As we all know, the live broadcast and short video industry has swept the world in recent years, and the light entertainment effect it brings is not only suitable for all ages, but also can output a large amount of high-quality content in the fragmented time of users. On this basis, the rapidly rising XR industry is being seen as the next outlet in the field of short video, and the UGC ecology of various platforms will also usher in huge changes in the next few years.
However, while everyone imagines the future, the development of VR creation tools has always been unsatisfactory. With the existing splicing machine solutions on the market, photographers need to repeatedly adjust the camera position, set image synchronization, exposure and other tedious parameters. After the shooting was completed, many producers had headaches such as data reading, stitching, equidistant cylindrical projection conversion, parallax compensation, encoding, editing, and secondary transcoding output.
You know, the reason why short videos are popular quickly is that the shooting and production are extremely simplified, and ordinary users can quickly create content just by following the guidelines. In contrast, the production of VR videos has deterred many "technical whites".
In this context, the well-known camera manufacturer Canon has recently launched a 3D 180 ° VR video production system that integrates software and hardware: Canon EOS VR System ( EOS VR System ) , in order to bring the greatest convenience to VR video creation. Recently, we also had the privilege of getting the device in advance and actually using its functions, so today we will share some feelings and experiences with you.
The first thing to say is that Canon has been involved in the MR field since 1997 and continues to this day. In vr, in 2016, Canon released an app, Camera Simulator by Canon Labs, on the Oculus platform, where users can test images of various Canon cameras and lenses.
In 2021, when the XR industry is rising against the trend, Canon's EOS VR system can shoot high-quality 3D 180 ° VR images equivalent to 8K resolution and provide efficient post-production workflows, and the official hopes that it will provide more creative space and possibilities for VR (virtual reality) image creation.
Specifically, the system includes a full-frame RF lens that supports 3D 180° VR content shooting: RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE, as well as the EOS R5 full-frame micro camera, complemented by an exclusive version of the data conversion software EOS VR Utility and the data conversion plug-in EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro.
Appearance styling:
The appearance of the EOS R5 + RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE still maintains the classic Canon style, so we will not repeat it here, you can enjoy the following picture details:
Hardware Configuration:
As we all know, high image quality is one of Canon's traditional strengths. On the EOS R5 full-frame micro camera, Canon is equipped with a CMOS sensor with 45 million effective pixels and a DIGIC X digital image processor.
When shooting content in 8K resolution, the EOS R5 also fully supports Canon Log of the CINEMA EOS film system, which can shoot image content full of realism and restoration. In addition, the EOS R5's manual focus peak display function is also applicable during VR shooting, and the contour of the subject in focus will be highlighted with color. In our opinion, this special performance significantly improves the accuracy of manual focus.
In terms of lenses, Canon said that the RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE will continue the consistent level of RF mount systems. In detail, the lens also features a front lens fluorine coating and a dust-proof, water-repellent drop design.
Specifically, the RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE lens takes full advantage of the 60mm baseline parallax between the two lenses to capture a highly stereoscopic 3D picture. In addition, both lenses are equipped with EMD electromagnetic drive aperture, allowing users to experience a very smooth and smooth feeling during exposure control and shooting.
As a patent holder in the industry, Canon has independently developed swC sub-wavelength structure coating, which can effectively suppress light reflection, greatly reduce ghosting in VR video, and enable users to have greater freedom when choosing shooting time and scene.
Software Features:
In order to bring users a "full-stack" experience, Canon also launched the EOS VR Utility tool this time, which is officially created for the confirmation and conversion of VR video, which can achieve 3D 180 ° VR format picture exchange and equidistant cylindrical projection conversion, lens correction, simple editing, Canon Log short film LUT color grading and other functions with professional standards, the specific details are as follows:
EOS VR Utility (paid subscription service)
1. Allows the user to convert the image into an equidistant rectangular projection (standard VR format).
2. Support switching left and right lens shooting images and movies and support switching round fisheye and equidistant rectangular projection display.
3. Support horizontal correction and parallax correction for compatible lenses.
4. Support for computer screen playback and basic editing of 3D 180 ° VR images.
5. Videos recorded in 8K can be converted and saved to different sizes, file specifications and formats.
6. LuT (Look Up Table) can be added to videos recorded in Canon Log.
7. Support output to DPX (Digital Picture Exchange) and Apple ProRes format for non-linear editing purposes.
* About subscription services: all users can enjoy a free trial period, in addition to less than two minutes of still images and videos converted to free features;
Pro features require a paid subscription, such as exporting/converting videos longer than two minutes and exporting high-quality DPX/ProRes movies.
Adobe Premiere has always been the world's most visible video editing software. In this launch of the EOS VR system, Canon has specially written the EOS VR Plug-in-in system for Adobe Premiere Pro, which provides multiple compensation settings and processing, and can also convert raw material into a 3D 180° VR video format that Adobe Premiere can directly call.
EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro
1. Computer software plug-in for video creators edited by Adobe Premiere Pro.
2. Support switching left and right lens images and converting images to equidistant rectangular projection (standard VR format).
Pro features require a paid subscription, such as importing/converting videos longer than two minutes and exporting high-quality DPX/ProRes movies.
Shooting Experience:
During the week-long process, we believed that the RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE lens continued the consistently high-quality, high-performance performance of the RF mount system. In addition, the 60mm baseline time difference between the two lenses can also meet the needs of most users shooting 3D stereoscopic pictures.
