Canon seems to be specifically targeting the sports professional photographers and has added a second image processor, the DIGIC Accelerator, that, together with the existing DIGIC X image processor, should enable “large volumes of data to be processed at high speeds and delivers never-before-seen advancements in Auto Focus (AF) and other functions.”
In fact, the Canon EOS R1 might well become the favorite camera of sports photographers: a new “Action Priority” AF automatically determines which player on the field is the main subject (presumably the one doing an action, such as shooting the ball) and instantly shifts the AF frame to that player to enable effortless capture of decisive moments of gameplay. This Action Priority AF, if Canon implements it properly, has the potential of becoming a major diffenrentiator of its full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Canon has also implemented its post-processing image noise reduction function developed for its PC software into the EOS R1 firmware to further improve low light image quality.
PRESS RELEASE
CANON DEVELOPS EOS R1 AS FIRST FLAGSHIP MODEL FOR EOS R SYSTEM
New Image Processing System Further Improves AF and Image Quality
MELVILLE, N.Y., May 15, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. announced today that it is currently developing the EOS R1, a full-frame mirrorless camera, as the first flagship model for the EOS R SYSTEM equipped with an RF mount and is aiming for a 2024 release.
Canon EOS R1
The EOS R1 is a mirrorless camera geared toward professionals that brings together Canon’s cutting-edge technology and combines top-class performance with the strong durability and high reliability sought in a flagship model. This camera will dramatically improve1 the performance of both still images and video and meet the high requirements of professionals on the frontlines of a wide range of fields including sports, news reporting, and video production.
This camera employs the newly developed image processor DIGIC Accelerator in addition to the pre-existing processor DIGIC X. The new image processing system, composed of these processors and a new CMOS sensor, enables large volumes of data to be processed at high speeds and delivers never-before-seen advancements in Auto Focus (AF) and other functions.
By combining the new image processing system and deep learning technology to an advanced degree, Canon has achieved high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition. For example, subject tracking accuracy has been improved so that in team sporting events where multiple subjects intersect, the target subject can continually be tracked even if another player passes directly in front of them. In addition, the AF “Action Priority” function recognizes subject movement by rapidly analyzing the subject’s status. In moments during a sports game when it is difficult to predict what will happen next, this function automatically determines the player performing a certain action, such as shooting a ball, as the main subject and instantly shifts the AF frame, thereby helping to capture decisive moments of gameplay.
The combination of the new image processing system and deep learning technology will help to improve image quality. Canon implements the image noise reduction function, which has been previously developed and improved as part of the software for PCs, as a camera function to further improve image quality and contribute to user creativity.
Canon is working on field tests for this camera and will support capturing definitive and impactful moments at international sporting events to be held in the future.
Going forward, Canon will continue to expand the EOS R SYSTEM lineup of fascinating cameras and RF lenses, thereby continuing to meet the demands of a wide range of users and contribute to the development of photography and video culture.
About Canon U.S.A. Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years†. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.
1 In comparison to EOS R3 (released in November 2021)
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office. Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.