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Saturday, February 27, 2021

New firmware for Canon EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III coming soon

 


Canon is expected to announce new firmware for the EOS R5, EOS R6 mirrorless and the top-of-the-line EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR cameras soon.

The new EOS R5 firmware will include :
  • Canon Cinema RAW light addition
  • C-Log 3
  • 1080p @ 120 fps
  • New Codec(s)
  • Various bug fixes


I am on a trip in Hawaii to do some landscape and whale photography. I brought my EOS-1D X Mark III and it can double up as a walk around, travel camera with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II lens mounted on it.

Don't have any more information on the new firmware concerning the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R6 but what I am looking forward to are the announcement of the EOS R7 and EOS R1. Both cameras should be announced perhaps just before the 2021 Olympics in late July.   

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Canon USA announced Photo Culling app for cellphones



MELVILLE, NY, February 11, 2021 - According to a recent report from Keypoint Intelligence, 1.4 trillion photos were taken worldwide in 2020 and 7.4 trillion images were stored1. With these staggering numbers, it could be overwhelming for the average consumer to decide what photos are best to keep and store. Delivering expert photo advice in the form of an app, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announces its Photo Culling app. Compatible with iOS devices2, this brand-new app helps determine a user’s best photos based on scores against four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes, using Canon’s Computer Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine known as “PHIL” (abbreviated for Photography Intelligence Learning)3. Additionally, the app will suggest deleting duplicative photos, making it easy for the consumer to free up space on their smartphone.

"In today's ever-changing and overwhelming world, where thousands of photos are captured and stored in a person’s smartphone, consumers need an expert, reliable and intuitive photo tool to help them decide the best photos based on years of trusted knowledge and technology,” said Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon U.S.A.’s new Photo Culling App is the answer and we are proud to see how the company’s Computer Vision technology within this app can assist consumers with finding and keeping their best photos of their fondest moments."

The Photo Culling app features two culling options :

Whole Culling: Determines the best photos based on the absolute best scores against the four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes. If the score is over the threshold the user sets, the photo is considered to be the best. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions.

Similar Culling: Determines the best photos based on score comparison among a similar group of photos. The highest-scoring photos within the group are considered the best photos. A second photo may also be selected as the second-best photo within the group. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions. The app is also able to find similar photos and group them together. For example, If a user selects 10 photos of a dog and 10 photos of a sunset, it will break the photos into two groups and find the best photo of each; one of the dog and one of the sunset.

In addition to its culling options, the Photo Culling app also features :

Photo Counts and Storage: Shows the number of photos a user has as well as the amount of phone storage on the Home Screen.

Event Album: Categorizing and placing photos in albums on the Home Screen. These are dynamic albums based on events/date throughout the year and the app will pull events that have a large number of photos and suggest the user review these photos to delete and save space.

Features in the Setting Screens: Displaying the number of photos deleted, the current subscription plan (see details below), option for notifications, parameter setting for each score against sharpness, noise, emotion and closed eyes. Users also can adjust these settings, such as changing how much of an impact noise has on a photo versus closed eyes4.

Dark and Light Mode Settings Screen Option: Displays screens either as a dark or light mode option

Price & Availability

Available for download via the App Store, the Photo Culling app will be available under two subscription options: $2.99 per month or $14.99 for the year, each with a three-day trial. For more information, please visit, usa.canon.com/photo-culling-app.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Canon unveils new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Version 2)




London, UK, 04 February 2021 – Canon Europe today announces the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) – an update of the popular ST-E3-RT transmitter. Enabling wireless flash synchronisation and multiple control of Speedlites – positioned up to 30m away – this new transmitter gives professionals greater creative freedom in both a studio and natural environment. It supports key features of the recently introduced Speedlite EL-1 and also enables new capabilities when using previously launched RT Speedlites – including wireless (radio) second-curtain synchronisation.

Other new features of the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) include support for the Speedlite EL-1’s low-power 1/8192 micro flash, and for photographers who use manual flash, the transmitter boasts a new FE Memory mode.

High-quality, flexible capture

Through introducing radio wireless transmission and second-curtain synchronisation, the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) releases the flash at the end of a long exposure. As a result, it helps photographers produce natural looking images when capturing moving subjects. The ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) offers this feature as a new wireless option, giving users flexibility in a range of shooting scenarios.

When shooting with a large aperture and/or high ISO speed, the flash level can often overpower the subject and scene. This forces the photographer to change settings or set up, ultimately losing the look they desired. When partnered with the Speedlite EL-1, the transmitter’s 1/8192 micro flash adds beautifully subtle nuances of light without disrupting the atmosphere and ambient light reflected on set. This feature is perfect for fashion and portrait photographers looking to capture scenes with a natural atmosphere.

Building on the original transmitter’s flexible qualities, the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) supports FE Memory – offering a quicker and more convenient manual flash set up. Alleviating the need for multiple test shots, professionals now have the option to perform an initial shot in E-TTL mode, capturing the E-TTL flash settings. Users can then switch the Speedlites to manual flash to allow for manual adjustments where needed – all whilst retaining the original E-TTL settings.

Maximising product life span

Canon Europe plans to offer a chargeable service update for existing ST-E3-RT users to include the new additional features and capabilities of the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2). Further information and dates of this service update will be announced later.

Saturday, February 6, 2021

The Wildlife Ho-tographer's latest equipment bag

   





For over thirty years, my passion for the environment and conservation has centered on my love of travel and wildlife photography. Many animal and plant species are going extinct at an alarming rate. We live in a time when nature finds itself in a fragile state. There are less habitat and more people, fauna and flora are under severe pressure.

Wildlife Photography can be a powerful tool for conservation. My mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the world's biodiversity and the need for its preservation, through the lens of wildlife imagery. Powerful wildlife and nature images are effective and emotive tools in building public awareness and education in combating this worrisome decline.

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer, using Canon equipment for over 30 years. My subjects range from small Hummingbirds to gigantic Blue whales, the largest animal on Planet Earth, ever. Every year, I go on multiple photo shoots around the globe and meet photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to know what equipment I use and how much camera gear I bring along on my trips. My philosophy is to keep things simple and my equipment bag as light as possible. I usually bring no more than 2 bodies and 3 lenses.

You can follow my travels on FacebookTwitterFlickrInstagram and this blog. My blog and website do not accept advertising, have no tracking cookies and commissioned links of any kind and I do not receive compensation from any camera dealer or equipment manufacturer, including Canon.

A combination of the following gear in my equipment inventory is what I usually bring along but I have access to other lenses, cameras and gear when I have a need for them and still own cameras like the original EOS-1EOS-1 V and EOS-5D

I have recently acquired my first mirrorless camera and RF lens - the Canon EOS R3 with the RF 100-500mm lens. Still waiting for Canon to announce the EOS-R1 and EOS-R7 models, perhaps sometime in 2022 or early 2023 for the R1. You can read my wildlife articles and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com


My Equipment Bag :

EOS R3 - My first mirrorless camera. Canon built the EOS R3 to emphasize speed and AF performance especially suited for fast action photography like sports and wildlife. The 24.1-megapixel sensor is a back-illuminated stacked CMOS designed and manufactured in house. The camera can capture up to 30 fps blackout-free with its electronic shutter, and up to 12 fps with its mechanical shutter.  The EOS R3 combined with the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS lens, make an unbeatable handheld combo for wildlife photography. See my preliminary review of this very interesting camera.

EOS 1D X Mark III - With a maximum speed of up to 16 fps, new 20 megapixel sensor and 191-point AF system, this body is the successor to the venerable EOS-1D X, and an ideal wildlife camera. The superior native ISO performance and lighting fast frame rate makes photographing moving wildlife in dim light easier and when combined with the EOS R3, will provide me with unmatched flexibility on photo shoots. The EOS-1D X Mark III combined with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS lens, plus the 1.4X built in extender, make an awesome combo for wildlife photography. See my review of this awesome camera.

