Finally: the Canon EOS R7 body is in stock at B&H
From Canon USA:
Boundless Creativity: Canon Announces the Canon EOS R6 Mark II Hybrid Full-Frame Camera
New RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens and Speedlite EL-5 Flash Unit Also Announced
MELVILLE, NY, November 2, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the launch of the new EOS R6 Mark II camera body, Canon’s new hybrid full-frame camera, and the first EOS R series full-frame mirrorless to take the step into the second generation. In addition, Canon is also introducing the new RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM mid-telephoto portrait lens and Speedlite EL-5 flash unit.
Ideal for advanced amateurs and featuring user-friendly functions, the EOS R6 Mark II camera is a high-performance hybrid camera that’s designed to capture decisive moments in both photo and video formats. It will satisfy a wide range of needs including professional production, vlogging, still pictures, filmmaking, and more. The camera is also well-suited for various photography subjects such as portrait, landscape, sports and wildlife. With the EOS R6 Mark II camera, creativity has virtually no borders.
As the market share leader for mirrorless cameras in the United States through Q3 of 2022[i], Canon continues to strengthen its innovative EOS R lineup with the new EOS R6 Mark II camera. The EOS R6 Mark II offers enhanced video and photo functions, such as in-body Image Stabilization, as well as specifications that can satisfy video production needs, such as controlled focusing.
“As a filmmaker who is always on the move, I need a camera I can trust in a multitude of environments as well as keeping up with my fast paced style of shooting and the new Canon EOS R6 Mark II does just that.” said Canon Co-Lab Creator, Sam Newton.
In addition to its compact size and ease of use, the EOS R6 Mark II camera also features:
Alongside the new camera body, Canon has announced a new addition to its growing line of innovative RF lenses – the RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM. This is a fixed focal length mid-telephoto portrait lens that is compatible with any EOS R-series camera. The RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM achieves beautiful and generous bokeh with the large-diameter F1.8 and comes equipped with in-lens Image Stabilization. The coordinated control of this IS coupled with the in-body IS present in the EOS R6 Mark II camera and other EOS R equipped IBIS cameras helps reduce camera shake and empowers photographers to express a feel of motion when shooting in dark areas with slow shutter speeds.
“The image quality and super smooth bokeh out of the new RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM lens is absolutely spectacular and superior to the EF version.” said Canon Explorer of Light, Vanessa Joy.
Additionally, Canon has announced the new Speedlite EL-5 flash unit, designed for superior compatibility with the new EOS R6 Mark II. The Speedlite EL-5 is Canon’s first flash product compatible with the new multi-function shoe present in the EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R7 and EOS R10 cameras.
“The new Canon Speedlite EL-5 flash will give that magical kiss of light that brings a picture to life and illuminates your creative vision.” said Canon Explorer of Light, Bob Davis.
Price & Availability
Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body only and kits with either the Canon RF24-105 F4 L IS USM or the RF24-105 F4.0-7.1 IS STM USM lens will be available in late November 2022 for estimated retail prices of $2499.00, $3599.00 and $2799.00 respectively*.
The Canon RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM will be available in late January 2023 for an estimated retail price of $2099.00*.
The Canon Speedlite EL-5 flash unit will be available in late March 2023 for an estimated retail price of $399.99*.
Orders
Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R6 Mark II from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Order the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Order the Canon Speedlite EL-5 from B&H
# # #
[i] The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., Detachable Lens Cameras, Digital Lens Type: Mirrorless, Jan.- Sept. 2022 combined.
[ii] Effectiveness varies depending on the subject. In some cases, dogs, cats or birds may not be detected, while some animals other than dogs, cats or birds may be detected.
[iii] CIPA standards compliant, using RF24-105 F4 L IS USM as the lens, with a focal length of 105mm.
* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
The fall foliage timing aligned with the weather forecast on this day.
The beech trees in the canyons at Ricketts Glen State Park were in their peak yellow color, with some early leaf drop adding color to the ground. The latter is sometimes as important as the prior.
The weather forecast? Cold, windy, and very cloudy, with snow and rain expected. That combination meant few people to work around and perfect lighting. It was one of those clear-the-schedule scenarios.
I went to RGSP with three specific images on the hit list. This image of Triangle Falls was one of those priorities. Triangle falls is always interesting, and the beech trees in the background were bright yellow. Moving in close to the relatively small falls made it large in perspective, and the white water leaving the falls created leading lines.
The Canon EOS R5 and RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens were selected for this image. That combination was mounted on a Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ball Head and TVC-24L Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod.
Sometimes the picture does not tell the full story. What you don't see here is that the rock I'm standing on is as slippery as ice and the tripod is in the fast-flowing water. A lighter or less-rigid tripod would not have created sharp images, and once I caught the camera, lens, and tripod being washed away by the current. There's nothing like an adrenaline rush to keep one going after a long day.
A Breakthrough Photography circular polarizer filter and light rain are responsible for this image's deep saturated colors.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Canon has released third quarter 2022 financial results to the Investor Relations page.
Presentation Material
Results
Supplementary Data
Imaging System Relevant Quotes from the Presentation Material
However, in the third quarter, by further promoting design changes and the procurement of alternative parts, we were largely able to produce products in the volume we planned for. The increase in product supply led to higher unit sales in each business and coupled with the yen’s depreciation, revenue increased for the seventh consecutive quarter, to 996.1 billion yen or 19.5%.
As for operating profit, which measures the results of core business activities, in addition to the increase in sales volume and the yen’s depreciation, by partially reflecting the rise in material and logistical costs in selling prices, sales significantly increased to 81.4 billion yen or 38.7%.
Due to rapid depreciation of the yen, we incurred foreign exchange losses on foreigncurrency-denominated borrowings of the parent company made through the Group’s internal financing system. Though this caused income before income taxes to be down slightly, net income rose 9.7% to 54.1 billion yen.
As for Imaging, the unit sales of interchangeable lens cameras, through a recovery in product supply, thanks to the same abatement of material shortages, returned to growth. This and continued strong sales of interchangeable lenses, contributed to a 32% increase in revenue. As for operating profit, an increase in the proportion of sales attributable to the highly profitable EOS R system of mirrorless cameras and lenses, increased profitability to 18.0%.
As for the global economy, we have not been seeing any signs that historically high inflation, due to the shortage of goods and rise in energy costs, is abating. And for the foreseeable future, we expect monetary tightening and economic slowdown around the world to continue.
In contrast, we are not seeing any significant change in demand for cameras and commercial printing.
Demand for cameras remains solid, even amid economic slowdown, thanks to the launch of new mirrorless models and interchangeable lenses by each company. As a result, we expect the market in 2022 to be 5.45 million units, a slight increase compared to last year. In the third quarter, thanks to the higher volume of product supply and the addition of new models, namely the EOS R7 and EOS R10, mirrorless cameras that incorporate APS-C size sensors, we posted double-digit growth in unit sales, and coupled with an increase in lens sales, a significant increase in overall revenue.
Regarding our unit sales projection for the full year, we maintained our previous projection of 2.8 million units as we will not be able to supply enough products to meet demand. Going forward, we will continue to stimulate demand by steadily strengthening our lineup of EOS R series mirrorless cameras. Cameras that incorporate full-frame sensors, like the EOS R5 and EOS R6, continue to enjoy strong support from professionals and advanced amateurs. Additionally, the 2 new cameras that incorporate APS-C size sensors, with their light-weight and small form factor appeal, are encouraging users who want to enjoy serious photography to switch from SLR cameras or step up from entry models. We have also expanded our range of RF lenses to 32 models, providing users a variety of options.
Going forward, we will continue efforts to expand our market share and maintain high profitability by building a more robust EOS R system lineup.
From the Q&A:
Q3. What are the future prospects for the camera market?
A3. We expect the camera market to hover around 5 million units in the future. As many users are professionals or advanced amateurs, and as the number of applications for commercial-use increases, we expect cameras to become increasingly more high-end and more value-added.
Buy your Canon cameras, lens, and accessories at B&H.
From Tamron Japan (translated):
Notice regarding the use of the 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028)
Thank you for your continued patronage of Tamron products.
We announce that when using our 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028) interchangeable lens for single-lens reflex cameras with Canon EOS R7 / EOS R10 via an EF-EOS R adapter, the following problems occurred. We have confirmed that this phenomenon occurs, so please let us know.
phenomenon
AF may not work properly when the shutter button is half-pressed, depending on the timing of the camera power ON/OFF.
Restoration method when trouble occurs
Remove and attach the lens, then turn the camera off and on again.
We plan to address this issue with a firmware update at a later date.
Just posted: Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens Review
This lens is currently ranked 21st among the best-selling mirrorless lenses at B&H — out of 1204 lenses.
Support this site by ordering the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
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The foreground lighting in this Badlands National Park Milky Way image is courtesy of a pair of Simorr Vibe P96L RGB Video LED Lights on Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripods.
Even at their lowest intensity settings (1%), half the light face required gaffer tape to bring the overall light balance down to Milky Way levels.
Post-processing of this image primarily involved peripheral shading correction and increasing the contrast of the foreground and background independently.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update version 1.6.2 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.6.2 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III at B&H.
The key to photographing at Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park is knowing when and where to point the camera. Fortunately, there are so many good options that it is easy to get some of them right.
The simplistic and distinct erosion features seen in this image held my attention long enough to create a selection problem. Today, it was time to pick one and move on. Well, that is at least until I decide it is time to pick another one.
This scene is looking into the rising sun, with reflected light creating a warm color temperature.
While a telephoto lens may not be an obvious first-choice landscape lens, the long focal lengths often provide easy compositions even in locations with limited beauty. The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is an outstanding choice for this purpose (and Zabriskie has unlimited beauty).
A larger version of this image is available here.
It is my favorite time of the year — Fall. The landscape is taking on spectacular colors, and I feel the need to make the colors last by photographing them.
However, I frequently encounter beautiful trees in full fall color with uninspiring surroundings. The challenge is to capture the beauty without including unsupporting subjects, especially power lines, in the composition.
As the relevant example for this image, our local high school grounds have a border of large maple trees that get extraordinary color each fall. While the school property and nearby neighborhood are nice, the buildings, streets, wires, etc., are not what I'm looking for in a nature picture.
In this case, the simplest tactic is often to get out the telephoto lens and isolate a portion of the tree.
The timing of this year's peak fall leaf color coincided with the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens review. This lens has the perfect range for isolating leaves (and the excellent image quality necessary to make the shoot worthwhile).
A large tree can offer many compositions, but after moving around to figure them out, I typically come back to a small number of favorites. To find these, try zooming out to the widest focal length and then zooming in as the composition is adjusted until nothing extraneous is in the frame, and the remaining limb lines and leaf clumps are balanced. Lock the tripod head, take that shot (perhaps several if the leaves are moving in the wind), create some variations, and then zoom in further to get a different look. Then, start over, perhaps after moving to a different position.
This maple tree's foliage was not solid, meaning some background showed through. The best options were to fill the foreground tree's holes with sky or, as shown here, with a background tree across the street. Note that the horizon and other orientation-identifying subjects are not discernable in this image. In this case, it is OK to tilt the camera slightly to adjust for the available details (I keep telling myself that).
This image was captured just before the sun set. The bright red leaf color lit by warm light made the red channel the one to watch for exposure. A Breakthrough Photography circular polarizer filter reduced the reflections on the leaves, further saturating the primarily red colors.
A larger version of this image is available here.
B&H has an 8+-rated used Canon EOS R5 in stock – only $2,962.95.
B&H has used Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lenses (and others) in stock.
Learn more:
Canon EOS R5 Review
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Review
This handsome bull elk is watching his herd of cows from the forest's edge on a rainy afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Does rain keep you from your pursuit? While heavy rain hinders visibility, light rain is often not a problem. Wet foliage appears saturated, and the rain clouds create even (though dim) lighting. That combination, along with the raindrops, adds diversity to the portfolio.
Put a LensCoat rain cover on the camera and rain gear on yourself, and go out shooting.
Images captured on cloudy days or in the shade often benefit from warming the color balance — add red and subtract blue. A slight increase in vibrance brings out the colors.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Formalizing a service that has long been available? This just in from Canon USA:
Canon Precision Alignment
Canon camera systems and lenses are manufactured to extremely high precision standards for the ultimate image quality. Over time, however, small movements in components caused by frequent or heavy use can result in tiny changes in focus accuracy.
For reliable, pin-sharp focus, we can match the autofocus (AF) on select Canon lens and camera combinations. Using precision tools and expertise, we will either adjust the camera to match the lens or vice versa to restore optimal focus.
Benefits of Autofocus Alignment
Take a look at the images below to see how matching the autofocus on your lens and camera together make a difference.
Teddy Bear before Canon precision alignment
An image taken with a misaligned autofocus will appear blurry.
Teddy Bear after Canon precision alignment
An image taken with an aligned autofocus will appear sharp.
Canon Precision Alignment Service Details*
The focus can be matched to your eligible Canon camera body or lens. Alternatively, you can request your eligible camera body or lens to be focus matched to a Canon test product.
To schedule a Canon Precision Alignment, you will need to create or sign in to your Canon account, and register your product.
Disclaimers
*If, upon inspection, additional services are necessary which require the camera or lens body to be disassembled or parts to be replaced, you will receive an adjusted repair estimate to reflect the added service/parts. In this case, any estimate provided previously for the Canon Precision Alignment (CPA) will be adjusted. If you do not approve the repair estimate, repairs will not be made, your camera and/or lens will be returned to you and you will not incur any charges for Canon Precision Alignment.
Resolution Adjustment, and/or removing internal dust or debris of either the body or the lens are not covered under CPA. CPA is limited to single/center point calibration, and does not include all “peripheral” point adjustment. These services can be provided as a billable (chargeable) repair. Autofocus adjustments and/or calibration of either the body or the lens are included with CPA.
