MELVILLE, NY, October 6, 2021 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging
solutions, has introduced its first product designed to empower the next
generation of immersive storytellers. The new RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens brings
stereoscopic 3D virtual reality (VR) capture* to the EOS R5 camera as part of
the EOS VR System, which also includes a future firmware update for the EOS R5 camera
to support use of this lens with new VR shooting specific functions, as well as
new upcoming Canon EOS VR software solutions for conversion and processing. As
the world’s first digital interchangeable dual fisheye lens capable of shooting
stereoscopic 3D 180° VR imagery to a single image sensor** the complexities of
virtual reality production and the ability to view the content in full
capacity, are greatly streamlined for seasoned professionals and newcomers to
the craft. In order to truly experience the captured content by this system in
its truest form, a compatible VR headset is recommended for use such as the Oculus
Quest 2, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves in the content — by simply
moving their head to provide a vivid, incredibly wide view.
“At Canon, we innovate so creators can push artistic
boundaries, and this commitment to innovation is what led us to introduce the
new RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens. As Canon’s first entry into the world of
virtual reality image capture, the EOS VR System represents an important milestone
in our company’s rich history as a lens manufacturer and welcomes a bright
future for VR content creation,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice
president and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies &
Communications Group. “This new RF lens produces a stunning 8K virtual reality image
and sets itself apart through its simplified workflow. Our goal is to make
immersive storytelling more accessible for all.”
The RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye features high-quality
L-series optics engineered with an interpupillary distance of 60mm for delivery
of 3D imagery in VR with natural parallax closely resembling human vision when
viewed through a compatible headset. With
a 190 degree field of view captured from two separate optical systems they deliver
outstanding results for 180° VR viewing platforms.
With subwavelength coating technology offering impressive flare control in
backlit conditions, VR creators can have freedom to shoot regardless the time
of day, or position of the sun. The dual fisheye design provides versatile
exposure control with a maximum aperture of a bright f/2.8 to a deep depth of
field of f/16 with electronically controlled apertures allowing the dual
fisheye lens to operate just like other RF mount lenses. Between the dust and water-resistant
sealing and fluorine coating of the lens and the robust build of the EOS R5
camera, this System delivers peace of mind even in challenging weather
conditions. Canon’s free Camera Connect app and Canon's EOS Utility program
both will be updated in the future to offer remote-control live view
functionality for monitoring purposes while on-the-go.
The EOS VR System’s convenient workflow is a standout
feature. Accomplished by recording left and right fisheye images to a single full-frame
image sensor, this design helps to solve common VR challenges of stitching and
synching, by outputting one single image file. Canon is currently developing two
paid subscription-based software solutions as available options for
completing the post-production process. Canon’s
EOS VR Utility will offer the ability to convert clips from dual fisheye image
to equirectangular and make quick edits, as well as select the resolution and
file format before export. With the EOS VR Plug-In for Adobe®
Premiere® Pro, creators will be able to automatically convert
footage to equirectangular, and cut, color, and add new dimension to stories
with Adobe Creative Cloud® apps, including Premiere Pro.
Compact, lightweight, and portable, the RF5.2mm F2.8 L
Dual Fisheye is easily packed in a camera bag to help the creator tell
unlimited virtual reality stories.
Additional features of Canon’s first interchangeable,
stereoscopic 3D 180° VR 180 lens include:
- Close-focusing distance of 7.87-inches/0.2m
is possible - max magnification is 0.03x.
- Aperture range of f/2.8 to f/16 with a
7-blade aperture and simultaneous electro-magnetic diaphragm for both left and
right lenses.
- Built-in Gelatin Filter Holder – allows ND
gel filters to be used in bright environments if a bright aperture is desired.
- Fluorine Coating on the front lens elements,
with a dust and water resistant design.
- Extremely compact size – allowing it to be
used in different types of productions.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF5.2mm
F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens is scheduled to be available in late December 2021 for
an estimated retail price of $1,999.00***. In addition to the lens, both of Canon's
EOS VR Software solutions (EOS VR Utility and the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe
Premiere Pro) are currently scheduled to be available in late December 2021.
Both software solutions will be available as a paid subscription based model,
but will offer free trial periods (details to be disclosed at a later date) as
well as the ability to process still images and certain clip lengths for free. For
additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2020† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2020. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.
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†Based on weekly patent counts issued by
United States Patent and Trademark Office.
* When paired with the Canon EOS R5 camera equipped
with an upcoming firmware update version 1.5.0 or later, and with use
of Canon’s EOS VR Utility or EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro paid
subscription-based software solutions (both currently in development –
availability and details to follow on or about early 2022. Viewing in 3D
requires a compatible Head Mount Display.
**
As of October 5th, 2021, among all lenses for digital interchangeable lens
cameras (based on Canon research). Must be paired with the Canon EOS R5 camera
equipped with firware update version 1.5.0 or later and utilize Canon EOS VR
Software solution(s) (paid subscription).
*** Specifications,
availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are
set by individual dealers and may vary.