DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 17, 2026/APO Group/ –Canon today unveils the Canon EOS R8 Mark II (https://apo-opa.co/4j8ZE9t), a lightweight full-frame camera that inspires confidence and offers creative freedom.

The Canon EOS R8 Mark II combines portability with full-frame mirrorless camera quality and advanced stabilisation to capture wider views, beautiful background blur and stunning low-light image quality.

 




 
 

Building on the success of the EOS R8, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II responds to the needs of photographers with greater control and capability in a compact body. Made for those who want to explore more, from new places to new creative ideas, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II is a versatile choice for travel photography. It’s easy to carry, simple to use and helps to capture unrepeatable moments.

The distinctly modern design marks a new chapter in the EOS R System. The Canon EOS R8 Mark II carries forward Canon’s design heritage while evolving it into a more contemporary form that meets the needs and preferences of today’s photographers and creators.

At the heart of the Canon EOS R8 Mark II is a 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, complemented by a DIGIC X processor. Together, they deliver exceptional clarity, rich colour and impressive dynamic range. A powerful In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS) provides up to 7.5 stops1 of stability, making it easier to shoot handheld and capture sharp images in low light and on the move without compromising image quality.

With an abundance of creative and performance-focused imaging technology in a compact, stabilised body, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II is well suited to travel photography. Its feature-rich design includes advanced capabilities inherited from high-end EOS R System cameras, such as Register People Priority, which automatically keeps selected individuals in focus, and pre-continuous shooting, which helps capture scenes that unfold in an instant, before the user has time to react.

Ready for every moment of the journey

From spotting wildlife on safari to street performers launching into spectacular tricks and festival crowds throwing colourful powder into the air, the most memorable travel experiences are often fleeting and difficult to photograph. With its 40fps2 shooting speed and expanded buffer that can handle up to 73 RAW files in a single burst, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II keeps pace with fast-moving action.

Pre-continuous shooting in H+ mode gives Canon EOS R8 Mark II users the edge during even more unpredictable situations. Recording approximately half a second before the shutter button is fully pressed, it provides up to 20 extra images to help secure the decisive shot. Whether you’re waiting for a crowd to clear at an iconic landmark or anticipating a family member’s reaction to trying a new cuisine, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II captures the shot before your reflexes do.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with Deep Learning subject detection automatically recognises and tracks people, animals and vehicles, bringing subjects into sharp focus rapidly with eye, face, head and body tracking. The Canon EOS R8 Mark II’s improved tracking persistence reliably maintains focus even when the subject briefly disappears from view, making it easy to keep travel companions in focus as they move through crowded locations. Autofocus is also possible in light levels as low as EV -7.53 – the same as the flagship EOS R1 professional camera.

Register People Priority brings additional precision when photographing the people who matter most. Users can register up to 10 faces in the camera and up to 100 on a memory card, allowing the Canon EOS R8 Mark II to automatically recognise registered family members and friends whenever they appear in the frame. It then focuses on them according to the priority set by the user – helping to keep loved ones sharp in busy travel scenes, group shots and spontaneous encounters.

Compact, lightweight, creative

A new streamlined EOS design offers confident, intuitive handling, with customisable buttons, controls and modes enabling users to personalise the Canon EOS R8 Mark II to suit their shooting style. The camera also pairs well with a versatile range of lightweight Canon RF lenses, from the all-purpose RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM (https://apo-opa.co/4xPaLIB) and ultra-fast RF 45mm F1.2 STM (https://apo-opa.co/4xWaF2r) prime to the compact RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM (https://apo-opa.co/4hcaau3) telephoto zoom for wildlife and distant subjects.

Design improvements compared with the EOS R8 include a multi-controller that makes it quicker to operate the camera when shooting handheld. The optional Canon Extension Grip EG-E2 further enhances handling, and features a separate tripod socket plus direct access to the camera battery for added convenience.

Flexible colour tools, including Canon Picture Styles and Filmtone Colour Filters, give photographers the freedom to capture the character of a destination as they experience it – and create images that make the viewer feel as though they are actually there. Additionally, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II’s adjustable, natural-looking Smooth Skin effect makes it easy to create flattering portraits straight from the camera without the need for complex post-processing.

Photographers can also explore the world of immersive three-dimensional images and models. The Canon EOS R8 Mark II is the first camera to include Canon’s new Dual Pixel 3D imaging technology, allowing users to capture JPEGs containing depth information and convert them into 3D content using the free Dual Pixel 3D Converter App for Windows.4

The freedom to stay connected

Comprehensive connectivity means Canon EOS R8 Mark II users can share on the go. Wi-Fi® (2.4GHz / 5GHz)5 and Bluetooth® 5.3 provide fast and reliable wireless transfer of images and video, while support for the Canon Camera Connect app enables remote shooting and seamless image sharing from a smartphone. Automatic backups and image sorting via www.image.canon offer peace of mind while travelling.

A high-speed USB-C® port provides up to 10Gbps data transfer, along with USB charging and power delivery, giving users the flexibility to connect via cable when needed. For long days out, the ability to charge on the go and shoot for longer using a power bank adds further convenience. USB livestreaming also highlights the Canon EOS R8 Mark II’s versatility, making it simple to share adventures live while offering the freedom to explore new ways of using the camera over time.

High-quality video and sound recording make the Canon EOS R8 Mark II an ideal hybrid camera for those looking to explore their creativity in new ways. Oversampled 4K video from 6K delivers superior detail, while Full HD shot at up to 180fps opens up the world of slow-motion recording. Cinema View (2.35:1 aspect ratio) and Custom Picture profiles, including Canon Log 3 and HLG, make it simple to achieve a cinematic look, while Movie Digital IS helps maintain stable footage while filming handheld.

The Canon EOS R8 Mark II will appeal to photographers who value the creative possibilities of a full-frame sensor, but don’t want to compromise on portability. Bringing together image quality, speed and creative control in a travel-ready design, it’s a camera that’s ready for every journey.

Key features of the Canon EOS R8 Mark II:

• Lightweight at approximately 499g (546g with card and battery)

• 24.2MP full-frame sensor

• Up to 7.5-stop1 Coordinated lens and in-body IS

• 40fps2 continuous shooting,  with a bigger buffer than the EOS R8

• Pre-continuous shooting in H+ mode up to 20 frames

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with intelligent subject detection

• Filmtone Colour Filters, Custom Picture and Look File (LUT) support

• Wi-Fi® (2.4GHz / 5GHz)5 and Bluetooth® 5.3

• USB-C® connectivity and charging

• Livestreaming options

• Up to 4K 60p video, oversampled from 6K

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 17, 2026/APO Group/ –South Africa’s energy conversation is changing. With Eskom recording more than 400 consecutive days without load shedding, the focus for energy-intensive businesses is shifting from simply securing electricity to ensuring that energy supports industrial competitiveness, investment and growth.

 




 
 

For South Africa’s mines, manufacturers, smelters and other large power users, significant challenges remain. Grid capacity, rising operating costs, renewable energy integration, power quality and the financing of alternative energy solutions are increasingly influencing investment and operational decisions.

These issues will take centre stage at the EIUG Conference, taking place 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg, focused on the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s energy-intensive users.

The next industrial energy challenge

Large energy users are already changing how they source power. Seriti Green’s 155 MW Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm, which began commercial operations in July 2026, is supplying Seriti’s mining operations through wheeling, illustrating how industrial users are increasingly combining grid electricity with private renewable generation.

At the same time, transmission capacity is becoming critical as more generation connects to the system. Recent collaboration between the Development Bank of Southern Africa and National Transmission Company South Africa is aimed at accelerating investment in South Africa’s transmission network.

The EIUG Conference programme reflects these changing priorities.

The session “Industrialisation Under Threat?” will examine whether current energy and market conditions are supporting or constraining South Africa’s mining, manufacturing and smelting sectors, including the impact of energy costs, self-generation and changing industrial demand.

