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Monday, September 28, 2020

Canon EOS R1 top-of-the-line mirrorless camera coming in 2021

 



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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Throughout the decades, I have owned and/or used all the EOS camera lines. I bought my first EOS 1 back in 1989 as my main camera and have upgraded to every model since. Now the EOS-1D X Mark III is my primary body and the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV are my backup cameras.

As you know I am not enamored with mirrorless cameras. When the EOS R was first introduced, I was invited to a VIP preview but found the camera wanting. The latest EOS R5 and R6 are great improvement over the original EOS R but they are not there yet and not wildlife centric cameras.

My biggest dislike of mirrorless camera is their small ergonomic size,  limited battery life and 'slow' EVF as compared to the real time sensation of SLR cameras. The EOS R5's BG-R10 grip solves the battery life problem but I do not like the look of addon grips.

The EOS R1 has a comfortable grip sculptured into the camera body and holds a robust single battery. With the expected first-in-class EVF performance, hopefully with practically no latency and IBIS mated to a mid 20+MP state-of-the-art sensor will most probably make a buyer out of me. However, I will not be buying any RF lenses. My complement of EF lenses have served me well and I do not need another series of lenses to clutter my equipment bags.

Stay tune as I get the latest leaks and information concerning the upcoming EOS R1. If the Japanese government is serious about hosting the Summer Olympics on July 23, 2021, Canon is likely to have a development announcement in early 2021 and possible limited delivery in time for the Olympics. 

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Canon announced EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera and Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x





MELVILLE, NY, September 24, 2020 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the company's first-ever RF mount Cinema EOS camera, the EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera. When the Canon RF mount was first introduced, imaging professionals began to dream about the possibilities that this revolutionary mount system might provide them. One request that Canon consistently heard was to put an RF mount on a Cinema EOS camera so that future lens performance could capitalize on the short flange depth. Just two short years later, those wishes have come true with the new C70 camera. 

The unique design of the EOS C70 camera puts a significant emphasis on operational convenience for the end-user. The small form-factor, weighing only 2.6lbs., allows the camera to be easily handheld and dramatically enhances a videographer's mobility, providing a seamless bridge between the EOS and Cinema EOS families for cinematic applications. Cleverly designed, the camera features a slim, motorized ND filter unit – having a mere 6mm depth – that is built into the short flange back of the RF mount. The motorized 10-stop ND filter provides users with the flexibility to control exposure while keeping the desired depth-of-field and capturing images that feature the desired level of bokeh. Thirteen customizable buttons allow users to select from more than 80 functions to be assigned based on individual preferences. 

"The Canon EOS C70 camera is truly a special tool that will undoubtedly satisfy and delight a variety of users on the search for a high-powered piece of video equipment," said Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Canon U.S.A.'s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. "In today's fast-moving, ever-changing world of filmmaking and content creation, versatility is key, and the EOS C70 will provide a familiar form and feature set to our entire spectrum of imaging customers. We are eager to see how creatives use this tool and the projects that come from it." 

The camera features Canon's innovative and next-generation Super 35mm DGO Sensor that further extends the high dynamic range and lowers noise levels by reading out each photodiode with two different gains. One gain prioritizes saturation – protecting detail in highlight areas – while the other suppresses noise in the shadows. The result is an image with up to 16-plus stops of total dynamic range, clean, rich shadows, and vibrant highlights in up to 4K/ 60p or 2K/120p in Super16mm Crop mode. The EOS C70 camera also features Canon's recently developed DIGIC DV7 image processor that collects the extensive information captured from the DGO sensor and processes it into exceptional HDR imagery while offering choices between Canon Log 2 and 3, in addition to PQ and HLG gamma functionality. The C70 camera can also record 4K DCI or UHD up to 120fps and 2K DCI or HD up to 180 fps – with an important flexibility in the choice of codecs. 

The camera supports XF-AVC format (in variable bit-rate) – both Intra and Long GOP with MXF file format. The intra-frame format compresses the data after analyzing each frame separately, while Long GOP format compresses data at a higher rate, creating an even smaller file size. A secondary choice is Long GOP 10-bit 4:2:2/4:2:0 MP4/HEVC (a next-generation HDR video recording compression standard) with an MP4 file format – a first in the Cinema EOS line. 

