Stereoscope Podcast #7: Canon EOS R5 Mark II Unveiled, Quest 3 HDMI Link, Xreal Beam Pro, and Pico 4 Ultra!

In this episode of the Stereoscope Podcast, we’re excited to record from our new studio, a significant upgrade from our old basement setup. We kick things off by examining the newly released Canon EOS R5 Mark II, comparing its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, built-in autofocus for the dual fisheye lens, and digital image stabilization to its predecessor and our current R5C cinema variant. Despite some initial performance issues and its well-known overheating problems, we discuss how the addition of c-log2 could transform dynamic range for new photographers.

We then shift our focus to the evolving VR and AR landscape, highlighting the Xreal Beam Pro + Xreal Ultra AR video glasses. We explore the Quest 3’s HDMI link feature, which enables seamless, low-latency video streaming from external devices like an Xbox console. While there are doubts about their productivity use, their potential to enhance media consumption is clear. We also address the challenges of using VR headsets with devices like the Nintendo Switch with Meta's HDMI Link and speculate on Meta’s potential solutions for video app usability. Finally, we delve into the competitive VR gaming market with the Pico 4 Ultra, a new contender against the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, and discuss the future of VR headsets, including the rumored Quest 3S.