Canon and Sony News for Jan 2022

From Sony:

A new update to the latest version of the Visual Story app is now available for iOS (click HERE to download) and Android (click HERE to download). In addition to an overall improved user experience, the update Version 2.2 will include the following enhancements:

• iOS and Android versions of the Visual Story app will now be the same.
• Both iOS and Android versions will be able to upload videos to Live Gallery.
• Both iOS and Android versions will be able to upload video via USB direct, SD card and from the phone gallery/library.
• Improved Live Gallery and Story Gallery experience with added SNS links for sharing.

Visual Story on iOS is available to download for free HERE.

Visual Story on Android is available to download for free HERE.

Learn more about Visual Story here.

From Sony Electronics Inc.:

The Canadian Press Makes Sony Electronics its Exclusive Provider for Imaging Products

Canada’s Largest News Organization will outfit all journalists with Sony cameras and lenses

TORONTO, CANADA – January 31, 2022 – Sony Electronics, a global imaging leader, and The Canadian Press, Canada’s trusted national news agency, announced today that Sony would be the exclusive imaging products provider for the media company.

With more than 180 journalists, The Canadian Press produces real-time, bilingual multimedia news published by major digital, broadcast and print media. The switch to Sony will mean the photojournalists and videographers at The Canadian Press will use a variety of Sony cameras and lenses including the Sony Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 II products to quickly capture hundreds of powerful editorial photos and videos every day, ranging from large-scale global sporting events to local Canadian news, politics and lifestyle content.

“We are honored to announce this collaboration with The Canadian Press, a leader in delivering news and best-in-class multimedia content across Canada,” said Mark Saddleton, Sony Canada Country Head and Director of Sales. “The journalists at The Canadian Press have a front row seat for Canada’s biggest events across politics, sports and entertainment and we are delighted to support their visual storytelling.”

“Sony’s innovative technology takes the high quality of our visual journalism to a whole new level,” said Malcolm Kirk, President of The Canadian Press. “More than 600 media clients rely on our online CP Images archive as the go-to destination for contemporary and historic multimedia imagery of Canada’s people, places and events. That’s why we were looking for more than just a camera provider. We needed a true partner committed to helping us deliver first-rate visual journalism.”

“Sony’s commitment goes beyond providing lightweight equipment for handling fast action, hostile situations, and extreme weather conditions, without sacrificing image quality,” said Megan Leach, who manages visual journalists at The Canadian Press and heads up the planning and packaging department. “Our journalists truly appreciate how the silent camera performance allows them to stay behind the scenes, but more importantly, that Sony is responsive to our feedback.”

“From the outset, they’ve taken a relationship-driven approach to the upgrade, which will bring a unified look to our coverage since all our staff photographers and reporters will be shooting with the same brand of cameras for photos and videos for the first time “They understood the ongoing training and support was as critical as the technology. We’re thrilled to have their support as we expand our visual coverage and meet the future needs of our industry.”

The roll out of Sony imaging kits to Canadian Press journalists is already in progress, with distribution planned throughout early 2022.

Learn more about the just-announced Rokinon AF 135mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E at B&H.

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available in the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens Review.

Those needing, even sometimes, an all-in-one lens should give this value-priced lens consideration. Expect to need lateral CA correction at the focal length extents.

Order the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Canon USA refurbished | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Canon has released full year 2021 financial results to the Investor Relations page.

Presentation Material
Results
Supplementary Data

Some Relevant Highlight Quotes from the Presentation Material

"...we have begun to see signs of the ... camera market bottoming out..."

" ...by promoting the restructuring of sales organizations, mainly overseas, as well as production bases, we now have a structure in place where mature businesses such as office equipment and cameras can generate solid profit."

"As for Printing and Imaging, profitability recovered to a solid double digit level, despite the impact of supply shortages."

"Currently, the most important issues are the component and logistical constraints, which are expected to gradually improve However, it will take a significant amount of time before the gap between supply and demand disappears, and for the time being, the inflationary trend due to shortages is expected to continue."

"we are steadily switching to substitute parts, and expect to see a gradual improvement after bottoming out in the first quarter. Due to supply constraints last year, we currently have a large number of backorders, which will take a considerable amount of time to fill."

"2021 – Significant improvement in imaging profitability."

"2022 – Market expected to grow 5% to 5.65 million units."

"As for profit, based on the solid structure that was built through continuous efforts to improve business activities, we expect significant growth, including a 17.8% increase in operating profit to 332.0 billion yen and a 14.1% increase in net income to 245.0 billion."

"As for Printing and Imaging, in keeping with last year, we will maintain solid double digit profitability."

"As for camera demand, despite concerns that it would shrink significantly due to the pandemic, demand remained relatively strong This reflects a number of factors, including an increase in the number of people using their extra leisure time to capture videos and photos in the home and disseminating them online, and the impact made by new full frame mirrorless cameras released by each company."

"As for the size of the market in 2021 although it shrank by 200 thousand units, due to the insufficient supply of products by each company, it was still 5.4 million units."

"Our unit sales in 2021 totaled 2.74 million units, 20 thousand units fewer than in 2020 also due to the insufficient supply of products, particularly entry class cameras However, for the EOS R 5 and EOS R 6 sales volumes and price levels remained stable, despite them being in the market for more than a year Additionally, unit sales of our RF lens lineup, which was expanded to 26 lenses through the addition of 8 new products, increased substantially, thanks to their synergy with cameras."

"We have been expanding our core product lineup by increasing the number of highly profitable EOS R systems over the years As a result, the sustained profitability of the camera business has increased significantly, resulting in an overall 25 increase in camera sales and a significant improvement in profitability in 2021."

"In 2022 the size of the camera market is expected to be 5 65 million units, a 5 increase over 2021 which takes into account the carryover from 2021 due to supply shortages."

"In order to capture the growing need for high quality image expression, we will continue to further strengthen the cameras and the RF lenses of the EOS R system."

"Through the timely launch of products that expand the range of choices available to users, we will maintain high profitability by increasing sales and improving our product mix."

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available in the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Review.

Those needing, even sometimes, an ultra-light general-purpose lens with a long focal length range should give this value-priced lens consideration.

Order the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Canon USA (refurbished) | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available in the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Lens Review.

Create some image quality comparisons. That link should get you started.

Order the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Canon USA Refurbished | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Sony Alpha 7 IV.

The a7 IV is a solid upgrade to its predecessor, the a7 III. While considered a basic model, the a7 IV has an excellent feature set, including an excellent AF system and considerably improved resolution. This camera is a good value.

Order the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony Alpha 7 IV from Lensrentals.

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From Canon USA:

New Canon EOS C70 Firmware Update Answers The Top Demands of Professional End-Users

MELVILLE, NY, January 19, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a firmware update for the EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera that implements sought after features such as Cinema RAW Light internal recording as well as Frame and Interval recording modes. The added features allow the EOS C70 to be better paired with the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III workflows, and come as a direct result of end-user feedback from professionals.

Cinema RAW Light Internal Recording

The addition of Cinema RAW Light internal recording to the EOS C70 camera further enhances the recording capabilities of what’s already a powerful digital imaging machine. This compact cinema camera can now capture 12-bit Cinema RAW Light internally to compatible SD cards. Cinema RAW Light captures the widest dynamic range from the Dual Gain Output sensor (16+ stops total) and allows the most flexibility to grade captured content. Three quality settings of Cinema RAW Light will make their way into the EOS C70 via the firmware update. The settings are: RAW HQ (high quality), RAW ST (standard quality), and RAW LT (light recording). All three modes are 12-bit regardless of frame rate. Lastly, Cinema RAW Light is compatible with Proxy and Double-Slot recording.

Frame and Interval Recording Modes

The addition of Frame and Interval Recording modes is a direct result of user feedback, and adds even more recording flexibility to the EOS C70 camera by allowing easy creation of stop motion and time-lapse sequences when recording in the XF-AVC and MP4 formats. Frame recording is for stop motion capture, and every press of the record button captures a user-determined number of frames. Interval Recording sets the interval and number of frames to be captured for time-lapse sequences. Both recording modes help operators further tell their story in a more creative and inspiring form and are easy to use.

The firmware update will be available for download in March 2022*.

The Canon EOS C70 is in stock at B&H.

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* Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

From Canon USA:

Ready for Anything: The Canon EOS R5 C True Hybrid, Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Bridges Cinema EOS and EOS Technology

Ideal for a Wide Variety of Content Producers, Including YouTubers, Wedding, Indie and Documentary Filmmakers, Drone Operators and Multimedia Journalists

MELVILLE, NY, January 19, 2022 – Imagine having the best of both worlds at your fingertips. A Canon camera with equal parts video and still digital imaging power, all in one compact-and-lightweight package. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the EOS R5 C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, a hybrid, RF-mount 8K camera that has something for everyone. The new camera showcases video formats and features from the company’s award-winning Cinema EOS line, alongside select still capabilities that have made the EOS R5 camera a popular and trusted choice among imaging professionals and enthusiasts alike ⁱ.

“Imaging professionals are living in a multimedia world. Gone are the days of only needing to be sufficiently equipped and skilled at video or stills,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “The EOS R5 C squarely takes aim at providing end-users with a solution that can tackle all facets of the ever-demanding multimedia and content production landscape. Canon is confident this all-in-one solution can help improve the workflow for a variety of content creators.”

Small, but Mighty

The EOS R5 C camera can record non-stop, uninterrupted 8K/60Pⁱⁱ thanks to an active cooling system. 8K video delivers outstanding definition and realism with four times the resolution of 4K video, enabling unprecedented capabilities in video expression and highly flexible workflows, such as 4K cropping from 8K footage.

The EOS R5 C camera can record High Frame Rate (HFR) video up to 120P at 4K resolution in 4:2:2 10-bit without cropping the sensor, an ideal option when shooting scenes full of fast-paced action or when the camera is paired with a gimbal or drone. Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF is functional even in HFR shooting. Unlike some cameras where audio is not recorded during HFR shooting, the EOS R5 C camera can record .WAV audio as a separate file from video, virtually eliminating the need for separate audio recording.

The EOS R5 C is the first Canon camera to provide internal 8K (8192x4320) 60P Cinema RAW Light recording. Cinema RAW Light is a popular and valuable format found in other Canon Cinema EOS cameras such as the EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C500 Mark II. This feature captures the full dynamic range of the sensor and provides video data with a cinematic look, optimized for advanced grading and HDR, in a more manageable file size than Cinema RAW. Cinema RAW Light now has three newly-developed modes, RAW HQ (high quality), RAW ST (standard quality), and RAW LT (light recording). All three modes are 12-bit regardless of frame rate. The EOS R5 C can also record 8K video in MP4 format, ideal for quicker delivery.

The EOS R5 C supports RAW output via HDMI for ProRes RAW recording with compatible a external recorder ⁱⁱⁱ. When connecting the EOS R5 C with a supported external recorder, users can shoot in Apple ProRes RAW at up to 8K/30P. Proxy data can also be simultaneously recorded to an SD card in-camera, helping to provide efficient post-production operations.

Powerful Still Imaging Performance

With the flip of a switch, the EOS R5 C becomes a familiar force to be reckoned with as a still photography camera. At its core is Canon’s 45-megapixel high resolution, high-speed full-frame CMOS sensor, paired with the equally impressive DIGIC X image processor that provides users an ISO range of 100-51200; expandable to 102400^iv. Precise focus and lightning-fast speed are cornerstones of the EOS R5 C, featuring Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and high-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 frames-per-second (fps) in mechanical shutter mode and up to 20 fps in silent electronic shutter mode. This allows users to track and photograph split-second movements of even the most elusive subjects. With EOS iTR AF X and 1,053 Automatic AF zones, it is easier than ever to photograph people using Eye, Face and Head Detection AF, or intuitively track the whole body, face, or eye of cats, dogs, or birds with Animal Detection AF^v. For those with the need for speed, the camera also offers vehicle subject detection to track cars and motorcycles accurately, especially in race-type environments. Connectivity like 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi®^vi and Bluetooth®^vii connectivity is also included for the transfer of still images.

Additional Features of the Canon EOS R5 C Camera Include:

• Supports 8K HDR recording in Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and Perceptual Quantization (PQ) formats
• 4K and 2K oversampling with high-definition debayer algorithm that processes RGB data of the 8K sensor with less incidence of moiré, false colors, and noise
• XF-AVC codecs offer robust 10-bit 4:2:2 files in a .MXF wrapper for simple compatibility with non-linear editing systems (NLEs) and existing workflows
• Canon Log 3, which is found in many Canon cinema products, is available for a wider range of grading after shooting
• Coordinated image stabilization (with Canon lenses equipped with optical IS) helps to correct hand-shake and better anti-vibration performance than electronic IS alone
• Timecode terminal allowing for multi-camera shooting
• Canon’s next-generation Multi-Function Shoe is compatible with a variety of accessories, such as an optional TASCAM CA-XLR2d-C XLR microphone adapter (sold separately) for up to 4-channel digital audio
• RF mount provides access to the expanding lineup of Canon RF lenses, as well as the full lineup of EF lenses (adapter required)
• Compatible with Canon’s new RF 5.2mm 2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens allowing for stereoscopic 180° VR video capture
• 13 marked, assignable buttons allow for user-friendly customized operation
• Compact-and-lightweight at 1.7 lbs. (body only)
• 3.2-inch variable-angle LCD monitor and high-definition 5.76 million-dot viewfinder
• Dual card slots: one CFexpress and one SD UHS-II
• USB Video Class (UVC) connectivity, enabling out of the box use as a streaming video camera
• A new DC Coupler DR-E6C helps to provide the continuous power needed for the demands of shooting in Cinema RAW Light at high framerates

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS R5 C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is scheduled to be available March 2022 for an estimated retail price of $4499.00.*

Orders

Order the Canon EOS R5 C Mirrorless Cinema Camera from B&H | Adorama | WEX

More information from B&H Explora.

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†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

ⁱ The EOS R5 C camera does not feature In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS).

ⁱⁱ Continuous recording of video is dependent upon media capacity and continuous power to the camera. Continuous power options include Canon’s PD-E1 USB power adapter (sold separately), or the DR-E6C DC coupler (sold separately) combined with the CA-946 compact power adapter (sold separately) or compatible third party solutions

ⁱⁱⁱ Only Atomos NINJA V+ is supported as of January 2022. A separate HDMI cable is required to connect to the NINJA V.

^iv For still images.

^v 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.

^vi Compatible with iOS® versions 9.3/10.3/11.2-11.4/12.4/13.2, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 5.0/5.1/6.0/7.0/7.1/8.0/8.1/9.0/10. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

^vii Compatible with select smartphone and tablet devices (Android™ version 5.0 or later and the following iOS® devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad 3rd gen. or later, iPod Touch 5th gen. or later) equipped with Bluetooth® Version 4.1 or later and the Camera Connect App Ver. 2.5.10. This application is not guaranteed to operate on all listed devices, even if minimum requirements are met.

* Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary