Dave Etchells/Imaging Resource: My first question is on autofocus technology: The most recent generation of Hybrid CMOS AF is much faster than the previous one. Can you tell us what technical advances led to that improvement? Also, how would you compare the new Hybrid CMOS AF III's performance to that of Dual Pixel CMOS AF, in terms of speed and accuracy?

Yasuhiko Shiomi/Canon Inc.: Compared with conventional models, first of all the number of pixels has increased significantly, and the pixel density has also increased. So we've incorporated Hybrid CMOS AF across the board with all of the models [that don't already use Dual Pixel CMOS AF]. We've also improved the algorithms used to calculate AF, which has improved speed. However, with regard to Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the conditions that are required for applying this technology are different. It's not really an apples to apples comparison.

DE: You can't really compare them.

YS: There are a lot of conditions involved, such as the shooting scene and the lenses that are used. So depending on these factors, you're going to get different results. However, compared with the earlier versions of Hybrid CMOS AF, we have realized an improvement of three to four times faster AF speed.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2015/02/16/canon-interview-cp-plus-2015-autofocus-full-frame-mirrorless-5ds-video

Will be available only on the end of June - around June 29.

Available for preorder

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T3ERPT8/

Few samples

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/canon-eos-5ds-sample-photos-27445

Samples again

http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/canon_eos_5ds_r_photos/

http://www.focus-numerique.com/test-2274/reflex-canon-5DSR-exemples-photos-15.html

The maximum resolution of about 50 megapixels and the continuous shooting speed of about 5 fps are simply remarkable. Are there any efforts that are worth special mention?

Morita While this is also applicable to cameras other than the EOS 5DS series, it is necessary to ensure that the firmware allows for the smooth operation of the series of systems from data loading by the image sensor to data processing by the image processor and data recording after converting the file format. It is the first time for the firmware to handle a data size as huge as 50-megapixels, and we have put in a lot of effort into the various firmware processes, including the transfer of data between the two DIGIC 6 processors.

What changes were made to the existing firmware following the upgrade of the pixel count to about 50 megapixels?

Morita The huge amount of data has a significant impact on the firmware. In order to ensure speedy and smooth data processing under such conditions, advanced and complex processes are needed, such as parallel processing while switching between the memory spaces. As there is limited space in the built-in memory of the camera, it is important to consider how this space can be utilized most effectively.

http://www.canon-asia.com/snapshot/eos-5ds-5dsr-778/