Beyond Real: Canon’s New RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Brings Convenient VR Content Creation to APS-C Cameras
Compatible with the EOS R7 at launch, Canon’s second dual fisheye lens further lowers the barriers to VR content creation
11 June 2024 — Canon today announced the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye, a lens designed to equip more users with virtual reality (VR) capabilities. Small, lightweight, and autofocus-capable, the company’s second dual fisheye lens is built for APS-C cameras and currently supports the EOS R7. Like the existing RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye, the new lens significantly streamlines the workflow for high-resolution 3D VR photos and videos, increasing accessibility to VR content creation.
VR provides a more immersive, engaging way of experiencing content. Viewers of the VR videos can explore the scene beyond the field of view shown in a traditional 2D still image or video and choose whether to look up, down, left, or right, opening new possibilities for digital storytelling, documentation, and creative expression.
Ichinomiya Takashi, Director of Regional ICB Sales & Marketing Division, Canon Singapore, said, “Through the launch of the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye, Canon hopes to lower the barriers to entry and allow more people to try creating VR content. We believe the lens will open a world of possibilities, as now people have the means to attempt new or unique ideas which might not have been possible previously. For content creators, the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye opens the windows for them to create unique content with new perspectives so that they can stand out from the competition and reach new audiences.”
Conveniently create 4K VR movies
Like the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye, the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye consists of two fisheye lenses positioned some distance from each other, allowing two images with parallax to be captured simultaneously on a single image sensor. The resulting data is a 144° angle of view, which can be converted into 180° 3D VR movies with the EOS VR Utility software or the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro. Setting up, synchronising, and stitching images shot on multiple cameras is not required, making the creation of high-quality, high-resolution VR content more accessible and affordable.
As Canon’s first dual fisheye lens to support autofocusing (AF), the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye is capable of swift, precise AF with simple operations like an ordinary RF lens. This is due to a dual-lens STM mechanism that drives both the left and right lenses in unison. If necessary, fine adjustments of the left-right focus difference can be easily carried out with the electronic focusing/control ring and a focus difference adjustment mode switch.
Users can also control the location of the AF frame with the EOS Utility or Camera Connect apps, improving ease of operation when shooting from unique angles and locations where it is challenging for the operator to be situated right behind the camera.
Excellent image quality even in backlight
The RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye is the first non-L lens to feature anti-reflective ASC (Air Sphere Coating), which promises clean and clear images with minimal ghosting and flaring even when strong light sources are in the frame. On the EOS R7, the lens achieves the same high pixel density (number of pixels per 1º angle of view) as the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye on the EOS R5 during 4K recording, providing corner-to-corner high definition.
Other notable features
The RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye is approximately the same size as the RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye but weighs slightly lighter (approx. 290g not including rear filter holder). Its compact design also allows for excellent portability. The lens is also bundled with a rear filter holder that can take commercially available gelatin filters as well as 30.5mm screw-in filters.
About Canon in the Philippines
Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.
Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.
Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.
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