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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Canon Virtual Press Conference on April 20, 2020 will announce new cameras






MELVILLE, NY, March 30, 2020 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that they will be hosting a Virtual Press Conference to unveil the company’s new professional imaging products and technologies. The Virtual Press Conference, which will be streamed on the Canon U.S.A. website at usa.canon.com/VPC2020, is scheduled to air on Monday, April 20, 2020, at 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PT.

“As Canon continues to monitor the global response surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the effects of which have impacted every aspect of our lives, we would like to thank everyone for their understanding and ongoing support during this challenging time,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president, and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc “The road ahead is long and filled with uncertainty, but when the broadcast and cinema industries are ready to resume ‘normal’ activities, Canon wants them to know we will be there to continue to support professionals with new products and technologies that meet their needs.”

The new Canon broadcast and cinema products featured during the Virtual Press Conference are aligned with the current and growing needs of the respective industries such as 4K UHD and HDR, as well as evolving technologies.

For more information and the latest updates, please visit usa.canon.com/VPC2020 and follow us on Twitter at @CanonUSAprovideo and Instagram @canonusaprovideo.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Canon celebrates 17th consecutive year as global leader in sales of Interchangeable Lens for Digital Cameras





MELVILLE, NY, March 26, 2020 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. has maintained the number one share of the global market for interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) for 17 consecutive years from 2003 to 2019.

Canon develops the key imaging system components featured in its EOS series of interchangeable-lens cameras - CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses - under the core concept of, “Speed, Comfort, and High Image Quality.” Offering a wide-ranging product lineup,  from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry level models that allow users to enjoy high image quality shooting with easy operation - Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Digital Rebel (EOS Kiss Digital or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global market and set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS 1D X series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

Canon introduced new possibilities for photographic expression with the launch of the EOS R System in October 2018. Including such products as the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and RF lenses that fully leverage the company’s optical technologies, the new products helped further expand the Canon EOS System. In 2019, Canon launched a wide range of products including the EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera in March and EOS 90D DSLR in September. In striving to further expand its lineup, Canon managed to secure the number one share of the global market for the 17th consecutive year.

Canon is also currently developing the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, equipped with a newly developed full-frame CMOS sensor and featuring high-speed continuous shooting for still images and 8K video recording. The company is also currently developing seven RF lenses and two RF lens extenders, including the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM, and plans to release them throughout the course of 2020. Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology, to expand and create a stronger EOS System for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. These innovations open up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo and video culture.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

New Canon EOS-1D X Mark III firmware coming in April to address issue



My readers know I have recently returned from Hokkaido, Japan to put the EOS-1D X Mark III camera through a real world test. My first review is here. There will be addendum as I go on more wildlife photography tours, further testing the new camera.

I have experienced (once) a seize up with the EOS-1D X Mark II and Mark III bodies when firing in the maximum burst mode, in severely cold weather. A quick pull out and reinsertion of the battery cleared the problem immediately.

In addition, there is a phenomenon, which I have not experienced, as described below :

Phenomenon:

When the camera is used with the electronic level set to “Show” in the viewfinder display, in rare cases, the camera may not perform normally when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button.

Affected Product:

EOS-1D X Mark III (Firmware version 1.0.0)

Workaround:

Use the “Hide” setting for the electronic level in the viewfinder display.

Setting procedure: Menu / Set-up 2 tab / Viewfinder display / Electronic level* [Hide]
*Default setting: [Hide]

Support:

In early-April 2020, Canon plans to release a firmware update to address the phenomenon listed above.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Canon closed Service Centers in California, New Jersey, Illinois and Hawaii due to CoronaVirus




Notice to our Customers regarding closure of California, New Jersey, Illinois, and Hawaii Service Facilities :

Due to the “stay at home” directives from authorities in California, New Jersey, Illinois, and Hawaii, as well as local “Shelter in Place” orders, our Canon service facilities in those states are temporarily closed until further notice. Products needing repair can be directed to our Factory Service Center in Newport News, Virginia. Please note that walk-in service is not available at this location. We apologize for any inconvenience and delays that may occur during this time. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.

We encourage you to use our online system to set up the service of your product at:

https://www.usa.canon.com/repair

The spread of COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation that is of great concern to everyone. Canon’s commitment is to take proactive and proportional steps in accordance with all recommended procedures and protocols as advised by the CDC, the United States Government, and state, regional and local public health agencies.

Again, we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state authorities. The health and well-being of our customers, clients, and employees remain our top priority during this difficult time. As conditions change, we will take recommended and appropriate steps to restore and continue the excellent service that you have come to expect from Canon USA, Inc. For updates and other information regarding COVID-19 measures, please visit our web site:

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/about/to-our-customers

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Canon confirms upcoming EOS R5 is a mirrorless EOS-5 series camera




Recently, TechRadar was able to put some questions to David Parry, Canon's Product Marketing Specialist, during a brief chat about the EOS R5. Below is an excerpt of their conversation :


Is the Canon EOS R5 body based on the EOS R?

"What you can see is that it is actually slightly fatter than the EOS R across the top. In my view, it gives it more of a DSLR sort of look to it," David Parry said.

Why is the EOS R's Multi-function bar missing on the EOS R5?

"We've got the joystick on here, instead of the Multi-function bar. Everybody knows the multi-function bar on the EOS R got a mixed response – some people really got on with it, some people really couldn't get on with it at all," he said. "So maybe going with this is a safer bet – more people are used to the multi-controller."

"Because this is a 5-series, more people at that kind of level will expect functions similar to what you get on a 5D." he added.

So is that why this camera is called the EOS R5?

"It's aimed at that level of the market. This isn't a replacement for the 5D Mark IV or anything like that. But this is a mirrorless 5-series, it's aimed at that segment of the market," he said.

"Which makes sense because in film days we had the EOS 5, then with digital DSLRs we had the 5D, and now we've got the R5 now. So it's all the same sort of level." he added.
And more generally away from the specs, who is the Canon EOS R5 aimed at? What type of photographer will buy it?

"This is going to be a well-rounded product in the sense that it's full-frame, it's got a high frame-rate (20fps and 12fps), it's got amazing video capability with the 8K. So it's going to be an incredibly powerful product," he said.

"As the name gives away, the type of consumer who's going to buy it is going to be your 5-series user, it's going to be that sort of level of product. Someone who's using it professionally and someone who's using it semi-professionally as well," he said.

"But let's not forget there are a lot of enthusiasts out there who love products at this level," he added. "It's not targeted towards any particular genre of photography, in the same way that the 5 series evolved into that all-rounder type of camera. With the 5-series you see it in every single kind of photography situation you can imagine," he added.

The EOS R5 has impressive video credentials. How does it handle heat issues when shooting 8K video?

"We've been doing this for a while now and we've learnt a lot of techniques to dissipate heat on other products that we have in our lineup. For example, being able to move components around, and being able to have them further away from each other," he said.

"And being able to dissipate heat using different materials has been something we've been pretty proud of on other products. This is something we've learnt using both our camera and our video Cinema EOS series with that technology as well," he added.

"So there's a lot of technology that we know is now coming together and giving us the ability to really step up these specifications," he said.

The EOS R5 has Animal Eye AF. Does this work in both video and stills?

"We can't divulge that at the moment, but what's really exciting about that for us is that it's dogs, cats and birds – as far as I'm aware no other manufacturer has mentioned birds in their Animal AF," he said.

"I'm intrigued to see how that works out in the field – because birds are obviously quite different, that's quite a broad spectrum. With dogs and cats, they've got different breeds, but they do look relatively similar, whereas birds can look completely different, from house martins right up to ostriches. That's pretty exciting," he added.

Is animal autofocus based on the same Deep Learning tech that we first saw on the Canon EOS-1DX Mark III?

"We're not divulging anything about where that tech has come from, but again all the learning from other cameras we have do go into the next generation," he said.

"I think the Deep Learning technology is very, very exciting – about being able to get it to recognize people wearing crash helmets and things like that, which has made a big difference to the 1DX."

Does the EOS R5 have full weather-sealing for wildlife photographers?

"We never quote weather-sealing figures, because of the big hole in the front of the camera, but we normally quote another product that has the same level within our lineup," he said.

"I don't know what the weather-sealing capabilities on this product will be, but we are aware that people do use these in pretty harsh environments, so that would be a consideration for us. I couldn't say what those figures are, but it's pretty robust I have to say," he added.

And lastly, the current situation with coronavirus is obviously difficult for a lot of manufacturers. Is the EOS R5 likely to be delayed?

"We're in the same situation as all the other manufacturers in that we're keeping an eye on things and seeing what we can do," he said.

"It's not the same as this, but we've had natural disasters before, so we have a pretty robust system for being able to deal with things like the tsunami and earthquakes. I know this is very, very different, but there's things in place to work on this kind of thing," he added.

"We can't say whether this is going to be affected or not, but let's just wait and see what happens over the next few weeks. This is going to be a really exciting camera for us. It's creating quite a stir and we want people to really enjoy this product, so the sooner we can get it out there the better really," he added. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Canon's upcoming EOS R5 and EOS R6 full frame mirrorless cameras' possible specifications




I have just returned from a wildlife photography trip to Hokkaido, Japan to field test the production model of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera. You can read my review here.

When I was there, Canon announced the closure of five facilities based in the Oita, Miyazaki and Nagasaki prefectures, from March 2nd to March 13th, ostensibly because of interruption of the supply chain from China. Together with all other disruptions caused by the Coronavirus, this will delay the schedule announcement and delivery of the upcoming EOS R5 and EOS R6 full frame mirrorless cameras.


EOS R5 possible specifications :
  • All new 40+ MP full frame CMOS sensor
  • IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)
  • About 5 stops with IBIS, 8 stops with IS in lens
  • 12 fps with Viewfinder, 20 fps with Live View
  • Signature scroll wheel in back of camera (finally)
  • Dual memory card slots (One SD, one CFexpress)
  • On / Off switch for Video and Live View
  • No-Crop on 8K video
  • Dual Pixel AF available in 8K
  • Internal recording
  • Body AF tracking
  • Face AF tracking
  • Eye AF tracking
  • Animal detection autofocus
  • 8K @ 30 fps RAW, 4K @ 120 fps and 60 fps
  • Built-in 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
  • Improved LP-E6N battery with longer life
  • Magnesium alloy body
  • Development announcement. Delivery some time in second half of 2020.


EOS R6 possible specifications :
  • All new 20 MP full frame CMOS sensor
  • IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)
  • About 5 stops with IBIS, 8 stops with IS in lens
  • 12 fps with Viewfinder, 20 fps with Live View
  • Dual memory card slots (Two SD or one SD, one CFexpress)
  • Dual Pixel AF available in 4K
  • No top down LCD screen
  • Body AF tracking
  • Face AF tracking
  • Eye AF tracking
  • Animal detection autofocus
  • 4K @ 60p, full HD @ 120p
  • New battery with lower resolution EVF
  • Build quality lower than EOS R5
  • Announcement and delivery in late Q2 to Q3 of 2020.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Canon released more info on upcoming EOS R5 mirrorless camera




Sydney, Australia, 13th March 2020 - Canon Inc. has today released further development specifications for its recently announced Canon EOS R5, the next-generation full-frame, mirrorless interchangeable lens camera in the company’s EOS R System. These additional details come exactly one month after Canon announced the development announcement of the EOS R5 and shut down speculation that some of its revolutionary specifications are ‘a fantasy’.

Signalling a new phase of Canon 5-Series imaging and a revolution in the mirrorless full camera category, Canon’s EOS R5 will offer every photographer – not just professionals – access to high-quality imaging, cutting-edge 8K movie recording, new approaches to in-body image stabilisation, and revolutionary subject detection and tracking performance features.

New possibilities for movie performance

Unleashing new possibilities, Canon Inc. confirms the EOS R5’s video capabilities will exceed that of competing cameras on the market1. With its ability to internally record 8K using the full width of the sensor at up to 30p, the latest Canon EOS R camera is set to redefine mirrorless with its market-leading features. In addition, in all 8K modes the EOS R5 will support Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF.

A beast for subject detection and tracking performance for animals and people

Canon Inc. also confirms the EOS R5 supports advanced animal AF – recognising dogs, cats and birds, relying not only on the eyes of the animal but also the face and body for situations when the eyes are not visible.

Jason McLean, Director – Consumer Imaging & Services, Canon Australia, said: “Our EOS 5-Series was developed fifteen years ago to make full-frame cameras accessible to consumers, not just professional shooters. Today, that purpose remains steadfast as we continue achieving the ‘impossible’ to deliver the hybrid needs of content creators who are demanding uncompromised performance to generate more still and motion visual content than ever before.”

“With its game changing 8K movie capabilities, new approaches to image stabilisation, revolutionary subject detection, and compatibility with Canon’s full suite of EF2 and RF lenses, the EOS R5 represents a category revolution as opposed to product evolution in the interchangeable-lens camera market.”

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Another new Canon mirrorless camera showed up for certification












I have just returned from a travel and wildlife photography tour in Japan over the weekend with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera. Personally, I felt very safe there and the Japanese authorities are keen on protecting the upcoming Summer Olympics. There are strong suggestions from the central government to many businesses to allow employees to work from home or shut down their operations for two weeks to stop the spread of the virus.

Many schools and colleges are closed for a few weeks as well. Accordingly, Canon is idling five facilities based in the Oita, Miyazaki and Nagasaki prefectures, from March 2nd to March 13th, ostensibly because of interruption of the supply chain from China. There are no employees who are affected by the virus at this time.

Luckily, I have received my EOS-1D X Mark III camera before the 2 week shutdown and will write a real world review of the new body in the near future. A few photographers have experienced a brief seize up of the camera while in burst mode. I can attest to that as well but not really concerned at this time. My backup EOS-1D X Mark II camera does that as well, once in a while. A quick pull out and reinsertion of the battery will clear up the problem. If this proves to be a lingering issue, I expect Canon to introduce a firmware update very soon. You can follow my travels on FacebookTwitterInstagram and see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

A new upcoming Canon mirrorless camera has shown up for certification. This may prove to be the expected EOS R6 camera. Together with the upmarket EOS R5, these two cameras will basically replace the EOS 5Ds, EOS 5DsR and EOS R bodies and will be the main mirrorless camera lineup for Canon going forward. Sadly, both upcoming cameras will be delayed by the Coronavirus problem, not to mention the 2020 Olympics. We live in uncertain times for a little while until things get cleared up. 

Monday, March 2, 2020

Canon idles 5 camera facilities because of Coronavirus impact






As my readers know, I am in Japan on a travel and wildlife photography tour with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera. Upon my return, I will write a real world review of the new body. You can follow my travels on FacebookTwitterInstagram and see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Personally, I feel very safe here but the Japaneses authorities are keen on protecting the upcoming Summer Olympics. There are strong suggestions from the central government to many businesses to allow employees to work from home or shut down their operations for two weeks to stop the spread of the virus. Many schools and colleges are closed for a few weeks as well.

Accordingly, Canon is apparently idling five facilities based in the Oita, Miyazaki and Nagasaki prefectures, from March 2nd to March 13th, ostensibly because of interruption of the supply chain from China. There are no employees who are affected by the virus at this time.

The shuttered plants produce SLR cameras, interchangeable lenses, and security cameras. There will be an impact on the timely delivery of Canon equipment, like the upcoming EOS R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras.

Canon EOS R5 camera may have one SD and one CFexpress slot








My readers know why I am not buying Canon mirrorless camera now. When the EOS R1 debuts next year, I may be interested in acquiring one. The soon to be announced, semi-pro mirrorless camera will be called EOS-R5. It will be positioned below the EOS-1D X Mark III and may have the following specifications :

  • All new 40+ MP full frame CMOS sensor
  • IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)
  • About 5 stops with IBIS, 8 stops with IS in lens
  • 12 fps with Viewfinder, 20 fps with Live View
  • Signature scroll wheel in back of camera (finally)
  • Dual memory card slots (One SD, one CFexpress)
  • AF On smart controller like the EOS-1D X Mark III
  • New Mode dial on top of camera
  • No-Crop on 8K video
  • Dual Pixel AF available in 8K
  • Internal recording
  • Body AF tracking
  • Face AF tracking
  • Eye AF tracking
  • Animal detection autofocus
  • 8K @ 30 fps RAW, 4K @ 120 fps and 60 fps
  • Built-in 5GHz WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS
  • Improved LP-E6NH battery with longer life
  • Magnesium alloy body
  • Development announcement. Available second half of 2020.
  • List price just below $5,000 in the US.