Canon recently announced the launch of EOS VR System, a new virtual reality (VR) video production system. This new VR system includes one dedicated lens and two computer software applications, that will be available from end-December 2021.
The world of VR is gaining more usage and significance in many industries such as entertainment, tourism, and education. As there is an increasing market demand for VR, Canon is leveraging on their optical technologies nurtured through the development and production of the EOS interchangeable lens camera system, to establish a VR video production system that realises high-quality images alongside an efficient production workflow.
This new Canon EOS VR System consists of mirrorless cameras (1), a dedicated lens, and computer software. Users can capture VR images by attaching the dedicated lens to the cameras. Thereafter, they can utilise the computer software to convert the resulting image files to a standard VR file format, making their post-production process easy.
With the establishment of the EOS VR System, Canon hopes to cater to the wide-ranging needs of various users, be it VR image creators, production houses or new users that are just starting their VR video production journey.
RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens – Dedicated Lens that Achieves High-quality 3D 180-degree VR Images (2)
There is a new RF lens, it’s the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens. This is a dedicated RF lens equipped with two fisheye lens, which produce parallax effect that can be used to create 3D 180-degree VR images. When the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens is attached to the EOS R5 mirrorless camera, it enables users to harness the camera’s 8K (3) recording capabilities to produce ultra-high definition video with an immersive feel. This lens has special lens coating thus shooting in backlit conditions becomes a breeze.
An Efficient Workflow, From Shooting To Post-production
The light rays that enter each “eye” of the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens are captured by a sole CMOS image sensor. This removes the need for certain parts of the traditional VR production workflow, such as aligning and syncing camera positions before the shoot or stitching images together in post-production, resulting in greater efficiency. Depending on their post-production environment, users can choose to convert their videos into VR format using either the EOS VR Utility (4) computer software or the EOS VR Plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro (4),(5), which further support the post-production process.
Pricing and Availability
| Product name | Recommended Retail Price | Availability |
| RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye | To be advised | Late December 2021 |
| EOS VR Utility | Subscription service4 | Late December 2021 |
| EOS VR Plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro | Late December 2021 |
Notes:
(1) Current compatible camera: EOS R5. Requires firmware update, to be available from early December 2021.
(2) VR videos that have a 180-degree field of view. A VR video format commonly used on video distribution platforms such as YouTube.
(3) 8K resolution fisheye video footage is recorded into the camera.
(4) For trial purposes, still images and videos not more than 2 min long may be converted into VR format free of charge. A paid subscription plan is necessary for full use of the features beyond the trial. Compatible with Windows/ macOS.
* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO *