Just posted: Canon EOS R8 Review.
The Canon EOS R8 is a compact, lightweight, affordable full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera packed with power and features. While the R8 looks like the RP, the internal upgrade is huge (the R8 is on the left).
I'll add more sample pictures to this review soon.
Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R8 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
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Just posted: Canon EOS R50 Review.
The Canon EOS R50 is a tiny, ultralightweight, inexpensive APS-C mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with impressive power and features. The R50 is similar to the M50 Mark II on the exterior (the R50 is on the left).
I'll add more sample pictures to this review soon.
Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R50 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
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If any of the just-announced cameras and lenses interest you, preorder immediately. It is easy to cancel an order, but getting back to the front of the line is not.
Support this site by ordering the new Canon gear from:
Canon EOS R8 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Canon EOS R50 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
From Canon USA:
CANON ADDS EOS R50 AND EOS R8 TO THE GROWING EOS R MIRRORLESS CAMERA SYSTEM
Plus, Image Story Telling Through R-Mount Lenses Is Ramped Up With Additions of the New RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM and RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lenses
MELVILLE, NY, February 7, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the launch of the new EOS R50 camera body, ideal for entry level users, and the EOS R8, an extremely compact, full-frame camera aimed at advanced amateur photo and video enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly options that don't sacrifice performance. Additionally, two new RF-Mount lenses are being introduced to the ever-growing R-mount lens lineup.
EOS R50
Compact, lightweight and ideal for those looking to step up their video quality, the EOS R50 provides an impressive movie-shooting experience thanks to the APS-C sensor, with 4K video, uncropped 4K capture (at all frame rates), and outstanding Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. With the addition of whole area tracking, subject detection, and movie-prerecording, difficult photo and movie opportunities can be easier to capture with a 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C sized image sensor. In addition, the EOS R50 is equipped with an eye-level electronic viewfinder to help achieve shot steadiness and ease viewing in bright sunlight conditions. A great camera for those who are looking to lean into interchangeable lenses, the EOS R50 camera can capture travel adventures, family portraits, sports, wildlife and even help a small business with marketing imagery. For those who are budding content creators, the EOS R50 will be available later in 2023 as part of a Content Creator Kit – packaged with a microphone, lens and grip. Overall, the EOS R50 is truly a jack of all content creation trades.
“The first time I picked up the EOS R50, I noticed how light it was. When I saw the footage, I wondered how the quality can be so good when it’s this lightweight in my hand. My mind was blown!” Bianca Matisse Taylor – Content creator and blogger
EOS R8
The EOS R8 — affordable and functional — is a full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at the up-and-coming video or photo enthusiast. This camera comes with class-leading autofocus while still extremely capable for everyday and general photography use. Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X image processor, the EOS R8 is optimal for full-frame RF lenses — allowing enhanced wide-angle field of views when compared to APS-C sensor cameras. Extremely lightweight and compact, the EOS R8 shoots up to 6-fps with 1st-curtain Electronic shutter, and up to 40-fps with full electronic. For users who've already explored interchangeable lens cameras but haven't yet broken into mirrorless, the EOS R8 should be the camera that takes them over the threshold to capture events, weddings, still life, travel and pets.
“My work is a lot about movement and not missing a beat with the fast shutter on the EOS R8 is so important to me as an artist.” Jasper Soloff – Photographer and Director
Additional product specs include:
Video performance
Enhanced usability for video correction
Connectivity
Alongside the camera bodies, Canon will release two new lenses. The RF-S lens line, optimized for the smaller APS-C sensor size, expands with the Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens. This is a telephoto zoom, giving coverage equivalent to an 88–336mm lens on a full-frame camera. The lens opens the door to telephoto photography and videography, with 4.5 stops optical image stabilization, and close-focusing that can fill the frame with a subject roughly 2x3 inches in size (at its 210mm zoom setting, and minimum focus distance). And it does all this in an incredibly lightweight and compact package.
The Canon RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a new, compact standard zoom lens for full-frame EOS R-series cameras. Ranging from true wide-angle to traditional “standard lens” coverage at 50mm, the lens is a travel friendly design with an extremely compact exterior. The RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is just over 2 inches long when fully retracted, and under 3.5 inches when extended — weighing less than half a pound. Optical Image Stabilization, with 4.5 stops of shake-correction, further enhances its appeal for video and still-image shooting. It’s also useable on an APS-C sensor Canon camera, where the lens' effective coverage is equivalent to what a 38–80mm would deliver on a full-frame camera.
