Here is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS with 4K video and 40x zoom, officially announced

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

Canon PowerShot SX740 HS at a glance:

  • 20.3MP CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 8 Image Processor
  • 24-960mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • 40x Optical Zoom with OIS
  • 3″ Tilting LCD Display
  • ISO 100-3200 (Extended)
  • 4K Video and 4K Time-Lapse Recording
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 10-fps Continuous Shooting

Canon announced the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, a neat little powerhouse with 4K video, 10fps, a 40x optical zoom, and more bells and whistles. Price is $399.99, availability starting August 2018.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS can be pre-ordered in two color options:

Long Zoom In A Small Package: Canon Introduces PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera

Latest Addition to PowerShot Family Provides a Multitude of Features for Entry-Level Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 31, 2018 – Whether your family is always on the go, you are an up-and-coming vlogger or you enjoy posting photos to social media, a compact digital camera capable of producing high quality images is a necessity. Today, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduced the new PowerShot SX740 HS digital camera boasting a 40x Optical Zoom Lens (equivalent to 24-960mm), a 20.3 Megapixel* CMOS imaging sensor and 4K video capabilities, which is a first in the PowerShot series.

“We remain committed to incorporating the latest technologies and innovations into Canon products that help meet the needs of our customers,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As we continue to grow the popular PowerShot SX-series, we are excited to offer more imaging solutions that encourage visual storytelling.”

Featuring a DIGIC 8 Image Processor, dual-sensing image stabilization, automatic image transfer, feature assistant and a 3.0-inch LCD screen that rotates 180 degrees, the PowerShot SX740 HS helps make transitioning away from smartphone photography fun and easy. With high-speed continuous shooting up to 7.4fps, an ergonomic design and built-in Wi-Fi®** and Bluetooth®*** technology, you can easily capture life’s greatest moments with the PowerShot SX740 HS.

Availability and Pricing

The PowerShot SX740 HS will be available for purchase in late August for $399.99. To purchase this product or for more information about Canon U.S.A products, visit http://shop.usa.canon.com/.

Laowa 24mm f/14 macro lens will launch on August 1st, images and specifications (updated)

Laowa 24mm F/14

Venus Optics will soon launch the “weirdest and most genius macro lens ever“. The Laowa 24mm f/14 macro lens will launch on Kickstarter on August 1, 2018 (8am Pacific Time). The first lens will sell for $1 (one dollar). More information on Venus Optics’ homepage, or on their Facebook page.

In the meantime here are some images and specifications for the Laowa 24mm f/14 2x macro lens.

laowa 24mm f/14

Update: we added the two videos below.


Canon releases Q2 2018 Financial Results, getting more mirrorless marketshare

Canon released the financial results for the second quarter 2018.

The company appears to be pretty confident about their role in the mirrorless market, claiming that the EOS M50 “enjoyed strong demand”. In the Speech Summary (see below) they say:

In the second quarter, sales were driven by the EOS M50, a strategically positioned mirrorless camera. Despite being an entry-class model, it incorporates features found in more advanced cameras while delivering easy operation for beginners. Through this, we are bringing new users into our ILC ecosystem.

In general, within the Imaging System Business Unit…

[…] unit sales volume of interchangeable-lens digital cameras decreased compared with the same period of the previous year, due to the gradually shrinking market. However, Canon maintained the top share in the overall interchangeable-lens digital camera market, mainly in the United States, Europe and Japan. Within this, as for mirrorless cameras, the newly launched EOS Kiss M, an entry-level model with shooting functions matching those of higher-level models, enjoyed strong demand. As for digital compact cameras, although unit sales decreased compared with the same period of the previous year amid the shrinking market, sales of such high-value-added models as the PowerShot G-series enjoyed solid demand. For inkjet printers, although demand was strong for refillable ink tank models and large format inkjet printers, overall unit sales decreased compared with the same period of the previous year due to a review of distribution channels. As a result, sales for the business unit decreased by 7.8% to ¥260.5 billion year on year, while operating profit totaled ¥34.8 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 28.3%. Sales for the combined first six months of the year totaled ¥482.3 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 8.1%, while operating profit totaled ¥59.5 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 23.5%.

You can download the following documents:

 

[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.canonwatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/conf2018q2e-all.pdf”]

 

Nikon’s full frame mirrorless camera coming August 23, 2018, Sales Starting in October, price between $1800-$2700, report

Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

In two different articles, Nikkei Asian Review gives some more hints about Nikon’s mirrorless agenda.

In this article, Nikkei confirms that Nikon’s full frame mirrorless camera is set to be announced on August 23, 2018.

In this article, Nikkei states that

The model (the upcoming MILC, editor’s note] is on the pricey side — 200,000 yen to 300,000 yen ($1,800 to $2,700). Sales are scheduled to start in autumn at the earliest.

Yesterday, Nikon officially announced the development of a “next generation full frame mirrorless camera“. A set of specifications is rumored but not yet official.

It’s official: Nikon Announces Development of Next Generation Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Full-frame Mirrorless Camera

Yep, “development”, not “launch”. Details, including the release date and suggested retail prices, are not yet disclosed. A dedicated teaser-site is online. Some specifications of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless camera have already leaked.

And Canon’s Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is coming too, very soon.

Nikon press release:

Nikon Announces Development of Next Generation Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera and NIKKOR Lenses—Featuring a New Mount—That Pursue a New Dimension in Optical Performance

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the development of a next-generation full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses featuring a new mount.
The new mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses that are in development will enable a new dimension in optical performance with the adoption of a new mount. The system is the result of Nikon’s unsurpassed optical and manufacturing capabilities gained through more than a century of imaging expertise. Proven reliability and trusted performance are core traits of Nikon Digital-SLRs, and decades of feedback from professional creators around the world has further contributed to the development of this system.

Through the development of this new mirrorless camera, Nikon reaffirms our commitment to providing photographers with the ability to capture images that are richer and more vivid than ever before.

Additionally, an F-Mount adapter is being developed that will enable the use of a wide variety of F-Mount NIKKOR lenses with the new camera.

Nikon will continue to lead imaging innovation with the launch of the new mirrorless camera and the continued development of Nikon Digital-SLR cameras as well as the impressive NIKKOR lens lineup. Soon, Nikon users will have two industry-leading camera systems to choose from, giving consumers the choice to enjoy the unique values that each system offers.

Content relating to this product is available for viewing at the following URL: http://www.nikonusa.com/mirrorlessiscoming. Please stay tuned for more information.

Details, including the release date and suggested retail prices, will be shared at a later date.

Canon security cameras deliver real-time analysis of emotions, report

Security Cameras

Canon is investing in artificial intelligence systems. Here is another application.

Nikkei Asian Review reports:

TOKYO — A Canon unit is launching a new security camera system that performs double duty, providing surveillance while also enhancing customer service.

Canon Marketing Japan’s system analyzes facial expressions in real time — a feature envisioned as a marketing tool allowing retailers and entertainment venues to interpret customers’ reactions moment by moment.

The technology detects three emotions — joy, sadness and anger — as well as age and gender. Software analyzes footage sent to the cloud, automatically tracking and charting the level of a particular emotion as a percentage.

A theater, for instance, could monitor an audience to see when and how often they laughed. Canon MJ expects plenty of business from relatively small retailers, such as supermarkets, along with amusement parks and other clients that want detailed insight into customer satisfaction.

The technology is being launched under the company’s cloud-based image management service, VisualStage, with emotion analysis software developed by Tokyo-based security imaging company Aroba.

Read the article at Nikkei Asian Review.