From the user's point of view, high image quality is the main factor to ensure the immersive experience of VR video, and the EOS R5 45 million effective pixel, high-performance digital image processor DIGIC X, 8K video shooting supports CINEMA EOS film system Canon Log, its color reproduction and edge processing capabilities far exceed all portable VR shooting equipment on the market.
In addition, in order to reduce the threshold of use, Canon has made a special customization on the operating system, and we can shoot 180° 3D video directly in the ideal scene without too much configuration when shooting. It is worth mentioning that the manual focus of this camera is very easy, providing a focus wizard (as simple as cracking the screen) color focus peak display. In addition, the system also provides a magnification function, we can accurately confirm the focus of the picture during the shooting process.
Many creators have the habit of left/right swapping when shooting, and real-time observation of equidistant cylinders is also very important. At this point, Canon also fully considers the needs, and all data and adjustment functions can be displayed and operated in real time on the LCD screen.
As a self-media author, many people have the habit of shooting videos alone, and EOS Utility and Camera Connect perfectly support remote control shooting this time, the system can confirm the picture and ERP conversion display from a distance, and even change the settings remotely.
In general, the Canon EOS VR system greatly reduces the difficulty and efficiency of VR creation, compared with the splicing scheme, it realizes the simple operation and small volume of one camera and one shot, and the creation process is almost as simple as shooting vlogs. At the same time, the hardware configuration of the EOS R5 full-frame micro camera is also outstanding in the traditional professional camera, but it is close to our common mini panoramic camera in the use experience when shooting VR content, so that we do not need to pay too much attention to parameter settings when shooting, just simply hand adjust the relevant functions in the corresponding situation.
Post-processing:
Compared with the common multi-body, multi-lens combination vr image shooting + editing process, the left and right lenses equipped with the EOS R5 full-frame micro-camera are recorded as a file after shooting, and only a 1TB version of the CFexpress card of Zhiyu Technology is used to complete the recording. Whether it is in the storage, stitching or transcoding of files, we feel great convenience.
Specifically, the EOS VR Utility that comes with this system can easily achieve left/right image exchange, equidistant cylindrical projection conversion, lens correction (parallax correction, horizontal correction), VR video playback/simple editing, converting 8K video to 4K or larger image size and saving, applying LUT and saving for Canon Log video, and simple editing of 180° VR video, which makes our video editing particularly easy when processing works.
It's worth mentioning that many video workers use a video editing software on a regular basis, and Adobe Premiere Pro is the best of the best. In the process, we also experienced Canon's EOS VR plug-in for the software, which can be converted to 180° VR images that Adobe Premiere Pro can handle, left/right image exchange, equirectangular projection conversion, and lens correction (parallax correction, level correction) and other functions. If you are familiar with PR in front of the screen, there is no barrier to entry for use.
The interface of the software allows you to find your own point of interest in the image above, and our point is very clear: it is really simple to use.
About 180° VR video
Attentive readers may find that the VR image content produced through Canon's EOS VR system is in 180° 3D VR format. After talking to several professionals, we learned that Canon chose the 180° 3D VR format most likely for three reasons:
1. RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE lens adopts a 60mm baseline length Double Fisheye lens close to the human eye, which can present a natural 3D effect;
2. The same 8K video, only used to store 180 ° content compared to 360 ° panoramic content can bring better picture quality and higher clarity, in the post-production of the post-production of the post-equipment burden is also smaller;
3.180° content can effectively solve the scene and personnel operation problems during shooting, and hide all unnecessary content into another 180° environment, making shooting easier. It also reduces the difficulty of post-processing and editing.
Combining these strengths, we believe that formats have great potential in areas such as film and television, performances, education, weddings, museums, travel, commercial real estate, online showrooms and offline digital experiences, and these are some of the application scenarios that Canon can foresee when launching this product.
Conclusion:
Hardware-wise, the EOS VR system is Canon's first innovative solution for VR shooting with a single lens and a reversible camera, suitable for a wider range of shooting scenarios. From the perspective of the creative process, it eliminates the traditional shooting process of dual camera position adjustment, dual camera synchronization, stitching and other steps, improving the work efficiency of creators. You know, we can easily experience the full VR creation in just three steps in the process:
One-shot shooting: Simply install the RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE to the R5 and focus manually with the focus wizard to start creating 8K VR.
Automatic Conversion: Importing video files created by the EOS VR system into the EOS VR Utility (or Adobe Premiere Pro with the EOS VR plugin installed) will be converted automatically. Select the desired file size to export and save, and you can watch.
Export Viewing: Import the exported file from the EOS VR Utility into the VR headset device to enjoy the immersive experience of 8K 3D 180° VR images.
In our opinion, whether it is the EOS R5 full-frame micro camera, or the "red circle" (meaning the high-end lens belonging to Canon) level RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE lens, are high-end products in Canon's product line, so the EOS VR system itself is also for more professional users and launched, more suitable for some serious video content creation, but at the same time in terms of convenience also took a big step, bringing a relaxed but at the same time high-quality creative experience.
At present, China's VR industry has come to a period of accelerated growth, but for content creators, multiple factors such as equipment ownership and content creation costs have hindered their exploration of this new field. Canon hopes that with the EOS VR system, it can use a simpler creative process and affordable hardware costs to attract more creators to invest in the creation of VR image content, and jointly promote the development of the VR industry.
The lens is available for sale on Canon's official website for 14,399 RMB. As an XR industry media, we also expect that after the official launch of this system, it can collide with the creators to collide with more inspiration and bring more excellent VR image works.