Canon's First-Ever Photo Culling App

Need a Digital Photo Assistant? Canon U.S.A. has you Covered with the Company’s First-Ever Photo Culling App

Canon Also Publicly Debuts “PHIL,” the Company’s Computer-Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine

MELVILLE, NY, February 11, 2021– According to a recent report from Keypoint Intelligence, 1.4 trillion photos were taken worldwide in 2020 and 7.4 trillion images were stored1. With these staggering numbers, it could be overwhelming for the average consumer to decide what photos are best to keep and store. Delivering expert photo advice in the form of an app, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announces its Photo Culling app. Compatible with iOS devices2, this brand-new app helps determine a user’s best photos based on scores against four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes, using Canon’s Computer Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine known as “PHIL” (abbreviated for Photography Intelligence Learning) 3. Additionally, the app will suggest deleting duplicative photos, making it easy for the consumer to free up space on their smartphone.

"In today's ever-changing and overwhelming world, where thousands of photos are captured and stored in a person’s smartphone, consumers need an expert, reliable and intuitive photo tool to help them decide the best photos based on years of trusted knowledge and technology,” said Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon U.S.A.’s new Photo Culling App is the answer and we are proud to see how the company’s Computer Vision technology within this app can assist consumers with finding and keeping their best photos of their fondest moments."

The Photo Culling app features two culling options:

• Whole Culling: Determines the best photos based on the absolute best scores against the four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes. If the score is over the threshold the user sets, the photo is considered to be the best. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions.
• Similar Culling: Determines the best photos based on score comparison among a similar group of photos. The highest-scoring photos within the group are considered the best photos. A second photo may also be selected as the second-best photo within the group. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions. The app is also able to find similar photos and group them together. For example, If a user selects 10 photos of a dog and 10 photos of a sunset, it will break the photos into two groups and find the best photo of each; one of the dog and one of the sunset.

In addition to its culling options, the Photo Culling app also features:

• Photo Counts and Storage: Shows the number of photos a user has as well as the amount of phone storage on the Home Screen
• Event Album: Categorizing and placing photos in albums on the Home Screen. These are dynamic albums based on events/date throughout the year and the app will pull events that have a large number of photos and suggest the user review these photos to delete and save space
• Features in the Setting Screens: Displaying the number of photos deleted, the current subscription plan (see details below), option for notifications, parameter setting for each score against sharpness, noise, emotion and closed eyes. Users also can adjust these settings, such as changing how much of an impact noise has on a photo versus closed eyes4
• Dark and Light Mode Settings Screen Option: Displays screens either as a dark or light mode option

Price & Availability*
Available for download via the App Store, the Photo Culling app will be available under two subscription options: $2.99 per month or $14.99 for the year, each with a three-day trial5. For more information, please visit, usa.canon.com/photo-culling-app.

Canon Unveils New Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT(Ver.2)

Comprehensive Support for the Wireless Flash Functions on Professional Flagship Speedlite EL-1

HONG KONG, 4 FEB 2021 – Canon Hongkong today announced the new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) will be launching in mid-2021. Offering greater flexibility in lighting for professional photographers or advanced photo amateurs, the new ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) is a compact 2.4GHz radio transmission wireless flash sender control with updated functions. Being compatible with the new flagship Speedlite EL-1, the users are able to sync the EL-1 with other Canon Speedlites via the new transmitter.

The new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) equips you with 3 newly-added functions, included the supporting wireless second-curtain sync[1] with all Speedlite models featuring Radio Transmission2, supporting the FE (Flash Exposure)1 memory function[2] and also the 1/8192 micro flash with Speedlite EL-1. The existing functions of predecessor are also kept for more convenient and comprehensive user experience.

Besides, the firmware update for existing Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT to include new functions will be available from May 2021[3] .

Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT(Ver.2)

Made for: Professional photographers and advanced photo amateurs

• Compact 2.4GHz radio transmission wireless flash Sender control with updated functions
• Newly supports wireless second-curtain sync[1] with all Speedlite models featuring Radio Transmission[2]
• Newly supports the FE (Flash Exposure) memory function11[1]
• Newly supports the 1/8192 micro flash with Speedlite EL-1
• Firmware update for existing Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT to include new functions will be available from May 2021[3]
• Supports E-TTL II / E-TTL autoflash, Auto External Flash Metering, Manual Flash and Stroboscopic Flash
• 15-channels with 10000 radio transmission ID to minimize interference
• Maximum radio transmission distance of 30m in all direction and controls up to 5 groups[4] and 15 receiver units
• Supports Linked shooting[5] and remote release function58
• Large Dot-Matrix LCD panel to display flash settings information
• High Strength Metal mounting foot
• Proven quick locking mechanism with “dust wipe mechanism” and “variable contact pressure” designImplements 2-line transmission for important signals transmission
• Dust and water resistance[6] equivalent to EOS-1D Series cameras

Suggested Retail Price : To be announced
Estimated Sale Start Date : June 2021

[1] Applicable to EOS digital cameras that support wireless second-curtain sync. As of February 2021, the compatible models are EOS-1D X Mark III, EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS M50 Mark II (must be upgraded to firmware that supports Speedlite EL-1).

[2] Applicable to all Speedlite models featuring Radio Transmission including Speedlite EL-1, 600EX II-RT, 600EX-RT and 430EX III-RT (as of February 2021).

[3] Firmware must be updated at Canon Customer Service Center, details to be announced.

[4] Applicable to EOS digital cameras released from 2012 and onwards (except EOS 60Da).

[5] Requires EOS digital cameras released from 2012 onwards (except EOS 60Da/1500D/1300D/1200D/3000D) with Speedlite EL-1, 600EX II-RT, 600EX-RT, 430EX III-RT or ST-E3-RT attached.

[6] Not recommended to use in the rain.

Canon Celebrates Milestone with Production of 150 Million RF And EF Lenses

Canon Celebrates Significant Milestone with Production of 150 Million Interchangeable RF And EF Lenses

MELVILLE, NY, February 3, 2021– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., reached a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production in January 2021, of the Company’s 150-millionth RF and EF series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras1— an RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto zoom lens (released in November 2019).

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (Autofocus) single-lens reflex film cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Over the years, EF lenses have gained support from a wide range of users and production has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan.

EF lens production passed the 10-million-unit mark in 1995 and crossed the 50-million-unit threshold in 2009. In April 2014, the Company celebrated its first-in-the-world achievement of having manufactured 100 million interchangeable lenses, and now, setting a new world record for the most interchangeable lenses produced, Canon manufactured its 150-millionth RF and EF lens in January 2021. Laid end-to-end2, all of the RF and EF lenses Canon has manufactured thus far would measure approximately 7,736 miles in length — nearly equivalent to the Earth’s diameter, which measures approximately 7,917 miles.

Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts3 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.

In 2018, Canon introduced the EOS R system and the RF series lenses, which pursues new heights of quality under the core concept of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.” Today, the Company’s extensive RF and EF lens series lineup currently comprises a total of 118 models4, expanding the possibilities for image capture. In addition, thanks to the extensive lineup of lenses, Canon has maintained the number one market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras since 2003 — a total of 17 years5— and in September 2019, the Company celebrated the production of 100 million EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras.

Canon will continue refining its imaging technologies centered on its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to cater to the varying needs of photographers — from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals — while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.

Model name & Release date	Main features and technologies
EF300mm f/2.8L USM6 Nov. 1987	World’s first7 use of a lens-based Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
	USM technology delivers fast autofocusing thanks to its high torque and responsiveness. By converting ultrasonic vibrations into rotational energy, the technology makes possible quiet, smooth AF drive performance.
EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM8 Sept. 1995	World’s first7 use of Image Stabilizer (IS) technology
	Users can see the results of IS technology through the viewfinder. Delivering high precision and stability for superb image stabilization results, this technology expands the possibilities for handheld photography.
EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM9 Dec. 2001	World’s first7 use of a diffractive optical (DO) lens element
	Diffraction is an optical phenomenon in which light waves bend as they pass around the edges of an object. DO lens elements use this phenomenon to correct for a variety of aberrations by controlling the path that light travels.
EF24mm f/1.4L II USM Dec. 2008	World’s first10 use of Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC)
	SWC technology helps to minimize reflections by aligning countless wedge-shaped structures more minute than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of a camera lens.
EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Oct. 2009	World’s first7 use of Hybrid IS, which compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake
	Employing an algorithm, Hybrid IS optimally adjusts for camera shake based on information gathered by two sensors located in the lens. By precisely driving the optical correction system, the technology simultaneously corrects for angle and shift camera shake.
EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM July 2011	World’s first7 fisheye lens to deliver both 180-degree diagonal angle of view and 180-degree circular fisheye
	The EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM enables the capture of images with dramatic deformations, exaggerated perspectives and extreme depths of field, making possible images that are significantly distorted, similar to what a fish might see were it to look skyward from under the water surface.
EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x May 2013	World’s first7 super-telephoto zoom lens to employ an internal extender
	Featuring a built-in 1.4x extender, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x’s zoom range can be expanded with a simple one-touch operation even in locations where users are unable to switch lenses
EF11-24mm f/4L USM Feb. 2015	World’s first7 lens offering ultra-wide-angle 11 mm minimum focal length
	In addition to achieving the world’s widest angle of view starting at a minimum focal length of 11 mm, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM effectively corrects for aberrations commonly associated with ultra-wide-angle lenses, delivering superb image-quality performance
RF28-70mm F2 L USM Dec. 2018	World’s first11 standard zoom lens to deliver f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range
	Employs a large internal mount diameter and a short back focus to realize an f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range, a feat which was considerably difficult for EF series lenses.

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

1 Includes EF, EF-S, RF, EF-M and EF Cinema lenses and lens extenders. As of February 3, 2021.

2 Calculated based the length of the lens’ bodies. Based on Canon research.

3 Among interchangeable SLR camera lenses. Based on Canon research.

4 Includes four lens extenders. As of February 3, 2021.

5 In terms of market share by number of units sold. Based on Canon research.

6 As of February 3, 2021, production for this lens has already been discontinued.
Successor: EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM (released in August 2011).

7 Among interchangeable SLR camera lenses.

8 As of February 3, 2021, production for this lens has already been discontinued.
Successor: EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM (released in December 2016).

9 As of February 3, 2021, 2016, production for this lens has already been discontinued.
Successor: EF400 f/4 DO IS II USM (released in November 2014)

10 Among photography lenses.

11 Among interchangeable lenses supporting autofocus across the entire standard zoom
range and compatible with 35mm equivalent full-frame sensor cameras.