Canon Announces Firmware Updates for Cinema EOS, Camcorder and PTZ Cameras

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I am not really getting this trend to announce the future release of firmware. Just release it and tell it has been released.

However, Canon posted a press release to let humanity know they will release firmware updates. See below for details. The interesting bit here: Canon is introducing a new app to work with a compatible iPhone device, that controls up to four cameras from a single device. The EOS C500 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark III, EOS C70, and XF605 cameras will be compatible with the Canon Multi-Camera Control App, which provides the ability to control multiple cameras from a compatible iPhone device via Wi-Fi connectivity. The free app allows for control over recording start and stop, focus, zoom and iris, ND Filters, ISO, Shutter, White Balance, and Custom Picture control while viewing the image.

Canon press release:

Expanding Possibilities: Canon Announces Firmware Updates for Cinema EOS, Camcorder and PTZ Cameras, Granting Canon Customers Broader Options and More Control

MELVILLE, N.Y, November 2, 2023 – Canon, a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today a variety of firmware updates for key models in its Cinema EOS line of cameras, including the EOS C500 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark III, EOS C70, EOS R5 C, the XF605 camcorder, as well as select PTZ cameras, expanding the creative and technical choices available for Canon customers. Additionally, Canon announced the new Canon Multi-Camera Control App (the “app”)1. All firmware updates and the app will be available to customers for free download in early December 2023*.

Enhancing Value of Cinema EOS Cameras

Highlights for each of the Canon Cinema EOS products:

EOS C500 Mark II/ EOS C300 Mark III

  • Adds a Digital Tele-converter.
  • Supports camera control from the new RC-IP1000 Remote Camera Controller.
  • Adds flexibility with file naming conventions on proxy files, which enhances compatibility with non-linear editing software systems.
  • Enhancements to the vector scope will now enable display of the vector color and color-space on screen.
  • Adds compatibility with the CN-E31.5-95mm Flex Zoom Lens.

EOS C70

  • Adds a Digital Tele-converter.
  • Supports camera control from the new RC-IP1000 Remote Camera Controller.
  • Adds flexibility with file naming conventions on proxy files, which enhances compatibility with non-linear editing software systems.
  • Adds compatibility with the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens with Power Zoom Adapter and the RF Prime series of cinema lenses.
  • Adds compatibility with Canon’s Super 35mm Flex Zoom lenses.

EOS R5 C

  • Adds flexibility with file naming conventions on proxy files, which enhances compatibility with non-linear editing software systems.
  • Enhancements to the vector scope will now enable display of the vector color and color-space on screen.
  • Adds frame display function while recording.
  • Adds compatibility with the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens with Power Zoom Adapter and the RF Prime Cinema Lenses.
  • Adds compatibility with Canon’s Super 35mm Flex Zoom lenses.
  • Adds improvements to the camera’s photo mode.

Pro Video Product Update

The latest firmware upgrade for our flagship professional camcorder:

XF605

  • Adds support for SRT protocol.
  • Adds file recording in XF-AVC Full HD 25 megabits per second format.
  • Proxy file recording in MP4 16 megabits per second when in XF-AVC Full HD 25 format.
  • Adds chunk recording and continuous playback of multiple clips.
  • Adds flexibility with file naming conventions on proxy files, which enhances compatibility with non-linear editing software systems.
  • Supports camera control from the new RC-IP1000 Remote Camera Controller.

Enhanced PTZ Functionalities

Canon is continuously enhancing its existing line of PTZ cameras and producing new models to help ensure that Canon PTZ users are at the top of their game. The new firmware for the CR-N700, CR-N500, CR-N300, and CR-X300 contains several new features.

These new features include:

  • Preset and Trace thumbnails have been added to help make the cameras more intuitive to control by adding visual thumbnails for both presets and for recorded trace movements in the camera’s user interface and in the latest version of the Remote Camera Control Application.
  • Option for Still image display between presets helps to enhance a user’s viewing experience by eliminating any distracting video while the camera is moving from one preset to another.
  • SRT adaptive bitrate enables stable video distribution in accordance with the network environment and available bandwidth.
  • Multiple Free-D protocol destinations which can behelpful for shooting in virtual production environments with multiple image processors.
  • Partial restore option allows for partial settings restoration so that items such as baseline video settings can be restored from a backup, while infrastructure items such as networking configuration and administrator credentials can be retained.

In addition, the Remote Camera Control Application (RCCA) for Windows and Mac will have new functionalities including the preset thumbnail display, trace thumbnail display still image between presets, and will add support for the CR-N100 PTZ camera.

Additionally, the firmware update for Canon’s RC-IP100 remote camera controller will allow users to control settings for the Add-On Applications via the hardware controller; introduce a new On-Off setting to aid in efficiency; a new reversible Tele-Wide direction setting of the Zoom lever; and an additional mode that only allows pan, tilt, zoom, focus, preset, and trace control, so users may not accidentally make image settings changes when using the controller.

Canon Multi-Camera Control App

Lastly, Canon is introducing a new app to work with a compatible iPhone device, that controls up to four cameras from a single device. The EOS C500 Mark II, EOS C300 Mark III, EOS C70, and XF605 cameras will be compatible with the Canon Multi-Camera Control App, which provides the ability to control multiple cameras from a compatible iPhone device via Wi-Fi connectivity. The free app allows for control over recording start and stop, focus, zoom and iris, ND Filters, ISO, Shutter, White Balance, and Custom Picture control while viewing the image.

To download the firmware updates once available, or for more information regarding the firmware updates, the app and all of Canon’s professional video products and solutions, please visit usa.canon.com.

Canon Patent: On Camera Display Of Tilt-shift Information

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Here is a new Canon patent, and it is another one referring to tilt-shift lenses.

Canon patent application 2023160385 (japan, published 11/2/2023) discusses methods and technology to display tilt-shift lens information on the camera display.

From the patent literature:

  • An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device that makes it possible to check the amount of tilting on a display screen provided in an imaging device.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    Conventionally, interchangeable lens cameras have been known that adjust the amount of tilt, such as the amount of shift and tilt amount, with respect to the imaging surface of the lens in order to perform tilted imaging. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the depth of field based on the amount of tilt is displayed on a screen provided in a camera.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device that makes it possible to check the amount of fanning on a display screen provided in an imaging device.
  • Means for Solving the Problems
    A lens device according to one aspect of the present invention is a lens device that can be attached to an imaging device, and includes at least one optical member that is moved to perform tilted imaging. It is characterized by having an imaging optical system and a transmitter that transmits information regarding the movable range of at least one optical member to the imaging device.
  • Effects of the Invention
    According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device that allows the amount of tilting to be confirmed on a display screen provided in an imaging device.
  • The zoom lens 102 is movable along the optical axis of the imaging optical system, which is indicated by a broken line in the figure. When the user operates a zoom operation ring connected to a zoom mechanism (not shown), the zoom lens 102 moves along the optical axis. Thereby, zooming is performed in which the focal length of the photographing optical system is changed by moving the zoom lens 102. The zoom lens position detection unit 106 detects the position of the zoom lens 102 using a position detection sensor such as a variable resistor, and outputs position data to the lens microcomputer 111. The output position data is used by the lens microcomputer 111 to control zoom tracking operations and the like.
  • The aperture unit 103 includes sensors such as aperture blades and a Hall element. The state of the aperture blades is detected by the aforementioned sensor and output to the lens microcomputer 111. The aperture control unit 107 drives actuators such as a stepping motor and a voice coil motor in accordance with commands from the lens microcomputer 111. This allows the aperture unit 103 to adjust the amount of light.
  • The image blur correction lens 104 reduces image blur caused by hand shake and the like by moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system. The image shake correction lens control unit 108 drives the shake prevention actuator in response to a shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro based on a command from the lens microcomputer 111. As a result, image stabilization processing for controlling the shift operation of the image shake correction lens 104 is performed.
  • The focus lens 105 is movable along the optical axis. Position data of the focus lens 105 detected using a position detection sensor such as a photo interrupter is output to the lens microcomputer 111. The focus lens control unit 109 adjusts the focus by driving an actuator such as a stepping motor and moving the focus lens 105 based on a command from the lens microcomputer 111. Further, the focus lens 105 corrects image plane fluctuations caused by zooming by the zoom lens 102.
  • The revolving drive unit (rotating member) 114 is configured to be rotatable around the optical axis of the imaging optical system, and rotates at least a portion of the imaging optical system around the optical axis by rotating. The revolving control unit 117 moves the revolving drive unit 114 according to a command from the lens microcomputer 111. The position of the revolving drive unit 114 may be detected by a position detection unit (not shown). By executing a revolving drive that moves the revolving drive unit 114, the moving directions of the tilt lens 112 and the shift lens 113 can be controlled.

More Canon patents are listed here.

Canon Patent: Three Camera System For Smartphones

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A Canon patent related to a camera system for smartphones is a rather unusual patent for Canon. I let it to your educated speculations what if means. Do not be surprised if suddenly everyone starts spreading rumors about Canon making a smartphone.

Canon patent application 2023160089 (Japan, published 11/2/2023) discusses technology and methods for a camera system for devices like smartphones, that allows to seamlessly zoom between cameras in multiple shooting modes.

From the patent literature:

  • When capturing images in parallel in a plurality of imaging modes, the angle of view can be seamlessly switched from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting the imaging.
  • BACKGROUND ART
    Conventionally, a photographing method has been well known in which a subject is simultaneously recorded using both an imaging section for photographing a still image and an imaging section for photographing a moving image, which are included in an imaging device. Furthermore, in recent years, imaging devices such as smartphones are equipped with a plurality of imaging units having different focal lengths, and each imaging unit can simultaneously record a subject. Furthermore, when switching the angle of view, the smartphone uses an imaging unit with the desired focal length. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically moving the zoom position of an imaging device for capturing a moving image in conjunction with a zoom operation of an imaging device for capturing a still image.
  • In Patent Document 1, each imaging device can switch to an arbitrary angle of view by performing optical zoom by driving a lens. In contrast, smartphones use multiple imaging units (lenses) with different focal lengths to switch the angle of view. For example, when capturing images in parallel in two imaging modes, still image and video, with a smartphone, in order to switch the lens for video to the lens used for still images, you must first stop using the imaging unit for still images. After that, you will be able to switch the viewing angle for video recording. Therefore, it is difficult to seamlessly adjust the angle of view from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting imaging.
  • Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to seamlessly switch the angle of view from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting the imaging when images are taken in parallel in a plurality of imaging modes.
  • Means for Solving the Problem
    In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging
    device having a plurality of lenses having different angles of view, and which has a
    first imaging mode and a first imaging mode. 2. A reception means that receives a switching operation to switch the lens used for imaging when images are captured in parallel in two imaging modes, and in response to receiving the switching operation of the lens used for imaging, a control unit configured to control switching of lenses used for imaging, the control unit controlling the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode so that different lenses are used in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode. The present
    invention is characterized in that the lens used in the first imaging mode and the second imaging mode is controlled to be switched .
  • According to the present invention, when images are taken in parallel in a plurality of imaging modes, the angle of view can be seamlessly switched from wide-angle to telephoto without interrupting the imaging.

Is Canon about to license this to smartphone makers?

More Canon patents are listed here.

[via asobinet]

Canon Announced Three New RF Lenses, Pre-orders Are Live

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And here they are. Rumored since a while, now announced.

World-wide preorder:

RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM:

  • APS-C | f/4.5-6.3 to f/32
  • 16-29mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • STM Stepping AF Motor
  • 7-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • One Aspherical Element, Two UD Elements

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

RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z:

  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two Nano USM Motors
  • 11-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 Aspherical Elements, 4 UD Elements
  • SSC, ASC & Fluorine Coating

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

RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM:

  • Full-Frame | f/6.3-9 to f/54
  • Nano USM Motor
  • Focus/Control Ring & Two L-Fn Buttons
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 UD Elements
  • Super Spectra Coating

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 Three New Lenses, Enhancing Still Photography and Video Production for Any Skill Level

MELVILLE, NY, November 2, 2023 – Photographers aiming to get a powerful, ultra-wide angle shot, or looking for a superb zoom range, can improve their images with three new lenses announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions.  The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses can benefit a wide range of users — from beginners all the way to working professionals.

The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers users of APS-C sensor size EOS R-series cameras an ultra wide-angle zoom, helping create strong still images and video.  It is an ideal lens for vloggers, travelers, and general shooters.  Beginners in video and still photography can make good use of this lens, as well as the more advanced pros.  Key features include:

  • 10–18mm ultra-wide zoom (equivalent to 16-29mm on full-frame camera).
  • Image Stabilization, for even greater hand-held sharpness and video steadiness.
  • Compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for travel.
  • A new optical design, optimized for RF lens mount and APS-C sensor size.
  • An affordable price tag for those just stepping into ultra-wide video and still imaging.

Still and video professionals who want a single lens that can handle most tasks with low-light capabilities will find what they’re looking for with the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z.  This is the world’s first 24-105mm focal length lens combined with consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture,1 offering true portrait-length telephoto coverage resulting in sharp images.  High-end photographers, photojournalists, and video content creators can utilize this lens’ other features that include:

  • Constant overall length when zooming.
  • Manual aperture ring for video use.
  • Optimized optics for high-level video.
  • Image stabilization.

A new Power Zoom Adapter will also be available for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens, an optional accessory for super-smooth zooming during video operation.  This detachable device allows for more natural movement when zooming in and out, and easier control for solo camera operators. A standard version of the Power Zoom Adapter will be available, as well as a 20-pin port version to support zoom and focus demands.  The firmware updates that will be available in early December for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras will add support for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z lens.  For more information on the new firmware updates, please visit here .

Last, but not least — nature, wildlife, and outdoor sports shooters will find the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM super telephoto zoom lens a great tool to take crystal-clear images of action at a distance.  This lens is lightweight and easy to hold in your hand, allowing most users to carry it to help capture a range of subjects, whether it’s a still image of a landscape, or video of a moving target.  Unique features of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens also include:

  • Up to 800mm focal length.
  • Up to 5.5 stops image stabilization.
  • Compatible with optional Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders.
  • Weather-resistant design.
  • Rotating tripod mount.

​​​Price & Availability

​​​​​​​The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lenses are expected to be available in December for estimated retail prices of $329.99, $2,999.00, and $1,899.00, respectively2.  The two versions of the Power Zoom Adapter for the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available Spring 2024 for an estimated retail price of $999.99, and $1,299.002 for the version with the 20-pin port.  For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

Are These The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS Specifications?

Nab 2023 Canon Eos R5 Mark Ii Canon Eos R8 Mark Ii Canon EOS Rf 24-50mm R6 Mark Ii Rf Mount Eos R6 Mark Ii Rf 300mm Rf 35mm Canon Eos R100 Rf 24mm F/1.8 Rf-s Canon Eos R7 Eos R100 Canon High Resolution Eos R R10 Eos C5 Canon Canon Eos R1 Eos R5c Canon Rf 16mm Rf 35mm F/1.2L EF Lenses Tilt-shift Lenses Rumor
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It is rumored to get announced on November 2, 2023, and here are some possible specifications.

Here are the alleged Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS specifications:

  • November 2, 2023
  • Compatible with RF teleconverters
  • Focus drive method is unknown
  • Not L series
  • It is unlikely that it will be dustproof and splashproof.
  • White
  • Equipped with DO lens
  • Possibly 300-800mm
  • Extending zoom structure

Stay tuned for more.

[via asobinet]

Canon Researching A Retro Designed Camera Was Just BS (maybe)

Canon
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As most of us thought, the rumor that Canon was actively conducting market research to see how customers would react to a retro camera, was, well, barely more than crap.

asobinet.com got intel from a source stating that it was nothing more than “communication with fans”. The original message (see image on top) on Weibo seems to have been:

If you could recreate any old camera, which one would you like to recreate? We look forward to your participation. A limited gift bag will be given away through a lottery.

Market research or just “communication with fans”? But there is a “but”. At the end of asobinet’s post there is this:

After the rumors started circulating, it seems that the company has started discussing the possibility. I don’t know, maybe that’s a good thing. “Everything depends on official information,” a friend said after the meeting.

So, how to interpret this? After someone made the rumor circulating, Canon decided to give it a try?

Share your thoughts if you fancy.