Canon and Sony News for Sep 2018 (Page 5)

From X-Right:

An extra-large reference target to speed up color correction and save hours in post-production for filmmakers, DITs, editors and colorists.

X-Rite Incorporated, the world leader in color management and measurement technologies, today announces the addition of the new ColorChecker Video XL to the ColorChecker family. For longer and wider shots, this extra-large format color reference target speeds up video production for more consistent and accurate color from capture to edit.

Given the popularity of the X-Rite ColorChecker Video and Video Passport targets among filmmakers and editors, adding a larger target for longer, wider and aerial shots was a logical addition to the family. Often the distance between the camera and the subject is too great, or the angle is too wide, to effectively capture a smaller target. With ColorChecker Video XL, users can increase capture resolution for post, maintain the same lighting conditions falling on their subject, eliminate the need to move the camera closer or adjust focal length, and minimize color casting from surrounding light.

Perfect for large production sets, event filmmaking, and aerial filmmaking, the ColorChecker Video XL allows users to accurately check highlights, shadows and mid-tones, match multiple cameras and achieve accurate color balance.

It provides the same chromatic colors, skin tones and gray reference chips of the standard size ColorChecker Video, but is twice as large, measuring 23” x 19.5” x 0.12’”(53.3 x 37.5 x 0.3 cm). All X-Rite ColorChecker Video targets work with popular filmmaking tools like waveforms, vectorscopes, and zebras.

“Filmmakers and photographers tell stories with their images. Along with light, color plays an essential role in these stories. We want to make sure they tell their story as perfectly as possible, which means starting from an ideal neutral place,” said Liz Quinlisk, Marketing Director Photo & Video, X-Rite. “Time is money, and the new ColorChecker Video XL helps filmmakers get to their creative look faster with less wasted time. No matter how big their story is we now have the right target size for every situation.”

X-Rite ColorChecker Video XL is available as a stand-alone color reference target or combined with two forms of added protection – a choice of a simple carry sleeve or a more robust, fully configurable carrying case.

X-Rite’s ColorChecker Video XL and protective accessories are now available through the global photo and video reseller network.

B&H carries X-Rite ColorChecker products.

From Sigma:

SIGMA 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art for SIGMA (v.1.01) and Canon (v.2.01)

This firmware corrects the phenomenon that the AF performance occasionally becomes unstable when used via SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11.

This firmware improves the AF speed in certain combinations with some cameras.

This firmware allows compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function to enable correction matching the optical characteristics of each lens*. It also corrects the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when the function is enabled. This firmware also improves the AF speed in certain combinations with some cameras.

* Compatible Canon camera models: EOS-1DX Mark II, EOS 5Ds, EOS 5DsR, EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 6D mark II, EOS 80D, EOS 8000D (EOS Rebel T6s, EOS 760D), EOS 9000D (EOS 77D), EOS Kiss X8i (EOS Rebel T6i, EOS 750D), EOS Kiss X9i (EOS Rebel T7i, EOS 800D), EOS Kiss X9 (EOS Rebel SL2, EOS 200D)

Sigma USB Dock: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

GUANGDONG, CHINA—AUGUST 30, 2018—CamFi, maker of wireless camera controllers, today announced that it is adding the focus stacking feature for Sony a7 iii and Sony a7 riii cameras. This feature is part of the company’s latest upgrade to their app. Both of CamFi CF102 and CamFi Pro now support focus stacking.

"The latest Sony cameras are really good," said Mark Ma, CEO of CamFi. “The new features of these two cameras can significantly improve a photographer’s productivity. We hope Sony will add these features by upgrading the firmware to their other cameras as well. Many photographers can benefit from it."

The focus stacking lets photographers shoot an object from near to far automatically. It does not limit the number of steps taken, as long as the lens can support it. It is an important feature for micro photography and real estate photography.

The new CamFi update also adds a touch focus feature, which allows the user to touch the mobile or tablet screen to set the proper focus. Manual focus is also supported. The photographer can use the >,>>,>>> buttons on the app to adjust the focus precisely. The photographer can also use “zoom in” and “zoom out” to check focus on the large tablet screen. The speed of bracketing is improved as well. The interval between each shot has been reduced from the original 4 seconds to 2 seconds.

Amazon carries the CamFi CF102 and CamFi Pro.

From the Patrick Murphy-Racey YouTube Channel:

I spent two days at the US Open shooting the Sony A9 with the new Sony FE400mm f/2.8GM lens that is due to ship at the end of September of 2018. I used wide area AF as well as face detection. After almost 30 years shooting sports as a pro, it was fantastic to not worry about the AF grabbing the net all the time. I was free to compose on the fly and use the entire sensor area. It was a "joystick-free zone" that netted me a some nice images. Many thanks to my son Patrick Daniel for helping me out with explaining "face-detect AF." Settings, for you geeks out there: Manual exposure, f/2.8 always in every situation, I try not to drop below 1/2500th shutter speed so as to try to stop the action but 1/4000th is where things really look good. Wide Area AF, Face Detect On, back button AF on AF-ON button, I shot sometimes with the 1.4x TC if the player was really far away, but I also used the APS-C function to "punch in" to 1.5X with no light loss. My AF sensitivity is always set to 5.

B&H carries the Sony a9 and has the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens available for preorder.

From Nikon:

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

Some users of the COOLPIX W300 and the COOLPIX W300s digital camera have indicated that while shooting a series of images with their COOLPIX W300 or W300s camera to create a time-lapse movie, the focus position, which should lock when the first image is taken, may shift. Nikon’s review of this matter has confirmed that this issue may occur with some subjects under certain lighting conditions.

To address this issue Nikon is currently developing a firmware update that will resolve this issue. Please continue to check this website for further updates on this issue.

Once again, thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

From Skylum:

Bellevue, WA – September 6, 2018 — Photolemur, a leader in AI technology in the photography industry and a winner of the 2018 Red Dot Award for High Design Quality, has released pre-order details for the latest product launch: Photolemur 3 With Photolemur, Skylum has taken the concept of photo enhancement back down to Earth, bringing the complex process of photo editing to the hands of mass consumers all over the world. The software has been developed with regular folks in mind, camera users who might not have the time for or a good grasp of editing, from amateur and beginner photographers to moms, bloggers, and occasional shooters.

Designed as an intelligent automated photo assistant that enhances images in the same way a professional photographer would, but much quicker than any standard editing software, Photolemur only requires its users to drag and drop an image. It takes care of the rest by automatically making pro-level enhancements and adjustments to the image within minutes. Photolemur uses 14 different AI technologies to think for itself, analyzing what aspects of a photo need to be tweaked to bring the image to its best. It saves its users from going through the long editing process or relying on unintelligent filters that aren’t exactly tailor-made for that particular image. The software is proving to be a gamechanger in the photography space, allowing everyone from basic social media users and amateur bloggers to the more seasoned pros to create the perfect photo. Photolemur is transforming the photography industry, benefitting both casual photographers and professionals, reducing an hour of complex photo editing to mere minutes.

At the heart of Photolemur is a smart engine with powerful technology that has analyzed millions of photos to find editing patterns. It enhances each photo accordingly based on those patterns. It utilizes similar technology used in manual editing software, from color recovery and noise reduction to auto color temperature and exposure compensation. Both pro photographers and casual shooters can trust its AI technology to recognize the differences in objects and make smart decisions when choosing the correct adjustments.

The software also allows users to batch enhance up to 200 photos at a time, making it a real time saver for users who don’t have a lot of hours to invest in photo editing. With this new update, Photolemur now fixes skin imperfections, whitens teeth, smoothes skin and hair, and sharpens and widens eyes, making it an ideal tool for casual photographers and social media enthusiasts.

By simplifying the editing process, seamlessly creating pro-level adjustments to any photo without any effort from its users, Photolemur is sweeping not only the photography community, but also the mass market. Photolemur is ahead of the trends in the photography industry, using its intuitive AI technology to make photo editing more accessible and to bring photography back to where it matters most, the millions of camera shooters who use it to capture memories and record important moments in their lives.

Photolemur 3 includes several updates across the software, from technology to user interface.

• Automatic face enhancement with skin retouch and teeth whitening. This feature detects and clears skin imperfections as well as whitens teeth for a more glowing portrait.
• Smart eyes enlarge. This feature analyzes your subjects’ eyes and makes eye enlargements accordingly.
• Adding styles to photos. Six new, crazily creative styles are now available to really get the look you want.
• New menu for opacity settings
• Quick access menu for face enhancement, lens correction, and eyes enlarge
• Apply settings from one image to all images in a batch, maximum 200 images
• SmugMug export for Mac

Until September 13 Photolemur 3 is available at a special pre-order price for $49 for a family license (5 activations) with a collection of bonuses. The product will be released on 14 September 2018.

Photolemur 3.0 Regular Pricing (starting on September 14):

• Current users may upgrade at a price of $19
• New users can purchase Photolemur 3.0 Family at a price of $59
• New users can purchase Photolemur 3.0 Single at a price of $39

Preorder: Photolemur 3

The available/known specs for the following new products are available in the Camera Specs and Lens Specs tools on the site:

• Canon EOS R
• Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L USM
• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 M IS
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
• Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM

Here are a few comparisons to get you started:

Canon EOS R vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS R vs. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L USM vs. Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM vs. Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro vs. Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs. Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

From Canon USA:

Canon Also Introduces Three RF Mount Adapters, Providing EF & EF-S Lenses with Full Compatibility and Enhanced Functionality with the New EOS R Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Helping to rewrite the rules of visual expression, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced a variety of new RF lenses and accessories to accompany the newly announced EOS R Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera System. The four new RF lenses are built around Canon’s new RF mount, which features a large 54mm diameter and shorter back focus distance than on current EOS DSLR cameras. The new RF mount enables new possibilities in optical design and lens formulation, allowing for faster and lighter lenses with higher performing optics.

The four new lenses, the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, RF 50mm F1.2 L USM, RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM capitalize on the robust optic foundation of Canon’s new EOS R system. The design behind Canon’s new EOS R camera and RF lens system started with the concept of the optimal rear lens element diameter and shorter distance (back focus) for a Full-Frame image sensor.

With over 130 million EF lenses in circulation since Canon launched the mount in 1987*, the Company is enhancing the possibilities for its loyal customers who own and love their EF glass. Canon is introducing three RF Lens Mount Adapters that expand the capabilities of existing EF lenses when paired with the EOS R camera. The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R allows photographers to utilize the full breadth of Canon’s EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses on the newly introduced EOS R camera system. The Control Ring Mount Adapter adds a customizable control ring via the adapter that provides photographers with added functionality to their fingertips. The Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter now easily places circular polarizing or variable neutral density filters behind the lens, opening up new options for lenses such as the EF 11-24mm where using optical filters were previously not an option.

“Knowing exceptional optics are a vital tool in shaping the image a photographer captures, Canon designed the EOS R camera system from the ground up with optics as the starting point,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is very excited about the world-class optics we have developed to marry with the new RF mount. With our rich history and more than 130 million EF lenses being used across the globe, Canon optics will continue to be at the forefront of our digital imaging development now and into the future.”

New Canon RF Series Lenses

Three of the newly announced Canon RF lenses are counted among Canon’s top-of-the-line L-series optics; incorporating rugged, dust and water-resistant construction. All four new RF lenses feature a customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO.

The Canon RF 28—70mm F2 L USM lens, the world’s first standard zoom lens with an f/2 aperturei is excellent for capturing landscapes, weddings and portraits with its large aperture for stunning bokeh. Initial testing within Canon has shown this new lens to produce better optical image quality and sharpness over similar focal length EF-series lenses, including the extremely popular and highly regarded EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.

A portrait photographer’s must-have, the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM lens sports an ultra large-diameter f/1.2 aperture and Canon’s Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology to dramatically reduce flares and ghosting.

Photographers seeking an all-around utility lens for the new EOS R camera system need to look no further than the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens. Coming in nine percent shorter in length than the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, this compact lens employs a CIPA standard of 5 stops of IS and is equipped with NANO USM technology, the first L-series lens with the technology. This small chip-shaped ultrasonic motor is engineered to help deliver high-speed, smooth, precise and near-silent operation, plus full-time manual focus (when using one-shot AF).

A fast, wide-angle single focus lens, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM lens is an excellent option for photographers looking for an affordable compact lens. Featuring a maximum shooting magnification of 0.5x, the lens can easily shoot macro photography of subjects such as flowers, food and even insects. The lens also utilizes a CIPA standard of 5 stops of IS and is compatible with Hybrid IS, compensating for both angular and shift camera shake.

Enhanced Capabilities for Canon EF Lenses

Thanks to its large lens mount design, Canon’s new EOS R series camera system delivers new capabilities in both design and function, but for existing Canon lens owners it does something incredible. It enhances the capabilities of existing EF and EF-S lenses with full compatibility and in some cases, enhanced functionality when paired with one of three RF mount adapters.

Canon lenses are historically top-rated, and the Company is looking to help customers gain even more value in their investment with three new RF mount adapters.

• The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is a standard adapter that provides full compatibility with EF lenses. Autofocus, metadata, and Optical Image Stabilization on EF lenses all continue to work seamlessly with the new EOS R camera through this adapter.
• The Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R continues full EF lens compatibility with the addition of a customizable control ring. Functions that can be assigned and adjusted by the control ring include aperture, shutter speed, ISO speed and exposure compensation.
• In addition to full EF lens compatibility, the Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R allows for lens filters to be used behind any EF lens and help photographers conveniently utilize variable ND and circular polarizing filters with any EF lens.

New Speedlite Series

Canon is also introducing a new compact and lightweight Speedlite, the EL-100. Designed for photographers who are just beginning to use an external flash or are in need of a secondary unit, the new Speedlite delivers both soft and natural lighting reproduction. In addition, the EL-100 can rotate upwards and to the left and right enabling photographers to bounce the flash off of nearby ceilings, walls or surfaces.

Additional Features of the Canon Speedlite EL-100 include:

• Maximum Guide Number of Approx. 85 ft./26m at ISO 100
• 24mm Wide-angle Coverage
• Optical Wireless Flash Function (Sender and Receiver)
• Flash Exposure Control Including Support for Stroboscopic Flash and Continuous Shooting Camera-linked Functions Including Interlocked External Flash Power On/Off
• Mode Dial with AUTO Position

Availability and Pricing

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM will be available in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2299. The Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM, RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM will all be available for purchase in December 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2999, $1099 and $499.99 respectively.

The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R will be available for purchase in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $99.99 and $199.99 respectively. The Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R will all be available for purchase in February 2019 for an estimated retail price of $399.99 with a variable ND filter or $299.99 with a circular polarizing filter.

The Canon Speedlite EL-100 will be available for purchase in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $199.99.

Preorders (when available)

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon Speedlite EL-100 - B&H | Adorama | Wex

From Canon USA:

Optical Innovation Inspires the Next Leap Forward in Imaging

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the next revolution in the company’s long history of innovative and award-winning camera systems, the EOS R system featuring the newly designed RF mount. Recognizing the need to advance optical design, the Company sought to create a versatile and powerful new system that supports all current EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lensesi, and also provides the optical advancements and engineering flexibility to build upon for years to come.

When Canon set forth to develop a new interchangeable lens camera system, they focused on three core optical principles: high-image quality, high-specification performance, and compact design. Recognizing that optics is the foundation for any camera system, the RF mount was conceived to open new doors in optical design. Canon’s new RF mount features the same size diameter as the EF mount (54mm) and shorter back focus distance. This allows for lenses to sit closer to the sensor (the focal plane) and allowed Canon optical engineers to reimagine lens design utilizing larger rear lens elements to produce an image on the full-frame sensor. This new optical formula has paved the way for higher performing lenses. In addition, the Canon RF mount features a high-speed 12-pin communication system that provides faster and more in-depth communication between the camera and lens over existing Canon mount systems.

The EOS R system is designed for full, uninhibited compatibility with all existing EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses through the use of mount adaptersii. In addition, through the use of the optional Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter or Control Ring Mount Adapter these lenses, in fact, gain functionality.

“There has never been a time in history in which visual expression has been so prolific. Imaging, both still and video, are the communication mediums of today’s society. Much in the same way we learned to type in the past, today’s youth are skilled in shooting, editing, and visual storytelling in ways that only the masters of each craft were decades ago,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Knowing this, we needed to step back and design a system that delivers all the creative expression and functionality today’s youth crave, now and in the years to come.”

The First in a New System: The EOS R

The new Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera features a 30.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that is powered by the Company’s latest image processor, DIGIC 8, enabling shooting at up to 8.0 frames per secondiii. The new camera inherits a lot from Canon’s legacy in both EOS and Cinema EOS. Video storytellers can capture stunning 4K UHD video up to 30fps and record in 10-bit 4:2:2 (with an external recorder). The EOS R also comes with the ability to shoot Canon Log, providing 12 stops of dynamic range, minimal loss of detail in shadows and highlighted areas and an increased range of choices when color grading. Users with an existing collection of Canon lenses will be excited to know that all EF and EF-S lens are compatible with the camera. In order to do so, photographers and videographers can choose between using one of three new mount adapters, each uniquely designed to meet the individual needs of the user.

The new Canon EOS R camera features Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus with 5,655 manually selectable AF pointsiv, supporting AF at up to f/11 with a 384 zone (24x16) real-time metering system. With f/1.2 lenses, the camera astonishingly boasts AF sensitivity in low light in as little as EV-6. When using the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens with the EOS R, the camera can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds with Dual Pixel CMOS AFv, making it the fastest autofocus speed in the worldvi. These features provide photographers and videographers with Canon’s most advanced AF system to date. The EOS R also features a silent shutter setting when shooting in single-shot mode; an important feature for those who need to capture imagery without disrupting the scene. An upcoming free firmware update will enable silent shutter in continuous shooting mode as well.

“The EOS R system is not just a new camera or a new lens mount, it is a new design that will allow us to produce visual tools that were previously impossible, and allow our customers to tell their stories with greater depth, richness of color, and creative flexibility, in optically stunning ways.” states Kazuto Ogawa.

Thoughts From the First Users

“I think every camera system has its place and it’s all about having the right tool for the job,” reported acclaimed outdoor photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Jimmy Chin. “The new EOS R system for me in particular is very useful for the kind of shooting that I do in the mountains, where I need to worry about the size and weight. Having the option to use the new RF lenses or the EF lenses is really great.”

“I was instantly impressed with how quickly the EOS R was able to focus,” remarked celebrated fashion photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Lindsay Adler. “Whether my subject was moving or I was shooting in near-complete darkness, I had no problem getting tack-sharp focus in every shot. It was a relief to know my gear wasn’t going to hold me back from executing my vision, but instead it would really help me to execute this vision.”

“For us, it's all about getting the shot no one else can get, and a lot of this has to do with the camera,” says Devin Graham, director and filmmaker behind YouTube’s DevinSuperTramp. “The new EOS R will become one of our main cameras. It has a very small footprint, yet is able to create amazing images. As for the lenses, the new RF 28-70mm F2 has just become one of my all-time favorites. I’ll be bringing it on every project.”

Conveniently placed just to the right of the EVF, Canon has introduced a new Multi-Function Bar that will allows users to more easily access their customizable settings, such as AF, ISO and White Balance. Users will have the option to either slide or tap the bar to gain access to the settings and adjust on-the-go as they deem necessary depending on each particular shooting situation.

Answering the demand for enhanced mobile editing of RAW image files, Canon is also announcing a new application, Digital Photo Professional Express (DPP Express). In combination with an updated Canon Camera Connect App, DPP Express enables users to send, view, edit and process CR3 RAW files on their iPadvii. A free download of the app will be available October 2018.

Additional noteworthy features of the EOS R Camera include:

• RF Mount Compatible with RF Lenses and EF/EF-S Lenses
• Built-in EVF with 3.69 Million Dots, Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD and Dot-matrix LCD Panel
• ISO range of 100-40,000, expandable to 102,400
• USB 3.1 in-camera charging support
• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi providing easy sharing to compatible smart devices and social media sites
• Single UHS-II SD card slot
• CR3(RAW/C-RAW) and Dual Pixel RAW Support
• Dust and weather resistant

Availability and Pricing

The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available in October 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2299 for the body only. It will also be sold as a body-and-lens kit with the new RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $3399.

Preorders (when available)

Canon EOS R (Body) - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon EOS R with RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon BG-E22 Battery Grip for EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Wex

From Canon USA:

New Compact and Lightweight EF Super-Telephoto Lenses Are Well Suited for a Variety of Photographers’ Needs

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Most professional photographers need to carry multiple lenses in their camera bags. Helping to lighten their load, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduces two new super-telephoto lenses, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM. Both lenses possess a dramatic weight reduction and high-image quality, making it ideal for shooters to easily transport and capture images during action-driven scenarios, such as sports and wildlife. Both lenses now hold the title of world’s lightest in their respective focal length*. The weight of the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lenses has been reduced by 2.2 lbs. (more than 25 percent) and 1.9 lbs. (more than 20 percent) respectively.

“When developing updates to some of Canon’s most popular legacy lenses, one common question that is asked by photographers was ‘can they be lighter,’” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The significant reduction of weight in these two lenses addresses this customer need and delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality optics .”

The new lenses are must-haves for advanced and professional photographers shooting wildlife, aviation, sports and news with Canon’s new EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera (with use of one of the three new Canon mount adapters), as well the EOS 1D and 5D series of DSLR Cameras. Both lenses feature two of Canon’s most advanced propriety lens technologies - Air Sphere Coating (ASC) and Super Spectra Coating (SSC), helping to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppressing the reflection of light, leading to vivid images. These updated lenses inherit the excellent overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect and admire from the Canon EF L series of lenses. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been improved for both lenses, from 2.7m to 2.5m (8.8ft to 8.2ft) for the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and 4.5m to 4.2m (14.8ft to 13.8ft) for the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM.

Additional noteworthy features of the lenses include:

• Upgraded Optical Image Stabilization from three-and-a-half stops to five shutter speed stops1 of correction over the previous f/2.8 lens
• Improved, flexible focus control with a customizable electronic-focus ring
• Two fluorite lenses and one super UD lens, helping to provide high image quality
• Circular nine-blade aperture
• 17 lens elements in 13 groups
• Heat-shielding paint helps prevent lens temperature from rising during excessive exposure to sun
• Fluorine coating on front and rear optical elements, helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor

Availability and Pricing

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 with an estimated retail price of $11,999. The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM is scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 for an estimated retail price of $12,999.

Preorders (when available)

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced a new EF-M wide angle fixed-focal-length lens, the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM. The EF-M lens is both compact and lightweight, serving as an ideal addition for any photographer shooting with an EOS-M series camera. Entry and enthusiast-level photographers who are passionately seeking to take their photography skills to the next-level will find this lens to be a great addition for portraiture, landscapes or general travel photography.

“As Canon continues to expand the company’s EF-M lineup, it is very important that users are provided the tools they desire for a variety of shooting situations,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens delivers great image quality in a compact and lightweight form factor, allowing photographers to capture the images they envision when they pick up their camera.”

Additional noteworthy features of the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens include:

• 14 elements in eight groups, including a glass molded aspherical lens
• Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
• Lead gear-type STM stepping motor to help provide smooth and quiet focus operation when taking photos, and near-silence when shooting video
• Wide focusing ring with full-time manual focus capabilities
• Compact and lightweight design: maximum diameter of 60.9mm, total length of 50.5mm and approximate weight of 235g
• Maximum magnification of 0.25x and minimum focusing distance of 0.23m

Availability and Pricing

The EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM will be available for purchase in late September 2018 for an estimated retail price of $479.99*. Included accessories for the new lens are Canon lens cap E-43, lens hood ES-60 and lens case LP-1014.

Preorders (when available)

Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Wex

Much more to come!

Of course, we'll have more info as it becomes available. Stay tuned.

Update: Check out this very detailed Canon EOS R System White Paper (.PDF, 50.6MB) hosted by the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Other Canon EOS R Videos

• Canon EOS R Announcement Event
• Discover the New Canon EOS R System with Rudy Winston
• EOS R x RF Lenses
• EOS R - Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• EOS R - Operability
• Canon EOS R System: 4K & More
• EOS R Movie Shooting by Hiro Matsuzaki
• Behind-the-scenes with Hiro Matsuzaki
• Low Light Photography – Daniel Etter x EOS R

Stay tuned for big news!

Canon Hong Kong asks, "Are you ready?" They seem to be indicating something interesting happening on September 5. Hmm....