From Canon:
Canon Extends Paid Add-On Applications Availability to CR-N300, CR-N500, and CR-X300 4K PTZ Cameras Via a Firmware Update
MELVILLE, N.Y., April 4, 2023 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that the “Add-On Applications System” for PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) remote cameras will be available for the CR-N300, CR-N500, and CR-X300. Available through a future firmware update, the Add-On Applications System will provide access to new paid video production features such as auto tracking and auto loop. The auto tracking application will give users the ability to automatically pan, tilt, and zoom to track moving subjects, and the auto loop application will allow users to program and automate repeated camera movements.
These paid add-on applications uniquely position Canon in the PTZ market as the applications run from within the camera itself, instead of other solutions in the market requiring external devices to operate functions like auto tracking. With the addition of the Add-On Applications System, customers can now directly add the new capabilities to the PTZ camera, providing a better value for end-users.
Auto Tracking Add-On Application
The auto tracking paid add-on application enables automatic tracking according to a subject’s movements. As the subject moves, the camera will pan, tilt, and zoom to maintain the subject’s composition in the frame. This added function helps to reduce the camera operator’s workload, letting them focus on other tasks such as camera switching and streaming, and allows for multi-camera shoots with fewer people on set.
The auto tracking is highly responsive, allowing for full body, upper body, and head and torso tracking at both slow and normal walking speeds, and full body and upper body tracking at fast walking speed. In addition, the auto tracking application provides users with a wide range of adjustment functions such as composition, tracking sensitivity, priority display area, fixed viewing angle area, tracking target auto select, pan/tilt halting area, initial position, auto select exclusion, and pan/tilt operation control.
The new auto tracking add-on application is ideal for end-users in markets such as house of worship and corporate event streaming, educational workshops and lectures, and broadcast and corporate interviews.
Auto Loop Add-On Application
The auto loop paid add-on application helps automate repeated camera movements, potentially lessening the burden on camera operators. Camera operators will now have the flexibility to select between two repeated movements, loop or back-and-forth, based on needs and the shooting environment. It also provides the ability to enable smooth acceleration and deceleration when starting and stopping movement between two preset positions for more professional camera movements. For added convenience, camera operators can adjust settings such as position, route, preview, and start from one screen.
The new auto loop add-on application is ideal for consistent smooth on-air movements for end-users in markets such as house of worship and corporate event streaming, broadcast and over-the-top (OTT) sports and interview streaming, and commercial production.
Additional Firmware Features
In addition to adding the “Add-On Application System” to the cameras, the firmware update for each camera will also provide several additional features and improvements that shows Canon’s commitment to the professional video market. Among the improvements is the addition of SRT and FreeD protocol support to the CR-X300 camera.
Pricing and Availability
The Firmware Update for all three PTZ cameras to add the “Add-On Applications System” is scheduled to be available in July 2023. The paid Auto Tracking Application is scheduled to be available in August 2023 for the CR-N300 and CR-N500 for $1200.00*. The paid Auto Loop Tracking Application is scheduled to be available in August 2023 for the CR-N300 and CR-N500, and CR-X300 for $800.00*.
Get the Canon PTX camera firmware updates at B&H.
*Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Both paid add-on applications will be available for a free, no commitment 30-day trial.
From Canon:
Canon Developing World’s First Ultra-High-Sensitivity ILC Equipped With SPAD Sensor, Supporting Precise Monitoring Through Clear Color Image Capture of Subjects Several Miles Away, Even In Darkness
MELVILLE, N.Y., April 4, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is developing the MS-500, the world’s first1 ultra-high-sensitivity interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) equipped with a 1.0 inch Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensor2 featuring the world’s highest pixel count of 3.2 megapixels3. The camera leverages special characteristics of SPAD sensors to achieve superb low-light performance while also utilizing broadcast lenses (sold separately) that feature high performance at telephoto-range focal lengths. Thanks to such advantages, the MS-500 camera is expected to be ideal for such applications as high-precision monitoring.
There is a growing need for high-precision monitoring systems in such environments as national borders, seaports, airports, train stations, power plants, and other key infrastructure facilities, in order to quickly identify targets even under adverse conditions including darkness in which human eyes cannot see, and from long distances.
The currently in-development MS-500 camera is equipped with a 1.0 inch SPAD sensor that helps reduce noise, making it possible to produce clear, full-color HD imaging even in extreme low-light environments. When paired with Canon’s extensive range of broadcast lenses, which excel at super-telephoto image capture, the camera is capable of accurately capturing subjects with precision in extreme low-light environments, even from great distances. For example, the camera may be used for nighttime monitoring of seaports, thanks to its ability to spot vessels that are several miles away, thus enabling identification and high-precision monitoring of vessels in or around the seaport.
With CMOS sensors, which are commonly used in conventional modern digital cameras, each pixel measures the amount of light that reaches the pixel within a given time. However, the readout of the accumulated electronic charge contains electronic noise, which may diminish image quality, due to the process by which accumulated light is measured. This could lead to degradation of the resulting image, particularly when used in low-light environments. SPAD sensors employ a technology known as “photon counting” in which light particles (photons) that enter each individual pixel are counted. When even a single photon enters a pixel it is instantly amplified approximately 1 million times and output as an electrical signal. Every single one of these photons can be digitally counted, thus making possible zero-noise during signal readout—a key advantage of SPAD sensors4. Because of this technological advantage, the MS-500 camera will be able to operate even under nighttime environments with no ambient starlight5, and will also be capable of accurately detecting subjects with minimal illumination and capture clear color images.
The MS-500 camera employs the bayonet lens mount (based on BTA S-1005B standards) which is widely used in the broadcast lens industry. This enables the camera to be used with Canon’s extensive range of broadcast lenses, which feature superb optical performance. As a result, the camera will be able to recognize and capture subjects that are several miles away.
Going forward, Canon will continue to pursue R&D and work to create products that could surpass the ability of the human eye and contribute to the safety and security of society. Canon has a long history of comprehensive imaging — optical, sensor, image processing and image analysis — technologies.
Canon plans to begin selling the MS-500 in 2023*.
The Canon MS-500 camera will be displayed as a reference exhibit at the Canon booth during the 2023 NAB Show for broadcast and filmmaking equipment, to be held in Las Vegas from Sunday, April 16 to Wednesday, April 19.
1 Among color cameras. As of April 2, 2023. Based on Canon research.
2 Among SPAD sensors for imaging use. As of April 2, 2023. Based on Canon research.
3 Total pixel count: 3.2 million pixels. Effective pixel count: 2.1 million pixels.
4 For more information on how SPAD sensors operate and how they differ from CMOS sensors, please visit the following website: https://global.canon/en/technology/spad-sensor-2021.html
5 Ambient starlight is equivalent to approximately 0.02 lux. A nighttime environment with no ambient starlight is equivalent to approximately 0.007 lux.
* Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.
From Canon:
Canon EOS R5 C Now Approved for Netflix Productions
New Firmware Update Enhances Operation & Image Quality of the Hybrid Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Canon’s EOS R5 C has been added to Netflix’s list of approved cameras. This allows filmmakers to use Canon’s full-featured, hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera for Netflix productions.
Version 1.0.3.1 firmware elevates the overall image quality and camera operability for content captured by filmmakers and creators using the EOS R5C.
The EOS R5 C approval brings the number of Canon Cinema EOS camera models approved for use on Netflix productions to eight.
Canon Cinema EOS camera models on the Netflix approved camera list include:
The new firmware update strengthens Canon’s commitment to the filmmaking and content creation market.
To download the new firmware update, please visit EOS R5 C Firmware Version 1.0.3.1
Canon Speedlite EL-1 firmware update version 1.0.2 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.2 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon Speedlite EL-1 at B&H.
Your Canon EOS R5 just got an awesome new capability! firmware update version 1.8.1 is now available for download.
Firmware Version 1.8.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R5 at B&H.
Canon EOS R3 firmware update version 1.4.0 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R3 at B&H.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update version 1.7.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.7.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
*1, 2, 4 are the changes in Version 1.7.0, and 3 is the addition in Version 1.7.1.
Get the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III at B&H.
Canon has issued a service notice for the Canon EOS R10.
Issue
A small number of units of the EOS R10 camera may exhibit a loud crackling sound when the built-in flash is used.
Affected Product
If the first two digits of the camera’s serial number are between 01 and 10, the camera may be affected. The serial number is located at the bottom of the camera. Use the search feature at Canon Australia to further identify affected product.
Support
A free inspection/repair service will be offered to customers with the affected cameras.
Canon AU indicates that the period of accepting free repairs will begin on or before March 31, 2025.
From Canon Australia:
Customers who use the EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM interchangeable lens for digital SLR and mirrorless cameras
It has been discovered that a small number of the EF 50 mm f/1.2 L USM interchangeable lens for digital SLR and mirrorless cameras are affected by the following issue. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers using this product.
Issue
When shooting in high-temperature environments, the intended exposure level may not be achieved, resulting in fluctuations in the brightness of the images captured in the same scene or an error message (“Err01”) may be displayed.
Affected Product
A small number of units of the EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM interchangeable lens for digital SLR and mirrorless cameras that were manufactured in 2022 are affected. If the first four digits of the 10-digit serial number imprinted on the lens body are “1840”, “1940”, “2040”, “2140”, or “2240”, the lens is affected.
*Units with serial numbers imprinted on the mount are not affected.
Support
A free repair service will be offered to customers with the affected lenses.
Period of Accepting Free Repairs
On or before 31 March 2026
From Canon Inc.:
Canon Publishes Annual Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2022
TOKYO, March 30, 2023—Canon Inc. announced today that it has published the Annual Report 2022, a consolidated financial report summarizing its financial results for 2022.
This report includes the CEO's message and business strategies based on the Excellent Global Corporation Plan Phase VI, a medium- to long-term management program. In addition, with regard to non-financial information on ESG and other corporate activities, Canon incorporates many photographs and graphs to explain Canon's initiatives in an easy-to-understand manner.
Jump to page 15 in the PDF (page 12 in the report) for the Imaging Group.
"We expect the interchangeable-lens digital camera market to remain solid, supported by firm demand from users who enjoy shooting photos and videos, primarily professionals and advanced amateur photographers who demand high-quality images. To meet the diverse needs of users, we will continuously bring to the market entry-level to professional use cameras that offer improved performance as well as interchangeable lenses to revitalize the market as the leading camera company. We are currently expanding our lineup of mirrorless cameras in order to secure the No.1 position in this field as well."
Just posted: Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens Review.
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Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | WEX
Canon EOS R5 C firmware update version 1.0.3.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.3.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R5 C at B&H.
From Canon Inc.:
Canon celebrates 20th consecutive year of No. 1 share of global interchangeable-lens digital camera market
TOKYO, March 28, 2023—Canon Inc. announced today that the company's interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 20 consecutive years1 from 2003 to 2022.
Canon develops the key imaging system components featured in its EOS series of digital interchangeable-lens cameras—CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses—under the core concept of, "Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality." Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup—from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy high-image-quality shooting with easy operation, as well as a rich selection of RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression—Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.
During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, became the engine for growth in the digital SLR market, capturing the top share of the global market and heralding the age of digital SLR cameras. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon's desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018, that includes the EOS R5—the first camera to feature 8K video recording2—released in July 2020 and the EOS R3 in November 2021, which features tracking of fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting performance. In addition, Canon launched the EOS VR System, designed to record video for virtual reality content, in December 2021.
In 2022, Canon announced the EOS R7 (released in June 2022) and EOS R10 (released in July 2022) the first APS-C size models in the EOS R Series, and the EOS R6 Mark II full-frame camera (released in December 2022) that features advanced AF functionality and superb video capabilities, alongside six new RF lenses3. While further expanding its lineup Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 20th consecutive year.
Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies while further strengthening and expanding the EOS series of cameras and RF/EF series of lenses, opening up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo
and video culture.1 Based on a Canon survey.
2 Among digital interchangeable-lens cameras released prior to July 8, 2020.
3 In 2022, Canon released the following six digital interchangeable lenses: RF800mm F5.6 L IS USM (May), RF1200mm F8 L IS USM (May), RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (June), RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM (June), RF24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM (August), RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (August).
20th anniversary retrospective video (Some product names vary depending on region)
EOS Digital Rebel version:
EOS 300D Version:
Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results from the Canon EOS R7 are now available on the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens page.
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | WEX
Just posted: Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review
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Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.
"Capture One 23 (16.1.2) is a service release containing multiple bug fixes and improvements, along with feature updates to Capture One Live. Plus additions to both camera and lens support."
Get the full details of this update in the release notes.
New Cameras Supported
New Lenses Supported
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens
Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens
Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens
Get Capture One 23 at B&H.
Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs measurements, are now available on the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.
Check out the performance of this tiny, lightweight, affordable lens.
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The RF 24-50's estimated ship date is Tue, Apr 18 per B&H and Canon.
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.
This much graffiti on the walls corresponds to a sketchy environment, right? Not here.
Street legal graffiti is the draw to Graffiti Alley in Baltimore, and Graffiti Alley is a sure thing graffiti photography location (though non-family-friendly content is sometimes created).
Filling the frame with unique color is not a challenge here, but figuring out what compositions are appealing amongst the chaos is. While I was challenged, the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens provided the full range of desired focal lengths.
A larger version of this image is available here.
The grand George Peabody Library in Baltimore screams for an ultra-wide-angle lens. While many Sony wide-angle lenses would easily handle this job, the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens is the only Sony full-frame standard zoom lens that takes in angles of view this wide.
The other requirement for photographing this architectural marvel is working around the no tripod requirement. The interior is dark, so obtaining the highest image quality requires support.
When is a tripod not a tripod? On this day, the Really Right Stuff TFA-01 Ultra Pocket Pod with a BPC-16 Microball with Panning was no-tripod acceptable.
When photographing a symmetrical scene, find center. Use a perfectly centered and horizontally level camera. Or, don't. Make the composition uncentered enough to make it the uncenteredness and crookedness appear to be a clear decision, artistic instead of sloppy.
A larger version of this image is available here.
From DxO:
DxO PureRAW 3, the groundbreaking RAW photo enhancement software, gives photographers incredible image quality thanks to DeepPRIME XD
Together with innovative DeepPRIME XD — eXtreme Detail — denoising technology, this major new version of DxO’s award-winning RAW processing software delivers greater control without reducing the‘one-click’ functionality that users love. It also features pivotal upgrades to the user interface, making workflow even smoother.
Paris (France): DxO Labs, the company which kick-started modern RAW processing and lens correction, today announces the immediate availability of DxO PureRAW 3, its revolutionary RAW enhancement software. PureRAW 3 optimizes the quality of any RAW image by eliminating noise, improving color, enhancing detail and correcting lens flaws. DxO PureRAW 3 now features DxO’s latest artificial intelligence technology, DeepPRIME XD, delivering industry-leading noise reduction and RAW image enhancement; greater control over which corrections are applied through DxO’s renowned Optics Modules; and user interface modifications that offer improved integration with every photographer’s workflow.
DxO DeepPRIME technology gets even better — and for Fujifilm photographers, too! DxO PureRAW set the standard for noise reduction and image improvements – but the introduction of DeepPRIME XD pushes performance even further. By using a larger neural network than regular DeepPRIME, DeepPRIME XD delivers greater levels of detail, improved color accuracy, and smoother, noise-free bokeh when shooting at even the highest ISO levels.
With DeepPRIME XD, photographers report improvements of more than 2.5 stops in noise performance. For example, images shot at ISO 4000 more closely resemble those captured at ISO 500 in terms of noise, color, and clarity.
Because noise reduction is performed as part of the RAW conversion process, DeepPRIME XD can also improve the dynamic range of an image, giving photographers greater flexibility when shooting in challenging situations where light is limited. The original DeepPRIME mode remains part of DxO PureRAW 3 for images that demand less enhancement or where faster performance is required.
“DeepPRIME almost surprised us when we first saw the results,” explains DxO’s VP of Marketing and Product Strategy, Jean-Marc Alexia. “We quickly realized that a larger neural network could boost performance, and that’s what we’ve delivered with DeepPRIME XD. This technology pushes the boundaries even further, and DxO PureRAW 3 will revolutionize any photographer’s images — and without disrupting their existing workflow.”
Until today, DeepPRIME XD did not process RAW files from cameras with an X-Trans sensor. However, with DxO PureRAW 3, Fujifilm X Series photographers will be delighted to learn that their cameras are supported, a development reflected in DxO PhotoLab 6.4, also released today. As a result, X-Trans images can undergo incredible noise reduction, remarkable detail enhancement, and the restoration of accurate colors, especially when shooting at high ISO levels.
Power is nothing without control
As well as greater performance, DxO PureRAW 3 gives photographers a new level of control. The software’s updated interface now offers options for levels of lens softness correction, as well as the ability to toggle vignetting and chromatic aberration corrections. Furthermore, photographers can access the whole image area captured by the sensor, avoiding the crop enforced by other software when correcting deformations.
Interface improvements for a smoother workflow
DxO PureRAW 3 also introduces a number of improvements when it comes to workflow. Users can create multiple queues when batch processing large numbers of files, with the option to edit, re-order, and prioritize both images and queue lists while processing is underway. In addition, photographers can now choose to export files in TIFF format, alongside the existing JPEG and Linear DNG options.
Try DxO PureRAW 3 for free at DxO Software.