Cannon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced its Photo Culling app. Compatible with iOS devices, this brand-new app helps determine a user’s best photos based on scores against four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes, using Canon’s Computer Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine known as “PHIL” (abbreviated for Photography Intelligence Learning. Additionally, the app will suggest deleting duplicative photos, making it easy for the consumer to free up space on their smartphone.

The Photo Culling App features two culling options:

Whole Culling: Determines the best photos based on the absolute best scores against the four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes. If the score is over the threshold the user sets, the photo is considered to be the best. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions.

Similar Culling: Determines the best photos based on score comparison among a similar group of photos. The highest-scoring photos in the group are considered the best photos. A second photo may also be selected as the second-best photo within the group. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions.

The app is also able to find similar photos and group them together. For example, if a user selects 10 photos of a dog and 10 photos of a sunset, it will break the photos into two groups and find the best photo of each; one of the dog and one of the sunset.

In addition to its culling options, the Photo Culling app also features:

Photo Counts and Storage: Shows the number of photos a user has as well as the amount of phone storage on the Home Screen.

Event Album: Categorizing and placing photos in albums on the Home Screen. These are dynamic albums based on events/date throughout the year and the app will pull events that have a large number of photos and suggest the user review these photos to delete and save space.

Features in the Setting Screens: Displaying the number of photos deleted, the current subscription plan (see details below), option for notifications, parameter setting for each score against sharpness, noise, emotion and closed eyes. Users also can adjust these settings, such as changing how much of an impact noise has on a photo versus closed eyes.

Dark and Light Mode Settings Screen Option: Displays screens either as a dark or light mode option.

Available for download via the App Store, the Photo Culling app will be available under two subscription options: $2.99 per month or $14.99 for the year, with a three-day trial.

The download of the app is free (data charges may apply), but full use of the app requires a subscription. A free version of the app is provided with limited functionality and features. There is also a paid subscription version of the app with full functionality and features available to you starting with a three day free trial. The subscription version of the app is available through a monthly or yearly, nonrefundable, auto renewing payment through your applicable app store.

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., reached a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production in January 2021, of the Company’s 150-millionth RF and EF series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras – an RF70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens (released in November 2019).

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (Autofocus) single-lens reflex film cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Over the years, EF lenses have gained support from a wide range of users and production has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd; and Oita Cannon Inc. in southern Japan.

EF lenses production passed the 10-million mark in 1995 and crossed the 50-million-unit threshold in 2009. In April 2014, the Company celebrated its first-in-the-world achievement of having manufactured 100 million interchangeable lenses, and now, setting a new world record for the most interchangeable lenses produced, Canon manufactured its 150-millionth RF and EF lens in January 2021.

Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.

In 2018, Canon introduced the EOS R system and the RF series lenses, which pursues new heights of quality under the core concept of “Speed, Comfort, and High Image Quality.” Today, the Company’s extensive RF and EF lens series lineup currently comprises a total of 118 models, expanding the possibilities for image capture.

In addition, thanks to the extensive lineup of lenses, Canon has maintained the number one market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras since 2003 – a total of 17 years – and in September 2019, the Company celebrated the production of 100 million EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras.

Canon will continue refining its imaging technologies centered on its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to cater to the varying needs of photographers — from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals — while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.

Canon introduced the compact and lightweight RF70-200mm F4 IS USM and the RF50mm F1.8 STM, two completely re-designed RF mount lenses with bloodlines to immensely popular EF models that feature new lens formulas and enhanced elements. Canon is also producing the PIXMA PRO-200 printer, which is ideal for photography students and graphic designers.

The Canon RF70-200mm F4 IS USM lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts ranging from advanced amateur to professional skill levels. The compact and lightweight nature of it makes it Canon’s shortest and lightest 70-200mm F4 zoom lens to date. This RF lens is approximately 32 percent shorter and 11 percent lighter than EF counterpart with a large portion of the lens element arrangement closer to the camera body.

