Canon’s new stereoscopic RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL camera lens for spatial video recording recently became available for pre-order. In the U.S., pricing is set at $449.99, and orders are estimated to be delivered in mid-November.
Apple and Canon announced the lens at WWDC in June. The lens attaches to Canon’s EOS R7, enabling the mirrorless camera to record 3D videos for playback on AR/VR headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3. More details about the lens are available on Canon’s website, and in our coverage of the WWDC announcement.
After recording spatial videos with the Canon EOS R7 and this lens, Apple said users would be able to edit the videos in Final Cut Pro on the Mac, and upload them to Vimeo. Final Cut Pro will likely be updated with spatial video editing capabilities in mid-November, and Vimeo released a Vision Pro app with spatial video support last month.
Spatial video can also be recorded on both iPhone 15 Pro models and all iPhone 16 models, with no additional hardware required.
Discussion
To explore the significance of Canon’s new lens and the future of spatial video technology, we invited a panel of experts:
- Dr. Sarah Thompson, Multimedia Artist and AR Specialist.
- James Lee, Senior Video Producer with extensive experience in 3D exports.
- Lisa Green, Technology Analyst at Tech Innovation Labs.
Discussion Points
What excites you most about the new Canon lens?
Dr. Thompson: “The ability to create immersive 3D content for AR and VR is a game changer for content creators. It opens up new avenues for storytelling.”
How do you see this impacting video production?
James Lee: “With tools like Final Cut Pro adapting to spatial video, I believe we’ll see a shift in production standards, encouraging more detailed and engaging editing techniques.”
What are the potential challenges in using spatial video technology?
Lisa Green: ”Accessibility and the learning curve for creators who are used to traditional filming methods could be significant hurdles. However, as the market grows, resources and education will follow.”
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on Canon’s new spatial video lens? How do you envision the future of video production evolving with this technology? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Title: Exploring the Future of Spatial Video: An Interview with Canon Lens Expert
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to our exclusive interview segment! Today, we’re diving into the exciting realm of spatial video with one of the prominent experts in the field. Recently, Canon launched their new RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL camera lens, specifically designed for spatial video recording. Thank you for joining us today!
Expert: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the implications of this new technology and how it’s revolutionizing video recording.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. What distinguishes this Canon lens from traditional lenses, particularly in the context of spatial video?
Expert: Great question! The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens is specifically designed for stereoscopic imaging, meaning it captures two slightly different angles of the same scene, similar to how human eyes perceive depth. This capability is essential for creating immersive 3D videos intended for playback on AR and VR headsets, which is an exciting leap from conventional 2D video.
Editor: It seems like this technology is closely intertwined with the current trend of augmented reality and virtual reality. How do you envision the impact of this lens on the broader market, especially with platforms like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3?
Expert: Absolutely! This lens marks a significant step forward in making high-quality spatial video accessible to content creators. With the EOS R7 camera and the new lens, creators can produce content tailored for AR/VR systems, opening doors for immersive storytelling, gaming, and education. With Apple and Meta committed to enhancing their platforms, I believe we’ll see a surge in demand for spatial content, driving innovation across the industry.
Editor: Interest in spatial video seems to be growing rapidly. You mentioned that this lens will allow footage to be edited in Final Cut Pro and uploaded to Vimeo. What does this mean for creators looking to integrate spatial video into their work?
Expert: The integration with Final Cut Pro is a game-changer. With the ability to edit spatial video, creators can add professional-grade effects and transitions, enhancing storytelling capabilities. Plus, the direct upload feature to Vimeo facilitates sharing spatial content more easily with audiences. This seamless workflow is crucial for creators who want to capitalize on the burgeoning interest in spatial media.
Editor: It’s remarkable to think that even iPhones can record spatial video. How do you see the accessibility of this technology impacting the creative community?
Expert: Accessibility is key! With spatial video capabilities embedded in devices like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16, almost anyone can create immersive content. This democratization allows budding filmmakers and content creators to experiment with spatial storytelling without investing heavily in high-end equipment. It’s an exciting time for creativity, as we may see a wider array of perspectives and narratives in this medium.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for spatial video technology and its applications?
Expert: The possibilities are vast! As AR and VR technologies continue to evolve, I envision spatial video becoming a standard in various industries—from entertainment and advertising to education and virtual tourism. We’ll also likely see advancements in user-friendly editing tools and platforms that cater to both professionals and amateurs. As creators’ skills and technologies grow, the potential for innovative storytelling will be limitless.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! It sounds like we’re on the brink of a new era in video production. Any final thoughts for aspiring creators looking to dive into spatial video?
Expert: Embrace the journey! Experiment with the tools available, explore the unique storytelling methods spatial video offers, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The landscape is changing rapidly, and the creators who adapt and innovate will lead the charge in this exciting new dimension of visual media.
Editor: Thank you again for your time and invaluable insights! We look forward to seeing how spatial video develops in the near future.
Expert: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this exciting topic.