Canon’s PowerShot ZOOM Gets A Silver Award At DFA Design Asia Awards 2021

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Canon’s concept camera with a huge optical zoom, the Powershot ZOOM, got a price: Silver Award at DFA Designa Asia.

Canon PowerShot ZOOM at a glance:

  • 12.1MP CMOS Sensor
  • 100-400mm Equivalent Optical Zoom
  • One-Touch Switchable Zoom
  • Full HD 1080p Video at 30 fps
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.36m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 2x Digital Zoom, 800mm Equivalent
  • USB Type-C Port, microSD Card Slot

Canon press release:

Canon’s PowerShot ZOOM wins Silver Award at DFA Design for Asia Awards 2021

TOKYO, November 1, 2021—Canon Inc. announced today that the company’s PowerShot ZOOM was recognized for design excellence by the Hong Kong Design Centre, winning the Silver Award at the DFA Design for Asia Awards 2021.

The Silver Award winning PowerShot ZOOM is a new kind of concept telephoto camera that enables users to enjoy viewing a variety of scenes, including sports matches, birdwatching, vacation and children’s sports events and capture their favorite moments. Combining features from binoculars, digital cameras and video cameras, the PowerShot ZOOM is capable of photography at focal lengths of 100 mm and 400 mm, as well as super-telephoto shooting at 800 mm1 using digital zoom.

The PowerShot ZOOM is realizes a slick rectangular design that allows users to easily hold the device in either hand. Users can cycle between the three focal lengths simply by pressing the “ZOOM” button on the top of the device while looking through the viewfinder. What’s more, the device features a compact and lightweight palm-size design weighing only approximately 145g2, allowing it to be easily stored in pants pockets and other narrow spaces.

Canon has participated in the DFA Design for Asia Awards since 2013, having thus far won awards for such products as its Cinema EOS System professional cinematography equipment, video camcorders, cameras and interchangeable lenses. Encouraged by this latest industry recognition, Canon will continue striving to create products that combine the highest levels of performance and design excellence.

About the DFA Design for Asia Awards

Launched in 2003 and organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre, the DFA Design for Asia Awards has honored product designs that focus on sustainability and higher quality of life for people in the Asian market, which comprises half of the global population. The awards aim to increase the presence of such designs among the international business community as well as consumers throughout the region.

  • 135mm film equivalent.
  • 2Including memory card and built-in battery. Based on CIPA standards.

Canon EOS R1 To Be Released In Q3 2022, Will Let “all competitors behind”

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A new, fresh rumor about the Canon EOS R1, a not yet released Canon mirrorless camera.

According to our source, the Canon EOS R1 might be released around Q3 2022. Not much has been told to us about the specifications. Just that the Canon EOS R1 will incorporate technology that will “let all competitors behind“. Whatever that means.

The Canon EOS R1 (moniker comes from the web, not official Canon name) will be Canon’s flagship full frame mirrorless camera. The next step after the already game changing EOS R3. No doubt left here that the EOS R1 will be another game changer in the industry.

Stay tuned, there is more to come soon…

Industry News: This Is The Nikon Z 9, Officially Announced

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Here is Nikon’s latest full frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 9. The new Nikon Z 9 will be available within this year for a suggested retail price of $5499.95.

Preorders are live: [shoplist 67746]

For a first serious Nikon Z 9 review we recommend DPReview TV, below.

Press release:

THE NIKON Z 9: UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE, REVOLUTIONARY INNOVATION

Nikon’s First Mirrorless Flagship Defies Conventional, Debuts with a Series of Industry-Firsts for Still & Video Creators

Melville, NY –

Today, Nikon announced the Z 9, the most advanced Z series mirrorless camera to date. Powered by a completely new, Nikon-developed 45.7 megapixel stacked CMOS sensor and next generation EXPEED 7 image processing engine, the full-frame Z 9 renders ultra-high resolution images and offers unparalleled AF performance using a revolutionary new scene detection system built on deep learning technology. Additionally, the camera is capable of sustained fast continuous shooting bursts, in-camera 8K video recordings for extended periods, truly blackout-free Real-Live visibility in the viewfinder and a sensor scan rate so fast that it completely eliminates the need for a traditional mechanical shutter.  

“The Z 9 is the complete package, offering an unprecedented balance of speed, resolution, reliability and performance that will exceed expectations for any type of shoot, including fast action sports, commercial fashion, low light, landscapes and more,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The Z 9 looks to the future, with innovations and features that give all types of imaging professionals and content creators the advantage when it matters most and the confidence to create in nearly any conditions.”

nikon z 9

A New Kind of Pro Mirrorless
At the core of the Z 9 is the Nikon-developed 45.7MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor, coupled with the new EXPEED 7, Nikon’s most powerful engine yet, which is approximately 10x faster than the Z 7II. This combination brings significant increases in AF speed, burst rate, buffer capacity, video resolution and so much more. The Z 9 is the camera that can be trusted on the sidelines, in the field or in the studio, with the high-speed capture capability needed for the fastest action and the immense resolution to reveal the most subtle details.

  • With the world’s fastest1 image scan rate, the Z 9 achieves the world’s smallest2 rolling shutter distortion, equaling that of a mechanical shutter. This means actions like a fast-moving golf swing that would typically distort the club can be captured confidently with the electronic shutter, even at 1/32,000 second. It also allows users to shoot massive quantities of silent frames without worrying about shutter wear or breakdown.
  • The Z 9 achieves fast and accurate AF calculations at up to 120 cycles per second, even between frames during continuous shooting.
  • Beyond the benefits of high-speed performance, the high resolution 45.7-megapixel sensor delivers immense resolution with exquisite colors, broad dynamic range and stellar low light performance, with a native ISO Range from 64-25,600 (Expandable from 32 to 102,400 ISO).

Rely on the Fastest, Most Intelligent AF System Yet
The Z 9 features Nikon’s fastest, most sophisticated and reliable AF tracking performance ever, utilizing a new Subject Detection algorithm developed with deep learning technology, as well as 3D-tracking.

  • The camera’s Subject Detection capability detects the world’s largest range1 of nine subject types including humans, pets, birds, airplanes, trains, cars, motorbikes and bicycles. When in Auto-Area AF, any of these subjects will automatically be detected and focused on, without the need to change settings.
  • With Eye-Detection AF, the camera can detect and focus on a subject’s eye more effectively than ever, even when eyes are smaller or further away.  Additionally, a custom function will now also let users change the color of the focus point to green to confirm focus.  
  • The highly praised 3D-tracking mode from Nikon DSLRs debuts for the first time in a mirrorless camera. It is now coupled with subject detection to track fast and erratically moving subjects such as a racing car that approaches close and then moves away quickly, or a swiftly moving athlete.  
  • The Z 9 also brings more flexibility by offering three Dynamic-area AF modes with a new range of focus-area sizes (S/M/L) for capturing a wider variety of moving subjects throughout the frame.
  • The AF system is faster than ever, taking advantage of the Z mount’s high-speed communication capabilities with frame-by-frame sharing of distance information. 

Unstoppable Performance and Speed
This is the fastest, most powerful Nikon flagship ever. Users can capture amazing images at unbelievably fast burst speeds, all with full AF/AE performance. Whether shooting full-resolution fashion or delivering a sports sequence when a split-second matters, the Z 9 is the versatile solution.    

  • For the ultimate combination of speed and intense image quality, photographers can shoot 20-fps RAW images with an unprecedented 1000+ image buffer.3
  • When a balance of quality and burst rate is needed, never miss a vital moment with 30 fps full resolution JPEG capture.
  • For extreme speed, High Speed Frame Capture+4 enables up to 120 fps with full AF/AE at a very manageable file size of 11 megapixels, freezing a moment that cannot even be seen with the naked eye (higher resolution than 4K video).
  • Truly blackout-free shooting is possible thanks to Dual-Stream technology which simultaneously feeds information to the Real-Live viewfinder/LCD and memory card, resulting in reliable confirmation of a subject’s movement without skipping or repeating frames in the viewfinder5.
  • The Z 9 introduces High Efficiency RAW, which retains the same level of high image quality as the conventional uncompressed RAW in an approximately 1/3 smaller6 file size, making RAW files easier to handle than ever.
  • Speeds of up to 1/32,000 are possible with the electronic shutter, expanding the opportunities to use fast lenses, letting photographers shoot wide open in brighter light, even at f/0.95.
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Canon Reports 4th Consecutive Quarter Of Sales And Profit Growth

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Business appears to do well for Canon. The company registered the fourth consecutive quarter of sales and profit growth, while a pandemic is going on. Everything is same same but different compared to the last results. Thanks, Edina, for the tip.

Canon published their Q3 financial results. The key message (in top) is pretty clear about how things went for Canon. Despite the “significant confusion in supply chain due to parts shortages, lockdowns etc.”, demand was “solid”. Fir the fourth consecutive time.

Same for the imaging department. See below.

More in detail, here is how Canon was impacted by recent events:

Looking at the state of global affairs in the third quarter, we see that the number of new COVID-19 cases was on the rise again due to global spread of the Delta variant. However, as more and more people become vaccinated and economic activity returned to normal in many countries, we did not see any major change in corporate capital investment or
consumer spending. From a supply standpoint, our supply chain was seriously impacted by the shortage of semiconductors and other parts, and production activities were stalled due to strict lockdown measures in Southeast Asia.
For Canon as well, actual demand for products around the world was generally firm, but the supply side was inevitably affected by a shortage of parts and a decline in the utilization rate of manufacturing subsidiaries due to COVID-19. As a result, we did not reach our sales plan.

However, profits were almost on target as we judged the situation and made adjustments to pricing as well as strived to improve product mix.

In the imaging and camera department, sales are driven by the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6, and by the expectation of the Canon EOS R3.

The camera market remained solid thanks to the strength of personal consumption, particularly in Europe and the United States, and the launch of new full-frame mirrorless cameras by each company that stimulated the need for high-quality image expression.

However, due to the global shortage of parts, the size of this year’s market is now projected to be 5.9 million units, 100 thousand units fewer than in our previous projection. Similarly, we expect our own unit sales to be 2.95 million units, 50 thousand units fewer than in our previous projection.

As for the third quarter, although one year has passed since the launch of the EOS R5 and EOS R6, they continue to be strong selling models. As for our enhanced lineup of lenses, we exceeded our unit sales plan thanks to their synergy with camera bodies. We plan to increase our lens lineup to 26 within this year, including the RF 5.2 mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE lens that we announced this month, our first lens designed specifically for capturing VR images. This lens, when mounted on an EOS R5, allows for the easy capture of 180 degree 3D VR images, and is attracting attention as a product that extends the user’s image expression to the area of VR.

In November, the EOS R3 will be added to our lineup. Going forward as well, we will effectively introduce new camera bodies and lenses, strengthening the competitiveness of our products and maintain high profitability

You can inspect all Canon Q3 financial results here.

Sony A7 IV Officially Announced, 33MP Full Frame Sensor, $2498

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Sony announced the Sony A7 IV. The Sony A7 IV has a 33MP full frame sensor and sells for $2,498.

At a glance:

  • 33MP Full-Frame Exmor R CMOS Sensor
  • Up to 10 fps Shooting, ISO 100-51200
  • 4K 60p Video in 10-Bit, S-Cinetone
  • 3.68m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3″ 1.03m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • 759-Pt. Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
  • Focus Breathing Compensation
  • 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Creative Looks and Soft Skin Effect
  • 4K 15p UVC/UAC Streaming via USB Type-C

Preorders are live: [shoplist 67715].

Press release:

Sony Electronics’ Alpha 7 IV Goes Beyond ‘Basic’ with 33-Megapixel Full-frame Image Sensor and Outstanding Photo and Video Operability

Sony Also Announces Two New Flashes to Evolve the Powerful Alpha Lighting System

San Diego, CA – October 21, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced three new additions to its imaging line-up: the Alpha 7 IV interchangeable-lens camera (model ILCE-7M4) with a newly developed 33-megapixel (approx.,effective) full-frame image sensor, as well as two new flashes – the HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-F46RM.The Alpha 7 IV takes “basic” to the next level for full-frame cameras with excellent image quality and performance, redefining the lofty standards set by the acclaimed Alpha 7 III.  The new model features many of Sony’s most advanced imaging technologies, including the latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine and advanced AF (autofocus) capabilities from the flagship Alpha 1 combined with streamlined operability and enhanced reliability for photos and movies, making it the perfect all-around camera for today’s imaging enthusiasts and professionals. The Alpha 7 IV also boasts a 33MP (approx., effective) image resolution, rich movie expression and various features to support the growing demand for remote communication, bringing new meaning to what a “basic” camera can accomplish.“Since its introduction over three years ago, the Alpha 7 III has made tremendous impact in our industry, completely redefining the expectations for what can be accomplished with a ‘basic’, or entry-level full-frame camera,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Now, it’s time to break through all existing boundaries again. The Alpha 7 IV brings together the best of Sony imaging technologies in both photo and video to deliver a high-end experience to a wider range of customers.  This gives today’s creators a new level of freedom to capture, create and share in ways that they’ve never been able to before, no matter the situation in which they find themselves.”

Alpha 7 IV: Innovation Never Ends

The new Alpha 7 IV is an exceptional hybrid camera packed with outstanding still image quality and evolved video technology with advanced autofocus, enhanced operability and improved workflow capability. The model was developed with the environment in mind by using Sony’s original recycled plastic SORPLAS™ for the camera body and packaging with recyclable[i] materials and less plastic.

