Canon uses the innovative technologies cultivated through the development of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras--including lenses, CMOS sensors and image processors and 80 years of camera manufacturing know-how--in the development of mirrorless cameras as well, constantly striving to increase the range of photographic possibilities and achieve new innovations.
In 2018, Canon announced the EOS R System*, a new imaging system that both increases freedom in lens design and opens up new optical possibilities. This marked the birth of the EOS R mirrorless camera, equipped with a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor.

2018/12/27Featured Technology

When shooting still photos, in addition to the conventional in-lens gyro sensor, camera vibration information is obtained from image information captured by the CMOS sensor. This makes possible highly precise detection and correction of low-frequency (slow) shaking, which could not be achieved by a gyro sensor alone, resulting up to five stops of powerful image stabilization. In addition, Movie Digital IS corrects for shaking via image processing when capturing video to realize five-axis image stabilization for all lenses. What's more, high-speed communication between the camera and lens makes possible combination IS, which combines electronic IS and optical lens IS to achieve even more powerful image stabilization*.

True User-oriented Design Based on Years of Experience and Know-how

As a longtime manufacturer of interchangeable-lens cameras, one thing that Canon refuses to compromise on is its desire that users are able to freely use the lenses they want to without concern.
For the RF mount, the distance between the mount and image sensor, known as the "flange focal distance," is 20 mm. This distance enables sufficient durability, even when a large lens is attached, and was chosen based on such factors as how the system is expected to evolve in the future. In addition, the RF mount's 12 electronic contact pins utilize a two-level design to reduce sliding and help protect against the frictional wear and foreign particle entry that can occur when detaching and attaching a lens.

A Built-in EVF that Offers Performance Rivaling Optical Viewfinders

The EOS R features a 0.5 inch full-color OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with approximately 3.69 million dots and viewfinder coverage of approximately 100%. This EVF uses an aspherical lens developed by Canon that is designed to replicate the same realistic view as that provided by an optical viewfinder. The EVF also has an eyepoint of approximately 23 mm--making it easy to use, even while wearing glasses-a magnification of approximately 0.76x and numerous other features that realize greater ease-of-use so that users can concentrate on shooting. The EVF can also be used to perform such actions as exposure simulation or display the menu screen.

Building on proprietary technologies, Canon develops and manufactures CMOS in-house. Sensors are available in 35 mm full-frame and APS-C sizes.
Features of Canon's CMOS sensors include a large size and high resolution (a maximum of approximately 50.6 megapixels in the case of the 35 mm full-frame CMOS), exceptionally high sensitivity (minimal noise) and wide dynamic range. In addition, High-speed continuous shooting at a rate of approximately 14 frames per second*, 4K video recording, and other functions to achieve a range of expression for both still images and video.

When light enters a camera lens, it is converted to an electrical signal by an image sensor (CCD/CMOS). An image processor^*1 then generates image data from the signal, reproducing natural colors, rich gradations and minimal noise. Canon's DIGIC image processors are high-performance system LSI^*2 featuring a proprietary architecture that makes possible extremely fast data processing.

DIGIC use proprietary algorithms for such functions as reducing false colors and moiré fringes (interference fringes), rapid reduction noise during long-exposure or high-sensitivity shooting and high-definition signal output to LCD monitors. In addition, the processor and memory use a stacked structure to save space and make the camera itself more compact.
Thanks to the DIGIC 8 image processor's state-of-the-art image processing functionality, the EOS R realizes a standard ISO sensitivity of 40000. This makes possible the creation of clear images, even when shooting in low-light environments. Other functions of the DIGIC 8 processor include high-speed continuous shooting at a maximum rate of approximately 8.0 frames per second, enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 4K30P EOS movie capabilities.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is revolutionary sensor-based phase detection AF technology in which each pixel of the newly designed CMOS sensor is equipped with both imaging and phase detection AF capabilities.
With a Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor, each pixel comprises two separate photodiodes which are read separately for phase-detection autofocus and together for imaging. Each photodiode captures light independently. Signals from the photodiodes are each detected during phase detection AF, and during image capture, are combined as one pixel to output an image signal.