Early yesterday morning, Canon let the world in on quite a few exciting projects they’ve been developing through a virtual launch event. Two new full-frame mirrorless cameras (the first Canon cameras ever to offer in-body image stabilization), four new RF lenses, and a new professional photo printer are all available for pre-order now and will be arriving at a Mike’s Camera near you soon. Read on for the low-down on the latest.
The EOS R5: Uncompromising professionalism
The big headliner was, of course, Canon’s new contender in the working professional market. Check out these tech specs, sure to make your shutter finger tingle:
- New 45 MP sensor (Canon-made, as usual)
- 8K RAW video, UHD/4K up to 120fps
- DIGIC X processor for blazing-fast performance
- In-body image stabilization, for the first time ever
- 1053 AF zones with 100% coverage using Canon’s Dual Pixel technology
- Eye/Face/Head-AF for humans; Eye/Face/Body-AF for animals
- 12fps mechanical shutter/20fps silent shooting
- Dual card slots (CFexpress and UHS-II SD)
Lucky photographers who have had the chance to test the camera ahead of its release have praised the speed and accuracy of the AF system, DSLR-like controls that will make any long-time Canon shooter feel at home, and the quality of both still and video output. (Sample output can be viewed here.)
In a move indicative of their increased commitment to mirrorless, the naming conventions of EOS DSLRs are sneaking into the RF-mount cameras: the R5 is clearly intended for the same use cases as the esteemed 5D series (likewise, the R6 seems to play a similar role as that of the 6D). Considering the lenses announced alongside the R5 and R6 (see below), I think it’s safe to say that the EOS R series is going places!
The EOS R5 will be available at the end of July, on its own or in a kit with the RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM lens. We’ve already had significant pre-order activity, so you’ll definitely want to place your order now if you don’t want to have to wait!
Pre-order the EOS R5 (body only) here
Pre-order the EOS R5 with RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM here
The EOS R6: High power at a lower price
The EOS R6, much like the EOS 6D vis a vis the 5D, is a somewhat stripped-down version of the EOS R5 for the photographer or videographer who may not be able to justify paying for everything the more expensive camera has to offer but still craves outstanding quality. Check it out:
- 20.1 MP sensor
- UHD/4K video up to 60fps
- DIGIC X processor for blazing-fast performance (same as R5)
- In-body image stabilization (same as R5)
- 1053 AF zones with 100% coverage using Canon’s Dual Pixel technology (same as R5)
- Eye/Face/Head-AF for humans; Eye/Face/Body-AF for animals (same as R5)
- 12fps mechanical shutter/20fps silent shooting (same as R5)
- Dual card slots (UHS-II SD)
It’s worth noting that, while the sensor is a glaringly obvious difference, the sensor/processor combo used in the EOS R6 is identical to that used in the EOS 1D X Mark III—certainly no slouch when it comes to image quality! Having 45 MP is important—sometimes a lifesaver—when it comes to shooting weddings, products, and so on, but if you don’t need all that resolution then the EOS R6 is a great option.
The EOS R6 will be available on its own or in two different kits at the end of August. Pre-order online or in-store today!
Pre-order the EOS R6 (body only) here
Pre-order the EOS R6 with RF 24–105mm f/4–7.1 IS STM lens here
Pre-order the EOS R6 with RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM lens here
New RF lenses + Teleconverters
The emphasis was on the long end this time around, bringing lens lengths that normally cost $10,000+ into the reach of the average enthusiast, but one bokeh-licious portrait lens was announced as well.
RF 600mm f/11 IS STM
- Narrow aperture allows for massively stripped-down design (and price)
- Clever collapsible design means less bag space is necessary
- Meant to be hand-held
- 5-stop optical image stabilization
- Available July 31st
RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
- Narrow aperture allows for massively stripped-down design (and price)
- Clever collapsible design means less bag space is necessary
- Meant to be hand-held
- 5-stop optical image stabilization
- Available July 31st
RF 100–500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Top-notch glass and coatings (as with all L-series lenses)
- 2.95′ minimum focusing distance
- 5-stop optical image stabilization
- Teleconverter compatible
- Available September 30th
RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
- 0.5x maximum magnification
- 1.15′ minimum focusing distance
- Control ring for extra interface point
- 5-stop optical image stabilization
- 3-stop hybrid image stabilization (to control angular and shift-type movements, common in macro)
- Available October 31st
Extender RF1.4x
- Get 1.4x closer optically using compatible telephoto lenses
- Dust-, water-, and heat-resistant
- Compatible with the new 600mm, 800mm, and 100–500mm (300–500mm range only) RF lenses
Extender RF2x
- Get 2x closer optically using compatible telephoto lenses
- Dust-, water-, and heat-resistant
- Compatible with the new 600mm, 800mm, and 100–500mm (300–500mm range only) RF lenses
The imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Remember—it’s not a photo until you can hold it in your hand! While our versatile, professional printing labs are always ready and at your service, there are some advantages to being able to make gorgeous inkjet prints at home. (My wife and I use a Canon PIXMA PRO-100 ourselves for at-will photographic prints.) Canon’s inkjet printers are some of the best on the market, and the PRO-300 promises several intriguing developments for the venerable series. Sporting nine colors of ink plus Chroma Optimizer, the PRO-300 introduces a new matte black ink to improve gradation and richness of blacks. The design of the PRO-300 is actually 15% smaller than the PIXMA PRO-10 and PRO-100 printers, yet can print on custom sizes as large as 13″x39″. Click here to pre-order now for a late July delivery (pending stock availability).
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