Canon reported a decline in Imaging sales that led to lower operating profit in their latest Q1 financial reports:
"As for the camera market, last year, the aggressive promotions of each company during the selling season fourth quarter expanded unit sales. As a result, we expect the market this year to be down 4% to 5.75 million units.
In the first quarter, unit sales grew, mainly driven by mirrorless cameras like the EOS R50. However, as some of the cameras that we sold in the fourth quarter of last year were still in stock in the market, net sales declined due to reduction in the number of units shipped to optimize market inventory, and sales promotion expenses to promote sell-out of mass retailers.
From the second quarter, in addition to the optimization of market inventory, through the enhancement of our lineup of cameras and lenses, we will further strengthen our EOS R system, stimulating demand for both still and moving images. And by improving our product mix through an increase in our mirrorless camera ratio, we aim to achieve sales growth of 3.7% for the full year."
As previously reported. Canon is pushing 3D and XR (VR/AR/MR) imaging again and is planning to release a new APS-C camera compatible with VR lenses according to an article published recently by Newswitch.
Canon currently has the $2,000 RF 5.2mm f/2.8 L Dual Fisheye 3D VR full-frame lens (Adorama | Amazon | B&H):
Canon will expand the range of digital camera models that are compatible with the EOS VR SYSTEM. Previously, three models were compatible, but there are plans to also include cameras equipped with APS-C size sensors, which are smaller than full-frame sensors. The company aims to expand its user base by making low-priced cameras compatible with the system. Tsuyoshi Tokura, senior managing executive officer, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, ``We want to be able to offer multiple options.''
A special lens is required to support this system. We plan to release a special lens that can be attached to cameras equipped with APS-C size sensors. Although the specific release date has not been disclosed, ``There is a possibility that it will be released in 2024'' (Senior Managing Executive Officer Togura).
In addition to cameras, Canon is also focusing on the XR (general term for VR, augmented reality (AR), etc.) field. Senior Managing Executive Officer Tokura says, ``XR is the direction in which imaging will move,'' and the company plans to strengthen its research and development with an eye to the future.
Additional information on the Canon EOS VR System can be found here.
After years of searching there is a solution that works! What camera fits in a pocket, delivers great picture quality, has a pleasurable user-interface and meets the needs of a discriminating photographer? The solution is at hand.
The most popular cameras today are full-frame mirrorless cameras because of the superb picture quality, intuitive controls and amazing performance. Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras top the best-sellers list with amazing choices that are smaller than ever. Yet every photographer longs for a pocket-able camera for a night on the town, dinner with friends, a hike, just to fit in a pocket or when we need discretion! How can we have our cake and eat it too? It’s possible.
The first option is the mobile phone. Yes, we all make phone-photos but most of us are not satisfied with the quality of the results or the creative options (ISO, shutter speed, aperture). In the past we have all bought the “premium pocket camera” like the Sony RX or Canon G and found the pictures and experience un-inspiring compared to our “big cameras.”
We bought M 4/3 and APS-C cameras and discovered the size is not-that-much-smaller than our Full-Frame cameras and the picture quality, camera utility, and photographer experience leaves us dissatisfied. Another good try yet fail.
YES, there is a workable and satisfactory solution to the compact camera conundrum…
Your favorite brand’s smallest Full-Frame mirrorless camera with a compact prime lens is the answer. For me, that’s the Nikon Z7ii with the 26mm 2.8! For you it might be the Canon R8 with 28mm 2.8 or Nikon Zf with 40mm 2 or the Sony a7C paired with the 35mm 2.8. These small Full-Frame cameras slip easily into a small purse, jacket pocket or walk-around in your hand. They offer the user interface, camera performance, picture quality and photo experience that makes you happy! Now, you have to agree to go with “no kit” to keep it small.
Go light and have some fun! Charged battery and formatted memory card in the camera and a minimal strap (Peak Designs CUFF wrist strap or LEASH neck strap recommended). Leave the case, bag, lenses, filters, charger and stuff at home. Just your camera in the pocket or purse.
On a recent rainy afternoon, I wanted to test my new compact camera concept. Off to LAX to do some street and location photography with Nikon Z7ii and 26mm 2.8. The camera fit ideally in my raincoat pocket and was 100% unobtrusive…. avoiding the gaze and ire of travelers and security alike. Using the flip-up screen, face-detect auto focus, AUTO ISO and manual exposure the photos appeared magically. It was freeing and exciting to walk and shoot effortlessly. The images were sharp, in focus and well exposed in a variety of lighting conditions…. just like you expect from your Sony, Nikon or Canon camera and lens!
The true test of concept was a night at Disney’s California Adventure with the wife and friends. This was a dinner-date and fun evening not a photo shoot. Camera in my pocket and a smile on my face. Low light, moving subjects, walking and talking all night and my kit captured amazing photos! What a joy to make pictures and have fun while not being “that guy” with my camera kit. Being able to control the focus square, shoot high ISO and wide aperture made me “feel like a photographer” without the baggage, while still being the attentive spouse! It was so much fun.
Having our full kit of photo gear is amazing. It captures superb photos. Sometimes, we need a smaller kit. My compact mirrorless Full-Frame camera kit allows us to tell our story and record the memories and be the photographer with just a camera in the purse, pocket or in my hand. Yes, they are available at PAUL’S PHOTO. In store, online or by phone.
Take full advantage of all the features on compatible flashes with the third iteration of the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT. This transmitter simplifies complex lighting setups by facilitating radio-controlled, two-way wireless transmission at distances up to 98.4' among up to five groups or 15 individual Speedlites. Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization is available for capturing light trails and creating motion blur in your images. An expansive minimum output range allows you to stop down to 1/8192 for very low-light shooting. Another useful feature is FE Memory, which allows you to lock in an E-TTL flash exposure level, even in complex multi-flash setups, and subsequently continue to use it for the same scene or subject. Eight types of custom functions and three types of personal functions are included in the design. The LCD panel and backlit controls allow for easy operation even when you're working in dimly-lit environments.
High-performance hot shoe contacts for reliable information transmission and operation.
Up to five groups, or 15 individual flashes can be controlled via 1 transmitter.
Supports E-TTL II Flash, Manual Flash, Stroboscopic, and Auto External Flash Metering.
Dot Matrix LCD Panel displays all pertinent information simultaneously and backlit control panel for easy operation.
Eight types of custom functions with three types of personal functions.
High-performance hot shoe contacts for reliable information transmission and operation.
Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization.
Minimum output range of 1/8192.
Built in FE Memory so you can lock in an E-TTL flash exposure level.
Connexion
