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From Canon USA:

EXPANDING THE RANGE OF EXPRESSION: CANON ANNOUNCES THREE NEW L SERIES HYBRID LENSES

MELVILLE, NY, October 30, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the launch of three new RF L series hybrid lenses: RF24mm F1.4 L VCM, RF50mm F1.4 L VCM and RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z. Designed for professional visual storytellers who need to switch between photography and video, these three lenses continue Canon’s steadfast commitment to meeting the demands of high-level photo and video content creators.

RF24mm F1.4 L VCM & RF50mm F1.4 L VCM

If you are on a quest for impressive, dramatic content, RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses would be excellent additions to your gear bag. For those who are professional photo/video users, journalists or in-house production creators, these two lenses are designed for hybrid use and optimized for those switching from photo and video needs quickly. They feature an optical design that utilizes the RF mount to achieve high quality across the entire image area. Quiet, fast and precise AF are thanks to Canon’s latest actuator and focusing system and the unified exterior helps with easier gimbal adjustments for more efficient shooting. The expressive power of a f/1.4 aperture in combination with a wider field of view than what the human eye can capture, makes perspective more prominent and brings images vividly to life. Additional features include:

• Compact, with a length of 3.9 inches, and lightweight: RF24mm F1.4 L VCM is 18.1 ounces and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM is 20.4 ounces
• With a combination of VCM and Nano USM actuators, stable video composition with little breathing
• Customizable with an iris ring for controlling aperture during shooting, lens function button and customizable control and focus rings

RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z

A telephoto lens that is versatile across the spectrum – including sports, fashion and news reporting – the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z is an RF L series lens that takes into consideration functions end-users value most. Taking the same exterior case design and internal mechanics of the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens balances well as a companion on gimbals and rigs. Compatible with extenders, the RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z produces high-quality images with its large f/2.8 zoom aperture and has minimal focus breathing, ideal for content creators. Its iris ring enables fine-tuned video recording and its compatibility with power zoom adapters makes it a strong addition for video production needs. Additional features include:

• Close up shooting with a maximum magnification of 0.3x
• Image stabilization equal up to 5.5 stops in the center on the lens alone, or up to 7.5 stops in the center, up to 7.0 stops in the corners in coordinate control within-body IS
• Dust and drip resistant construction as well as light weight at approximately 1,100 grams

Pricing and Availability The Canon RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 L VCM lenses are expected to be available in December at estimated retail price of $1,499.00* and $1,399.00,* respectively. The Canon RF70-200 F2.8 L IS USM Z lens is expected to be available in November at estimated retail price of $2,999.00*.

Learn more and order here:

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens
Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens
Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens

From Canon USA:

CANON INTRODUCES THE RF-S7.8MM F4 STM DUAL LENS: EXPANDING CAPABILITIES FOR VR AND 3D CONTENT CREATORS

MELVILLE, NY, October 30, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed for social media content creators and enthusiast videographers. Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 and the latest addition to the growing EOS VR System lineup, this innovative lens offers a practical and affordable way to explore storytelling in the expanding world of VR and 3D content creation.

Previewed at Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2024 keynote, this lens has been crafted for those looking to explore new visual formats, particularly with the rising interest in spatial video content. The 7.8mm focal length and 60-degree angle of view provide an immersive field of vision, for capturing detailed 3D content, allowing creators to deliver captivating and lifelike visual experiences.

Making VR and 3D content creation accessible to a wider audience, Canon has designed the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens with a focus on simplicity. Even with its advanced features, the lens operates much like a traditional 2D RF-mount lens, with a straightforward workflow that empowers even newcomers to VR and spatial production to achieve impressive results. After capturing video with this interchangeable lens, users can leverage the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® Pro to convert footage to 3D 180° VR, or the EOS VR Utility software (separately available with a paid subscription) to convert the footage into 3D 180° VR, 3D Theater, and spatial video ready to be experienced on devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, offering a seamless transition from camera to immersive viewing.

Compatible with the Canon EOS R7 camera body, the high-speed autofocus and high-resolution image sensor, coupled with Canon’s renowned color science, effortlessly captures detailed VR content and Spatial videos whether you’re shooting in controlled environments or on the go.

“With the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, Canon is not only providing a new visual tool but also enhancing the way creators communicate using emerging VR, spatial and 3D technologies,” said Hiroto Kato, vice president, Imaging Products & Solutions at Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This lens allows users to capture immersive content, bridging the gap between traditional content creation and the latest in VR and Spatial imagery. It’s an exciting step forward in making high-quality 3D content more approachable for everyone.”

As the demand for VR content continues to climb, the need for user-friendly 3D imaging equipment becomes increasingly important. The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is designed to meet this demand, working seamlessly with devices from Apple Vision Pro to Meta Quest 3, lowering the barriers to creating 3D images, making immersive content more accessible for anyone, from casual hobbyists to dedicated enthusiasts.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is scheduled to be available in November 2024 for an estimated retail price of $449.99*.

Learn more and order here:

Canon RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM Dual Lens

I have a fresh-from-the-factory Canon EOS R1 in my hands, and it is time to set it up. I use the following steps to prepare a new (or reset to factory settings) R1 for use. While the number of steps in this setup guide may seem daunting, the process is not difficult. You've got this.

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
2. record the serial number, and add the camera to your insurance policy (you're covered, right?)
3. While the battery is charging, unpack the other needed items from the box.
4. Consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software, Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP) and EOS Utility, to ensure support for your camera model.
5. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
6. The language, and then date, time, and zone setup prompts will appear during the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
7. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
8. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Img type/size: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG/HEIF to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality, making them especially valuable for post-processing)
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I change the Picture Style to "Standard" when processing in DPP. Most other software will ignore this setting.)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting (it doesn't change the RAW-captured image), though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (Includes Peripheral illumination correction, Distortion correction, Digital Lens Optimizer, Chromatic aberration correction, and Diffraction correction. I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic aberration correction. Expect non-Canon software to ignore these settings.)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: High ISO speed NR: Low (or Off) (noise reduction is destructive to image details — I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing. Expect non-Canon software to ignore this setting.)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 6: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Customize Quick Controls: AF, One Shot - Servo, Drive mode, Anti-flicker shoot, Subject to detect, Focus bracketing, Pre-continuous Shooting, IS Mode, AF-MF, Switch focus/control ring, Eye control (pressing the "Q" button provides direct access to these settings)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, avoiding interference with the shooting process)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Blackout-free display: ON
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, and 3; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
21. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Electronic level size: Small (great new feature)
22. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Vertical exp level: Off
23. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Display frame rate set: Smooth (ideal for fast action and when battery life is not a concern)
24. AF Menu, Tab 2: Subject to detect: Select Auto, People, Animals, Vehicles, or None per your current shooting scenario
25. AF Menu, Tab 4: Servo 1st image priority: Focus priority (accurate focus is more critical to me than the timing)
26. AF Menu, Tab 5: Limit AF Areas: Enable Spot AF, 1-point AF, Flexible Zone AF 1, Whole area AF, Spot AF Tracking Off, 1-point AF Tracking Off (limit the options to those you expect to use, note the tracking off options)
27. AF Menu, Tab 5: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
28. AF Menu, Tab 6: MF peaking settings: Peaking: On, Level: Low
29. Playback Menu, Tab 3: Magnification: Magnificatn (apx) 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image); Maintain position: Enable (maintains the position within the image when changing images)
30. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: 1 and 2 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
31. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed and nearly overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
32. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback grid: 3x3
33. Networking Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On (if not using wireless functions)
34. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it — all data on the card will be lost)
35. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
36. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
37. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Power saving: Screen dimmer: Disable (resolves an annoyance — the LCD is as useful off as dimmed)
38. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable; Program modes as desired
39. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired, your name and company name are logical choices
40. Customized controls Menu, Tab 1: Customize buttons: Multi-function button: Dial function and press info to set details: Top row: Drive mode, AF area, Exposure compensation; Second row: One shot - Servo, ISO, Flash exposure compensation; LCD panel illumination button: Eye control
41. Customized controls Menu, Tab 2: Multi function lock: All unchecked (Disables the lock feature in case I inadvertently select it by not turning the power switch far enough)
42. Customized controls Menu, Tab 3: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree (turns off the variable manual focus ring adjustment rate)
43. Customized controls Menu, Tab 5: Eye control: Eye control: On; Pointer display settings: Color: White, Display size: Small
44. Customized controls Menu, Tab 5: Eye control: Calibration (CAL): (follow the guided instructions to set up this feature, performing numerous calibration attempts improves this feature's accuracy)
45. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Restrict shooting modes: On; I deselect Fv and select C2 and C3.
46. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
47. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly securing the first frame)
48. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Continuous shooting speed: 40, 20, and 10
49. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe to inadvertent deletion, but one less step press is required to delete an image)
50. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Av setting without lens (permits camera setup without mounting the intended lens)
51. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 5: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
52. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Focus bracketing, Pre-cont. shooting, Shutter mode, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Format card, Number of bracketed shots; reorder menu items as desired
53. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Blackout free display, Display (exposure) simulation (the "Off" setting is helpful when using flash), Date/Time/Zone (primarily for checking the time); reorder menu items as desired
54. While looking at the menu through the EVF, adjust the diopter until the scene is sharp for your eye

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do, including in RAW-only format. While this setup works optimally for me, you should adjust the camera setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, the list will ensure all settings are quickly re-established. Consider saving the camera settings to a card (Tools menu, tab 5, Save/load cam settings on card) for an easy restore or replication. The setup file can be copied to a computer drive for long-term storage.

More Information

Canon EOS R1

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R1 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

Rent the Canon EOS R1 from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Learn more about the new Apple 24" iMac with M4 Chip (and its many colors) at B&H.

Just posted: Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens Review.

Outstanding lens.

Please share!

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Canon has added third quarter financial results to the Investor Relations page.

Presentation Material
Results
Supplementary Data
Presentation Material and Speech Summary
Q&A Session Summary

Quotes From the Presentation Material.

In the markets which we compete, weak demand in China and Europe, but solid demand overall.

Sales of cameras, network cameras and laser printers, which recovered in second quarter, continued to grow steadily in third quarter.

Steady growth in commercial printing equipment sales where medium to long term market growth is expected.

Third quarter sales up 5.3% from last year and at record high level, also achieved record high in YTD sales.

Operating profit up nearly 20%, operating profit ratio one point above last year.

Imaging net sales were up 8.6% for the month and 4.3% for the first 3 quarters.

For B to C products (cameras and inkjet printers), stimulate demand in fourth quarter utilizing new products.

Buy your Canon cameras, lens, and accessories at B&H.

Topaz Labs just introduced Gigapixel 8 and Photo AI 3.3.

Learn more about the Sony BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger for NP-FZ100 Batteries and DC-C1 DC Coupler and preorder at B&H.

Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 4.00 is available for download.

Firmware Version 4.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Adds support for focus bracket shooting, which allows for continuous shooting while automatically shifting the focus position
2. Introduces additional settings for exposure value adjustments and number of shots in the exposure bracketing
3. Adds a function that automatically creates still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings
   Note: You can add a Shot Mark while shooting or playing a movie and use it as a mark for selecting, transferring, or editing the movie.
4. Allows the use of Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF while using the Bright Monitoring feature
5. Allows notifications to be displayed when the latest software is available for your camera
6. You can now continue shooting while transferring captured photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet
   Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
7. Transfer to smartphones and tablets can now be resumed even if interrupted in the middle of a transfer
   Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
8. You can now transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, or add videos to be transferred during the transfer process
   Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
9. Adds support for the Monitor & Control app
   Note: The Monitor & Control app connects wirelessly to a camera and enables video monitoring and remote control with a smartphone or tablet.
10. Ver. 2.1.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
11. Fixes an issue where peaking display would appear during movie playback
12. Improves the functionality and operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

Canon previously shared that we should expect more hybrid RF L-series lenses, and now they put a date on that announcement.

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, NY, October 15, 2024 - Canon, a leader in digital imaging technology, today announced its intention to add new lenses to its hybrid RF L-series range on October 30, 2024, when all details will be revealed.

Canon’s hybrid lenses are a range of RF L-series primes and zooms designed for high performance stills and video capture. They are able to perform multiple roles and harness technology from Canon’s broadcast, cinema and existing RF lenses to make for a truly versatile range concept. They empower creatives with the flexibility to reach new levels of artistry and practicality in stills and video production.

Official announcement date for the lenses is: October 30, 2024.

Stop back here on October 30, 2024, to get the full reveal.

Just posted: Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens Review.

This lens has the right attributes to become super popular.

Please share!