Price & Availability
The Canon EOS R8 camera body will be available for an estimated retail price of $1,499.00*. The Canon RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens with the EOS R8 will have an estimated retail price of $1,699.00*. The Canon EOS R50 camera body will be available for an estimated retail price $679.99*. The EOS R50 with the RF-S18-45mm 4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price of $799.99.* The EOS R50 with the RF-S18-45mm 4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lenses will be available for an estimated retail price of $1,029.00* The RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available for an estimated retail price $299.99* while the RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens will have an estimated retail price of $349.99*. All products are currently scheduled to be available in Spring 2023.
Learn More
Canon EOS R8 Review
Canon EOS R50 Review
Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens
Orders
Support this site by ordering from these retailers:
Canon EOS R8 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Canon EOS R50 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.
Some standout deals include:
Canon has added full year 2022 financial results to the Investor Relations page.
Presentation Material
Results
Supplementary Data
Presentation Material and Speech Summary
Q&A Session Summary
Imaging System Relevant Quotes from the Presentation Material
"Posted sales and profit growth in all Business Units"
"Despite expectation that demand will remain firm, lowered unit sales projection to reflect new round of parts shortages"
"Partially absorb impact of lower unit sales by adjusting prices and improving product mix. Thanks to this and yen depreciation, raised performance outlook"
"Imaging: Net Sales 2022 vs. 2021: +18.0%"
"2Q –Despite decline in unit sales due to supply shortage, achieved double-digit increase in net sales thanks to growth in both full-frame camera and interchangeable lens sales"
"FY -Expand user base through EOS R7 and EOS R10, first R system cameras that incorporate APS-C size sensors"
Buy your Canon cameras, lens, and accessories at B&H.
Canon just introduced a winter promotion with big savings on select items! Now is a great time to buy these cameras, lenses, and adapters:
You can try searching, but there are no marmot photography workshops available. At least, I didn't find one.
Certainly, you could talk someone into providing a custom marmot photo tour, but there is a reason (or multiple reasons) why such tours are not readily available. I'll start the list. We don't value marmots and marmot photos enough to spend our time and funds chasing them.
However, these small animals are fun to hang out with, and they are easily cute enough to be photo-worthy.
I photographed these creatures in three national parks last year. This marmot was a Rocky Mountain National Park resident. However, a couple of coyotes were attempting to end that residency. Thus, survival was at the top of this wary marmot's priority list, and the high rock perch advantaged the marmot in this competition.
Marmots, and animals in general, vary on their minimum people distance. In relation to close shooting distance, experience, observation, and acclimation are the photographer's keys to getting the best wildlife images. Marmots in people-frequented areas of national parks tend to be quite tolerant of people.
However, getting too close is not good for photos or the critter being photographed — the subject departs.
When an interesting subject is discovered, photograph it for the insurance shots. Then, if the situation warrants, slowly move a bit closer, perhaps not directly toward the subject. Repeat until, or better yet, just before, the animal shows the least discomfort with your presence.
This image represents what I felt was near this marmot's minimum people distance. It is alert and wary, but his concern is not me.
The marmot presented a variety of poses, but most were looking toward the sides. Composition involves many factors, but the simple one in this scenario was that the critter should be looking into the frame. Placing it high in the frame helps convey the lookout role.
Sorry, I'm not opening a marmot-specific photography tour this year. But, I may have a couple of openings in my elk rut instructional photo tour in September.
A larger version of this image is available here.
The Yellow Mounds make all the Badlands National Park top photography locations lists. They are beautiful, intriguing, and worthy of their position on those lists.
However, creating great images that include these mounds is not easy. Of course, lighting changes everything, and dramatically reducing the image quality challenge on this day was natural spotlighting that, incredibly, illuminated the feature highlights of this scene.
As is often the case, the Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens combination was outstanding for this landscape photograph. The RF 24-105 is relatively compact, has an excellent general-purpose focal length range, consistently produces impressively sharp images, and was my primary lens for over two weeks in this park last year.
A larger version of this image is available here.
From ProGrade Digital:
ProGrade Digital Announces 3rd Generation CFexpress Type B 1TB Memory Cards
The CFexpress 1TB Gold Memory Cards Provide Dramatically Improved Specifications Needed for Longer Duration, High-Resolution Video Applications at Very Attractive Price Points
San Jose, CA January 19, 2023, 8:00 am — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces its new 3rd generation of 1TB CFexpress™ Type B Gold memory cards. This new generation features the same industry-leading quality of ProGrade current 2nd generation CFexpress cards - leveraging PCIe, Gen 3 interconnect with NVMe 1.3 host controller interface. ProGrade Digital 3rd generation CFexpress 1TB cards provide read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s and burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 1,300MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video capture applications. ProGrade Digital is also introducing a 3rd generation 512GB CFexpress Type B Gold memory card with read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s, burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 800MB/s. The 512GB card will be shipping in February 2023. All new 3rd generation CFexpress Gold cards now clearly state the sustained write speed on the front label. This additional messaging clearly states the real-world capability of our cards - especially critical for high performance video capture applications.
“The introduction of our 3rd generation CFexpress 1TB Gold cards provides the large capacity and dramatically improved performance needed for a very broad range of video capture needs,” said Wes Brewer, founder, and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “Our re-introduction of a 1TB capacity point, at 1,300MB/sec sustained write speed, ensures that nearly all video capture modes can be utilized while also providing our traditionally high read speeds for quick offloading.”
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B 1TB Gold Memory Cards:
CFexpress Type B 1TB Delivers:
Orders
Order ProGrade Digital CFexpress Memory Cards from B&H.
*Refresh Pro™ functionality requires ProGrade Digital Refresh Pro™ software application and a ProGrade Digital card and reader. This is a great way to monitor card health and restore the card back to factory-fresh conditions.
Image quality test results are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens page.
The new Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens does not feature the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens optical design, and the new design nicely outperforms the old one.
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
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Canon EOS R6 Mark II firmware update version 1.1.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R6 Mark II at B&H.
Learn more about the new Apple 14" and 16" MacBook Pro M2 Pro and M2 Max at B&H.
Learn more about the new Apple Mac mini M2 at B&H.
RRS's long-awaited version II Pano-Gimbal head is on the streets!
Just posted: Really Right Stuff PG-02 MK2 Pano-Gimbal Head Review.
This head features another really great (and innovative) RRS design.
Please share!
Highlighting some just-arriving used gear at B&H:
Used EOS R3 (save $900.00) and R6 II (kit) cameras are available in the Canon EOS mirrorless camera inventory.
A used EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens is available in the Canon EF lens inventory. This lens is 8-rated but nearly $4,000.00 less than new.
Reviews:
Canon EOS R3
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens
From DJI:
DJI Treats Mirrorless Camera Owners to New Travel Stabilizer DJI RS 3 Mini
DJI’s Industry-Leading Ronin Stabilizer Portfolio Broadened with New Mini Version
January 10, 2023 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces DJI RS 3 Mini, a lightweight handheld travel stabilizer developed specifically to support today’s mainstream brands of mirrorless cameras and lenses. With a smaller and lighter body, the DJI RS 3 Mini continues the excellent stabilization performance of the RS 3 series, allowing users to create professional-grade content while traveling around landscapes or in urban locations. Furthermore, weighing less than 800 g (1.8 lbs), the gimbal can carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), features Bluetooth shutter control, a 3rd generation stabilization algorithm, native horizontal and vertical switching, and a 1.4-inch color touchscreen.
“Since the introduction of DJI’s Ronin series for cinematography in professional environments, DJI has been working on bringing professional-grade technology to an increasing number of content creators,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “The DJI RS 3 Mini is testament to DJI’s core value of bringing innovative stabilization technology to everyone with a love of capturing their moments in a photo or on video. Now, anyone with a mirrorless camera can experience the same industry-leading technology used on film sets and studios across the globe.”
With Just One Hand
The RS 3 Mini adopts an all-in-one design which is both compact and portable. At only 795 g (1.7 lbs) in vertical shooting mode, the RS 3 Mini is around 50% lighter than the RS 3 Pro and 40% lighter than the RS 3. This makes the device much easier to carry, and allows it to achieve great results with just one hand. It can be stored easily in a shoulder bag, and its weight makes it much more suited to traveling during longer outdoor shooting.
A Tool for Every Mirrorless Owner
With the ability to carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), the RS 3 Mini supports a range of mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations, such as the Sony A7S3 + 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens, Canon EOS R5 + RF24-70mm F2.8 STM lens or Fuji X-H2S + XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 lens, to name a few (see the full compatibility list here). A powerful motor ensures that even when the zoom reaches the maximum focal length, the footage captured remains stable, and there is no need to repeat balancing.
Native Vertical Shooting
In order to meet the needs of today’s vertical video creation, the RS 3 Mini features a freshly designed dual-layered quick-release plate. By attaching the quick-release plate to the vertical arm, vertical shooting can be achieved without the need for additional accessories, and the gimbal rotation angle is not limited, compared to traditional vertical mode. Short video social media content can be shot with ease. RS 3 Mini also features an upper plate with a new curved placement guide, which prevents the camera from rotating and loosening.
3rd Generation Stabilization
Lightweight and powerful, RS 3 Mini is a professional stabilizer that will bring an unprecedented, easy, and flexible landscape or street shooting experience to users of all levels, achieving portability and professionalism at the same time. DJI’s 3rd generation stabilization algorithm as found in the RS 3 Pro, has been utilized in the RS 3 Mini to provide outstanding performance, whether the user is running, shooting at a low angle or in flashlight mode. Content stability is ensured throughout shooting and professional-level image stabilization can be achieved regardless of the user’s experience. When users are shooting around human subjects, the RS 3 Mini achieves smooth camera movements effortlessly. Users don't need to pay too much attention to footwork and pace, as the RS 3 Mini can follow people steadily and switch between high and low angles for a more diverse range of shots. Dynamic 360°-rotation imaging delivers a strong visual impact and eye-catching shots.
Effortless Connection
The Wireless Bluetooth Shutter function supports linking with the majority of today’s mainstream mirrorless cameras. After the initial linking, the camera will be ready automatically for action as soon as it is turned on, and users can directly control the video recording and photo capture functions via the record button on the gimbal, enabling them to concentrate on shooting straightaway. When using a Sony camera with a supported digital lens, users can also directly control the lens's optical or digital zoom via the front dial, eliminating the need for a camera control cable.
Control at Your Fingertips
For convenient control, a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen, M-mode button to switch between the gimbal’s three custom modes and front dial for focusing, can all be found within easy one-handed reach.
Accessories a Plenty
Featuring a NATO port on the side of the body, the RS 3 Mini opens up more shooting options by connecting various accessories such as DJI’s Briefcase Handle, external fill lights or microphones.
Fantastic Power for a Day’s Shoot
The integrated battery handle of the RS 3 Mini provides up to 10 hours charge, meeting the needs of a day’s shoot. It supports charging during use and can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours.1
Make the Most with the Ronin App
The Ronin app has a wealth of smart shooting functions to help users get the most from their creations.
Price and Availability
DJI RS 3 Mini will be available for purchase today from authorized retailers and at www.store.dji.com with a price of USD $369. Full details can be found at www.dji.com/rs-3-mini
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh is a comprehensive protection plan for DJI products and is now available for RS 3 Mini. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 3 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include rewards for safe use, international warranty service, and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh
Camera and lens compatibility can be found here: www.dji.com/support/compatibility
Orders
Learn more, and order the DJI RS 3 Mini from B&H.
From DxO:
DxO releases 1,693 new Optics Modules, providing unrivaled corrections for Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7R V, and a selection of Sigma lenses
DxO’s Optics Modules offer unparalleled corrections, including unique lens softness improvements and distortion corrections that maximize field of view. DxO’s software now corrects more than 80,000 lens and camera combinations.
Paris (France): DxO, the company that has pioneered calibration-based optical corrections for 20 years, today announces its latest batch of Optics Modules. The release of 1,693 DxO Optics Modules includes support for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the Fujifilm X-T5, the Sony A7R V, five lenses from Sigma, and more.
For quality-conscious photographers, DxO Optics Modules are a wealth of individually tailored, laboratory-grade corrections, which present the most accurate and powerful route to improving image quality on the market. Superior to other optical correction software, DxO’s adjustments vastly improve results, whether they are applied to entry-level lenses or professional-grade glass.
Essentially, the performance of any lens can be boosted by processing RAW files with DxO software: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, and ViewPoint.
A unique approach to defeating lens softness
All correction software offers digital sharpening to combat lens softness, but DxO’s approach is unique and superior, taking into account the varying levels of sharpness across a lens’s entire field of view. Rather than applying general sharpening across the entire image (as with lesser software), DxO Optics Modules target sharpening as required, such as when a lens gets progressively softer towards its edges.
As seen with the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN, the boost in image quality by DxO Optics Modules makes it perform better in terms of sharpness and distortion (while also eliminating vignetting and aberrations). As illustrated below, nowhere is this clearer than in combating lens softness.
1. The uncorrected lens displays a significant difference in sharpness between the center of the frame and the corners.
2. Typically, photo editing software uses a generic profile to make a global correction across the entire image based on the sharpening required at the center.
3. Edge of frame sharpening from Adobe Lightroom® (left) and DxO Optics Modules (right). Unlike Adobe Lightroom, DxO Optics Modules are able to progressively increase corrections away from the frame’s center, allowing for a sharper overall image.
Sophisticated distortion corrections deliver greater image area
DxO’s Optics Modules frequently deliver a greater image area thanks to more refined assessments when correcting distortions. When needed, DxO Optics Modules give photographers the option to gain extra image area when compared with the crop applied as the result of Lightroom’s corrections.
Intelligent control of chromatic aberration
In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules remove chromatic aberrations — both longitudinal, and lateral. Chromatic aberrations vary depending on the focal length and distance, and DxO’s algorithms take these into account in order to perform more accurate corrections. Colored outlines are removed without degrading the image’s color or detail.
Vignetting accurately removed
Finally, vignetting is resolved, correcting the darker edges of the frame that can occur in certain lenses and at specific focal lengths.
The most exacting science, the highest quality
Each DxO Optics Module is created using individual camera and lens combinations. This means that any minor differences in the performance of a sensor can be measured across all the examples of it in a manufacturer’s lens mount range.
For instance, with the new Optics Modules for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S, measurements were not made using just a single full-frame Alpha camera, but with almost every Sony camera on the market.
Latest DxO Optics Modules
The latest DxO Optics Modules update — available now — includes the following cameras and lenses, each optimized for specific camera and lens combinations:
Orders
Order your DxO Software direct from DxO.
I took a little time out to finish off another moose photo waiting in the to-process queue.
The Canon EOS R5 and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens are a fantastic wildlife combination and take credit for this picture.
A larger version of this image is available here.
From Canon USA:
Canon Innovations Push the Boundaries of Storytelling With a First-Of-Its-Kind Immersive Movie Experience at CES® 2023
Canon U.S.A. has partnered with renowned filmmaker and director M. Night Shyamalan to give CES attendees the ability to step right into his upcoming thriller, Knock at the Cabin, using the company’s latest imaging innovations.
MELVILLE, N.Y., January 3, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, pushed innovation to new heights in 2022. At CES 2023, the company will demonstrate how its technology is working to help dissolve limits between real and virtual worlds through a first-of-its-kind immersive movie experience that will place attendees inside of the story. With the launch of the theme ‘Limitless Is More,’ and Canon’s latest imaging innovations, CES attendees will be able to fully immerse themselves into M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming Universal Pictures thriller, Knock at the Cabin (in theaters February 3). Canon will prove how its solutions can remove the limits humanity faces to create more meaningful communication, more powerful collaboration, more exciting perspectives, and more boundless imagination across four unique technologies.
“Canon is creating groundbreaking solutions that help people connect in more ways than we ever could have imagined, redefining how they work and live at a time when many of them are embracing a hybrid lifestyle,’’ said Kazuto Ogawa, President and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon’s ultimate role is to bring people closer together by revealing endless opportunities for creators. Under our theme of ‘Limitless Is More,’ we will show CES 2023 attendees what we are creating as a company focused on innovation and a world without limits.”
The corporate philosophy of Kyosei, the principle defined as “all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future for the good of society,” is threaded through all of Canon’s technologies, services and people. With Kyosei as the driving force, Canon’s immersive experience and featured technologies at CES 2023 will show attendees how the company looks to contribute to society and have a positive impact.
Limitless Communication: Kokomo
Kokomo is a first of its kind immersive virtual reality software^, designed to change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience. The innovative software is designed to provide users with a way to meet friends and family virtually “in-person” by using a compatible VR headset and a compatible smart phone. The Kokomo solution will allow users to see and hear one another in real time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment.
The Kokomo solution is being designed so that people can feel together and experience social interaction from their home, hotel, dorm room or across other distances if there is a compatible headset, the software and an internet connection. The Kokomo solution will work to fully mirror true physical appearance – even facial expressions – inside what is effectively a 3D video call. At the Canon booth, visitors will be able to put on a VR headset and step into a 1:1 Kokomo conversation with one of four characters from Knock at the Cabin.
Limitless Perspectives: Free Viewpoint
The revolutionary Free Viewpoint Video System for arenas, stadiums, and studios comprises more than 100 Canon Cinema EOS-based 4k cameras and lenses. The data captured from the cameras is sent to a server system that creates point-cloud based 3D models that quickly reproduce various viewpoints or desired camera angles, like that from a drone, swooping in and around players, or a small POV camera, looking at actors in a commercial or music video shoot. The result is an immersive and customizable viewing experience from perspectives that may not be possible with traditional camera systems.
In the USA, the system has been installed at two NBA arenas including Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland (Cavaliers), as well as Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (Nets). The video can be broadcast out live and also compiled into replay clips. The system also allows for extensive flexibility with virtual advertising and other opportunities for monetization.
CES attendees will be able to view an action scene from Knock at the Cabin from multiple perspectives as captured by the Free Viewpoint Video System, supervised by M. Night Shyamalan and shot at Canon’s Volumetric Video Studio in Kawasaki, Japan. Viewing the scene from multiple viewpoints allows for different perspectives to be uncovered as attendees watch through the “eyes” of the various characters. Booth visitors will experience a new meaning to the term “best seats in the house.”
Limitless Imagination: MREAL
MREAL, a mixed reality experience, utilizes Canon imaging technology to integrate real and virtual worlds, showing end-users what this type of integration can do for industry, education, medicine, entertainment, and more. MREAL is unlike anything Canon has ever developed, a premium visualizer/simulator that helps account for limits of scale, perception, analysis, and participation, and provides superb, almost life like image clarity and color accuracy.
The MREAL technology is currently in the market research phase in the USA, but an example of the technology can be seen in the Canon CES booth. Visitors to the booth will be able to experience a break-in scene from the movie Knock at the Cabin as if they are a character in the movie. A gamified experience gives CES attendees the ability to immerse themselves in the movie’s action. Users can interact with virtual furniture and other objects in order to barricade themselves inside the cabin and successfully keep intruders out.
Limitless Collaboration: AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight)
The AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight) solution* was developed by Canon U.S.A. to help amplify how people see and interact in hybrid meeting environments. The AMLOS solution is a software-and-camera product suite designed to provide an amazing level of engagement for collaboration across multiple meeting locations. The advanced software-and-camera product suite features sophisticated PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) camera functionality guided by hand gesture controls for certain actions for in-person participants. Remote users are given the flexibility to customize their viewing experience and to see objects or areas of the in-person space. This allows both in-person and remote participants to engage in meetings or collaborative discussions, with an intuitive experience with hand gesture controls for certain actions for in-person participants, and a user interface that can be customized by a remote participant to help promote collaboration.
Using AMLOS, CES attendees will connect with a stranger on the actual set of Knock at the Cabin located in Philadelphia. They will work together to investigate the aftermath of events from the movie while creating their own stories on what could have happened in the cabin. Canon worked with M. Night Shyamalan to develop clues that will be placed throughout the space for participants to discover, varying from handwritten notes to broken furniture and more, adding to the mystery of the movie’s events.
Learn more at the in-person Canon press conference held on January 4th from 1-2 p.m. PST at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Room D & C. Please also visit Canon from January 5th-8th (Hall 3, #16359) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Follow Canon throughout the show on Instagram and Facebook at @CanonUSA and LinkedIn at @CanonUSA. Use #CanonCES2023 to join the conversation. Visit our website at www.usa.canon.com to view the recording of our Press Conference which will be hosted on our Home Page after January 4.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), as of 2021 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 36 consecutive years† and was one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2022. Canon U.S.A. was featured in Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces list for 2021, ranking among the top 100 companies for employee happiness and satisfaction at work. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.
About Knock at the Cabin
While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost. The film stars Dave Bautista (Dune), Jonathan Groff (Hamilton), Ben Aldridge (Pennyworth), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Persuasion), newcomer Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn (Little Women) and Rupert Grint (Servant).
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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
^ Not an offer for sale. Canon U.S.A. is currently developing the KOKOMO application. Please note that the KOKOMO application is not available for sale or use in the U.S. or elsewhere. Specifications and features may change and no assurances can be given that this solution, in the current or any other form, will be made available for sale or use in the U.S. or elsewhere.
* Subscription to, purchase, and use of other Canon and third-party services and solutions required for set-up, sound, to see remote users, facial recognition option and other features. Subject to applicable terms and conditions.