Canon is consultant for Japanese Anime production to feature realistic cameras

Japanese Anime

Canon was recruited for the Japanese Anime production “Just Because!” to make sure cameras depicted in the animation are realistic.

“Just Because!” will start October 5, 2017. One of the main characters is a schoolgirl with a passion for photography.

Japanese anime

The character’s main camera is a PowerShot G5 X. But she is using also other Canon gear, like the EOS 7D Mark II, the EOS M6, and the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. Canon’s contribution was to make the cameras and lens look absolutely realistic.

The trailer below briefly shows the EOS 7D Mark II.

[via DC Watch via PetaPixel]

Canon EOS M6 review (Ming Thein)

Canon EOS M6

Canon EOS M6:  B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EOS M6 at a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Up to 9 fps Shooting and ISO 25600
  • Combination 5-Axis Image Stabilization

Well known street phoographer Ming Thein had a look on the Canon EOS M6.

From the review:

The camera build quality is sturdy, and has a premium feel to it (unlike the entry level Sony mirrorless cameras that feel plasticky and cheap). The buttons and multiple dial placements on the M6 make sense and are easy to get used to. I like that I have a dedicated dial that I can use to adjust the ISO immediately without needing to press a combination of buttons. My only complaint is the exposure compensation adjustment which is quite slow to react.

The Canon EOS M6 is a mirrorless camera capable of delivering excellent images. It left me impressed with the speedy AF performance, pleasing Canon colors and overall shooting experience. The kit lens however, needs vast improvement, and if you are using the Canon EOS M5 or M6, please look for alternatives. There really is nothing much to complain about, Canon has successfully delivered a rival-worthy mirrorless camera that newcomers can truly consider an option in their entry level camera system shopping list.

The big issue with the EOS M system isn’t the EOS M system itself but the lack of cool native lenses. Still wondering what Canon thinks about it.

Canon expands pixel size on FF sensors for more dynamic range & low light performance, white papers

Canon ME20F-SH

Two interesting white papers published by Canon’s research engineers show how the company is working to build 35mm equivalent, full-frame sensors with increased dynamic range and low light sensitivity. Both articles where presented at the Hollywood Professional Alliance (HPA) Tech Retreat in Palm Springs on February 19, 2016.

The papers, spotted by Image Sensors World, discuss the challenges to fit 19um large photodiodes on a FF sensor. The white papers refer to the sensor featured in Canon’s ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera, a low-light champion.

The image sensor design sought optimization of three key attributes of the photo site:

  1. Sensitivity – determined by the quantum efficiency of the photosite
  2. Saturated charge quantity (sometimes termed full well capacity) – that determines dynamic range
  3. Efficiency of the charge transfer (sometimes termed conversion gain) – the goal being to transfer all electrons during each reset period to ensure full sensitivity

The larger the active photosite within the individual pixel the greater the capacity for capturing photons during the normal charge period. This is the primary factor defining the sensitivity of the photosite. However, the efficiency of accumulating and transferring these electrons to the pixel output during the readout period are equally important. The total charge accumulated must then be converted to a voltage that constitutes the output of that individual pixel. The pixel size of the ME20F-SH is approximately 19um square – and the photosite is a little smaller because of associated circuitry. The quantum efficiency of the photosite is defined by the percentage of incident light photons that are converted to electrons. Figure 3 shows the spectral characteristics of the image sensor. The effective monochrome Quantum Efficiency of the ME20F-SH photosite output is 70% at 500 nm.

ME20F-SHAbstracts on Canon’s Digital Learning Center state:

This presentation will review two technical innovations in CMOS image sensors and their associated digital processing that have significantly enhanced motion image origination. Details of the relevant technologies will be discussed.

The first technology is a new Super 35mm CMOS image sensor specifically developed to support origination of High Dynamic Range (HDR) motion imagery. The deployment of two separate photodiodes within each photosite is central to achieving the 15-stop dynamic range. The dual photodiode also supports a unique in-sensor phase detection strategy that is followed by powerful data processing that closes a focus control loop around the cine lens. Alternatively, for those who prefer manual focus operation, a separate data processing provides a Focus Guide in the form of signaling in the viewfinder achievement of precision focus.

The second technology exploits the large size of the 35mm Full Frame CMOS image sensor with the modest spatial sampling of 1920 (H) x 1080 (V) to realize a uniquely large photosite of 19 um x 19um. This facilitated development of an HD camera having unprecedented sensitivity. The final operational specification of a maximum ISO 4,000,000 setting has produced an HD camera that opens a broad spectrum of truly innovative image capture. This includes nighttime wildlife productions (many species are nocturnal) and deep underwater imaging that require no lighting whatever, certain astronomical shooting, unique documentary productions, and many forms of surveillance imaging.

Advances in further developing Canon’s own Dual Pixel Auto-Focus technology are also discussed:

Second Generation Dual Pixel CMOS Image Sensor – 15-Stop DR

The C300 Mark II employs a new generation Super 35mm CMOS sensor which is based on the same dual photodiode per photosite. Additional innovations within the photodiode design in combination with new on-chip noise cancellation technology have simultaneously lowered the noise floor and further elevated the saturation level of the charge well. In addition, a totally new microlens design heightens the efficiency of light direction onto the two individual photodiodes while also improving the separation between the two photodiode outputs.

The Canon ME20F-SH is not for anyone everyone, it’s a specialised camera and it sells for $20,000 at B&H Photo and Adorama.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV deal – $2,669.99 (reg. $3,299)

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV at a glance:

  • 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
  • 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
  • DCI 4K Video at 30 fps; 8.8MP Still Grab
  • 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
  • Native ISO 32000, Expanded to ISO 102400
  • Dual Pixel RAW; AF Area Select Button
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
  • 7 fps Shooting; CF & SD Card Slots
  • Built-In GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC

Top Rated seller 6ave on eBay (98.9% positive ratings) has the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV on sale at $2,669.99. Compare at $3,299. Free shipping. Please note: this is an import model, 1 year US seller warranty applies. Import models are legally imported from another country through channels other than the maker’s official distribution system.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon USAmazon DEAmazon UKB&H Photo, eBay, Adorama, and refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store.

Canon Receives 2017 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award

Emmy Award

Lenses they can make at Canon. More about Canon’s 4K zoom lenses here.

Press release:

And the Winner is…Canon Receives 2017 Technology & Engineering Emmy® Award

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Honors Canon’s Impressive Lineup of 4K Zoom Lenses

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 28, 2017 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company Canon Inc. will be recognized at the 69th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards for its complete lineup of 4K field production zoom lenses for large-format, single-sensor cameras, which includes all of Canon’s CN-E, CINE-SERVO and COMPACT-SERVO lines of zoom lenses. Presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), the Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards honor development and innovation in broadcast technology and recognize companies, organizations and individuals for breakthroughs in technology that have a significant effect on television engineering.

“We are grateful to receive this esteemed recognition for our comprehensive collection of 4K zoom lenses for large-format single-sensor cameras,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “As resolutions leap from HD to 4K and beyond, it is important to recognize the lens’ role in resolving those pristine images and the importance placed on manufacturers and optical engineers to keep pace and match the sensor technologies of the more advanced cameras and sensors in the market today. The images we admire on screen all start with the lens.”

Among those lenses recognized with this prestigious award is Canon’s far-reaching CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens, the world’s longest 4K ultra-telephoto zoom lens. Canon announced the CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm Zoom Lens in October 2014 and it began shipping in early 2015. Since its launch, the lens has been a part of many live broadcast, and innovative television productions including National Geographic’s groundbreaking live television event, “Earth Live.”

“The CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm lens was the ideal piece of glass for what we were trying to capture while shooting Earth Live,” said Al Berman, Executive Producer, Earth Live. “Often when shooting wildlife in their natural habitat, videographers don’t have the opportunity to be up close and personal with their subjects, but Canon’s CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm made it as if we were right there with them. It’s probably the best wildlife lens on the market.”

Canon’s remarkable CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens was a response to an international plea for a long zoom, Super 35mm lens to extend creative flexibilities in 4K / UHD natural history and documentary productions. The design challenge that Canon faced was significantly elevated by the urging from potential users that the lens be easily portable in the demanding in-the-field situations faced by those originating wildlife productions in remote locations. The necessary focal range was predicated on the expressed desire to fully frame a subject having a height of four to five feet from a distance of 350 feet. This requirement dictated a focal range of 1000 mm. An additional consensus recommendation from the production community was for the lens to be no more than 15 pounds in weight and 16 inches in length. Canon mobilized the most advanced computer simulation tools to seek the necessary optimization in both the optical system and the optomechanical systems to achieve success.

The design of these lenses leveraged Canon’s decades of expertise in such system designs as well as the deployment of the latest in glass materials to achieve a balance of telephoto 4K optical performance and acceptable image brightness within the physical constraints. The 4K optical performance of the lenses are carefully managed across the entire image plane to ensure superb subjective sharpness especially on the wider angle settings.

The Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards will be presented on October 25th, 2017, during the SMPTE 2017 Annual Conference in Hollywood, CA.

For more information about Canon’s line up of 4K Zoom Lenses, please visit:www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/list/lenses/cinema

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art sample photos

Sigma 14mm

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
  • Three FLD Elements, Four SLD Elements
  • Four Aspherical Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • TSC Material, Brass Bayonet Mount
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Photography Blog posted a set of real world sample pictures shot with the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art and using a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Original files are available for download. The new Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is a ultra-wide-angle lens for full-frame DSLRs. 

This is another exciting lens made by Sigma, though with a price of $1,599 it isn’t for anyone budget.

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon US