How To Make Canon's Full Frame Professional Mirrorless Camera Successful

I am back from my East Africa Wildlife Photo Tour. It was a great trip with many sightings and photo opportunities. Time to process my photos and return to writing this blog. While I was away, there were a few interesting pieces of photography news that caught my eye.

Apparently, Canon has sent out a rather dramatic invitation to selected dealers and VIPs for a mirrorless camera announcement in February. It is rumored only owners and senior management are permitted to attend, no sales people.

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer, utilizing Canon equipment for over 30 years and traveling the globe on wildlife photo tours. You can follow my travels on Facebook  and Twitter , see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Those who have toured extensively know how heavy an equipment bag can get once all the gear and accessories are accounted for and how tiresome hand holding an EOS-1 body with a proper lens for long period of time can get. I have been interested in buying a professional grade mirrorless camera ever since Sony introduced their A7 and now A9 series of full frame cameras but the current offerings do not meet my needs.

Canon has been experimenting with different versions of their full frame mirrorless camera for over two years now and is expected to announce one some time in either 2018 or early 2019 but in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. They may even announced two versions, a pro model first, followed by a prosumer one later. Not necessary, in my opinion. Do it right with just one top-of-the-line pro model.

In my opinion, any new Canon professional full frame mirrorless camera must have the following features :

Native EF mount

Any new mirrorless camera without an EF native mount is not going to attract serious photographers who have invested in their extensive EF lens inventory. I am NOT interested in using adapters.

Feel, Size and Weight

The current crop of high end mirrorless cameras do not feel right to me. Once a professional lens is mounted, the combo feels front heavy. The new Canon model must have the feel of an EOS-1 body, with built-in molded grip and a well balanced weight, albeit lighter, once the commensurate lens is attached.

Electronic Viewfinder

First in class Electronic Viewfinder is a must and the screen must come with the highest megapixel, replete with crisp and faithful colors reproduction.

Battery Life 

The current EOS-1D X Mark II camera's battery can comfortably lasts a full day's shooting on an average trip unless it is in extremely cold climate. The new mirrorless camera must be able to come close to this performance. I know short battery life is the Achilles' Heel of many high end models, like the Sony A7 and A9 but I am confident Canon engineers can and will overcome this limitation.

Burst Rate

As a wildlife photographer, I do need fast shooting speed in my equipment but a burst rate of around 12 - 14 fps is adequate for my needs. Anything faster than that is marketing hype.

The other bells and whistles like 4K video, GPS, WiFi, etc. are nice to have but they add weight, complication and cost to the final product and are not a deal breaker for me. There must a healthy compromise between features, price and weight.

Let me hear your thoughts about what you feel are important in Canon's upcoming high end, full frame, mirrorless camera. Keep checking back for the latest news for any future announcements.  

Canon and Nikon Will Announce Full Frame Mirrorless Camera In 2018

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II vs Sony A9 camera comparison

My readers know me as The Wildlife Ho-tographer. I have been using Canon equipment for over a quarter of a century. Over the years, I have migrated from film to digital cameras but still kept my EOS-1 V, the state-of-the-art Canon film camera announced back in 2000.

Through the decades, I have owned many Canon cameras. My first pro body was the EOS-1 in 1989. Then I bought the first Canon digital camera, the D30 in 2000 and the first 'affordable' full frame digital camera, the EOS-5D in 2005.

Currently, my main bodies are the EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS-5Ds and EOS-7D Mark II. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter. See my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

I have been an observer of Canon for many years now. It is a conservative company and rarely aims to be the first in introducing new technology. Instead, they concentrate on being the brand with the most reliable and state-of-the-art performance equipment.

One area Canon and Nikon have been lagging behind its competitors is in the mirrorless camera space. It is no secret Sony has been pulling ahead of every competitor. Their highly successful A7 series has now been followed by the introduction of the new Alpha A9 model.

Nikon has told DPReview they are also working on a full frame, high end mirrorless camera with the following statement :

"While details are confidential, we can say that we are currently developing new mirrorless products that build upon Nikon’s strengths, and offer the performance prospective customers expect, including the ultimate optics performance, image-processing technologies, strength and durability, and operation."

