On February 8, Canon announced the APS-C mirrorless “EOS R50” that inherited the concept of the company’s entry-level single-lens camera “EOS Kiss” series.
The R50 is a model that aims to improve image quality with the EOS R system while inheriting the concept of the company’s “EOS Kiss” series, “simple, clean, compact”. However, it does not bear the name of Kiss, and is not a direct successor to the current model “EOS Kiss M2” of the same brand. Nonetheless, while covering the entry level targeted by Kiss, it will be developed as a model that conveys the appeal of mirrorless cameras more widely.
The Kiss series is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, but as mentioned above, the R50 is an entry model but not the “Kiss” series. According to Canon Marketing Japan, camera needs have diversified with the changing times, and in order to convey the appeal of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras to a wider range of people than Kiss users so far, it has been integrated into a model name that is used globally instead of the Kiss brand. It is said that
Kiss is a brand name that was originally used in Japan, for example, the overseas name of the EOS Kiss M2 was “EOS M50 Mark II”. However, in addition to the EOS Kiss M2, the EOS Kiss series including single-lens reflex cameras such as the “EOS Kiss X10/X10i” are still on sale, so the Kiss brand will not disappear soon.
This makes me wonder if Canon will kill the Rebel camera lineup too. I guess they will. The new Canon EOS R50 seems to introduce a new entry-level camera lineup that might well replace the Kiss and Rebel lineups.
As expected, Canon announced the new Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R50.
The Canon EOS R8 will be available at $1,499. The Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens with the EOS R8 will have an estimated retail price of $1,699. The Canon EOS R50 camera body will be available for an estimated retail price $679.99. The EOS R50 with the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price of $799.99. The EOS R50 with the RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lenses will be available for an estimated retail price of $1,029. The RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price $299.99 while the RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens will have an estimated retail price of $349.99. All products are currently scheduled to be available in Spring 2023.
All Canon gear announced today are already available for preorder at B&H Photo and Adorama.
Canon Adds EOS R50 and EOS R8 to the Growing EOS R Mirrorless Camera System
Plus, Image Story Telling Through R-Mount Lenses Is Ramped Up With Additions of the New RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM and RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lenses
MELVILLE, NY, February 7, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the launch of the new EOS R50 camera body, ideal for entry level users, and the EOS R8, an extremely compact, full-frame camera aimed at advanced amateur photo and video enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice performance. Additionally, two new RF-Mount lenses are being introduced to the ever-growing R-mount lens lineup.
EOS R50
Compact, lightweight and ideal for those looking to step up their video quality, the EOS R50 provides an impressive movie-shooting experience thanks to the APS-C sensor, with 4K video, uncropped 4K capture (at all frame rates), and outstanding Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. With the addition of whole area tracking, subject detection, and movie-prerecording, difficult photo and movie opportunities can be easier to capture with a 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C sized image sensor. In addition, the EOS R50 is equipped with an eye-level electronic viewfinder to help achieve shot steadiness and ease viewing in bright sunlight conditions. A great camera for those who are looking to lean into interchangeable lenses, the EOS R50 camera can capture travel adventures, family portraits, sports, wildlife and even help a small business with marketing imagery. For those who are budding content creators, the EOS R50 will be available later in 2023 as part of a Content Creator Kit – packaged with a microphone, lens and grip. Overall, the EOS R50 is truly a jack of all content creation trades.
“The first time I picked up the EOS R50, I noticed how light it was. When I saw the footage, I wondered how the quality can be so good when it’s this lightweight in my hand. My mind was blown!”Bianca Matisse Taylor –Content creator and blogger
EOS R8
The EOS R8 — affordable and functional — is a full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at the up-and-coming video or photo enthusiast. This camera comes with class-leading autofocus while still extremely capable for everyday and general photography use. Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X image processor, the EOS R8 is optimal for full-frame RF lenses — allowing enhanced wide-angle field of views when compared to APS-C sensor cameras. Extremely lightweight and compact, the EOS R8 shoots up to 6-fps with 1st-curtain Electronic shutter, and up to 40-fps with full electronic. For users who’ve already explored interchangeable lens cameras but haven’t yet broken into mirrorless, the EOS R8 should be the camera that takes them over the threshold to capture events, weddings, still life, travel and pets.
