The Art of The Race by Darren Heath – Presented by Canon Singapore

This collaboration, The Art of The Race by Darren Heath, presented by Canon Singapore, combines the worlds of photography in the areas of art, education, and community engagement through activities in October 2025, reinforcing Canon Singapore’s long-standing commitment to fostering creativity, celebrating excellence, and inspiring the next generation of visual storytellers.

Darren Heath, is a multi-award winning photographer, a Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, is best known for his creative and artistic snapshots during high octane motorsports action, using nothing more than natural light and colour. For 35 years, Darren has travelled the world photographing 550 GP races that showcase speed, precision, and passion.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Darren Heath on activities that embody Canon’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and inspiring new possibilities in photography. At Canon, we encourage everyone to explore new ideas and experiment with different techniques to tell compelling stories. By doing so, we cultivate a vibrant community where creativity thrives, and diverse voices come together to push the boundaries of photographic expression across all genres,” said Mr. Andrew Koh, Senior Vice President and Head of Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore 

Canon Singapore Presents The Art of The Race by Darren Heath

Canon Singapore is presenting Darren Heath’s seminar on F1 photography and art of motorsports photography in Singapore before the start of Singapore GP2025, where he will share insights from this illustrious career in motorsports racing photography, including techniques, secrets and stories behind iconic images that showcase his signature panning techniques and artistic vision.

“Photography is about capturing a moment and telling a story through creativity, perspective, and emotion. Partnering with Canon gives me the opportunity to share not just my work, but also my passion for the art with enthusiasts in Singapore,” said Darren Heath. 

Inspiring Creativity and Connecting Communities

Canon Singapore empowers budding and experienced photographers to inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact in the community. This collaboration with Darren Heath, would be of great interest to F1 and motorsports photography enthusiasts here in Singapore and around the region. 

This collaboration forms part of Canon Singapore’s broader efforts to connect with photography enthusiasts, students, and the public, offering experiences that celebrate photography through the art, education, and community. 

For those into F1 and motorsports photography

If you are into F1 and motorsports photography, do visit Darren Heath’s website and check out his works here, as well as details on the upcoming seminar “The Art of The Race by Darren Heath”.

Whether you are an beginner, enthusiast in F1 and motorsports photography, or have experiences photographing motorsports action, I feel Darren Heath’s open session would be enriching and beneficial, as he shares his insights, tips, and personal experiences in motorsports photography.

The Art of The Race by Darren Heath

• Date: Tuesday 30th September 2025
• Time: 6:30pm
• Venue: Wyndham Singapore Hotel, Level 5 (South Tower), 3 Coleman Street, Singapore 179804
• Cost: $6 including GST
• Register here: The Art of The Race by Darren Heath

* Information courtesy of Canon Singapore and Brave Communications *

** Images courtesy of Darren Heath **

The post The Art of The (F1) Race by Darren Heath – Presented by Canon Singapore appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“As the pinnacle of our EOS line up, the EOS R1 inherits the top-tier excellence of our 1 lineage, which has always been highly trusted by professionals. The EOS R1 will empower professionals and craftsmen with class-leading control and performance, to acquire mastery of their craft, by providing an additional edge in their professional production processes and workflows.” said David Yeo, Senior Marketing Manager of Consumer Business, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

My visual storytelling/photography journeys with Canon EOS 1 series

My visual storytelling/photography journeys with Canon EOS 1 series began with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III in 2010, the first Canon EOS 1 series camera that I owned. I tested and reviewed the Canon EOS-1D X, EOS-1D X Mark II. My next EOS 1 series camera was the Canon EOS-1D X, before moving on to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. When I moved into the EOS R full-frame mirrorless series, without a flagship EOS 1 series camera in my lineup. 

Canon EOS R1 – First flagship EOS R system camera 

The Canon EOS R1 was announced on 17th July 2024. I would be sharing the information from the press release as I didn’t get the opportunity to have a short hands on with the Canon EOS R1 as compared to my previous Canon EOS camera announcements. The Canon EOS R1 is kind of familiar to me, given my history with Canon EOS 1 series cameras and the Canon EOS R3 that I reviewed in 2022.

EOS R1 Top Notch Speed: Accelerated Capture Image Processing

The Canon EOS R1 harnesses the power of a 24-megapixel back-illuminated (BSI) stacked CMOS sensor to elevate images to an impressive 96-megapixels with its unique In-Camera Upscaling technology. The sensor’s improved light efficiency and faster readout lay the foundation for the revolutionary capabilities of the EOS R1.

With the new Accelerated Capture image processing system, featuring the innovative DIGIC Accelerator alongside DIGIC X, processing speed and power are significantly amplified. Unprecedented levels of AF and subject tracking performance can be achieved through deep learning algorithms, where detailed scene analysis is enabled. With features such as In-Camera Upscaling and Neural Network Noise Reduction now executable in-camera, the EOS R1 supports fast-paced, time-sensitive workflows, ensuring the swift delivery of high-quality, publication-ready images to editors or press offices.

Capture Decisive Moments: Smarter Subject Detection and Tracking

The EOS R1 is Canon’s first camera to feature the next-generation Dual Pixel Intelligent AF system. This system leverages the Accelerated Capture image processing system’s powerful processing speed and power to achieve AF and subject detection performance that significantly surpasses that of the EOS R3.

One revolutionary new AF feature is the Action Priority AF mode, which detects crucial actions such as shooting, passing, and heading, specific to soccer, basketball, or volleyball.  Using deep learning, details such as ball position, players’ joints, and the presence of multiple people will be analysed. Once such actions are detected, the AF frame automatically switches to the subjects performing these actions, capturing those split-second decisive moments that might be missed, especially during dynamic, fast-paced games.

Be it shooting event photos or videos, the Register People Priority feature will come in handy; the camera will prioritise up to 10 specific preregistered individuals and constantly focus on them, even when the subjects’ faces are side facing.

Users can also look forward to improved AF and subject tracking in the existing People, Animal, and Vehicle-priority modes, as the Dual Pixel Intelligent AF is aided by Cross-type AF, which improves the camera’s ability to detect small subjects and subjects affected by patterns and/or horizontal lines—such as players wearing horizontal stripes or when shooting from behind net or fence.

In-camera Upscaling: Instant High-resolution Extreme Crops

The new In-Camera Upscaling function uses deep learning algorithms to quadruple the number of pixels in an image while preserving details and image quality, achieving image files that resemble those shot on a 96-megapixel camera. This will be useful for achieving high-quality extreme crops on the spot, which can be sent directly from the camera to a press office.

Image noise can become more apparent when images are magnified, but this will be addressed by the new in-camera Neural Network Noise Reduction function to improve image quality further. The function uses deep learning-based algorithms to reduce high-fidelity noise on RAW images, achieving amazingly clean high ISO JPEG images straight out of the camera.

The EOS R1 features a 5-axis In-Body IS (Image Stabilizer), with a newly designed mechanism and improved algorithms that increase its effectiveness compared to the EOS R3. When shooting with a compatible RF lens with Optical Image Stabilizer, users can expect up to 8.5 stops’ equivalent image stabilisation so handheld shot images where tripods are not available will remain sharp.

Never Miss Crucial Moments

The EOS R1 can shoot high-speed bursts at up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter, which allows for silent shooting, and up to 12 fps with the mechanical and electronic first-curtain shutter. This enables users to capture the perfect moment within fast action sequences. The faster sensor readout speed reduces rolling shutter distortion to practically negligible levels. This is equivalent to the EOS-1D X Mark III mechanical shutter, which will encourage users who previously refrained from using the electronic shutter due to potential subject distortion when capturing high-speed action. Reduced rolling shutter distortion will also benefit video, allowing for seamless action footage and fast camera movement without wobbly artifacts.

The EOS R1 comes with pre-continuous shooting for stills and pre-recording for videos. These functions capture moments before pressing the shutter or starting to record, making up for lost split-seconds. The pre-recording function captures up to 20 frames before the shutter button is fully pressed and can be combined with Action Priority AF or Register People Priority. It also captures a scene up to 5 seconds before recording video and stops recording when there is a change of scene, reducing unnecessary footage and streamlining post-production work.

