Canon & IBM Announce Business Partnership Utilizing Volumetric Video Technology

MELVILLE, NY, July 8, 2021, – Canon Inc. (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Fujio Mitarai) and IBM Japan Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akio Yamaguchi) announced today that the two companies have formed a business partnership to use volumetric video technology to promote the visual and performing arts.
Volumetric video technology involves the use of digitalized 3D spatial data, which is rendered by computers to create a virtual space in which video can be generated from any angle. This technology has attracted significant interest in the sporting world and is becoming increasingly widespread in the entertainment industry. In addition, Canon implemented this technology during an international rugby tournament in 2019 as well as other sporting events. In July 2020, the company established its Volumetric Video Studio – Kawasaki, to expand its range of activities in the entertainment industry.
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A new professional Canon 4K camcorder is coming in late August

Canon will be introducing a new camcorder in late August. I am told that the new camcorder will sit below the Canon XF705.
The new camcorder will have a 4K 1″ sensor, full-sized HDMI ports, 12G, and similar codec options as the Canon Cinema EOS C70.
The model name and pricing are not known at this time.
Canon will likely be making major cinema announcements ahead of NAB in October, so consider this camcorder the calm before the storm.

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Olympic Photographer Jeff Cable's recent Blog commentary

Just read Jeff Cable's blog post about his upcoming trip to the 2021 Tokyo summer Olympics, as an avid professional photographer using Canon gear. Thought it worth sharing his commentary here, showcasing what handicaps he is up against. Following are his thoughts about unprecedented Olympic photographer rules.


Living in the Olympic bubble (and other upcoming challenges)
Posted: 08 Jul 2021 08:36 AM PDT
I leave for Tokyo in a week and a half and I do so with very mixed emotions. Normally I am super excited to get to the Olympic city and start my preparation for the 3 week adventure. But this time around is really different. I am still excited to go, but this is also mixed with the apprehension of an Olympics with major pandemic precautions.
Just this morning it was announced that there will be no fans at the Olympic Games, and that Tokyo is under a state of emergency. This will make this a VERY strange Olympics to be attending. I am imagining walking through an empty Olympic Park, shooting in empty stadiums, hearing no cheering, not seeing the thousands of happy spectators from around the world. This is going to be so weird!
It appears that I will indeed have to quarantine in my hotel room for the first 3 days in Tokyo. According to the recent documents from the Tokyo Organizing Committee (TOCOG), I will only be allowed outside the room for 15 minute increments (if approved) and for necessary exceptions. Normally, the first thing I do when I get to the Olympic city is check into my room and head straight for the Main Press Center (MPC). It is there that I get my photo vest, my locker and get the lay of the land. I usually visit some of the venues where I will spend the bulk of my time. I get lockers in those locations and learn about the shooting positions, press room layout, and restrictions. Now I need to figure out if this is considered necessary travel. And the other big questions is: Since I arrive 3 days before the Opening Ceremony, will I be able to attend this? I will be really disappointed if I can't photograph this and share it with you all.
I saw a reporter from NBC on television this morning and he was talking about the Covid precautions. He said that NBC has been very strict with the protocol in their studios, but that Tokyo was a thousand times more restrictive.
In the days leading up to my flight, I have to get Covid tests 96 hours and 72 hours prior my departure. Then, when I land in Tokyo, I will have to go through 10 checkpoints and have another Covid test before being let out of the airport. They say that this process at the airport could take 3 hours or more.
The latest "Press playbook" restricts me from using any public transportation, taking any walks, or eating at any restaurants for the first 14 days of my stay. Basically, I will be doing everything inside the Olympic bubble for two weeks. So...you will probably not see any photos of downtown Tokyo for the first two weeks of my stay there. It is so strict that there are security people at every press hotel who will determine when and were we go. If I do need to buy something from a local store, I will be given a strict 15 minute time period to get there are back.
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I will be required to have a tracking app on my phone with location kept on 24 hours a day. If my phone's battery were to die or location gets turned off, I will be in violation of the Playbook and could be investigated. The Playbook goes as far as to say that "the people of Japan will be paying close attention to your every move...and your activity may be photographed and shared on social media by bystanders."
After my 14 days have passed, I will be allowed to move more freely, but I will be required to fill out a "Going Out Record" with my room number, time of departure and other information. And then when I get back to the hotel, I will complete the record with the time of my return.
We will also be tested for Covid every day for the first three days in the country and then at regular intervals after that.
From what I am hearing now, it sounds like there will be a lot less photographers at this Olympic Games. The IOC has cut back the allocations of certain countries and corporate entities as recently as last week.
Not only will there be fewer photographers, but the support will also be much less than ever before. If you have followed my Olympic adventures from years past, you saw the room full of cameras, lenses and other accessories that Canon (and other companies) would bring as loaners. That will not be the case this time around. Due to contact tracing, TOCOG does not want items being used by different photographers each day. That means that I will be traveling to Japan with A LOT more equipment than I usually have.
And as if all this is not a challenge enough, I received an email from United airlines a couple of weeks ago telling me that I had been moved from my direct flight home to a flight going through LAX with a 5 hour layover. I know I am going to be exhausted after these 3 weeks, and adding 7 more hours to my trip is not going to go well for me. I called United last week to find out why that had happened to see if there was a batter option. The United employee looked on her computer and said "that direct flight is still going - you must have been mistakingly moved by our computer system." And then she said "I will put you back on that flight." Just as I was thanking her for doing this, she informed me that there were only middle seats left. I told her that I had booked that flight 9 months before and had a great seat. She could not help me, and a supervisor couldn't either. I even wrote about this to the CEO of United and never got a response back. Having traveled with United for almost 2 million miles, I was hoping to be treated a little better than that!
Ahhh - the challenges are building, but I am still looking forward to getting to Tokyo and getting to work.

__________________________________________________________________________

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The awesome AF of the R5 and RF 100-500mm for Dragonflies in Flight

We have a fun thread on Dragonflies and Damselflies, enjoyed by some of us aficionados. The most difficult shots are those of them flying as they are very small and fast and usually erratic. So we have developed tricks for photoing them. Recently, the AF of the R5 has made such shots much easier. So, I thought I would post some taken in the last couple of days to show more widely how good the AF of the R5 is. Also, the RF 100-500mm has a superb focal length range and minimum focal distance for the task, focusses very rapidly, and is light to swing around rapidly to track the little beasties. All here are taken with the lens at 500mm. And, for me, a real plus is that we can use the electronic shutter at 20 fps to make animated gifs to show the action of the wings. The shots here are with AF in full tracking mode and fast shutter speed. f/7.1.
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Review: Canon Cinema EOS C70

Twitter friend, whisky connoisseur, and TWiT TV host Ant Pruitt has completed his review of the Canon Cinema EOS C70. I prefer reviews that come after the initial hype of a release.
Canon Cinema EOS C70 Key Features

Canon Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor, 16+ stops of Total Dynamic Range
DIG!C DV7 Image Processor
Canon Log 2, 3, PQ, HLG Recording
RF Mount
EF Lens Compatibility with Mount Adapter
Direct Touch Control
9×16 Vertical Shooting
New Compact, Uni-Body Design

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Affordable Wildlife Photo Lenses

Hello I wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations for a zoom lens that was up to 600mm for an R5. I have the EF 100-400 II but would like some additional reach for birds and other more rapidly moving wildlife. I didnt really see an advantage on the RF 100-500 with an f7.1 so I was trying to see if there were any other options others were using with the ability to focus rapidly and be sharp. Some of the reviews of the Sigma and Tamron lenses seemed to mention this, but I wasnt clear on how significant the issue was. I wanted something <2000 USD and more useable than a 7.1. I had hoped Canon would have done a 200-600mm f6.3 but alas no. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

SIGMA releases new firmware for the 500mm f/4 DG HSM OS, improves performance with R5 and R6

SIGMA has released a firmware update for the SIGMA 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports that improves performance when using the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6.
SIGMA 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM v2.03

It has improved the AF speed when used in combination with the Canon mount adapter EF-EOS R series attached on Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6.

Download firmware v2.03 from SIGMA
Thanks David

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The Xtar 7 in 1 battery charger for the EOS R series begins shipping

Xtar launched a Kickstarter campaign for their SN4-7 IN 1 AI Camera Battery Charger last month and easily reached their funding. I am posting this now because Xtar has started shipping chargers to people that have pledged, I am one of those people.
This charger will allow you to charger up to 4 batteries at one time. Which is great for anyone that shoots with an EOS R camera. There are also compatible chargers for your Canon DSLR.
As an avid photographer or videographer it is not uncommon to have multiple cameras and devices on hand at any given time; each that requires their own battery charger and exclusive battery pack. But taking all those with you means lugging around a bunch of extra bags for space or constantly having to swap out batteries or connections to get them each charged up on a single port. That’s why we developed the innovative and versatile XTAR SN4 Battery Charging Hub that lets you charge multiple batteries and battery types simultaneously at home or on the go...

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Max frame rate of R6 in real life?

I occasionally shoot some stills with my R6 set on H+, the highest continuous frame rate. It's supposed to be 12 frames per second, but it doesn't seem that fast to me.

