Sports and action photography

In response to the evolving needs of sports photographers, Canon introduces a series of enhancements to boost performance and accuracy:

• EVF Viewfinder priority
Enhanced electronic viewfinder responsiveness to eliminate EVF turning-on lag when camera is raised to eye (applicable to EOS R1).
• Panning Assist
Now further refined for the EOS R1 to provide stabilisation for smooth, dynamic panning – ideal for motorsports and fast-moving subjects.
• Pre-Continuous Shooting Adjustment
Allows the number of shots taken using pre capture to be selected in the camera’s menu from 1 to 20 (on EOS R1) or 1 to 15 (on EOS R5 Mark II).
• Auto Focus Through Nets
Advanced AI-driven autofocus now intelligently locks onto subjects through obstacles like nets or fences.
• Flickerless Shooting – Always Detection
Canon’s highly praised auto-detection and warning system for 100/120 Hz flicker, first seen in the EOS R3, is now seamlessly integrated into both the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II with the latest firmware update, working continuously to alert users of exposure issues under artificial lighting.

Workflow improvements for fast-paced environments

Designed for high-pressure environments where speed and accuracy are critical, Canon is introducing new tools to streamline the professional workflow:

• Support for high capacity CFexpress Cards: Enables cards up to 8TB to be used for longer shooting sessions without the need to swap storage.
• C2PA Authenticity: Integrated support for the C2PA standard for photo authenticity verification – initially available exclusively for registered news agencies.
• Auto Protection for Rated Photos: Automatically locks images with specified rating to prevent accidental deletion – available across the EOS R5, EOS R3, and EOS R6 Mark II.
• FTP Transfer order update: The transfer order has been modified to suit agency preferences, with voice memos now being sent before images.

General system and usability upgrades

With usability and customisation at the forefront, Canon has implemented multiple refinements across the system:

• Button Customisation – Airplane Mode: Allows quick disabling of Wi-Fi for travel or secure environments.
• Exposure Simulation with Flash: Now supported across a wide range of bodies including the EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R6 Mark II, and EOS R8.
• IBIS (In-body Image Stabilisation) and Peripheral Coordinated Control IS Support: Now enabled on the EOS R5 Mark II for smoother stabilisation with compatible lenses.
• Improved Servo AF When Zooming: Enhanced autofocus tracking during zooming motions on the EOS R3 and EOS R6 Mark II.

EOS R50

A new firmware released for the EOS R50 adds support for the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE and the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lenses.

New accessories for action sports

Canon today also announced the EL-1 (Ver.2), an updated Speedlite flash delivering lightning-fast recycle times, long continuous flash burst and advanced wireless communication. With both radio and optical triggering, users can control the EL-1 (Ver.2) wirelessly from anywhere in the scene, and preview flash outputs through the built-in bi-colour LED modelling light.

These updates reaffirm Canon’s commitment to delivering advanced functionality to professional users, responding to the demands of an ever-changing imaging landscape. For a full breakdown of the new firmware benefits and supported models, please visit: https://www.canon.co.uk/support/consumer/products/cameras/eos/

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A photograph of Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto, which captures an incredible moment where athlete, spectacle and photographer come together in perfect harmony, has won this year’s World Sports Photography Awards. The image was taken by Belgian photographer Eric T’Kindt at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Antwerp, Belgium.

This image is one of 24 winning images across sports categories including American Football, Basketball, Cycling, Gymnastics, Extreme Sports and Football. More than 1400 professional sports photographers from over 80 countries around the world submitted more than 9000 images to this year’s competition.

The World Sports Photography Awards are the only global awards for sport photography. Entered by the world’s best sports photographers, judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, brand and creative. Designed to recognise and celebrates incredible sports images and the photographers who take them. World Sports Photography Awards tell compelling stories of the emotion, passion, athleticism and focus that are at the heart of sport.

Sophie Collins, Chief Marketing Officer at MPB said “As a judge and sponsor of the 2024 ‘World Sports Photography Awards,’ I am once again astounded by the exceptional talent showcased in this year’s entries. Photography has the unique ability to capture the raw emotions and intense moments of sports, telling stories that resonate deeply with viewers long after the moment has passed.” The full gallery of winning images including Top 10s in every sporting category are available to view on the World Sports Photography Awards website.

For more information visit www.worldsportsphotographyawards.com

MPB www.mpb.com/en-uk

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Today, with the news of three new innovative RF lens and a new file sharing app, Canon Inc. announces the development of EOS R3 – its latest high-speed and ultra-responsive professional mirrorless camera. With its ground-breaking design, the camera will empower professional sports and news photographers to meet challenging demands – to outpace and outperform. Boasting qualities seen in Canon’s DSLR and mirrorless bodies, the EOS R3 truly is a hybrid, next generation camera for the sports and news photographers of today and tomorrow.