Outstanding Image Quality

Thanks to a newly developed 33MP (approx., effective) full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor, superior image quality and Wide ISO sensitivity range expandable to ISO 50 – 204,800 is achieved. The high resolution enables the Alpha 7 IV to express smooth gradation, fine details and textures of the subject while reducing noise, and its 15-stop dynamic range allows a wide expressive range while Creative Look settings can help create original looks effortlessly for both stills and video.

Next-Level AF performance

The latest BIONZ XR™ processing engine is the same that is used in Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, delivering high-speed AF, uninterrupted continuous shooting up to 10fps[ii] with AF/AE tracking and a large buffer for a prolonged shooting experience. The Alpha 7 IV tracks subjects with tenacious Real-time Tracking and 759 phase-detection AF points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system that covers approximately 94% of the image area. Additionally, for the first time, Real-time Eye AF can now track birds’ and animals’ eye for both still images and movies, in addition to humans. The Alpha 7 IV also has face and eye detection accuracy for humans that is improved by approximately 30% compared to the Alpha 7 III.

Evolved Movie Technology

The Alpha 7 IV inherits technology taken from real-world movie production, including the S-Cinetone™ picture profile adopted from Sony’s highly regarded Cinema Line cameras.  This delivers a rich, cinematic look that has become popularized by a broad range of cinematographers and filmmakers who are shooting on Sony.  High quality movie is achieved with 4K 60p recording in Super 35mm mode and up to 4K 30p recording with 7K oversampling is available in full-frame mode. The new camera also features 10-bit depth 4:2:2 color sampling to enable natural gradation, XAVC S-I™ intra-frame encoding for more efficient editing workflows and XAVC HS™ H.265 long-GOP for doubled compression efficiency.

To meet the growing need for precise autofocus performance when shooting videos, unique AF features are achieved when using the Alpha 7 IV with a Sony E-mount lens, including AF Assist[iii] that supports focus transitions when using AF, and Focus Map that visualizes depth of field. For the first time in the Alpha series, the new camera features Breathing Compensation[iv] to combat focus breathing and maintain a consistent angle of view throughout focus changes and can be switched on or off.

Advanced Operability as a Genuine Hybrid Model

The Alpha 7 IV is a hybrid still and video camera with outstanding operability and reliability that easily allows the user to switch from photo to video and back at their convenience. New to Sony’s lineup of Alpha cameras is a dual-layer mode dial, with a lower layer for selecting Still/Movie/S&Q and a top layer for Auto/P/A/S/M and MR (Memory Recall), enabling users to quickly select and switch between the dedicated settings. It also has 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step[v] shutter speed advantage, an improved grip for greater comfort, and a CFexpress Type A compatible media slot to support media with faster writing and clearance. Additionally, the 3.68 million-dot (approx.) OLED Quad-VGA viewfinder is 1.6 times the resolution of the Alpha 7 III viewfinder, benefiting users with an upgraded live-view image quality that minimizes false color and increases resolution.

Videographers can record 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 video continuously for more than an hour thanks to the camera’s heat-dissipating structure. Optical ‘Active Mode’[vi] image stabilization further stabilizes movie shooting. They can also benefit from the 3-inch (3.0-type) 1.03 million-dot (approx.) side-opening vari-angle touch-panel rear LCD monitor, top-panel REC button and high-capacity Z-series battery.

The Alpha 7 IV body is built with magnesium alloy to achieve a robustness while minimizing its weight. In addition, the redesigned structure and lens lock button contribute to enhanced dust and moisture resistance[vii].

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Canon Sued Because Printer Won’t Scan When Out Of Ink

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Canon has been sued by a user who discovered that his Canon PIXMA MG6320 All-In-One printer can not be used a scanner when ink runs out.

A Canon customer filed a class action lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing and unjust enrichment by Canon, as Bleeping Computer reports:

While using his Pixma MG6320 printer from Canon, the plaintiff was surprised to discover that the “all-in-one” machine would refuse to scan or fax documents if the printer ran out of ink.

As ink is not necessary to perform scans or faxes, the argument is that the printer features should continue to work even if there is no ink in the device.

It seems not to be the first case that users complain with Canon about this weird fact. The answer by Canon’s consumer support has always been the same:

This is indeed rather disappointing. To use your PIXMA printer as a scanner you are forced to buy ink cartridges, even if they are not needed by the scanning process itself. Not nice, Canon.

The lawsuit was filed in New York and looks at least $5,000,000 in awards, exclusive of interest, fees, and litigation costs.