Seamless Operation on the Field

The EOS R1 is also designed for seamless control and operation, enabling better responsiveness to dynamic situations. Eye Control AF, which allows users to control the AF frame with their eyes has been improved with new line-of-sight optics and detection algorithm, allowing for a faster, more reliable line of sight detection. The 9.44 million-dot, 0.9x magnification blackout-free EVF, which offers the highest definition and magnification in the EOS series, ensures that users get a large, bright, clear, and uninterrupted view of their subject and should satisfy even the DSLR users. An anti-fog structure in the EVF prevents fogging even under hot and humid conditions. 

Several new design and interface features provide more shortcuts for instant recall of stored AF settings, allowing faster user response to changing shooting conditions. These include:

• Focus preset, a function previously available only on super telephoto lenses that enables any camera button to be assigned to set the focus to a predetermined focus position so users can set focus instantly on a desired area.
• 2-level AF-On button functionality, where the AF-On button can be assigned to change different settings when half-pressed and fully pressed.
• Ability to register and recall different AF settings for different activities and shooting situations preregistered by the user.

Two CFexpress Type-B slots support steady high-speed recording of data-intensive files, such as 6K 60p RAW videos and 40 fps full-resolution burst images, to either card, with the other card available for simultaneously recording still images and proxy video files.

With dual shooting function, users can simultaneously record Full HD 60p videos and 16:9 JPEG, approx. 17.8-megapixel still images, improving efficiency in situations such as breaking news, interview videos where both stills and videos are required.

The EOS R1 is built with a light but strong magnesium alloy exterior, making it 23% lighter and 11% smaller than the EOS-1D X Mark III. It maintains an impact-resistant build and has dust- and water-resistant weather-sealing, to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Designed for Swift Editorial Workflows

The EOS R1 is the first EOS system camera to support the new Wi-Fi 6/6E wireless protocol in addition to the existing 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz bands, allowing for faster wireless file transmission to a smartphone, PC, or FTP/FTPS/SFTP server. It also supports the new high-speed 2.5GBase-T wired LAN protocol to existing wired LAN support. Users can use the latest high-speed communication standards to swiftly transmit large numbers of still photos and videos to their editors—an asset for news reporting where time is of the essence.

Other features that will benefit professional media workflows include:

• More precise deep learning-based metering
  The combination of smaller metering zones and expanded deep learning applications enables improved white balance and autoexposure accuracy across various scenes. Thus, photographers can rely more on the camera to produce accurate skin tones and sky colours, as well as more vivid greens. This enables users to rely more on the camera to determine the best settings when handling unpredictable, fluctuating environments. It also results in more beautiful images straight out of the camera.
• Blurred/out of focus image detection
  This function analyses and scores blurred and out-of-focus JPEG/HEIF images with people’s faces shot using the electronic shutter. It streamlines reviewing and selects the best images from the tremendous number captured by the high-speed electronic shutter, allowing photographers to upload their images sooner.
• Powerful industry-standard video options
  Besides its 6K 60p internal RAW video capability, the EOS R1 adopts many advanced video features shared with the Cinema EOS, such as Canon Log 2 and 3, false colours, and proxy recording. It is also the first EOS series camera to include the Custom Picture colour presets and support for in-camera LUT applications, previously exclusive to Cinema EOS cameras.
• Greater usability with Speedlites
  The EOS R1’s faster sensor readout speed enables flash photography support even during continuous shooting in the electronic shutter mode. The flash sync speed is the EOS R series’ highest at 1/400 sec, allowing more flexibility to use a wide aperture or freeze action without resorting to high-speed sync.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS R1 will be available at the recommended retail price of $9,599 at Canon authorised dealers in November 2024.

Technical Specifications – Canon EOS R1

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Litmus PR *  

The post Canon announced EOS R1 – First flagship EOS R system camera appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“Canon remains steadfast in its mission to address the varied needs of photographers through innovative product offerings. With the RF lens system, we’ve paved the way for groundbreaking lens designs, and the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM exemplifies our commitment to adding unparalleled value to photographers. This lens offers a unique blend of extended super telephoto reach within a versatile zoom range, all while ensuring competitive pricing. Such an offering not only unlocks new creative avenues but also brings previously inaccessible possibilities within the grasp of photographers.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Unprecedented Reach with Zoom Flexibility between 200mm to 800mm

There are two affordable super telephoto prime lenses in Canon’s line-up, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM and RF600mm f/11 IS STM. With the announcement of the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens, this is going to offer zoom functionality, covering the telephoto focal range that would previously require at least 3 different lenses to cover. Whether your taking a bird in flight in the distance, or a motorsports athlete in various defining moments, the versatile 200mm to 800mm focal length range (320mm to 1280mm on an APS-C camera) let users seamlessly capture both close-ups and wider shots of the same subject simultaneously. This can be achieved without being restricted by the focal length or missing out capturing the moment due to changing of lenses. Coupled with the RF Extender 2X, the coverage is extended to 1600mm (2560mm on APS-C camera) sufficient for capturing stunning close-ups of the moon.

Convenient Handheld Shooting: Lightweight and Mobile with Up to 5.5 Stops’ Built-in IS

The RF200-800mm astounding zoom range might worry some photographers, however it only weighs 2,050g and 314.1mm long. This lens is comparable in size and weight to its counterparts that end at 600mm. This mobility makes it easy to follow and capture moving subjects when shooting handheld, even if they occur unexpectedly.

Up to 5.5 stops’ equivalent built-in optical image stabilization (2) effectively corrects the camera shake that becomes more prominent at long focal lengths, allowing sharp, stable images at as slow as 1/20 second even at the 800mm tele end. 

Designed for Action: High-speed AF, Operational Ease

Built for capturing high-speed action, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is driven by the powerful Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor), which also contributes to the lens’ compact size.  This enables fast and accurate focusing for stills, along with smooth and quiet focusing for video up to the entire image area with compatible cameras. Focus Breathing Correction is also supported. 

Swift, intuitive control extends to lens operations – in addition to a customisable focus/control ring, there are two lens function buttons that can be turned into shortcuts for functions such as AF or exposure control.

Dust- and Drip-resistant Sealing for Better Durability

Similar to an L-lens, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM features strategically placed dust- and drip-resistant sealing for better durability during outdoor shoots (3). It is also coated with white paint to reduce heat absorbency and internal temperature rise due to sunlight.

Personal Views and Thoughts

The RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens is going to further open up wildlife photography and sports photography at an affordable price, adding great versatility with the 200mm to 800mm focal length range, expanding a photographer’s needs/wants in both sports and wildlife photography. They would be ideal for those who are just starting into sports and/or wildlife photography, for those serious enthusiasts, I reckon. they would gladly welcome such a versatile super telephoto zoom lens especially if they are into sports and/or wildlife photography. As for professional photographers in the sports and/or wildlife segments, this might get their interest as well, as a backup or 2nd lens combo setup.

As a wildlife photographer and sports photographer, I hope to test and review the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens when the opportunity arises, sharing my photographs, thoughts and views for this versatile telephoto zoom lens.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens will be launched at a recommended retail price of $3,049. The availability will be advised at a later date.

Notes:

1.  As an AF interchangeable lens for full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras that have already been released as of November 1, 2023. (Based on Canon’s internal survey.)
2. At focal length of 800mm with EOS R. Yaw/Pitch directions.
3. This cannot guarantee complete exclusion of water and dust from entry.

Technical Specifications

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

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As a F1 and motorsports fan, also a sports/motorsports photographer myself, I love watching F1 motorsports racing action on television. For my hometown Singapore GP, my last attendance was in 2015, after a few years gap, I am back enjoying F1 racing in town for Singapore GP 2023. I am also a technology geek/writer myself (check out my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog), I am also amazed by the technology setup behind the scenes powering F1 action on the ground, on broadcast channels, media outlets and on social media platforms.

Thanks to Lenovo Singapore hosting a media session on Friday 15th September 2023, I get to know more in-depth about Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology – Bringing F1 fans on a thrilling ride beyond the grandstand. Listening first hand and understanding how Lenovo Technology is powering F1, from Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures, Formula 1, Ken Wong, Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo, and Sumir Bhatia, President of Asia Pacific, Infrastructure Solutions Group, I couldn’t ask for more, from a F1 fan, a motorsports photographer, and a technology writer/geek myself!

Lenovo – One of the official technology partners of F1

In 2022, Lenovo as announced as one of the official technology partners of F1 in a multi-year partnership starting in 2022, which saw Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology used across F1 operations to bring the highest level of racing experience to a global fanbase and broadcast material that gets used by media outlets in more than 170 terrorises worldwide.

“In the highly competitive world of motor racing, technology plays an increasingly crucial role. Lenovo is providing us with its industry-leading technology and solutions, helping us to define new operating models to shape a faster, smarter, and more sustainable sport”, commented Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures at Formula 1. “We need to have military levels of control but also be extremely flexible in bringing in new and cutting-edge technology and production developments. Lenovo is helping us to incorporate innovative technologies into a 100% reliable, repeatable, and efficient operation whilst still accommodating continuous improvement.”

“At Lenovo, we are constantly focused on creating innovative technologies that allow for elevated experiences on all spectrums, all around the world. Lenovo’s transformation from a hardware company to a provider of end-to-end technology solutions and services has allowed businesses worldwide to harness the full power of technology”, said Ken Wong Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo. “The full power of Lenovo’s wide range of hardware and software, and professional support and services for Formula 1 will be on display at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, supporting its operations all the way from HQ to the track. As Formula 1 synchronizes a million and one moving pieces to create an exhilarating experience, we’re proud to ride along as an Official Partner.”

Millions of data points stored to capture the best broadcast

When you are watching F1 motorsports action from your television, technology gadgets, on social media/internet, do you notice the huge volume of data that F1 generates with each individual car generating millions of datapoint across all races. 

Therefore, you would need powerful, stable and reliable technology across the board to handle all that heavy requirements. Lenovo Technology has the servers, storage, edge, and device solutions to help F1 teams capture millions of data points that are then transformed into actionable insights. 

For those watching the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will bring a deluge of data and insights on G-force numbers, steering angles, brake impact, throttle push, and all the audio and video from the cameras and microphones. Lenovo servers and edge devices collecting all that data will put it right back into the hands of the broadcast team instantly.

At the Formula 1 Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, UK and at the onsite Event Technical Centre which are powered by Lenovo technology, including laptops and desktop devices, workstations, monitors, tablets and Motorola smartphones, the broadcasting team transforms all track-generated data, in real time, into an exciting experience as on-screen graphics and footage for hundreds of millions of fans and viewers.

Over 600 Formula 1 employees from executives to track-side operational engineers are equipped with a resilient slew of devices and digital workplace solutions that works reliably whichever part of the world or climate conditions they are in.

Racing towards a sustainable future 

The topic of sustainability is definitely on the agenda of Formula 1, they are making changes, actions and efforts on this area. The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will also witness Formula 1’s consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. 

Contributing from one race to another, Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services help the organization develop and implement a sustainable disposal strategy for hardware. Through Lenovo’s asset recovery services, Formula 1 has been able to offset some of the cost of a technology refresh as well as guarantee secure and reliable data destruction.

Singapore GP is also playing its own vital role in F1 consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. Check out two local Singapore creative artists, House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition and It Takes Balls, their artworks on display at Singapore GP 2023, part of Singapore GP sustainability drive #SGPDrivesChange. 

Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology

As you are watching F1 action in Singapore this weekend (and upcoming F1 races), live in person at Marina Bay Circuit, or from the television from the comfort of your home, in different parts of the world. Do take the time to ponder on how Lenovo Technology is helping to power F1 action on your screens and social media, bringing you on a thrilling, high octane, adrenaline packed racing ride beyond the grandstand. 

Alright, it’s time let’s go for F1 action, have a great Singapore GP 2023 race day! 

* Information courtesy of Lenovo and Zeno Group *

** A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production ** 

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