Just like my previous Canon cameras reviews, I would bring them out for as many different types of photography shoots and outings, putting them to the test in various photography genres. Starting my own short visual stories collection titled, “A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production” of my Canon EOS R3 review adventures and journeys.  

First up was Rainbow illumiNation – Celebrating 1 year of Very Momentary Exhibition, supporting local creative artist Wei and his creative artwork creations, World Water Day 2022 and Earth Day 2022 – Invest In Our Planet, bringing wildlife photograph, nature, conservation and sustainability topics out from the photographs that I shot with the Canon EOS R3. There’s also an urban / city landscape photography exploration with the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses that I was also reviewing together with the Canon EOS R3, titled “Singapore Cityscapes (600mm and 800mm perspectives).

The Canon EOS R3 is more than just a fast and powerful full-frame mirrorless camera for the professionals in journalism and sports that place high standards and demand for very fast speed action and accuracy, it’s also for the wildlife, visual story tellers and professional photographers in other genres as well, to capture the priceless moments and presenting them to the world.

You read my visual stories from my EOS R3 explorer series production, now let me share with you my points, thoughts and views from this Canon EOS R3 review.

Aesthetics 

For photographers who own/used the EOS 1D series, the Canon EOS R3 will feel natural and at ease in your hands. It’s just like the EOS 1D series, the looks, feel and ergonomics. The EOS R3 is lighter in weight as compared to the EOS 1D counterparts. The EOS R3 EVF is bigger in size, that is to accommodate Eye AF.

A lightweight magnesium alloy body making the EOS R3 very rugged, tough and durable, able to withstand extreme conditions along with its weather sealing features. Just like the EOS 1D series predecessors, you have the faith and trust in the EOS R3 to rough it out and deliver the goods in extreme conditions. 

Years ago, I felt that the flip screen would not look professional on the EOS 1D series. Fast forward today,  I take back my words, the flip screen is so useful and versatile, providing flexibility and more ways to approach photographing in various situations. The flip screen on the EOS R3 won’t make it less professional, my personal opinion is that this would be most welcomed by photographers in today’s demand for both stills photography, videography and content creation.

There is the joy stick on the EOS R3, it’s really a joy to use, along with the iconic wheel button on the Canon EOS camera bodies that we are familiar with. This combination of using the wheel button + mode dial + front dial + joy stick is more than just an ease to use, it’s handy and great joy to use. 

The Canon EOS R3 gives you full control on the camera body using the LCD screen, giving you another user interface option when operating the Canon camera. The best of both worlds of having both physical controls, dials, buttons and modern technology using touch screens.   

Operations

The legacy of the EOS 1D series has been passed on to the EOS R3, the fast speed auto-focus (AF) with precision and accuracy on the subjects that you are focusing and photographing. Inside the EOS R3, Canon has raised the mirrorless AF speed and accuracy to another level, we saw it in  Canon’s EOS R5 and R6 AF capabilities. The EOS R3 has set the bar higher on another level, it’s not just going to amaze, they are what professional photographers in journalism, reportage, sports, wedding, fast-paced events, wildlife photographers would want to have in their professional series EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera. Not just for professionals, serious enthusiasts photographers would welcome the EOS R3 too! This EOS R3 is capable to line-up in the 1 digit series of the EOS R family, why is not named as EOS R1 and named as EOS R3 instead? Close to the end of my article, I would share my personal thoughts and views on this.

Drive mode

Single shooting / High speed continuous + / High speed continuous / Low speed continuous / Self-timer 10s / Self-timer 2s

Shutter mode

Mechanical / Electronic 1st curtain / Electronic 

The mechanical shutter is awesome, the EOS R3 electronic shutter is even better. You can just put to electronic shutter without too much worries and concentrate on capturing the moments and actions up to 1/64,000 at 30 fps with its electronic shutter. 

Silent shutter function on / off

There is a silent shutter function that allows photographers to switch on to use when the shooting situation requires. The EOS R3 has a soft shutter sound, it’s almost negligible that you won’t notice it much when you are using it.

Servo AF 

1 – Versatile multi-purpose setting

2 – Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles

3 – Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points

4 – For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly 

Auto – Tracking automatically adapts to subject movement 

Subject to detect 

People / Animals / Vehicles / None

With the above four selections, photographers can switch the settings inside the EOS R3 as and when required. Dedicated settings for photographing people, animals or vehicles would be most welcomed by photographers, they are fine-tuned to assist photographers in capturing their subject matters at right moments.  

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system along with EOS iTR AF X brings Canon AF to another level with improved with Eye Detection AF (Human), Body Detection AF and Head Detection AF. Portraiture photographers would most welcome this improvement when they put to “People” mode. 

For wildlife photographers, the “Animals” to detect mode would vastly help in focusing and capturing wildlife in action. Motorsports photographers, the “Vehicles” to detect mode would be most welcomed by them. 

In addition to EOS R3 fast and accurate AF, the ability to choose the subject to detect makes it even easier and a bigger breeze for photographers. Switching to subject – animals, when shooting wildlife made it so much easier for me even when shooting small birds from far.

