Melville, NY—Canon USA unveiled the EOS R interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) system featuring the newly designed RF mount. The full-frame mirrorless system supports all current EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses via three new mount adapters. Moreover, when using an optional drop-in filter mount adapter or control ring mount adapter, those lenses gain functionality. In addition, Canon announced the first EOS R lens, the RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM.
Moreover, Canon’s RF mount has the same size diameter as the EF mount (54mm) but a shorter back focus distance. This allows for lenses to sit closer to the sensor (the focal plane). It also enabled Canon optical engineers to create a lens design that utilizes larger rear lens elements to produce an image on the full-frame sensor.
As a result, the new optical formula paves the way for higher performing lenses. In addition, the Canon RF mount employs a high-speed 12-pin communication system to provide faster and more in-depth communication between the camera and lens than prior Canon mount systems.
When Canon set forth to develop the new ILC system, they focused on three core optical principles: high-image quality; high-specification performance; and a compact design.
“There has never been a time in history in which visual expression has been so prolific. Imaging, both still and video, are the communication mediums of today’s society. Much in the same way we learned to type in the past, today’s youth are skilled in shooting, editing as well as visual storytelling in ways that only the masters of each craft were decades ago,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon USA, Inc. “Knowing this, we needed to step back and design a system that delivers all the creative expression and functionality today’s youth crave, now and in the years to come.”
EOS R Overview
The Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a 30.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It is powered by the company’s latest image processor—the Digic 8. In addition, it inherits legacy features from both the EOS and Cinema EOS systems. Specs state the camera shoots at up to 8 frames per second.
It also captures 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps recorded in 10-bit 4:2:2 (with an external recorder). The EOS R additionally has the ability to shoot Canon Log. This provides 12 stops of dynamic range, minimal loss of detail in shadows and highlighted areas as well as an increased range of color-grading choices.
Also featured is Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (AF) technology, with 5,655 manually selectable AF points. The system supports AF at up to f/11 with a 384 zone (24×16) real-time metering system. With f/1.2 lenses, the camera is capable of AF sensitivity in light as little as EV -6.
Furthermore, when using the RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM lens with the EOS R, it can focus in 0.05 sec with Dual Pixel CMOS AF. The EOS R also has a silent shutter setting in single-shot mode. An upcoming free firmware update will also enable silent shutter in continuous shooting mode.
Additional EOS R Features
Canon incorporated a new multifunction bar to permit photographers to more easily access customizable settings. These settings include AF, ISO as well as white balance. The bar is placed just to the right of the camera’s built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). Users have the option to either slide or tap the bar to gain access to the settings and adjust them on the go.
Moreover, to answer the demand for enhanced mobile editing of RAW image files, Canon announcing a new application, Digital Photo Professional Express (DPP Express). In combination with an updated Canon Camera Connect app, DPP Express lets users send, view, edit as well as process CR3 RAW files on iPads. A free download of the app will be available October 2018.
Other features include: a 0.5-inch, 3.69M-dot OLED EVF; a 3.15-inch vari-angle, touch LCD; a dot-matrix LCD top panel; an ISO 100–40,000 range, which is expandable to 102,400; USB 3.1 in-camera charging support; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity; and a UHS-II SD card slot.
“The EOS R system is not just a new camera or a new lens mount, it is a new design that will allow us to produce visual tools that were previously impossible. And it allows our customers to tell their stories with greater depth, richness of color and creative flexibility, in optically stunning ways,” added Ogawa.
The dust- and weather-resistant Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera ships in October. It will have a suggested retail price of $2,299 body only. A body-and-lens kit with the new RF 24–105mm f/4 L IS USM lens will retail for $3,399.
