Before I proceed further, this is NOT a review article. This article are my insights, thoughts, views from my short hands on experience along with my Q&A session with Canon Singapore Marketing. This article would be more like a continuation, Part Two of an earlier article that I published, “The Canon Mirrorless Journey from EOS M to EOS R”. Although it is NOT a review article, it’s a bit lengthy in content.

Through my session with Canon Singapore Marketing, I had a better understanding on the new EOS R cameras and RF lenses. In a nutshell, the EOS Family Hierarchy looks like this

EOS 1DX 

EOS R5 

EOS 5D 

EOS R + EOS R6 

Now let me share my thoughts and views of my short hands on experience with EOS R5, EOS R6 and new RF lenses. 

EOS R5

This is the Canon full-frame mirrorless camera that photographers want and have been waiting for. Canon has listened to photographers and customers feedback, this camera now has dual media cards slot. The iconic and well liked joystick and wheel controls are back on the EOS R5. The body and layout is similar to the EOS R. 

A hybrid camera, best of both worlds, for stills photography and videography, 8K video with no cropping and 45 megapixels. That’s a powerful camera for photographers, videographers and content producers.

8K video recording overheating concern? 

An issue that has been nitpicked by some overseas photography websites, a point to take note but with a wrong approach and mentality by the websites, probably a clickbait to drive web traffic to their website.

I brought up this topic for discussion as I was doing some homework and research from overseas websites and YouTube channels that are talking about this particular topic. From my understanding, maximum recording time is 29min 59 sec.

You can find Movie Shooting Time (or Movie Recording Time) Limit inside the camera’s manual by Canon. Raise your hands, how many of you read the whole manual, whether in pdf format or physical copy? 

When the Canon EOS R5 camera manual is available, I would download and have a read.

Points to take note from a photographer/videographer practical perspective:

• EOS R5 is a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that can do stills photography and videography. It’s not a standalone dedicated video camera recorder. 
• If you are looking to shoot non-stop 4K video for a long continuous period of time, you need to look at camcorders instead.The Canon Cinema EOS Camcorders and Camcorders are calling out to you.
• How often do you record video non-stop for 30 minutes and beyond? Unless you are mainly shooting conferences, major seminars presentation or live performances.
• Even if you are into producing vlogs, YouTube videos, short filmmaking, how often do you and can you video for 30mins or more without a break or pause, to check, reshoot? 

Should I have updated information and details on this, I might update it here or in my review article down the road.

In-Body IS + lens IS = holy combo, that’s what it should be, Canon now leads the way 

The photography industry was talking/discussing a lot on internet and social media a few years back. While it may seem that Canon took a much longer time to implement In-Body Image Stabiliser (In-Body IS), they didn’t want to put it in for the sake of putting it in. 

Yes, Canon listen to the feedback on the ground, from photographers and customers. This probably took them a bit longer than launching their full-frame mirrorless camera, a In-Body IS that works with the lens IS, with a new algorithm through new DIGIC X, “talking, coordinating and controlling” both IS on lens and camera body to work in tandem together simultaneously. 

That’s the way it should be for cameras utilising In-Body IS and lens IS, Canon now leads the way. 

Combining the best of the best together

This EOS R5 brings some of the best of the EOS Series, EOS 5D Mark IV (for its stills + video) + EOS 5DS or EOS 5DS R (MF quality stills photography) + latest DIGIC X + new sensor + revolutionary RF technology + EOS R series camera body, all together into that EOS R5.

EOS R6

For photographers who are a fan of the EOS-1DX series, you can go for the Canon EOS R6, it’s a mini EOS-1DX Mark III since it has inherited much of its hardware and technical specifications into the EOS R6 body. 

If you do not need the 8K video functions and high 45 megapixels, the EOS R6 is very suitable and more affordable, you can still shoot in 4K and with 20 megapixels, you can get most photography jobs done without too much worries. EOS R5 and EOS R6 have similar design,  layout and functionalities. The top layout is similar to the Canon EOS RP layout. 

The EOS R6 would be highly suitable for those wanting and ready to move into full-frame mirrorless cameras, whether you are an existing EOS DSLR user, or migrating from other brands, upgrading from APS-C cameras to full-frame camera.

RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens

This focal length range lens hasn’t really caught my attention previously as my setup is towards the holy trinity setup and big prime lens. However, I have to say that this focal length of 100-500mm range is versatile, lightweight and ideal for wildlife photography, sports and events photography too. 

I would love to try this lens out for wildlife photography when the opportunity arises to review this lens.

RF Extender 1.4x and RF Extender 2x

I sense exciting times ahead for the RF mount lenses. When would the RF300mm f/2.8 or RF400mm f/2.8 be out in the market? 

RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

We photographers and consumers need a mindset change that telephoto lenses must be at big apertures? Can telephoto lenses be lightweight, affordable and easy to use at f/11 aperture? The RF600mm and RF800mm are going to open up leisure (and maybe even commercial) photographers into owning telephoto lens.  

If you have the opportunity to try either one of the two telephoto lens, pair it with the RF Extender 2x and you would be able to see, feel and understand the power of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II in action, check out the AF at f/22. 

The materials used and built quality is pretty good for RF600mm and RF800mm lenses, considering that they are non L lenses. 

RF85mm f/2 IS STM

A popular focal length, the 85mm, ideal for portraits, can also be used as a macro lens as well. Affordable and lightweight. 

Final thoughts and views

Born to rule, a new era in the mirrorless camera segment, usability and durability, commitment to RF mount, EOS R full frame mirrorless. Excitement, Canon full-frame mirrorless is no longer playing catch up, it’s now leading the way.

Canon does listen to customers feedback and concerns, they are aware of the needs and wants of photographers. I still remember these two quotes that I wrote down, given by Canon Inc executives from my media sessions in 2016 at Canon EXPO Shanghai,

“We may look conservative but we know the trends” 

“We are not complacent”

Canon is and has always been committed to the mirrorless camera market, the messages were clear back then, even though there were no specific timeline nor indication of cameras to come. While Canon’s journey in full-frame mirrorless cameras, delivering the EOS R5 and EOS R6 to the market today in 2020, took a bit of a longer route and time, photographers now have a top range full-frame mirrorless EOS R5, accompanied by EOS R6, EOS R and EOS RP. Canon now has a range of different full-frame mirrorless cameras catering for most (if not all) photography genres.

The EOS R5 is highly suitable for production houses, commercial photographers, videographers, filmmakers, almost able to cover all genres of photography. A powerful hybrid camera for both stills photography and videography, the best of both worlds.

The price might be on the high side, yet given the power technical specifications, this is a worthy investment for the next 3-5 years, especially for those commercial photographers and production houses. 

What does the future holds for the EOS R and RF lenses family?

Canon has now set a high level benchmark for themselves and the full-frame mirrorless camera industry. Expectations would now be even higher. More RF lenses are on the pipeline, making the EOS R and RF mount series even more exciting in the very near future. 

An equivalent of the 1DX series EOS R? This would keep me very excited and interested.

On a personal/commercial photographer and videography/filmmaking approach

EOS R5, the hybrid camera for both commercial photography, videography and filmmaking. I always like the EOS 5D series and wanting to own a 5D Mark III or 5D Mark IV. The EOS R5 would be a great (almost perfect fit) as it covers both photography and videography. 

I have held back on getting a EOS 5D series as I am eagerly awaiting the next EOS R series camera even though I am using EOS RP and my trusted EOS-1DX Mark II. Now with the EOS R5 and R6, I have a good headache to plan, strategise and consider, how should I go about setting up my photography and videography combination, maybe it’s time to start my mini production house and digital marketing agency. 

The EOS R5 is the Canon full-frame professional mirrorless camera that many photographers are eagerly, anxiously or patiently waiting and wanting. It has finally arrived! Content creation and consumption of media is moving towards video in this current timeline and near future, the EOS R5 and R6 are going to be your trusted content creation gadgets.

I am most likely not buying the EOS R5 when it is officially out for sale in the market at the end of July 2020, as much as I would love to own this powerful packed (almost perfect) full-frame mirrorless camera, due to financial constraints and current economic downturn. However, I am looking at getting it some time down the road, maybe in 1 year’s time. The EOS R6 is good too, however my preference is the EOS R5. 

On the other hand, I do hope that I would be able to test and review the Canon EOS R5, EOS R6 and many more RF lenses that I would love to test and review, sharing with fellow photographers on Canon full-frame mirrorless photography through my Canon EOS RP Explorer Series Production. 

Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras journey has now transformed even further, setting a new standard for the full-frame mirrorless cameras industry. 

Born to Rule, the Canon EOS R5 has and will, leading the way for new full-frame mirrorless camera industry standards.

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What are the new features of Canon EOS R5? What makes Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera that highly anticipated by the world photography community? From my coverage, following, testing, reviewing (and owning the Canon EOS RP) over the years from the first Canon mirrorless Canon EOS M to Canon EOS RP, I am able to continue with a part two of this article that I wrote and published “The Canon Mirrorless Journey from Canon EOS M to EOS R” when Canon EOS R5 is officially announced. The improvements starting from Canon EOS R5 are significant and important, the information that I gathered from Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai, shows the commitment (to mirrorless system), imaging and technological improvements that you can have inside the upcoming Canon EOS R5.

Let me share with you, the new features of the Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera

Canon revealed new features and functions of the highly anticipated Canon EOS R5, engineered with the revolutionary RF mount and fitted with Canon’s latest technologies. The EOS R5 is the first of the next-generation full-frame mirrorless cameras in Canon’s EOS R System.

Video

The Canon EOS R5 comes with groundbreaking specifications in the video department. The compact body houses the ability to shoot 8K videos internally at up to 30fps with full sensor width read out (without crop). This allows flexibility in post-processing or editing as you have access to four times the resolution of 4K—being able to crop in or pan within the frame and still deliver in 4K or FHD output. The camera also has the impressive ability of shooting 4K at up to 120fps, both internally and externally. For recordings in both 8K and 4K, 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 internal recording with Canon Log is supported.

With the RAW movie feature first made available on the EOS-1DX Mark III in late 2019, the EOS R5 raises the bar further to include internal 8K RAW movie recording at up to 30fps with full sensor width read out. Moreover, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF will be available in every video resolution available in the EOS R5—including the RAW movie mode.

Improved AF

The EOS R5 also comes with an improved AF algorithm, capable of detecting the body, face and eyes of animal subjects such as dogs, cats and even birds. The Animal Detection AF in the EOS R5 is capable of detecting erratic movements, enabling users to shoot a variety of fast-moving subjects with greater ease.

5-Axis IBIS

The EOS R5 will also feature a 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system (IBIS) which works in tandem with the Image Stabilization in Canon lenses to effectively reduce camera-shake blur. Users can now master challenging handheld shots when using telephoto lenses or shooting in dimly-lit conditions.

Dual card slots 

All these impressive functions are packed into a compact body, which is designed with two card slots – CFexpress card and SD memory card. The ultra-high transfer speeds of the CFexpress card is one of the key reasons for the camera’s ability to perform continuous shooting at up to 20fps and internal recordings of 8K RAW movies.

Personal thoughts and views

The Canon EOS R5 would be making her official debut soon, I reckon photographers would be getting more excited with the Canon EOS R5, how would this camera fits into their lineup, some might be ready to get the Canon EOS R5, the Canon full-frame mirrorless camera that can cover both stills and videos in both personal and professional capacity.

With the development of more RF lenses on Canon’s imaging solutions roadmap, the Canon EOS R and RF lenses system are now very close to a full-fledged full-frame mirrorless photography ecosystem, moreover photographers can also tap on the EF lenses system and other Canon accessories too.

The Canon EOS R5 is packed with very good technical specifications and capabilities, for both stills and video. How would this fit into my Canon photography setup? This is a developing story, it’s exciting and opening up more options for my Canon photography.

Delighting You Always, the Canon EOS R5 would be.

* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

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I have been a part of Canon’s journey with their digital SLR and mirrorless cameras since 2004 with the Canon EOS 300D to my current Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and Canon EOS RP today, in between 2004 till now, the EOS 30D, EOS M, EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 70D and EOS 1DX, all came into my photography setup, they played an integral role in my photography journeys, adventures and growth over all these years, that can be viewed here in my flickr photography collections.

As Canon celebrates their 17th year maintaining the No.1 share of the global market, let me share more about Canon’s imaging system.

Canon develops the key imaging system components featured in its EOS series of interchangeable-lens cameras – CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses – under the core concept of, “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.” Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup – from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy high-image-quality shooting with easy operation – Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global market and set the stage for growth in the digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording.

Canon introduced new possibilities for photographic expression with the launch of the EOS R System in October 2018. Including such products as the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and RF lenses that fully leverage the company’s optical technologies, the new products helped further expand the Canon EOS System.

In 2019, Canon launched a wide range of attractive products (2) including the EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera (March) and EOS 90D DSLR (September). In striving to further expand its lineup, Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 17th consecutive year.

Canon is also currently developing the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, equipped with a newly developed full-frame CMOS sensor and featuring high-speed continuous shooting for still images and 8K video recording. What’s more, the company is currently developing 9 RF lens models, including the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, and plans to release them throughout the course of 2020.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology, to expand and create an even stronger EOS System for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras that opens up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo and video culture.

“Delighting You Always”, that’s Canon’s slogan, the words that I heard and learnt from my visit to Canon EXPO Shanghai 2016, they have always been doing it, living up to their slogan and delivering through their imaging solutions of digital SLR and mirrorless cameras over all these years.

* Information courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

Notes:

(1) Based on a Canon survey

(2) Canon released six interchangeable-lens camera models in 2019: EOS RP (March), EOS 200D II (April), EOS 90D (September), EOS M6 Mark II (September), EOS M200 (October), EOS Ra (December).

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Upon reading the brief description of the Canon EOS R5 that is currently being developed, I am really excited. I have (followed, documented, reviewed, used, sold, bought) Canon’s mirrorless journey from EOS M to EOS R, from using the EOS M (my parents camera), sold it off and we changed to the Canon EOS RP. The development of Canon EOS R5 reinforces Canon’s statement and commitment to the full-frame mirrorless camera segment. From the time when I attended Canon EXPO Shanghai 2016, I published “The Next Wave and Trends”, they have come a long way since then with their mirrorless cameras segment.

When the Canon EOS R5 is officially released along with 9 more RF lenses in 2020, I can start on part 2 of my continuation of Canon’s mirrorless journey, EOS R family and RF lenses.  the Canon EOS R5 could be the game changer in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. They fulfil the requirements/desires that photographers wish/want inside their camera. Although I did speak about/debate whether IBIS is a must have in my previous articles, if it’s packed inside the Canon EOS R5, I am happy too!

What can we expect from the upcoming Canon EOS R5? Let me share with you more information below:

Canon EOS R5

The new full-frame mirrorless camera currently under development will fully leverage the advantages of the EOS R System to realise high-speed continuous shooting, 8K video recording and expanding the boundaries of visual expression. In addition, it can contribute to more efficient workflows thanks to improved transmission functionality, operability and reliability. These enhancements and more will help the new camera elevate the EOS Series concept of “Speed, Comfort and High image-quality” to a higher level.

Canon’s EOS R5, the first of the next-generation full-frame mirrorless cameras in the company’s EOS R System, will include a newly developed CMOS sensor that makes possible advanced features such as high-speed continuous shooting – up to approximately 20 frames per second (fps) using an electronic shutter and up to approximately 12 fps using a mechanical shutter – to facilitate shooting of athletes at sporting events and other fast moving subjects. In addition, the camera’s 8K video capture capability will enable users to extract high-resolution still images from video footage as well as process 8K video into higher-quality 4K videos, opening up new possibilities for visual expression. What’s more, the EOS R5 will be the first Canon camera equipped with a high-performance coordinated Image Stabilization (IS) system that integrates the camera’s in-body IS with IS systems on attached RF lenses. The camera will also feature dual media card slots and support automatic transfers of image files from the device to the image.canon cloud platform.

From Canon Marketing Japan YouTube video above, the Canon EOS R5 looks really solid and impressive, the built, aesthetics and design, looks really close to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics will begin on 24th July 2020, my personal view/prediction is that the Canon EOS R5 would make their debut and appearance during this international sporting event in Tokyo, Japan (about 5 months from the announcement today on 13th February 2020)

9 x RF Lenses on the horizon in Year 2020

Canon is also developing a total of 9 RF lenses scheduled for release during 2020, including the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x.

As more RF lenses are introduced into their lineup, this would be good news for photographers who wish to invest/switch into the EOS R and RF lenses setup. What are the lenses on your wish list that you would like to be on the RF lenses setup? Maybe the RF 135mm, RF 100mm Macro, RF 24mm? Just some of my own predictions here!

With the introduction of the Extender RF 1.4x and 2x, this to me is an indication of the big RF prime lenses to come, maybe the RF 300mm f/2.8L, RF 400mm f/2.8L ? Or the RF 500mm and RF 600mm? I am making my own predictions here!

RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

A new RF lens being added to their RF family of lenses, five stops IS capabilities, giving photographers more affordable RF lenses options without compromising image quality. The small and lightest RF zoom lens available to date, weighing only 395g and 88.8mm in length. They are reasonably priced and available as a kit lens for EOS RP and EOS R.

The Canon EOS R5, RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x will be on display in the Canon booth at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2020, to be held from 27 February to 1 March at the Pacifico Yokohama convention hall in Yokohama, Japan.

At this point in time, I am really excited, the Canon EOS R5 might just be the camera that I am looking at, to slot into my current setup, in between my Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and Canon EOS RP. My initial plan is a Canon EOS 5D Mark III or EOS 5D Mark IV, I didn’t go ahead as I am waiting for Canon to announce the high end EOS R model before deciding, with the announcement of the Canon EOS R5, it seems that it has now come true!

Would the Canon EOS R5 eventually come into my setup? Maybe yes! There are also now more RF lenses arriving soon for photographers to build up their system.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

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During the visit to Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai, this was also a maiden life experience for me, to attend two of Canon’s high level media interview/interaction sessions with Canon key senior management. An absolute golden opportunity personally to listen, have an idea on the new wave, the next wave and trends from Canon for the next 5 years and beyond.

For this article, I would not touch on financial reports because I am not writing this article as an analyst or an economist, nor business expansion plans in Asia Pacific. This is purely from me, first and foremost, as a photographer, followed by being a technology gadget enthusiast. I would be sharing my notes that I took and wrote down from the media interaction sessions with Canon key senior management during Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai.

Inside my article, I shared about Canon’s zone on the first floor of the Shanghai International Convention Centre titled “Beyond High Image Quality”. This is the zone where I was able to have a first hands on view of products and services, the next wave and trends from Canon. For my regular readers and supporters, you would probably have guessed which particular products that I am most interested in!

There were two media interactions with Canon’s key management over two different days –

• 19^th May 2016 Media Interaction with Mr Fujio Mitarai, Chairman and CEO of Canon Inc

• 20^th May 2016 Media Interaction with Canon Imaging Products Group – High level intereview session with
• Mr Kazuto Ogawa, Managing Executive Officer of Canon Inc, Chief Operation Officer of Canon Asia Marketing Group, Executive Vice President of Canon (China) Co. Ltd
• Mr Go Tokura, Executive Officer of Canon Inc, Chief Executive of Imaging Communications Products Group
• Mr Ishii Toshiyuki,Vice President of Canon (China) Co. Ltd

• 120MP EOS Camera

This is the one and only prototype Canon DSLR in the world and it definitely attracted a lot of international media attention. Canon’s senior management highlighted that there is no timeline fixed on when the 120MP sensor would be out in the market.

With the development of the 120MP Canon EOS DSLR for the future, higher level quality lenses are being looked into for the future, to complement the 120MP EOS camera.

Personal views: At this juncture in time, Canon has 2 DSLRs, the EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R in the market equipped with a 50.4MP sensor. I am making a guess that a 80MP sensor is already in the works and might be ready in 2 years time before the 120MP sensor arrives in 2020?

• 8K Technology

The 4K technology is now getting more popular and widely accepted around the world today. The infrastructure and technology for 4K are now a part of our everyday life. Therefore, the next level up is the 8K technology, it is gentle to the eyes, sharp, clear and precise, watching 3D without goggles.

8K technology will take some time to be an integral part of our life, like the 4K technology of today’s society. Canon is targeting Tokyo Olympics Games 2020 as a good starting point for 8K broadcasting. For the further development of 8K cameras and videos, they would start after 2020.

• Mirrorless System

A topic on photographers minds, including myself. The mirrorless camera market has made headway over the past few years from competitors such as Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus. While for Canon, their mirrorless line up, the Canon EOS M is not as fast compared to their competitors.

From the media interaction sessions, Canon remains committed to the EOS M mirrorless line up. We should be able to see more of EF-M lenses, EOS M accessories and maybe a new EOS M mirrorless camera body in the near future.

This statement that I heard from the media interaction sessions, that I quickly wrote down, sealed my thoughts and thinking

“We may look conservative but we know the trends”

Would Canon produce a full frame EOS M mirrorless camera body? I certainly hope so and I certainly think so!

• High resolution printing

When I started learning photography with film SLR cameras in the late 80s and 90s, our photographs were printed at least on 4R photo paper, placed inside photo albums. With the revolution of technology, digital photography and storage solutions, printing photographs are not like before even there are more people taking photographs (professionally or leisure basis).

I re-discovered the art and love of photography printing again, moving beyond 4R prints into A3 photo prints and large format prints. Personally, I owned the PIXMA Pro-10 photo printer and it’s a good investment for me!

The famous and iconic Red Line in Canon’s photography family can also be seen in their printers, bringing professional quality photography printing up to A2 size that photography owners can have it in their homes with the ImagePROGRAF Pro 500. For commercial and large format photo printing solutions, Canon also has a wide range of printing solutions. At Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai, I personally experienced Canon’s high image quality printing and printing technology innovation, learning from their strong B2C base, bringing it into the B2B markets.

• Security Surveillance Systems

The need for security surveillance systems today have grown a lot, it is getting more important and crucial for business, organisations and governments around the world. The major cities around the world are expanding bigger thus leading to an increased demand for security surveillance systems.

Although security surveillance systems are predominantly a B2B market, there is potential growth for B2C market too.

• Smartphones and their impacts on the compact digital cameras

Smartphones, they have enormous impacts on how we live today, in both good and bad ways. The impacts of smartphones on photography are inevitable, the outcomes are in both good and bad ways too. The media contingent at the media interaction sessions were keen to know more about the impacts of smartphones on cameras.

Mr Fujio Mitarai spoke about this topic –

“Digital camera compete against smartphones. Use-ability, smartphone is better than digital camera. Digital cameras – better image quality and resolution.”

“Co-existing and collaborating with smartphones”

“Smartphones are part of daily life. Idea for the future, co-exist together with digital cameras”

In the other media interaction session, the key Canon management executives also spoke about this topic too –

“Smartphones affected the share of digital cameras, especially compact digital cameras”

Smartphones had eaten a lot into the compact digital camera market share worldwide and it doesn’t just affect Canon, it affect all the other camera brands that have compact digital camera models in their line-up.

“High end (high performance, high quality) compact digital cameras, complement smartphones”

This line that I wrote down during the media interaction, showcased Canon’s professionalism, business acumen and commitment in the areas of technology trends, market analysis, innovation and progression

“We are not complacent”

Mr Kazuto Ogawa gave a technology perspective insight on how smartphone helps photography growth

“More smartphone wars, more people interested in photography, attract more people”

“Smartphone complement photography”

From the words of the key Canon management executives over the two media interaction sessions, Canon understand and analyse the impacts of the smartphone on digital cameras, formulating and designing high quality high performance compact digital cameras to complement the smartphone.

There is a surge in people owning digital cameras and taking photographs nowadays, especially in the past 5-10 years. The impact of the smartphones, mobile phone photography helps to grow the consumer markets.

Looking at Canon’s compact digital cameras line-up (at this juncture in time), the Canon PowerShot G3 X leads their line up, followed by Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and PowerShot G5 X are the high end compact digital cameras that are suitable photography solutions to consumers in complementing their smartphone usage and lifestyle. I have reviewed the Canon PowerShot G5 X before and I liked this compact digital camera!

There was also a question asked by a member of the media contingent on whether Canon would be following a similar move embarked by Leica, whom Leica partner with Huawei in a smartphone collaboration known as the Huawei P9 smartphone. The Canon senior management replied that they would not be considering this option at this point in time.

• Internet of Things and Canon Eco-System

During Mr Fujio Mitarai during his keynote speech, he mentioned about the Internet of Things (IoT) as an area that they are looking into, to integrate the various Canon’s range of products and services together, forming the Canon Eco-System that seeks to live up to their corporate slogan “Delighting You Always”. After returning from Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai, I wrote a short article on Internet of Things, drawing my experiences, thoughts and feelings from what I saw, felt and learned during Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai.

The Internet of Things is opening up new worlds and Canon Group recognises the importance and significance for the future growth and expansion of their businesses. It’s about Experiencing, Communicating, Educating, Engaging, Exciting, Entertaining, Participating, Getting closer to each other between people & people, people & things, things & things. The relationship and ecosystem between Canon, their products and their customers, get closer and inter-connected right now, even more so in the future with the power of technology and the Internet of Things.

Many organisations around the world are talking about the Internet of Things as the next growth area, revolutionising business and their outreach towards their customers with technology, connectivity and gadgets. This growth area is estimated to be worth a potential of $14.4 trillion for companies worldwide (Source: Salesforce)

Internet of Things, connecting people, connecting technology, connecting eco-systems between people, devices and technology. Is the Internet of Things a whole new world out there or is it a world growing more connected?

Canon has the products, services and outreach. In my personal opinion, it’s about connecting everything together in their Canon Eco-System to make it a more holistic and enjoyable experience from the input (camera/video) to the output (printing/sharing), living up to their slogan “Delighting You Always”.

At the end of the Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai trip, I learned a lot more about Canon, their other products and services beyond the Canon photography that I know. The next amazing thing is to have a view of the the current wave, the new wave and trends of Canon’s products and services that might be arriving in the next 5 years or the near future.

Looking forward to the next 5 years ahead and eagerly awaiting for some of Canon’s products to be launched in the market! Which Canon products do you think that I am eagerly looking forward to?

The post The Next Wave and Trends (from Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I was invited to Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai as a member of the media, this was a very great honour for me to travel overseas, covering this huge and mind blowing Canon EXPO 2016 in Shanghai. It’s beyond amazing, it’s spectacular, the experiences were great and delightful. This media trip open my eyes really big, it allows me to learn, understand and know more about Canon beyond my current knowledge of Canon’s photography family consisting of DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, compact cameras, accessories and Canon’s printers. Canon’s various business groups are now also beyond just photography.

During the media briefing and opening ceremony, Mr Hideki Ozawa, President, Canon Asia Marketing Group, President & CEO, Canon (China) Co. Ltd and Mr Kazuto Ogawa, Managing Executive Officer of Canon Inc., Chief Operation Officer of Canon Asia Marketing Group, Executive Vice President of Canon (China) Co. Ltd, gave members of the media an insight into Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai and what they can expect – unlimited delight at Canon EXPO. The Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai was officially declared opened by Mr Fujio Mitarai, Chairman & CEO of Canon Inc, along with key Canon executives and distinguished guests.

After the official opening ceremony, we waited for our turn to begin our Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai adventure! Let me bring you through a visual story journey of Canon EXPO 2016, a walk through the various exhibition themes, concepts and presentations. It’s more than just an EXPO to showcase Canon’s wide range of products and technologies, Past, Present and Future. Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai is an Imaging Carnival, allowing your eyes to feast and enjoy the experiences, the connections, the communications between Canon’s products and services, to delighting you always in your journey with family and friends, in work and in leisure.

Starting my Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai journey on the 7^th floor of Shanghai International Convention Centre, there were 10 sectors for me to walk through them in sequence for my start of an experiential adventure with Canon.

1. Canon History

Take a step back in time into history, a walk down Canon memory lane. A rich and comprehensive Canon history timeline on the wall on the right side as you walk, along with a number of historical and iconic Canon products that were on display on the left side. This is Canon’s rich history and achievements.

2. Canon Now

Moving from history to the modern times, Canon Now shares with you Canon’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), their programs and efforts through Canon’s imaging technology, products and services in delivering the “Chinese Dream”. Here you can also see Canon (China) project titled “Discovering Beauty along the Silk Road”, amazing photographs and documentation.

Visitors would also be able to learn and know more about Canon in Asia, the programs and activities that had taken place in many countries in Asia. There was a segment inside Canon Now, that showcased Optical Technology, displaying the strength and diversity of Canon’s imaging technology, from the micro world to the far far away cosmic space.

3. Moment

The Moment, whether it is the priceless moment or the moment in time, this is for everybody to celebrate, experience and enjoy photography, delighting and connecting with family, relatives and friends, through technology or print out a photography memory for them to keep.

Personally, as a photographer myself, this is probably one of my favourite segments because we love and live for the priceless photography moment. This was an experiential and immersive zone whereby you can try out the various Canon digital cameras and lenses, taking photographs of major cities around the world at the Connect Train, the Moment Studio where you can get a feel of a fall-down from a high altitude. A DIY Café to let you print your favourite photographs, decorate it with your artistic skills, frame it up as a gift for yourself or for your family, relatives and friends, all in a cosy café accompanied by coffee.

4. Working Space

Canon’s colour printing solutions can be seen here at Working Space, from the small home office printer to big office multi-purpose printer solution. There is printing solution available for everybody, from photographers to businesses.

5. Professional Imaging

Entering Canon’s Professional Imaging zone, I was blown away with my eyes wide open because my favourite toys were on display! The 4K Corner displaying Canon’s rich series of 4K products and solutions, the “Red Line” products for Professionals. I personally own a few Canon “Red Line” products, the L lenses from the Canon EF lenses family, therefore, I can testify to the quality of the Canon L lenses, part of the “Red Line” products family.

Another exciting part in this Professional Imaging zone was the Shooting Corner and Broadcasting Studio. In-lieu of the upcoming 2016 Rio Olympics, visitors were able to experience the life of a sports photographer. At the shooting corner, there were a number of Canon DLSR models and lenses mounted on tripods, the visitors were able to touch, feel and shoot gymnasts in action with them. This would be a great experience for those who were not into sports/action photography that they were able to try out the various Canon DSLR models and lenses for sports photography.

Walk behind the gymnastics stage, the visitors can view the setup of a live broadcasting studio in action, a beautiful news commentator doing her broadcast live at Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai, powered by Canon’s high performance video cameras and lenses for broadcasting television systems.

There was an elevated platform opposite the broadcasting studio setup, lined with a series of top end Canon EF prime L lenses and top end Canon DSLR cameras commonly seen in sports competitions around the world. Visitors can have a feel of what it was like being a sports photographer, learning and understanding more about the the Canon professional “Red Line” products.

6. Healthcare

In this zone, visitors had a first glimpse of Canon’s business interests diversity beyond their cameras and printers business entities that most of us would know about Canon. In the healthcare zone, visitors would be able to know more about Canon’s medical business division, how Canon’s imaging technology plays a part in the medical machinery and devices in Radiology, Breast Imaging, Eye Care and Medical Information Cockpit.

7. Security Solutions

Security in the modern era has taken on a lot more importance and significance around the whole world than before. Canon recognised the importance and potential of the security solutions business, thus they are expanding into this area. By combining Canon’s unique imaging technology strengths and capabilities, along with outstanding security solutions partners, visitors in the security solutions zone can get a first hand experience for themselves on how the security solutions would be like now and in the near future.

8. Environment

Canon Group corporate philosophy of “Kyosei” can be seen in their commitments and actions that they embarked on for the Earth and her environment. In the Environment zone, visitors would be able to know more about Canon’s efforts and actions in environmental protection and having environmental friendly products.

9. Cultural Protection

In the Cultural Protection zone, visitors can see view the “Tsuzuri Project – Cultural Heritage Inheritance Project”, a joint project organised by Canon and the Kyoto Culture Association (NPO). One of the zones that fascinated me deeply because I have strong and personal interest in the fields of heritage, culture, conservation and preservation with my Canon cameras.

The Tsuzuri Project aims to create high resolution facsimiles of cultural assets from Japan, making use of the high resolution facismiles that can be shown to the public to experience and enjoy, while allowing the original cultural assets to be kept in more favourable environments, preventing deterioration and ensuring that the rich and cultural heritage can be, and will be passed down to the future generations.

10. Lens Experience

The lens experience zone is another experiential zone for visitors to get a hands on experience with the different types of Canon’s cameras, lenses and video products. With the beauty of the Huangpu river, Oriental Pearl Tower and Pudong district, visitors can take photos, look through the viewfinder/LCD screen, enjoying and having a delightful experience with Canon’s diverse range of imaging technology products.

After the completion in exploring 10 different zones on the 7^th floor of Shanghai International Convention Centre, I quickly rush to the 1^st floor to enter Canon’s “Beyond High Image Quality” zone, it’s about Canon’s future imaging display beyond high image quality. This was something that I am very eagerly looking forward to with lots of excitement and eyes wide open. What am I am able to see with my eyes, through my photographs that I can share to the whole world on the future of Canon’s imaging technology?

High Definition Large Format Print “Airport”

First and foremost, the first Canon showcase upon entering the “Beyond High Image Quality” zone totally blew me away when I stood there, looking, admiring and observing a high definition large format print “Airport”.

Just by looking at the high definition large format print, I had the feeling that I am actually at the Airport right now! Using the word “amazing” would be an understatement to the very high quality and standards of that high definition large format print, this is indeed beyond high image quality, it’s like the real thing in life.

As a photographer, it would be a big big dream come true, if you have a special and delightful photograph that is printed in this High Definition Large Format, showcased and displayed in this huge format. For now, I would continue taking photographs and producing stories, while continuing to dream of this “Airport”.

Next Generation PRO Inkjet Printer

The next generation of Canon’s inkjet printers now join Canon’s Red Line family of products, showing their professional class and quality of Canon’s imaging technology and image quality.

High Resolution Printing / Printing with Wide Dynamic Range

Experience the world of Canon’s high resolution printing, the quality, sharpness and wide dynamic range from Canon’s newly developed pigment inks. The Canon ecosystem, starting from the input of Canon’s imaging technology, EOS cameras, sharpness and clarity from the Red Line family, the EF L lenses, putting them into Canon’s world of high resolution printing. This is the journey, the delightful experience of Canon imaging, from taking and producing the photograph, to printing and sharing your photography works.

120 Megapixel EOS Camera

The number is 120, yes, a Canon EOS concept DSLR model with a 120 megapixel CMOS Sensor! The one and only of its kind in the world, shown to the world at Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai. The future of ultra high image quality is upon us in the years ahead.

Would this 120 Megapixel Canon EOS camera be available in the next 5 years? Your guess is as good as mine. The recent Canon DSLRs that were launched, the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R are equipped with 50.6 megapixel CMOS sensor. Maybe the 120 megapixel Canon EOS camera might be available in the next 5 years!

Gallery – Power of Printing / Shanghai Printing World

Enter into the world of prints, feel and experience the power of the prints on display. This zone showcased Canon’s input/output collaboration and Canon’s specialised printed products featuring advanced printing technologies for various industries.

Canon Super Creative Printing

The power and quality of Canon’s imaging technology, armed with the combination of Canon texture capturing and imaging processing technology with OCE’s elevation printing technology, this is Canon’s super creative printing, producing previously impossible textures.

The 8K World

Welcome to the future world of 8K, the standards that would be entering the society in the years to come. Visitors at the 8K World got to experience various 8K technology and standards with their 8K Projection “8K Ride”, HDR 4K Display, 8K Display, 8K Movie Image Sample Print, 8K Camera Solution and a 360 degree Imaging and Sound arena.

Enriching the World through Innovative Imaging

The world ahead is getting more connected with innovation, technology and internet. Through innovative imaging, our future world can be very different from the world today. Technologies such as Mixed Reality (MREAL) Stage, the Versatile Collaboration System and Rich Collaboration System.

How we work and live, how we communicate, how we get our jobs done, this zone gave a glimpse into the trends and future of how the society might be like/would be like.

Walking out at the end of the exhibition hall on the 1^st floor of Shanghai International Convention Centre, I had a lot of products, things, technologies, trends, future to absorb, digest, compile, write and share on my thoughts and feelings on current Canon’s family of products, the future of imaging technology, 8K World and innovative imaging.

Canon’s slogan “Delighting You Always” can be seen and felt in their products, marketing, support and services, it was brought to another higher level at Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai. The Internet of Things is opening up new worlds and Canon Group recognises the importance and significance for the future growth and expansion of their businesses.

The Canon ecosystem, Canon’s Internet of Things, the inputs and outputs, their diverse range of products and services, put together in Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai – Experiencing, Communicating, Educating, Engaging, Exciting, Entertaining, Participating, Getting closer to each other between people & people, people & things, things & things. The relationship and ecosystem between Canon, their products and their customers, get closer and inter-connected right now, even more so in the future with the power of technology and the Internet of Things.

Delighted and excited I am, after visiting Canon EXPO 2016 Shanghai, it’s a real eye-opener, understanding and learning more about Canon and its diverse business entities, the trends and future. I am looking forward to the year 2020 when Canon holds their next EXPO in Tokyo! I hope that I am able to visit Canon EXPO again in the future, continuing my visual story telling with Canon EOS camera and lenses.

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