EOS 1D X Mark II - With a maximum speed of up to 14 fps, new 20 megapixel sensor and 61-point AF system, this body is the successor to the venerable EOS-1D X, and a versatile wildlife camera. The superior native ISO performance and lighting fast frame rate makes photographing moving wildlife in dim light easier and when combined with the EOS R3, will give excellent performance on photo shoots. The EOS-1D X Mark II works very well with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS lens. Read my review of this very good wildlife camera.

I have used all the EOS-1D bodies since its inception in 1989 and still prefer the 1.3X APS-H sensor of the MK IV for the extra reach. When I upgraded to the 1D X MK II, MK IV and 1D X, it was a small incremental improvement each time, but the EOS-1D X Mark III is a much improved DSLR. I have owned the EOS 1D X Mark III camera for about a year and make it my main camera body for wildlife photo shoots around the world. Click here to read my review of the original EOS 1D X camera.

EOS 1D Mark IV - 10 fps, 16 megapixel and 45-point AF system make this rugged camera an ideal wildlife choice for me. The 1.3X APS-H sensor brings me a little closer to the action. The noise level is good when photographing moving wildlife in dim light with ISO up to 3200. I have used all the 1D bodies through the decades and this is my one of my favorite cameras to date and trusted workhorse for wildlife shoots. The Mk IV has doubled up for me as a travel and landscape camera when combined with the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II and the 24-105mm f/4L lenses. The MK IV will serve me well as the other 1D body I turn to when I want a little extra reach. Read my comparison between the EOS-1D X and EOS-1D Mk IV.

EOS 5D Mark IV - 7 fps, 30 megapixel, 61-point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS technology make this 4th generation 5D camera my choice as a second camera when I am on tour. The EOS-1D Mark IV can feel a bit dated at times but this full frame body with built-in WiFi and GPS is an ideal camera for wildlife photography when the action is not too fast. The noise level is good when photographing moving wildlife in dim light with ISO up to 3200. It is becoming another trusted workhorse on my wildlife shoots.

EOS 5Ds - After much deliberation, I have finally replaced my venerable EOS-1Ds Mark III with this full frame, 61-point AF, 50 megapixel camera. The 5Ds will be used primarily for nature and travel photography but occasionally for wildlife that don't move too much. The resolution of its impressive sensor,  the ability to crop the image (on the camera) to 1.3x and 1.6x are great advantages for me when it comes to wildlife photography, offsetting its main disadvantage - the slow 5 fps burst rate. I will be taking this camera on many real world photo shoots and writing a comprehensive review on it in the next few months.

EOS 7D Mark II - In my opinion, this is the best value in cropped frame DSLR today. The 1.6X APS-C sensor, 10 fps, 20 megapixel and 61-point AF system make this body ideal for wildlife and bird photography. This new camera has the Dual Pixel CMOS technology built-in, can autofocus down to f/8 and has much improved ISO performance over the original 7D. With good light, the camera's performance is exceptional. I like the added reach of the 7D and put the Canon BG-E16 grip on the body to give it a 1D like feel. I am not completely without reservation on this body. You can read my review on the camera here.

EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II - A superb 'handholdable' Super Telephoto wildlife lens. If speed is not paramount, I will use the EF 300mm f/4L IS but it gives up a small difference in sharpness at about half the weight and a fraction of the price. Excellent image quality with 1.4x or 2.0x extender mounted. The lens is tack sharp and works well with 1D, 5D and 7D bodies and the image quality is unparalleled.

EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II - This is one of my favorite Canon Super Telephoto lens for wildlife photography. This lens was announced on September 15, 2014. Its weight, speed and performance combination is hard to beat for a full day's photo shoot without a tripod. I have taken many of my bird-in-flight shots with the Series I model of this lens. The lens performs well with the 1.4x and 2.0x extenders. When used with the EOS-7D Mk II and EOS-1D MK IV, I can shoot at 1200+mm and 1000+mm focal length handholding the combo. This gives me unmatched mobility and reach. You can read my review of the Series II version. This is my favorite Super Telephoto wildlife lens when I travel light.