A dedicated Grid Security discussion will explore ageing infrastructure, renewable penetration, frequency stability, voltage fluctuations and the roles of NTCSA, Eskom, municipalities and industry in maintaining a reliable electricity system.

Delegates will also explore renewable energy integration for heavy industry, including how solar, wind and hybrid energy systems can support the continuous power requirements of mining, manufacturing, metals and cement operations.

Financing these changes will be equally important. The programme’s Finance for Transition Masterclass will cover financing models, de-risking, storage economics and investment in industrial decarbonisation projects.

From energy security to competitiveness

South Africa’s improved electricity availability is an important milestone, but the next measure of success will be whether the country can turn a changing energy system into stronger industrial growth.

The EIUG Conference will bring together industrial energy users, policymakers, utilities, financiers and technology providers to examine what South Africa’s next phase of the energy transition means for the businesses that power its economy.

The question is no longer only whether South Africa can keep the lights on, but whether its energy system can keep its industries competitive.

Event details

EIUG Conference 2026
28–29 October 2026
The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, September 17, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has extended a US$10-million finance facility to Azania Bank of Tanzania (Azania Bank) to improve access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Tanzania’s export value chains and to strengthen their participation in regional and international trade

 




  

Delivered under Afreximbank’s Export SME Development Programme (ESDP), the facility will enable Azania Bank to provide eligible SMEs with both working capital and medium-term financing to support business expansion, asset acquisition and pre- and post-export operations. This is expected to boost productivity and enhance participation in regional and global value chains, while addressing persistent financing gaps that constrain SME growth and export development.

Azania Bank will on-lend the funds to eligible SMEs engaged in export-oriented activities across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, trade, technology, logistics and value-added exports. The facility will enhance the bank’s ability to support the growing financing needs of SMEs and emerging businesses that play a vital role in Tanzania’s industrialisation and trade agenda.

The initiative is expected to support business growth, create employment opportunities, improve export readiness and strengthen Tanzania’s participation in regional value chains. It will also help SMEs leverage opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing their capacity to participate effectively in cross-border trade and regional supply networks.

In addition to financing, Afreximbank will provide participating SMEs with structured business development support, including export readiness training, financial management advisory services, market linkage opportunities, digitalisation support and access to SME-focused knowledge and networking platforms. These interventions are designed to strengthen enterprise resilience, improve competitiveness and enable SMEs to scale sustainably.

Mrs. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director, Export Development, Afreximbank commented: “SMEs are the backbone of Africa’s productive economy and are critical to driving industrialisation, value addition and trade-led growth. However, many businesses continue to face significant barriers to accessing the financing, market opportunities and technical support needed to scale and compete effectively”.

 

“Through the Export SME Development Programme, Afreximbank is partnering with financial institutions such as Azania Bank to provide not only financing, but also the capacity building and market access solutions required for SMEs to grow, export and integrate into regional and global value chains. We believe this partnership will contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s export development objectives and help unlock new opportunities for local enterprises under the AfCFTA.”

Mr. Yahaya Mbanka, Director, Business Development, Azania Bank Plc, said: “This facility will strengthen our ability to provide Tanzanian SMEs with the financing they need to grow their businesses, invest in productive capacity and pursue export opportunities. Our partnership with Afreximbank will also enable us to offer support that responds more closely to the needs of businesses operating across Tanzania’s key value chains.”

The facility which supports Afreximbank’s mandate to promote trade, industrialisation and export development across Africa, also aligns with Tanzania’s priorities around domestic production, value addition, export diversification and regional trade integration.

Afreximbank’s 2025 Afreximbank Annual Trade Development Effectiveness Report (https://apo-opa.co/4hgL25z) (ATDER) shows that the Bank extended over US$960 million to more than 58,000 SMEs across Africa. The initiative which prioritized women- and youth-led enterprises among others, delivered trade finance facilities that empowered businesses to obtain the capital necessary to scale, engage in cross-border trade, and expand into new markets.