Canon Strengthens 3D Camera Sector with VR Innovations

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

The 3D camera sector is experiencing a transformative shift as Canon intensifies its focus on immersive content creation. Through a series of strategic enhancements to its EOS VR System and advanced lens compatibility, Canon is pushing the boundaries of 3D video and photo production—particularly in collaboration with Apple’s Vision Pro platform. These innovations are reshaping the way professionals engage with spatial storytelling, bringing new depth and dimension to virtual reality experiences.

Canon Boosts 3D Camera Innovation with Apple Vision Pro Support

Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., will enable two of its RF lenses designed for 3D VR video—the RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE (launched in December 2021) and the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE (launched in June 2024)—to support the “Apple Projected Media Profile” (APMP), a new QuickTime movie format set to be introduced for use with the Apple Vision Pro spatial computer via Canon’s EOS VR Utility app. Additionally, Canon revealed plans to make the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens (released in November 2024) compatible with “spatial photo” functionality through the same app. These enhancements aim to strengthen Canon’s collaboration with Apple and help accelerate the growth of the 3D VR content ecosystem.

Canon Expands 3D VR Capabilities with Spatial Video Lens

Canon introduced the EOS VR System in 2021 to enable VR video capture, and since then, it has supported VR content creation across various sectors such as entertainment, tourism, and education. In June 2024, the company unveiled the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed to capture “spatial video”—a form of 3D footage that delivers a heightened sense of depth—for use with the Apple Vision Pro. These advancements reflect Canon’s ongoing efforts to broaden the creative possibilities within the 3D VR landscape.

Canon Lenses to Support APMP Playback on Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 26

At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, the company introduced visionOS 26, the latest operating system for the Apple Vision Pro.
In alignment with this launch, Canon announced that its RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE and RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lenses will support native playback of Apple Projected Media Profile (APMP).
This compatibility will be enabled through an upcoming update to Canon’s EOS VR Utility app.
The new feature will allow APMP-formatted content to be played natively using Apple’s built-in applications within visionOS 26, which is set to launch in the second half of 2025.
Footage captured using these Canon lenses and compatible EOS cameras can be converted to APMP format via the EOS VR Utility, offering users an easier way to enjoy immersive, high-quality VR experiences on the Apple Vision Pro.

Canon Expands EOS VR System with Spatial Photo Support and New Camera Compatibility

With an upcoming update to the EOS VR Utility app, Canon’s RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens will gain support not only for “spatial video” but also for “spatial photo”—a 3D still image format that delivers a sense of depth. This functionality will be available when paired with Canon’s mirrorless camera models EOS R7 (launched in June 2022) and EOS R50 V (launched in May 2025).

In addition, starting mid-July 2025, the EOS R50 (released in March 2023) will also become compatible with the EOS VR System through a firmware update, enabling it to support both “spatial video” and “spatial photo.”

Looking ahead, Canon aims to further enhance its EOS VR System in partnership with Apple, addressing the evolving creative demands of professional users seeking to craft captivating and immersive visual stories.

Conclusion

Canon’s ongoing developments in the 3D camera space continue to redefine immersive content creation, enabling professionals to unlock new storytelling possibilities through VR.

Source: https://www.usa.canon.com/

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting