Canon’s ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera Enables Viewers to ‘See in the Dark’ on National Geographic’s ‘Earth Live’

Canon ME20F-SHME20F-SH at a glance:

  • Up to 4 Million ISO & 12 Stops DR
  • Full Frame 35mm CMOS Sensor
  • Canon DIGIC DV 4
  • Full HD up to 60p
  • HD/3G-SDI & HDMI Connectors
  • Canon Locking Cinema EF Lens Mount

Canon’s mighty and underestimated ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera, able to go up to ISO 4M and to deliver 12 stops of dynamic range, got some press. The ME20F-SH was used in National Geographics “Earth Live” project. The Canon ME20F-SH is not for anyone, it’s a specialised camera and it sells for $20,000 at B&H Photo and Adorama.

The trailer…

Canon press release:

Canon ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera Allows Television Audiences to Enjoy a Live-Broadcast First: Wildlife in Full Color at Night

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 2, 2017 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to congratulate the team behind the National Geographic’s live television special “Earth Live”. The two-hour broadcast featured a live-production first, by using Canon’s ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera along with a variety of Canon lenses, including the CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 EF to show television viewers live images of illusive nocturnal wildlife from around the world at night, in color, without using artificial lighting. Hosted by award-winning actress Jane Lynch and award-winning television personality Phil Keoghan, the unprecedented two-hour event gave viewers an unfiltered, real-time broadcast feed to see Earth’s wildlife in various natural habitats with the use of 51 cameras shooting simultaneously in 25 different locations across six continents. The show premiered on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo MUNDO on Sunday, July 9, and aired in 171 countries and 45 languages.

Working closely with National Geographic, executive producer Al Berman’s idea for “Earth Live” involved several locations that were in total darkness during the live production and those dark locations would either require lights that would disturb wildlife, or the use of infrared or thermal cameras, which didn’t suit Berman’s idea. It wasn’t until 2015 when Canon debuted the ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera that Berman saw the opportunity to broadcast undisturbed nocturnal wildlife in color. The announcement of this revolutionary four million ISO, full-frame sensor camera that can shoot full-color video in extreme low-light conditions, immediately caught the attention of Berman, who approached Canon U.S.A. with his idea. The Company’s technical support team worked closely with Berman and his crew to provide and test equipment to help bring this concept to life.

“The Canon ME20F-SH camera made it possible to do the show, and we were awed by the footage this camera was able to capture in challenging low-light environments,” said Berman. “Through Canon’s ongoing, hands-on support, viewers were able to see Earth’s greatest wildlife and further deepen their understanding of the world.”

The incredible ISO capability of the ME20F-SH allowed for viewers to virtually see in the dark and watch—in full color—live wildlife lit only by the moon. Dubbed the “Canon Moon Cam” by cinematographers during the live production, filmmakers were awed by the footage they were able to capture and broadcast in color around the world.

“Using Canon’s ME20F-SH allowed viewers to see these marvelous creatures in their natural environment, opening a portal into this beautiful unknown world,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We feel honored that National Geographic and Mr. Berman called on Canon to be a part of such a pioneering and magnificent piece of work, allowing the world to see what has never been seen before. This kind of innovation is the bedrock of our company, and we look forward to more opportunities to show the power of imaging.”

“Earth Live was an ambitious television special that allowed us to go beyond what we thought was possible” said Tim Pastore, president, original programming & production, National Geographic. “The footage and images deeply resonated with our audience, and we couldn’t be happier that Canon was a part of the incredible moment for our network and in television history.”

The broadcast featured live feeds from nine Canon ME20F-SH cameras positioned in the parts of the world that were in nighttime during the live broadcast. Additional Canon equipment used by the National Geographic Channel for the television special included the CN-E30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L SP Cinema Zoom Lens and the CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T.2.95-3.9 PL.

“Earth Live” is produced by Bunim-Murray Productions, Berman Productions and Plimsoll Productions for National Geographic. Al Berman, Gil Goldschein, Andrew Jackson, Martha Holmes and James Smith are executive producers. For National Geographic, Michael J. Miller is the executive producer; Kevin Tao Mohs is vice president, production and development; and Tim Pastore is president of original programming and production.

For additional information on Earth Live and to view the full show, visit natgeotv.com/EarthLive.

For more information about Canon EOS cameras and lenses, please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at usa.canon.com.

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Canon Unveils New Binoculars Featuring Enhanced Image Stabilization Technologies

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Canon’s new 14×32 IS, 12×32 IS and 10×32 IS binocular models are scheduled to be available November 2017 for an estimated retail price of $1449, $1399 and $1349 respectively.

Canon press release:

New Binoculars are the Ideal Tools for Outdoor Enthusiasts, Travel, and Sports

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 2, 2017 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced three new additions to its portfolio of Canon Image Stabilized Binoculars with the 14×32 IS, 12×32 IS and 10×32 IS. While all current Canon binoculars are equipped with an image stabilization (IS) function, new to these binocular models is Lens Shift Image Stabilization Technology. The IS technology, found in Canon EF lenses, allows users to see an even sharper image by moving the IS lens to correct optical axis. This technology incorporates a vibration gyro mechanism that assists in canceling out the effects of user-shake or movement.

In addition, the new binoculars are the first Canon binoculars to feature Powered Image Stabilization, a feature frequently found in Canon digital cameras and camcorders. Even the slightest shake when using high- magnification binoculars could translate into a blurred or unstable image from the binocular. When a user utilizes the Powered IS user-shake and movement can be quickly corrected and image quality remains intact.