EF 400mm f/5.6L
 - This is another one of my favorite Canon lens for wildlife photography. First introduced in 1993, it lacks Image Stabilization found in most EF lenses these days but it is one of the sharpest lens in Canon's lineup. The relative light weight and performance combination is hard to beat for a full day's photo shoot without a tripod. I have taken many of my bird-in-flight shots with this amazingly under-rated lens as well. The lens performs well with the 1.4X extenders. When used with the EOS-1D bodies, it can autofocus down to f/8. This gives me unmatched mobility and reach. An upgrade of this venerable lens with an IS system would be great.

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x - My ideal lens combo for wildlife photography is the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and the 200-400mm f/4L IS with the built in 1.4X extender. This way I can travel 'light' and still have the highest quality glass covering a wide range of focal lengths. Canon has reduced the price of this lens recently, down from the original price of $11,799. It is a great buy for those who don't mind the weight of this glass. Click here to read my extensive review of this revolutionary lens. I have put this amazing glass through many vigorous wildlife photo shoots around the globe and it continues to surprise me by its performance.

EF 500mm f/4L IS II - One of my favorite Super telephoto lens in Canon's lineup. The Series II version is one of their sharpest and a great wildlife lens. When I use a full sized tripod, this glass is my choice and sometimes I handhold this lens for a short period of time. The Series I lens has been discontinued but one can still buy it from dealers with left over inventory. The new lens comes with superior optics and coatings, is incrementally better in every way and reduces the weight by 1 1/2 pound.

EF 600mm f/4L IS III - For those occasions when extra reach is paramount, I bring this ultimate Series III telephoto lens from Canon. For brilliantly clear results even in challenging situations, Super Spectra Coatings (SSC) and Air Sphere Coatings (ASC) help minimize ghosting and flare. Heat-rejecting paint and two-layer barrel structure help keep the lens cooler especially in hot climate like Africa or India. With a shorter minimum focusing distance, full-time manual AF, two selectable focus presets plus a major weight reduction of about 2 pounds over the Series II model make this lens a must have for serious wildlife and sports photographers.

Together with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x, EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II and EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II, these lenses form the backbone of my Super Telephoto lens inventory. Click here to see how the EF 500mm f/4L lens is made.

RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS - This super telephoto zoom lens delivers a superb combination of cutting-edge performance, compact construction and brilliant resolving power specifically designed for the EOS R system. The versatile range of 100mm to 500mm is ideal for sports, wildlife, and even aviation photography while maintaining a compact, travel-ready size and weight.  The lens features one Super UD and six UD lenses.  Fluorine coated front and rear lens elements provide resistance to dirt, moisture and oils, while L-series construction with dust and weather resistance provide reliability even in challenging conditions.  With its built-in, 3-mode, and up-to 5-stop optical image stabilization system, and high-speed Dual Nano USM autofocus motors, the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM will provide superb optical performance for any wildlife shoot.

EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS - My ideal lens combo for wildlife photography is the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and the 200-400mm f/4L IS with the built in 1.4X extender. However, there are situations when I am restricted to just one lens or it's impractical to change lens, then I reach for the EF 28-300mm. This versatile 10X+ zoom lens has very good optical performance and can focus down to less than two and a half feet over the entire focal length. This is a great wildlife lens especially in Hawaii. I call this my 'Maui lens' because the Humpback whales can come just a few feet from my zodiac and this lens will capture the image with little problem, even on APS-C cameras.

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III - Super sharp and fast lens for close up wildlife action, providing up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths. I have used this lens for years and the latest version is the best yet. An excellent lens for closeup, lowlight travel and wildlife photography and works well with both the 1.4X and 2.0X extenders.

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS - I held off buying this lens for a while because the 70-300mm DO was such a disappointment for me. The extra reach and lighter weight ( compared to the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II ) of this lens comes in handy when I am photographing larger wildlife in decent light. Excellent 4 stop IS compensation. Another great lens for cetacean and wildlife photo shoots. The drawbacks are extenders cannot be used on this lens and it does not come with a zoom ring.

EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II - This brand new lens is a 'light weight', all round wildlife lens with excellent build. It uses a zoom ring design to get from 100mm to 400mm. Excellent for wildlife and whale photography. Image quality is great even with the 1.4X extender on EOS-1D and EOS-7D Mk II bodies. You can read my review on the Series II version. I will write an extended review of this lens once I have taken it out on more photo shoots.

EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro - Superb macro lens that can be used with extenders. Excellent build with medium fast speed. A must own lens for serious macro photography. I have used it to photograph Hummingbirds closeup when the lighting conditions are good.


EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II - A great, all round lens for travel and landscape photography. This lens will be on my EOS-1D X Mark II or EOS-5Ds when I take travel photos or closeup wildlife shots. The focal lengths and speed are ideal for indoor and outdoor shooting conditions and the IS offers a 4 stop advantage. It comes with the latest coatings and fluorite technology.

EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III - This lens is great for wide angle landscape shots on the EOS-1D X bodies and a versatile travel lens on the EOS-1D MK IV as well. Very sharp and fast. Can be used indoors when flash photography is prohibited. Canon has announced the EF 16-35mm f/4L IS and EF 11-24mm f/4L glass. The f/4 model found a home in my equipment bag.

EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye - This lens is for landscape and wildlife photographers who want the look and feel only possible with extreme wide angle and fisheye photography. With its unique focal length range, the EF 8-15mm f/4L USM is the world's widest fisheye zoom lens. It delivers 180° diagonal angle of view images for all EOS SLR cameras with imaging formats ranging from full-frame to APS-C, and provides 180° circular fisheye images for full-frame EOS models. I use this lens to photograph whales and other marine animals when I am in the water. To do it professionally, I use my EOS-1D Mk IV camera with the EF 8-15mm lens and the AquaTech underwater housing, topped with a dome lens port for maximum angle of view. On land, this super wide angle lens will capture stunning nature photos and stimulate creativity.

EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - This walk around lens is a solid performer and great value. I am not a portrait photographer and seldom use a 50mm lens so there is little need to own a better performing glass. An upgrade to Mark II of this lens is needed to take advantage of the advancement in optics and coatings since its first introduction in 1993.

Extender EF 1.4X and 2.0X III - Series III extenders offer a 40% or 100% boost to the focal length of the lens with a corresponding loss of 1 to 2 stops in aperture setting. Although they focus faster, I find no noticable IQ improvement in the latest extenders over the Series II versions under real world conditions and use them only sparingly. The Series III extenders are supposed to mate especially well with the Series II Super Telephoto lens but I cannot find any evidence to that claim. I am not a big fan of extenders and will use my legs first to close the distance between me and my subjects.

Speedlite 600EX II RT - I am not a big user of flash but sold my 580 EX II for a good price and upgraded to the 600EX II RT. Professional quality and build makes this flash perfect for the 1D bodies. It offers an expanded zoom range and a higher guide number, plus a number of improvements over its predecessor in both operation and feel. With the added wireless two-way radio communication, it allows additional creativity.

Kirk BH-3 Ball Head - This compact, light weight ball head is perfect for photographer like myself who prefers to travel light and do not want to over pay for any gear. It weighs a mere 1.2 pounds and is rated for a 15 pound load. I can mount the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens and the Canon 1D X camera with extender on it with no problem. It is professional grade, solidly built in the United States and comes with a very reasonable price. For heavier loads, I mount the Kirk BH-1 on my tripod. I have upgraded all my Canon tripod foot with the Kirk replacement.

Gitzo GT5543XL - This premium carbon fiber tripod is when I have room and weight to spare in my equipment bag and want to pack the heaviest load for my tour. It is longer than the SLIK tripods I have and weighs just about 7 pounds, comes with no center column, rated for over 80 pound load and extends to over 6 feet tall. Gitzo tripods are extremely well built and rugged but sell for a premium price and may not be a good value for all photographers.

SLIK Vari CF 704 - This light weight, full sized carbon fiber tripod weighs only 2.8 pounds but can support over 17 pounds of equipment. That's enough for a top of the line ball head, Canon 1D body and up to the Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens. It is almost 5 inch shorter than the Gitzo GT 2542LS. I use this tripod when the job calls for a shorter, full sized tripod than can handle a big load. SLIK is one of the best kept secret in carbon fiber tripods today. The technology and quality are first rate and the prices are reasonable.

Gitzo GM 2542 - This compact carbon fiber monopod is an ideal tool for me when it is not practical to deploy a tripod. It weighs a mere 1.1 pounds and is rated for about 66 pound load. I mount the Kirk BH-1 ball head and Canon 1D X Mark II or 1D Mark IV with 400mm DO IS II lens on it with ease.

Tamrac Expedition 8X Backpack - Sadly, Tamrac has been bought out by GuruGear but this is the pack I use to carry larger equipment when I go 'heavy'. The main compartment is completely foam padded with numerous adjustable dividers to protect multiple pro-size digital SLRs, a full range of lenses (up to the EF 800mm f/5.6L), flashes and a laptop. The best thing is it's 'small' enough to be carried on planes.

Tamrac Adventure 9 Backpack - I use this Backpack when I travel 'light'. This pack is divided into upper and lower padded compartments. The lower compartment can accommodate 2 pro-size bodies and 2 lenses. The upper compartment can accommodate additional equipment including the Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens and there is room for a laptop. The pack is small enough for me to take on planes in addition to a carryon suitcase.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Canon has exceeded 150 Million interchangeable EF and RF lens milestone



MELVILLE, NY, February 3, 2021 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., reached a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production in January 2021, of the Company’s 150-millionth RF and EF series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras — an RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto zoom lens (released in November 2019).

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (Autofocus) single-lens reflex film cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Over the years, EF lenses have gained support from a wide range of users and production has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan.

EF lens production passed the 10-million-unit mark in 1995 and crossed the 50-million-unit threshold in 2009. In April 2014, the Company celebrated its first-in-the-world achievement of having manufactured 100 million interchangeable lenses, and now, setting a new world record for the most interchangeable lenses produced, Canon manufactured its 150-millionth RF and EF lens in January 2021. Laid end-to-end, all of the RF and EF lenses Canon has manufactured thus far would measure approximately 7,736 miles in length — nearly equivalent to the Earth’s diameter, which measures approximately 7,917 miles.

Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.

In 2018, Canon introduced the EOS R system and the RF series lenses, which pursues new heights of quality under the core concept of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.” Today, the Company’s extensive RF and EF lens series lineup currently comprises a total of 118 models, expanding the possibilities for image capture. In addition, thanks to the extensive lineup of lenses, Canon has maintained the number one market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras since 2003 — a total of 17 years— and in September 2019, the Company celebrated the production of 100 million EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras.

Canon will continue refining its imaging technologies centered on its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to cater to the varying needs of photographers — from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals — while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.

Main features, Model name, Release date, and Technologies :

World’s first use of a lens-based Ultrasonic Motor (USM)

EF 300mm f/2.8L USM

Nov. 1987

USM technology delivers fast autofocusing thanks to its high torque and responsiveness. By converting ultrasonic vibrations into rotational energy, the technology makes possible quiet, smooth AF drive performance.

World’s first use of Image Stabilizer (IS) technology

EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Sept. 1995

Users can see the results of IS technology through the viewfinder. Delivering high precision and stability for superb image stabilization results, this technology expands the possibilities for handheld photography.

World’s first use of a diffractive optical (DO) lens element

EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM

Dec. 2001

Diffraction is an optical phenomenon in which light waves bend as they pass around the edges of an object. DO lens elements use this phenomenon to correct for a variety of aberrations by controlling the path that light travels.

World’s first use of Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC)

EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM

Dec. 2008

SWC technology helps to minimize reflections by aligning countless wedge-shaped structures more minute than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of a camera lens.

World’s first use of Hybrid IS, which compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake

EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Oct. 2009

Employing an algorithm, Hybrid IS optimally adjusts for camera shake based on information gathered by two sensors located in the lens. By precisely driving the optical correction system, the technology simultaneously corrects for angle and shift camera shake.

World’s first fisheye lens to deliver both 180-degree diagonal angle of view and 180-degree circular fisheye

EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM

July 2011

The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM enables the capture of images with dramatic deformations, exaggerated perspectives and extreme depths of field, making possible images that are significantly distorted, similar to what a fish might see were it to look skyward from under the water surface.

World’s first super-telephoto zoom lens to employ an internal extender

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x

May 2013

Featuring a built-in 1.4x extender, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x’s zoom range can be expanded with a simple one-touch operation even in locations where users are unable to switch lenses.

World’s first lens offering ultra-wide-angle 11 mm minimum focal length

EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

Feb. 2015

In addition to achieving the world’s widest angle of view starting at a minimum focal length of 11 mm, the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM effectively corrects for aberrations commonly associated with ultra-wide-angle lenses, delivering superb image-quality performance.

World’s first standard zoom lens to deliver f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range

RF 28-70mm F2 L USM

Dec. 2018

Employs a large internal mount diameter and a short back focus to realize an f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range, a feat which was considerably difficult for EF series lenses.

Reference : In pursuit of the ideal lens

The history of lenses for Canon's EOS series of interchangeable-lens cameras began in 1987 with the release of the EOS 650, the world's first autofocus (AF) SLR camera to employ an electronic lens mount, and the EF 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5, EF 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 and EF 50mm f/1.8 lenses. The EF mount utilized by the camera and lenses not only made possible highly accurate AF, but also anticipated future technological developments including digitalization, high-speed continuous shooting, image stabilization and video recording. This forward-thinking mindset has helped support photographers for more than 30 years.

Amid the transition from film cameras to digital in the 1990s, the adoption of video recording technology for DSLR cameras in the late 2000s and the Company's entry into the video production industry the birth of the Cinema EOS System in 2012, Canon has continued to develop cameras that meet the needs of their time. Throughout this time, Canon has continued to expand the possibilities of photographic expression by producing a rich lineup of EF lenses—including zoom lenses, IS lenses, wide-aperture lenses, macro lenses and tilt-shift lenses—and a number of world-first technologies.

And now, anticipating the next 30 years of social change and technological development, Canon introduced the RF mount alongside its launch of the EOS R system in 2018. In the same year, the EOS R mirrorless camera debuted together with four RF lenses including the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM. Leveraging their characteristic large internal mount diameter of 54 mm and a short back focus, RF lenses enjoy greater freedom for lens design that makes possible new levels of high image quality and high performance in compact sizes. To date, a total of 19 RF lens models have been released. Going forward, Canon will continue its mission to expand users' range of photographic expression as it pursues the creation of the ideal lens.

Monday, February 1, 2021

Canon announced the PowerShot PICK camera



The Powershot PICK is controlled by AI, which can automatically detect people's faces, changes to the scene, and when it is the right moment, to take a photo or video. 

Imagine having this at a birthday party where you just sit it down and let it take the photos.  No one has to worry about getting their phone or camera out or missing a moment, it just "does it".  There will be a camera app that will allow you to view and share the images.

Canon PowerShot PICK Specifications :

  • 12mp 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
  • 19-57mm f/2.8-5.0 35mm equivalent zoom lens (4x zoom)
  • Pans 170°
  • Tilt of 110°
  • Electronic Image Stabilization
  • Dust and Waterproofing
  • Battery life of about 2.5 hours
  • Records data to microSD
  • USB-C Port
  • Both Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity