Canon is redefining the boundaries of speed and performance with the introduction of the EOS R1, its first flagship mirrorless camera in the EOS R system. This powerhouse caters to professional photographers who demand exceptional results in fast-paced environments.
The EOS R1 centers around a 24-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. This sensor, paired with the innovative DIGIC Accelerator and DIGIC X image processor working in tandem as the Accelerated Capture System, unlocks a new level of processing speed. This translates to significant performance improvements across various functionalities.
The EOS R1 boasts the next-generation Dual Pixel Intelligent AF system, powered by the Accelerated Capture System. This system delivers significantly faster and more accurate autofocus and subject tracking compared to previous EOS R models.
A revolutionary addition is the Action Priority AF mode. This intelligent feature leverages deep learning to analyze sports scenes in soccer, basketball, or volleyball. It detects crucial actions like shooting, passing, and heading, ensuring you capture those split-second moments that define the game.
The EOS R1 introduces In-Camera Upscaling, a groundbreaking feature that utilizes deep learning algorithms to quadruple the number of pixels in an image. This allows you to achieve exceptional quality extreme crops directly in-camera, generating images that rival those captured with a 96-megapixel sensor.
The EOS R1 boasts high-speed continuous shooting at up to 40 fps with the electronic shutter and 12 fps with the mechanical and electronic first-curtain shutter, ensuring you capture the peak of fast-paced action. The faster sensor readout speed minimizes rolling shutter distortion, even when using the electronic shutter. This translates to seamless action footage and crisp stills.
For those moments where anticipation is key, the EOS R1 offers pre-continuous shooting for stills and pre-recording for videos. These functions capture frames or footage before you fully press the shutter or record button, ensuring you never miss a critical moment.
The EOS R1 prioritizes an intuitive and responsive shooting experience. The improved Eye Control AF allows you to control the focus frame simply by looking at your desired subject. The high-resolution, high-magnification electronic viewfinder provides a clear and uninterrupted view of the scene, even in bright conditions.
Designed for Professional Workflows
The EOS R1 integrates seamlessly into professional workflows. It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6/6E wireless protocol and high-speed 2.5GBase-T wired LAN for rapid transmission of large image and video files.
Additional features that benefit professional users include:
More precise deep learning-based metering
Blur detection for faster image review
Powerful industry-standard video options with 6K 60p RAW recording and Cinema EOS features
Enhanced usability with Speedlites
Housed in a lightweight yet robust magnesium alloy exterior, the EOS R1 is built to withstand the demands of professional use. It boasts dust- and water-resistant weather-sealing, allowing you to shoot confidently in challenging environments.
The EOS R1 marks a significant leap forward in Canon’s mirrorless camera lineup. Its exceptional speed, intelligent features, and professional-grade functionalities make it a compelling choice for photographers who push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Pricing & Availability
Canon has yet to announce official pricing and availability for the EOS R1. However, based on industry reports, the camera body is expected to be available in August 2024 for an estimated retail price of $5,999 (approx. RM27,989.98).
Canon has unveiled the EOS R5 Mark II, a compelling successor to the highly-regarded EOS R5. This new mirrorless camera boasts a series of impressive upgrades designed to empower photographers and videographers of all levels to push their creative boundaries.
The EOS R5 Mark II centres around its impressive new 45-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. This sensor, paired with the all-new DIGIC Accelerator and DIGIC X image processor working in tandem as the Accelerated Capture System, promises significant improvements in processing speed. This translates to faster performance and opens doors for exciting new functionalities.
The EOS R5 Mark II inherits the Dual Pixel Intelligent AF system from the EOS R1. This system leverages deep learning and the power of the Accelerated Capture System to deliver noticeably improved subject tracking and detection in both stills and video. Whether you’re shooting fast-paced action or navigating busy environments, the autofocus is designed to keep your target locked even in challenging scenarios.
For photographers who prefer a more instinctive approach, the EOS R5 Mark II introduces a groundbreaking feature: Eye Control AF. This innovative technology allows you to simply look at your desired subject to shift the AF frame, offering a whole new level of focus control that feels natural and seamless.
Expanding Video Creation
The EOS R5 Mark II isn’t just about capturing stunning photos. Videographers will be excited about the camera’s capability to produce high-quality cinematic footage. With internal 8K DCI 60p RAW video recording support, you can capture breathtaking detail and clarity. The camera also offers a variety of industry-standard recording modes and options to suit diverse production needs.
Source: Canon
Source: Canon
Source: Canon
Source: Canon
Source: Canon
Source: Canon
The EOS R5 Mark II joins the EOS R1 as the first EOS system camera to offer 10-bit Canon Log 2. This professional colour profile provides a wider dynamic range (over 16 stops) and superior preservation of shadow detail. This translates to greater creative flexibility in post-production, allowing you to achieve a variety of artistic looks.
For professional filmmakers who work with Cinema EOS cameras, the EOS R5 Mark II integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. It utilizes the same XF-AVC S/XF-HEVC S file system, allowing for efficient collaboration and streamlined editing alongside Cinema EOS cameras. Additionally, the camera incorporates valuable Cinema EOS tools like waveform monitors, false colours, and zebra displays, ensuring consistent results during multi-camera shoots.
The EOS R5 Mark II inherits the pre-recording function from Cinema EOS cameras, a boon for capturing fleeting moments. This feature records up to 5 seconds before you hit the record button, ensuring you never miss a critical shot. You can even control pre-recording remotely via the Camera Connect mobile app for added convenience.
Additional Video Features
The EOS R5 Mark II offers a range of features designed to enhance the videography experience:
Reduced rolling shutter distortion: The new sensor design minimizes rolling shutter distortion by an impressive 40% compared to the EOS R5. This means smoother action footage without unwanted wobbly artefacts.
External recording options: Achieve exceptional quality with external recording support for Apple ProRes RAW up to 8K 30p via the HDMI Type-A output.
Enhanced audio capabilities: The camera supports 24-bit 4-channel linear PCM audio input, ideal for multi-microphone setups and capturing ambient noise.
Improved heat dissipation: The camera features a robust heat dissipation structure, allowing for reliable recording even at high resolutions.
Optional cooling fan for extended recording: Extend your recording times with the optional K510 cooling fan, enabling up to 120 minutes of 8K 30p video capture.
High-Speed Connectivity: The EOS R5 Mark II supports the latest wireless/wired communication protocols (Wi-Fi 6/6E and 2.5G Base-T wired LAN), facilitating the rapid transfer of large video and photo files to PCs or servers – perfect for time-sensitive news reporting and editorial work.
The EOS R5 Mark II streamlines your workflow and elevates image quality with in-camera deep learning-powered features. Neural Network Noise Reduction effectively reduces noise in high-ISO RAW images, preserving detail and resolution. In-camera Upscaling allows you to quadruple the number of pixels in an image, boosting resolution to a staggering 179 megapixels with minimal impact on image quality.
Availability and Pricing
Canon has yet to announce official pricing for the EOS R5 Mark II. However, the camera body is expected to be available in August 2024 for an estimated retail price of $4,299 (approx. RM20,069.40).
DJI’s foray into action cameras is getting a much-needed boost when it comes to footage quality and versatility. The newly launched DJI Osmo Action 4 brings a whole slew of features that make the footage more versatile, easier to edit and even brings you longer battery life for you to shoot for longer durations.
The Osmo Action 4 is getting a major update with a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor. The larger sensor also comes with a wide f/2.8 aperture and a 2.4μm-equivalent pixel size. It’s now able to shoot in 4K resolution and up to 120 fps. Of course, the resolution for shooting at 120fps is locked at 1080p. The lens is also an ultrawide lens with a 155° field of view. The new sensor also brings along with a jump in footage quality particularly in low-light conditions.
The hardware improvements are complemented by new shooting modes including 360°HorizonSteady stabilisation modes, including RockSteady 3.0/3.0+ for FPV footage and HorizonBalancing or HorizonSteady for horizontal shots. This is enhanced by the ability to shoot in 10-bit D-Log M which preserves the colours of footage shot in true-to-life form. This also enables more advanced colour grading and editing.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 also comes with an improved battery which is able to deliver consistent battery life even in extreme conditions. The battery typically is able to deliver 2.5 hours of active use on a single charge. Thanks to its support for fast charging, it can be topped up to 80% charged in just 18 minutes. However, more importantly, the DJI Osmo Action 4’s battery is built to withstand extreme conditions; in this case, it’s built to deliver up to 150 minutes of battery life on a single charge at temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F).
Pricing & Availability
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is currently available from DJI partners, the DJI store and their online storefronts on Lazada and Shopee.
You can get the Osmo Action in two different packages:
We are fans of Sony’s products. There is hardly a product in their stables we do not like or would not recommend. This one, we find a little difficult to recommend. It is not that we do not like it; we do. We think that it is a product targeted toward a rather niche group of people.
Welcome to the Sony ZV-1F, a compact camera from Sony that comes with a fixed lens. It is based on Sony’s rather brilliant and highly popular ZV-1. The most interesting thing about the ZV-1F, we think, is that it features a 20mm fixed lens.
It will set you back MYR 2,599, about MYR 800 less than the ZV-1, making it more accessible. It is still a premium product though. While the ZV-1F lacks a few features, it is lighter than the camera it is based on too, which is always welcome even for compact cameras.
Other than having a fixed lens with large aperture, it seems like there is little else that is special about this ZV-1F. In that case, why bother with the Sony ZV-1F? Should you pay attention to it? We dive in to find out.
Design
The ZV-1F looks strikingly similar to Sony’s ZV-1, which should not come as a surprise at all. The only difference is that the Sony ZV-1F packs a fixed lens that does not tuck in or unpack when you turn it on.
It is a compact camera, there is not much to say in terms of design here. It is a rectangular aluminum box with a bump in front for a grip mound, and a short tube that houses the lens. For the money you pay, you get a tiny light package. While it is a little on the lighter end, it still feels like a quality product.
We appreciate the swiveling display. It is useful if you plan to use the camera for vlogs, replace your webcam, and even take self-portraits. Since it is based on the ZV-1, it takes on all the accessories that the ZV-1 works with as well, that includes the remote grip. While the test unit you see here is black in colour, there is also a white colour option if you want.
Hardware
Internally, you get mostly the same components from the Sony ZV-1. You get the same image processor, the same 1-inch sensor, and even the same battery and memory card slot configuration. You can charge the camera with USB Type-C cable too. There is more to the USB Type-C port to just charging too.
Specifications
Sony ZV-1F
As tested
Sensor
1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS 3:2 aspect ratio Approx. 20.1-Megapixel
Electronic Shutter (1/4″ – 1/32000) Contrast-detection AutoFocus ISO125-ISO6400 (up to ISO12800) up to 16fps continuous shooting
Video Recording
XAVC S 4K: 30p 100M/60M, 24p 100M/60M XAVC S HD (Full HD): 60p 50M/25M, 30p 50M/16M, 24p 50M, 120p 100M/60M
Miscellaneous
USB Type-C charging/data transfer Battery Pack NP-BX1 Bluetooth 4.1 WiFi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Band
Features
Everything on the ZV-1F is simplified to ensure that you get access to its most important features. There is still a zoom toggle on the camera. It is not optical zoom though, just digital zoom.
4K 30p Video Recording
The Sony ZV-1F is made for vloggers. The sensor captures videos at up to 4K 30p, just not at 10-bit 4:2:2 colours, though that is nothing to complain about. Having 4K capability also means that you are getting more details in your videos for great looking vlogs.
One Less Frame to Think About with Fixed Lens
While most consensus would say that having a fixed lens on a compact camera is a bad thing, we think there are some benefits. Having a fixed 20mm lens means you know how your frame looks every time you turn on your camera. In that case, you just know where to stand to get the right image through.
At its native zoom length, your frame is perfect for selfies at an arm’s length. If you find that the frame is too tight, you can invest in a cheap selfie stick, or get the remote grip attachment from Sony. Your vlogs are even more instantaneous than ever before since there is no zoom to mess with.
The Might of Sony’s Accessories
Sony has various mic attachments that work with the proprietary hot shoe mount on top of the camera. The hot shoe mount is a blessing in modern compact cameras. It allows you to play with all sorts of attachments that may not even be from Sony.
Of course, if you do not want your set-up to be a cable mess, you go with Sony’s various clever accessories. We mentioned that you can work with Sony’s remote grip that is connected via Bluetooth. You can have a shotgun mic too for better directionality. You can even work with Sony’s XLR expansions too if you want.
The Webcam Replacement You Want
The ZV-1F’s USB Type-C port is your charger and data outlet. Here is where the ZV-1F becomes one of the best tools for content creators too. You can turn the Sony ZV-1F into a 4K webcam without a capture card.
It is also rather simple to work with. You only need to connect the ZV-1F to your PC via USB cable. On the camera itself you select streaming mode. You do not even need to have Sony’s proprietary software for this to work. You can even turn the camera into your designated microphone for clearer audio.
Obviously, using the ZV-1F as a streaming camera or webcam offers better image quality over regular webcams. It is also significantly more expensive than regular webcams. It is an investment to get better quality images and streams.
Sony Imaging Edge
Using the Sony Imaging Edge suite on PC allows you to control your camera remotely and transfer photos and videos off your camera without ever pulling the SD card from your camera. If all you want from the ZV-1F is a webcam replacement, you can go ahead and skip the software for your PC. For your smartphone though, Sony’s Imaging Edge can be quite useful.
On the smartphone, you can use the app to control your camera and use it as a remote display, a rather nifty and useful feature when you just want to place your camera on a tripod and record away from the camera. Using the Imaging Edge app as well, you can take photos using the camera directly saved to your smartphone device. Same goes for 4K videos.
Made for Social Media
Within the camera itself, you can technically shoot videos that are optimized for social media. Well, there is shooting vertically, which is nothing special technically. There is something else you can do on the camera.
Before you transfer your video clips into your smartphone, you can choose and cut out 15-, 30-, and 60-seconds clips within the camera itself. You not only save storage space on your SD card, but you also cut out all editing nuances from your smartphone itself. It allows you to easily pick out clips and put them together before posting them on TikTok, Instagram, or even Facebook.
Performance
You get a 1-inch sensor that shoots at 20.1 Megapixels. You can also record videos in 4K resolution. The lens shoots at 20mm wide angle. The image quality from the ZV-1F is very similar to what you get from Sony’s ZV-1. This should not come as a surprise though; they share the same imaging sensor and even the same image processor. The only difference between the two is the lens on the ZV-1F.
Imaging
Without the zoom lens, you lose the flexibility of adjusting your frame from where you stand. In that sense, some might struggle with it when you need a larger or smaller frame for their photos. For self-portraits, the frame is tight enough to properly frame your face within that arm-length. if you do want to capture a self-portrait with a larger group, you might want to space your friends out a bit behind you.
Still, once familiar with your frame, you can get the ZV-1F to work very nicely for you. The images you get from the compact camera are detailed enough that it will look good on any social media platform. If you dig deeper and zoom in on the photos, you can see that the photos are much sharper in the central region, where Autofocus works. At the edges, the focus seems to be a little softer. With portraits, you get a natural looking depth-of-field (bokeh) effect, which is always nice.
In terms of colours, in auto mode, photos produce rich colours. There is a very slight orange tinge to the photos though. It adds to the vividness of the images and colours, but it does take away some neutrality to the photos. While it means that your photos are ready for social media almost immediately taken by the camera, you might have a slightly harder time if you are looking to colour grade your photos. You can still take RAW photos though.
Small Camera, Big Videos
One of the biggest attractions to this camera is its 4K video capabilities, though only at up to 30p. You can also get those crisp slow-motion videos in Full HD at 120p. That also means that you get an extra layer of flexibility in terms of your creative shots for your vlogs.
While you are not getting 4:2:2 10-bit colours from the ZV-1F, you are not missing out on too much especially if you share your contents on social media. Most of the time, shooting vlogs is a run and gun thing. In that sense, the colours look good and accurate enough without colour grading.
At the same time, recording 4K videos with the ZV-1F gives you a clean crisp image with plenty of details. You even get a nice depth-of-field effect that you get from more expensive lens. It is a fast lens though at f/2.0 allowing that cinematic bokeh in your background and putting the focus on the subject.
AF, but no Eye-AF
We find this a little disappointing. Not because the AutoFocus function is not great. It is a fast autofocus system they have here that easily keeps up with you in a shoot. It lacks the eye-AF system that is so useful on the ZV-1.
Without eye-AF, you only get a regular autofocus system that can reasonably keep up with you. In most vlogging situations, the AF system is clever enough to detect your face and follow it. It is fast enough though for you to work with once it gets a lock-on.
It is not perfect. We had some trouble getting it to focus on our test subject, a toy car. Since the focal distance is at a minimum of 7.6mm, we thought we could get the toy car to be in focus even when we close the distance between the camera and the subject. We had to pull away from the subject most of the time to get the subject in proper focus. We also had to tap on the screen to get it to focus on our subject when it is off center.
At MYR 2,599, the ZV-1F compact camera is not exactly a budget option. While it is more accessible than the ZV-1, it is still a lot of money for what some might describe as nothing more than a glorified 4K webcam. It does not pack Eye-AF, it does not have a zoom lens, and the lack of weight might not inspire plenty of confidence.
The thing is, there is still plenty to like about the ZV-1F. The ZV-1F is ridiculously light. It is not much more compact than the camera it is derived from, it is about the same size and therefore just as compact.
Because it is lighter than the camera it is based on, it feels quicker to work with. You do not need to spend on heavy duty tripods too. Since there are no zoom lenses to unpack, you are quicker to get to your photos or videos. It is an excellent webcam and mic combo replacement too.
At the same time, you are getting everything that is also great about the ZV-1. The ZV-1F can record videos at 40K 30p. It takes photos at the same 20.1 Megapixel as the ZV-1. If you think the ZV-1 takes great photos, you will be pleased with this one too.
In the right hands, the ZV-1F is a powerful entry-level and compact content creation tool. As a webcam replacement, the ZV-1F offers a much higher quality feed over regular webcams, even if you stick with 720p streaming over USB. It is also your mic replacement, on a budget. At the same time, taking the camera out for a vlog or taking a quick photo is easy. Since it connects to your smartphone wirelessly too, you can make quick work of any photos or videos you take on the ZV-1F before posting it on social media. You even cut an entire editing process out of your workflow with the built-in modes made specially for social media format contents. It is content creation made super easy.