Services available on eligible Canon Digital SLR/Mirrorless cameras and EF/RF lens models only, for residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who purchased and use their eligible camera and/or lens there. Canon cameras and lenses that are past their supported service life are not considered eligible products.
Failure or malfunction not related to the original estimate is not covered under repair warranty. If a failure is identified with your product during your requested Maintenance Service, the Canon Service & Repair Center will contact you to either request a copy of your proof of purchase to validate your Canon warranty (if not already provided) or, if your product is no longer covered by its Canon warranty, to discuss chargeable repair options (i.e. fixed price repair, repair limit or time & cost estimate).
There is no repair warranty on subsequent failures or malfunctions not identified during CPA.
Just posted: Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens Review page.
Fun, but expensive, lens.
Please share!
Order the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Canon EOS R3 firmware update version 1.2.2 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.2.2 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R3 at B&H.
Canon EOS C500 Mark II firmware update version 1.0.6.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.6.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Caution:
Get the Canon EOS C500 Mark II at B&H.
Canon EOS C300 Mark III firmware update version 1.0.4.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.4.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Caution:
Get the Canon EOS C300 Mark III at B&H.
This is a case of the big being ideal for the small, the big Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens was perfect for capturing a small eastern chipmunk.
After we placed many large rocks around the house, the local chipmunk population grew significantly. These cute little animals are frequently scurrying around, and they often sit on the rocks to watch for danger and whatever else chipmunks find interesting.
The chipmunk was doing exactly what I wanted it to do. Having finished its constant chirping (what alerted me to the photo op), it was sitting on a rock in the morning sunlight doing nothing.
It gave me time to grab the RF 1200mm already mounted on an EOS R5 and a Wimberley WH-200-S Sidemount Head on a ProMediaGear TR424L Carbon Fiber Tripod and head into the front yard.
The super long focal length meant I could move into tight framing distance without spooking the chipmunk, and the still chipmunk permitted many test images (438 to be exact) from the lens.
Upon getting a solid number of images at one position, I'd move slightly to align a different background. Eventually, a rose bush added some color to the background (the 1200mm angle of view doesn't require a large background).
A sudden itch apparently prompted a quick scratching session, and that was the end of the shoot. The chipmunk left to find more breakfast.
Long shutter speeds with image stabilization were being tested when the scratching happened, meaning there was no time to change the shutter speed. However, the motion blur created a fun variation of the otherwise still-posed chipmunk.
Captured on Sabrent. Are you familiar with this company? They recently introduced CFexpress Type B and SDXC memory cards and readers. I've been working Sabrent's cards and readers into the workflow with no issues, and the low prices are especially attractive. Find these cards and readers at B&H.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Do you leave room for words?
Leaving room for words is a great excuse to pull out when focal length limited, so be sure to keep that answer ready for when the situation dictates. However, many uses for photos, especially paid uses, involve adding words.
If the subject fills the frame, overlaid words can appear awkward, with subject lines and details competing with the message. Leaving space, especially strongly blurred space, permits aesthetic message presentation.
I create invitation cards for an annual sportsman's banquet. While wildlife portrait images are plentiful in my collection, message-ready images are less so, and I've been working on changing that balance.
For this bighorn ram image, a relatively long subject distance, very distant background, long focal length, wide aperture, and low shooting position combine to provide adequate smoothly blurred space for inclusion of a message.
It is usually easier to be farther away from an animal but don't let the distance lower the quality bar. Many of the same factors important to close portraits still apply. Look for good light and body position — and spectacularly large horns are advantageous.
We encountered this big boy in Badlands National Park. Observation showed that he was eating the yellow flowers. Moving into position for the next flower patch made preparation easy.
Heatwave distortion is frequently encountered when shooting at long subject distances in direct sunlight. The solution here was to shoot many images at a fast frame rate. Periodically, a photo with a sharp sheep head was captured.
A larger version of this image is available here.
I did not set out to photograph coyotes this evening, but Rocky Mountain National Park sometimes produces the unexpected.
While waiting for a herd of elk to do something interesting, movement in the tall grass caught my eye. It didn't take long to determine that a coyote was on the hunt. However, it was mostly obscured by the grass. Autofocusing on the coyote was impossible, and focusing on the grass at precisely the same distance was nearly as challenging.
Then, the coyote made a pounce to catch a rodent. On heightened alert, I readied to hit the shutter release on the next leap. This process was mostly waiting with little shooting, but it only takes one successful sequence to get the desired image.
As the coyote cleared the grass, a Sony Alpha 1 shutter release press instantly locked the FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens's focus and tracked through the leap.
Yes, this leap also resulted in dinner for the coyote. Of course, that dinner was mostly hidden by the grass.
A larger version of this image is available here.