Sony Alpha A9 camera major specs

• 24.2MP Full-Frame Stacked CMOS Sensor
• BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
• 693-Point AF System & 20 fps Shooting
• Blackout-Free Quad-VGA 3.7m-Dot OLED EVF
• Internal UHD 4K Video Recording
• 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
• 3.0" 1.44m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• ISO 204,800, Silent Electronic Shutter
• Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Dual SD Slots
• Integrated LAN and PC Sync Terminals

On paper, the Sony Alpha A9 camera specs look impressive. Of course many of these 'jaw dropping' features are written by marketing folks and are designed to grab the attention of readers. Although, the majority of professional sports and wildlife photographers will not dream of using a mirrorless camera for their work (including yours truly), there is a case for owning a high-end pro mirrorless body for various reasons, as far as I am concerned.

Take a look at my previous post on why many pro sports and wildlife photographers will not dream of using a mirrorless camera for their work.

Canon already has a few variants of high-end, full frame mirrorless cameras in their labs, including one model using the EF mount. They are trying to decide which model to bring to market. The announcement of the Sony Alpha A9 will concentrate Canon's mind and persuade them to finally pull the trigger some time next year.

I know Canon's management has a lot on their plates. They have made it a priority to upgrade their Super Telephoto line of lens and introduce more Diffrative Optics lens models in time for the World's Cup in 2018, Rugby's World Cup in 2019 and Summer Olympics in 2020, both events will be held in Japan.

They are a big enough company to juggle multiple projects at one time and their high-end mirrorless camera project should be one that takes high priority along with the other tasks. I will be very interested in buying their pro model with the EF mount once it is announced. Stay tuned. More to come. 

Canon Patent - EF-M 9-18mm f/3.5-4.5 STM Lens

I have just returned from a rather successful wildlife photo trip to India. Witnessed two tiger kills from beginning to end on a Spotted and Sambar Deer plus Elephants and Monkeys mating, in addition to many new bird species for me. Trying to get back to writing my blog and catching up with the latest photography and NAB 2016 news. It will take me a week or two to get back to speed and precious little time to process the photos because by then, my next tour will be here already. I have a very busy Spring and Summer touring season ahead of me. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Egami discovered another new Canon patent for a EF-M 9-18mm f/3.5-4.5 STM Ultra Wide lens. I expect Canon to announce a new prosumer EOS-M mirrorless camera and more EF-M prime and medium zoom lens later this year.

Patent Publication No. 2016-54371 (Google Translated)

• Published 2016.4.14
• Filing date 2014.9.3
• Zoom ratio 1.90
• Wide-angle intermediate telephoto
• Focal length 9.22 14.05 17.50
• F-number 3.39 4.04 4.63
• Half angle of view (degrees) 53.07 44.12 37.91
• Image height 12.27 13.63 13.63
• Overall length of the lens 89.68 83.60 86.84
• BF 14.22 15.78 16.00

Sigma Announces Two sd Quattro Mirrorless Cameras

Sigma sd Quattro mirrorless camera

Sigma sd Quattro and sd Quattro H mirrorless cameras

KANAGAWA, JAPAN - February 23, 2016 - Sigma Corporation of America, a leading camera, DSLR lens, flash and accessories manufacturer, today announced the new high-performance, compact Sigma sd Quattro and Sigma sd Quattro H mirrorless camera systems with Foveon Quattro sensors. The Sigma sd Quattro features an APS-C sized sensor and the Sigma sd Quattro H touting a larger APS-H sized sensor for even greater image quality. Thanks to the mirrorless aspect of the cameras, both the sd Quattro and sd Quattro H are designed to take full advantage of all Sigma Global Vision lenses.

“With the introduction of these two new cameras, Sigma continues its rich history of innovation. The Foveon sensor is renowned for its imaging characteristics, and the mirrorless interchangeable format offers photographers the full line of Sigma Global Vision lenses to help realize their creative visions,” stated Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of Sigma Corporation of America. “The sharpness of detail and nuanced color tone captured by the Foveon sensors is a key component of Sigma Global Vision.

