Ever since the pandemic, the world of content creation has changed drastically. During lockdowns, many turned to creating and watching content online as their favourite thing to do. No wonder, many vendors have started coming out with products focused on content creators, including vendors of laptops, smartphones, displays, desktop PCs, and so on.

Canon is the latest to jump onto the bandwagon with its EOS M50 Mark II. This mirrorless camera, which is aimed at helping content creators create vlogs, live streams, selfies, images, and so much more, is a successor to the widely popular M50. While both the M50 and the M50 Mark II may look a bit similar, there are some big differences.

The M50 Mark II offers improved autofocus, including eye autofocus for stills and video. You also get vertical video shooting support, which is great for using on social media platforms. In addition, you can just tap the video record button and movie self-timer for a better vlogging experience.

There’s also support for wireless YouTube Live streaming, an AF Working Range down to EV -4 vs. EV -2 on the M50, and a metering range down to EV -2 vs. EV 0 on the M50. The only thing that’s missing from the Mark II is the NFC, which isn’t a biggie.

The M50 Mark II rocks a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, that offers excellent picture quality and shallow depth of field. You also get 4K recording capabilities at 24 frames per second, and Full HD recording at 120 frames per second. Canon has used the DIGIC 8 Image Processor to process all the footage you shoot with the M50 Mark II.

There’s also a high-resolution OLED EVF and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Images or videos shot using the camera can also be automatically transferred to compatible devices while shooting or when a Wi-Fi network is available. The ISO range on this one ranges from 100 to 25600. There’s also a 3-inch touchscreen LCD II monitor, with Vari-Angle that allows you to open it at an angle of 180° to the side.

There is also a 7.4-fps high-speed continuous shooting and you get up to 10-fps continuous shooting with AF Lock. The camera also comes packed with a Dual Pixel CMOS AF that allows for up to 143 AF points. You can also touch and drag the AF to easily adjust the AF point directly on the LCD panel. You also get a 5-axis image stabilization when shooting movies.

Handling the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is pretty easy since it is styled like a mini DSLR. The body itself does not have a heft to it – so vloggers and content creators would find it easy to operate with one hand. The control dial, shutter button, record button, and M-Fn can all be found on the top right-hand side of the camera’s body.

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We found the touchscreen of the camera to be very responsive. It is quite bright as well – so viewing it won’t be a task under direct sunlight. The camera also comes with a 3.5mm microphone jack, micro-HDMI, and USB Micro-B slots running down the side.

One of the biggest upgrades on the M50 Mark II, as mentioned earlier, is its autofocus capability. The Mark II features face and eye tracking when shooting both stills and video. During our review period, we found the M50 Mark II to perform quite well in terms of eye-tracking, even when shooting fast-moving subjects under low light conditions.

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Image quality is top notch – it was able to provide images with good colour and detail. The quality of images and videos are comparable to those found on the M50 since the Mark II uses the same sensor as its predecessor. While the M50 Mark II is capable of shooting 4K videos, we found the quality of the Full HD footage much better to look at.

On a Full HD 1080p capture, you can use the dual pixel autofocus feature, which lets you use eye tracking on your subjects. Here, too, the M50 Mark II did a brilliant job. The camera also allows for direct live-streaming to a YouTube channel. The only catch here is that you need to have at least 1000 subscribers on your channel to be able to use this feature, a limitation, which we found a bit weird, at first.

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It may be because YouTube’s streaming guidelines add this restriction to mobile devices such as smartphones. However, streamers who use a webcam are not bound by this limitation. Possibly, YouTube’s ToS classifies the Canon EOS M50 Mark II as a mobile device and thus the minimum 1000 subscriber requirement.

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The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is available at a price of AED 2600 for just the body. For AED 400 more, you could opt for the Canon EOS M50 Mark II Mirrorless Camera, Black and EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM bundle. The pricing, as you can see, is very affordable and pocket-friendly.

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The performance of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is also very good, considering it offers a wide range of features that can help content creators create outstanding content. If you are looking for an able mirrorless camera to start your stint with vlogging or content creation, at an affordable price point, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II might be just for you.

Price: AED 2600 (body only), AED 3000 (body and 15-45mm lens kit)

Canon has launched the new EOS R3 – a powerhouse for sports photography and reportage. Blending tradition with cutting-edge technology, the EOS R3 offers all the familiarity and speed of Canon’s renowned EOS-1 series, with the innovation and versatility of the pioneering EOS R System. Designed using feedback from the most demanding professional press and sports photographers, the EOS R3 features over 100 improvements upon Canon’s mirrorless and DSLR models.

The result is a camera that streamlines workflows and takes the connection between camera and photographer to new levels, for unbeatable speed and responsiveness. With a brand new, innovative 24.1 megapixel sensor, the EOS R3 gives the optimal balance of performance, resolution, and speed to offer news and sports photographers a camera to outperform and outpace the competition. Leveraging the new 24.1-megapixel backside-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, the EOS R3 offers lightning-fast image capture and enhanced responsiveness.

The powerful sensor almost entirely eliminates rolling shutter distortion and with a rapid shutter speed, offering a range of 30 seconds to 1/64000th of a second, it helps sports photographers freeze the fastest of subjects. When using the electronic shutter, photographers can shoot up to 30fps with AE and AF tracking even when shooting RAW files, as well as options for shooting at 15fps and 3fps. The electronic shutter can also be used with both Canon and third-party flashes for the first time. Removing the traditional weaknesses of electronic shutters, Canon has introduced Flicker detection and a High-Frequency anti-flicker shooting mode to detect and correct flickering light sources and prevent banding or colour and exposure issues.

Capable of focusing in 0.03 seconds, the EOS R3 is the fastest EOS R series camera yet – perfect for capturing the unpredictable action of sport and reportage. Powered by Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, the EOS R3 features an improved Deep Learning algorithm, offering AF tracking including human and animal eye, body, and face detection as well as head detection for humans in both stills and videos. Designed with motorsports photographers in mind, Canon has also introduced a vehicle tracking function, to expertly track motorbikes, open cockpit Formula cars as well as GT and rally cars – with the ability to prioritise the vehicle or the driver’s helmet. Eye, face, head, and body detection are now available in all AF modes, as well as a new Flexible Zone allowing users to select the size and shape of the Zone AF area. The EOS R3 sets a new standard for its ability to focus in lighting conditions as low as – 7.5 EV – making this one of the most capable low-light cameras available.

To maximise control over all these AF options the EOS R3 offers three different ways to select the AF points: the quick smart controller, the precise multi-controller, and the instinctive Eye Control AF. Eye control AF provides a more natural connection between the camera and the photographer. This intuitive and pioneering AF point selection method moves the focus point to where the photographer looks. In situations where the story can quickly unfold, this allows photographers to instinctively focus on the action with just a look. Enhancing the ability for handheld shooting and steady movie production on the move, the 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilizer can combine with optical Image Stabilizer in selected RF lenses and offers industry-leading performance with up to 8-stops.

For professional photographers shooting in the field, it’s not just about the speed of capturing a moment but also the speed of getting it to the news desks and editors that matters. With a number of professional connectivity options including built-in version 5.0 Bluetooth and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, the EOS R3 streamlines workflows and simplifies the connection to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network. Ideal for sport arenas, the built-in Gigabit Ethernet port enables a high speed wired connection. And, for when speed really matters, photographers can transmit images to clients via FTP. For existing EOS R5 and EOS-1D X Mark III users, network settings can be shared between the three cameras.

Users can remotely control the camera from a mobile device using the Canon’s Camera Connect App or using the Browser Remote function via an ethernet connection. A popular feature from the EOS-1D X Mark III, the Browser Remote function also enables users and head offices to remotely change metadata, browse and download images. Users will also be able to use Canon’s Mobile File Transfer (MFT) app – a mobile application for professional photographers that transfers images over a mobile device to an FTP/FTPS/SFTP server.

Future enhancements of the app will include text conversion of voice memos, enhancing the ease of use for professionals. A new smartphone holder accessory for the EOS R3, the Smartphone Link AD-P1, allows users to mount their iOS or Android device on top of the Multi-Function Shoe Adapter and easily transmit images via the new MFT app. The Canon Camera Connect app now enables the EOS R3 firmware to be updated via your phone – a first for an EOS camera.

As with the EOS R5, the EOS R3 takes Canon’s hybrid offering to the next level – meeting the demand for photographers to capture the action in both high-quality stills, and impressive high-resolution video. It offers powerful video capability, capturing 6K 60p RAW resolution footage, which offers 50 per cent more detail than 4K. With 6K CRM RAW files, exposure and white balance can be corrected post capture to ensure stunning image reproduction. 4K footage up to 60p is oversampled from 6K guaranteeing the highest possible 4K movie quality. Great for high speed and dynamic sports, the EOS R3 captures 4K 120p footage for stunning 4K resolution slow motion. It’s now possible to record up to six hours of regular video or 1.5 hours at high 119.88/100p frame rates.