Does anyone recall hearing that the battery type had an effect on the max frame rate? Or maybe the level of charge on the battery? I'm trying to think of things I can try to speed it up a bit. I have the OEM battery (about 9 mo old) and some fresh 3rd party batteries that seem to work well.

Do the camera reviewers ever actually test this or do they just accept the numbers from Canon? I'm sure there's a cool way to set up a frame rate measurement system, but I'm not that obsessed about it. Hoping some of my fellow Canon fanboys have already investigated this issue. :)

RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Release day! Atalopedes campestris, Sachem Skipper. Conditions were not ideal, with the subject moving in the wind between rain showers. The skipper had just coiled its proboscis after sipping nectar from the light blue flower that is alone at bottom center, among the dark purple. EOS R5. I think that the blending of the out-of-focus background is beautiful. I did not use the SA ring.
Atalopedes campestris, sachem skipper 210708 9-3.jpg

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SIGMA to announce a 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports soon

SIGMA is bringing another super-telephoto zoom to their lineup. This new lens will be a 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports, which appears to be for the mirrorless mount(s), so it could be for Sony’s E-mount, SIGMA’s L mount, and Nikon’s Z mount.
I don’t think this will be SIGMA’s first RF mount release, so don’t get your hopes up.
No specifications or pricing for the new lens have been released.

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Firmware: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III v1.5.0, adds Canon Log 3

Canon has released firmware v1.5.0 for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. This firmware update brings Canon Log 3, simultaneous movie recording to the two card slots, VPG 400 profile, and more.
Firmware Version 1.5.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fix:

Adds [Canon Log 3] to [Canon Log settings].

Support for RAW movies shot with Canon Log 3 and RAW (Light) will be available in a future version of Cinema RAW Development and in Digital Photo Professional software.
Support for the processing of RAW movies shot with Canon Log 3 and the application of Viewing LUT will be available in a future version of Digital Photo Professional software.


Simultaneous movie recording on card 1 and card 2 has been added, however RAW movies and RAW(Light) movies cannot be recorded simultaneously on card 1 and card 2.
Support for the VPG 400(Video Performance Guarantee Profile), a standard based on the CFexpress 2.0 specification, has been added.
Fixes an issue in which there are rare instances...

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Firmware: Canon EOS R6 v1.4.0, adds Canon Log 3

Canon has released firmware v1.4.0 for the Canon EOS R6, the highlight of this firmware update is the addition of Canon Log 3. Canon has also added simultaneous movie recording to both memory card slots. Additionally, there are some compatibility upgrades and bug fixes.
Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

Adds [Canon Log 3] to [Canon Log settings].
Simultaneous movie recording on card 1 and card 2 has been added.
Improves operation stability when using the RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF600mm F4 L IS USM.
Fixes an issue in which, during HDMI connection, if the camera’s screen turns off, a zebra pattern is displayed via the HDMI output.
Fixes an issue in which sufficient image stabilization effects may not be attained immediately after the start of shooting...

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The Canon EOS R3 will be officially announced in September

After my previous announcement date gaffe, I decided that the next time I give everyone an announcement date, it’s actually accurate. This time, barring any unknown catastrophe, I have received confirmation from good sources that the Canon EOS R3 body will be announced in September 2021.
I do not have the exact announcement date in September, but I think we may need to be closer to September before the hype machine starts rolling.
At this time, I have no additional features or specifications to report.
Canon EOS R3 Specifications:

24mp (Rumored) 30.1mp (Rumored) backside illuminated image sensor
Multi-Controller &...

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Why did Canon even bother with the RF mount?

Seems a weird choice .

* Folks report EF glass works spectacular with the RF > EF adapter on R5/R6. Therefore there is no doubt they could have created an EF mount R series.

* No one is buying the R5/R6/R3 if they want the slimmest camera. In fact, they had to beef up these cameras to closer to the size of an EF mount DSLR for people to get interested in canon FF mirrorless. So reducing the distance to the sensor doesn't buy them much.

* Most of the RF lenses have been different than - but not necessarily head and shoulders better than - similar EF equivalents. Many of them with improvements also had tradeoffs in cost, bokeh, functionality, or size. It's also possible many of these different lens formulas could have been made in EF mount if RF never happened

I don't get it. A single native mount (EF) that works great on the old and new cameras seems a much more powerful thing than a new mount that only works on new with gains that don't necessarily match the compatibility break. Was it just an attempt to tank 3rd party lens companies?

Max Reproduction Ratio of the RF 15-35mm at 15mm?