“Canon is very proud of its imaging heritage and ability to utilize technologies and solutions across a broad spectrum of products, including our line of Canon Image Stabilized Binoculars,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The technology implemented into these new models will enhance users’ experiences while offering the familiarity and quality they trust in Canon optics.”

Additional features include:

  • Microcomputer Control Technology
  • Improved Design and Comfortable Grip
  • Field Flattener Lens
  • Super Spectra Lens Coating
  • 6.6 ft. (2m) Minimum Focusing Distance

Pricing and Availability

Canon’s new 14×32 IS, 12×32 IS and 10×32 IS binocular models are scheduled to be available November 2017 for an estimated retail price of $1449.00, $1399.00 and $1349.00 respectively.* For more information, please visit: https://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/binoculars/image_stabilizer

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Shipment of Canon EOS 6D Mark II with EF 24-70mm f/4L IS is delayed because of too many orders

EOS 6D Mark II
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II: [shopcountry 46185]

EOS 6D Mark II at a glance:

  • 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor
  • 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System
  • Full HD Video at 60 fps; Electronic IS
  • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
  • Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400
  • 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie
  • Built-In GPS, Bluetooth, & Wi-Fi w/ NFC
  • Dust and Water Resistant; SD Card Slot

Another proof that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a total failure, as the many Internet-experts are telling us.

Canon Japan posted a statement where the company tells us that shipment of the EOS 6D Mark II kit with the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS lens is delayed because…too many people wants one and they cannot fullfill all requests as for now.

My my, does all these foolish people know that the EOS 6D Mark II lacks 4K video and has a limited dynamic range? Or do they just give a s*** about all those self-proclaimed, Canon-bashing experts and the crap they write on the web?

Below: screenshot of the machine-translated statement by Canon Japan:

Canon camera sales rise for first time since 5 years, report

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Things are turning better for Canon. Nikkei Asian Review reports:

TOKYO — Canon’s earnings have found a solid upward trajectory as the company’s long-struggling office equipment and camera businesses rebound with surprising vigor.

The company on Thursday upgraded its forecasts for group earnings for 2017 following a similar revision in April. Canon is now looking for a sharp rise in both sales and profits.

It could even return to being the powerful profit machine it once was if the four new businesses that CEO Fujio Mitarai has been aggressively bolstering start seriously contributing to the bottom line.

Executive Vice President Toshizo Tanaka on Thursday announced Canon’s results for the first half of 2017. “We will be able to achieve growth in both sales and profits for the first time in four years if we can keep our earnings performance in the second half as strong as it is now,” he said.

Read the report at Nikkei Asian Review…

Canon’s financial results for the second quarter 2017 have been released a few days ago.

Canon publishes financial results for 2Q 2017

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Canon published the financial results for the second quarter 2017. The available documents are:

For a quick overview go for the presentation material.

An excerpt from the speech summary:

Last year, due to such factors as the rapid appreciation of the yen, posting lower sales and profits was unavoidable. Even during this period, however, we continued to conduct a review of the profit structure of existing businesses and also focused efforts on expanding the scale of new ones.

The effects of these measures began to materialize from the first quarter of this year, evidencing steady progress in business-structure transformation.

Through the revitalization of our existing businesses and the expansion of new ones, we were once again able to post quarterly sales and profit growth.

Based on this situation, we raised our full-year projection for net sales by 30 billion yen and operating profit by 60 billion yen. As a result, operating profit and net income are now expected to recover to levels surpassing 300 billion yen and 200 billion yen, respectively.

And what about this? This is for all those who still think no one wants a Canon mirrorless camera:

canon rumors

:-)

canon rumors

Canon EOS 6D Mark II started shipping, almost

Canon eos 6d mark ii deal
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II: [shopcountry 46185]

EOS 6D Mark II at a glance:

  • 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor
  • 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System
  • Full HD Video at 60 fps; Electronic IS
  • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
  • Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400
  • 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie
  • Built-In GPS, Bluetooth, & Wi-Fi w/ NFC
  • Dust and Water Resistant; SD Card Slot

First authorised Canon retailers started shipping the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. Almost all. There are a lot of backorders that have to be honoured but you can assume that if you order today it will ship soon if not immediately.

Don’t get fooled by the (too) many ridiculous discussions about dynamic range or the lack of 4K. Canon managed again to build a killer DSLR, and it will sell like hot cakes despite the usual haters. All those sites that are blaming supposed shortcomings of the EOS 6D Mark II are doing it only for traffic.

It’s true that the EOS 6D Mark II will never hold up to purely engineering figures like DxOMark. What they are not telling you is that the 6D2 is made for serious photographers, not for nerds or pixelpeepers who are photographers only when sitting in front of their 5K monitors.. Those people is better done with overheating Sony paystations. The EOS 6D Mark II is a well made, affordable and powerful DSLR.

I can’t stand all this idiotic Canon bashing any longer. It’s hysterical at best. Most of those who are posing as sensor and camera experts never had a Canon camera in their hands. At least not seriously, not on travel, not in extreme conditions. I’m back from a harsh adventure in the Indian Himalayas: my EOS M3, EOS 80D and EOS 5D Mark II never missed a hit, not even at 5600m, with rain, dust, moisture. And they never shut down because of overheating. I did not care about my gear and it always worked, flawlessly, ready to go when I needed it. Is this worth something to you? Then get a Canon and forget the bullshit on the web.

Even an entry level DSLR like the Rebel SL2 delivers more reliability than any overpriced Sony crap.

Be a photographer, not a nerd.