The camera's independent air intake system is separated from the electrical systems to protect the sensor from water, sand, and dust. In addition, the camera also features two air outlet vents that allow uninterrupted recording for extended periods of time.

Additional features of the Canon EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera include :

  1. New Direct Touch Menu System
  2. Coordinated Electronic Image Stabilization
  3. Two built-in Mini XLR inputs
  4. Time-code input/output terminal
  5. Custom picture processing via import of 3D LUTs and recording to Look Files
  6. Dual-SD card slots
  7. Built-in stereo mic
  8. Support for optional Canon RC-V100 remote control
  9. Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x 

The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x is a new optical adapter that allows users to tap into Canon's extensive collection of superb full-frame EF lenses when operating the EOS C70 camera. The adapter implements two critically important functions – preserving the similar FF wide angle image onto the 4K Super 35mm image sensor while simultaneously elevating the lens camera sensitivity by one stop. The mount adapter preserves full electronic communication between the lens and camera, enabling optical lens corrections and transfer of lens metadata between the EOS C70 camera and select Canon EF lenses*. 

Price & Availability 

The Canon EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera is scheduled to be available in November 2020 for an estimated retail price of $5499.00. The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x is scheduled to be available in December 2020 for an estimated retail price of $599.99**.

Friday, September 11, 2020

Canon explained EOS R5 overheating issue in an interview




The following is an excerpt from Cine D interview with Mr. Katsuyuki Nagai, Product Management Director of Image Communication Business at Canon Europe, concerning the 'overheating' issue of the EOS R5 camera.


The Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 are now shipping and as we all know, these new cameras have suffered severe overheating issues when first introduced to the market. The current situation of both cameras became (much) better with the recent introduction of firmware 1.1.1. Yet, we approached Canon with a request for an interview hoping that our questions regarding the situation can be answered. This morning we got a notification that Katsuyuki Nagai-san, Product Management Director of Image Communication Business at Canon Europe, took the time to respond. We do hope that the answers below will shed some light on how product rollout and decisions are being made.

Johnnie – CineD : The Canon EOS R5 is already shipping and there is no doubt that the camera is a technical marvel. What led Canon to introduce this product and don’t you think that introducing such an 8K mirrorless camera is a bit too early?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon: Someone has to be first, right?

Canon has always been a pioneer in video and stills camera development. The EOS 5D Mark II was the first full HD camera at a time when people asked, ‘why would you want to shoot video with a stills camera?’ We then followed up with the EOS-1D C in 2012, one of the first internal recording 4K cameras, and again people questioned the need for 4K when most were still moving to Full HD.

Someone has to push the boundaries as to what is possible. It’s worth noting that new games consoles support 8K and we are seeing more brands pushing 8K TVs, which will be in the homes of many users in the near future more so than 4K was back in 2012.

8K has been a goal for Canon for a while not just for video but stills/ hybrid shooters too. When we introduced the EOS 5D Mark II, customers who would become what we now know as hybrid shooters had been using separate video and stills cameras. They were asking for one product they could use to shoot stills and video at the same time. With a camera capturing Full HD, the stills result fell short of the 20MP still images the camera was capable of. The move to 4K improved this to 8MP, still 1⁄2 or 1/3 the quality of the still side of the camera. Now with 8K users do not have to worry so much about ‘do I shoot this moment in video or do I shoot stills?’ They can now grab high quality stills from the video footage afterwards.

Johnnie – CineD : When looking at Canon’s official online marketing material, both Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 were promised to be the “ultimate hybrid camera” and “ultimate content creation tool”. (https://www.canon-europe.com/ cameras/eos-r6/). Also, a “game-changing” tool was mentioned. (https:// www.canon-europe.com/cameras/eos-r5/). Now, looking backward, in your opinion, was this promise to customers fulfilled?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon : We stand by these claims – the EOS R5 and R6 are not dedicated video cameras, they are stills camera hybrids.

