Why it took long for Canon to release a high-end mirrorless camera

MANILA -- When Canon recently introduced its latest high-end mirrorless camera, the EOS-R, it wasn’t only a launch for a camera, but a peek into the future of Canon photography.

Long awaited by Canon loyalists, the Canon EOS-R is a full frame 30.3-megapixel camera featuring near instantaneous focusing speed due to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF Sensor. Sporting the latest DIGIC 8 imaging sensor with an Auto Light Optimizer, it delivers more shadow and highlight details to stills. 

Due to updated optics, it’s impressive ISO range from 100-40,000 makes it an ideal camera for shooting in extreme low-light situations. Canon is clearly putting this camera up against the Sony’s full frame heavy-hitters, the α7iii and α7Riii.

Canon is playing catch-up in the mirrorless arena. It was a puzzle to Canon devotees why it took the company so long to make a high-end mirrorless camera. It turns out that the concern was to make the top-of-the-line mirrorless camera as future-proof as possible.

“It takes 10 or 20 years to design a product that will last 20 or 30 years. Look at the lens we developed in the 1970s, photographers are still using those lenses today,” explained Benny Yu, consumer head and director of Canon Marketing Philippines Inc. 

Canon released four new lenses alongside the EOS-R. If the previous DSLR generation of lenses were the EF range, these new lenses sport the RF designation. These are the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM, RF50mm f/1.2L USM, RF28-70mm f/2L USM, and RF35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM. 

Besides the upgraded optics, the RF lenses rings can be used as another adjustment point which, by default, is used to adjust aperture. But through the menus, can be customized to adjust other settings. 

Canon has not forgotten photographers who have made significant investments in their ecosystem. Alongside the lenses, several adapters were released so that previous generation EF lenses can be used with EOS-R body. There is a standard adapter, a control ring mount adapter which trickles down the control ring feature to EF lenses, and a drop-in filter adapter which greatly eases the use of standard polarizing filters.

Along with the EOS-R, Canon introduced new updates of its PIXMA range of multi-function printers -- the PIXMA TS9570, TS8270, the TR4570S. The PIXMA line features built-in pattern designs, automatic two-sided printing productivity, and wireless connectivity. The PIXMA Ink Efficient E4270 also packs powerful productivity that operates at low cost even with large print projects. The CanoScan LiDE400 and LiDE300 combine incredibly compact profiles were launched as well.

Significant improvements to Canon’s service and marketing were also highlighted. EOS-R customers, for example, are automatically enrolled to the CPS lite service which aims for faster turnaround times at Canon service centers nationwide. 

Canon is also extending enterprise level service to consumers for printers and scanners incorporating features like providing a service unit when a printer or scanner needs repair or even picking up the units if users cannot go the service center.

“Canon is a well-known brand. However, if you are thinking technology, we have not reached all the customers in the Philippines. We are enhancing activities, expanding the reach to the provinces as well for partners, branch operations, and service,” Canon Marketing Philippines CEO Kazuhiro Ozawa said.

There are plans to cascade Canon activities like the annual Photomarathon to local organizers broadening the reach of the brand nationwide.

The Canon EOS-R is now available at your favorite electronics and camera shop. SRP for body only is P147,998. It is also available as a kit with the RF2-105mm f4 Kit with an SRP of P214,998.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Future Perfect: Sony's A6300 mirrorless camera

Other than its size, the mirrorless camera distinguished itself from the DSLR through its auto-focus feature, which is said to be more accurate and consistent.

Sony's latest mirrorless camera took it a step further by offering A6300, with 425 auto-focus points--a big leap from its predecessor, the A6000, which had 179 points.

This technology gives better tracking focus and minimizes blur when capturing photos of fast-paced objects. The A6300 also has 4D Focus, similar to the Sony Xperia X Series smartphone's rear camera.

JV Ruanto of Sony Philippines Digital Imaging said A6300 also has a nicer grip, made bigger and now with a matte finish.

It also has a maximum ISO setting of 51200, the highest among mirrorless cameras, whose normal setting is at 25600.

The A6300 shoots images of 24.2-megapixel resolution and records vidoes of 4K resolution.

If you're seeking to upgrade from A6000 to A6300, fret not as you would still be able to use your E-mount lenses and A7 series lenses.

As it hits the shelves this April, the A6300 camera body will retail at P56,999, while the kit with 16-50mm lenses will retail at P64,999.

Ruanto said they also have a summer promotion, where they will offer G-lenses at P18,105.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Gadget review: Panasonic Lumix G6

I own a Panasonic Lumix LX3 which, at the time of purchase, was one of the best point-and-shoot cameras in the world. But eventually, I knew I needed something more.

I held off on buying a DSLR, and when the first Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera was announced, the Panasonic Lumix G1 in 2008, I finally knew what I was waiting for. But it would be four more years until I finally acquired my first MFT camera, the Olympus OMD EM-5. I’ve had no complaints.

But when I was offered the chance to spend a few weeks with the Panasonic Lumix G6, I immediately jumped on it, eager to experience what the other side of the MFT equation had to offer.

Design

The reason many people choose mirrorless cameras is because they offer a smaller profile closer to point-and-shoots while still offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses like DSLRs. That said, the G6 isn’t on the slim side of Panasonic’s MFT line, though I shouldn’t complain since it isn’t much bigger than my OMD, and a little lighter.






The contoured hand grip, which is the reason for its chunkiness, also feels very good in the hand. Controls are easy to reach and there are five customizable function buttons.

The G6 has a fully articulated LCD touch panel which I much prefer over the tilting LCD of the OMD. The touch screen is very responsive. And unlike most mirrorless cameras, the G6 also has a built-in Electronic View Finder (EVF) which is very useful under extremely sunny conditions, or for those just not used to composing their shots on an LCD.

Quality and performance

I’m not a pro-photographer. Heck, I wouldn’t even call myself a prosumer. More like an ambitious amateur, which means I don’t really do that much post-processing and prefer getting the look I want on camera. Manual is great when you have the luxury of time. But when you have to fire off a quick shot, the Intelligent Auto mode does a decent job.

The G6 also has quite a number of scene modes that are fun to play with ranging from the familiar (sunset, monochrome, scenery) to the oddly specific (sweet child’s face, soft image of a flower, cute dessert).

The auto-focus is quite fast, aided by face detection and subject tracking options. You can also use the touch screen to specify a focus point which should come naturally for those used to taking photos with their smartphones. Manual focus through the EVF meantime is made easier through magnification of the focus area, which allows you to dial it in.

WiFi and NFC

Wi-Fi on a camera is a brilliant concept. Instead of relying on the camera on your phone, why not use the best camera you have for the best images you upload on the web? Although this could be considered cheating by Instagram purists.

By downloading the Panasonic Image App, you can sync your Android or iOS device to the G6. Once paired, you can use your phone as a remote control, browse through your gallery, and transfer pictures.






If you have an NFC-equipped phone then you’re golden. Just touch the phone to the side of the camera and watch the magic happen. Without NFC, the process is a little more cumbersome, especially at the start when you have to key in the Wi-Fi password for the camera which acts as your hotspot.

Panasonic also has a Lumix Club cloud service. The concept being once you connect your camera to a local Wi-Fi router, you can send images to the service which then posts it to your social networks. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to test this feature.

The Wi-Fi connection can be finicky. There were times when the connection would just drop, or everything would just freeze up while I was using my phone as a remote. But when it works, it’s like sorcery!

There’s also an option for saving photos automatically to your phone as you’re shooting, but better keep the image size manageable since this can slow down the camera.

Video recording

With modern cameras now able to do video as well, the need for dedicated camcorders has virtually disappeared. The G6 seems to be a great option for budding cinematographers. It can record videos in full high definition (1080p), and includes a 24 frames per second option for a more cinematic look.

A dedicated video button is easily accessible on the top panel. It has a mini HDMI port for playing videos straight out of the camera. Aside from a built-in stereo microphone, the G6 also has a microphone jack which is just icing on the cake.


The verdict

I really enjoyed my time with the G6. It was easy to pick up and just start playing around with even without poring through the manual first. I’m still really happy with my Olympus. But if I ever need to buy a second camera, my time with the G6 gives me reason to rekindle the affair. And frankly, the ability to share lenses makes this a viable option.

If you currently have a point-and-shoot and decide to go the MFT route, or you’re a DSLR owner jumping to the dark side, just know that your options for lenses will be limited to what’s available from Panasonic and Olympus here in the Philippines.

Hopefully, this will be remedied as mirrorless cameras continue to gain popularity, and local camera shops finally decide to bring in third party MFT lenses.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sorry, no cameras allowed at Rihanna concert

MANILA -- Filipino fans of Rihanna won't be able to take photos of the international pop star when she performs at the Mall of Asia Arena stage on Thursday night.

The Pasay City concert venue, in its official social media accounts, announced that any type of camera will not be allowed in, "as per artist's management and event organizer's request."

"All type of cameras (digital cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs) are prohibited during Rihanna's 'Diamonds World Tour.' Only accredited press and media will be allowed to bring cameras inside the venue," it said.

The 25-year-old Barbadian singer, who is behind the global hits "Umbrella" and "We Found Love," is performing in the Philippines for a second time after her sold-out show in Taguig in 2008.

Manila is one of the three Asian stops of the "Diamonds" tour, which has so far visited over 60 cities around the world. The concert series is set to make 19 more stops until November 15.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com