EISA Awards Assigned, Everyone Wins, Canon Too (EOS R5 & RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro)

Eisa Awards

EISA awards have been assigned. And as usual almost everyone in the industry got one. Canon got two.

Canon got EISA awards for the Canon EOS R5 and the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro lens.

Regarding the Canon EOS R5, the EISA folks says:

Canon’s highly-specified mirrorless all-rounder is feature-filled and built to last. It produces extremely sharp, high-resolution 45-million-pixel images, while being capable of recording both 8K and 4K video. It also boasts a high-speed, high-precision Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system, up to 8 stops of in-body image stabilisation, and high-speed continuous shooting at up to 20fps. The AI-based subject-recognition system is capable of detecting and tracking human eyes, faces, and bodies, as well as those of some animals. Combine these features with its robust build and superb handling, and there is probably no assignment that the R5 cannot take care of.

Regarding the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro:

While most manufacturers have built up their full-frame mirrorless lens ranges by replicating their most popular SLR designs, Canon has consistently been more imaginative. Its new RF-mount 100mm f/2.8 offers the highest magnification ratio of any autofocus macro lens, at 1.4x, allowing users of its EOS R-system cameras to fill the frame with a subject measuring just 26x17mm. It also gains a new spherical aberration control ring that adjusts the smoothness of blur in either the foreground or background. Together, these two innovations promise to open new avenues of creative expression for close-up photography.

Here Are The Canon XF605 And 10×16 KAS S Lens, Officially Released

Canon XF605

New high tier Canon video gear has been released: the already leaked Canon XF605 and the 10×16 KAS S broadcasting lens (why such a name?).

XF605 key features:

  • 1″ CMOS Sensor, 4:2:2 10-Bit
  • H.265/H.264 MP4 Format, XF-AVC
  • UHD 4K up to 60 fps, 1080p to 120 fps
  • iOS App | 15x Optical/30x Digital Zoom
  • Dual-Pixel CMOS Autofocus Feature
  • HDR Recording, Canon Log 3, Wide DR
  • 12G-SDI & HDMI Outputs
  • Optical & Digital Stabilization
  • Four XLR Inputs, 4-Channel LPCM Audio
  • Discrete Focus, Iris, Zoom Lens Rings

Preorders are open at B&H Photo and Adorama.

Canon press release:

Canon unveils new imaging solutions to support the demand for 4K and 8K workflows

London, UK, 18ᵗʰ August 2021 – Canon Europe today announces the launch of two solutions which address the changing needs of the broadcast and production industries, including the compact, yet powerful XF605 professional 4K camcorder and 10×16 KAS S 8K BCTV zoom lens. Designed with solo shooters in mind, the XF605 builds on the renowned XF series, making this portable camcorder a powerhouse for news gathering and studio productions. Meeting industry standards, these new products offer production teams a suite of solutions capable of achieving high image-quality in any shooting environment.

XF605: Uncompromising performance

The XF605 represents the next generation of Canon’s XF series, a feature-packed camcorder capable of achieving impressive 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit image quality and FHD up to 120p high frame rate in a small form factor. Powered by a 1.0 TYPE CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 7 processor, this camera performs at the highest levels demanded by today’s professionals. The XF605 offers a variety of custom picture options which can be adjusted to suit different needs and offer greater flexibility in post-production or in the field, including HDR (HLG/PQ), Canon Log3 and user-created Look Files.

Employing the same 5-Axis image stabilisation system found in Canon’s XF and XA series, the XF605 produces smooth footage, even in dynamic shooting scenarios. There are four IS options available by combining different settings in Standard, Dynamic and Powered IS, allowing users to select the most suitable and effective IS operation for their shooting environment. With a high magnification 4K L-series lens, the XF605 achieves a 15x optical zoom in 4K and 30x advanced zoom in FHD, great for capturing distant subjects.

The XF605 employs Canon’s fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus System which brings Eye Detection AF and Canon’s EOS iTR AF X intelligent head detection and tracking functionality to the XF series for the first time. This advanced focusing system maintains sharp focus on an individual even if they turn away from the camera. A new Direct Touch user interface allows users to quickly and intuitively select subjects to focus on, as well as control on-screen settings, menu navigation and playback control.

