Canon Celebrates 35th Anniversary Of The EOS System

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Time to celebrate for Canon. Would be nice if they would activate some serious discount for the occasion. But they won’t.

Canon press release:

Canon EOS System Celebrates 35th Anniversary

MELVILLE, NY, February 23, 2022 – In March 2022, Canon Inc. will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the launch of the company’s EOS System, which includes EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras and a diverse range of system accessories, such as interchangeable EF and RF lenses.

Canon’s EOS System made its debut in March 1987 with the launch of the EOS 650 single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and EF lenses1. An acronym of “Electro Optical System” while also carrying the name of the Greek Goddess of the dawn, the EOS series came to light in 1987 as the world’s first fully electronic mount system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras.

During the film-camera era, EOS SLR cameras received high praise from a wide range of users for their innovative technologies and designs focused on Canon’s key concepts of high-speed and ease-of-use. During this period, the company launched the top-of-the-line professional model EOS-1 in 1989. With the introduction of the compact lightweight EOS Kiss (EOS Rebel XS and EOS 500 in other regions) in 1993, Canon expanded its user base to the more consumer-orientated customer.

Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, with the rise and popularization of digital SLR cameras in full swing, Canon developed innovative models such as the high-speed and high-image-quality professional-oriented EOS-1D (2001), the EOS Kiss Digital (2003, EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) which appealed to a broad user base, and the EOS 5D Mark II (2008), which featured Full HD video recording. In 2012, Canon introduced the Cinema EOS System, transforming EOS video technology and marking Canon’s entry into the video production industry.

From there, Canon continued to develop equipment for an increasingly broad range of users. In 2018, the EOS R System was born from Canon’s desire to construct the optimal rear lens element diameter and shorter distance (back focus) for a Full-Frame image sensor. The company followed up in 2020 with the EOS R5, the world’s first digital camera to feature 8K recording2. In 2021, the EOS R3 was launched, featuring eye-control AF capability and the EOS VR System for recording VR content.

Enabling visual expression through still photography, video, and even VR content, the EOS system helps to expand the possibilities of visual expression with a lineup comprising 21 EOS series cameras3 and 104 RF and EF lenses4. Further reinforcing the company’s long-running and expansive user base, Canon has maintained the world’s No.1 share5 of digital interchangeable-lens cameras since 2003 — a total of 18 years running.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology to create an even more robust EOS System that meets the needs of an increasingly broad user base.

Here Are The Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS and RF 1200mm f/8L IS Lenses

RF 1200mm f/8L
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We knew they were coming, here they are: Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS and RF 1200mm f/8L IS telephoto lenses.

Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L ISCanon RF 1200mm f/8L IS
  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Fluorite and Super UD Elements
  • Air Sphere and Super Spectra Coatings
  • Ring-Type USM AF System
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Focus Range Limiter, Two Focus Presets
  • Customizable Electronic Focus Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
  • Rotating Tripod Collar
  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Fluorite and Super UD Elements
  • Air Sphere and Super Spectra Coatings
  • Ring-Type USM AF System
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Focus Range Limiter, Two Focus Presets
  • Customizable Electronic Focus Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
  • Rotating Tripod Collar

Preorders are live, both lenses will be available late May 2022:

  • It’s $16,999 for the Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS: [shoplist 68824]
  • It’s $19,999 for the Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS: [shoplist 68825]

Canon press release:

Go Long: Canon Introduces the RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM and RF1200mm F8 L IS USM Super-Telephoto Lenses

The Newest RF Lenses are Ideal for Outdoor Sports, Motor Sports, Wildlife Photography, Photo News Journalism, and More

MELVILLE, NY, February 23, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce that the Canon RF lens family is growing by two, with the addition of the Canon RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM, and the longest focal length RF lens yet, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM. Both super-telephoto fixed focal length lenses are quite light for their considerable abilities, and share many of the same features such as Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to help minimize ghosting and flaring, compatibility with both the RF1.4x and RF2x extenders and a customizable electronic focusing ring with manual focus capability during Servo AF.

Additional features shared by both lenses include:

  • Two focus presets, with the ability to instantly switch between memorized focus distances
  • Circular nine-bladed aperture providing photographers with exceptionally beautiful and soft blurred backgrounds and bokeh
  • Renowned Canon L-Series durability and construction with dust and water resistance, plus fluorine coating on the front element for easy cleaning
The Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS

Canon RF800mm F5.6L IS USM
The RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM weighs in at just 6.9 lbs and features a minimum focusing distance of 8.53ft/2.6 meters — maximum close-up magnification is a superb 0.34x, allowing wildlife image creators to fill the frame with small subjects, such as birds, at its minimum focusing distance. Optical image stabilization is up to 4.5 stops* of shake correction and includes three IS operation modes. When using the RF1.4x or RF2x extenders, users can experience enhanced effective focal lengths of 1,120mm and 1,600mm respectively.