The sd Quattro, and the sd Quattro H, with the newly announced Foveon Quattro APS-H sensor, will be greatly appreciated by photographers who demand the utmost in imaging purity, with the added benefit of portability for both in-studio and on-location photography.”

Both the sd Quattro and sd Quattro H feature similar design aspects with a compact form consistent with the dp Quattro line, making them highly portable and utilizing the Foveon Quattro sensor for exceptional imaging quality and fast processing. A magnesium alloy body makes the sd Quattro and sd Quattro H durable and rugged, while a dust- and splash-proof design makes it ideal for photographers facing harsh conditions.

In addition to the new body design, both cameras boast a list of useful advancements. These include a two-mode Autofocus detection that combines Phase Detection for focus speed and Contrast Detection for focus accuracy. The focus settings have also been enhanced with such modes as Movement Prediction, Face Detection, Free Movement, Focus Peaking and a variety of others. The new 2.3 megapixel viewfinder displays close to 100% of the field of view and when placed in “Auto” will toggle between the viewfinder when the user has the camera to their eye and then to the LCD when the user lowers the camera.

A new “Super-Fine Detail” mode brings out the full potential of the Quattro sensor by capturing seven different exposures with one shot and merging them for exceptional dynamic range (images can be extracted individually as well). Meanwhile an updated algorithm for the Auto White Balance allows for greater accuracy, even with multiple light sources.

While the sd Quattro and sd Quattro H are similar in physical design details, they stand apart when their Foveon sensors are compared. The sd Quattro utilizes the same sensor found in the dp Quattro line and produces image quality comparable to that of a 39 megapixel Bayer-pattern sensor on resolution testing.

The stacked silicon Foveon Direct Imaging sensor captures all detail information on the top 19.6 megapixel layer along with all color information for the Blue channel, while the two five-megapixel layers below capture Red and Green color information, all without the need for a low pass filter. Merged together they create incredible image quality that is comparable to medium format files. The sd Quattro H boasts a larger APS-H sensor (26.6x17.9mm) than the sd Quattro and can produce images equivalent to that of a 51-megapixel Bayer-pattern sensor camera on resolution testing.

The sensor structure is similar to that of the sd Quattro but uses a 25.5 megapixels on the top layer of the sensor that captures the detail information. Both cameras use the latest Dual TRUE III image processor and take full advantage of the Art, Contemporary and Sport line Global Vision lenses that are made for high megapixel cameras. Like all Sigma Cameras, RAW (X3F) data can processed via Sigma Photo Pro, which offers editing options, including Monochrome mode to take advantage of the incredible monochrome images the Foveon sensor captures.

Canon To Finally Get Serious About Mirrorless Cameras

I am back from my Patagonia Photo Tour. Will take some time for me to get re-organized and look through my photos. Trying to get back to my blog and keeping my readers up to date on the photography world. Now that the EOS-1D X Mark II camera has been announced, Canon may be finally getting serious about their mirrorless line. I have reported last month Canon is working on a full frame mirrorless camera.

During an interview with ASCII.jp, Canon executive Yagi Koichi made this comment on the future plans for the EOS-M line (Google translated) :

“In the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2015, we have been able to ship a lot of mirror-less the number of cameras, not yet satisfied by For. At present new products, but mention can not be, the third quarter in 2016, towards the fourth quarter and that the “mirror-less market is forecast to grow, Canon’s share of the” mirror-less camera market and two years ago the 4-position, we want to aim at the 3-position."

Translation - Canon is tired of letting Sony be the 'One and Only'. There is an even chance they may introduce a prosumer camera some time in 2016 and finally provide their mirrorless camera line the attention and resources it takes to catch up to Sony and give them a real challenge. There is a chance Canon may drop some hint about their mirrorless plans during the upcoming CP+ Show on February 25 in Yokohama, Japan. More to come. Stay tuned . . . . .  

Sony Is Purchasing Toshiba's Image Sensor Business

Sony has been on a roll lately with their sensor manufacturing business and they have a lead in full frame mirrorless cameras as well. Their Alpha 7 line of cameras received some good reviews. Leica recently announced their full frame SL mirrorless camera to join the competition. I reported in my earlier post Samsung had ceased their camera operations in both Germany and the United Kingdom. They are in the process of exiting other countries as well.

