Canon announces the release of webcam accessory kits on Thursday, March 17, that allows DSLR and mirrorless camera owners to get more use out of it by turning into high-quality cameras.
According to a report from The Verge, none of the kits will include a tripod or a mount, but each will come with a USB cable that connects the camera to a desktop or laptop, a battery insert, and a power cord to keep the camera on through a wall outlet.
Price and Availability
The accessory kits will be available for preorder at Amazon, Best Buy, Adorama, and B&H, and are expected to ship on March 25.
Two of the kits will be sold at $89.99 each, and are compatible with the EOS M series (M50, M50 Mark II & M200), as well as the EOS Rebel Series (Rebel T3, T5, T6 & T7).
The high-end accessory kit will retail for $159.99 and is designed to work with the EOS RP series.
Camera owners also may get a third-party charging kit and a USB cable should they opt for the less expensive route.
Canon's official website also offers a webcam starter kit for $466 for those who do not own a camera.
The Rise of High-Quality Web Cameras
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill in 2020, it also started the video-call boom as many were forced to turn to remote working, learning, and virtual hangouts with friends.
Many people turned to their smartphones, tablets, and laptops to stay connected to their everyday lives, but learned that webcams and front cameras are not enough.
This caused a spike in demand for devices that offers higher video resolution, and almost all electronic companies were brought down to their knees as they chase the growing demand for better quality cameras.
In fact, The Verge hailed the webcam as 2020's "Gadget of the Year."
The article they released in December 2020 highlighted this overlooked dilemma, when they questioned why webcams never came with better hardware.
Canon's Solution
Canon released the "EOS Webcam Utility Beta" for Windows 10 in a bid to significantly improve a user's experience in every video call they have to make.
According to their press release in April 2020, the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software solution only requires a USB plug to connect a camera to a Windows-based computer.
"In unprecedented times, it's imperative for Canon to provide our customers with useful, simple, and accessible solutions to assist them in whatever imaging needs they have," said Executive Vice President of the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group Tatsuro "Tony" Kano.
He added that the goal of the software is to help reduce employee stress brought upon by video conferencing and virtual meetings.
The move solved the need for additional devices or accessories other than a single USB cable while users experience video quality beyond the webcam's default 720p.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Lee Mercado