Hi,

Canon Australia put together a fact sheet on the new RF 14-35mm lens stating that the Maximum Magnification is 0.15x (at 14mm) to 0.38x (at 35mm).

I'm curious about how this compares to the Maximum Magnification of the RF 15-35mm lens, but all I have found so far is that the Maximum Magnification at 35mm is 0.21x. I have yet to come across the magnification at the wide end, which is what I am most interested in.

Does anyone happen to know what the RF 15-35mm lens' maximum magnification is at 15mm?

The Nikon Z9 will be announced in November or December this year

Nikon Rumors is reporting that Nikon will be announcing their flagship mirrorless camera body in November or December of this year.
This looks to be above Canon’s upcoming EOS R3 in the marketplace, so the EOS R1 will be the likely competitor once Canon brings it to market late next year.
Nikon Rumors also has a bunch of rumored specifications for the upcoming camera.
Nikon Z9 Specifications (Rumored)

Newly developed high-resolution stacked FX sensor.
Integrated vertical grip handle
The Z9 is described as a D6 body combined with EOS R5 imaging, α9II AF, and blackout-free EVF...

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Canon has released a list of RF lenses that they can’t meet the demand for

As we all know, a lot of RF mount lenses have been hard to come by for quite some time. Most of these issues are obviously attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the supply chain issues that are still ongoing across many industries.
From Canon Japan
We have received more orders than expected for each of the following products, and it will take some time before delivery.
We thank you for your many orders and apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers.

Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro
Canon RF...


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What gear to bring for Banff/Jasper with EF and RF mixed systems?

I will be visiting Banff/Jasper next week and am wondering if I should bring my 200-400mm lens for wildlife. I will be with my family so it's not a pure photography trip where I will be able to take off for hours.

I'm just picking up an R5 + 28-70 this week which I will bring along for 4K video. For still photos, I will probably stick with my 5D MIV since I know that body a lot better. The other EF lenses I am thinking of bringing are:
  • 16-35 f/2.8
  • 24-105 f/4
  • 17mm TS-E f/4
  • 70-200 f/2.8
  • 200-400 f4 (trying to decide on)
For those of you that have been, do you think I'm bringing too much gear and do you think I will get any use out of the 200-400?
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Optical Limits reviews of RF 85mm, 50mm and 24-105mm STM lenses.

Here are links to Optical Limits of RF lenses:



How to take AMAZING Bird Photos | The Bird Photography Show EP.1

Here's a stunning California Quail for you this morning.

If you'd like to know more about the story behind this one and how I took this shot you might enjoy episode 1 of my new YouTube show with fellow professional bird photographer Jan Wegener.

WATCH HERE -
California%20Quail%20-%2023.jpg


Camera Model: Canon EOS R5
Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec
Aperture: 5.6
ISO: 800
Lens: EF600mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4x
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Firmware: Canon EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter for EF-Mount to EOS C70 v1.2.0

Along with the firmware update for the Canon Cinema EOS C70, Canon has also released new firmware for the Canon EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter.
Firmware Version 1.2.0 adds full function support for these 7 lenses when used with the EOS C70.

EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

Download firmware v1.2.0 for the EF-RF 0.71x mount adapter

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Considering RF 85mm f2 and 50 1.8 - impressions from owners (esp. on RP)?

Hi all,

I’ve been reading reviews on these lenses lately and I’d also like to hear thoughts and impressions from those folks here with the RF 85mm f2 STM, especially if you happen to be using it with an EOS RP. Being an EF/5D DSLR user mostly, I’ve started to dip a couple of toes in the MILC pool with the RP and RF 35mm 1.8, which is a lens I wasn’t initially crazy about, but has grown on me with time and I’ve come to really like it despite its flaws. A step above the M6/22mm combo which is nice, and I’ve found it to be a good complement to the larger DSLR setup. After some time, I’m thinking about expanding the native RF collection, perhaps starting with the 85mm. On paper, this would seem like a good complement to the 35, but I can’t really speak to the handling or how the IQ holds up, which is where I wanted to get some insight. Also, what about the RF 50 1.8 - is it worth replacing the EF version? Admittedly I rarely use it though. How does it compare to, say, the M6/32 1.4? I’m admittedly a bit frustrated at the lack of IS on the 50 however, no stabilization on the RP.

So the general theme here is - I’m placing a greater emphasis on size…I’d like to keep the R side of things smaller for now. Have the 35 1.8 as my solo RF lens and considering adding the 85 f2, and *perhaps* the 50 1.8, if it makes sense. Seeking thoughts from those that have those lenses and can speak to their handling, particularly on the RP. Thanks in advance!

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