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Canon Debuts Radical Dual Fisheye Lens For Capturing 180º 8K Video In VR
By Ell Ko, 08 Oct 2021
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Image via Canon
For the first time, Canon has just debuted a new piece of hardware that will allow photographers to shoot directly in virtual reality (VR): the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye.
Designed to be compatible with the Canon EOS R5, the lens is capable of capturing 180º immersive VR video. It takes advantage of the EOS R5’s features, particularly the 8K-capable sensor.
This will allow for formats like Canon Log 3 for high dynamic range, or capturing low-light with the bright f/2.8 aperture, as noted by TechRadar.
Additional features this lens is designed with include a close-focusing distance of 7.87-inches/0.2m and a maximum magnification of 0.03x. Its aperture range is f/2.8 to f/16 with a 7-blade aperture, and a built-in gelatin filter holder allows for the usage of gel filters should the user want a brighter aperture.
Plus, fluorine coating on the front lens elements ensures that it’s dust- and water-resistant, and its compact sizing makes for an easy piece of equipment to take on the go.
Canon states that this invention is part of the wider EOS VR System, which will see a firmware update to the EOS R5 in order to support this lens when it has been released to the public. There will also be new software for processing the VR material shot on this lens.
Of course, for the full experience, it’s recommended that users have a VR headset in order to get that immersive view.
Image via Canon
Using the lens, creators will achieve two circular 4K images, derived from the EOS’ 8K sensor. To get what looks like an 8K video when viewed on the headset, the content will be flattened by Canon’s VR software.
This is a much simpler process than the current method of creating VR video, Canon explains. Other hardware requires the user to “capture a 3D scene with two separate fisheye lenses, recording that imagery to two separate cameras or image sensors, which write two files.”
Issues like “multi-camera positioning, multi-lens syncing, image stitching, audio syncing, encoding” are solved with the introduction of the new lens, which saves time and energy both during shooting and in post-production.
Image via Canon
“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,” says Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president of Canon USA’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, in the news release.
The new 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,” he continues, explaining that the company’s goal is to “make immersive storytelling more accessible for all.”
Image via Canon
Canon’s innovative RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens is now available for pre-order, priced at US$1,999. It’s scheduled for retail in late December 2021, alongside the new software that will make up the EOS VR System.
[via TechRadar, images via Canon]
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