Canon Patent : EF-M 70-400mm f/4.5-7.2 STM Lens

The Japanese photography blog, Egami, has discovered a new Canon patent for a EF-M 70-400mm f/4.5-7.2 STM lens design. The 'death' of the EOS-M camera system outside of Asia should be put to rest. I expect a new EOS-M3 camera system to be introduced next year and will even come to Europe and The Americas.

New Canon EOS-M Camera Coming In 2015?

Canon EOS-M2 line of cameras

* * *  Canon EOS-M3 officially announced. See hands-on demo videoes  * * *

Remember the Canon EOS-M camera? Although this is not one of Canon's better selling camera line outside of Asia, rumor suggests they are not ready to give up on their ambition to expand the EOS-M appeal beyond Asia. There are high level meetings and discussions at Canon's divisions in Europe and the Americas, perhaps in preparation for a new replacement to the existing EOS-M2 model. In the past, there are talks that Canon may introduced a pair of new EOS-M cameras - one consumer and one prosumer version.

Although, in the past Canon has mentioned more lenses will be available for the EOS-M camera system. Personally, I think the demise of Canon's mirrorless camera system outside of Asia is premature. The EOS-M3 may come to North America and Europe eventually. However, I think that is the extent of their ambition when it comes to the mirrorless line. To introduce a prosumer version of the EOS-M will further blur the difference between the lower end models and make it harder for customers to decide on which camera to buy.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Tamron 18-200mm VC Lens For Canon EOS-M

Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC lens

* * *  Canon also announced the EF-M 55-200mm lens  * * *

June 19, 2014, Commack, New York - Tamron USA, Inc. announced the price and delivery of the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III[2] VC for Canon mount (Model B011). This lightweight, compact high-power zoom lens, originally released for Sony mount in 2011, is designed for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras with APS-C sized sensors and sports a stylish design and is available in two color options. It will be available in the U.S. starting June 26, 2014 at $499.


Product Highlights

• This high-power, 18-200mm, lightweight and compact zoom lens weighing 16.2 ounces with a 62mm filter is designed for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Equipped with Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens enables easy handheld shooting from 18mm wide angle to 200mm full telephoto.
• Employing two (Low Dispersion) elements, three Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, one XR (high refractive index) element, and one Hybrid Aspherical element, the lens delivers astounding image quality by reducing aberrations to a bare minimum.
• The lens boasts a striking appearance worthy of mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera designs. The metallic lens barrel exterior is available in two colors: black and silver.
• The lens also has a stepping motor adopted for the AF drive, a construction that accommodates Contrast-detection AF and shooting video. This feature also supports Direct Manual Focus (DMF) function, which allows the user to make fine manual adjustments after initially focusing by AF.

Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Announced

Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens

* * *  Tamron also announced the 18-200mm lens for EOS-M mount  * * *

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 17 June 2014 – Canon today announces a new addition to its EF-M lens range with the introduction of its first dedicated telephoto zoom lens – the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. Designed for Canon’s Compact System Camera, the EOS M, the new EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM features Canon's signature optical performance, advanced Stepping Motor Technology (STM), a 3.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer, and provides a versatile 55-200mm focal range to help users get closer to the subjects they love

Taking you closer

The EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM joins three existing lenses in the EF-M range, which together offer a diverse variety of focal lengths from 11-200mm. The perfect addition to any EOS M kit bag, the new lens opens additional creative possibilities for EOS M shooters through its suitability to capture a wide selection of scenes – from eye-catching portraits at 55mm, to wildlife at 200mm.

Leading optical technologies for incredible images

Developed using the company’s unparalleled optical expertise, the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM features Canon’s powerful optical Image Stabilizer and STM technology to deliver outstanding levels of detail when shooting stills and movies. When shooting movies specifically, STM technology ensures smooth focus transitions, as focus shifts from one subject to another. The STM mechanism also provides near-silent focusing, giving videographers the ability to shoot movie soundtracks which capture the natural ambience of the scene in front of them. Additionally, thanks to a highly-effective 3.5-stop optical Image Stabilizer, which reduces visible camera shake, users can also shoot sharp stills while using the zoom, and steady movies while capturing action.

Designed to make great photography easy

Constructed of a high quality metal exterior – a trademark of the EF-M lens range – the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is also compact, lightweight and portable, making it ideal for everyday use. Inside the lens, an Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) element delivers outstanding image quality throughout the zoom range. Furthermore, its non-rotating front element makes it easy to maintain a consistent effect when using filters, and the full-time manual focus ring offers greater creative freedom to adjust focus during shooting.

