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.

Canon Patent: Different Color Temperatures Across Image

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A Canon patent application to have different color temperature in different areas of an image. Thanks Jeff for the tip.

Canon patent application 20210274102 (US) discusses methods and technology to obtain different color temperature in different areas of an image. In other words: different white balance in different areas of the picture. The patent abstract:

Guess some smart flash light might be of interest here.

More Canon patent applications are listed here. Some particularly interesting patent applications we think might get into production are these:

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Review And Sample Pictures

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Here is the first real Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM review. The recently announced RF 16mm f/2.8 is an interesting lens in the “unexpensive” department.

At a glance:

  • RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Super Spectra CoatingS
  • TM Stepping AF Motor
  • Customizable Control Ring
  • Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm

Christopher Frost posted his Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM review, and seems rather fond of this lens. For less than $300, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM delivers a lot for the bucks.

Preorder links for the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM: [shoplist 67369]

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Nikon Z 9 Presentation Video Accidentally Leaked By Nikon India

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A few days to the announcement of the Nikon Z 9. As it happens often, a company branch jumped the gun too early and leaked presentation material.

Nikon India leaked the Nikon Z 9 presentation video. It has been removed in the meantime but is still available in many locations over the web (Weibo and Bilibili, for instance). Here it is for your viewing pleasure:

Nikon already posted three teasers for their upcoming mirrorless camera. We expect Nikon to release the Z 9 within the next weeks. So far these are the rumored Z 9 specifications:

  • 45MP stacked sensor
  • 120 fps
  • GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
  • EN-EL18c battery, and a new battery (EN-EL18x) that can be charged through camera USB-C.
  • Multi-leaf blade protective shutter
  • Car/motorcycle AF tracking, animal and people AI AF, as low as -7 EV
  • Improved articulated screen
  • Two CFExpress memory cards.
  • Third joystick/selector added
  • New shooting modes
  • Shutter sound level control

Canon EOS R3 Real World Use, Photographing Olympics With Jeff Cable

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Here are some new and fresh information about Canon’s latest powerhouse, the Canon EOS R3.

At a glance:

  • 24MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, Eye Control AF
  • 6K60 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
  • 30 fps E. Shutter, 12 fps Mech. Shutter
  • 5.76m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3.2″ 4.2m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • Multi-Function Shoe, Built-In Vert. Grip
  • CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots
  • Wired LAN and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Support

Behind The Shot interviewed sports photographer Jeff Cable. The talk is entirely about the Canon EOS R3 and Mr. Cable’s real world experience at this year’s Olympics with a pre-production EOS R3. Enjoy.

A technical brochure about the EOS R3 is available. You can watch the EOS R3 live-stream again here. All EOS R3 coverage is listed here. We put together some interesting videos about the EOS R3, listed here. Be sure to check Gordon Laing’s in-depth review of the EOS R3, part 1 and part 2. Oh, and don’t forget to listen how the R3’s 30fps sound. Canon EOS R3 product description after the break.

Preorder in the USA ($5,999):
B&H Photo | Adorama

All Canon EOS R3 world-wide preorder links: [shoplist 67350]

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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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