Canon RF1200mm F8 L IS USM
The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM is the most powerful super-telephoto lens in the Canon RF lens line. It weighs in at 7.4 lbs — an outstandingly light figure for a super-tele lens of this type — and features a minimum focusing distance of 14.1ft/4.3m. Optical image stabilization is up to 4.0 stops* of shake correction and, similar to the RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM lens, includes three IS operation modes. When using the RF1.4x or RF2x extenders, users can experience enhanced focal lengths of 1,680mm and 2,400mm, respectively.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM and Canon RF1200mm F8 L IS USM are both scheduled to be available in late May 2022 for an estimated retail price of $16,999.00 and $19,999.00, respectively**. For more information please visit usa.canon.com.

Luminar NEO Has Been released, Get It Now With Discount

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Skylum released their new Luminar NEO photo editing software.

The new Luminar NEO can be purchased immediately: Luminar NEO release discounts and offers are available here.

Press release:

Luminar Neo —Create the photos you imagined.

Your photos are precious. That’s why Luminar Neo puts them in the spotlight.

NEW YORK, NY -February 17, 2022—Skylum announces Luminar Neo, our newest AI-driven photoeditor, is now shipping. Luminar Neo introduces several unique AI technologies to the market: RelightAI, Powerline Removal and Dust Spot Removal. These technologies significantly change the way photos are edited, allowing creative professionals to tell visual stories in new ways while making it easier to bring their unique ideas to life.

“There is a fine line between the photo you took and the photo you imagined. Often, small details make the difference. InLuminar Neo, we’ve built an editor to helpyou create the photo you imagined.” —Ivan Kutanin, Skylum CEO

Luminar NEO release discounts and offers are available here.

Experience the power of the Luminar Engine

The Luminar Engine was built from the ground up to help creatives do more. Using artificial intelligence it analyzes your photos to unlock new, AI-driven editing possibilities:

RelightAI builds a precise 3D Depth Map of the 2D image to provide quick, targeted control of scene lighting, allowing artists to:

  • Independently adjusting lighting and color warmth for far and near objects across the scene.
  • Help easily fix portraits where the foreground subject is underexposed.

RelightAI isolates problem areas for correction, leaving the rest of the image untouched. Combine RelightAI with other scene aware tools and photographers can precisely adjust the lighting of any photo.

Remove Dust Spots —Automatically identify and seamlessly remove small artifacts, like dust spots, from every photo with the help of AI.

RemovePower Lines —Uses AI to automatically identify and effortlessly remove power lines from landscape photographs to create a pristine image free from clutter.

Layers —Combine different images into unique compositions and include new elements from built-in overlays and object libraries.

Presets —Instant style changes designed by professional photographers of every stripe. Or, build and save your own unique looks for reuse on future shoots.

Performance Gains*

Luminar Neo is significantly faster than LuminarAI for complex photo editing tasks. Driven by the new Luminar engine, artists can now enjoy the following performance gains.

macOS

  • Image export time now 86% faster
  • Switching time between effects now 35% faster
  • Switching time from Catalog mode to Edit mode now 15% faster
  • RAW opening process time now, on average, 61% faster
    • RAF (Fuji) 75% faster
    • CR2 (Canon) 53% faster
    • NEF (Nikon) 58% faster
    • ARW (Sony) 51% faster
  • Peak memory consumption when exporting images now 18% lessWindows
  • Switching from Catalog mode to Edit mode now 17% faster
  • RAW opening process time now, on average, 20% faster
    • RAF (Fuji) 24% faster
    • CR2 (Canon) 31% faster
    • NEF (Nikon) 28% faster
    • ARW (Sony) 42% faster
  • Adding a new folder to the Catalog now 69% faster

*Tests were conducted by Skylum in February 2022 on such devices: MacBook Pro 2020, M1 CPU, 8Gb Ram, macOS 12.2 version and Dell Latitude 5500, Intel Core i7-8665U CPU, 16Gb RAM, Windows 11 Pro version. Each test series was repeated three times. The arithmetic mean of the results was obtained by comparing the same actions in Luminar AI(v1.5.0) and Luminar Neo(v1.0.0).

Seamlessly mirror photos between desktop and mobile

Luminar Share transfers photos between Luminar Neo and your mobile devices. Once connected, easily find and edit your mobile photos, directly in Luminar Neo. Our photo mirroring technology allows you to see your Luminar Neo edits on your mobile device in real-time, making it easy to share and optimize them for social media.

Preview: Effortlessly remove portrait backgrounds

Using human aware algorithms, Portrait Background RemovalAIcleanly isolates subjects and removes backgrounds with just one click. When needed, edges can be refined quickly.Coupled with layers, this tool enables creators to build unique compositions using multiple photos without the tiresome manual process of masking.

Preview: Context aware, AI driven masking

When opening an image, Luminar Neo identifies many items, like theskies, bridges and flowers. Artists can select and use several of these elements to generate precise AI-powered masks using MaskAI.

MaskAI is truly useful for advanced editing:

  • Accurately control the transparency of a layer for composited imagery.
  • Use a mask to target how a tool is applied, limiting its effect for precise results.
  • Combine multiple AI-powered masks together for complex editing.

Availability

Luminar Neo ships on February 17th, 2022 with RelightAI, Presets,Layers and other powerful new tools. Portrait Background RemovalAI and MaskAI are planned for the first free update to Luminar Neo, scheduled for release in the spring of 2022. Luminar Neo will be available as a stand alone application in the App Store for macOS and the Microsoft Store for Windows as well as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop and as an extension for Apple Photos.To learn more about Luminar Neo and sign up for updates, visit http://skylum.com/luminar-neo.

Canon EOS R5 And EOS R6 Firmware Update 1.5.1 Released (corrects issue of previous release)

canon firmware Canon EOS R6 review camera sales
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Canon released a new firmware update for the EOS R5 and the EOS R6. The firmware update corrects an issue some users had with the previous firmware version.

Firmware Version 1.5.1 incorporates the following fix:

1. Fixes an issue that in rare instances, the camera may become inoperable when shooting in the Servo AF setting while operating the <AF-ON> button.

Download the firmware update from Canon USA:

Sony Says They Are Nr. 1 Mirrorless Brand In North America

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Really? Sony nr. 1 brand when it comes to mirrorless technology in North America? Where are Canon and Nikon?

Sony press release:

Sony Electronics’ is the No. 1 Mirrorless Camera Brand and No. 1 Mirrorless Lens Brand for 2021 in North America

2021 Marks the 8th Consecutive Year that Sony Holds the #1 Share in Full-Frame Mirrorless

SAN DIEGO, CA – February 16, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. – a worldwide leader in digital imaging– continues to lead the industry in bringing mirrorless technology to the world. Following a year of innovative product introductions such as the Alpha 1, Sony Electronics announced today that it was the number one mirrorless camera brand and full-frame mirrorless camera brand in 2021. This past year also marks the 8th consecutive year Sony has held the #1 position in full-frame mirrorless camerasi. And lastly, Sony has announced it was the number one mirrorless lens brand in 2021 as well.

The success of the lineup of full-frame cameras, including the Alpha 7S, Alpha 7R and Alpha 9 series, has been paramount to Sony’s strong sales numbers. These have been complemented by the popularity of the Alpha 7 III, which continued to be the No. 1 selling full-frame interchangeable lens camera line for the 4th year in a row. For lenses, Sony’s full lineup of 65 different E-mount models highlighted by their flagship G Master™ series continues to drive industry growth.

Additionally, newer innovations such as the new Alpha 7 IV have started to set early sales records. For the week of December 19-25, 2021, the Alpha 7 IV had the highest single-week sales of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera line in the last four years.

“We are always listening to our customers’ feedback, advancing our innovation and creating the best possible tools for all types of content creators,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Finding new ways to empower our community is our top priority and we are honored that so many continue to choose Sony to tell their stories and bring their creative visions to life.”

A variety of additional stories and exciting new content shot with Sony products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, Sony’s community site to educate, inspire and showcase work from fans and customers of the Sony Alpha brand.

[via DPReview]

Click here to open the rest of the article

Industry News: Olympus OM-1 Announced, The All-in-one Cam For Outdoor Photographers

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Olympus released a new mirrorless camera, the Olympus OM-1. The OM-1 is touted as the all-in-one camera for outdoor photographers.

At a glance:

  • 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS MFT Sensor
  • DCI/UHD 4K 60p 10-Bit Video Recording
  • 10 fps Shooting, 120 fps with E. Shutter
  • Cross Quad Pixel Phase-Detection AF
  • 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot Swivel Touchscreen LCD
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • High-Res Shot, Live ND & Composite Modes
  • IP53 Weather-Sealed & Freezeproof Design
  • Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots

Preorder starting at $2,100 are live at B&H Photo and Adorama.

World-wide preorders: [shoplist 68740]

Olympus press release:

Introducing the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Interchangeable Lens Camera with a New Stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor and Cross Quad Pixel AF

The New OM SYSTEM Flagship Model Revolutionizes Emerging Technology and Newly Developed Devices

Bethlehem, PA, February 15, 2022 – OM Digital Solutions is pleased to announce the introduction of the OM SYSTEM OM-1: This Micro Four Thirds System standard interchangeable lens camera features a compact, lightweight design for superior mobility along with high image quality. It is scheduled to go on sale in early March 2022. As the OM SYSTEM flagship camera, this model will deliver a one-of-a-kind experience to customers, driving the desire for photographers to create. This interchangeable lens camera delivers inspiration in a lightweight design that users can take along anywhere to capture the precise photos they have in mind.

The OM SYSTEM OM-1 is the culmination of new devices and cutting-edge digital technologies, delivering high image quality that goes beyond the expectation of the sensor size. It also features autofocus and sequential shooting performance that far surpasses conventional models, and dramatically improves basic performance. Computational photography technology has been incorporated, empowering the photographer to utilize such features as Live Composite and High Res Shot mode, without the need for advanced shooting techniques, special equipment, or skills, delivering a rich variety of expressive power for more photographic opportunities than ever before.

Thanks to the superb mobility of the Micro Four Thirds system, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 can be taken anywhere at any time, allowing anyone to take advantage of its high performance to capture versatile images with high image quality. This is the next generation Micro Four Thirds camera brought to you by OM SYSTEM.

MAIN FEATURES:

1. High image quality that goes beyond the expectations of the sensor size

This model features a high-end compact, lightweight body unique to OM SYSTEM, including the new 20 Megapixel1 Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor, and the latest TruePic X image processor, which is three times faster than previous models. The OM SYSTEM OM-1 delivers high image quality that goes beyond the expectations of the sensor size. Not only does it take full advantage of high-resolution M.Zuiko Digital lens performance, delivering our highest ever resolution2, but new noise processing technology increases the maximum normal sensitivity to ISO 25600, and an expanded maximum sensitivity to ISO 102400. Furthermore, the dynamic range has been improved thanks to the latest image processing technology. These improvements deliver a richer range of tonal expressions than ever before, from shadows to highlights.

The high-performance image stabilization in the OM SYSTEM OM-1 delivers up to 8.0 steps3 of compensation with 5-axis sync IS, and up to 7 steps4 with the body alone. The new Handheld Assist feature makes it easy to capture slow shutter speed effects that previously required a tripod.

2. Computational photography functions that empower the photographer to further expand their imaging expressions

Photographic expressions that have traditionally required special equipment and a computer to composite images are available in the OM SYSTEM OM-1. Thanks to computational photography (advanced digital image processing) technology, these imaging features have been incorporated in this interchangeable lens camera at an early stage. The OM SYSTEM OM-1 uses a combination of the new TruePic X image processor, the new image sensor, and the latest digital technologies to make computational photography features better and even easier to use. When paired with high-performance M.Zuiko PRO lenses, the system makes it possible to capture a greater range of imaging expressions only possible with the OM SYSTEM OM-1.

High-Res Shot

The processing time has been significantly reduced. Handheld High-Res Shot mode takes approximately five seconds to merge. Popular for landscape photos due to the ability to capture high-resolution approximately 50 Megapixel images by merging multiple images; and Tripod High-Res Shot, which creates ultra-high-resolution approximately 80 Megapixel images. Composite processing technology reduces noise by approximately two steps for amazingly high pixel count and low noise. A dedicated button is also included on the camera to quickly switch between normal shooting and Handheld High-Res Shot/Tripod High Res Shot for improved usability.

Live ND

Create slow shutter speed effects as though you were using an ND filter up to ND64 (six steps) (ND2 – ND64). When LV Simulation is activated, you can check the slow shutter speed effects in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor before shooting and create the same effects while using ultra-wide-angle lenses that cannot accommodate an ND filter.

Live Composite

In this setting, Lighten Composite is used to add only the brighter sections to the composite image to prevent the common problem of images that are too bright overall when shooting long exposures, resulting in beautiful photos with plenty of variation. This feature is now compatible with image stabilization and can be used during handheld shooting.