Versatile and simple, for streamlined workflows

Roughly 10 per cent smaller and 600g lighter than the XF705, the XF605 weighs approximately 2kg¹ – for a convenient, hand-held camera that takes the effort out of shooting on the go. Designed with single operators in mind, it marries portability with a handy new multi-function accessory shoe designed to expand the capabilities of the XF605 through future accessories, the first being the CA-XLR2d-C high definition XLR microphone adapter from TEAC. The adapter makes it possible to assign XLR inputs to all four audio channels that the XF605 offers, providing greater flexibility for capturing audio. The camcorder also addresses the rise of live-streaming over the last year, with IP streaming capability that supports multiple protocols, remote control for multicamera operation alongside Canon’s range of PTZ cameras and the addition of the UVC for simple webcam use via USB-C.

The XF605 is a flexible camera, that seamlessly fits into existing workflows. With dual SD card slots and multiple recording options, it can record different file formats, resolutions, colour sampling and proxies simultaneously to separate cards. It is also possible for the image to be simultaneously output to both 12G-SDI and HDMI connections, which can be fed into any combination of monitors, broadcast and recording systems to support both live and pre-recorded workflows. Ideal for shooting on the go, the XF605 is compatible with Canon’s new Content Transfer Mobile (CTM) app² which allows users to edit news metadata pre and post capture and import the footage from the camera to the phone, enabling instant transfer to broadcast station servers, for example.

10×16 KAS S: Powerful yet portable

The 10×16 KAS S is proof of Canon’s exceptional optical technology, meeting the demand for high-resolution 8K production in sports and documentary. Expanding Canon’s line-up of ultra-high-resolution 1.25” 8K broadcast camera lenses, which includes the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 and 7×10.7 KAS S, the 10×16 KAS S offers impeccable optical performance in a compact form factor. Equipped with special glass elements such as fluorite, Hi-UD lenses and wide-diameter aspherical lenses, the 10×16 KAS S helps reduce chromatic aberrations, spherical aberrations and other effects that diminish image quality. Weighing just 2.94kg, the 10×16 KAS S is precisely engineered to achieve 8K performance in such a portable and durable lens. With a 10x optical zoom from 16mm – 160mm and a constant f/2.8 aperture, this lens achieves consistent image quality across the entire zoom range, from wide to telephoto shots. Along with the full range of Canon’s 4K broadcast lens line up, the addition of the 10×16 KAS S in the 8K broadcast lens range addresses the current demands of the industry, while supporting the production needs of the future.

XF605 key features:

  • 1.0 Type CMOS Sensor and DIGIC DV7 Processor
  • 4K UHD 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit in XF-AVC, and MP4
  • 4K L-Series, 15x Optical Zoom Lens with 30x Advanced Zoom in FHD
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Eye Detection AF and EOS iTR AF X
  • Supports PQ & HLG HDR formats
  • Simultaneous recording versatility, including Proxies
  • Professional connectivity including 12G-SDI, HDMI, XLR inputs, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and more
  • CTM App for easy file transfer to mobile phones and editing news metadata

10×16 KAS S key features:

  • 1.25” hand-held 8K broadcast lens
  • 10x optical zoom from 16mm – 160mm
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Weighs just 2.94kg
Canon XF605

Zoner Photo Studio X Photo Editing Software Gets EISA Award

Zoner Photo Studio

EISA awards have been distributed. The Zoner Photo Studio X photo editing software was awarded. A 30 days trial version available for download.

Here is the press release:

16 August 2021 Brno, Czech republic) – Zoner Photo Studio X, the all-in-one photo editing software based in Brno, Czech Republic has yet again defied the odds against the industry giants by winning another of the world’s most renowned awards in the photography industry. That is, The EISA PHOTO SOFTWARE 2021-2022 award. 

If you weren’t already familiar with EISA (The Expert Imaging and Sound Association), it is a community of 60 technology magazines, websites and social media commentators from 29 countries that specialize in Hi-Fi, home theatre, photo & video, in-car and mobile electronics. For each and every year, the jury of EISA experts carefully tests, examines and goes through the presentations of particular products companies’ nominate for consideration of an EISA Award. 

“Not only are we thrilled to be recognized by EISA but this award, along with our highly-anticipated Autumn update further cements our place among the tough and dominant competition we face, we do not plan on slowing down,” stated Michal Prouza, head of the software division for ZONER Software which develops ZPS X. 

For over 36 years, the EISA organization spent tireless hours gathering information and analyzing the best of the best in each respective technology segment. This year is no different. For the photography expert group, a team of 16 Editors in Chief shortlisted candidates in a total 23 award categories. And, after absorbing the presentation on ZPS X and testing it, came to the conclusion that there is serious merit to the product. This is not a simple achievement with such strong competition. 