At its core, the EOS R3 is designed to help photographers outpace their competitors – and the same is true for video. To reduce the file size and speed up video workflows, CRM light or MP4 footage can be recorded in All-I, IPB, or the smaller IPB light option, allowing users to select from a range of bit rates to meet their needs and storage requirements. Dual card slots, including a UHS-II SD card slot and the ultra-high-speed CFexpress make shooting 6K RAW video possible and support simultaneous recording to both cards in MP4, providing a fail-safe backup of vital footage.

Canon’s renowned Canon LOG 3 enables 10-bit internal recording, to achieve a greater dynamic range or 10bit HDR PQ which minimises the need for editing or grading footage in post-production. Excellent for roving reporters, the EOS R3 features Canon’s new Multi-Function Shoe and is compatible with the newly launched Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1D – a camera-powered directional stereo microphone using digital processing – and the TEAC Tascam CA-XLR2d-C XLR adapter which enables two channel recording with professional XLR microphones.

The EOS R3 employs a new lightweight, dust and water-resistant magnesium body for use in harsh conditions. Weather resistance can be also maintained when using existing Speedlites, by connecting them to the newly announced Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1. The EOS R3 also powers the new, compact Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 through the Multi-Function Shoe, which gives photographers the ability to remotely control multiple radio Speedlites.

Canon has also announced the launch of two new RF lenses, designed to help the next generation of enthusiasts and content creators curate a kit bag with great potential, at a low cost. These two lightweight and compact lenses include Canon’s first ultra-wide prime lens in the EOS R line-up, the RF 16mm F2.8 STM, and the RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM – a telephoto zoom lens that brings the photographer closer to the subject. The versatile RF 16mm F2.8 STM meets the growing demand for vlogging, while also offering a lens that’s perfect for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography. Helping photographers bridge the gap to distant subjects, the RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is ideal for sports and wildlife photography.

Sony Middle East & Africa announced several additions to their impressive imaging lineup — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens, and HVL-F28RM flash. The Alpha 7C is being marketed as the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video capabilities, and more. When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximising portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness, and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection.

“We are committed to creating the best tools possible based on the needs of our customers in the Middle East and Africa region,” said Murat Gebeceli, Head of Digital Imaging, Sony Middle East & Africa. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

The new Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP (approx. effective) 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, 15-stop  wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing. 

Measuring only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm and weighing just 509g, the Alpha 7C is a similar size and weight to an APS-C camera, with only 1% more weight than the Alpha 6600. The Alpha 7C achieves the world’s smallest and lightest compact body through upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilization and shutter units, and the utilization of monocoque construction, which is often used in the bodies of cars and aircraft. Even in this compact body, the Alpha 7C features a 5-stop stabilisation effect that allows shooting snaps without a tripod. Moreover, despite the compact body, the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to shoot for long durations in comfort, allowing you to capture up to an industry-leading 740 images when using the LCD monitor, or 680 images when using the viewfinder.

Sony’s new Alpha 7C combines high resolution with low noise for excellent image quality at all sensitivities, offering the user stunning image quality for shooting everyday photography and movies such as nature, portraits, sports, street photography and more. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable to ISO 50-204,800 for low-light environment captures with low noise. The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output for natural gradations.

Using AI-driven functions, the Alpha 7C’s Real-time Tracking maintains accurate focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. In addition, “Tracking On + AF-On” now is assignable to a custom key and can now be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. Moreover, the intended subject can be specified just by touching it on the monitor when “Touch Tracking” has been turned ON via the menu and is available for both stills and movies. The Alpha 7C’s AF functions also feature Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals to achieve fast and accurate focus. When using Real-time Tracking while “Face/Eye Priority in AF” is ON with a human subject, the subject’s eye and face is detected and locked on in real-time with extremely high tracking precision.

The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF that locks onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93% of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments.

The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE (autoexposure) by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4. These features make it easier to capture fast-moving subjects.

Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), which is then oversampled to produce high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. In addition, the Alpha 7C supports HDR (HLG) and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fps, and other advanced video features which offer exceptional video capabilities to capture high-quality video footage.

Furthermore, the Alpha 7C features Real-time Eye AF (human) for video shooting. The eye is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability so that the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus operation. Users can also customise AF Transition Speed in seven settings, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity in five settings, in their preferences. Touch Tracking functionality is also available for movie shooting.

The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor, making it easy to record selfies, overhead shots, low ground-level shots or whatever the user requires. The MOVIE button has been placed on the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. Additionally, the Alpha 7C provides high quality video recordings, not just for images, but also for audio. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings. 

Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking. Headphone and microphone jacks are also provided to accurately monitor recorded sound, and metadata attached to movie footage shot vertically on the camera allows the footage after transfer to the smartphone or similar device, to also be replayed and edited in the vertical position.

The Alpha 7C is designed with the user in mind. The touch panel LCD monitor is a large touch-sensitive 3.0 type with approximately 921 thousand dots, providing optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and supporting touch operations.  The Alpha 7C also features a high-quality view mode for finer, more natural detail in addition to a 2.35 megadot (approx.) XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF. The Alpha 7C offers functions that simplify operation during and after shooting, such as Fn button customisations and more. It is also dust and moisture resistant to support shooting needs in challenging environments.

To simplify workflow needs, Wi-Fi compatible wireless-communication functions allows images and movies to be directly transferred to a smartphone or tablet for convenient sharing, viewing or saving. In addition to the conventional 2.4GHz band, support for the 11ac standard allows transfer via 5GHz band (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) so that users can select that stable and high-speed transfer with low interference. A USB Type-C connector that supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) is also provided, allowing fast transfer of images during PC remote shooting and power supply from external mobile batteries.

The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the 3 aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realises high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 0.99 foot (0.3m) (wide-angle) to 1.48 feet (0.45m) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.

At 167g and 66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm, along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivalled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the times. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of on-the-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system. Even with its compact size and lightweight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistant and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.

The HVL-F28RM is a compact flash designed to match Sony’s mirrorless cameras for a compact, manageable system, and offers the type of reliable, stable performance that only a genuine Sony product can provide. When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVL-F28RM features a 12% reduction in volume and 7% reduction in weight. This compact, easy-to-use flash unit delivers the capabilities and dependability to meet the needs of both professional and advanced amateur content creators.

The HVL-F28RM offers consistent GN28 light output, optimised light distribution and continuous flash performance that won’t interrupt the user’s workflow, as well as stable radio wireless communication and multi flash radio control. The new flash also features Sony’s newly introduced flash control linked to camera face detection advanced technology. When used with a compatible camera, the balance between the light falling on the subject’s face and ambient light is taken into account to automatically adjust accurate white balance so that the subject’s face is rendered with natural, lifelike color. 

In addition, flash compensation, light ratio, and other detailed flash parameters can be controlled directly from a compatible camera. A camera custom key can be assigned to call up the flash parameter display so that adjustments can be made while looking through the viewfinder and gripping the camera. Flash parameters are shown in the selected camera display language.

A newly developed “Metal Shoe Foot with Rugged Side Frame” that also houses the unit’s electrical contacts offers improved resistance to physical shock and impact from all the directions. The Multi-Interface foot is fabricated from metal for higher strength. The HVL-F28RM also features a dust and moisture resistant design. When the HVL-F28RM is mounted and locked onto the Alpha 7C, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7R IV, and Alpha 9 II, durability to dust and moisture is improved, even when used in challenging outdoor environments.  

The HVL-F28RM also features simple, intuitive operation with minimal controls including +/- light level buttons, pairing button, test button and lock lever. Plenty of light is available for bounce applications. The flash angle can also be set as required via 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 120 degree click stops for easy positioning. The new flash also features a built-in wireless radio trigger for reliable flash triggering when mounted on a compatible camera and paired with an off-camera unit. When used as a transmitter, the HVL-F28RM can control up to 15 flash and/or receiver units in 5 groups at distances of up to 114 feet (35 meters) for extraordinary lighting control and versatility.  The HVL-F28RM is powered by two AA (LR6) alkaline or NiMH batteries. A fresh pair of alkaline batteries can provide power for up to 110 continuous flashes (1/1 manual flash with alkaline batteries)^.

The new Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available in the Middle East & Africa from November 2020. The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in selected countries in the Middle East & Africa from January 2021. The HVL-F28RM flash will be available in the Middle East & Africa from November 2020.