Canon announced the launch of the EOS VR System, a new virtual reality (VR) video production system. The system includes one dedicated lens and two computer software applications, which will be available from end-December 2021. VR is increasingly used in many industries including entertainment, tourism, and education. With the increasing market demand for VR, Canon is leveraging its optical technologies nurtured through the development and production of the EOS interchangeable lens camera
system, to establish a new VR video production system that realises high-quality images alongside an efficient production workflow.
The new EOS VR System consists of mirrorless cameras 1 , a dedicated lens, and computer software. Users can capture VR videos by attaching the dedicated lens to the camera, and then utilize the computer software to convert the resulting image files to a standard VR file format, making the post-production process easy.
Commenting on this launch, Mr. Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO, Canon India said, “We are constantly pushing technological boundaries by anticipating both current and future needs. With the launch of Canon EOS VR System, we are bringing the power to create incredible 180°VR content in up-to 8K size output. This is a game changing product for the imaging industry where professional content creators can create high quality VR contentusing our easy-to-use workflows.”
Mr. C Sukumaran, Director- Consumer Systems Products and Imaging Communication Business, Canon India further added, “The EOS VR System has been developed by nurturing Canon’s optical technologies and EOS interchangeable lens camera system. It promises high-quality images coupled with an efficient production workflow. When attached to the EOS R5, the new RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens will enable users to harness the camera’s ultra-high definition 8K recording capabilities and produce an immersive feel like never experienced before.”
By establishing this system, Canon hopes to cater to the wide-ranging needs of various users, be it VR image creators, production houses, or new users just starting their VR video production journey.
A Dedicated Lens that Achieves High-quality 3D 180-degree VR Images 2 The new RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens is a dedicated RF lens equipped with two fisheye lenses, which produce parallax effect that can be used to create 3D 180-degree VR images.
When attached to the EOS R5 mirrorless camera, the lens enables users to harness the camera’s 8K 3 recording capabilities to produce ultra-high-definition video with an immersive feel. As special lens coatings are used, shooting in backlit conditions becomes a breeze.
An Efficient Workflow, From Shooting to Post-production
The light rays that enter each “eye” of the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens are captured by sole CMOS image sensor. This removes the need for certain parts of the traditional VR production workflow, such as aligning and syncing camera positions before the shoot or stitching images together in post-production, resulting in greater efficiency. Depending on their post-production environment, users can choose to convert their videos into VR format using either the EOS VR Utility computer software or the EOS VR Plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro4, , which further support the post-production process.