Key Features

•     Get closer to the action with your EOS-M camera
•     Image Stabilizer keeps images sharp
•     Compact enough to go anywhere
•     Smooth, near-silent STM focusing
•     Make quick adjustments with a manual focus ring
•     Shoot great quality images – full of sharp details and rich colour

Pricing and availability

The EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is available from July with a SRP £329.99/€389.99.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS Lens Coming Soon

Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens

* * * Canon announced the EF-M 55-200mm lens  * * *

Canon will be announcing a new addition to their EF-M lens line up. The new lens is for the EOS-M2 camera and called the EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. Recently, others reported the EOS-M camera disappeared from Canon's USA website, suggesting the line may be dropped completely outside of Asia. I cautioned against jumping to any conclusion like that. My judgement is Canon will stick to the EOS-M2 line and introduce more STM prime and zoom lenses in the future.

• Adopted one glass molded aspherical lens and one UD lens.
• 22% shortening the overall length compared to the EF 55-250 IS STM.
• EF-250 mm in 1980-IS 31% weight reduction compared with STM equipped with a camera shake correction of the effect of 3.5 stops.
• Fast AF algorithm.
• Full-time manual focus.
• ET-54B Lens Hood.

MichaelDanielHo.com

EOS-M Camera Removed From Canon USA Site

Canon EOS-M and EOS-M2 cameras

* * *  Read the latest post on the EOS-M2 camera line  * * *

The EOS-M and EOS-M2 camera line has been a success for Canon in Asia but it is no secret the same camera system is not selling well in the United States, despite firmware upgrades. But now, Canon USA has removed the EOS-M as a separate category from their website, even though they still list the camera with the EF-M 22mm STM kit as available for sale.

Some are speculating perhaps Canon may have pulled the plug on the EOS-M system in the U.S., especially in light of the fact the EOS-M2 is not available for sale in North America. However, the EOS-M2 can be purchased from outside the U.S.

I do not think Canon is abandoning the EOS-M camera outside of Asia but they do have a full plate ahead of them. The Canon EOS-7D Mk II camera and the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens are the two big announcement ready to come out in the next few months. Most of their time and effort will be devoted to these products and the less popular lines will get little or no attention. Personally, I would not read too much into this 'removal'.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Digital Learning Center Quick Tip Videos

Canon Digital Learning Center has put out a series of short videos for their DSLR and Cinema cameras. Each video features a Canon Technical Advisor offering a helpful imaging tip, sharing a unique product insight, or explaining a key technology. New videos will be added regularly, so check on this Blog to keep expanding your Canon knowledge base.  MichaelDanielHo.com

Click on the link to see each Quick Tips Videos :

• Wireless File Transmitter
• RAW Image Fundamentals
• High Speed Sync
• Projector Alignment
• Quick Control Menu
• Wider DR Gamma
• Picture Style explained
• Waveform Monitor
• Radio-Based Wireless Flash
• Radio Wireless Group Mode
• Double Slot and Relay Recording
• Custom Pictures
• Evaluative Metering
• Assignable Buttons
• Black Balance
• Peaking
• GPS with EOS Cameras
• Properly Holding a Digital SLR Camera
• Exposure Modes and Flash

Canon EOS-M3 Camera In Q3 2014?

Canon EOS-M line of cameras

There is a rumor suggesting that Canon may introduced a pair of new EOS-M cameras some time in the Autumn - one consumer and one prosumer version.

Although, in the past Canon has mentioned more lenses will be available for the EOS-M camera. This means they still have hope for the mirrorless camera system outside of Asia and the EOS-M2 may still come to North America and Europe eventually. However, I think that is the extent of their ambition when it comes to the mirrorless line. To introduce a prosumer version of the EOS-M will further blur the difference between the lower end models and make it harder for customers to decide on which camera to buy.

MichaelDanielHo.com

New Canon EOS-M Patent - 22-46mm f/3.5-5.6

Canon EOS-M line of cameras

Egami, the Japanese photography blog, has discovered a new Canon patent that may be for the EF-M mount. In APS-C sensor, this design would be for a 35-75mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.

In the past, Canon has mentioned more lenses will be available for the EOS-M camera. This means they still have hope for the mirrorless camera system outside of Asia and the EOS-M2 could still come to North America and Europe eventually. MichaelDanielHo.com

Patent Publication No. 2014-63025

• Publication date 2014.4.10
• Filing date 2012.9.21

Example 7

• Zoom ratio 2.09
• Focal length f = 22.10-34.22-45.19mm
• Fno. 3.60-4.59-5.60
• Half angle ? = 31.72-21.76-16.48 °
• Image height 13.66mm
• 65.76-62.07-64.72mm lens length
• BF 28.16-36.88-45.09mm

Canon EOS-M2 Coming To The U.S. and Europe?

Canon EOS-M2 and EOS-M cameras side by side

Canon announced the EOS-M2 in China and Japan on December 3, 2013. In my earlier post in January, I expected Canon to import the EOS-M2 into North America and Europe some time in the future. The challenge is inventory of the current EOS-M model has already built up and until Canon draws down the current stock, they will be reluctant to bring more cameras in. Now Canon Japan executive, Mr. Go Tokura, in a recent interview, reiterated the company's eventual plans to introduce the EOS-M2 outside of Asia and add additional lenses to the lineup. Currently, there are only 2 lenses available in the U.S. for the EOS-M camera. For those who want to buy the EOS-M2 now, check out my earlier post on where to get one.

The current EOS-M received a Firmware upgrade in June, 2013. It offered a big improvement in the AF speed. The video below demonstrates the difference.  MichaelDanielHo.com

MichaelDanielHo.com Is Thankful For Your Support

For over a quarter of a century, 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. My mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the world's biodiversity and the need for its conservation, 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.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Bengal Tiger in Bandhavgarh National Park, India

As my readers know, I have been a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for about 25 years now. Through the decades, I have used almost all of Canon's cropped and full frame, film and digital cameras, EF and EF-S lenses. I started my website, MichaelDanielHo.com and Blog a few years ago to share my photos, travel experience and tips with fellow enthusiasts. There are no annoying banner ads, commissioned links to online retailers or even solicitation for donations, on my site. I am not affiliated with any equipment manufacturer or camera retailer and receive no compensation or commission from any company. What you will find are exciting images from my photo shoots, impartial photographic tips, independent reviews and opinions, plus the latest industry rumors and news.

Dueling Canines of Polar bears in Hudson Bay, Canada

Jaguar walking along the bank of Cuiaba River, Pantanal, Brazil

It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for photo shoots around the world. In addition, I have to process thousands of photos from all my travels, plus maintain the website and blog to keep in touch with my readers. On top of that, I lead a hectic, urban lifestyle like most people. If you enjoy seeing stunning wildlife and travel images and value the information I provide on my website and blog, please tell your friends and spread the word on social media. There is no better way for me to re-double my efforts by knowing others are sharing my passion for photography and nature.

Orca mother and calf in Frederick Sound, Alaska

Double Humpback whales breaching in Frederick Sound, Alaska

You can follow me on Facebook , Twitter , Flickr and subscribe to this Blog. Also be sure to visit my website often because new photos are added all the time. I appreciate all your comments and support and look forward to many more years of photography and travel with you. Thanks. 

Canon Patents For New EOS-M Lenses

The Japanese Photography blog, Egami discovered a new patent filed by Canon that may be for new pancake lenses on the EOS-M system : 18-40mm f/3.5-5.6, 18-55mm f/4-8, 10-20mm f/4-5.6, and 9-18mm f/4-5.6.

Patent Publication No. 2014-6275

• Publication date 2014.1.16
• Filing date 2012.6.21

Example 1

• Zoom ratio 2.28
• Focal length f = 18.10-29.78-41.20mm
• Fno. 3.60-4.70-5.88
• Half angle ? = 36.92-24.55-18.27 °
• Image height Y = 13.60mm
• 54.22-49.85-51.81mm lens length
• BF 0.50mm

Example 7

• Zoom ratio 3.00
• Focal length f = 18.10-37.01-54.30mm
• Fno. 4.20-6.20-8.20
• Half angle ? = 36.92-20.17-14.06 °
• Image height Y = 13.60mm
• 64.74-56.63-62.13mm lens length
• BF 0.50mm

Example 8

• Zoom ratio 1.91
• Focal length f = 10.30-15.00-19.70mm
• Fno. 3.90-4.83-5.76
• Half angle ? = 52.98-42.31-34.74 °
• Image height Y = 13.66mm
• 58.84-53.45-52.25mm lens length
• BF 0.50mm

