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Digital Cameras

Canon Launches EOS R3 and new RF Lenses

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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.

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Digital Cameras

Fujifilm Intros instax WIDE 400

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FUJIFILM Corporation has announced that the instax WIDE 400TM (WIDE 400), part of the instax series of analogue instant cameras, will be available on the 15th of September across all the stores in the MENA region. The “WIDE 400” is the successor model to instax WIDE 300™ which was released in 2014. This analogue instant camera is designed to be compatible with double-card-sized wide-format film. The simple operation of turning the power on with a single left turn holding the camera and pressing the shutter button enables users to snap wide-format photos. In addition, the new self-timer function enhances the convenience of capturing group shots, maximizing the enjoyment of wide-format photography.

Since its original launch in 1998, the instax series of instant cameras embraced trends and evolving technologies with time and expanded its lineup to include not only analogue instant cameras but also hybrid instant cameras using digital technology, smartphone printers and palm-sized digital cameras. The instax continues to offer diverse ways to enjoy photography, broadening the user base from young women to men and middle-aged consumers.

Wide-format film offers the ability to capture a broader range of photographic scenes, making it particularly well-suited for group shots and landscape photography. Its unique capability to encompass both the subject and the surrounding environment allows for the creation of captivating images that convey the complete atmosphere and story of the moment captured. This feature expands the possibilities for photographic expression, making wide-format film a globally embraced format.

Main features:

  1. Analogue instant camera compatible with the wide format: “WIDE 400” features simple operation. Just a single left turn powers it on, and users can take wide-format photos by holding the camera and pressing the shutter button. For capturing distant scenery at a distance of three meters or more, turn the lens in the same direction to switch to the landscape mode, ensuring clear pictures. Furthermore, the camera package includes a close-up lens, allowing users to capture subjects as close as 40 cm without any blurriness or focus problems.
  2. Introducing a lever-operated self-timer designed to enhance analog usability: Positioned on the front of the camera, this self-timer offers a user-friendly experience. By simply turning the lever, a sequence of LEDs illuminates, allowing the adjustment of the self-timer for up to 10 seconds. Once the shutter button is pressed, a countdown begins, with the LEDs diminishing at an interval of two seconds. The charm of capturing memorable group shots is elevated with the tactile act of turning the lever and the subtle timer sound, emphasizing the pleasure of analogue photography.
  3. Including the camera angle adjustment accessory: The addition of the “Camera Angle Adjustment Accessory” makes it possible to adjust the camera angle and easily enjoy self-timer shooting without the need for a tripod. This accessory offers two different angles that can be attached according to the height of the subject.

The Fujifilm instax WIDE 400 is available across all MENA markets for the price of $160.

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Digital Cameras

Sony Launches New FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens

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Sony Middle East and Africa announces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2) a premium lens offering a supreme blend of high resolution and stunning bokeh with fast autofocus (AF) in a compact body. This is a second-generation lens that inherits the optical design that achieved a high-level fusion of bokeh and resolution that was highly praised in the first-generation model and generously incorporates the latest technology. When paired with the latest Sony Alpha series cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of creative uses in both photography and videography, including portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.

The advanced and refined optical design and elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bring together appealing bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. Packed with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) lenses, the state-of-the-art optical design effectively suppresses aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality. Moreover, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. The 11-blade circular aperture and optimisation of spherical aberration during the design and manufacturing process provide the beautiful, soft bokeh that is the hallmark of the G Master series.

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II’s AF is agile, maximising the speed advantage of advanced camera bodies. For stills, it is up to 3 times faster compared to the previous model, tracking moving subjects with high precision. It keeps up flawlessly with the Alpha 9 III’s 120fps continuous shooting, and subject tracking performance is improved by as much as 7 times. Compared to the current 85mm F1.4 GM1, the weight of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (642 grams) is approximately 20% lighter and 13% smaller in volume, which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm, a diameter of 84.7 mm and a length of 107.3 mm.

For smooth movie creation at F1.4, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has an XD linear motor. Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation is supported. It has two customisable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch offers flexible operability, while an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control provide the kind of intuitive control that creative shooting demands. The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture-resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.

The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in the Middle East from September 2024.

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Creator Tools

Sony Unveils Next-Gen ZV-E10 II Vlogging Camera with New Lens Kit

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Sony Middle East and Africa has launched the ZV-E10 II, the successor to their popular ZV-E10 vlogging camera. The new model builds on the strengths of the original while adding improved performance and features for content creators. The ZV-E10 II boasts a new 26-megapixel sensor and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine for better image quality. Autofocus and video capturing have also been enhanced, with features like a new vertical format user interface and improved battery life.

The camera offers two key functions for creating professional-looking content: Creative Looks and Cinematic Vlog Setting. Creative Looks provides a variety of presets for different looks, while Cinematic Vlog Setting automatically adjusts settings for a cinematic feel.

Key Highlights:

  1. Upgraded 26MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processor
  2. Improved autofocus and video capturing
  3. Cinematic Vlog Setting for Automatic Video Optimization
  4. Vertical shooting mode with a rotating user interface
  5. Upgraded battery for extended recording time
  6. Compact and lightweight design

The ZV-E10 II camera body will be available in selected countries from July 2024. Sony also announced the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, a compact zoom lens ideal for the ZV-E10 II. This lens is lightweight, offers good image quality, and features built-in image stabilization. The E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available in black in selected countries from July 2024.

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