Will The Canon EOS-1D X Camera Be Offered In A Mirrorless Version In The Future?

Amateur Photographer (AP) editor Nigel Atherton recently interviewed three top Canon executives to discuss the new EOS R camera system. Mr. Shingo Hayakawa (SH) is the Deputy Group Executive, ICB Optical Business Group, Image Communications Business Operations. Mr. Masato Seita (MS), is the Manager, ICB Products Development Dept 11, Image Communication Business Operations, and Mr. Minea Uchida (MU) is the Manager, ICB Integrated Business Design Dept. 333, Image Communication Business Operations.

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer and the reason why I am not buying the current EOS-R camera right now. I have been using Canon gear for over 30 years. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Below is an excerpt from the AP interview with the three Canon executives. If and when Canon brings out a full frame mirrorless version of the EOS-1D X Mark II camera (something I have been advocating for years), I will be the first photographer to put in my buy order.


What do you think are the most important technologies in the Canon system?

SH: The distance between the lens and the sensor is much shorter. With EF lenses the space taken up by the mirror in the body imposes certain restrictions. The EOS R opens up all kinds of possibilities for lens design because of the shorter back focus. By removing the mirror we are able to use the space that it occupied for optics, which enables us to make more compact lenses. As for the mirrorless structure, we chose a large diameter for the mount because of the flexibility this offers for lens design. If we want to achieve smaller lenses, we can put the whole focus on making the lens compact. If we want a high quality, or wide aperture lens we can put the focus on that. This is key for us.

AP: You have to prioritise, so which one of those types of lens do you think the typical EOS R customer is more interested in: compact or high quality?

SH: Our target user of the EOS R is the advanced amateur, who is using maybe the 5D Mark IV or something like that. This user has a lot of different needs so we thought it was important to show straight away what’s possible with this system. Our strategy was to offer, at launch, two high spec lenses, one comfortable kit lens, and one compact lens.

AP: When you decided to make a full frame mirrorless camera what were the main priorities for the system?

SH: We started out thinking about the lenses we wanted to make and what the ideal lenses would be. That gave us the mount specifications and flange distance we needed. Only then did we start to consider how Canon could improve the main body. We decided that we wanted to make a completely new body, and to reconsider the ergonomics and operation so that it would be different from previous models. Our task is to give our customers more choice and then let them choose.

AP: The response to the M Fn bar has been mixed. Some people don’t like it. How do you feel about that?

MS: We expected that response, and guessed that would be the case. Our customers’ feelings about it vary, and different customers offer different criticisms, but the new technology has a value that we would like to offer to those of our customers who like it.

AP: Will this technology be on all R-system cameras? Will it also go on DSLR cameras in the future?

MS: We don’t know yet, but it depends on the features of each of the cameras that we have to consider.

AP: Why did Canon not include an exposure mode dial on the EOS R?

MS: When you have a mode dial on the left hand side your shooting mode is fixed, and it becomes fiddly to change while shooting. With the design of the EOS R it is easier to switch between modes, or between video and stills, with just the right hand without taking the eye from the camera.

AP: The new Fv exposure mode is very clever. Is this something you came up with specially for the EOS R or is it something you have been thinking about for a while but saved for this camera?

MS: We had the idea before and we thought it was good, and had been considering implementing it. Then we decided to introduce it on the EOS R.

AP: So it could appear on future Canon DSLRs?

MS: It could but it depends on what we want to prioritise on each individual camera.

AP: The low light auto-focus performance is very impressive. How did you achieve that?

MU: Thanks to our Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, a greater number of pixels can be utilised for autofocus. In addition, the EOS R’s image processor has enabled faster data processing. This combination achieves the low light performance.

AP: There has been some criticism that the camera only has one card slot. Did you consider having two? And did you think about going with the XQD card, like Nikon?

MS: To have two card slots, as well as the DSLR battery that we decided to use, the camera would need to be bigger, or the battery would have to be smaller. As for the type of card, we have always understood the demand for high speed. We thought SD would be the best choice overall for the EOS R when we considered the size, speed, familiarity and cost of the cards.

AP: Some other manufacturers publish a road map for future lenses. Will Canon consider that?

SH: If we publish a roadmap to the public then we are telling our customers what we are going to give them and we just have to focus on that alone, But we prefer to be more responsive to the market, and find out what our customers want and prefer. Technology is also advancing and evolving.

AP: So now, you have four lens systems. Are you going to continue all four of them in the foreseeable future?

SH: Yes

AP: And if you’re an EOS M user, can you expect new lenses as well?

SH: If there is a demand for such lenses, then we will release them.

AP: Do you think that in five years time, Canon will still be making new DSLR’s?

SH: Of course the situation is always changing and in the future, DSLRs will most likely experience a decline in popularity compared to mirrorless cameras, , but the optical viewfinder still has some advantages and we will continue to offer a choice for as long as our customers want it.

AP: If there was a mirrorless version of the EOS- 1D X, do you think people would still buy the EOS- 1D X?

SH: We would guess that a mirrorless camera like that would be popular, and have already analysed which technology will be required in a camera in five years time.

AP: The EOS R does not have a number. What will future models be called? Are they all going to be EOS R plus a number?

SH: We have not decided the numbering convention of future models yet.

AP: Could you say how many cameras you expect to have in this system by this time next year? How long will people have to wait for new models? I’m guessing that perhaps the EOS R will be the middle camera in your range and there will be cheaper one, and a more expensive one?

SH: That is a good idea! (joke)

AP: The EOS R is quite expensive for what it is, compared to other mirrorless cameras…

SH: We think the camera is not expensive or inexpensive, it is average. Let’s see what the customers think. In the system as a whole, we are working on a wide variety of attractive lenses.

AP: One more question, what design feature of this camera are you most proud of?

SH: The new mount system. Of course the design itself is brand new, but also the high-speed communication. That is part of the new system.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony A7R III Camera Comparison

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer and I have used Canon equipment for almost three decades. Throughout the years, I have embarked on many worldwide photo shoots, and have taken the Canon EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II cameras on tour, from the high Arctic to Antarctica, and many places in between. The EOS-1 series cameras have been my workhorse for decades.

The two videos below may be interesting to those who may be considering upgrading to a new high end DSLR or mirrorless camera. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter. See my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Celebrates 30th Anniversary Of EOS Camera System

My readers know I am The Wildlife Ho-tographer and have used Canon equipment for over a quarter of a century. Throughout the years, I have embarked on many worldwide photo tours testing numerous pieces of Canon equipment. I recently came back from a Wildlife Photo Tour of Japan with the EOS-1D X Mark II camera. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter. See my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

This year, Canon is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of its Electro Optical System (EOS), which includes EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras and a diverse range of system accessories. The system debuted in March 1987 with the launch of the EOS 650 SLR camera and EF lenses, making EOS cameras the World’s first to incorporate an electronic mount system, representing a new generation of auto focus SLR cameras.

EOS is an acronym of “Electro Optical System” and is also fittingly the name of the Greek goddess of dawn. A total of 98 EOS models have been produced since 1987 (35 film cameras and 63 digital).
Currently, the EOS system, including the Cinema EOS system, comprises 24 models with a selection of 97 EF lenses.

To mark this milestone, Canon is displaying a range of cameras and lenses from the EOS archive on its stand at The Photography Show, including the EOS 650 and the EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM, the world’s longest focal length and largest aperture lens. Visit Canon on stand D141/E131 at The Photography Show from 18th – 21st March at the NEC in Birmingham.

For what to expect from Canon for the remainder of 2017 and beyond, read my earlier post.

