Remember the Dragonfly Telephoto Array? Once more, commercial Canon telephoto lenses are used to build an array to observe and study galaxies and other astronomical objects.
The Canon lenses used to build the new array are the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II. The new array, named Huntsman Telescope, is made by Macquarie Unversity with support from Canon, as Australian Photography reports:
Located at the Siding Spring Observatory near Coonabarabran, NSW, the Huntsman will perform deep southern sky surveys to provide researchers with understanding about galaxy formation and evolution; how galaxies form, how they grow, how they engage with structures that surround them, and what happens when galaxies collide.
Canon says the second-generation Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L lens was chosen for the task as it has ‘superb’ anti-reflection properties, owing to one of the first applications of Canon’s nano-fabricated coatings. Each lens is connected to a red-coloured camera which is then individually connected to one of 10 mini computers.
The coated lens array chosen for the Huntsman contrasts to a conventional mirror telescope, whose imperfectly polished surface can introduce subtle errors that ruin faint, extended structures surrounding galaxies.
Canon released new firmware update for three EOS R cameras, the EOS R3, EOS R5 and EOS R6.
The firmware updates started to be available on Canon’s Asian sites, so we link Canon Singapore for the downloads.
Canon EOS R5 Firmware Version 1.6.0 (download) incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:
1. Adds [Auto Power Off Temp.: Standard/High] to the menu for movie recording. When [High] is selected, the camera will not automatically turn off when the temperature of the camera body and card become high, which may allow for longer movie recording than before, depending on the shooting conditions. Note that the temperature of the bottom surface of the camera may increase at this time. 2. Adds the ability to convert multiple HEIF images into multiple JPEG images. 3. Enhances the performance of “Movie Digital IS”. It stabilizes the image when taking selfies or walking shots using a wide-angle lens. 4. Fixes minor issues.
Canon EOS R6 firmware Version 1.6.0 (download) incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:
1. Adds the ability to convert multiple HEIF images into multiple JPEG images. 2. Enhances the performance of “Movie Digital IS”. It stabilizes the image when taking selfies or walking shots using a wide-angle lens. 3. Fixes minor issues.
Canon EOS R3 firmware Version 1.2.0 (download) incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:
1. Adds the ability to set “Custom high speed continuous” to the Drive mode. It is possible to shoot from 2 to 50 images continuously at a speed of approximately 30 to 195 fps. 2. Adds the ability to select “FHD 239.76 fps/200.00 fps” in “High frame rate.” 3. 1- Adds the ability for in camera “Depth compositing” during “Focus bracketing.” 2- Adds Focus bracketing and depth compositing with a flash (Speedlite EL-1). 4. Adds the ability of time-lapse movie recording. Note that the time-lapse movie setting is retained even if the camera enters the Auto Power Off state before starting time-lapse movie recording. 5. Adds the ability of Cloud RAW processing functionality. RAW processing with the latest image processing technology is possible. This is a paid service that requires the purchase of a Canon Imaging App Service Plan, which will be available starting July 25, 2022. 6. Adds the ability to convert multiple HEIF images into multiple JPEG images.. 7. Adds the ability to set [Still Image Crop/Aspect] to [Custom Controls]. The assigned button can be used to switch between crop and aspect ratio. 8. Adds the ability to crop and resize images during transfer to an FTP server. 9. 802.1X authentication/WPA2-Enterprise now supports the PKCS#12 certificate format. 10. Adds an electronic shutter sound to be played when the mechanical shutter or electronic 1st-curtain is set. 11. Enhances the performance of “Movie Digital IS”. It stabilizes the image when taking selfies or walking shots using a wide-angle lens. 12. Adds [Auto Power Off Temp.: Standard/High] to the menu for still shooting. 13. Fixes an issue, which displays Error Code 70 on the camera, that may occur, in rare instances, when the [Disp. performance] setting is set to [Smooth]. 14. Fixes minor issues.
After yesterday’s story that Nikon is set to withdraw form SLR camera production, a new report reiterates that Canon will follow suit.
Nikkei Asia reports about Nikon retiring SLR camera production, and cites Canon too.
TOKYO — Japanese camera maker Nikon will withdraw from the single-lens reflex camera business and shift toward digital offerings amid intensifying competition from smartphone cameras, Nikkei has learned.
Nikon’s SLR cameras have been widely used by professional photographers for more than 60 years and have come to be seen as synonymous with the Japanese company.
It now plans to focus resources on mirrorless cameras, which have become mainstream products on the back of more advanced digital technologies.
[…] Rival Canon also plans to follow Nikon and stop producing SLRswithin a few years.
Canon released the Canon PowerShot Pick. The PowerShot Pick is an AI-powerded concept camera that is not entirely new to devoted Canon fans.
At a glance:
Active PTZ Tracking & Subject Detection
Takes Photos Automatically
12MP 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
3x Optical Zoom Lens, Max f/2.8 Aperture
110° Tilt, +/- 170° Panning
Portable Design, Built-In Li-Ion Battery
Voice Recognition & MiniPTZ App Control
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and microSD Card Slot
The PowerShot PICK will be available for an estimated retail price of $499.99. Shipping is currently scheduled to begin late summer 2022. Black and white color options available.
Canon U.S.A. Introduces PowerShot PICK Active Tracking PTZ Camera To U.S. Market
MELVILLE, NY, July 12, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is releasing a new product: the PowerShot PICK Active Tracking PTZ Camera. This portable camera offers a hands-free solution for capturing candid photos and videos automatically*.
