Canon EOS R: Operating innovations and the reasons for the lens range
We caught up with a Canon expert at Photokina and had him explain the Canon EOS R in more detail. We also find out why Canon is focussing on high-class wide-angle lenses.
Category Marketing Manager Denny Phan has already summarised the most important key data on Canon's new full-frame system. I noticed that Canon has made a similar choice for the lenses as Nikon did for the System Z: there is no telephoto lens and the lenses are predominantly in the high-price segment.
According to Jörg Ammon, product specialist at Canon, there are technical reasons for this. The shorter flange focal length (distance between sensor and lens) without a mirror apparently enables lens manufacturers to achieve higher image quality. However, according to Ammon, this only comes into play at wide angle (up to 50 mm). There, corrective elements are necessary with a long flange focal distance, as is typical for SLR cameras. The lens design becomes more complicated, which is at the expense of quality. This is not the case in the telephoto range.
New ways of operation
A new camera system also means that the operation has to be revised. A lot can be broken in the process, as users are used to certain processes and don't want to relearn them. But it is also an opportunity for improvements.
The EOS R, for example, has to make do with fewer buttons than the SLR bodies. However, to ensure quick access to white balance, drive mode, autofocus and ISO, Canon has devised a quick selection via the wheel. Looks quite practical at first glance.
The new Fv camera mode goes in a similar direction. In addition to the usual camera modes P, Av, Tv and M, the EOS R now also has a "flexible mode". Here, the user selects whatever suits them, be it shutter speed, aperture or ISO, and the camera adjusts the rest automatically. Each of the three parameters can also be set to Auto. This means that the flexible mode combines the other four in one, plus the ISO setting.
Ammon also shows us a focus assistant, which is helpful for videos. Focus is manual, but three arrows indicate where the focus is. The closer together the arrows are, the sharper the focus. If the arrows are on top of each other, the selected section is in focus and the field turns green. If you are shooting a video and want to focus on a different part of the image, you can select the section in advance and then focus very precisely manually. And unlike autofocus, you choose the transition speed yourself.
Canon will continue to maintain all systems
In addition to the EOS R full-frame mirrorless system, Canon also has the smaller EOS M mirrorless system, which will be continued and further developed. The development of SLR cameras will not be stopped either. According to Ammon, all systems have their advantages and their raison d'être. In the case of SLR cameras, he emphasises the autofocus of the professional models: these autofocus systems are specialised for a specific task, such as speed, and they are extremely good at it. He considers the sports autofocus of a high-end SLR to be superior to its mirrorless counterparts.
I am very curious to see whether Canon really has the resources and the will to regularly launch new developments in all four systems (twice SLR, twice mirrorless).
My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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