Focus Stacking

This feature alters the focus to capture and composite multiple shots for recording photos that are in focus from the foreground to background. The compositing time has been dramatically reduced for easier use.

HDR Shooting

Multiple images at differing exposures are merged to create one shot with a wide dynamic range, including highlights and shadows.

3. High-speed performance of newly developed autofocus and dramatically improved performance for maximum 50 fps5 sequential shooting with AF/AE tracking

A quad-division photo diode configuration allows for On-chip Phase Detection in both vertical and horizontal directions. 1,053-point, all cross-type, Cross Quad Pixel AF is incorporated; designed to focus on various patterns of subjects across all pixels and the entire shooting range. The high-speed calculation capabilities of the new TruePic X processor and the new AF algorithm enable high-speed, high precision focusing on the subject no matter where it is in the frame. Furthermore, this model is equipped with AI Detection AF,

which was developed using deep learning technology. In addition to greater than ever high-speed, high-precision subject recognition and tracking, this model can recognize formula cars, motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, trains, and birds, as well as animals (dogs and cats). In addition to C-AF, this functionality is also supported with S-AF for shooting a wider variety of scenes. The detection precision, tracking performance, and responsiveness of Face Priority/Eye Priority AF have been improved significantly.

There have also been exponential improvements to sequential shooting performance, reaching up to 50 fps blackout free AF/AE tracking at approximately 20.37 Megapixel, and up to 120 fps AF/AE locked ultra-high-speed sequential shooting. When using Pro Capture, which is designed for capturing shots that are not possible during normal shooting, you can enjoy sequential shooting up to 50 fps (AF/AE tracking) and up to 120 fps (AF/AE locked).

4. Camera body features enhanced dustproof and splashproof performance, along with a high-speed, high-resolution electronic viewfinder

The dustproof and splashproof performance is achieved by incorporating sealing materials at the appropriate locations on the tough, lightweight magnesium alloy body, ensuring IP53 dustproof and splashproof protection class6, and freezeproof performance to -10°C. Because this model is compact, lightweight, and features dustproof and splashproof performance, it makes for a powerful ally when shooting in punishing environments. The high-performance EVF is equipped with approximately 5.76 million dot resolution, a viewfinder magnification of up to 1.65x, a display delay of 0.005 seconds7, and 120 fps high-speed display, to ensure optimal shooting comfort. Not only does it feature all the best facets of an optical viewfinder, but it also offers the advantages of a digital viewfinder, making it possible to view subjects and check exposure, even in dark locations. The menu screen configuration has been completely redesigned on the OM SYSTEM OM-1. Items have been split, merged, and reclassified, and descriptions have been simplified to make it easier to find the desired functions, and make changing settings simpler for first-time users.

5. Enhanced video functions for creators (10bit 4K 60p, Full HD 240p)

Stable handheld video recording is possible thanks to a compact, lightweight body and industry-leading image stabilization. Creative video functions include 4K 60p for smooth, high-definition videos, and high-speed movie with Full HD videos at a maximum 240p. The camera also supports H.264 (8bit), H.265 (10bit), and Multi Frame Rate for recording video clips over 30 minutes in length. In addition to RAW data output up to 12 bit 4:4:4 to external devices for advanced post-production tasks, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 supports OM-Log for a greater level of freedom over imaging expressions thanks to color grading, which allows users to capture highlights and shadows without overexposing or underexposing shots. The new HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)8 video picture mode has been added for easier HDR video recording.

Other Features

  • Reliable SSWF (Supersonic Wave Filter) dust reduction system that vibrates at a speed of more than 30,000 times per second to instantly remove dirt and dust from the image sensor
  • Highly durable shutter unit that clears 400,000 shutter actuations (according to in-house testing conditions)
  • Staggered layout UHS-II compatible dual SD card slots make it easier to remove recording media
  • Five rating categories in the on-camera rating system
  • Night view mode makes it possible to view subjects even in dark environments
  • Starry Sky AF makes focusing on stars easier than ever
  • Record shooting location information with minimal power drain (smartphone connection)
  • Equipped with an independent AEL button and AF-ON button

Pricing and Availability

OM SYSTEM OM-1 (Body Only)

Pricing: $2,199.99 USD; $2,799.99 CAD

Approximate Availability date: Early March 2022

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Kit with M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II

Pricing: $2,799.99 USD; $3,599.99 CAD

Approximate Availability date: Early March 2022