Eine Canon EOS R7 Kamera auf einem Holztisch, beleuchtet in Blau und Rosa. Zusätzlich ist ein blauer Adapter mit zwei Linsen angebracht.

Canon R7 with VR Dual-Lens Lens: My Entry into the World of 3D Photography and Videography

ByMichael

When I returned from the USA in 2023, I brought my new Panasonic SIIX with me and took thousands of photos of the country’s breathtaking landscapes. The light moods, the vastness of nature – everything was simply overwhelming. Yet, despite the many great photos, I felt they didn’t do reality justice.

What particularly frustrated me was that I could hardly convey the beauty of these moments to others. A simple 2D image cannot even begin to capture the depth and atmosphere that one experiences on site.

The Desire for More Depth – The Step into the VR World

To enhance this impression, I tried many things. I experimented with depth maps and parallax effects in programs like After Effects, but the results were at best okay. It simply lacked real spatial depth.

Then I came across the Canon VR Dual-Lens Canon RF-S 3.9mm f3.5 STM Dual Fisheye. In combination with the Canon R7, it allows for VR180° 3D recordings – perfect for someone like me who is trying to capture the magic of places and moments more effectively. The concept sounded too good not to try. After a brief consideration and with the next vacation in mind, I ordered the lens – even though I was unsure if it was really the right choice for me.

The Rocky Start to VR Photography

To be honest? The start wasn’t easy. The first few days with the new technology were frustrating. The recordings didn’t look as I had imagined at first, and there were so many technical details to consider:

  • The lens requires a lot of light to take really good pictures. In low light, the images quickly become “mushy”.
  • Conversion required: The camera generates special image files that need to be rectified and adjusted before editing. For this, you need the paid EOS VR Utility (approximately 6 euros per month).
  • To achieve a really good result, I had to upscale the photos later using AI tools.
  • The Canon R7 is not a “professional camera” and the quality of the shots is not comparable to a Panasonic SIIX.

I was on the verge of returning everything. But my wife encouraged me to stick with it, and she was right: I would have regretted it.

The First Successes: VR180° Photos from Vacation

On vacation, I was rewarded. I initially focused on photography, as I wasn’t yet familiar with the challenges of filming. The results? Simply incredible.

The landscapes I captured in VR180° felt alive. Finally, I could give friends and family at home an idea of what it was really like on-site. Of course, things like wind or smells were missing, but the depth of the images came much closer to reality than any 2D photo.

The Leap into VR Videography

Back home, I took the next step: VR videography. And there was a lot to learn here as well:

  • Moving shots had to be smooth and calm, otherwise the viewers would feel nauseous.
  • The camera records at a 180° angle, capturing everything in the field of view – including things you might not want to show.
  • You can’t see during the recording how it will sound later in the headset.
  • Conversion required: The camera produces special video files that need to be rectified and adjusted before editing. For this, tools like the paid EOS VR Utility or a paid EOS Premiere plugin (approximately 6 euros per month) are needed.
  • Time-consuming post-processing: Especially with videos, the material often needs to be upscaled (e.g., from 4K to 8K using tools like Topaz) and converted from 30 to 60 FPS.
  • The camera has no image stabilization, making the use of a gimbal essential. Filming handheld only works if you use the camera strap for stabilization. Even shots from a tripod can be shaky due to wind or vibrations (e.g., in a car).

I mounted the camera on a monopod with a gimbal, which provided me with the necessary flexibility while also ensuring stability. Despite all the challenges, it was an amazing feeling to create my own 3D videos that could later be experienced in impressive depth on a VR headset.

What Excites Me About the Canon R7 with VR Dual-Lens

Although the Canon R7 is not a professional camera, I am excited about the possibilities it offers:

  • Affordable entry: For about €2500 (including lens), you can dive into the VR180° world – something that was only possible recently with expensive high-end equipment.
  • Unique Memories: The 3D captures convey a sense of presence that I have never achieved with any camera before.
  • You purchase hardware from the renowned camera manufacturer Canon and receive corresponding product support and firmware updates.
  • The battery life is good and you can use batteries from older Canon cameras (in my case, the Canon 7D).

Of course, there is still room for improvement. The image and video quality could be higher, and the post-production is time-consuming. However, the results make up for all the effort.

My Conclusion

The Canon R7 with the VR Dual-Lens lens has introduced me to a whole new world of photography and videography. It’s not always easy, and you have to be willing to learn a lot – but the results are worth it.

For me, VR technology is a step into the future. It allows us to capture memories in such a way that they can be experienced, not just viewed on a screen. And that makes every effort and challenge worthwhile.

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