News Canon’s triple whammy
A new EOS mirrorless body, impressive RF telephoto lens and high-speed flash mark a bumper month for Canon
from the EOS R3, which uses HDR technology to give a display like that of a DSLR. The high-res, 3.69m dot EVF, meanwhile, refreshes at 120fps. Battery life has also been improved, even though the camera houses the same LP-E6 battery as the previous model. Shooting times have been extended by around 50% when using the LCD. It’s the only camera in its class that captures 4K/60p UHD with simultaneous Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing. All 4K footage is created by oversampling the sensor’s 6K output. For filmmakers demanding higher performance, there’s 6K Raw output via the HDMI port. The Mark II also produces slow-motion footage with AF support, recording Full HD at up to 180fps. Existing EOS and EOS R System users will be on familiar turf, with similar navigation and user-friendly ergonomics. If you tend to shoot outdoors and in adverse climates, fear not! The EOS R6 Mark II comes with a sturdy body featuring a weather-resistant build. The new Canon goes on sale at the end of this month, priced at £2779 body only, £3129 with the 24-105mm STM lens, or £3999 with the 24- 105mm f/4 lens. canon.co.uk
NEW FROM CANON, the EOS R6 Mark II is claimed to be the fastest full-frame camera released to date. Featuring a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, it includes the same Digic X processor as its predecessor, but has a faster readout speed, meaning it can now shoot at up to 40 frames per second. The autofocus system, taken from the range-topping R3, operates in light levels down to -6.5EV and now includes more tracking options. It employs AI-based deep-learning technology to deliver more accurate performance. Cats, dogs, aircraft, trains and horses (including, Canon was keen to add, zebras) have been added to subject detection options, and it can pick up subjects that leave and re-enter the frame. That headline 40fps figure is with the electronic shutter, but does also include AF and AE on every frame. Using the mechanical shutter reduces the rate to 12fps. A Raw burst mode offers a half-second pre-shooting feature, rolling continuously at 30fps for as many as 191 frames. Up to eight stops of image stabilisation delivers shake-free results, while the extended ISO range goes to 204,800. The native range is 100-102,400. The Mark II has inherited the optical viewfinder assist feature
LIGHTNING FAST Canon claims the R6 II is the fastest full-frame camera yet “The R6 II is the only camera in its class that shoots 4K/60p with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing”
Coming soon… Canon also confirmed a new fast- aperture telephoto and on-camera flash, set to arrive in December and February respectively. The RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM is ideal for shooting low-light portraits, thanks to its f/1.8 aperture and a built-in optical image stabiliser good for up to 5.5 stops of compensation. It features a weather-resistant design and nine- blade aperture which, in combination with its 135mm focal length, makes for impressive bokeh – and has two customisable function buttons. Canon claims this new lens offers a better optical performance than the L-series 135mm f/1.2 optic. You’ll have to pay £2449 to find out if that’s true. The Speedlite EL-5 is based on the EL-1 and slots into the range between that and the 430EX. With a GN of 60 and fast recycling time, it covers focal lengths from 24-200mm, features an LED modelling lamp and has a weather-sealed design. It uses Canon’s multi-function shoe, so doesn’t fit to all bodies, but works wirelessly with some units – and will retail for £499.
SHOT IN THE DARK The RF 135mm f/1.8L (left) and Speedlite EL-5 (above) are exciting arrivals
Issue 102 | Photography News 5
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