EOS System Milestones

• 1987 EOS 650, EF 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5, EF 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5, EF 50mm f/1.8 announced
• 1989 EOS-1 launched, Canon’s first professional Autofocus camera
• 1994 EOS 5 launched with eye tracking AF system
• 2000 EOS D30 Canon’s first in house digital camera
• 2001 EOS-1D launched first Canon in house digital professional camera
• 2003 EOS 300D launched first consumer DSLR for under €1000
• 2005 EOS 5D first low cost full frame DSLR announced
• 2008 EOS 5D Mark II first DSLR to feature Full HD movie recording
• 2012 Launch of Cinema EOS range of professional digital video cameras
• 2012 Launch of EOS-M range of mirrorless cameras
• 2015 80 million EOS cameras produced milestone achieved
• 2016 120 million EF lenses produced milestone achieved

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV Firmware 1.0.2 Available

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV full frame 4K video camera

Canon has released a new firmware, Version 1.0.2 to its recently announced camera. The new software improves the reliability when using EOS Utility to register and update new Digital Lens Optimizer. You can download from Canon by clicking here. 

Wildlife Photography - Photo Safari Tour in Southern Africa

* * *  See the latest photos from my Southern Africa tour, Day 9  * * *

I will be away on a wildlife photo shoot in Botswana and South Africa. My journey takes me to Chobe and Greater Kruger National Parks and several neighboring game reserves. Chobe and Kruger are two of the largest national parks in Africa. They are larger than a few states in the New England region of the U.S. The reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park, Timbavati and especially Sabi Sand and Mala Mala are famous for its populations of Leopards and Cheetahs.

The national parks and surrounding reserves are excellent places to capture 'Big Five' images of Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Cape Buffaloes plus Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs,
Hippos and many more. There are also hundreds of species of birds to marvel and photograph for the ornithologist in many of us.

The critically endangered African wild dog is also a regular visitor to some areas of the parks. The larger and rarer antelopes such as Roan, Eland and Tsessebe may also be seen but their numbers are still critically low.

I will again put the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera to the test. My readers know I have taken this camera on a few global wildlife photo shoots already, from the Amazon to the high Arctic, Alaska to Canada. You can read my comprehensive review of the camera, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

In the last few years, I have been keeping things simple and down sizing the equipment I bring on wildlife photo shoots. In addition to the EOS-1D X Mark II, I am bringing the EOS-5Ds, EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II , EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II , EF 24-105mm f/4L IS , EF Series III Extenders and the usual accessories of filters, spare memory cards and batteries.

I will try and make a few blog posts and keep you abreast of any breaking photography news, time and energy permitting. In the meantime, you can follow my travels on Twitter and Facebook.

Canon Digital Learning Center Explains Evaluative Metering

All Canon EOS, Rebel and Powershot cameras come with Evaluative Metering as a factory installed option right out of the box. The video below from CDLC explains why it is the most used setting for many photographers. I use it almost all the time on my equipment, including the EOS-7D Mark II and EOS-1D X Mark II cameras. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com 

Guide To The Best Canon DSLR and PowerShot Cameras

My readers know I have been a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for 25 years. I started out with Minolta cameras before settling in on Canon. There are many reputable camera manufacturers out there and I try to be brand agnostics. The best camera is the best camera and the best value is just that, best combination of performance and price, regardless of the manufacturer.

In the world of DSLRs, owning a camera body means buying into a proprietary lens system and most photographers are very reluctant to sell their old gear and acquire new ones just to change to a new manufacturer.

Canon's current lineup of DSLRs and PowerShot models range in list prices from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Some models are released recently while others are a few years old. I have picked five recommended Canon cameras for five different categories. You can also read my recommended list of Canon travel and wildlife lenses, see my equipment bag and my works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

The best full frame DSLR camera on the market - Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Ever since the introduction of the Canon EOS-1 series camera in 1989, I have made this body my main piece of equipment and have upgraded to almost every new model through the decades. I am not the type who craves the 'latest and greatest' gear but my readers know I have picked the Canon EOS-1D X as the best DSLR for sports and wildlife photography four years in a row. When Canon announced the EOS-1D X Mark II in February 2016, I placed my order quickly and took delivery recently.

I have put this camera through a grueling wildlife photo shoot in the Upper Amazon/Peruvian Highlands and will take it on many more trips for further testing. Read my comprehensive review to get the full details.

The best value Canon APS-C DSLR for advanced users - EOS-7D Mark II

Canon announced the EOS-7D Mark II in September 2014. It has an APS-C 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors with an ISO range from 100 - 16000 and 10 fps burst rate. It comes with the new, all cross-type 65 point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes.

It also has an Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely new technology, provides approximately 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. Read my comprehensive review on this camera. I have taken the EOS-7D Mark II on many rigorous field tests around the globe. Subsequent to the original announcement, Canon has released a new firmware, Version 1.0.4 in May 2015 to address some AF issues.

The best value Canon full frame DSLR for advanced users - EOS-5D Mark III

Canon announced the EOS 5D Mark III in March 2012. It is a full frame camera and comes with a new 22.3 Megapixels sensor. The newest member of the EOS-5D family features a DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor, 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System, 6 fps continuous shooting speed (50% more than 5D Mark II), dual memory card (1 CF and 1 SD) slots, enhanced video features with better noise reduction, longer video recording times, a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring and an improved weather-sealed body.

The 5D Mark III shares many features of the Canon EOS-1D X, including the DIGIC 5+ processor, 61-point AF array with up to 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type, plus the ability to AF @ f/8. The camera is also designed for cinematographers and amateur filmmakers. It can capture 1080p Full HD video and 720p HD recording. It also has the new H.264 video compression formats for data storage efficiency.

The camera can also double up as a nature and wildlife photography body with its ample megapixels for cropping and adequate 6 fps for action shots. Check out my post on the EOS-1D X vs. EOS-5D Mk III comparison. Although Canon announced the EOS-5Ds and EOS-5DsR 50MP cameras in February, 2015, the EOS-5D Mk III remains my pick in this category. You can read my comparison of the two cameras here.

The best value Canon APS-C DSLR camera for beginners - EOS Rebel T5i

The EOS Rebel T5i is not Canon's latest body but is an excellent choice for those who wish to leave the point-n-shoot camera behind and enter the DSLR world. The plastic body makes it lighter than higher-end cameras, but the feel is solid. It comes with the APS-C 18 megapixel hybrid CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 processor with a 9-point AF system and ISO range from ISO 100 - 12800.

In addition, it comes with the side-hinged, articulating touchscreen LCD monitor. When mated to the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens, it can focus with almost complete silence, a feature many videographers love. It is a camera with the proper mix of performance and price for the beginner/amateur DSLR market and therefore is my pick. Check out my post on the Rebel T5i vs. Rebel T4i comparison. Although Canon released the Rebel T6i and T6s (EOS-750D and EOS-760D) cameras in February, 2015, the Rebel T4i or T5i remains my pick in this category. For those who want to spend a bit more and get into the EOS-xxD models, look no further than the EOS-80D. This is my pick for those who have outgrown the Rebel camera line.

The best value Canon Point-n-Shoot camera - PowerShot G3X and G5X 

There are times when it is not feasible or you don't want to lug your DSLR and camera bag along. This is where a prosumer point-n-shoot camera comes in. The Powershot G3X and G5X cameras are very similar in features and functions but the edge goes to the G3X, with its slightly higher performance and price. They are perfect for advanced amateur or professional photographers looking for a lightweight, all in one camera equipped with built-in Wi-Fi for sharing images and videos to social media networks.

Both cameras are powered by the DIGIC 6 processor and feature a one-inch, 20.2 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 125 – 12,800 and 1080p HD video @ 24p, 30p, and 60p in MP4 format.