Canon announces development of Free Viewpoint Video System virtual camera system for immersive viewing experience

Various types of video production are employed at sporting events to convey a passion for sports and the thrill of competition. With the development of its Free Viewpoint Video System—which creates an immersive experience that gives the user a sense that they are really there—Canon has achieved a video experience that can be viewed from various angles and viewpoints, expanding the boundaries of visual expression and contributing to the development of video culture.

Canon press release:

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 21, 2017 – Canon Inc. announced today the development of the Free Viewpoint Video System, a new visual solution that incorporates the optical and sensor technologies cultivated by the Company over many years. Using this technology, Canon aims to provide a high-value-added imaging solution for a wide range of applications including sporting events.

Various types of video production are employed at sporting events to convey a passion for sports and the thrill of competition. With the development of its Free Viewpoint Video System—which creates a realistic, immersive experience that gives the user a sense that they are really there—Canon has achieved a video experience that can be viewed from various angles and viewpoints, expanding the boundaries of visual expression and contributing to the development of video culture.
The system comprises several high-resolution cameras set up around the stadium, which are connected to a network and controlled via software to simultaneously capture the game from multiple viewpoints. Afterward, image processing technology renders the videos as high-resolution 3-D spatial data where users can freely move a virtual camera around the 3-D space, resulting in video that can be viewed from various different angles and viewpoints.
The Free Viewpoint Video System offers a completely new, totally immersive visual experience that enables viewers to operate a virtual camera in 3-D space to move freely around the stadium and even experience the simulated physical sensation of being among players on the field during a game. Along with providing a new way to enjoy sporting events, Canon plans to explore such potential applications for this system as training teams and athletes.
Sample video
J League Match: November 3, 2016
Kawasaki Frontale vs. Gamba Osaka
at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium, Kanagawa Prefecture
Canon strives to promote sports and culture by using its cutting-edge products and technologies to develop innovative ways to enjoy visual content.
Additional information 
Canon will showcase the Free Viewpoint Video System at the Canon booth during
Inter BEE 2017, held from November 15 to 17 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
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Deal: AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Canon – $8.49

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AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control at a glance:

  • Eliminate vibration and increase image clarity with this wireless remote for Canon cameras
  • Activates the shutter remotely
  • Use for a broad range of images, like low-light and family portraits
  • Compatible with the following Canon cameras: T5i, T4i, T3i, T2i, T1i, XT, XTi, XSi, 5D Mark II, III, 100D, 6D, 60D, 7D, 70D, 300D, 350D,400D, 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 650D, 700D
  • Battery powered; 10 foot range

Another bargain by Amazon’s AmazonBasics product line. The AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Canon DSLRs is on sale at $8.49. Hard to beat, coming from Amazon US. There is also a Nikon version for the same price. And there is an AmazonBasics Canon LP-E8 replacement battery for $13.99.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, B&H Photo, eBay, Adorama, and refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta sponsored by Canon

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
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Canon press release:

Canon U.S.A. Renews Sponsorship of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Canon Will Continue to Engage and Educate Visitors at One of the World’s Most Photographed Events Through 2020

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 21, 2017 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce a renewal of its partnership with world-renowned event, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, taking its role as presenting sponsor of the event through 2020. This renewed sponsorship marks Canon’s commitment to the Albuquerque community, an area where Canon calls home to one of the two U.S. support centers that service the Company’s customers. To mark this momentous three-year sponsorship renewal, Canon has and will continue to sponsor the opening Mass Ascension and closing Night Magic™ Glow events.

“It’s been a true honor to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta since 2015,” said Eliott Peck, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “It is a place to let your imagination run wild and is truly awe-inspiring as colorful balloons fill the sky – making it the ideal setting for photographers and videographers to capture spectacular images.”

As one of the most photographed events in the world, the balloon fiesta offers many photo opportunities to create memories of a lifetime. This year’s 46th annual event will take place Oct. 7-15, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring over 500 hot air and gas balloons, of which the Fiesta anticipates almost 100 of those to be special shaped balloons.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Canon as the Fiesta’s Presenting Sponsor for the next three years,” said Balloon Fiesta board president, Mike Rice. “This event is a crux of the Albuquerque community and Canon’s support over the years has helped our guests create lasting memories.”

With this renewal, Canon will continue to host hands-on activities, allowing attendees to try its wide array of products to bring their experience to life. Attendees will have the opportunity to borrow the latest Canon equipment* from the Main Street booth where they can also sign up for photo walks and use Canon’s interactive photo booth. Canon imaging experts will also be on site to provide educational experiences to help attendees capture once-in-a- lifetime photos and videos.

About Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is an annual festival of hot air balloons that takes place every October in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. It is the largest gathering of balloons and balloonists in the world. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs visit our website www.balloonfiesta.com and follow us on Twitter @BalloonFiesta and Facebook.

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10% off on refurbished lenses at Canon Store

refurbished
Refurbished Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II are in stock (at the time of writing)

The Canon Direct Store has all refurbished lenses 10% off. You can be sure that the best deals will be over soon, so hurry up and look out for the lens you are thinking about. For the time being the Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II is in stock at $1583.28. Refurbished gear from the Canon Store has 1 year Canon USA warranty.

More refurbished gear listings at Canon Store:

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, B&H Photo, eBay and Adorama

A new Canon EF 50mm f/1.4L lens coming in 2018, eventually? [CW2]

ef 50mm
A new EF 50mm f/1.4 lens coming in 2018?

A long running rumor got a fresh up. It’s about a new EF 50mm “L” lens.

Two prototypes of this lens are now rumored to undergo testing, one of them being the EF 50mm f/1.4L ISand the other beng unknown. This lens likely shares some of the design and technology that have gone into the new EF 85mm f/1.4L IS.

A candidate announcement date for the new EF 50mm lenses is sometimes in the first half of 2018.

Apparently, a previous prototype of the lens was discarded because Canon now has new technology to use for the design of the lens.

Take it with a huge grain of salt.

Source

 

Techart announces Canon EF to Fujifilm GFX Smart Adapter

Techart

Techart EF-GFX adapter at a glance:

  • Support Autofocus for most Canon EF & Sigma EF lenses
  • Support Automatic Aperture control from Fujifilm GFX body
  • Support Lens Image Stabilisation (IS)
  • Transfer EXIF data to camera
  • Firmware upgradable via Micro USB plug
  • Aluminium finishing, brass bayonets and streamline design.
  • Powered by camera body

The Techart EF-GFX adapter can be pre-ordered, delivery is expected to start mid October, 2017.

Techart unveils the Canon EF lens to Fujifilm GFX 50S adapter with Autofocus & Aperture control

Guangzhou China, Sep 20, 2017 – The innovative adapter developer, Techart, who has previously launched the first autofocus adapter for manual lenses, has unveiled the world’s first Autofocus adapter for Canon EF lenses & Fujifilm GFX 50S camera. The Techart EF-GFX adapter provides autofocus function as well as in-body aperture control for using Canon /Sigma EF-mount lenses on the Fujifilm GFX body.

Techart has tested extensively on the modern Canon / Sigma EF-mount lenses in the market and found the autofocus performance on the GFX is satisfactory. Aperture of the lenses can also be adjusted on the camera by simply turning the command dial. The EF- GFX adapter currently supports AF-S mode for shooting and supports the lens Image Stabilization function (if applicable). Focal length and aperture data will also be saved into the adapter.

Techart is also working to unlock the AF-C and video-shooting feature. It is expected to be seen in future firmware release. The firmware of the adapter is user-upgradable and can be done by simply plugging the adapter into a computer via the Micro USB cable and running the update program.

The short flange distance of Fujifilm GFX 50S provides a perfect platform for adapting different mount lenses. Although not every one of the full frame EF-mount lenses has a big enough image circle to cover the GFX sensor, Techart EF-GFX adapter still opens up a wide range of lenses options for GFX users to consider.
Pricing and Availability

The Techart Canon EF – Fujifilm GFX Autofocus Adapter is currently available for pre- order at our official website (http://www.techartpro.com). The recommended retail price is USD 499/pc. Free shipping will be provided during the promotion period. Delivery will commence from mid Oct onwards. 1-year warranty is included.

[via Fuji Rumors]