The EOS R3 features a new Canon-developed BSI stacked CMOS sensor, a powerful DIGIC X imaging processor, shooting capabilities of 30fpsⁱ with AF/AE tracking, eye, head and body detection and a pioneering new autofocus Eye Control Function. It is the ideal camera for action photographers looking for quality images, both still and moving, of objects travelling at intense speeds.

Built on the revolutionary EOS R System, with its unparalleled RF Mount and paired with one of Canon’s innovative RF lenses, the camera offers capabilities unseen in any other camera/lens duo. With lenses like the today launched RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM, professionals can achieve unrivalled optical excellence and performance.

Here’s five things you need to know about the new EOS R3:

High quality, at high speed

The EOS R3 is the first EOS series camera to feature an entirely new 35mm back illuminated stacked CMOS sensor – developed by Canon. Combined with the power of its DIGIC X imaging processor, professionals using EOS R3 will achieve next-level, high-speed photography and filmmaking. Using the camera, they can enjoy 30fps with AF/AE tracking with minimal image distortionⁱⁱ when using the electronic shutter – perfect for the likes of professional sports photographers challenged with capturing action within a fraction of a second.

Impressive tracking of fast-moving action

Professionals can push creative boundaries with pin-sharp accurate tracking and focus on fast-moving action. The EOS R3’s next generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF can track subjects’ eyes, heads and bodies travelling at speed – excellent for capturing even the finest of details in a split second. What’s more, Canon reveals it will add a new subject (yet to be disclosed) to the camera’s AF tracking.

AF control – with your eye!

The EOS R3 will feature new and improved technology first seen in Canon’s EOS 5. It is the first EOS digital camera to provide a new generation of photographers with ground-breaking Eye Control Function, which enables users to simply select and move the AF point using their eye via the viewfinder. This instinctive feature offers professionals natural and speedy control over AF. Reducing the time to focus, which is usually done with a multi-controller/button, this feature is again perfect for photographers looking to capture the most important subject for their frame at speed – whether that’s during a news conference or photographing a team sport.

Professional build

Inspired by the EOS-1D series, the EOS R3 body allows for ultra-intuitive control in the most demanding professional situations. Professionals can expect the same durability and dust and water resistance as provided in Canon’s legendary EOS-1 series bodies. The camera also has the integrated grip that EOS-1D series users love and trust. With EOS R3, professionals have the confidence to keep on shooting – whatever the conditions – whether they are pitch side or poolside, inside or outside, in snow or sunshine.

Fast connection – introducing Canon’s new Mobile File Transfer

The EOS R3 will be fully compatible with Canon’s Mobile File Transfer smartphone app. This provides a new way to transfer images and speed up workflow whilst on the move, using mobile network services and without the need for wired LAN equipment.

Canon is launching Version 1.2 of its Mobile File Transfer for iOS via the Apple App Store in June, which is compatible with Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark III, EOS R5 and EOS R6. Android support will be added in the future.

Today, Canon also announces the RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM – an impressive macro and portraiture lens which is the world’s first AF macro lens with 1.4x close up magnificationⁱⁱⁱ. In addition to this Canon also revealed details of a the new RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM, two telephoto prime lenses designed to meet the demands for sports and wildlife professionals, with incredible focal lengths and capabilities, especially when paired with EOS R3.

More information about today’s launches can be found here and you can stay updated on EOS R3 news by signing up to Canon’s email list.

Initial EOS R3 key features announced today (14^th April 2021) are:

• New Canon-developed stacked BSI CMOS sensor
• 30fps with AF/AE tracking
• Eye Control Function
• Subject eye and head detection
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 1D series weather resistance

ⁱ Maximum approx. 30fps. Continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on the combination of lens and shooting conditions
ⁱⁱ Minimal image distortion for still imagery
ⁱⁱⁱ For an interchangeable autofocus lens, for full frame mirrorless cameras. Canon survey as of April 13, 2021

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Canon today launches the ultimate sports and wildlife camera, the EOS-1D X Mark III, offering professional photographers limitless possibilities, at blistering speeds. Boasting dramatically improved AF tracking performance, image quality and communication capabilities, the camera represents the pinnacle of Canon’s EOS-1 series. Canon’s new flagship camera features incredible industry-leading shooting speeds of up to 20fps with AF tracking, along with improved high ISO performance the camera achieves ‘the shot’, every time. The EOS-1D X Mark III’s AF sensor sports 28 times the centre resolution of its predecessor to address professional photographers’ need for greater accuracy and focusing on subjects in a wider range of scenarios. What’s more, the camera offers impressive 5.5K 12-bit RAW video internal recording – the first non-cinema Canon EOS series camera to have such feature – allowing professionals to capture top-quality video as well as stills.

The EOS-1D X Mark III has been developed using feedback from the worldwide community of EOS-1D X and EOS-1D X Mark II photographers, including prestigious Canon Ambassadors. Canon’s rich heritage in optical excellence shines through in professionals’ feedback during testing, praising the EOS-1D X Mark III’s step-change in autofocus, dramatically improved image and video quality and speedy communication abilities – all features which allow professionals to achieve breath-taking images and deliver them to clients – faster than ever before.

Eddie Keogh, professional sports photographer and Canon Ambassador said: “Working from the side lines at top sporting events worldwide, Canon’s DLSRs continue to dominate professional photography. Throughout the years EOS-1 series cameras have been unrivalled in their reliability and capability, which is why I’ve been using them since 2002 with the EOS-1D. In my line of work speed is everything, so I’m delighted to be using the EOS-1D X Mark III which features noticeably improved fps, outstanding autofocus and quicker communication abilities – because, in the competitive industry of sports photography, a matter of milliseconds could mean the difference between a picture that makes it to the back pages of national newspapers or doesn’t.”

Unrivalled autofocus to achieve ‘the shot’

Based around the Canon EF mount, with more AF lenses available than any other system, the EOS-1D X Mark III features a new AF system and sensor. This Canon-developed technology enables enhanced stability and tracking giving professionals a new level of flexibility and accuracy when photographing subjects in various conditions.

In the ever-competitive professional photography industry there is no room for images of blurry subjects. With a new AF sensor, the camera provides 28 times the centre resolution of its predecessor and three times the number of AF pointsⁱ, delivering unrivalled precision and giving photographers even greater image choice of pin-sharp shots. Partnered with a dedicated DIGIC 8 processor, focusing on subjects in a wider range of lighting is made possible – conditions which would see lesser-quality AF systems fail to capture ‘the shot’ in focus. In addition to focusing accuracy in low light, the camera is ideal for photographing low contrast, patterns, fine detail and diagonal lines – all of which were previously difficult to capture.

Programmed via deep learning, the camera’s AF system can identify human subjects in a range of sporting situations, bringing them into focus – at high speeds – with newly-developed advanced subject tracking system. With this deep learning capability, the camera will lock on to a subject’s head or face – the primary place of focus for the human eye when looking at images – even in situations when the subject’s eyes are covered by the likes of helmets and goggles. A new Auto AF case setting has also been incorporated in the camera to tune the AF settings to match the subject – making setting up the AF system easier than ever before – ideal for professionals photographing subjects which occasionally maybe blocked.

Limitless creative opportunities

Thanks to its new Canon developed DIGIC X processor, 20.1 Megapixel sensor, mirror system and shutter, the EOS-1D X Mark III gives a competitive edge – achieving industry leading speeds of 16fps.

Essential for world-class sporting events and animals in the wild, the optical viewfinder provides photographers better connection to the subject, with clear and bright lag-free viewing. In Live View mode the camera can shoot at 20fps with mechanical or electronic shutter with full AF, further extending creative opportunities.

To achieve such fast frame rates impossible in any other manufacturers’ camera, Canon’s innovative technology reinvents the SLR mirror system. With Canon’s mechanical engineering superiority at the heart, the camera features almost zero mirror bounce – meaning the its mirrors return to their positions as quickly and as precisely as possible – directing light to the camera’s AF sensor to take a reading faster than ever before.

Next generation imaging standards

The EOS-1D X Mark III is Canon’s first camera to feature its next generation imaging sensor, supporting faster readout and lower noise – addressing professionals’ request for a low-noise, high-performing DSLR. The camera’s 20.1 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor also offers Canon’s widest ISO range yet. With the extended settings from ISO 50 to ISO 819,200 – the EOS-1D X Mark III further provides professionals with the flexibility to photograph in various conditions.

Thanks to the increased noise handling abilities of its sensor, professionals can alter the exposure of images in post-processing without noise affecting the dark areas of the images – providing even more usable dynamic range than previous models. The EOS-1D X Mark III is the first camera to the market to use a revolutionary new High Detail Low-Pass Filter, which samples the light point over a greater number of points to achieve sharper and higher resolution images while preventing moiré. It is also the first EOS model to support the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format). This next generation format, based on the HEVC codec, enables images with 10-bits of data to be saved in a file the equivalent size as a JPEG while suffering less compression artefacts. The camera also uses the next generation of memory cards CFexpress providing write speeds over three times that of that previous fastest CFast cards and making shooting bursts of over 1000 raw images possible.