This arrangement is designed to provide photographers with a more balanced feel and experience even at the zoom range’s telephoto end. Additionally, the shorter and lighter design allows the lens to more easily be stowed away in a camera bag when not in use.

The RF70-200mm F4 IS USM features two independent NanoUSM motors, providing an even greater level of high-speed autofocus for still images shooting as well as quiet and smooth autofocus for video shooting. The lens also incorporates a floating focus control that drives the two lens groups individually while using two aforementioned Nano USM motors. The floating focus lens element shortens the focusing distance and helps reduce breathing, providing users with fast, consistent and reliable performance.

Creatives love using a 50mm lens because it is similar to the natural viewpoint of the human field of vision. This perspective allows for the lens to be used in a wide variety of shooting situations, including portraits, landscapes, and food photography. What’s more, Canon 50mm f/1.8 lenses have long been a popular tool for both photographers and creators due to their budget-friendly price point, extremely compact and lightweight form factor, and versatility.

The tradition continues with the RF50mm F1.8 STM that, in many ways, is improved over its EF counterpart. The first visually noticeable improvement is the customizable control ring that has become synonymous with RF lenses. The control ring allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, or ISO and with a flip of the side switch can adjust focus. The inclusion of a PMo aspherical lens helps to reduce chromatic aberration and provides high-image quality even at the periphery of the image. Additionally, the combination of the lens shape and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) helps to minimize ghosting and flaring.

Continuing a long history of high-quality input to output digital imaging equipment, the PIXMA PRO-200 printer is 15% smaller than its predecessor, the PIXMA PRO-100. With the ability to print up to 13 inches x 19 inches and featuring improved ChromaLife 100+ dye-based ink, the latest PRO printer helps to create prints that are more representative of the original digital file.

The Canon RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM, and RF50mm F1.8 STM lenses are scheduled to be available in early and mid-December 2020 for a suggested retail price of $1,599.00 and $199.99, respectively. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 printer is scheduled to be available later in November 2020 for a suggested retail price of $599.99.

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that the Pittsburgh, PA-based NEP Group has added UHD-DIGISUPER 111 and UHD-DIGISUPER 122 4K field box zoom lenses to their already robust lineup of Canon broadcast equipment. NEP Group helps to produce and broadcast some of the largest and most-watched live sporting and entertainment events across the United States and the globe. The newly acquired Canon 4K field box zoom lenses will help NEP continue to meet the ever-expanding demand for high-quality content in the world of television broadcasting.

For over 30 years, NEP has been a worldwide, outsourced technical production partner supporting premier content producers of live sports and entertainment, and productions in 88 countries. The company’s services include remote production, specialty capture, RF and wireless video/audio, studio production, audiovisual solutions, host broadcast support, post-production, connectivity and transmission, premium playout, and innovative software-based media management solutions. NEP’s 4,000 plus employees are driven by a passion for superior service and a focus on technical innovation.

Canon’s flagship 4K field box zoom broadcast lens, the UHD-DIGISUPER 122, offers a spectacular focal range from 8.2 mm at the wide end to 1000 mm at the telephoto end, for a zoom ratio of 122x. The UHD-DIGISUPER 111 features a 111x zoom ratio and a focal-length range of 8.3 mm to 925 mm. Both lenses deliver the ability to record high-resolution and high-contrast video from the center to peripheral areas of the imaging field. Additionally, both lenses are the first Canon 4K field box zoom lenses to feature Canon’s proprietary Air Sphere Coating (ASC), resulting in reduced flaring and ghosting compared to previous lens coatings. ASC coating enhances the High Dynamic Range (HDR)[i] of the lenses, providing more natural and vivid tonality, which is becoming more in-demand for broadcast productions. New optical coatings also help to shape the lens spectral response to enhance Wide Color Gamut (WCG).

Canon has introduced a software solution that allows select EOS Interchangeable Lens Cameras to function as high-quality USB webcams. As virtual meetings and gatherings become the new norm, you don’t want to be caught in the dark with a low-quality webcam.

Fortunately, the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software was unveiled by Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, for select EOS Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILC) and PowerShot cameras. To help bring you into the light, this beta version converts your compatible EOS ILC and PowerShot camera through a simple USB connection into a webcam.

Built by Canon software developers, this beta version software helps consumers to improve their video appearance while using popular video conferencing applications in the market, delivering clarity and high-image quality.

The EOS Webcam Utility Beta software solution requires one single USB plug (which may ned to be purchased separately) to connect the camera to a Windows operating systems computer. Once the solution is downloaded and the camera is configured within a video conferencing application, the user will be ready to go.

“In unprecedented times, it’s imperative for Canon to provide our customers with useful, simple, and accessible solutions to assist them in whatever imaging needs they have,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president of the Canon U.S.A. Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “Out goal is that the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software can help reduce some of the remote workday stress for employees who are tasked with video conferencing and virtual meetings.”

Canon U.S.A, a leader in digital imaging solution announced the CINE-SERVO 25-250mm T2.95-3.95 (CN10x25 IAS S), a new CINE-SERVO cinema lens designed for use with 4K cameras.

The new lens, which is available in both EF and PL mount, features 10x optical zoom, a built-in 1.5x extender and a powerful and removable servo motor drive unit, providing broadcast friendly shoulder operation for ENG/EFP and documentary style shooters. The lightweight design of the lens (6.7 lbs) is remarkable given the zoom range and feature set, especially when compared with other lenses of similar focal lengths. This outstanding model, as well as the Sumire Prime Lenses announced in 2019, have further strengthened Canon’s robust lineup of Cinema Lenses.

Similar to the existing award-winning 17-120mm and 50-1000mm lenses, the CINE-SERVO 25-250mm offers outstanding 4K optical performance thanks to its ultra-low dispersion glass and a large-diameter aspherical lens. Combined with Canon’s unique optical design technology, these components work to help correct color fringing and limit chromatic aberration during operation. The lens features Canon’s renowned warm color science and an 11-blade aperture that produces a beautiful, smooth bokeh.

The new lens is ideal for cameras with a Super 35mm sensor. While the 10x zoom covers a range of 25-250mm, the built-in extender stretches that range to an impressive 375mm with an added benefit of allowing for full-frame sensor coverage with only a stop of difference in light loss.

The servo unit included with the 25-250mm lens can be easily removed to allow for manual operation, and the gear pitch is compatible with standard cinema controls of zoom and focus. The EF mount version of the lens allows for the utilization of Canon’s proprietary Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which provides users with smooth AF operation and high-speed tracking performance, and the PL mount version supports Cookie/i Technology. In addition, like the 17-120mm, the 25-250mm lens also features a macro function to enable close-up shooting.

The Canon CINE-SERVO 25-250mm T2.95-3.95 (CN10x25 IAS S) is scheduled to be available in 2020 for an estimated retail price of $29,999.00. For more information, please visit www.usa.canon.com/cinemalenses.

Canon USA, a leader in digital imaging solutions, has shared additional specifications of the highly anticipated Canon EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera currently in development. The newly released information divulges further details on the 8K video recording capability, IBIS and more.

Newly Announced Details of The Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Camera include:

•  8K RAW internal video recording up to 29.97 fps
• 8K internal video recording up to 29.97 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265)
• 4K internal video recording up to 119.88 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265) 4K external recording is also available up to 59.94 fps
• No crop 8K and 4Kvideo capture using the full-width of the sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF available in all 8K and 4K recording modes
• Canon Log available in 8K and 4K internal recording modes
• A Canon first, the EOS R5 will feature 5-axes In-Body Image Stabilization, which works in conjunction with Optical IS equipped with many of the RF and EF lenses
• Dual-card slots: 1x CFexpress and 1x SD UHS-11.

To learn more about the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera and the additional information announced, please visit, www.usa.canon.com/EOSR5

Canon U.S.A. announced the launch of its first two 8K Broadcast lenses: the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 (SP51x15.5B), a long-zoom field lens, and the 7×10.7 KAS S, a portable zoom lens. These two new zoom lenses are compatible with 8K broadcast cameras equipped with 1.25-inch lenses.

The UHD-DIGISUPER 51 8K field zoom lens provides high-quality optical performance for 8K broadcast cameras from the center to the periphery of the screen. The lens is built with the world’s highest 51x zoom, as well as the world’s longest focal range from the wide-angled end of 15.5mm to the telephoto end of 790mm.

In addition, the lens also features a built-in 1.5x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 1185mm. With the ability to realize high magnification, this lens provides users the same operability as a conventional 2/3-inch HDTV or 4K field zoom lens, allowing them to switch to 8K video shooting and production without changing the shooting style.

The 7×10.7 KAS S 8K Lens features a 7x zoom that covers a focal range of 10.7-75mm. The new 7×10.7 KAS S is ideal for a variety of broadcasting applications. From the center of the screen to corners of the periphery, this lens has the resolution and contrast compatible with 8K broadcast cameras, while also having the same operability as a conventional 2/3-inch HDTV or 4K portable zoom lens. The 7×10.7 KASS S is equipped with key features designed to provide customers with a high-quality, user-friendly experience, including the mobility required for on-the-move shooting.

The 7.10.7 KAS S will be available by special order beginning in January 2020, and the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 will be available by special order beginning in May 2020.

Completing the “trinity” of RF lenses for the EOS R Full-Frame mirrorless camera system, Canon U.S.A., Inc, a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced its first lens to feature Defocus Smoothing lens coating, the Canon RF 85 F1.2L DS. The ninth and tenth lenses in the RF family are both powerful tools for photographers using the EOS R or EOD RP cameras, in particular, those shooting sports or wildlife photography with the RF 70-200mm FL.8L or portrait photography with the RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM features include:

• Customize control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
• 17 lens elements in 13 groups including two aspherical lenses, one super UD lens and four UD lenses, that help to reduce chromatic aberration
• CIPA standard five stops of image stabilization (IS) including three IS modes with dual-sensing and combination IS
• 12-pin communication system
• L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
• Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

Canon RF 85mm Fl.2L USM DS features include:

• Minimum focusing distance of 2.79 feet/0.85 meters
• Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
• One Aspheric lens and one UD Lens, along with BR optics that help to reduce chromatic aberration
• 12-pin communication system
• L-Series dust and weather resistant build with fluorine coating
• Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that helps minimize lens flare and ghosting

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM DS lenses are scheduled to be available late November 2019 and December 2019, respectively, for an estimated retail price of $2,699.00 and $2,999.00 respectively.

Canon announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., is developing a remote-control solution that will allow for operation of the company’s interchangeable-lens cameras.

Remote operation of cameras has been growing in popularity among photo agencies and media outlets, as seen in today’s coverage of global sporting and news events. Canon is excited to develop a powerful solution that reflects years of testing and feedback from the organizations that will benefit the most from this device.

The solution, currently under development, utilizes a system that enables the camera’s optical axis to be perpendicular to the device’s axis of revolution. This intuitive alignment will provide users with operation capabilities that feel similar to handheld or tripod shooting.

The hardware and software solution allows a photographer to control multiple cameras at once, with the ability to control multiple remote-control or static remote systems from a single computer. Photographers will be able to operate each device to pan, tilt or rotate the camera and zoom the lens, and images can transmit via a network connection to a centralized location, a feature that will prove to be very useful for news outlets and agencies.

The new solution will allow for image capture from a variety of angles and viewpoints that might not have been possible through conventional shooting methods. Moving forward, Canon’s goal is to create a system suited for a wide range of shooting needs that go beyond live sporting and news events, including e-commerce, product photography and more. By developing these types of innovative image-capture solutions, Canon is helping to provide new perspectives to the events that shape the world around us.