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Canon launches its lightest full frame EOS R System camera

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Canon

With a compact design similar to the EOS RP, this powerful combination gives photo/ video enthusiasts and students the tools they need to make the leap with their passion

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February 9, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Canon Europe announces the EOS R8 (https://apo-opa.info/3DPWeD6), a new full frame mirrorless camera, which inherits technology from the feature-packed EOS R6 Mark II. With a compact design similar to the EOS RP, this powerful combination gives photo/ video enthusiasts and students the tools they need to make the leap with their passion.

EOS R8 gives photographers the tools they need to step up creativity with full frame

Featuring a 24.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, high ISO and improved dynamic range, the EOS R8 is the ideal choice for portrait, event and landscape photography delivering a wider, more artistic perspective. Accompanied by the launch of the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (https://apo-opa.info/3jK6JkG), a small lightweight RF series zoom lens, the pair create a compact yet powerful kit bag allowing photographers to explore creativity in full frame.

Full frame quality in a lightweight body

Offering all the benefits of full frame image quality, the EOS R8 (https://apo-opa.info/3DPWeD6) features a 24.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor capable of achieving the same resolution as the EOS R6 Mark II. The class leading sensor offers a fast read out speed to unlock a number of advanced features including a reduced rolling shutter that enables 40fps continuous shooting and low noise high ISO up to 102,400. This makes the EOS R8 perfect for shooting in environments which are dimly lit in which subjects are moving around. Improved dynamic range also enables capture of striking images with bold colours and the full frame sensor offers shallower depth of field that creates a soft background to help the subject stand out.

Weighing approx. 461g (with card and battery), the EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full frame EOS R System camera to date. Measuring 132.5 x 86.1 x 70mm the camera has similar dimensions to the EOS RP, with a number of additional professional level features contained in its compact body. The EOS R8 has a high resolution 2.36m dot EVF working at up to 120fps and UHS-II SD card support. The intuitive interface makes the camera easy to operate on the go with a useful mode dial featuring 12 modes across still and video shooting and a dedicated switch for moving between photo and movie capture.

Capture life in motion

The advanced sensor of the EOS R8 captures full width 4K 60p footage that is oversampled from 6K sensor data for sharp, detailed video content, as well as 180fps Full HD recording for slow motion videos. To support those wanting to upskill in video, this camera supports Canon Log 3 at 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 H.265 internal recording which offers greater dynamic range and more flexibility post production. Alternatively, HDR PQ and HDR Movie modes can be selected to suit those with a HDR workflow and produces a clean HDMI output to compatible devices.

To combat focus breathing during move recording, the EOS R8 has a function that compensates for changes to the angle of view when adjusting the focus distance. The camera also gives extended recording times for up to two hours of normal video shooting1, ideal for capturing vlogs or shooting at events.

Featuring the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II as the EOS R5 and EOS R6 Mark II, the EOS R8 focuses in as little as 0.03 seconds2 even at 40fps with the electronic shutter. This intelligent system detects and tracks a range of subjects including animals, vehicles and people, offering head, face and eye detection for precision focus. For greater control, it is even possible to select which eye to prioritise. To simplify detection across such a broad range of subjects, users can choose the auto setting which selects the subject based on the composition of the image. This performance extends to low light shooting scenarios as low as -6.5 EV3.

Enhanced connectivity

With built in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® connectivity4 users can easily share their work and make use of the Camera Connect app, while the WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Personal authentication ensures a secure connection. For iPhone owners, the EOS R8 is iOS MFI certifiedTM 5 making direct download and operation possible. The EOS R8 can be used as a webcam with its USB video device class (UVC)/ USB audio device class (UAC) support. Users with an image.canon subscription can leverage the Neural Network Image Processing Tool6 for advanced noise and moiré reduction that achieves natural looking JPEG and HEIF images.

Canon has also made updates to image.canon, expanding its use to a number of new users with Adobe® Lightroom® movie and corporate support enabling compatibility with a range of services including Frame.io and Google Photo accountsTM 7.

A small, light, everyday zoom

The EOS R8 has a high resolution 2.36m dot EVF working at up to 120fps and UHS-II SD card support

The RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a small and lightweight lens with a 2x zoom and 24-50mm focal length, a great choice for improving photography and video skills particularly when shooting portraits, interiors or travel. It offers advanced image stabilisation up to 4.5 stops which increases to 7 stops when attached to an EOS R camera with IBIS, meaning creators and photographers can shoot video and stills in low light without the need for a tripod. The STM focusing motor is fast and quiet, with extra control from a customisable lens control ring that lets users switch between different modes so they can shoot and film like a Pro. Benefitting from the RF Mount, the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM works with EOS R Series cameras to support a wide range of in-camera image enhancement features including panning in scene mode and focus breathing correction for movies.

Further detail about the EOS R8 is available here (https://apo-opa.info/3DPWeD6) and the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM here (https://apo-opa.info/3jK6JkG).  

EOS R8 key features

  • Full frame 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
  • Full width 6K oversampled 4K 60p video recording and 180fps Full HD recording
  • High resolution 2.36 million dot EVF runs at up to 120fps maximum refresh rate
  • Intelligent subject detection for animals, vehicles and people
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for always on connection

RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM key features

  • 2x standard zoom lens covering a wide-angle field starting from 24mm
  • Optical Image stabilisation up to 4.5 stops
  • Up to 7-stops with Coordinated control of OIS x IBIS
  • Leadscrew-type STM for smooth movie AF
  • Compact and lightweight easy to use design

1 Up to 5 seconds pre-record possible. If the camera’s internal temperature becomes too high the recording time may reduce. Shooting 4K UHD 59.94p for approx. 30 minutes without heat limit is possible if starting from +23°C. In other modes there is no limit due to heat.

2 Correct as of 8th February 2023. Based on CIPA guidelines, using an internal measurement method. At a focusing brightness of EV 12 (ISO 100), at room temperature, in M mode, with RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM, shooting still photos with the shutter button, 1-point AF (centre AF point), and One-Shot AF.

3 With an f/1.2 lens, centre AF point, and One-Shot AF, at 23°C / 73°F and ISO 100.

4 Equipped with Bluetooth® low energy technology. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Europe Ltd. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Bluetooth® word, mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Canon Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

5 Apple, Apple TV, Apple Watch, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPhone, and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. tvOS is a trademark of Apple Inc.iPhone is trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the US and other countries and is used under licence. QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.

6 Image.canon app and subscription is free, however the cloud raw image processing is a subscription based charged service that requires separate subscription on sas.image.canon. Canon’s Neural Network Image Processing Tool is available through DPP as part of the post processing workflow on a computer, or Neural Network Image Processing by image.canon that can be done straight from camera.

7 Google Play and Android are trademarks of Google LLC.

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

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African Development Bank Partners with Interpol to Combat Financial Crime and Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Africa

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African Development Bank

According to Interpol’s 2024 Global Financial Fraud Assessment, business email compromise, romance baiting, phishing, and other online frauds pose growing threats to Africa’s digitalized economy

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 21, 2025/APO Group/ –The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has taken a significant step forward in its fight against corruption and financial crime by signing a Letter of Intent with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) today. The Bank Group is the first multilateral development bank to establish such a collaboration with Interpol.

The Letter of Intent was signed on Wednesday by African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, who visited the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.

The partnership will enhance collaboration between the Bank’s Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (https://apo-opa.co/3QrB4ku) and Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre. It will focus on sharing expertise, enhancing investigative capabilities, and developing preventive measures against emerging financial crime threats, including cybercrime, anti-corruption measures, and counter-terrorism financing.

This initiative comes as Africa faces significant challenges of illicit financial flows, estimated at nearly $90 billion annually—a loss of resources that could otherwise be invested in critical development needs including water, sanitation, health, food, and energy infrastructure.

As an institution that deploys approximately $10 billion annually in development financing, with the majority going to government projects, the African Development Bank Group brings crucial insight into regional financial flows and development challenges, Adesina said.

Corruption and financial crime are among the biggest obstacles to economic and social development in Africa and around the world

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to protecting development resources and ensuring they reach their intended beneficiaries,” said Adesina. “As the world’s most transparent financial institution for two consecutive editions (https://apo-opa.co/41o3TVt) [according to Publish What You Fund’s assessment of sovereign portfolios], we maintain zero tolerance for corruption and terrorism financing. By joining forces with Interpol, we are strengthening our capacity to help African countries build robust systems against money laundering and financial crime.”

Rapid advancements in digital technology have also led to an increase in internet-enabled financial crimes. According to Interpol’s 2024 Global Financial Fraud Assessment, business email compromise, romance baiting, phishing, and other online frauds pose growing threats to Africa’s digitalized economy.

Secretary General Urquiza, who was elected to his position in November 2024, said, “Corruption and financial crime are among the biggest obstacles to economic and social development in Africa and around the world. The evolving nature of financial crime, particularly in the digital environment, requires strong partnerships between law enforcement and financial institutions. Interpol’s closer relationship with the African Development Bank Group will help law enforcement agencies and financial institutions across Africa tackle increasingly sophisticated financial crime threats.”

Adesina said the Bank will continue to tackle these challenges by:

  • Building capacity and supporting African countries in strengthening transparent and accountable governance and strong institutions capable of driving inclusive and sustainable growth and resilient economies.
  • Strengthening Know Your Customer and Due Diligence systems to prevent and to fight fraud and corruption.
  • Ensure that the Bank’s resources are used for their intended purposes in a transparent and accountable manner, a practice that has led to the Bank being recognized for two consecutive editions as the most transparent multilateral development bank in the world by Publish What You Fund.

The high-level Interpol delegation that accompanied Secretary General Urquiza included Mr. Silvino Schlickmann, Director of Governance and Ms. Paule Ouedraogo, Head of Interpol’s Regional Bureau.

The African Development Bank Group was represented by members of President Adesina’s senior management team including the director of the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption, Ms. Paula da Costa.

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

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World-leading Crypto Event Launches APAC’s Largest Debut with Consensus Hong Kong 2025

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Blockchain

Over 350 side events transformed mega digital assets event to mega festivities
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Regarded as the “Super Bowl of Blockchain” and “the World Cup of Web3”, Consensus, the most influential and longest-running event of the crypto world, picked Hong Kong as a destination to expand beyond North America, with a record-setting debut of nearly 10,000 from over 100 countries and regions converging at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-20 February.

Phoebe Shing, Director, Business Development Team Lead, MICE • MICE-Business Development of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “The tremendous success of Consensus’s Hong Kong debut marked the city as one of the most conducive destinations to expand the global footprint of proven events. More than a world’s meeting place, Hong Kong is also a super-connector in the world of finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and global cultures. This mega crypto event also puts Hong Kong on the forefront of accelerating the region’s advancement, while generating high-yield tourism spending and business activities to fuel Hong Kong’s economy.”

A convergence of who’s who in the world of blockchain, digital assets and web3

Asia’s top financial policymakers, crypto thought-leaders and investors shared the main stage with Mainland and world pioneers in blockchain, digital assets and web3 fields, defining what’s next and mapping the way forward for greater impact. The cast of stellar speakers notably included Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, the largest crypto exchange by trading volume; Adam Back, CEO and co-founder of Blockstream, a global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain technologies; Yat Siu, Co-Founder & Chairman Animoca Brands, a global leader in blockchain and gaming; Hong Fang, President of OKX, a leading Web3 technology company and leading crypto exchange, and many more.

Sara Stratoberdha, CEO of CoinDesk said, “Consensus has been running for over 10 years and is one of the longest-running and comprehensive digital assets events in the world. Hong Kong, a Fintech hub in Asia serves as a global center for crypto and web3 technologies, with favourable policies and a large pool of talent for blockchain, digital assets and web3 to thrive. We are thrilled to see that over 75% of attendees are coming from outside Hong Kong. A truly international event! The city has proven the ideal choice for expanding Consensus beyond North America.”

A strong line-up of over 350 side events, delivering huge commercial value

Consensus Hong Kong 2025 was embellished with more than 350 side events, giving the energetic global crypto community diverse opportunities to showcase their expertise, create and renew partnerships and party to the heart’s content.

Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, added, “The scale of the inaugural Hong Kong event has surpassed our expectations, with nearly 10,000 attendees and what truly surprised us is that the community and industry were eager to participate and the fact that we ended up hosting over 350 side events is a strong testament to Hong Kong as a leading global FinTech hub where we have a vibrant ecosystem, entrepreneurial spirits, innovative cultures that nowhere else can replicate. I am also appreciative of the support from the HKTB in securing the event for the city I call home.”

