Canon Interview – EOS R3, Lenses, RF Mount, Computational Photography

Canon Eos R3 Sensor
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Here is an interview with Mr. Go Tokura, Chief Executive, Image Communication Business Operations. The Canon EOS R3 is also discussed.

DPReview hold the the interview with Mr. Go Tokura. Here are some excerpts. Don’t expect too much since Canon rarely tells a lot in these interviews.

Will the EOS R3 be capable of high resolution video as well as stills?

We cannot provide detailed information at this point, but we can confirm that oversampled 4K video capture will be possible.

[…]

Can you give examples of some of the technologies used in your RF lenses which are only possible because they’ve been designed for mirrorless?

The optical designs of the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM fully leverage the advantages of the RF mount’s large diameter and short flange-back distance to achieve a significant reduction in length compare with their EF mount counterparts (EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM and EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM, respectively).

Additionally, the RF 600mm F11 IS STM and RF 800mm F11 IS STM lenses would only have been possible with mirrorless cameras. Thanks to Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which performs well in low-light environments, AF is still usable even at slower apertures (higher F-numbers).

[…]

Will dual-pixel CMOS AF evolve to include ‘quad-pixel AF’ with cross-type AF points?

We are certainly considering the idea of cross-type AF and quad-pixel AF. Autofocus is a relatively broad term, technologically speaking, so we are looking at its potential evolution in three ways: (Evolution in) AF sensitivity, ultra-high speed and AI-powered tracking. Cross-type AF and quad-pixel AF are possible themes we will consider.

Read the interview at DPReview.

Nikon Announces Retro Looking Nikon Z fc Mirrorless Camera

Nikon Z Fc
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No Canon EOS R3 today, but Nikon released a new mirrorless camera with APS-C sensor, the Nikon Z fc.

At a glance:

  • 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 6 Image Processor
  • UHD 4K and Full HD Video Recording
  • Eye Autofocus
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • USB Type-C Connectivity

Preorder are available starting at $965.95:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Nikon press release:

Nikon releases the Z fc DX-format mirrorless camera

A heritage-design model that further enhances the joy of shooting and ownership

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the APS-C size (Nikon DX-format) Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera, as well as two lenses: a silver-color variation of the standard zoom NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens, and the prime NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) special edition lens for which a heritage design that matches the Z fc body has been adopted.
Details regarding the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) can be found in the following press release, issued today: https://www.nikon.com/news/2021/0629_lens_02.htm

The Z fc is the first Z-series camera to adopt a heritage design, while simultaneously supporting various advanced features. In addition to the enjoyment of shooting great stills and videos, it is designed with particular attention paid to delivering the pride and joy of ownership. Its compact, lightweight body is highly portable but packs superb operability and rendering capability, making it easy to handle even for first-time mirrorless camera users.

The Z fc’s exterior adopts a heritage design inspired by the iconic Nikon FM2 SLR film camera released in 1982. It features a Nikon logo from the 1970-80s as well as a body size and dial positions that are similar to the FM2. It also incorporates a circular eyepiece, and three dials and a display panel on the top body: the passion of this heritage design is present everywhere. Furthermore, two lenses that match the Z fc’s heritage style will also be released.

The letter “f” in the Z fc’s name is a reference to models with symbolic importance in Nikon’s history, while also being inspired by the word “fusion,” representing the coming together of tactile precision mechanics and high image quality. The letter “c”, meanwhile, conveys Nikon’s wish for this camera, with all its inherited tradition, to be used by anyone, anywhere, “casually”.

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.

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Canon Announces The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS Lens, Sells At $1699

RF 14-35mm F/4L IS
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As anticipated yesterday, no Canon EOS R3 announcement today. However, the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS is finally here and it sells at a bit more than I thought ($1,699).

Preorders are live at major resellers, the lens will ship in August 2021:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon press release:

Canon Introduces New RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Broadening Imaginative Possibilities For Still And Video

MELVILLE, NY, June 29, 2021– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM lens. This dramatic new lens brings 14mm, ultra wide-angle coverage to full-frame EOS R-series users. On top of the ultra-wide capabilities, the 14-35mm zoom range is the broadest ever in a Canon wide-angle zoom for full-frame AF cameras. For many Canon users, one single lens can potentially handle all wide-angle needs, from vivid, creative ultra-wide imagery to traditional street photography.

The new wide-angle lens is designed for use within the expanding family of EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras, including the upcoming EOS R3, currently in development. Whether you capture stills, video, or like many creatives today – both – this new wide-angle lens from Canon can help elevate users’ content game when capturing images or video in a wide variety of situations, such as landscape, architecture, and travel.

A compact overall design, and extremely modest overall weight of just 1.2 lbs. — along with excellent balance, during hand-held or even gimbal-mounted operation — add to RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM inviting character. A key feature, sure to appeal to many landscape and nature photographers, is this lens’s ability to accept conventional, 77mm screw-in filters. This is especially noteworthy on a lens for full-frame cameras with 14mm ultra-wide coverage. Additionally, the lens’s close-focusing capability is exceptional for an ultra-wide zoom of its type.

Image Stabilization further enhances the RF14-35mm’s appeal for low-light still imagery, and for steady yet striking wide video footage. Up to 5.5 stopsiof optical Image Stabilization is built-in, and Coordinated IS with cameras such as the EOS R6 and EOS R5 delivers up to 7 stopsiiof shake-correction. This can mean sharper hand-held images in low light, even at extremely slow shutter speeds.

The Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens features a bright, constant f/4 maximum aperture, L-Series optical construction — highlighted by three UD-glass elements, and three Aspherical elements — and many of the company’s most advanced proprietary lens coatings, including Sub-wavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC). These superb lens coatings help minimize ghosting and flaring. Lens placement and coatings are also optimized to help users get clear, high-contrast images, even when there is a bright light source either in, or immediately outside, the frame. Additional features of the Canon RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM include:

  • Compact design — Approximately 1.2 lbs. in weight.
  • Minimum focusing of 7.9 inches at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 0.38x at 35mm zoom setting.
  • Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 stopsi of shake correction.
  • Up to 7 stopsii of shake correction when paired with Canon EOS R series cameras that feature In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS).
  • High speed, smooth and quiet autofocus with Canon’s Nano USM.
  • Control Ring for direct setting changes of aperture, shutter speed, ISO speed and exposure compensation.
  • Superb dust and weather-resistance on par with other Canon L-series lenses.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens is scheduled to be available in August 2021 for an estimated retail price of $1,699.00*. For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.

The Canon EOS R3 Is Coming Soon, But Likely Not Tomorrow

Canon Eos R3 Specifications
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It seems someone jumped the gun to early with the Canon EOS R3 announcement date. Expected to get announced tomorrow after a rumor made it’s round, it might still be months away.

PetaPixel reports that multiple “sources outside of Canon” have told them that there is no Canon EOS R3 announcement to expect. Neither tomorrow nor in the near future. According to PetaPIxel:

[…] the EOS R3 will not be announced tonight nor will any additional information be revealed. It’s unclear why this date was specifically pointed to, but the company is reportedly still months away from the official release. While it is possible that other aspects of the rumor could come to pass, no official announcement about the camera will be made this week.

Along with many Canon EOS R3 rumors came also the suggestion that the R3 would be announced ready before the Olympics 2021. As PetaPixel notes “Professional sports photographers are unlikely to trust a brand new camera for such an important photo mission“.

If PetaPixel’s sources are right it means we will see the EOS R not earlier than Fall 2021. In the meantime have a look at these EOS R3 images.

Here are are the known and rumored EOS R3 specification in one list:

  • 30.1mp backside illuminated image sensor (resolution is not confirmed yet)
  • Multi-Controller & Smart Controller
  • Vari-Angle Touch Screen
  • NEW accessory shoe
  • Wifi 5GHz
  • High speed 30fps electronic shutter with AF/AE tracking + RAW shooting at this speed
  • AF down to -7.0 EV
  • 8 Stops Coordinated Control IS with Optical IS and In-Body IS
  • 4K Canon Log3​
  • Oversampling 4K
  • Internal RAW video
  • Inclusion of cars and motorbikes in AF tracking technology
  • RAW internal movie recording
  • Speedlite shooting with electronic shutter
  • The same weather sealing as the EOS-1D series
  • LP-E19 Battery
  • Dual card slot SD & CFExpress

All our Canon EOS R3 coverage is listed here, product images are here and here. There has been some discussion about who makes the imaging sensor of the EOS R3. You can get notified when the Canon EOS R3 will be available for preorder.

While Waiting For The Canon EOS R3 Get Your Mouth Watering With These Images

Canon EOS R3
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We expect the Canon EOS R3 to get announced tomorrow, June 29, 2021. While it seems safe to assume that it will be the real thing, it might also be just another development announcement. Let’s hope not.

In the meantime check the large set of hands-on pictures posted by Photography Blog.

canon eos r3
The Canon EOS R3 (image © photographyblog.com, used with permission)

Here are are the known and rumored EOS R3 specification in one list:

  • 30.1mp backside illuminated image sensor (resolution is not confirmed yet)
  • Multi-Controller & Smart Controller
  • Vari-Angle Touch Screen
  • NEW accessory shoe
  • Wifi 5GHz
  • High speed 30fps electronic shutter with AF/AE tracking + RAW shooting at this speed
  • AF down to -7.0 EV
  • 8 Stops Coordinated Control IS with Optical IS and In-Body IS
  • 4K Canon Log3​
  • Oversampling 4K
  • Internal RAW video
  • Inclusion of cars and motorbikes in AF tracking technology
  • RAW internal movie recording
  • Speedlite shooting with electronic shutter
  • The same weather sealing as the EOS-1D series
  • LP-E19 Battery
  • Dual card slot SD & CFExpress

All our Canon EOS R3 coverage is listed here, product images are here and here. There has been some discussion about who makes the imaging sensor of the EOS R3. You can get notified when the Canon EOS R3 will be available for preorder.

More about the EOS R3 after the break.

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Deals: SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO, Cleaning Kits, EF-RF Adapter, Filters, Spyder X, more

Datacolor SpyderX Pro Deal
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There is a lot to browse through in B&H’s Mega Deal Zone, we list some of the more interesting options.

  • SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SDHC UHS-I Memory Card on sale at $10.99 (27% discount applied in cart)
  • Giottos Rocket Air Blaster Large Dust-Removal Tool (Black) on sale at $11.99 (reg. $16.99)
  • Sensei DOC-CK Deluxe Optics Care and Cleaning Kit on sale at $12.95 (reg. $24.95)
  • SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro CompactFlash Memory Card (160MB/s) on sale at $89.99 ($70 discount applied in cart)
  • Tiffen 77mm Variable Neutral Density Filter on sale at $69.95 (reg. $129.95) – There are more diameters on offer
  • Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera on sale at $64.95 (reg. $89.95)
  • Datacolor SpyderX Pro Colorimeter on sale at $99.99 (reg. $169.99)

There is much more on sale, like tripods and camera bags.