A NEW WAY OF SEEING

VR stands for ‘virtual reality’. It is a simulated reality in which viewers can experience a place or event without physically being there.

Virtual reality offers advantages by recording content in a more engaging and captivating way. VR can present complex subjects in an immersive and visually stimulating manner through the illusion of 3D. It can also improve retention and make training more memorable and hands-on.

The overall cost of Canon’s VR solutions varies depending on what you choose and for which camera. We offer a range of interchangeable lenses that suit different budgets. To find out exact prices, head to the product pages.

To experience VR, a slightly different image is projected to each eye. This gives the illusion of 3D depth and offers an immersive experience. To shoot VR content you need a lens which will record images side by side and high enough resolution to give a realistic viewing experience.

This depends on the experience you want to offer. 180° VR gives you the most immersive experience but can be hard to shoot due to the wide angle of view. Also, the viewer can be distracted by things happening in the periphery which means the narrative can be lost. 140° although not quite as immersive can be useful for telling a story as the viewer‘s attention can be directed more easily. 60° stereoscopic content is easier to view as you don’t need a headset and offers a simpler experience that is closer to viewing standard 2D content.

AR stands for ‘augmented reality’ and is usually a mix of real-life images with computer-simulated graphics integrated in the scene to create the real-time experience. VR or ‘virtual reality’ is fully immersive and can be computer generated or recorded from real scenes – or a mix of both.

You need specialist lenses to create VR content which will shoot a dual image. This can then be viewed on a VR headset to get the immersive effect. VR content can be challenging to shoot, which is why Canon offers the simplest VR solution with interchangeable lenses for existing cameras. Canon also offers a guide to talk you through the process of capturing and creating content.

To clean Canon VR lenses:

1. Use a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth to gently wipe the lens surface.
2. For more stubborn smudges, apply a few drops of lens cleaning solution to the cloth (never directly on the lens) and clean in circular motions.
3. Store the lens in a clean, dry place and use lens caps when not in use to avoid dust build-up.

Using VR for extended periods can cause temporary eye strain or discomfort, especially if the headset is not properly adjusted or if you are sensitive to motion. Symptoms like eye fatigue, headaches, or dizziness can occur. To reduce the risk of discomfort, take regular breaks while using VR.

Canon lenses that include VR in the name are designed for creating 3D content for virtual reality. They offer a solution for a variety of creators looking to add virtual reality production to their skillset or create professional virtual reality content.