Attendees of the recent Photo Next 2023 exhibition in Yokohama, Japan have spotted a prototype of a new and unannounced product by Canon that’s placed on display. What makes this mysterious device stand out is that it appears to be the brand’s first-ever 360-degree camera. And that’s not all, as it can also transform itself into a mode that’s capable of shooting in stereoscopic, VR-friendly format.
According to Twitter user Ichiro Uematsu, the device is labeled simply as the “Canon Powershot V series concept” and is designated as a “360-degree and 180-degree 3D VR” camera. From the photos shared, the product is shown to feature a 180-degree camera in front, Mode and Share buttons along with a USB-C port on its left side, a power button and battery compartment on the right, as well as another 180-degree camera, record button and tiny display on its back.
PHOTO NEXT 2023のキヤノンブースで展示されている
Canon PowerShot Vシリーズのコンセプトカメラ
360°＆180° 3D VR Camera
表裏にレンズが付いていて、360°カメラとして使えるし、広げてヒラメにすると180°VRカメラになるそうです。
詳細は非公開です。 pic.twitter.com/STHjBGxLCM— Ichiro Uematsu (@IchiroYqz01403) June 6, 2023
The device’s main gimmick is the ability to flip out its rear camera to face forward, therefore allowing it to switch to capture content in 3D. While this may be the first of its kind for Canon, another similar device that functions similarly to this (as pointed out by PetaPixel and DIYPhotography) is the Insta360 EVO that was released in 2019. The major difference between the two is that, unlike the latter, the Japanese camera maker’s product mostly retains its compact size post transformation.
Unfortunately, Canon did not demonstrate its hybrid 360-degree VR camera in action. As pointed out by those who’ve attended the exhibition, the units that were placed on display are merely mock-ups and further details regarding the product are still confidential. That being said, the company did not disclose its expected availability or pricing either, so it may take a while until we see an actual debut.
昨日、PHOTONEXT Canonブースで『360°&180°3D VR Camera』見てきた。
Insta360 EVO、Vuze XR 無き今、コンシューマでも買える(比較的)安価なVR180カメラとして発売に漕ぎつけて欲しい‼️ pic.twitter.com/lo7AmKi89t— うぃしゅたりあ (@wistaria_) June 8, 2023
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the first time that Canon has dabbled in VR-based photography or video. In fact, the camera maker launched the RF5.2mm F.28 L Dual Fisheye lens for its mirrorless cameras back in 2021, which allows for content to be captured in stereoscopic 3D. The newer product, on the other hand, is a standalone device that lets you capture such content on its own, though its quality remains to be seen.
(Source: PetaPixel)
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