Rumor has it Nikon may be in the process of buying Samsung's mirrorless business, including sensor manufacturing. Samsung has 'officially' denied this but do you really expect them to admit it before any deal is signed and sealed? If true, Nikon is certain to bring out their own full frame mirrorless camera. Nikon is the smallest of the big three camera manufacturers. They have been very dependent on Sony for their sensors. Purchasing the Samsung operations and partnering with them will help tremendously in their mirrorless ambitions.

Sony is expanding their image sensor operations and is purchasing Toshiba's sensor manufacturing business. They have signed Definitive Agreements for the transfer of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities. Below is their press release announcement.

Tokyo, Japan, December 4th, 2015 -- Based on the memorandum of understanding entered into between Sony Corporation ("Sony") and Toshiba Corporation ("Toshiba") on October 28, 2015, the parties today announced that they have signed definitive agreements to transfer to Sony and to Sony Semiconductor Corporation ("SCK"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony, certain Toshiba-owned semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets in its Oita Operations facility, as well as other related equipment and assets owned by Toshiba (the "Transfer").

Under the agreements, Toshiba will transfer semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets of Toshiba's 300mm wafer production line, mainly located at its Oita Operations facility. The purchase price of the Transfer is 19 billion yen. Sony and Toshiba aim to complete the Transfer within the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016, subject to any required regulatory approvals.

Following the Transfer, Sony and SCK plan to operate the semiconductor fabrication facilities as fabrication facilities of SCK, primarily for manufacturing CMOS image sensors.

The parties expect to offer the employees of Toshiba and its affiliates employed at the fabrication facilities to be transferred, as well as certain employees involved in areas such as CMOS image sensor engineering and design (approximately 1,100 employees in total), employment within the Sony Group, upon the completion of the Transfer.

Ever wondered how a camera sensor works? Take a look at the video below. It gets a bit pedantic but for those who have a curious mind, check it out.

Canon Patent - 50mm f/3.5 IS Macro Lens for Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

The Japanese website Egami has discovered a new Canon patent for a 50mm f/3.5 IS macro lens. It is apparently designed for full frame mirrorless cameras.

My readers know the mirrorless camera space is getting more and more competition.  There is little doubt Sony has a lead in full frame mirrorless cameras right now. Their a7 line of cameras received some good reviews. Leica recently announced their full frame SL mirrorless camera to join the competition.

I reported in my earlier post Samsung had ceased their camera operations in both Germany and the United Kingdom. They are in the process of exiting other countries as well. Only the strong companies will survive and Canon is already developing their own full frame mirrorless camera.


Patent Publication No. 2015-215494 (Google Translated)

•     Published 2015.12.3
•     Filing date 2014.5.12
•     Focal length 48.58
•     F-number 3.50
•     Half angle (in degrees) 24.01
•     Image height 21.64
•     Overall length of the lens 85.71
•     BF 27.79

Canon May Introduce Professional Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

I have just gotten back from my Polar Bear Photo Tour in the Canadian sub Arctic. Trying to catch up on some Canon photo news when I was away. It was quite a productive trip. The weather was 'milder' than past years and I will be processing the photos when I have a chance to rest up and look at them.

Canon is expected to announce the EOS-M4 mirrorless camera and at least two EF-M prime lens in Q1 to Q2 of 2016 to beef up their mirrorless product line. This will not be enough to make them a big player in this space.

Although Canon's mirrorless cameras are selling quite well in Asia and Japan, they are mostly lower end models and bring in little profits. They need to go upmarket and take a leaf from Sony and most recently, Leica. Canon is a big conservative conglomerate and operates at a glacial speed. They rarely aim to be first to bring 'revolutionary' technology to market but try to be best in their space, albeit coming from behind.