“The entire process was a pleasure and the complete panel of Editors along with the President are true professionals in every sense. I’m extremely proud we were able to present ZPS X on a very technical level and have the EISA Association reflect that in their final decision,” disclosed Thomas Urban who has been thoroughly corresponding with The EISA Association on behalf of ZONER Software.

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS Review – One Zoom To Rule Them All?

Canon RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1L IS Review

Here is a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS lens review after six months of use. Not an inexpensive lens, for sure an awesome lens.

At a glance:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4.5-7.1 to f/32-54
  • One Super UD Element, Six UD Elements
  • Dual Nano USM AF System
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Rotating Zoom Ring, Torque Adjustment
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Compatible with RF Extenders

Brent Hall reviews the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS lens after having used it for half a year. Is this the zoom you need and that will make all other zoom obsolete? Watch to find out.

The RF 100-500mm is a remarkable lens, with many enthusiastic reviews.

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

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Canon EOS R3 Electronic Viefinder Without Lag And Blackout?

Canon Eos R3 Specifications

The announcement, or better: the release, of the Canon EOS R3 is getting closer (September 2021). A new bit of information seems to have made it from the Olympics to ours and others inboxes.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the Canon EOS R3 is said to be free of lag and not to have the short “blackout”. A minor annoyance, to be honest. Still something that can make the difference for a professional sport photographer. We think this small bit of information has to come from one of the many photographers that had the chance to use the EOS R3 at the Tokyo Olympics.

The resolution of the upcoming Canon EOS R3 is no longer a mystery. It’s 24MP, and it got more than one confirmation. Oh, and have a look how impressing the 30fps of the R3 are. We expect the announcement in Fall 2021, likely in September. Here is what we know about the EOS R3 so far:

  • 24MP backside illuminated image sensor
  • Multi-Controller & Smart Controller
  • Vari-Angle Touch Screen
  • NEW accessory shoe
  • Wifi 5GHz
  • High speed 30fps electronic shutter with AF/AE tracking + RAW shooting at this speed
  • AF down to -7.0 EV
  • 8 Stops Coordinated Control IS with Optical IS and In-Body IS
  • 4K Canon Log3​
  • Oversampling 4K
  • Internal RAW video
  • Inclusion of cars and motorbikes in AF tracking technology
  • RAW internal movie recording
  • Speedlite shooting with electronic shutter
  • The same weather sealing as the EOS-1D series
  • LP-E19 Battery
  • Dual card slot SD & CFExpress

All our EOS R3 coverage is listed here, product images are here and here. There has been some discussion about who makes the imaging sensor of the EOS R3. You can get notified when the Canon EOS R3 will be available for preorder.

Canon Patent: Improved IBIS For Shooting HDR Photos

Canon Patent

Here we are with another rather interesting Canon patent application: better IBIS (In Body Image Stabilisation) for shooting HDR photos.

Canon patent application 2021-089387 discusses how to improve IBIS during automatic exposure bracketing, for instance to take HDR pictures. This is to compensate differences between the single images because of movement. From the patent literature:

The present invention relates to a technique for performing a plurality of times of photographing for acquiring images used for image synthesis while suppressing image blurring of an image.

Background of invention:

In the dynamic range expansion processing of an image signal, for example, a plurality of signals having different output conditions are combined to generate a high dynamic range (hereinafter, also referred to as HDR) image signal. In an imaging apparatus, a photographing for synthesizing a plurality of images having different still image exposure periods is known, and is referred to as HDR photographing hereinafter. Since a plurality of photographing operations are performed in HDR photographing, a time required for completing all photographing operations becomes longer than a time required for photographing 1 images.

When HDR photographing is performed by an imaging device having an image blur correction function for correcting image blur of a captured image due to camera shake or the like, HDR photographing is possible while performing image blur correction. In this case, since it is necessary to perform image blur correction for a long time, a limit of a correction range related to an image blur correction lens (hereinafter, also referred to as a correction lens) becomes a problem. In other words, when the drive control of the correction lens in the imaging optical system is performed on the basis of a detection signal such as camera shake, it is impossible to perform the image blur correction beyond the movable range of the correction lens. Thus, when the image blur correction amount reaches the limit of the movable range (correction stroke limit), no further image blur correction effect is obtained.
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More Canon patents are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these: