Canon and Sony News for Jan 2025
What Canon USA announced:
The Data Is In: Canon Claims #1 Spot in Multiple Camera and Lens Categories
MELVILLE, NY, January 30, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions is proud to announce that the EOS R6 Mark II was the top selling full-frame camera in the U.S. in 2024* and Canon has solidified the number one spot in multiple categories for cameras and lenses in the U.S. This includes:
#1 in Interchangeable Lens Cameras*
#1 in Mirrorless Cameras*
#1 in Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras*
In addition to the above, Canon is also number one in full-frame cameras, lenses and mirrorless lenses*. Since the introduction of the EOS R system, Canon has continued its development of innovative products with cameras such as the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II and lenses including the RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM. For the professional photographer on the sidelines of world-class sporting events, to portrait or wedding photographers looking to capture a moment of a lifetime and the family photographer who is documenting the hustle and bustle of everyday life - Canon cameras and lenses are a strong addition to the gear bags of any visual storyteller looking for high-quality images and video.
“Customers are Canon’s greatest strength, and we strive to exceed their expectations – with hard work, quality products and innovation front and center, we’ve reached number one within the industry in the U.S.,” said Hiroto Kato, vice president, Business Planning & Strategy. “At the core of Canon is our employees who have helped to achieve this great success while empowering our visual storytellers.”
To learn more about Canon’s EOS R system visit: www.usa.canon.com/cameras/eos-r-system and to explore the world of Canon RF lenses, visit: www.usa.canon.com/pro/rf-lens-world
*Source: Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, US, Detachable Lens and Lenses, Filters, Adaptors, and Caps Subcategories, Digital Lens Type(s): Digital SLR, Mirrorless Detachable Lens, Sensor Size: Full Frame, Lens Mount Type: Any, Imaging Accessory Type(s): Prime Lens, Zoom Lens, and Mirrorless Detachable Lens, Unit Sales by Brand, 12 Months Ending December 2024.
From Canon USA:
Canon Launches imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Inkjet Printer
MELVILLE, N.Y., January 30, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the launch of the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional Inkjet Printer, a 13-inch device for professional and prosumer photographers, students, and others looking for a home printer that can generate excellent color reproduction while possessing longevity and durability.
The imagePROGRAF PRO-310, designed to provide superior light resistance for long-term preservation of high-quality printed works, adopts the newly developed pigment ink, "LUCIA PRO II"1 – featuring 10 colors – to help meet the needs of professional photographers who want to print high-quality photos while preserving the appeal of their work for the future.
“The PRO-310 is designed to assist our customers achieve vivid colors while offering easy and efficient output, and we are excited to deliver the ability for users to make professional-looking prints and layouts to help meet their dynamic needs and continue to deliver exceptional results.” said Shuji “Steve” Suda, vice president of Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Designed for excellent color reproduction
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 adopts a newly developed LUCIA PRO II1 pigment ink system designed to help improve the image quality from previous models while also enhancing resistance to light. Improved black density on art paper was achieved by changing the formulation and material of matte black ink. The reformulated Chroma Optimizer is designed to give the surface a clear coat of transparent ink that helps suppress bronze phenomena and helps reduce uneven glossiness.
Improved longevity and durability
The pigment ink, "LUCIA PRO II," adds wax to ink to help provide scratch resistance, designed to make it easier to handle in framing, packaging, transportation, display, and other situations where the print could be easily damaged, while allowing for long-term appreciation and preservation.
For efficiency, a nozzle recovery system works to help ensure that is a clog is detected in one nozzle, other will automatically compensate, contributing to the reduction in the frequency of head cleanings while working to prevent print waste due to banding.
A built-in skew correction mechanism straightens paper fed diagonally from the top tray or manual feed tray, working to reducing printing errors by stabilizing output for thick paper and other paper types.
Canon is proud to announce the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 has registered for EPEAT Gold designation as a product, which, if awarded, would show that it has met EPEAT’s most demanding set of criteria for sustainability leadership in electronics1. The new model contributes to Canon’s commitment to sustainability by eliminating the use of polystyrene foam in product packing in favor of recyclable corrugated cardboard.
Availability and Pricing
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is scheduled to be available February 2025 for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $899.99
Orders
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Inkjet Printer is in stock at B&H.
# # #
*Actual prices set by dealer and may vary. Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
1 Newly developed ink (released in January 2024) is used for 10 colors. Matte Black uses the same ink as imagePROGRAF GP-4000/2000 (released in September 2021).
2 Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool. An environmental assessment system established by GEC (the Green Electronics Council), American NPO, for the purpose of developing and promoting the market for environmentally friendly products.
Canon has added full year 2024 financial results to the Investor Relations page.
Presentation Material
Results
Presentation Material and Speech Summary
Q&A Session Summary
Quotes and Information From the Presentation Material.
"4Q sales of cameras and laser printers up more than 10%"
"Full-year net sales up 7.9%, exceeded record high sales of 2007, achieved 4.5 trillion yen sales target for 2025, one year ahead of schedule"
Net camera sales were +6.5% vs. 2023, and imaging operating profit was +3.9%.
Forecasted net camera sales for 2025 are +8.2%, and forecasted net imaging profits are +11.8%.
Buy your Canon cameras, lens, and accessories at B&H.
Nextorage has announced 6 new CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory cards, 3 in the Advanced Edition series, and 3 in the Standard Edition series.
"Both series utilize TLC NAND Flash Memory and support the CFexpress 4.0 standard, offering backward compatibility with CFexpress 2.0 host devices. The NX-B3AE Series complies with VPG400 standards for stable video recording, while the NX-B3SE Series is ideal for still images especially for portraits, landscapes, and product shots." [Nextorage]
Check out the fast new Nextorage NX-B3AE Series CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Cards at B&H.
Check out the also fast Nextorage NX-B3SE Series CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Cards at Amazon.
Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens page.
The expected step-above image quality is seen in these results.
Compared to the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
There are many additional relevant comparisons available.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.
Canon EOS R5 C firmware update version 1.1.0.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.1.0.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Enables functions to be used without limitation in conjunction with the new Battery Pack LP-E6P. This makes it possible to shoot 59.94P with RAW LT.
- Enables the display of the digital tele-converter icon on [Main Recording Displays] of [DISP Level 2].
- Adds the ability to apply Full-Screen display to an external display according to OSD Output setting when using [Peripheral Border Display].
- Adds function [Tracking by Touch priority] for starting tracking by touching the LCD.
- Enables the AF Frame and Focus Guide to be moved by dragging.
- Adds [Protect Images] and [Rating] during FTP Transfer. (Photo Mode)
- Adds the [Motion Vector For Digital IS] menu option. Default [Disable]*
[Disable]: Prevents a phenomenon that may cause the image to shake along with the subject when recording a subject (such as a person or an animal) with a large amount movement. - Changes the menu option name of [PTP Connection/GP-E2] in [USB Mode] in [System Setup] to [Canon App(s)/GP-E2]. For Android devices, please select [Canon App(s)/GP-E2].
- Adds support for the RF-Mount Cinema Lens: CN7x17 KAS T/R1
- Support for Magnification chromatic aberration correction
- Support for Peripheral Illumination Correction.
- Support for Distortion aberration correction
- Displaying T number.
- Enables the remote operation from the camera and RC-V100 (Focus/Zoom/Iris)
- Enables the remote operation from Browser Remote (Focus/Zoom/Iris)
- Enables the zoom operation by joystick on camera body.
- Support for Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus
- Support for [Dual Pixel Focus Guide].
- Support for [Push Auto Iris] and [Auto Iris]
- Fixes minor issues.
- The accuracy of the timecode when the camera is turned off and the [Time Code Run] setting is set to [Free Run] has been improved.
#1 to #10 were added in Version 1.0.9.1. #11 was added in Version 1.1.0.1. For details, please refer to the user manual (latest version) for this product.
Caution:
- Please use an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card that is 512MB or greater to perform the firmware update.
- Firmware version 1.1.0.1 is for updating EOS R5 C cameras running firmware version 1.0.0.1 - 1.0.9.1. If your camera's firmware is already version 1.1.0.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
- Please refrain from loading menu settings generated using the most recent firmware version to a product running an old firmware version, as doing so may affect camera operations.
- Firmware update must be performed in VIDEO mode.
Get the Canon EOS R5 C at B&H.
Canon EOS C80 firmware update version 1.0.2.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.2.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Adds support for Frame.io Camera to Cloud.
Available in regions served by Frame.io. - Enables the display of the digital tele-converter icon on [Main Recording Displays] of [DISP Level 2].
- Adds the ability to apply Full-Screen display to an external display according to OSD Output setting when using [Peripheral Border Display].
- Adds [1920x1080P] to [SDI Output Signal] option.
- Adds [CAMERA<=>MEDIA] to assignable button menus [CAMERA] and [REMOTE A].
- Fixes minor issues.
- The accuracy of the timecode when the camera is turned off and the [Time Code Run] setting is set to [Free Run] has been improved.
#1 to #6 were added in Version 1.0.1.1. #7 was added in Version 1.0.2.1. For details, please refer to the user manual (latest version) for this product.
Caution:
- Please use an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card that is 512MB or greater to perform the firmware update.
- Firmware version 1.0.2.1 is for updating cameras running firmware version 1.0.0.1 - 1.0.1.1. If your camera's firmware is already version 1.0.2.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
- Please refrain from loading menu settings generated using the most recent firmware version to a product running an old firmware version, as doing so may affect camera operations.
Get the Canon EOS C80 at B&H.
I usually instruct my wildlife photography workshop participants to first think like a landscape photographer, prioritizing seeing and capturing the environmental wildlife photo option when the right scenario unfolds. While I love tight wildlife portraits, those are often more readily available than an image of the animal in a beautiful landscape.
Following such advice is complicated by using a long focal length prime lens, especially those in the 600mm F4 class. While these lenses create the best tightly framed, blurred background wildlife imagery, prime lenses require sneaker zoom to adjust the amount of the scene in the composition, and wildlife is not often patient enough to wait for the long sneaker zooming this narrow angle of view requires to sufficiently change the composition.
The long-lens environmental portrait strategy that more frequently works is watching for distant animals. On this afternoon, my crew was photographing a relatively close bull when another bull appeared far behind us at almost the perfect distance for 600mm. I say almost because the composition was slightly tight. Capturing some additional canvas in subsequent images enabled stitching a slight panorama that provided a little breathing room to the pines.
A common problem with long focal length long-distance photography is heat shimmer. While this image is mostly void of that problem, small indications of it still exist.
Join me to photograph the elk rut in Rocky Mountain National Park this September (2025). I recently learned that a repeat tour participant had to cancel their reservation for both weeks due to medical reasons, so I have one opening for each or both weeks of this not previously announced yet filled tour.
Special Offer: Sign up for both weeks and get two bonus days plus transportation from and to Denver.
Learn more: Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour
Contact me for more information or to sign up.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 640
8907 x 6054px
A huge bull elk is a spectacular sight, especially when it is in rut mode. What if that was the view in your camera's viewfinder? I have that opportunity for you.
Join me to photograph the elk rut in Rocky Mountain National Park this September (2025). I just learned that a repeat tour participant had to cancel their reservation for both weeks due to medical reasons, so I have one opening for each or both weeks of this not previously announced yet filled tour.
Special Offer: Sign up for both weeks and get two bonus days plus transportation from and to Denver.
Learn more: Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour
Contact me for more information or to sign up.
The 1/125 sec. shutter speed used for this image is often too slow to stop the motion of wildlife. However, elk are usually relatively still when bugling.
With the camera in manual exposure mode with auto ISO selected and the top dial configured for shutter speed, a quick roll of the dial enabled fast adjustment to a slow shutter speed when the elk's motion paused. The result was the camera immediately auto selecting a considerably lower and less noisy ISO setting than was in use moments before.
Aperture is the third image brightness component of manual exposure. I photograph wildlife with a wide-open aperture unless increased depth of field is desired, such as when multiple animals are in the frame.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 1000
8113 x 5408px
Check out the fast new Nextorage NX-A2SE Series CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Cards and NX-SA1PRO USB 40Gbps Reader (with large heat sink) at Amazon.
The VPG200-rated cards feature:
- Max. read speed: 1,900 MB/s
- Max. write speed: 1,700 MB/s
- Minimum sustained write speed: 1,500 MB/s
We're going to like this lens. The Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens page has information about (including MTF charts) and expectations for this model.
Support this site by ordering the RF 16-28mm F2.8 IS STM from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Please share!
From Canon USA:
Canon U.S.A. Announces the New RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens: Elevating Content Creation for the Next Generation
MELVILLE, NY, January 22, 2025 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to unveil the new RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM lens, joining the Canon RF28–70mm F2.8 STM as a more affordable f/2.8 zoom option for Canon mirrorless users. Designed for modern content creators, this lens delivers outstanding image quality, portability, and versatility—ideal for use across both photo and video.
Whether filming cinematic video or shooting intimate photo portraits, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM provides sharp details and vibrant colors to elevate content with ease. Its compact, durable design makes it the perfect companion for creators working in both urban environments and remote locations, offering performance typically reserved for larger lenses.
Engineered for professionals and beginners alike, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM combines fast autofocus, smooth aperture control, and outstanding optics. With the wide f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and ultra wide-angle zoom coverage, it captures high-resolution, crisp footage, while minimizing technical challenges, allowing creators to expand their creative vision. The lens also features focus breathing correction, which smooths video transitions during focus changes—an essential asset for filmmakers aiming for a polished, professional look in evolving shooting environments.
Additionally, the lens incorporates advanced stabilization systems for both stills and video. Coordinated control with Peripheral IS minimizes distortion at the edges of wide-angle shots, providing clear, crisp images across the entire frame. For video, coordinated control with Movie Digital IS enhances stabilization, making it perfect for handheld or highspeed shots, keeping footage steady and smooth even when walking or shooting in changing settings.
As demand for dynamic, high-quality content continues to grow, the RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM stands out as an indispensable tool for photo and video content creators, landscape and travel enthusiasts, and everyday photographers alike—and the flexibility to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced digital world.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM Lens is available and currently scheduled to ship on February 11, 2025, for an estimated retail price of $1,149.00*.
* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
Interesting release from Canon Inc.:
Canon develops CMOS sensor with 410 megapixels, the largest number of pixels ever achieved in a 35 mm full-frame sensor
TOKYO, January 22, 2025— Canon Inc. announced today that it has developed a CMOS sensor with 410 megapixels (24,592 x 16,704 pixels), which is the largest number1 of pixels ever achieved in a 35 mm full-frame sensor. This sensor is expected to be used in applications that demand extreme resolution in various markets including surveillance, medicine, and industry.
The newly developed CMOS sensor features a resolution equivalent to 24K (198 times greater than Full HD, and 12 times greater than 8K). This enables users to crop any part of the image captured by this sensor and enlarge it significantly while maintaining high resolution. While many CMOS sensors with a super-high pixel count are medium-format or larger, this extreme resolution sensor is compacted into a 35 mm full-frame format. This allows it to be used in combination with lenses for full-frame sensors, and it is expected to contribute to the miniaturization of shooting equipment. As data readout of a CMOS sensor tends to take longer as the number of pixels increases, achieving a CMOS sensor with a super-high pixel count requires advanced signal processing technology. The newly developed sensor employs a back-illuminated stacked formation in which the pixel segment and signal processing segment are interlayered and also includes a redesigned circuitry pattern. As a result, the sensor is capable of achieving a super-high readout speed of 3,280 megapixels per second, delivering video at 8 frames per second2.
This sensor3 also features a “four-pixel binning” function that virtually treats four adjoining pixels as one, thereby improving sensitivity and making it possible to capture brighter images. When this function is in use, the sensor can capture 100-megapixel video at 24 frames per second.
By leveraging the technology it has accumulated over many years as a leading imaging company, Canon has developed breakthrough products including CMOS sensors with super-high pixel count and ultra-sensitivity, and SPAD sensors, which detect faint traces of light even in dark areas. Canon will continue to advance its technology and contribute to the transformation and further development of society.
Additional information
The sensor is scheduled to be displayed at the Canon booth at SPIE Photonics West, a leading global conference for optics and photonics held in San Francisco from January 28-30, 2025.
1 As of January 21, 2025 (According to a survey by Canon).
2 Applies to both color and monochrome sensors
3 Monochrome sensor only
From ProGrade Digital:
PROGRADE DIGITAL ANNOUNCES HIGHER CAPACITY CFEXPRESS 2.0 TYPE A 960GB GOLD MEMORY CARD
The Addition of the CFexpress 2.0 Type A 960GB Gold Memory Card is Ideal for High-Resolution Video Applications
San Jose, CA January 21, 2025, 8:00 am PT — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces a new CFexpress™ Type A Gold-class memory card in a 960GB capacity. This new capacity features the same industry-leading quality as the current ProGrade CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB memory cards. The Gold line has a VPG 200 rating and has an NVME host interface with PCIe Gen3 x1 interconnect. ProGrade Digital’s CFexpress 2.0 Type A 960GB Gold card is fully compliant with the CFexpress 2.0 specification and provides a read speed of up to 900MB/s, burst write speed of up to 800MB/s, and sustained write speed of 600MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video applications.
“Our new CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold 960GB card offers Sony shooters a higher capacity storage solution at a competitive price point,” says Josh Brewer, Product Manager at ProGrade Digital. “As capacities are trending upward, we felt the time was right to add a Terabyte-class option to our Gold line, enabling Sony users to shoot at higher frame rates or capture settings."
ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Memory Card:
- Maximum read speed up to 900MB/s
- Burst write speed up to 800MB/s
- Sustained write speed of 600MB/s
- Minimum sustained write speed 200MB/s (VPG 200)
- CFexpress 2.0
- Capacity: 960GB
- MSRP: $439.99
CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Delivers:
- Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 2.0 specification
- NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen3 X1 interconnect
- Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating
- Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control
- Temperature ranges: operating 14°F to 158°F/ -10°C to 70°C; storage 10°F to 160°F/ -12°C to 72°C
- Packaging: Biodegradable fiber tray
- Refresh Pro ready*
- X-ray proof and shock-proof
- 3-year warranty
Like all ProGrade products, each memory card contains a unique etched serial number to ensure best-in-class after-sales support and tight quality control of the components used inside. Using this serial number, a customer can register their product at http://progradedigital.com/register to receive product updates.
Orders
Get the ProGrade Digital CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Memory Card at B&H.
This line is worth checking out: see the new Pelican ATX and HYBRID TRVL Cases with ModPak Storage System at B&H (Explora article).
Or, jump directly to the B&H new Pelican product list.
Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens (Model A067) firmware update version 4 is available for download via the Tamron Lens Utility app.
Firmware Version 4 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Improved AF performance during zooming
- With a9 III, when its focus mode is set to AF-S, DMF, or MF, the lens will support continuous shooting up to approximately 120 frames per second
Get the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens at B&H.
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