Example 10

• Zoom ratio 1.91
• Focal length f = 9.27-13.49-17.71mm
• Fno. 4.12-4.93-5.76
• Half angle ? = 55.84-45.36-37.65 °
• Image height Y = 13.66mm
• 60.98-55.27-53.91mm lens length
• BF 0.50mm

Canon patents

• The possible vibration damping by the second lens group
• Feeding whole, front focus, focusing, rear focusing, etc.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-M2 Camera Available Outside Asia

Canon announced the EOS-M2 in China and Japan on December 3, 2013. For those who want to buy one outside of Asia, a highly rated eBay seller, MatsuiyaStore sells and ships the EOS M2 world-wide. The US price is approximate, depending on the exchange rate.

• Canon EOS M2 body for $748
• Canon EOS M2 + EF-M 22 mm f/2 STM + EF-M 18-55mm IS STM for $998
• Canon EOS M2 + EF-M 22 mm f/2 STM + EF-M 18-55mm IS STM + EF-M 11-22mm IS STM for $1298

EOS M2 specs :

• 18-Mpix APS-C format CMOS sensor
• ISO 100-12,800 (ISO 25,600 extended)
• 4.6 fps burst mode with continuous AF
• 3.0-inch 1.04k-Dot LCD
• Full HD 1080 video capture at 30/25/24 fps
• Advanced Hybrid AF System
• Built-In WiFi

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-M2 Camera Reviewed By DxOMark

Last month, Canon introduce the EOS-M2 camera as an Asian only product. DxOMark has recently tested it against a few other Canon cameras and their review is listed below.  I expect this camera to be exported to Europe and North America later this year. MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon was the last maker to introduce a mirrorless camera to the market and after something of a false start with EOS M, the company has released an update with the same Hybrid CMOS II sensor as the company’s Rebel SL1 (100D).  Read on to find out how the new, Asia only, EOS M2 performs.

Canon was the last of the major manufacturers to introduce a mirrorless model, but rather than shy away from smaller size sensors the EOS M used the same APS-C size CMOS sensor found in the EOS Rebel range of DSLRs.  In fact the EOS M adopted the same 18-Mpix CMOS sensor as the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D) and introduced a small number of lenses adopting a new, smaller EF-M lens mount. 

Announced late last year (December, 2013), the EOS M2 has been updated with the same Hybrid CMOS II sensor as the company’s Rebel SL1 (100D). Not only does this sensor promise up to 2.3x faster autofocusing than the previous model, but the on chip phase detection pixels cover a much larger area, up to 80% of the frame. Also new to this model is an AF Servo mode during video capture. However, the new EOS M2 has so far only been launched in China and Japan.

Despite the outwardly similar shell to the original, according Canon Japan it’s now slightly smaller (by 8% in volume) while also adding WiFi connectivity for sharing and remote control using the firm’s free EOS Remote app. Other modifications include a remodeled mode dial, while the stereo microphone has been moved to the front from the rear. It also has a faster continuous burst rate, up from 4.3 fps to 4.6 fps. 

Key specifications :

• 18-Mpix APS-C format CMOS sensor
• ISO 100-12,800 (ISO 25,600 extended)
• 4.6 fps burst mode with continuous AF
• 3.0-inch 1.04k-Dot LCD
• Full HD 1080 video capture at 30/25/24 fps
• Advanced Hybrid AF System
• Built-In WiFi 

Canon Announcing Something On January 9, 2014

The Consumer Electronics Show 2014 starts on January 7 and I expect Canon to announce new PowerShot cameras, and perhaps the replacement to the SX50 IS. In addition, there is an invitation on January 9, 2014 for Hong Kong only. The latest Asian announcements were for the white EOS Rebel SL1 and the EOS-M2 cameras.

Currently, I am traveling in Asia and will be in Hong Kong on January 9. Unless there are other press and dealer invitations, there should be nothing to get really excited about. However, if something does turn up, I am right on top of it, literally speaking.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-M, Second Best Selling Mirrorless Camera in Japan

Canon EOS-M camera with EF lens

Canon announced the EOS-M2, the successor to the original EOS-M camera, in early December. Although the EOS-M is a slow seller in Europe and North America, it is doing quite well in Asia and Japan. The following camera rankings are for mirrorless and DSLR camera sales in 2013. I believe the EOS-M2 will be available outside Asia some time in the first half of 2014.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Japan Mid-Tier Camera Makers Face Shakeout as Smartphones Blunt Mirrorless Sales

The following article is an excerpt from Reuters wondering whether there is a shakeout coming among the middle tier camera manufacturers in Japan due to the smartphones challenge. My own view is a complete shake out is not likely but there will be inevitable mergers and some names will disappear over time.

I have lamented in my previous posts that, in the last few years, the photography industry seems to be introducing more fluff than genuinely exciting technology, under the disguise of 'innovation.' Most new technologies are evolutionary and genuine innovations do not come that often. The Canon D30 in 2000 (first consumer DSLR camera), the Canon EOS-1D in 2001 (first full frame DSLR camera), and the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens in 2013 (first consumer Super Telephoto zoom with built-in extender) are a few products that come to mind.

The mirrorless camera is a niche product but for those who care more about speed and connectivity in capturing and distributing images, over the composition and quality of photos, will always choose the latest smartphones and their associated apps. Spending a lot of time and money chasing that market seems to bring a diminishing return over time. The best way to survive any shake out is to go back to the core of a company's raison d'etre - sell products with performance, quality and value. The rest will take care of itself.

I have been a Travel and Wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for 25 years. You can read my observations on Canon and the photography industry and visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see my works. 

Article from Reuters in Tokyo :

Panasonic Corp and Japan's other mid-tier camera makers have a battle on their hands to win over a smartphone "selfie" generation to mirrorless cameras that held such promise when they were launched around five years ago.

Panasonic, like peers Fujifilm Holdings and Olympus Corp, has been losing money on its cameras since mobile phones that take high-quality photos ate into the compact camera business. This year, compact camera sales are likely to fall more than 40 percent to fewer than 59 million, according to industry researcher IDC.

Meanwhile, sales of mirrorless cameras - seen as a promising format between low-end compacts and high-end single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras - are sputtering as buyers put connectivity above picture quality.

A 40 percent drop in Panasonic's overall camera sales in April-September left the imaging division vulnerable as the company's mid-term plan to March 2016 demands unprofitable businesses turn themselves around or face the axe.

"If you look mid-to-long term, digital camera makers are slipping and the market is becoming an oligopoly," said Credit Suisse imaging analyst Yu Yoshida.

Panasonic held 3.1 percent of the camera market in July-September, down from 3.8 percent a year earlier, according to IDC. Canon Inc, Nikon Corp and Sony Corp controlled over 60 percent between them.

"Only those who have a strong brand and are competitive on price will last - and only Canon, Nikon and Sony fulfil that criteria," added Yoshida.

Canon and Nikon dominate the SLR camera market, while Sony could survive any shakeout thanks to its strength in making sensors for a number of camera manufacturers as well as collaboration with its smartphone division.

SPUTTERING MIRRORLESS

Panasonic, Fujifilm and Olympus are trying to fend off the smartphone threat by cutting compacts, targeting niche markets such as deep-sea diving, and launching the higher-margin mirrorless models.

The mirrorless format promised mid-tier makers an area of growth as the dominance of Canon and Nikon all but shut them out of SLRs, where Sony is a distant third. Neither Panasonic nor Fujifilm makes SLRs, and Olympus stopped developing them this year.

Mirrorless cameras such as Panasonic's Lumix GM eliminate the internal mirrors that optical viewfinders depend on, so users compose images via electronic viewfinders or liquid crystal displays. This allows the camera to be smaller than an SLR, while offering better quality than compacts or smartphones due to larger sensors and interchangeable lenses.

"SLRs are heavy and noisy, whereas mirrorless are small and quiet. While some people say SLRs still have better image quality, mirrorless (cameras) have improved to the point where they're equivalent, if not superior," said Hiroshi Tanaka, director of Fujifilm's optical division.

Critics grumble that LCD screens can never compete with the clarity of an optical viewfinder, and that picture-taking speeds are too slow for fast-action subjects such as sports.

Nevertheless, the mirrorless format has been a hit in Japan since Panasonic launched the first domestically produced model in 2008, the G1. They made up 36 percent of Japan's interchangeable lens camera shipments in January-October, according to researcher CIPA.

But the format is yet to catch on in the United States and Europe, where shipments made up just 10.5 percent and 11.2 percent of all interchangeable camera shipments, respectively, and where consumers tend to equate image quality with size and heft.

Sales, which globally are less than a quarter of those of SLRs, fell by a fifth in the three weeks to December 14 in the United States, which included the busy 'Black Friday' shopping week, while SLR sales rose 1 percent, according to NPD, another industry researcher.

"I would focus on the detachable lens market proper, excluding mirrorless, and focus on connectivity," said Ben Arnold, director of imaging analysis at NPD. "How do you bridge that gap between high photo-capture quality and high-quality camera devices and the cloud where every amateur photographer's images live?"

Canon Patents 16-120mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Canon EF-M 18-55mm Lens

Egami, the Japanese photography blog has discovered three new Canon patents, the 16-120mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM. If they come into production in the future, they are most likely to be EF-M lenses destined for the EOS-M line of cameras. The original article in Japanese is here.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Patent Publication No. 2013-257507

• Publication date 2013.12.26
• Filing date 2012.6.14

Example 1

• Zoom ratio 2.87
• Focal length f = 18.58 – 27.82 – 53.36mm
• Fno 3.60 -. 4.27 – 5.69
• Half angle ? = 36.33 – 26.15 – 14.36 °
• Image height Y = 13.66mm
• 86.23 – - 104.79mm 78.22 overall length of the lens
• BF 0.50mm
• 13 pieces of 11-group lens configuration
• Three four-sided aspherical

Example 3

• Zoom ratio 10.39
• Focal length f = 18.60 – 60.12 – 193.23mm
• Fno 3.55 -. 5.59 – 6.60
• Half angle ? = 36.29 – 12.80 – 4.04 °
• Image height Y = 13.66mm
• 151.48 – - 184.39mm 118.58 overall length of the lens
• BF 0.50mm
• 18 pieces of 14-group lens configuration
• Three three-sided aspherical
• One UD glass

Example 4

• Zoom ratio 7.14
• 51.87 – - 117.70mm 16.48 focal length
• Fno 3.60 -. 5.30 – 5.88
• Half angle ? = 39.65 – 14.75 – 6.62 °
• Image height Y = 13.66mm
• 138.55 – - 162.35mm 114.75 overall length of the lens
• BF 0.50mm
• 17 pieces of 13-group lens configuration
• Two two-sided aspherical
• One UD glass

Canon patents

• Vibration control
• Inner focus

Canon EOS-M2 Camera Shipping On December 20, 2013

The recently announced Canon EOS-M2 camera will not be available outside Asia. For those who want to get a hold of one, you can pre-order the camera from Amazon Japan. Camera with different lens kit will be available and delivery is scheduled to start on December 20, 2013. 

For those who are enamored of the EOS-M camera, there will be another model with a built-in electronic viewfinder coming next year. I am not a fan of mirrorless cameras but am anxious to see the other Canon announcements coming in 2014

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EOS-5D Mk III vs. EOS-M Camera Comparison

As my readers know by now, Canon has announced the EOS-M2 camera in Japan and China last week. There is no plan to release the camera outside Asia at this time. Mr. Masaya Maeda, Canon’s Managing Director and Chief Executive of Image Communication Products Operations, gave an interview to DCwatch recently. The interview is in Japanese and the English translation is not good. The original text of the interview is here.

From what I am able to deduce, the following are the main take away points :

• The EOS-M camera line is getting smaller and lighter (note the size of the EOS-M2).
• A new EOS-M camera with a built-in EVF may be announced in the second half of 2014. See earlier post.
• Dramatically improved photo and video performance is the goal for Canon’s future mirrorless camera projects.
• New lenses for the EOS-M system will be coming. See earlier post. 
• Canon is exploring a mirrorless camera project for the semi professional market.
• Canon is highly committed to the EOS Cinema line. See earlier post.  

The EOS-M is a good camera for those who want a small, versatile body that can take the full range of EF lenses and are willing to live with its limitations. I have used the mirrorless body and find it awkward, especially when mounted on big and heavy EF lenses. I prefer the Canon GX1 for a camera of that size and have made my recommendation for the best Canon DSLR cameras. You can see the photos taken with the cameras on my website MichaelDanielHo.com. 

Now someone has conducted a Canon EOS-5D Mk III vs. EOS-M camera comparison and came to a debatable conclusion. I am not in total agreement or disagreement with its findings. You make up your own mind and please leave a comment on this Blog.