Auto-Focus Capabilities/Areas 

Spot AF / 1-point AF / Expand AF area / Expand AF area: Around / Flexible Zone AF 1 (Square) / Flexible Zone AF 2 (Vertical) / Flexible Zone AF 3 (Horizontal) / Whole area AF 

For those who are familiar with Canon AF system, you would know the different AF capabilities and AF areas that you can choose from. One of the EOS R3 strong capabilities that I like a lot is the Flexible Zone AF functions that give the photographers more control and specific areas to concentrate the focusing of their subjects. 

The Flexible Zone AF (Square, Vertical or Horizontal) can be versatile and useful in situations such as wildlife photography.

In-Body IS

The EOS R3 is equipped with an In-Body IS (IBIS), that was first incorporated in the EOS R5 and EOS R6 camera bodies. When coupled with lenses that has image stabilisation (Optical IS), they can achieve an image stabilisation effect of up to 8 stops. That would be most welcome by photographers who need to shoot in handheld low light situations. 

One of the features on the wish list of photographers, Canon’s IBIS capability is now equipped inside the professional EOS R camera bodies. An excellent and most welcome feature for photographers and videographers, yet photographers and videographers may forget about the IBIS that’s aiding them in their low light shoots. 

Eye Control AF

The return of Canon’s Eye Control into the EOS R3. Before you are able to utilise this function, you need to do a calibration with your eye. The calibration is pretty straight forward and not too difficult to complete the Eye Control setup. 

Using Eye-Focus to control the AF point, it’s a hit and miss for me. While I welcome this useful and great capability inside the EOS R3, there were times when I couldn’t fully control the AF point, making me frustrated. 

Some points to highlight would be, I am wearing glasses thus it might affect the eye-control functionality. I also have a short review period, that doesn’t give me a lot of time to get used to the Eye Control and fine-tuning it further to my liking and preferences. 

Eye-Focus can be very useful in situations when the photographer prefers to do it through  the viewfinder, concentrating on focusing on his subjects, pressing the button to photograph the priceless moments that they are seeking/waiting for, and preferring not to utilise the wheel dial and joy stick. 

ISO Levels

ISO 100 – 102,400

The EOS R3 ISO level has a range from ISO 100 to 102,400. Although this would allow the photographer to shoot at high ISO, the tolerance and preferred ISO level to use, can be personal and subjective. My personal tolerance lSO level is 51,200, I would avoid using higher ISO beyond this level whenever possible. 

Record func+card/folder selection 

Equipped with dual card slots, one for CFexpress, one for SD card, it’s very useful if you choose or prefer to record stills photography and video separately into different cards. The future for high speed shooting, volume and buffer recording is with CFexpress card, their pricing is still pretty high at juncture in time, we need to give them more time before the prices would come down, making it more affordable. 

I usually prefer a dual card slots system, giving me the options to record into 1 card or both cards when the situation requires. Having a dual card slot is a great backup function to have on the camera.

Video

Movie rec. size

6K RAW (6000×3164) 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps / 24.00 fps (PAL)

4K-DCI (4096×2160) 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps / 24.00 fps (PAL)

4K-U (3840×2160) 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps (PAL)

FHD (1920×1080) 100.00 fps / 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps / 24.00 fps (PAL)

The EOS R3 can record videos up to 6K RAW, onto the CFexpress card, while 4K video can be simultaneously recorded on an SD card. In the current environment and demands, shooting in 4K would be sufficient for most situations in both work and leisure videography. The ability to shoot in 6K RAW is an added bonus for the photographer/videographer should the need arises.

In my personal opinion, the EOS R3 primary function is a stills photography camera for fast paced action. The video is a secondary function that allows the user to record videos, switching in between photography and videography as and when required.

Thoughts and Views

For existing Canon EOS 1D users, EOS R5 and EOS R6 users, it’s very easy and fast for these group of photographers to get used and acclimatised to the Canon EOS R3. The functions and user interface (UI) are very similar (if not most of them are the same). If you are familiar or owns a EOS 1D series, the EOS R3 will be second nature to you, it’s almost exactly the same!

The EOS R3 is a very fast and accurate full-frame mirrorless camera Sports, wildlife and press photographers will love this camera, that would also be for wedding and events photographers as well. AF for mirrorless cameras have improved tremendously over the years, the revolution has started in the EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. In the EOS R3, they have gone up another level higher and better.

Videography for EOS R3 complements the photographer, when they have to shoot videos on top of their photography. 

The EOS R3 is first and foremost a very high speed, very fast AF powerful stills camera, just like its predecessor from the 1D series, the legacy lives on in the EOS R3 even though it’s not named together as the Canon 1 digit series. 

Due to the changing media landscape, media consumption and demand, while stills photography still has an important role to play, video consumption has risen exponentially, whether it’s your filmmaking production level, serious amateur using YouTube/Vimeo, or even using TikTok, Instagram Reels. 

Videography in a hybrid digital mirrorless camera complements the user in their quest to capture both stills and videos for the work/projects required or for the leisure user to have both forms of media production for their social media.  

Eye-Control / Eye-Focus

The EOS R3 eye-control feature that allows photographers to use their eye and focus on their subjects through the EVF. Personally, I like this feature a lot, adding on another method to focus on moving subjects, beside using the joy stick or LCD touch screen, ideal for photography genres such as wedding and events photography.

