Canon VR cameras in 2024 and 2025

18.09.2024

The latest information about Canon VR cameras and lenses in 2024 and 2025.

Seen at IBC2024 | IBC Convention Amsterdam

140-degree RF-S lens

Seen in the image above, attached to the R5 Mk II Canon camera. This comes with autofocus, which could be a game-changer in the world of VR. The smaller field of view will be useful for close-up filming in VR. A 160 degree FOV model is coming next year.

We're checking with Canon about implementing live preview using DeoVR via the Quest headset while recording VR video. We'll report back with more information soon.

Canon EOS C80 camera

This is a new VR-ready camera from Canon that can be used with the RF 5.2 dual fisheye lens. It can record in up to 6K VR180. It's disappointing to hear it won't cover 8K as that is the current standard, but the C80 could be a compact and lightweight alternative to the existing Canon EOS VR kit, and likely to deliver better results than similar 6K cameras such as the CalfVR camera.

Specs:

Video: 6K 30P in Cinema RAW Light
XF-AVC codec: Capable of 10-bit 4:2:2 with oversampling from the 6K sensor
ISO: Base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12,800
Autofocus: Enabled when recording at up to 4K 120 FPS
Release date: November 2024 (est)
Price: $5,499 (est)

3.9mm Dual Fisheye lens for R7

A new VR180 dual fisheye lens for the APS-C Canon R7.

The image quality isn't as sharp as the R5 and 5.2mm lens - to be expected as each eye sees less than half of the R7’s APS-C size sensor. However, it compares well to other models in a similar price bracket. It has a smaller FOV, at just 144 degrees, making for a higher pixel density. But is this reduced field of view a step too far for VR creators? We also understand that the quality is 4K 30FPS.

Pricing: The approximate total price for both the Canon R7 ($1500) and Canon Dual Fisheye 3.9mm lens ($1100) is $2600. A price which compares well to Canon's pro-standard VR EOS system, which is approx $6000 in total.

View samples provided by Canon.

CES 2024

DeoVR learned about Canon's future plans for VR, including the new foldable camera, a new short-angle 3D lens, and an affordable VR180 lens. We also have information about livestreaming and wider compatibility with the RF lens, from the 2023 VR conference in Amsterdam.

APS-C Stereoscopic 5.2mm VR Lens

This concept crop-sensor VR lens is priced at around $400. It's designed to work with APS-C image sensors, unlike the existing dual fisheye lens, which only works with full-frame sensors. Despite having a smaller sensor, the image from these cameras is of much better quality than that of smartphones or compact cameras.

This also means this new VR lens can be smaller, as shown in the image below - the width is the same (to match human eyes), but the depth is shorter, making it more portable and easy to carry.

Full details have yet to emerge, but this cheaper lens would open up the world of VR video creation to a much wider market.

Canon foldable VR camera: 360/180 hybrid

This is the third time Canon has displayed the prototype of this foldable camera. The specs are 8K photo with 8K30FPS video and it’s aimed at the consumer market, with an expected price point of under $1000, making it a strong rival to the popular CalfVR camera. It’s described as a “capable of shooting both 360/180 3D VR images and video” and compact, lightweight and simple to use.

Folded, it will work as a 360 camera with two 180 lenses on opposite sides capturing everything in view, spherically. When unfolded, the two lenses will be side-by-side. It looks similar to the Insta360 EVO, which records 360 footage when folded and 3D content when unfolded.

However, there has been little update on this model in the past year so we're unsure if it will come to market.

Short-angle 3D lens

This new lens seems to tie into Apple’s spatial video and spatial photo functionality, which we explored in our coverage of the iPhone 15 Pro. The lens distance is much smaller than the human IPD, so it won’t offer full 180-degree stereoscopic visuals, but will give a great impression of depth.

Similar to the APS-C VR lens, this prototype was shown attached to the APS-C camera, EOS R7, again, opening up 3D content creation to a wider market. However, it isn’t certain that this is the specific aim of this lens - it could be for 3D macro shots.