These cameras offer levels of stills performance not seen before. The high- resolution EOS R5 matches its closest competitors, coupled with the speed to match the fastest but lower resolution sports cameras on the market today.

Class leading autofocus, image stabilisation, 10bit recording and Canon Log are game changing features that make people re-evaluate what a mirrorless camera is. When it comes to video, even if we exclude the 8K and 4K 60p functions of these cameras, they are still two of the highest specification video enabled stills cameras Canon has launched to date and are the ultimate hybrid cameras for today.

Johnnie – CineD : Both cameras suffered from overheating issues in video recording and more than that, long recovery times. By introducing the latest firmware update, it seems as if Canon is trying to overcome some of those issues by allowing longer recording and shorter recovery waiting times (until the camera can film again). What exactly is causing those cameras to overheat and what’s the new FW doing in order to help here?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon : I think we should look at the fundamentals of the whole topic to give a better perspective. The cameras feature cutting edge features squeezed into compact bodies designed to offer weather resistance.

This is where we come to the first of the two governing factors that affect the cameras when it comes to overheating. Holding a very warm object for an extended period has the potential to result in what is known as low temperature burns. Secondary is to protect the internal components of the camera from the overheating. We limit how hot the external body of the camera can get to protect users, which is one of the causes of overheat shutdown. Some heat management must also be applied to ensure the camera continues to operate.

Recording time is controlled by monitoring the temperature inside the camera body and the last usage status information (operating time). With the new firmware we improved the temperature detection system and updated the video recording time control algorithm. The combination of these two points enables the system to increase recording time by taking into consideration things like external cooling during filming.

Also, the movie recording time displayed when powering the camera off/on quickly between recording consecutive short videos (at room temperature) has been improved.

Johnnie – CineD : Lots of information can be found on the internet showing how to “bypass” some of the restrictions Canon originally imposed on the EOS R5 to record long 8K RAW video. Of course, I can understand that you can not refer to “hacks”, so let me ask, is there any danger to the camera or sensor by allowing much longer 8K RAW recording times – longer than what Canon currently allows?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon : To ensure the safety of users, we control the recording time by monitoring the temperature inside the camera body and the last usage status information (operating time). We do not recommend resetting the camera via the removal of the battery during recording or via dismantling the camera. If the internal memory is reset in this way, the camera may become unusable, temperature control may no longer work correctly, and the camera may overheat more than expected resulting in the power supply components not operating correctly.

Johnnie – CineD : To some people, it seemed as if Canon was trying to protect their professional EOS camera line by restricting recording times. That might have caused some trust issues between potential customers and the company. Is there anything you would like to highlight in order to reassure people that whatever was done, was not intentional but to technically protect the camera?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon : This is an accusation we’ve seen before which belongs on the conspiracy theory pile. It is simply not a sensible business idea as users are more likely to switch to competitor systems than buy a much more expensive camera to get a certain feature.

There are factors that govern what a camera can and cannot do, the primary of which is the components used based on the cost of the camera. Making a camera that can do everything would require higher resolution viewfinders, bigger buffers, faster processors to handle the data, faster card buses to write to cards etc, all components which typically cost more.

It is important that we evaluate the primary customer for each product and decide what features would be required by that typical user. We do not ‘cripple’ our cameras, our aim is always to focus the product better to the typical user.

One issue manufacturers face is feedback that cameras are difficult to use and some people prefer to use their smartphones. If we follow the model of just making the same camera but cheaper, that does not tackle the issue of making a camera easier to use. We aim to make each model of camera more intuitive to use, without excess menus or features that may hinder or discourage use rather than expand it.

Johnnie – CineD : In regards to the EOS R6, are we going to see any future improvements in encoding quality, allowing All-intra on top of IBP or even 4K RAW recording for example?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon : We are constantly listening to customer feedback. EOS R6 sales have only just begun so we need to spend a little time listening to understand what is needed now the cameras are in the hands of end users, before making any further plans on updates for the EOS R6 over those we have already announced.

Johnnie – CineD : At the end of the day, what should we expect from the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras? Will you improve recording time in the near future (and keep the same video quality), or are we approaching the end of improvements and those 2 cameras will continue to be restricted as they are today?

Katsuyuki Nagai-san – Canon : We plan to keep enhancing these products but as explained in my previous answer, there are limitations that cannot simply be overcome via a firmware update.

I would like to Thank Katsuyuki Nagai-san from Canon Europe for taking the time to answer our questions. I also hope that you guys will take the time to comment below. Let’s keep the conversation respectful!

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Canon EOS R5 camera firmware version 1.1.1 available for download




Canon EOS R5 camera firmware update version 1.1.1 is now available for download. New improvements for the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is added.

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

  • When the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is attached, an image stabilization effect of approximately six stops is achieved through collaborative control with the in-lens image stabilization.
  • Fixes a phenomenon in which the IS capabilities may be degraded when performing continuous shooting in cases where the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is attached to the EOS R5 running firmware version 1.1.0.

Canon EOS R6 camera firmware version 1.1.1 available for download




Canon EOS R6 firmware update version 1.1.1 is now available for download

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

  • A messaging is displayed when [HDMI display: Camera+External monitor] and [Overheat control: on] settings are both enabled.
  • When the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is attached, an image stabilization effect of approximately six stops is achieved through collaborative control with the in-lens image stabilization.
  • Fixes a phenomenon in which the IS capabilities may be degraded when performing continuous shooting in cases where the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is attached to the EOS R6 running firmware version 1.1.0.
  • When using certain RF lenses for movie shooting, the in-lens image stabilization mechanism has been improved.
  • Fixes a phenomenon in which the "Slow Synchro" setting screen is not accurately displayed, when the language is set to English.
  • Fixes a typo displayed on the communication setting screen, when the language is set to Korean.
  • Connectivity during FTP transmission has been improved.
  • Temperature detection and shooting time control in video shooting have been improved. In addition, the total shooting time when the short-time recording and power-on/off are performed repeatedly at room temperature is improved.
  • The phenomenon in which the movie recording time available is not correctly displayed when the Date/Time/Zone is not set has been corrected.

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Canon is field testing high mega-pixel version of EOS R5 camera




Canon released new firmware updates to the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 cameras in August, 2020. Further firmware enhancement to support advanced video recording capabilities for both cameras was announced by Canon as well.

Since the EOS R5 basically replaced the venerable EOS-5Ds and EOS-5Ds R cameras, it is not surprising Canon will be introducing a mega-pixel version of the EOS R5 (EOS R5s). Prototype version of the camera is already out in the field for testing, rumored to have a 90MP sensor.

Frankly, I find this mega-pixel sensor race to be silly but it is a marketing game and hype is essential to grab attention.

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Canon announced All-In-One PIXMA TS9570, TS8270 and TR4570S printers



MELVILLE, NY, September 2, 2020 – Over the past few months, you’ve probably added some mileage to your desktop printer – by printing documents for school, work, and/or to help keep children entertained. Continuing the tradition of producing quality printers ideal for both work and play, Canon U.S.A,. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced three new PIXMA printers: the PIXMA TR8620 Wireless Home Office All-in-One Printer, PIXMA TR7020 Wireless All-in-One Printer and the PIXMA TS6420 Wireless All-in-One Printer. Designed with easy connectivity and setup in mind, a sleek and compact design – and the reliability that comes with a Canon PIXMA series printer continues with these latest models.

“In 2020, we have seen the at-home and small business needs of our customers continue to evolve rapidly and Canon is proudly invested in striving to make sure the wants and needs of our various customers are met,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “These new PIXMA printers are a proof point in our steadfast commitment to making quality imaging products that provide ease and convenience to consumers in their home or small-business offices.”

Beneficial for a makeshift, work-from-home office or at your desk in a business office, the PIXMA TR8620 is the business personal printer to have at your disposal. This model features all the essential printer functions including print, copy, scan and fax as well as an ADF (automatic document feeder) for easy paper handling.