF points across the optical viewfinder. This includes a new Spot AF which allows users to focus on a precise area within the subject. The EOS Rebel SL3 is the first DSLR in the Canon EOS line to feature Dual Pixel CMOS AF3 with Eye Detection AF in Live View shooting mode. With its optical viewfinder and Live View LCD monitor, photographers can enjoy two different ways of shooting and customize their experience based on the scene. The system is also the first Canon EOS SLR to incorporate a Smooth Skin setting, which can help render skin tones as well as Creative Assist – an interface by which users can check and seamlessly change shooting conditions in Live View4– such as white balance or brightness – in real time.

Additional key features of the EOS Rebel SL3 camera include :

  • Feature Assistant that guides and offers tips for more effective shooting
  • Continuous shooting mode up to 5.0 fps
  • Digital Lens Optimizer that corrects optical shifting automatically, even without a computer

The EOS Rebel SL3 will be available toward the end of April for purchase in black and white color options for an estimated retail price of $599.99, for the body only and $749.99 for the body with a EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM lens*. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Canon Rebel SL3 / EOS Kiss X10 Camera Coming Soon






Canon Rebel SL3 / EOS Kiss X10

  • APS-C size equivalent CMOS sensor with about 24.1 million effective pixels
  • Video engine DIGIC 8
  • "Digital lens optimizer" installed in the camera
  • Equipped with "Auto Lighting Optimizer" that automatically corrects the brightness and contrast to a natural impression
  • "Dual pixel CMOS AF" evolved
  • It supports ranging area of ​​approximately 100% (vertically) x approximately 88% (horizontally) of the imaging surface
  • When selecting the AF area, you can select from up to 3,975 positions
  • When AF area is automatically selected, ranging with up to 143 divisions is possible
  • Low brightness limit EV-4 is realized during live view shooting
  • During Live View shooting, “Puit AF” is activated to detect the subject's pupil with pinpoint and focus on Servo AF / Movie Servo AF setting as well.
  • Equipped with "one spot AF"
  • Capable of 4K (24p / 25p) high-definition movie shooting
  • It is equipped with "4K frame cutout" which saves any one frame as a JPEG image of about 8.3 million pixels only by camera operation
  • At the time of movie photography, camera shake correction of five axes is possible at the time of wearing of correspondence lens by the use of gyro sensor
  • Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Size: 122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8 mm
  • Weight: Black / Silver 402g · White 404g (body only), Black / Silver 449g · White 451g 
  • Kit: Body (Black), Lens Kit (Black, White, Silver), Double Zoom Kit (Black)
  • Expected release date: April 25, 2019
  • Mass retailer price (tax included): body 83,700 yen, lens kit 94,500 yen, double zoom kit 126,900 yen (not confirmed. Body 519 pounds in the UK, lens kit 599 pounds)
  • Camera to be called Rebel SL3 in the United States, 250D in Europe, and 200D in Asia.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Canon announced Sumire PL-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses










MELVILLE, NY, April 3, 2019 – Covering the core range of focal lengths that cinema professionals desire, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the company’s first set of seven cinema prime PL-Mount lenses, aptly named Sumire Prime. Pronounced “Soo-mee-ray,” the word is of Japanese origin and is associated with a floral gentleness and beauty. Sumire Prime Lenses offer a unique artistically pleasing look with gentle and beautiful skin tones and smooth bokeh, designed for use with large-sensor cinema cameras, including 35mm full-frame cameras such as the EOS C700FF Cinema Camera.

In addition to bright T-stops and Canon’s renowned warm-color imagery, a unique optical design introduces a nuanced look as the lens aperture approaches its maximum setting - subtly modifying the textural renderings of the human face closeup. It also smooths the transition to the fall-off portions of the scene resulting in a pleasing bokeh. This combination adds emotional expressiveness and provides creative flexibility to create a memorable scene.
“Sumire in Japan is the name of a flower, and like the petals of a flower, our lenses are most beautiful when fully opened. This is the inspiration behind the Sumire look,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The feedback from cinematographers is crucial and their voices have been heard loud and clear – they asked Canon to introduce a set of PL-mount cinema prime lenses. We went a step further and our new Sumire Prime Lenses produce the beautifully cinematic and unique images professionals desire. We can’t wait to see how the lenses will contribute to the art of filmmaking.”

The new set of seven Canon Sumire Prime Cinema Lenses include the following :

  • CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X
  • CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X
  • CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X
  • CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X
  • CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X
  • CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X
  • CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X

All Sumire Prime lenses feature an 11-bladed iris and bright T-stops that allow users to capture images that feature a more natural circular-like bokeh from both maximum to minimum aperture. The use of an odd number of iris blades also helps to diffuse light rays and produce what is generally considered a more sought after, artistically pleasing and cinematic look with warmer colors. The lenses also achieve uniform color balance throughout the lineup, helping to reduce the need for post grading, even when a production is frequently changing lenses.

The highly durable Sumire Prime lenses feature the same outstanding operability and reduced focus breathing as Canon’s well-established EF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses. Manual operation provides users with the resistance they desire to make precise changes in focus. A 300-degree focus rotation angle and gear position is consistent across the entire Sumire Prime series of lenses - eliminating the need to adjust gear positions when changing lenses.

“The new Sumire Prime lenses are the perfect blend of science and art,” says cinematographer Matt Porwoll, who shot the first U.S. footage with the lenses. “The bokeh comes alive in ways that weren’t occurring with other lenses I’ve used. Lens flares have a dynamic feel to them, rather than behaving in a formulaic manner. I wish I had these on my last project!”

The Sumire Prime Lenses are compatible with the complete lineup of Canon Cinema EOS full-frame and Super 35mm 4K cameras, including the EOS C700 FF, EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C200. In addition to Canon cameras, the new lenses are also compatible with the latest full-frame and Super 35mm PL-mount cameras from leading manufacturers. Additionally, the mount on the Sumire Prime Lenses is interchangeable and can be converted from PL-Mount to EF-Mount at a Canon Factory Service & Repair center. A Canon representative will be able to perform the service or even revert back to original PL-mount upon request at an additional cost*.

Availability* 

The Canon CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X and CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X lenses are scheduled to be available in Summer 2019. The Canon CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X lens is scheduled to be available in Fall 2019. The Canon CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X and CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X lenses are scheduled to be available in Winter 2019/Spring 2020. 

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Canon announced XA Professional Camcorders with 4K 30p Recording










MELVILLE, NY, April 2, 2019 – Meeting videographer needs for a variety of applications, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced four new additions to the lineup of XA Series professional camcorders, the XA55, XA50, XA45 and XA40. These four camcorders are the first in the series to feature 4K 30p recording. They also include a detachable XLR handle and the XA55 and XA45 each feature an HD-SDI terminal. In addition, the company has announced the Canon VIXIA HF G60 4K UHD camcorder, a budget-friendly, compact-and-lightweight camcorder.

The new Canon XA camcorders are :

  • Canon XA 55 $2,699
  • Canon XA 50 $2,199
  • Canon XA 45 $2,199
  • Canon XA 40 $1,699

“Often spending their days and nights working in fast-paced environments, videographers need a camcorder that is affordable, reliable, and delivers great images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “These new camcorders meet the needs of a variety of users, including those capturing news, shooting influential documentaries, educating young filmmakers or developing content for their companies.”

All of the camcorders feature Canon’s five-axis Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization system, providing users with powerful image stabilization via a Dynamic mode, which helps reduce image distortion, even when shooting while moving. The ergonomically designed and highly portable camcorders have a three-inch LCD touch panel screen and user-friendly, tilting, high-resolution Electronic View Finder (EVF).

The XA55 and XA45 are excellent options for news reporting and documentary shooting, while the XA50 and XA40 are geared more towards broadcasting schools, government agencies and corporate-video production companies. The affordable VIXIA HF G60 caters to advanced amateur videographers who need a 4K UHD camcorder to shoot a wedding or a student film project.

The XA55 and XA50 camcorders both feature a 1.0-inch sensor, nine-bladed circular aperture and Dual-Pixel CMOS AF with a 15x (25.5-382.5mm) genuine wide-angle Canon optical zoom lens. For natural and realistic life-like imagery the XA55 and XA50 camcorders feature a Wide Dynamic Range (DR) Gamma mode. This lowers the barrier for focusing, especially when shooting in 4K, which requires strict focus accuracy. By suppressing overexposure in high- brightness areas of the composition, this mode helps achieve a wide dynamic range of 800 percent to help produce seamless tone gradations, resulting in smooth detail, accurate color and virtually no blown-out highlights.

The camera’s Dual Pixel Focus Guide takes advantage of Dual Pixel CMOS AF data to display focus-assist information on the screen. The camcorders also record 4K UHD/30p (4:2:0 8 bit) and 1080p Full HD (4:2:2 10 bit) via SDI/HDMI Output in XF-AVC and MP4 format to dual-card SD card slots with dual and relay recording.

The XA45 and XA40 camcorders both feature a 1.0-inch sensor, eight-bladed circular aperture with the ability to record 4K UHD/30p (4:2:0 8 bit) and 1080p Full HD (4:2:2 10 bit) via SDI/HDMI Output) in MP4 or XF-AVC format to dual-card SD card slots with dual and relay recording. To help provide enhanced image quality over its predecessor, over sample HD processing can be utilized with information obtained from the 4K 1/2.3-inch sensor and the DIGIC DV 6 image processor. Both camcorders boast a 20x (29.3-601mm) genuine wide-angle Canon optical zoom lens.

The Canon VIXIA HF G60 4K UHD camcorder is packed with many of the same great features found in the XA55 and XA50, like a nine-bladed circular aperture, Dual Pixel Focus Guide and Wide DR, but with the budget- conscious user in mind. The affordable camcorder is an ideal tool for young videographers taking their first steps in the craft and will be sure to please due to its compact-and-lightweight form factor in addition to ease of use.

Additionally, Canon today announced firmware updates for the XF705, XF405/XF400 and VIXIA GX10 camcorders. New features by model include:

XF705: Firmware Version 1.0.1.1 now features improved zoom response when using the zoom ring or zoom rocker, improved focus following speed during zooming, and improved image quality of interlaced recording.
XF405/XF400: Firmware Version 1.0.3.0 now features IP streaming, the ability to set custom white balance, support for the reset function that resets the clip number when the reel number is set and improved image quality of interlaced recording.
XF405 only: Firmware Version 1.0.3.0 now features 3G-SDI mapping at level A and level B.
VIXIA GX10: Firmware Version 1.0.3.0 now features the ability to set custom white balance.
Pricing and Availability

The Canon XA55, XA50 and VIXIA HF G60 are scheduled to be available in June 2019 for estimated retail prices of $2699.00, $2199.00 and $1699.00, respectively. The XA45 and XA40 4K UHD video camcorders are all scheduled to be available in April 2019 for estimated retail prices of $2199.00 and $1699.00, respectively*. For more information, please visit, usa.canon.com.