“My work is a lot about movement and not missing a beat with the fast shutter on the EOS R8 is so important to me as an artist.” Jasper Soloff – Photographer and Director
Additional product specs include:
Video performance
Uncropped 4K video to 59.94p (29.97p with EOS R50) (with 6k oversampling)
Full-HD to 59.94 fps, and High Frame Rate to 119.8 fps (Full HD 180p with the EOS R8)
Dual Pixel CMOS AF, with subject detection for people, animals and vehicles
Up to 2 hours of continuous recording (one hour with EOS R50); no 30 min limit
Focus breathing correction
Enhanced usability for video correction
Vertical Video Metadata
Movie Self Timer
Audio Noise Reduction (only in EOS R8)
UVC/UAC Support, for USB livestreaming
Recording Emphasis
Aspect Markers
Connectivity
Easy wireless connection from camera to compatible smartphone
Camera Connect with USB connection to compatible smartphone
USB streaming direct to computer via Zoom™, Teams™, or Skype™
Convenient firmware updates via compatible smartphone
Cloud RAW processing
Alongside the camera bodies, Canon will release two new lenses. The RF-S lens line, optimized for the smaller APS-C sensor size, expands with the Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens. This is a telephoto zoom, giving coverage equivalent to an 88–336mm lens on a full-frame camera. The lens opens the door to telephoto photography and videography, with 4.5 stops optical image stabilization, and close-focusing that can fill the frame with a subject roughly 2×3 inches in size (at its 210mm zoom setting, and minimum focus distance). And it does all this in an incredibly lightweight and compact package.
The Canon RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a new, compact standard zoom lens for full-frame EOS R-series cameras. Ranging from true wide-angle to traditional “standard lens” coverage at 50mm, the lens is a travel friendly design with an extremely compact exterior. The RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is just over 2 inches long when fully retracted, and under 3.5 inches when extended — weighing less than half a pound. Optical Image Stabilization, with 4.5 stops of shake-correction, further enhances its appeal for video and still-image shooting. It’s also useable on an APS-C sensor Canon camera, where the lens’ effective coverage is equivalent to what a 38–80mm would deliver on a full-frame camera.
Price & Availability
The Canon EOS R8 camera body will be available for an estimated retail price of $1,499.00*. The Canon RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens with the EOS R8 will have an estimated retail price of $1,699.00*. The Canon EOS R50 camera body will be available for an estimated retail price $679.99*. The EOS R50 with the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price of $799.99*. The EOS R50 with the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lenses will be available for an estimated retail price of $1,029.00*. The RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price $299.99* while the RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens will have an estimated retail price of $349.99*. All products are currently scheduled to be available in Spring 2023.
Nikon released a new lens for their full frame mirrorless system, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8. A lens that seems to hold a record.
At a glance:
Full Frame Format | f/2.8
39mm Equivalent Format on DX
Slim, Compact Wide-Angle Prime Lens
All-Element Focusing System
Control Ring
3x Aspherical Elements
Weather Sealed
Filter Size: 52mm
Includes HB-III Lens Hood
Nikon press release:
Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens for the Nikon Z mount system
February 7, 2023
The slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted.
With a total length of approximately 23.5 mm and a weight of approximately 125 g, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is the slimmest*1 AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, and the lightest NIKKOR Z lens*2. It can be easily stored in a purse or small bag, enabling users to carry it with them on a daily basis. Adoption of three aspherical lens elements realizes both excellent portability and superior optical performance. Its 26-mm wide-angle focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it an ideal lens for a wide variety of scenes, from cityscapes to tabletop photos, supporting advanced amateur users who take their camera anywhere to capture every shutter opportunity.
Further, the lens features a sophisticated design achieved through various details, such as the adoption of metal components. The supplied lens hood has been specially designed to maintain the thinness of the lens, while also taking operability into consideration. It also supports the attachment of a 52-mm filter (sold separately). A dedicated slip-on lens cap that can be attached to either the lens itself or the lens hood is also supplied.
Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.
Primary features
With a total length of approximately 23.5 mm, the lens is the slimmest AF lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, enabling easy storage in a purse or small bag. A weight of approximately 125 g makes it the lightest NIKKOR Z lens, ideal for carrying everywhere.
When mounted on a DX-format camera, the focal length becomes 39 mm (equivalent in 35mm [135] format), similar to the standard angle of view that is ideal for capturing a wide variety of scenes.
Excellent portability and effective correction are achieved by adopting three aspherical lens elements.
A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m allows users to get close to their subjects for dynamic photography.
The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture reduces image blur caused by camera shake, even during hand-held shooting.
Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) enables a highly accurate AF drive.
Functions such as aperture and exposure compensation can be assigned to the control ring.
Supplied with a lens hood that has been specially designed with consideration for operability while maintaining the thinness of the lens, which also supports attachment of a 52-mm filter (sold separately).
A slip-on lens cap that can be attached to either the lens itself or the lens hood is also supplied.
Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistant performance*, enabling it to be taken anywhere with greater confidence.
Back in August 2020 Canon was victim of a hacker attack on their networks. It was a ransomware attack and employee data was stolen by the criminals.
Now, as Bloomberg Law reports, Canon has agreed to settle all claims over the breach of employee data:
Canon USA Inc. would pay up to $7,500 for monetary losses and $300 for out-of-pocket expenses to each victim of an August 2020 data breach that compromised the personal information of employees and their beneficiaries, under a proposed deal filed in federal court.
Nine named plaintiffs alleged in a proposed class action that the breach was caused by Canon’s failure to encrypt their information or use other adequate measures to protect it. They also alleged the company failed to provide adequate notice to affected employees.
Information exposed in the breach included names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, government-issued identification …
The stolen data concerned all Canon employees who were working for the company from 2005 until the year of the attack.
[Sony] has transferred the production of cameras sold in Japan, the US and Europe from China to a factory in Thailand. In principle, factories in China only make products for China. The risk of China becoming the core of the global supply chain is increasing due to the intensification of the US-China conflict and the lockdown accompanying the “zero corona” policy. Companies are gearing up to avoid supply chain malfunctions.
Almost all of the cameras sold outside of China, such as Japan, the US, and Europe, will be produced at the Thai factory.
And, yes, it appears that the decision has to do with the political tensions and trade challenges between China and the US/EU. Summing it up:
The Sony Group has transferred the production of cameras sold in Japan, the US and Europe from China to a factory in Thailand. In principle, factories in China only make products for China.
In response to the conflict between the United States and China, the transfer to the United States was carried out first, and the transfer to Japan and Europe was also completed by the end of 2022.
The risk of China becoming the core of the global supply chain is increasing due to the intensification of the US-China conflict and the lockdown accompanying the “zero corona” policy. Companies are gearing up to avoid supply chain malfunctions.
In 2022, Sony sold about 2.11 million cameras worldwide. Of these, 150,000 units are destined for China, with more than 90% being destined for Japan, the United States, and Europe. Most of the production has been transferred to Thailand.
For camera lenses, the company plans to continue supplying products made in China outside of the country.
Canon posted their financial results for 2022. Despite haters, doom-predicting Sony-fanatics, chip supply issues, the ongoing war, and whatever, the company is doing fine.
As for the camera market, Canon says:
As for the camera market, despite concerns that consumer spending will decline, the demand of users, which mainly consists of professionals and enthusiasts – people that enjoy taking still images and videos – remained rock solid. Thanks to this, and the launch of new mirrorless cameras by manufacturers, the market grew to 5.85 million units in 2022, which is also the market size we expect in 2023.
In 2022, our sales were up by 120 thousand units to 2.86 million units, as we added to our lineup the EOS R7 and EOS R10, the first EOS R series cameras that use APS-C sensors. In December of 2022, we launched the EOS R6 Mark II, a full-frame mirrorless camera. This model offers high performance in both still-image and video capture, featuring, among others, enhanced autofocus functions, including subject detection, high-speed continuous shooting of up to approximately 40 frames per second, and high-quality 4K video recording.
In 2023, the new products that we launched last year will contribute to sales throughout the year. In addition to this, to facilitate our aim of 2.9 million unit sales this year, we plan to further strengthen our EOS R series lineup by, for example, introducing models that will broaden our base of interchangeable-lens camera users As for RF lenses, last year we added 7 new models to our lineup which now consists of 33 lenses. Going forward as well, we will continue to expand our RF lens lineup in order to meet the diverse shooting needs of our users.
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