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Canon Expands Product line-up for Broadcast and Filmmaking

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Canon

Canon’s new tools give broadcasters and filmmakers enhanced camera functionality and the flexibility to create high-quality 4K content, within streamlined workflows

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 12, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today strengthens its cinema and broadcast offering, in line with user needs, with a suite of products – including the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1, Canon’s latest Cine-Servo lens for a broad range of productions, the EU-V3 – a modular expansion unit for the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III, a Cinema EOS firmware update, and the DP-V2730, a 27-inch 4K professional reference display that seamlessly fits into workflows of broadcasters and filmmakers.

Capture the world cinematically: CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1

With a superb combination of focal range, compact size, and light weight, the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 supports Super 35mm cameras, making it ideal for a range of cinema and broadcast productions. With its versatile focal range from a wide 15mm, up to an impressive telephoto range of 120mm, the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 can further extend up to 180mm via the built-in 1.5x extender whilst offering full frame sensor coverage. To support future productions, the 8K optical performance can be maintained across the full focal length, which guarantees consistently high image quality across the entire frame.

Designed with consistent results in mind, the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 features Canon’s renowned warm colour science, matching the existing range of Canon’s cinema lenses – and an 11-blade aperture, producing a beautiful, smooth bokeh. Offering outstanding optical performance – and breath-taking image quality for HDR, 4K and 8K productions – the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 supports EF mount communication, advanced metadata capture with support for Cooke /i Technology™ and is also the first Cine-Servo lens to enable ZEISS eXtended Data™ (XD) communication when using the PL Mount. Featuring the same 16-bit encoder found in Canon’s broadcast and existing Cine-Servo lenses, which provides accurate lens position, zoom, focus and iris metadata, the information and communication functions between the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 and camera are paramount for VFX, virtual and cinema productions.

The high-end Cine-Servo CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 is available in both EF and PL mount, featuring a powerful and removable servo motor drive unit. This provides broadcast-friendly shoulder operation for ENG/EFP and documentary style shooters and access for accessories needed for cinema productions.

EU-V3: Modular expansion unit for live production, compatible with the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III

With the increased move towards large format sensor cameras for broadcast, events and live sports production – providing viewers with a unique perspective when watching their favourite teams play – Canon has listened to user requirements with the EU-V3 expansion module for both the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III. Building on both cameras’ modular design, it expands and supports specific functionality for multi-camera and live productions.

The EU-V3 offers an exclusive SDI return feature, allowing real-time monitoring of a live broadcast feed from a production switcher. The return output destination can be selected from the VIDEO, EVF-V50, MON/HDMI and SDI-OUT terminals. The EU-V3 also enables Tally support via Ethernet, using XC protocol – when the extension unit receives a Tally signal, lights on the camera body can be utilised, a Tally On-Screen display is shown, and it can relay the signal to an external device via Hirose 4-pin. Both the SDI Return and Tally functions are essential for informing camera operators of when their camera feed is live and the current status of the production.

The lens focus position can also be displayed on-screen when using the EU-V3 – with compatible broadcast and Cine-Servo lenses via 12-pin communication. The Focus Position Meter, which users can choose to display along the top or right side of the screen, allows users to register multiple focus positions on a distance scale and highlights when focus is achieved during manual operation – such as when selecting the finish line for a race.

The EU-V3 can be combined with the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1, on both the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III.

Cinema EOS Firmware: expanding horizons

A new Cinema EOS Firmware update is being introduced to strengthen the capabilities for the Live and mid-to-low end broadcast market, for both the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III – enabling both cameras to be used within live environments and workflows. Key updates include:

  • Implementing XC protocol: integration into multi-camera solutions, supporting direct control via RC-IP100 and ethernet connections.
  • Strengthening of AF features: 120p / 100p AF support, alongside face detection during Slow and Fast Shooting Mode.
  • Audio 4ch display: the audio level display will show all four audio channels when this mode is selected.
  • New accessory and lens support: allowing the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III to work perfectly with both the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 and EU-V3, as well as support for the Flex Zoom series of lenses.

DP-V2730: 4K HDR display for the new generation

An advanced professional 4K HDR monitor, the DP-V2730 has a 4K UHD panel and 1,000 cd/m² full screen peak brightness, with Canon’s local dimming technology giving an ultra-low black level of 0.001 cd/m². A great option for both filmmakers and broadcasters, the DP-V2730 has a 27-inch screen that achieves high brightness with minimal noise which is ideal for both on-set and postproduction environments. Canon’s cutting-edge brightness, detailed shadows and wide colour gamut across the entire screen achieves Dolby Vision certification and Grade1A in EBU TECH3320 standards [i]. The DP-V2730 features a suite of award-winning monitoring tools such as a waveform monitor, histogram, frame luminance monitor, RGB parade and much more – all driven by Canon’s latest processing platform for class-leading performance. The display is a great companion for broadcast and filmmaking, delivering high-end 4K HDR performance for on-set studios, OB Vans and post-production editing, VFX and colour grading.

The DP-V2730 has a HDMI input and 12G-SDI Terminals (4x Inputs and 5x Outputs) capable of delivering 4K60P 4:2:2 10-bit or 4K30P 4:4:4 12-bit signals, ideal for seamless integration into multiple workflows. The DP-V2730 can also easily be linked to a computer, tablet or smartphone plus multiple Canon Displays (via a LAN connection) with the Remote Control Web UI. This touch-optimised interface provides live image viewing, detailed signal information and direct control over inputs, monitoring tools and settings [ii]. Users can also access 4-way SDI input switching via a paid upgrade that supports various workflows, such as sending an output feed to a director’s monitor, external recorder or live steaming solution.

Strengthened products across the Pro AV portfolio

Launching alongside the suite of products today, is Canon’s latest PTZ camera – the CR-N700 (https://bit.ly/3U0bOTc) – and the XA65, XA60, XA75, XA70 and Canon LEGRIA HF G70. The CR-N700 is a 4K60P 4:2:2 10-bit PTZ camera with 12G-SDI connectivity, designed for high-end broadcast production. Canon’s new compact 4K camcorders, the XA65 (https://bit.ly/3L8vOic), XA60 (https://bit.ly/3L3xTfD), XA75 (https://bit.ly/3L67Xji), XA70 (https://bit.ly/3RuzMnT) and Canon LEGRIA HF G70 (https://bit.ly/3qsNTyf) are designed to meet the demand for live sharing content with new UVC compatibility.

To find out more about the products launched today, you can find Canon at IBC from 9 – 12th September in Hall 11, Stand C45.
To find out more about the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 visit: https://bit.ly/3qykUJn
To find out more about the DP-V2730 visit: https://bit.ly/3xfwkp5
To find out more about, and to download the firmware update visit: https://bit.ly/3xg71mZ

CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 key features:

  • Wide angle 15-120mm, with 8x magnification
  • Built-in 1.5x extender – providing reach up to 180mm
  • Full frame sensor coverage (with extender engaged)
  • High quality optics for HDR, 4K and 8K capture
  • Modular design with a removable drive unit
  • Interchangeable lens mount from EF to PF
  • First Cine-Servo lens to support ZEISS eXtended Data (XD)

EU-V3 key features:

  • Return SDI Signal Input
  • Remote B (RS-422)
  • Ethernet
  • Tally Signal Support
  • V-mount battery plate (with D-TAP)
  • 12-pin Lens Terminal
  • DC OUT 12V-2A

Cine EOS firmware update:

  • XC protocol support
  • 120p / 100p AF support
  • Face detection during Slow and Fast Mode Shooting
  • Audio 4ch display
  • Flex Zoom Series and CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 lens support

DP-V2730 key features:

  • 27” 4K UHD HDR Display
  • 1000 cd/m2 brightness and 0.001 cd/m2 black levels
  • Award winning monitoring tools
  • Achieves Dolby Vision and Grade 1A EBU TECH3220 standards
  • Dual/Quad display with 8K Support
  • 12G-SDI and HDMI connectivity

[i] Grade 1A rating achieved for contrast ratio, peak luminance, black level, luminance uniformity and delay time.
[ii] A paid licence is required to activate this feature.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

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Africa’s Grid Constraints Come into Focus as Regional Markets Push Toward Integration

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4 days ago

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June 26, 2026

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Africa

Regional power pools are advancing and renewable pipelines are growing, but the regulatory and financial architecture needed to connect them remains the continent’s most critical infrastructure gap – an issue central to the Power Africa Today conference at AEW 2026

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa’s electricity demand is projected to nearly double to 2,291 TWh by 2050, requiring an estimated $30 billion in transmission and grid infrastructure investment to unlock and integrate new generation capacity. Yet across the continent, grid systems are struggling to keep pace with rapidly expanding supply pipelines and rising demand.

In Nigeria, repeated nationwide grid collapses as recently as February 2026 underscore the fragility of aging transmission infrastructure. In East Africa, tower failures along the 428 km Loiyangalani-Suswa line temporarily stranded output from Lake Turkana Wind Power – Africa’s largest wind installation. Meanwhile, demand growth pressures are accelerating across North Africa, where electricity consumption is expected to rise by around 50% by 2035, driven by urbanization, desalination projects, and climate-related temperature increases.

Despite these constraints, generation investment continues to accelerate across Africa, particularly in renewables, gas-to-power and hybrid systems. However, without equivalent investment in transmission and interconnection, much of this new capacity risks being underutilized or stranded. This growing imbalance between generation and grid capacity is driving a sharper focus on system-wide planning and regional market design – issues that will be central to the newly launched Power Africa Today conference at African Energy Week 2026. The platform will bring together policymakers, utilities, investors and developers to explore how regional interconnection, cross-border trading frameworks and financing structures can better align generation growth with grid expansion.

Power Markets Experiment with Reform

Alongside infrastructure challenges, Africa’s electricity sector is undergoing gradual – but uneven – market reform. Most countries still operate vertically integrated systems dominated by state utilities, but a growing number are introducing competitive frameworks to attract private capital and improve efficiency.

Zimbabwe opened its electricity market to full private participation across generation, transmission and distribution in 2025, targeting $9 billion in new investment. South Africa is advancing one of the continent’s most ambitious grid expansion programs, with plans for 14,500 km of new transmission lines and 133,000 MVA of transformer capacity by 2034, alongside mechanisms designed to crowd in private financing. Kenya, meanwhile, has introduced open access regulations enabling independent power producers to wheel electricity directly to multiple off-takers, reshaping how generation assets interface with the grid.

Interconnected electricity markets are the foundation of Africa’s industrial future

Regional Integration Remains Fragmented

Efforts to connect Africa’s fragmented power systems are progressing, though at different speeds across regions. In Southern Africa, the World Bank’s RETRADE SAPP program, approved in 2025, is deploying $12 million to strengthen renewable integration and transmission capacity across 12 member states. In East Africa, the Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania Electricity Highway is now in trial operations at up to 2,000 MW, marking a significant step toward a more interconnected regional grid.

West Africa is also moving toward deeper integration, with permanent synchronization of the West Africa Power Pool expected in 2026. Analysts, including the African Finance Corporation, argue that such synchronization is critical to unlocking large-scale hydropower potential and industrial demand across the region. Longer term, full synchronization between the Eastern and Southern African power pools – targeted for the end of 2026 – could create one of the world’s largest cross-border electricity trading corridors.

Building Bankable Financial Architectures

While interconnection is advancing, infrastructure alone is not enough to create investable electricity markets. Investors consistently cite the lack of standardized offtake structures, creditworthy counterparties, and cross-border payment guarantees as key barriers to scaling capital deployment.

New models are emerging to address these constraints. Africa GreenCo, operating across Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, is helping to aggregate independent power producers under a single creditworthy intermediary, standardizing power purchase agreements and reducing counterparty risk. At a broader level, AUDA-NEPAD estimates that Africa requires around $30 billion in additional investment to complete priority transmission corridors and establish three fully interconnected regional trading blocs by 2030.

“Interconnected electricity markets are the foundation of Africa’s industrial future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The question at Africa Energy Week is not whether integration is possible – the evidence is already there. The question is which regulatory frameworks and financial structures will get projects to financial close, and which markets will be ready when capital is looking to move.”

The Power Africa Today conference will run alongside AEW 2026, taking place October 12–16 in Cape Town, and will focus on the regulatory, financial and infrastructural architecture needed to build interconnected electricity markets capable of attracting institutional capital and delivering reliable, cross-border power at scale.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Development Bank Group and La Francophonie Sign Partnership Agreement to Promote Youth Employment in Francophone Africa

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June 26, 2026

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Remove term: African Development Bank African Development Bank

The agreement was signed during a meeting between the Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, and African Development Bank Group President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah in Paris, France

PARIS, France, June 25, 2026/APO Group/ –The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) on Wednesday entered a strategic partnership to strengthen digital skills, employability, and entrepreneurship of young people and women in five African countries: Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar.

 

The agreement was signed during a meeting between the Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, and African Development Bank Group President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah in Paris, France. The agreement will address a major challenge faced by countries in the Francophone world and across Africa: providing young people with access to opportunities offered by the digital economy and fostering the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The partnership calls for the implementation of training programs in digital professions and entrepreneurship, in fields such as web and mobile development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. Participants will also receive guidance toward employment and self-employment, as well as support for innovation and business creation, notably through training camps, prototyping activities, and partnerships with incubators and accelerators.

The African Development Bank Group and OIF will also work with national authorities in these five countries and training institutions to sustainably strengthen local capacities and promote ownership of the programs by national stakeholders. An initial pilot phase, lasting 12 to 24 months, will be rolled out in the five partner countries, followed by a gradual expansion to other member states depending on the results achieved.

The African Development Bank Group is pursuing a bold agenda based on “Four Cardinal Points” developed by Dr Ould Tah, the third of which is ‘Turning Demographics into a Dividend.’ This is about strategically converting Africa’s rapidly growing and youthful population into a decisive engine of inclusive growth, productivity, and innovation through large-scale investment in human capital—particularly youth and women.

 

It sees Africa’s growing young population not as a risk, but as a major asset. With the right policies and investments, this potential can create jobs, help small businesses grow, bring more informal businesses into the formal economy, and equip young people with the skills needed for the future. By investing more in education, science and technology, vocational training, entrepreneurship, finance, and digital tools, Africa can help its people drive economic transformation, stay competitive, and build lasting, resilient growth.

The OIF said the agreement marked the first concrete step in its initiative to mobilize innovative and additional funding for its most impactful projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Paddles up! Hong Kong marks 50 Years of international dragon boat thrills

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June 26, 2026

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Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – With top teams from around the world gearing up for the hotly contested Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races this weekend (June 27-28), participants and spectators can expect a bumper programme of action, fun and entertainment along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui – one of the city’s most vibrant districts known for its iconic skyline views and tourist attractions.

There is much to celebrate. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races as well as 35th anniversary of both the co-organiser, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF added to the occasion by announcing earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.

Riding on the wave of excitement, the organiser, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, which is the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

As the headline international flagship event of “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only ran over a longer period, but also featured a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete for top honours in the world‑renowned setting of Victoria Harbour. This year’s event also introduces the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, live music performances and a line-up of intangible cultural heritage performances, including martial art Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing, as well as its strengths as a global hub city, the IDBF has taken a significant step in its long‑term global strategy with the formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026.

“Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family,” said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF.

As part of this new chapter, the IDBF has applied for funding under “the Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations”, which was recently introduced by the HKSAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Pilot Scheme is an initiative designed to support Asian and international sports associations establishing their headquarters or regional headquarters in the city.

The Dragon Boat Festival has a long and colourful history dating back more than two thousand years. Held each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the day commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

According to legend, Qu committed suicide for his beliefs by throwing himself into the Luo River. The villagers nearby raced out on their dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish and other underwater creatures to stop them from eating Qu’s body. The tradition continues to this day, with dragon boat competitions taking place at locations across Hong Kong, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its neighbourhood.

Traditional dragon boat treats feature prominently during the festival, notably zongzi. These glutinous rice dumplings, traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled, are widely available during the festive period.

 

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