Transforming business events into mega festivals

Consensus Hong Kong also spectacularly transformed a leading business event into a mega festival, kicking off with its Opening Party – Rooftop Revelry, held at Cloud 39, the ultra-luxury rooftop ballroom of iconic landmark in Central The Henderson that set the tone for the event’s sophisticated networking occasions. Action continued all the way to its long-established tradition of Music Festival and Crypto Fight Night, extending to Hong Kong’s unique horse-racing and night party at Lan Kwai Fong. The conference concluded with a bang with the Consensus Closing Party in Lan Kwai Fong, where participants were treated to an open bar, live music and fun networking.

Brad Spies, Vice President of Consensus, said, “Hong Kong has a long legacy of finance, banking and some of the deepest capital markets in the world; but it’s also such a vibrant and diverse city with the best restaurants, fantastic venues and unique experiences. The city simply fulfilled the promises of delivering the best of business and fun. Hong Kong is such a world-class city for people to come and transform business events into mega festivals.”

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Saudi Arabia Expands Energy Ties with Africa: A Look at Key Investments, Partnerships

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Following Saudi Arabia’s latest energy efficiency cooperation agreement with Egypt, the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference will provide a vital platform to accelerate partnerships and secure new deals between Saudi Arabia and African countries

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 21, 2025/APO Group/ –Earlier this week, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud signed an agreement to develop an executive plan for energy efficiency cooperation, strengthening bilateral ties in the energy sector and fostering sustainable development. This follows another significant development in September, in which Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly secured a $5 billion pledge from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, representing the “first phase” of a larger investment strategy.

As a leading global energy giant, Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in Africa’s energy sector, aiming to expand its energy reserves, advance energy diplomacy and compete with other global superpowers. This strategic push not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region, but also paves the way for deeper economic and political ties with African nations.

To date, the lion’s share of investment in Africa’s energy sector has focused on clean energy advancements. With total project costs reaching $7 billion across the continent, Saudi developer ACWA Power stands as the leading private-sector investor in African renewable energy. In October 2024, the company announced that its Redstone solar plant in South Africa was set to achieve its full 100 MW capacity, while its Kom Ombo solar PV plant in Egypt successfully reached its full capacity of 200 MW. ACWA Power is also leading Project DAO, South Africa’s largest hybrid renewable power plant, with an $800 million investment. The project is expected to come online by 2026 and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals.

In addition to renewable energy, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its investments to secure critical minerals for clean energy technologies. In October, Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Ma’aden and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), entered advanced talks to acquire a minority stake in First Quantum Minerals’ Zambian copper and nickel assets. The potential investment, valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy to secure critical minerals that are vital for the global clean energy transition.

Turning to broader regional commitments, Saudi Arabia’s financial support for Africa’s energy infrastructure has grown. In October, the Kingdom announced a major funding initiative, pledging at least $41 billion for sub-Saharan African nations. This includes $1 billion for development, $5 billion for startups, $10 billion in financing from the Saudi Export-Import Bank and $25 billion in private sector investments over the next decade.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Energy has established the “Empowering Africa” initiative as part of its broader commitment to supporting sustainable development across the continent. In collaboration with the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology and Health, the initiative aims to deliver clean energy, connectivity, e-health and e-learning solutions to enhance lives and promote long-term growth in Africa. Building upon the Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking Program, it focuses on providing cleaner cooking solutions to vulnerable populations, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels and improve health outcomes for millions of households. Minister bin Salman Al Saud has emphasized energy as a fundamental human right and is spearheading efforts to improve access to clean cooking technologies across the continent.

Additionally, state-owned petroleum company Saudi Aramco is strengthening its partnerships with African nations to support energy investments and mobilization. These collaborations are expected to drive infrastructure development, enhance oil and gas production capacity and facilitate knowledge transfer between Saudi and African energy stakeholders, while aligning with broader energy security and sustainability goals.

In the multilateral arena, the African Energy Chamber is working with Saudi Arabia to support South Africa’s G20 energy investments and mobilization. This partnership is set to facilitate greater financing and policy coordination, ensuring Africa’s energy priorities are well-represented in global energy discussions. The upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town serves as a key platform to facilitate and support these investments, bringing together Saudi stakeholders, African governments and global energy leaders to advance new projects, strengthen partnerships and accelerate the continent’s energy transition. These collaborations are essential in addressing energy challenges, driving economic growth and fostering long-term sustainability. As Saudi investments expand – alongside those of other G20 nations – their impact on Africa’s energy landscape will only deepen.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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