Meeting the demand for high-quality video

Thanks to its new sensor and processor, the EOS-1D X Mark III is now also Canon’s most advanced video product with interchangeable lenses outside of the Cinema EOS series – offering 4K Full Frame and supporting 12-bit RAW internal recording. It is the first non-cinema Canon camera to feature RAW recording, providing an expansive range of colours and tones which can be extracted in post-production for superior image quality. In addition to this, using the camera, video can also be recorded as 12-bit CRM file at 5.5K (5472×2886), allowing very detailed oversampled 4K footage – meeting the demand for high-quality video.

The camera can also record using Canon Log Gamma, captured as a 10-bit HEVC/H.265 file, giving professionals multiple editing and unlimited creative possibilities. Addressing the need for speed, the EOS-1D X Mark III supports file recording in a MP4 container, for fast transmission of files. What’s more, it is also the first EOS-1 series camera to support Move Digital IS – providing 5-axis stabilisation to cope with a wide range of movements – a feature seen in high-end Canon cinema cameras like the EOS C500 Mark II.

Using the EOS-1D X Mark III, Dual Pixel CMOS AF is supported in 4K and RAW modeⁱⁱ, when coupled with Movie Digital IS, professionals can have confidence their movie image footage will have pin-sharp focus and be steady – whatever the condition or scenario – perfect for impromptu video opportunities.

Content delivery at competitive speeds

Keeping pace with shortening deadlines and addressing professionals’ needs for seamless and speedy content delivery, the EOS-1D X Mark III is the first EOS-1 series camera to feature built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Wi-Fi can be used for FTP or connecting via EOS Utility as well as connecting to a smartphone. Its Bluetooth connectivity uses the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, providing a constant connection to a compatible smart device yet requiring minimal battery power – ideal for long shoot days. By opening Canon Camera Connect, the EOS-1D X Mark III automatically connects to compatible devicesⁱⁱⁱ, allowing image review, sharing, and remote Live View shooting with a single tap.

With inbuilt GPS, professionals can capture location data to images – particularly useful for travelling sports photographers and exploring wildlife photographers. The camera transfers data faster than the speed of the EOS-1D X Mark II when using the built in ethernet, or the new optional wireless file transmitter – the WFT-E9. Coupled with simpler network set-up, it greatly enhances professionals’ workflow.

An extension of professionals’ creativity

Allowing seamless navigation with trusted ergonomics, existing EOS-1D series users will be comfortable handling the EOS-1D X Mark III. Its magnesium alloy body offers the durability expected from Canon’s EOS-1 cameras – withstanding extreme weather conditions, with phenomenal weather-sealing. The EOS-1D X Mark III also makes shooting in dark or dimly-lit conditions easier, with light up buttons – a feature added directly as a result of professional feedback. A number of buttons on the camera illuminate when the display light button is pressed making identifying the various buttons much easier – offering again, limitless shooting possibilities.

The camera also provides additional control for selecting AF points, built into the AF-ON button, allowing photographers to change AF points on-the-fly for the best composition – further simplifying their work. Professionals can also benefit from dramatically improved battery life – with the same LP-E19 – enabling them to shoot 2850 shots per charge – reducing the chance of missing ‘the shot’ when changing battery.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS-1D X Mark III will be on sale end of February, with the following RSPs:
    • £6,499.99 / €7,599.99

Come and be the first to get hands on with the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark III at the 2020 London Photo Show – Stands 19-21 & 28-30 – book your FREE trade show tickets here https://thesocieties.net/convention/

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The Society of International Sport and Leisure Photographers have announced the winners of the Sporting Action Photographic Competition.

Sporting ‘Action’ was the theme for the competition which ran throughout July on the Society of International Sport and Leisure Photographers SISLP website.

We asked for images that show the cut and thrust of the sporting action – from scoring a goal or point or preventing the opponent from reaching their objective.

Duncan Groves from Surrey took this image of Serena Williams which was shot at The Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2013. It was chosen as it captured the decisive moment in the Serena Williams v Victoria Azarenka match.

The image was captured on a Nikon D4, F.28 with an exposure of 1/1600sec.

Duncan has won 12 months membership to The Society of International Sport and Leisure Photographers.

The two runners-up, 2nd placed Mihaly Attila Kazsuba from Barcelona and 3rd placed Alexandros Dalkos from Greece have both won 6 months membership to SISLP.

Sporting Action Photographic Competition Winners

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The Society of International Sport & Leisure Photographers has announced the winners of the Sporting Moments Photography Competition.

We asked for any image that depicts this lively theme of any sport may be entered and must show the all important decisive moment. The sports ranged from top-flight professional teams or just people enjoying their sport in their local community.

Roger Evans’ image was chosen as the winner from the 190 pictures entered in to the competition.

Roger from Shropshire, England has won 12 months membership to The Society of International Sport & Leisure Photographers SISLP.

The runners-up Anthony Austria from Abu Dhabi and Kevin Rook from Kent have both been awarded 6 months membership to the SISLP photographic organisation.

Check out the winners in the link below

Winners

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