While it is most welcomed as an additional method to help the photographer focus on their subjects during their shoot, this is like a rough diamond that still needs refinement and improvement with technological and firmware upgrades. 

High ISO 

The EOS R3 maximum ISO is 102,400, allowing photographers to push the limits of their photography in low light situation. Personally, my tolerance level for the usable high ISO is 51,200, the ISO levels beyond that are too grainy for my personal liking and usage. 

1/64,000s 

The EOS R3 can shoot up to an amazing speed of 1/64,000s with its electronic shutter. Is this a myth or a marketing gimmick, some might ask? No, it’s not a myth and not a marketing gimmick. When I had a first taste of 1/64,000s high speed action during my initial short hands on session with the EOS R3, I was more than blown away, I wanted to test it out in the field.

Although during my short review period with the EOS R3, I couldn’t fully put the 1/64,000s shutter speed to more tests/shoots, I managed to photograph some scenes using 1/64,000s.

Shooting at 1/64,000 might sound very far fetch for many photographers, this is true to a certain extent, not many photographers will or need to shoot at 1/64,000. Nevertheless, for wildlife and sports photographers, 1/64,000 might just be the key element for them to nail that shot that they always wanted to shoot e.g. the very fast motorsports action scenes, an artistic scene of water droplets hitting the water or the kingfisher diving right at the moment into the water catching its prey.

Or like me, photographing the fireball sunset shining brightly over the horizon, overpowering the bright sunset and creating an artistic silhouette. 

Why is this not R1 and named R3?

During my first short hands on media session with the EOS R3, after my first touch, feel and testing, the EOS R3 feels and works like the Canon EOS 1D series, I was impressed with specifications and capabilities. During the time whereby I had the EOS R3 for review, I was thinking much further and deeper, why is this not named EOS R1 and named EOS R3 instead? 

A monster and powerful full-frame mirrorless camera for the sports, wildlife photographer, as well as for press photographer and photojournalist too. The EOS R3 is more than ready, it can safely and proudly take over the EOS 1D X series as the Canon’s top range camera yet it sits just below the EOS 1D X Mark III, based on how Canon name their cameras.

The EOS R3 has placed huge expectations for the rumoured EOS R1, what would the ultimate Canon flagship full-frame mirrorless EOS R1 camera be like in the near future?

On a personal and professional basis, is it time for me to fully switch over to Canon mirrorless by replacing my EOS 1D X Mark II with the EOS R3?  

More photographs of my Canon EOS R3 review can be viewed on my Flickr collection! 

Thanks to fellow photographer Isaac Ong for taking my profile photo, shot withe Canon EOS R3. 

* I would like to thank Canon for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera. * 

The post Canon EOS R3 Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This mobile application (2) would definitely interest professional photographers who are able to transfer an image to FTP/FTPS/SFTP (3) server through a mobile device. For professional sports media or press on-site, this would be convenient for them. Transferring data through a fixed PC is the common method that many photographers are familiar with.

“Mobile File Transfer” supports the file transfer through a mobile device that has better portability, convenience and immediate, thus improving the efficiency of the post-shooting workflow.

High Speed Transmission of 5G

The Canon Mobile File Transfer application supports 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System) mobile devices and it enables professional photographers to upload large numbers of images to FTP/FTPS/SFTP servers at high speed. Apart from automatic and selective image transfer, filter transfer, which transfers images on pre-defined conditions, is also supported.

Function to Add Information for Efficient Data Transfer 

Metadata, such as the photographer’s name and image license information, can be added to images based on standards developed by IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) that major news companies and agencies participate in. Also, voice memos can be added to images transferred from the camera to the mobile devices on the application. The IPTC* metadata can be edited as well. 

Notes:

 (1) It will become chargeable from next version. 

(2) iOS14 and higher are supported. Android will be supported in future. 

(3) FTP：File Transfer Protocol, FTPS：File Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS, SFTP：SSH File Transfer Protocol  

(4) The currently-in-development EOS R3 will be supported in next version which will be chargeable. 

* iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. 

* Android is a trademark of Google LLC.  

*** Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO PR ***

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Where it all began

It all began in 2006 when I wanted to start a photography blog. During that era, having a blog was not only something that I wanted to do for myself, I wanted to produce and publish visual stories, just like a National Geographic Magazine photographer and journalist (I grew up reading National Geographic Magazine and kind of follow their visual storytelling style). 

At that juncture in time, it was kind of cool to own a blog, social media had not really “exploded” into the scene at that time. I started on blogspot platform before migrating to my own domain name and hosting, setting up my own brand name/domain name, my own frontal space. Huge credits to Jack who helped me to setup my photography blog at that time, as well as Brian who helped me with IT technical support over all those years. 

As the years progressed, it transformed and grown from a small and humble photography blog into my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog of today, covering my visual stories, travel adventures, documentation works, photography topics, cameras, lenses and accessories review,  sports, wildlife, hospitality and food adventures. 

15 years adventure – Many ups and downs

My 15 years adventure writing and publishing visual stories wasn’t exactly a smooth and stable journey, it was full of ups and downs, from reaching the heights of recognition in 2015, to the lows from setbacks and departure of loved ones/close folks from 2016 to 2017. 

When you are in the creative sector, there will definitely be scrutiny and criticism, my website was deemed messy and not suitable to be a photography portfolio website. I reflected on it, established a separate photography portfolio website, thus allowing this to continue its visual storytelling journeys as a portal/blog and supplementing my photography portfolio website. 

There were others who questioned the value and relevance of my photography and travel portal/blog in today’s social media trends and usage. One even created their own blog after questioning my website, that is probably a compliment to what I have accomplished for my website over the past 15 years.

I learnt and grow old together with my website, visual storytelling, gaining more photography skills and knowledge, producing and publishing photography prints, photo books and zines.  

Revamp and Rebrand

Revamp and rebrand, the time is now to introduce TGH Digital Studio, comprising of my TGH Photography business, my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog and working closely with my partnerships and collaborations. 

Photographer | Visual Storyteller | Content Creator | Technology Writer | Digital Artist 

I started TGH Photography as a sole proprietorship business in 2017. It was a very difficult start for me as I learnt the hard truths and brutal realities of running and managing a business, let alone a business in the creative industry. 

The amount of emotional and mental stress took a toll on me as I was also hurting from the loss of my loved one/closed ones during the period 2016 to 2017. Not many knew about it, I don’t talk much about it, the world we live in, sometimes just judge you by dollars and cents.  

During this short period of time from 2017 till date, I also learnt that providing standalone photography services is not going to be sufficient in this fast moving social media and internet driven world that we are living in. I started to learn videography/filmmaking from scratch, having photography knowledge and skills does shorten my learning cycle. This is still an ongoing learning  process, I have so much more to learn, improve and add on new skills and knowledge, adding to my expanded scope of professional services.

Just when I thought things would get a bit more stable, the world was hit by the global pandemic COVID-19 in 2020. In a nutshell, this global pandemic threw everything out of the window. This was almost like back to square one, back to ground zero. This was like a reset switch – Adapting, adopting, changing and re-strategising. During that circuit breaker period, the acceleration to adapt, adopt, change, strategic changes and directional changes was fast. 

Although I started solo in my photography business, I am glad that I now have a small team! I have Isaac helping me in photography/videography/video editing/editor and JingYi for creative design/digital artworks/illustrator/layout artist/.

Partnerships and Collaborations

I have been partnering and collaborating with other friends/content creators/photographers over the years. Some have been ongoing for a while, some are new on board.

Hpility SG

One of my first partnerships and collaborations (we started off in 2017) that I worked with in a few areas, from photography, videography and digital marketing. 

Easy Travel Recipes

Easy Travel Recipes is my travel and food partnership and collaboration. We are still discussing on how to expand and combine our strengths and resources in the travel and food segments moving forward.  

3 Blind Mice

This is a foodie consultancy, photography, videography, food tasting/cooking media production and regular feasting partnership and collaboration, founded and established after our foodie trip to Vietnam in 2018 by Chef Keith Crackling Roast, Chef Jude and myself.   

Meow Mixed Media Production

A mixed media photography and digital artwork collaboration co-founded by Isaac, JingYi and myself, borne from a passion of photography, cute cats and digital artworks combining together. 

More details and information would be shared when I make an announcement and share more information and details on what we are doing.

CryptoIKI

I am entering into the digital arts space with CryptoIKI, exploring the world of NFT and see how I am able to bring my photography works and mixed media artworks into this space. Keep a lookout as I explore and share my digital artist journey here. 

Upcoming projects/works

I have embarked on a number of different personal projects over the years, from documentary photography, publishing photography book and zines, photography prints. For this 15th year milestone year, I have embarked on a few personal projects. 

Books/Zines

Currently, there are three books/zines being planned on my timeline. 

1. Mixed media photography and digital artwork collaboration zine with Meow Mixed Media Production

Coming soon, I would keep it under wraps for now! Stay tuned and keep a lookout for our official announcement! 

2. A zine to celebrate my 15 years milestone (2006 to 2021)

I am still working on my zine, I have yet to decide whether i am going for a photo book magazine style approach showcasing a selection of photographs shot from 2006 to 2021, or short visual stories of key events with photographs from each year.

3. Publishing a book from one of my heritage and cultural personal works/documentations 

I have been documenting and photographing history, heritage and cultural fields/interests over the past 15 years. This would be an ideal time to bring one of my personal heritage projects that I documented to the next level, publish into a book and bring it to life in both physical print and electronic book format.  

A few other artwork projects with Meow Mixed Media Production are in the planning/discussion stages. We are a very new creative start-up collaboration, when the time is right, I would make the announcement with the team members and share with everyone on my website.

15 years milestone, what’s next? 

I will continue to produce more higher standards visual content stories with my photography and videography for my photography and travel portal/blog. When the global pandemic COVID-19 is under control, I hope to resume my international travel adventures coverage.

Life is an adventure, it will never be smooth sailing. Who knows where my visual storytelling with my photographs and videos can bring me to, beyond greater heights or faraway destinations?

Last but not least

I would like to thank my family, relatives, loved ones, old friends, supporters, followers and readers for following, reading and supporting my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog over the past 15 years. I really appreciate the support and encouragement that you gave me over all these years. 

To all the various brands and agencies that I worked with, thank you very much for believing and trusting in me to work together, helping me to grow and expand over the past 15 years. 

Last but not least, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for reading this lengthy story of how I started my humble photography blog in 2006 over a 15 years (not out and still going strong) time frame in 2021, marking its milestone celebration of my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog. 

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A highly and much-anticipated photography event held annually organised by Canon, the Canon PhotoMarathon 2020 edition would be the 18th edition and also be my 10th year participating in Canon PhotoMarathon since my maiden debut in 2008. Canon PhotoMarathon had always been challenging, tiring yet fun and great to catch up with photography friends and partners. Photographers push themselves beyond their boundaries and creativity in a one-day event, they were given a variety of themes and a time line to photograph and submit their entry for that particular theme.

Looking back at my last year Canon PhotoMarathon 2019  participation, it was something different for me since I was also there to help out as a EOS World Community Ambassador and as a participant too. For those who wish to know more about (my personal) Canon PhotoMarathon editions over the years (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019), check out the photos, stories and experiences that I shared on my photography and travel portal/blog!

The COVID-19 situation has caused massive impacts and disruptions to the world, we all have to stand together be united. Canon has decided that suspending Canon PhotoMarathon 2020 is of utmost importance for the the safety and wellbeing of all photography enthusiasts. With previous editions reflecting the unifying spirit of the Canon PhotoMarathon participants, Canon stands with the community and wants to thank all supporters and photography aficionados for their unwavering support over the years.

Photographers, do continue photographing, documenting and sharing, let’s hope the COVID-19 situation would be brought under control soon and life can get back to normal!

* Information 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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At the start of the new year 2020, I wrote about my theme and goals for year 2020 photography and travel and one for my year 2020 technology and personal segments. Currently, with this COVID-19 virus situation, along with its impacts to Singapore’s economy and world economy, uncertainties, fears and slowdown have affected us. On my technology and business portal/blog, I shared more stories, views and thoughts in this article “Keep Calm and Carry On, Updates, Changes, Plans”.

The impacts on commercial photography industry can be seen and felt, along with other industries such as aviation, travel, hospitality, food, retail etc. It’s all hands on deck on how I would be navigating through this turbulent times for my photography business. Back to the drawing board, reorganising, planning and strategising, diversifying within my photography business, related industries and out of photography business into other business interests.

For my personal photography, this area might take on more significance, not in the revenue aspect though. This downturn is a good time to devote time to the craft and artistic segments of my photography while managing my costs during my personal photography endeavours.

Travel photography might be pushed back, no thanks to the COVID-19 virus situation. I really hope to go back into my travel photography and travel writer adventures. I am working on this area, growing into a bigger professional segment for me in year 2020 and beyond.

Year 2020 did not get off to a good start for everyone, let’s all keep calm and carry on, unite and work hard together to navigate through this crisis.

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Let’s all welcome and usher in the Year of the Rat! May the Year 2020 be a great year for you in your professional and personal life, wealth prosperity and great health! May the Year of the Rat be just like this fireworks, lighting up the skyline!

In case you missed it, here are my theme and goals for Year 2020. For this photography and travel portal/blog,

• Photography and Travel : http://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photojournalism/theme-and-goals-for-year-2020-photography-and-travel

As for my Technology and Business Portal/Blog

• Technology and Personal : https://www.tangenghui.com/personal-stories/theme-and-goals-for-year-2020-technology-and-personal

For those who are keen to know more about how the Year 2020 would fare for your Chinese Zodiac, do visit and have a read on my article – 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals Outlook for 2020 by Joey Yap!

祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，生体健康，心想事成！

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Setting a theme for Year 2020 was inspired by Fernando Gros recent article, “Momentum – Yearly Theme For 2020”. Having met Fernando in person, a very talented creative, musician, photographer and writer, I also have his book, “No Missing Tools”, very inspiring, opening a world that I never thought that I ever have inside me, on the subject of creativity. Fernando has been an inspiration for me as a photographer and writer, learning, changing, evolving and adapting in this current modern world filled with so much fast moving information, news, images and videos.

As I decided on a single word to choose my theme for Year 2020, it was a bit of a struggle since this was my maiden attempt. Seeking the advice of my old classmate Michael, from my primary school days (his command of the English language is way better than me), he advised me to find a phrase that would suit me personally, after an interesting discussion and brain storming, this phrase appeared “Striving to Excel”, our primary school motto (and our primary school is no longer around, they have merged with other primary school in my neighourhood).

Therefore, my theme for Year 2020 is “Striving to Excel”, fits in nicely to both my professional/business and personal goals for this year. Another new approach for this year, I am not revealing my business goals and plans for this year, you can still find some bits and pieces in previous articles, if you have been a regular reader on my two websites. Instead, I would be writing on my personal photography and travel goals, I want to return back to my roots, that started my love for photography, travel and story telling.

Theme for Year 2020 – Striving to Excel

Personal Photography Goals for 2020

• To publish my first photo zine
• To publish photo zine on a regular basis (one issue every quarter)
• Explore more of the outdoors and natural areas in Singapore and countries that I visit
• Produce more personalised photography content and stories (from personal projects to documentary)
• Printing photographs, from mini prints to large A2 photo prints
• Continue building up my TGH Photography Explorer Series brand and works

Personal Travel Goals

• Take more short haul trips to nearby countries and explore
• Japan 2020 (Hokkaido, Kansai)
• Climb and conquer another mountain peak
• Produce cinematic travel video stories

Striving to Excel, in both personal and professional capacity, for my Year 2020. Come on board, follow me on my photography and travel exploration stories adventures!

The post Theme and Goals for Year 2020 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

My last decade, was also a “love affair” with the EOS-1D series. This journey started in 2010 when I got myself a used EOS-1D Mark III (making its personal/leisure debut in BMW World Singapore 2010), this was a turning point for me as I embarked on the route towards semi-professional/freelance over the years. This was later followed by witnessing the launch of EOS-1D X, I had the opportunity to review the EOS-1D X, bought a used EOS-1D X, also followed by the announcement of the EOS-1D X Mark II, reviewed EOS-1D X Mark II and finally upgraded to a used EOS-1D X Mark II in 2019.

When Canon announced the development of the EOS-1D X Mark III earlier in October 2019, we were eagerly waiting for the official announcement and it’s finally released! Some personal insights and views from reading the press release, doing my own initial personal comparisons between the EOS-1D X Mark III and Mark II:

• Physically, they look pretty much the same yet there are substantial upgrades inside EOS-1D X Mark III
• New CMOS Sensor
• Digic X image processor
• Dual CFexpress media card slots (No longer CF and CFast)
• 4K video with no cropping (first Canon full-frame camera to feature)
• Using HEIF file format
• 500,000 shutter count cycle (significant improvement)
• 191 AF points (OVF)
• Eye Detection AF (this caught my attention!)

If the opportunity arises down the road, I hope that I am able to review the EOS-1D X Mark III and share more in-depth. For those chasing high megapixels, this might not meet your expectations. Personally, in my own humble opinion, professionals that choose the EOS-1DX Mark III would not be putting too much attention on high megapixels, due to the genre of the photography segments that they are shooting. A new CMOS Sensor and Digic X image processor makes it a better combo to produce improved quality photographs straight out of HEIF or JPEG (I would love to test this theory of mine) for reportage, photojournalism, events coverage submission.

Would I upgrade to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III? That’s a good question, only time would tell.

Let me share with you more details of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III below.

Canon today announced the release of the EOS-1D X Mark III, built to meet the needs and demands of professionals who require the best from their equipment. With a powerful 20.1 megapixel 35mm full frame CMOS sensor and the new DIGIC X image processor, the EOS-1D X Mark III delivers top-notch image quality in a wide range of shooting situations.

With the ability to capture high-resolution images at up to 20 frames per second (fps) and high definition video up-to-4K 60P featuring Canon’s proprietary Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (AF) technology, the EOS-1D X Mark III is a workhorse for any professional image creator.

“Those familiar with the EOS-1D X Mark II associate it with imaging excellence. We sought to take that to the next level with the EOS-1D X Mark III,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “The EOS-1D X Mark III comes equipped with new capabilities that empower exceptional speed and performance, including a newly-developed high-res AF sensor that makes this camera a powerful and versatile one that professionals can trust.”

Some of the EOS-1D X Mark III’s features include:

• A newly developed 20.1 megapixel 35mm full frame CMOS sensor

• Continuous shooting speeds of up to 16 fps (viewfinder shooting) and up to 20 fps (Live View)

with AF/AE tracking

• DIGIC X image processor with CFexpress media (dual slots), which allows a burst rate of approx. 1000 shots (RAW + JPEG)

• New AF sensor combined with AI Servo AF IV1 delivers significant improvement in AF speed and tracking performance

• 4K UHD and 4K DCI movie recording at 60p/50p, and supports Canon Log 4:2:2 10-bit in camera recording

• In-camera recording of 5.5K RAW movies with simultaneous MP4 files

• Built-in Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi with FTP. Supports 5Ghz wireless LAN and compatible

with 2×2 MIMO when used with WFT-E9

The Ultimate EOS Camera: Unparalleled Speed and Performance

Equipped with a newly-developed high-res AF sensor that adopts a square pixel design, there is an increase in pixel density for both vertical and horizontal directions. This pixel miniaturization increases the pixel density by 28 times, resulting in a significant increase of AF points from 61 points (EOS-1D X Mark II) to 191 points (for optical viewfinder shooting) in the EOS-1D X Mark III. Processing speed of the new AF sensor is 40x faster than the EOS-1D X Mark II, resulting in significant improvement in subject recognition and tracking performance.

With the increased number of pixels, minute variations in distance to the subject in focus can be accurately detected. This brings about a dramatic improvement in AF accuracy. All 191 AF points support exposure of up to f/8 over the entire AF area, with 65 cross-type AF points at f/8. This makes the EOS-1D X Mark III great for use with extenders, especially for wildlife or sports photographers.

By reducing noise in the CMOS sensors and improving noise reduction with the DIGIC X, the upper limit of normal ISO speed has been increased from one stop to 102,400. Image quality in the ISO 6400-12800 range, which is frequently used by sports and news photographers, is also improved with better noise control. A dedicated DIGIC 8 processor has been employed for AF management and control of the 400,000 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor.

The newly developed 16-point low pass filter helps to reduce moir. and colour distortion, as well as improve image resolution. Gaussian filter features have been incorporated within the EOS-1D X

Mark III’s low pass filter to better suit high-resolution lenses. A brand-new feature of the EOS-1D X Mark III is the HDR PQ HEIF, a 10-bit recording standard (for stills) that differs from conventional high-definition standards, which use high-resolution and low noise approaches. The new standard aims to reproduce an image that is close to what is seen in reality compared to conventional image rendering methods, making images look sharper in detail.

HEIF files can be easily converted to JPEG (HDR PQ-quality) format, either in the camera itself or on another device using Digital Photo Professional. HEIF images have a similar “feel” to those shot with HDR PQ, and slightly different from photos shot and saved directly as conventional JPEG files. This feature eliminates the need for RAW development retouching and gamma adjustment process, which was necessary in the past for photos containing strong contrast or lighter tones in neutral coloured areas.

The EOS-1D X Mark III also features a new “Clarity” setting as one of the image adjustment options. This setting is particularly useful when users want to maintain a soft appearance with the subject’s skin, or when they want greater clarity to emphasise qualities such as the hardness of metal or details presented in a scenic view.

Burst shooting on the EOS-1D X Mark III has been increased to a maximum of 16 fps (approx.) to

help the photographer capture decisive moments. One of the issues faced during high burst shooting is the experience of “blackout” because the mirror (retracted when one shot is taken) fails to properly capture a new image for the viewfinder to display. To minimise this problem, the EOS-1D X Mark III uses a new mirror system with a high-speed mechanism to retract and reset the mirror, combined with an optical system that displays images in real time. This greatly improves the camera’s ability to track moving subjects through the viewfinder.

For Live View shooting, the EOS-1D X Mark III is capable of high-speed burst shooting at up to 20

fps (approx.) for both RAW and RAW + JPEG recording. Focus and exposure can also be maintained via AF/AE tracking. The effective AF area during Live View burst is broader than what is available during viewfinder shooting, with tracking up to 525 segments. Even when the electronic shutter is chosen for photo shooting, the EOS-1D X Mark III can perform high-speed burst shooting at up to 20 fps. Additionally, the EOS-1D X Mark III also has the ability to focus extremely well in low light situations (as low as EV-6).

Eye Detection AF and head detection routines help to precisely identify the intended subject when using the EOS-1D X Mark III. The accuracy and stability of human detection functions have been greatly improved, and coupled with the miniaturized AF area division (up to 525 segments), the camera provides excellent tracking performance and focusing accuracy, even for fast moving subjects. When shooting human subjects, the camera will detect and focus on the subject’s eye. Even during burst shooting at a speed of up to 20 fps, the camera maintains its fix on the subject’s eye, allowing the photographer to achieve highly accurate focus. Up to 3,869 AF positions can be manually selected to fine tune focusing.

In the viewfinder shooting mode, the new AI Servo AF IV provides higher predictive accuracy and stability by employing Canon’s most advanced AF algorithm. In challenging shooting conditions such as when the subject is moving away from the camera, the EOS-1D X Mark III is able to maintain highly accurate focus, allowing photographers to capture impressive shots of the desired subject.

New Dual CFexpress Media Format and 4K Video Recording Without Cropping

The EOS-1D X Mark III is equipped with dual CFexpress card slots with CFexpress being a new recording media positioned to be the leading format for high-speed transfer data. The ultra-fast transfer speed of CFexpress media, coupled with the camera’s extended buffer memory, allows the EOS-1D X Mark III to achieve an astounding continuous burst rate of 1,000 shots (RAW). This translates to five times more compared to the EOS-1DX Mark II. With the EOS-1D X Mark II, a photographer could shoot at 14 fps for 12 seconds until the buffer is filled, but with the EOS-1D X Mark III, the duration can last for a minute at 16 fps.

The EOS-1D X Mark III is also the first Canon full-frame camera to feature 4K video without cropping, with the camera supporting movie recording in both the 4K UHD (3840 x 2160, 16:9) standard established by the ITU and is suitable for broadcast content production. It additionally supports the 4K DCI (4096 x 2160, 17:9) standard established by the Digital Cinema Initiative (a group of movie production companies).The EOS-1D X Mark III is equipped with Canon Log whose performance has been proven in CINEMA EOS SYSTEM. Canon Log supports H.265 HEVC encoding, which ensures wide gradation, vivid colour range and small file size.

The HDMI 4K 60p output/Canon Log 10-bit output can be used to transmit 4K movie data to another device for display or external recording. The EOS-1D X Mark III also supports Canon Log YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit video output and ITU-R BT.2020 colour gamut output. These features make it possible to capture movie images with excellent dynamic range and vivid colour. In-camera 5.5K 60p RAW movie is also available on the EOS-1D X Mark III. The RAW movie’s high resolution, gradation, and editing capabilities allow users to shoot HDR clips, high-contrast scenes, and scenes that require advanced editing. High-speed movie shooting at 120p/100p for FHD is also possible with the EOS-1D X Mark III.

Most of the AF functions used to shoot Live View still photos can also be used for movies. Users can easily switch between movie and still photo shooting with the same operational “feel”. The camera ensures that each function behaves in the same way even though Live View photo shooting has a different subject detection scheme from that of viewfinder shooting. This allows users who are accustomed to AF shooting through the viewfinder to use AF functions effectively when shooting movies.

Enhanced Network Functions and Transfer Speeds

The EOS-1D X Mark III is also equipped with built-in GPS receiver with logging function. This makes it easier and more efficient for news photographers or nature and landscape photographers to maintain a log of shooting locations and manage files. The EOS-1D X Mark III supports up to SuperSpeed Plus USB (USB 3.1 Gen 2) transfer speed. When connected to a PC with a compatible cable, data transfer speed is faster than that of the EOS-1D X Mark II (SuperSpeed USB, USB 3.0).

The EOS-1D X Mark III now comes with built-in Wi-Fi with FTP functions. This greatly enhances photographers’ workflow in the field as they can quickly transfer images conveniently without any additional add-on devices. If a longer range and faster transfer speed is needed, the new WFT-E9 which comes with dual antennas compatible with Dual Band (2.4GHz/5GHz) and MIMO is available as an accessory for EOS-1D X Mark III.

In terms of durability, the EOS-1D X Mark III has a projected shutter life of 500,000 cycles. The main structural parts of the camera are made of magnesium alloy for lightweight and high rigidity. The EOS-1D X Mark III is also water and dust resistant. The AF-ON button now doubles up as a smart controller, which incorporates an optical sensor to detect the finger’s movement. It allows the user to quickly select the AF point easily without releasing the AF-ON button. A new high-definition LCD panel with approximately 2.1 million dots (EOS-1D X Mark II: approximately 1.62 million dots) provides a clear, distinct display – menu and playback operations can be handled using the touch screen.

There are also illuminated buttons on the EOS-1D X Mark III for easier menu and playback operations in dark conditions. The improved viewfinder is able to display key elements (other than the AF frame) in red. This makes it easy to view information even in very dark or extremely bright conditions. The display of other viewfinder elements/information does not impair AF operation.

Robotic Camera System

Along with EOS-1D X Mark III, Canon has launched a Robotic camera system (CR-S700R), a remote control solution for capturing still images using interchangeable lens cameras, via intuitive remote operation. The system consists of a Robotic camera head for Pan/Tilt/Roll/Zoom operation, and an IP Camera Controller (CR-G100) for managing wired connection with camera and PC, as well as its remote operations. By using the optional Camera Remote Application (CR-A100), photographers can manage Live View display and remote release of multiple robotic camera systems and cameras.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS-1D X Mark III will be available later in the first quarter of 2020, with pricing to be advised

at a later date.

Product Specifications

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

The post Canon Announces EOS-1D X Mark III appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Year 2019

First and foremost, let me start off wrapping up my year 2019, starting with this 2019 best nine from my Instagram. For 2020, I just let my Instagram be my happy go lucky sharing account, not curating to chase likes, follower numbers, style, pattern, trends or only post photos shot from the digital cameras. Thank you to those who have supported and encouraged me on my photography journeys!

For year 2019, my third year in my sole proprietorship photography business, basically for the first three years, it’s all about building up the foundation from 2017 to 2019, I was “schooled” all over again on running my own business by the society and economy. What I can say about year 2019 is accumulating my life lessons, experiences, dealing with trolls and competitors, learning from many setbacks, disappointments and hurt, handling people who look down on me. There are some good things that happened in year 2019, expanding networks and working relationships.

I have renewed my photography business registration for 3 years, FY2020 to 2022. For the first three years, it had been very difficult, very steep learning curves, received some harsh life and business lessons, judged, criticised and trolled. To my fourth year and beyond, let’s go!

Last Decade (2010 to 2019)

On the subject of my reflecting on the last decade for my photography, this was a period of growth in my photography, honing my photography skills, knowledge and experiences. At the present moment and future, I am still learning and improving in my photography, a lifelong philosophy that I adopt on both professional and personal basis.

I shall let my photography collections do the talking

Year 2010 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157626593454185/

Year 2011 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157626972072193/

Year 2012 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157628658069027/

Year 2013 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157632395904799/

Year 2014 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157639259673905/

Year 2015 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157650264502186/

Year 2016 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157663969794270/

Year 2017 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157677605786181/

Year 2018 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157668568379037/

Year 2019 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/tangenghui/collections/72157705970005464/

Some key milestones for my photography journeys in the last decade

• Year 2015: Straits Times (almost) full page interview and featuring some of my photographs that I shot of Marina Bay over the years that I had been taking photographs, part of the DBS Marina Regatta coverage
• Year 2015: Publishing my first photo book on Hokkaido black and white landscapes
• Year 2016: Attending Canon EXPO Shanghai 2016
• EOS World Community Ambassador in 2016 and 2018

What lies ahead in 2020 for my photography?

I would leave this segment for another article post, I might not share too much specifics into it, nevertheless, keep a lookout for my next article!

Last but not least, I would like to say a big Thank You from the bottom of my heart, to all those who believe, support and trust in my photography business, skills and journeys over the past decade, especially in the past three years from 2017 to 2019 when I was building up my sole proprietorship photography business.

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