Canon is also working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Since they are already 'behind' in this segment, their next full frame mirrorless camera needs to be bold and different. I am a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for about 25 years and have followed the company since my first EOS-1 purchase in 1989. My advice to them is bring out a top-of-the-line, full frame mirrorless camera with the EF mount as soon as possible. The new camera must come with a brand new sensor, advanced AF performance, pro build quality and ergonomics and unrivaled video performance. It will be a tall order but something well within Canon's capability and technology to manufacture. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

The fear that a full frame mirrorless camera may 'cannabilize' on Canon's existing full frame DSLR models is overblown. For example, all major luxury car brands have both expensive gasoline and alternative fuel powered models in their lineup. Many serious and professional photographers, including myself, will buy a high end mirrorless camera in addition to their current DSLR equipment, provided it meets the requirements.

During the Canon Expo 2015 last month, the company demonstrated some cutting edge prototypes, like the 250MP and 120MP sensors, ME20F-SH camera that shoots videos @ ISO 4000000+ and the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens. These eye-popping demonstrations may pay off once they come to market but deciding when to bring them to consumers seem to take too much deliberation.

In the next few months, Canon is expected to announce more EF lens, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV cameras. Although Canon reported less than stellar third quarter financial results recently, they are hardly unique and the company is still profitable and healthy. Management needs to make bolder decisions faster and lead their competitors for a change.   

More EF-M Lenses Coming For Canon EOS-M Camera

Canon EOS-M cameras and EF lens

* * *  I'm off on a Polar Bear Photo Tour. Will connect if possible  * * *

Canon is expected to announce the EOS-M4 mirrorless camera and at least two EF-M prime lens in Q1 to Q2 of 2016 to beef up their mirrorless product line. This will not be enough to make them a big player in this space.

Although Canon's mirrorless cameras are selling quite well in Asia and Japan, they are mostly lower end models and bring in little profits. They need to go upmarket and take a leaf from Sony and most recently, Leica. Canon is a big conservative conglomerate and operates at a glacial speed. They rarely aim to be first to bring 'revolutionary' technology to market but try to be best in their space, albeit coming from behind.

Canon is also working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Since they are already 'behind' in this segment, their next full frame mirrorless camera needs to be bold and different. I am a wildlife photographer using Canon equipment for about 25 years and have followed the company since my first EOS-1 purchase in 1989. My advice to them is bring out a top-of-the-line, full frame mirrorless camera with the EF mount as soon as possible. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

The fear that a full frame mirrorless camera may 'cannabilize' on Canon's existing full frame DSLR models is overblown. For example, all major luxury car brands have both expensive gasoline and alternative fuel powered models in their lineup. Many serious and professional photographers, including myself, will buy a high end mirrorless camera in addition to their current DSLR equipment, provided it meets the requirements.

During the Canon Expo 2015 last month, the company demonstrated some cutting edge prototypes, like the 250MP and 120MP sensors, ME20F-SH camera that shoots videos @ ISO 4000000+ and the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens. These eye-popping demonstrations may pay off once they come to market but deciding when to bring them to consumers seem to take too much deliberation.

In the next few months, Canon is expected to announce more EF lens, the long awaited EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-5D Mark IV cameras. Although Canon reported less than stellar third quarter financial results recently, they are hardly unique and the company is still profitable and healthy. Management needs to make bolder decisions faster and lead their competitors for a change.   

Canon Working On Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras

* * *  Read the latest post on Canon's full frame mirrorless camera plans  * * *

As reported yesterday, Canon's Inc. third quarter profits were less than stellar. This morning, the rumor mills are buzzing about Canon working on a full frame mirrorless camera. Hardly an earth-shattering news and this is what I have called for in the past.

There are no specific time frame on this but Canon must not wait too long and get serious about this 'new' segment of the market. The mirrorless space is growing and Canon is already behind some of their competitors. The new camera must do away with any adapter and comes with the EF mount. Bring out a prosumer and professional mirrorless camera with similar features, functions, size and shape to the current full sized DSLRs and they will leap frog their competitors like Sony and Leica.  

Photographers like myself who own Canon's top-of-the-line DSLRs have resisted buying mirrorless cameras like the Sony a7RII because they simply do not feel right in the hand. The new camera is packed with 'fluffy' features that seems to appeal more to 'technology chasers' than pure photographers. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com