Many of us find that capturing content can interrupt the moment, resulting in a forced posed look. The PowerShot PICK can be the solution. Its face-detecting and tracking technology helps ensure that smiles and more can be detected, when set up through the corresponding app, and the PowerShot PICK will automatically move its camera to capture it all.
Previously, the product saw great success with a leading crowdfunding platform in Japan. Due to that success, Canon collaborated with Indiegogo, a similar platform in the United States, which now leads to the official introduction of the PowerShot PICK in the United States.
The PowerShot PICK offers a wide range of features, including:
Approximately 340 degrees of Pan movement and Tilt capabilities between -20 to 90 degrees
3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom
19-57mm focal length (35mm equiv.) and automatic image stabilization
Active Tracking with Auto Capture
Battery Powered
Select Voice Commands
11.7MB photos and Full-HD 1080 60p video with movie rates of 59.94, 29.97, and 23.98 frames per second (FPS)
The PowerShot PICK requires the MiniPTZ mobile app for compatible iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices. The app includes capabilities like configuration settings, manual remote control of the camera1, automatically generated highlight videos (iOS only), and the ability to browse through and select favorite moments for download.
The PowerShot PICK is also a great way to capture your next social media post or home video. Whether you want to film a cooking tutorial or dance video, the PICK can easily record them. The PowerShot PICK is equipped with select voice commands. Let’s say you want to record a dance video. Say, “Hello PICK, record a video!” It’s as easy as that. The PICK is compact and convenient. Lightweight and battery powered, this product is great for everyone who wants to easily capture candid photos and videos almost anywhere.
The Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lenses have been announced. Preorder are live. The Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM, and Canon RF 15-30 f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lenses are scheduled to be available in late August 2022 for an estimated retail price of $599.99 and $549.99, respectively.
Learn more about the two new lenses with the master Rudy Winston.
Canon press release:
Canon Introduces RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM – Two New Compact and Lightweight Wide-Angle RF-Mount Lenses
Both Lenses Are Ideal for Entry Level and Photography Enthusiasts Looking for The Next Lens After The Standard Zoom
MELVILLE, NY, July 12, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the launch of two new RF-Mount lenses, the RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM. The lenses are both high-value, compact and lightweight wide-angle additions to the RF-Mount family and pair perfectly with the complete lineup of EOS R cameras, including the newly announced Canon EOS R10 and EOS R7 cameras.
The Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM lens is a large-diameter, wide-angle fixed focal length lens designed for capturing bright and clear images with beautiful bokeh and macro capabilities to get even closer, both features not possible with a standard kit lens. Will Cadena, wedding and portrait photographer touts the focal length saying, “I love this lens! It helps give you the feeling you are right there in the action, and the focal length really directs your eye to the center of the frame.”
Thanks to the wide-angle of view and built-in STM motor that tracks focus with natural movement, the new RF24mm lens is optimized for video use, particularly vlogging and other social media uses.
Additional Features of the RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens Include:
Fast F1.8 maximum aperture for great control over depth of field and bokeh, low-light shooting, and video recording, with fast and reliable autofocus.
Excellent image quality: highlights include a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element, one aspheric element, and Canon SSC (Super Spectra Coating) to help minimize ghosting and flare.
Minimum focus distance of approx. 5.5 In./0.14 m; close-up magnification 0.5x at minimum focus distance.
Optical image stabilization — up to 5.5 stops* of shake correction. Up to 6.5 stops Coordinated IS when paired with EOS R series cameras featuring In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS).
Dedicated, programmable Control Ring with click-stop operation.
Equivalent to approximately 38mm coverage when used on cameras with APS-C size image sensors.
Impressively compact and light at only 0.6 lbs/270g.
Circular (9 blades) aperture for beautiful, soft backgrounds.
The Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is an ultra wide-angle zoom lens designed for a variety of image-capturing moments such as dynamic landscapes and natural snapshots. Travel vlogger Juliana Broste (@TravelingJules) says that a wide-angle lens is her go to, “I’ve got options–whether I’m standing super close to my subject or backing up to get a sense of a place, I’m covered.”
Like the new RF24mm, this new lens has macro capabilities and produces images with beautiful bokeh, with the added flexibility of a zoom range. The RF15-30 is another excellent option for photographers looking to go beyond the standard zoom lens.
“The RF 15-30 F4.5-6.3 IS STM makes it easy to film handheld, so you can stay light on your feet and move about freely. So long shaky shots!”
Travel Vlogger, Juliana Broste
Additional Features of the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Include:
Equivalent to approximately 24–48mm coverage when used on cameras with APS-C size image sensors.
Excellent image quality: highlights include two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass elements, one aspheric element, and Canon SSC (Super Spectra Coating) to help minimize ghosting and flare.
Optical Image Stabilization — up to 5.0 stops* of shake correction. Up to 7.0 stops of Coordinated IS when paired with EOS R series cameras featuring In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS).
Equivalent to approximately 24–48mm coverage when used on cameras with APS-C size image sensors.
Minimum focus distance of approx. 11 in./0.28m (5.1 In./0.13m in manual focus at 15mm zoom position.)
Canon STM (stepping motor) focus drive, especially suited for smooth, quiet video AF operation.
Impressively compact and light — approx. 0.9 lbs./390g.
Price & Availability
The Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM, and Canon RF15-30 F4.5-6.3 IS STM lenses are scheduled to be available in late August 2022 for an estimated retail price of $599.99 and $549.99, respectively**.
For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.
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