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From Canon USA:

Canon collaborates with Adobe to bring native Frame.io Camera to Cloud integrations to select cameras

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Adobe to bring Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud connectivity to select cameras, starting with the EOS C400 and EOS C80, enabling users to send proxy files directly from the camera for a faster and more secure path from production to post. The new feature, activated in-camera, will be included in a free firmware update scheduled for a Winter 2024 release from Canon USA. It will be available for download on the Canon USA Website.

The update supports simultaneous proxy file transmission to Camera to Cloud from the EOS C400 and EOS C80 cameras while recording original camera files (OCF) and proxy files internally. The proxy files can be sent over wireless or a wired Ethernet connection.

Canon's proxy files match the same filename, timecode stream, and metadata fields as the original camera files, and are natively supported for playback on Frame.io. The efficient proxy files are available to view, share, and edit remotely without requiring additional processing or conversion. The proxy files can be uploaded to the cloud, automatically, allowing for a more streamlined workflow, with videographers in one location able to quickly share proxy files with their team in a separate location.

Availability

This free firmware update for the Canon EOS C400 and EOS C80 cameras are scheduled for Winter 2024.

The Northern Lights are a spectacular sight, and I do not remember seeing a stronger forecast than the one for tonight (currently reaching Kp 8 for an extended duration).

"The Northern Lights may become visible as far south as Alabama to northern California" [NOAA]

Northern Lights forecasting is not accurate, and the lights could be a no-show tonight, but the incoming storm is strong enough to prompt NOAA to hold a media briefing. I didn't watch the 1-hour recording, but view it here if you are interested.

Put a plan in place.

Select a dark sky location with good sky visibility, especially to the north, and a clear weather forecast.

The Aurora forecast link (higher Kp is better) tells you when to be at that location. Note that the lights may not be visible for the entire forecasted duration (perhaps for only a few minutes), and the activity will likely increase and decrease throughout the visibility duration, so plan to hang out in your location (dress adequately and take food and drink).

Usually, your widest angle and widest aperture lenses are the best choice for Northern Lights photography. 14mm f/1.8 and 24mm f/1.4 lenses are my favorite options.

Use a tripod, and for exposure, chase the show's intensity with shutter speed and ISO (watch the histogram and avoid burying a color onto the right wall of the chart). If the lights are bright and pulsing fast, attempt to get the shutter speed down to as short as 0.5 seconds to capture the structure and avoid a smear of color.

I have a growing stack of Northern Lights photos to share with you, but I still need more time to process them.

While the camera will see the colors better than your eyes, a strong aurora is easily visible and worth taking your non-photographer friends to see.

Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 3.00 is again available for download.

"We suspended the Ver. 3.00 software release on 09-13-2024 due to some products failing to update. However, after taking the necessary measures, we resumed the release on 10-09-2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If your camera successfully updated to Ver. 3.00, you may continue using it without issue." [Sony]

Firmware Version 3.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. You can now shoot new footage while transferring previously shot footage to your smartphone or tablet.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
2. Transfers to smartphones or tablets can now be resumed even if they are interrupted midway.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
3. It is now possible to transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, and to add footage to be transferred while transferring.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
4. You can now upload images from your camera directly to Creators' Cloud.
5. You must first set it up in the Creators' App. For details, please click here.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).
   The service may not be available in some countries or regions. For details, please click here.
6. Network streaming is now supported.
   You need to set it up in the Creators' App beforehand. For details, please see here.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
7. Added support for Monitor & Control.
   A mobile application specialized for video recording that wirelessly connects to the camera and enables video monitoring and remote control on a smartphone or tablet.
   Please update Monitor & Control to the latest version (ver.2.1.0 or later). Monitor & Control may not be available in some countries or regions.
8. After shooting, you can now automatically create still images from video frames with shot marks.
9. The maximum number of images that can be stored in one folder is now 9,999.
10. Wi-Fi signal strength is now displayed.
11. "Focus Magnification" and "Automatic Focus Magnification in MF" can now be used during bright monitoring.
12. You'll now be notified if new software is available for your camera.
13. You can now display any custom grid lines.
    To use this service, you must install a license (fees apply). Please note that the service may not be available in some countries or regions.
14. Fixed an issue where auto review was not displayed on the camera when outputting via HDMI.
15. Improved operational stability.

* The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions.

Get the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H.