Lake Success, NY—Canon USA introduced the EOS C500 4K digital cinema camera and the EOS C100 digital video camera, with the C500 taking on the flagship role in Canon’s Cinema EOS system while the C100 provides an option for beginning filmmakers on a budget.
EOS C500 and C500 PL. Available in both EF- and PL-mount versions, the C500 is Canon’s high-end pro 4K (4,096×2,160-pixel) model capable of originating uncompressed RAW output for external recording to meet the demands of premium cinematic productions and top-quality production markets. They also provide the ability to output quad Full HD (3,840×2,160), 2K (2,048×1,080), Full HD (1,920×1,080) and other imaging options—all formats that fully conform to SMPTE production standards. All 4K formats can be selected to operate from one to 60 frames per second (fps). When shooting in 2K, the C500 and C500 PL cameras employ a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format from one to 60 fps; for high-speed shooting and slow-motion capture, the cameras can be set to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode and output 4K or 2K video at 120 fps.
While outputting to an external recorder, the EOS C500 and C500 PL simultaneously record a 50Mbps Full HD video file in-camera to a choice of one or two CF cards. These 8-bit 4:2:2 recordings can be used as a proxy for offline editing of 4K projects and are suitable for various projects that do not require 4K resolution.
Equipped with Canon’s Super 35mm 8.85 megapixel CMOS sensor, both C500 models are mobile and compact, boasting the same ergonomic features of the C300, with the exception of a fixed hand grip that incorporates a pair of 3G-SDI ports for 4K video output and another pair of video ports for monitoring purposes. The EOS C500 and C500 PL 4K digital cinema cameras will ship in October. $30,000.
EOS C100. This compact, affordable entry-level model delivers Full HD 1,920×1,080 video and integrates the popular AVCHD codec for universal compatibility with laptop and desktop editing systems. It will be offered in EF mount only and will be compatible with the more than 70 zoom and prime lenses in Canon’s EF, EF-S and EF Cinema lens lineups.
The C100 is approximately 85% of the size of the EOS C300 and includes a push auto iris function, one-shot autofocus (or full manual focus and exposure control), a multi-angle 3.5-inch LCD control panel, a high-res electronic viewfinder, built-in ND filters, dual XLR inputs and a locking HDMI output. These features combine with such technologies as reduced rolling shutter artifacts in 60i mode, enhanced gamma modes (including Wide Dynamic Range Gamma and Canon Log Gamma), cinematic depth of field characteristics and low-light performance. In addition to recording to dual SD cards simultaneously, or relay-record from one to the other, the C100 also outputs uncompressed digital HD to an external recording device via its locking HDMI connector
The EOS C100 employs Canon’s Super 35mm 16:9 CMOS sensor that captures individual R, G and B channels for each Full HD frame. This high-sensitivity CMOS sensor is also designed to provide creative depth of field capabilities for a bokeh effect as well as an ISO range of 320-20,000. And for operational versatility, it features a mobile core configuration that lets users add accessory parts to the main camera body according to their production needs. A removable side-mounted rotating grip with start/stop button and miniature joystick menu control provide traditional SLR-style operation. A detachable handle unit connects to the top of the C100 and includes dual XLR connectors, a built-in stereo microphone, a bracket for an external microphone, audio-input level adjustments and a tally light. It will be available in November for $7,999.
“We developed the Cinema EOS C500 digital cinema camera to deliver the benefits of full 4K motion capture to Hollywood’s premier filmmakers, while the C100 is designed for economical productions that need sophisticated HD capabilities and optical lens diversity. As we said in November of 2011, the C300 was just the beginning to our Cinema EOS system and we now offer a more complete system of imaging solutions with a range of cameras for every level of production,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications, Canon USA.
The new models join the EOS C300 digital cinema camera for mainstream HD production and the EOS-1D C 4K DSLR cinema camera for 4K and HD filmmakers favoring the SLR form factor. The Cinema EOS system also includes seven EF Cinema lens models: the compact, lightweight CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L wide-angle cinema zoom; the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L telephoto cinema zoom (EF and PL versions); the CN-E14.5-60mm T2.6 L wide-angle zoom; the CN-E30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L telephoto zoom (EF and PL versions); and the CN-E24mm T1.5 L, CN-E50mm T1.3 L and CN-E85mm T1.3 L prime lenses for EF-mount cameras.
New EF Cinema Prime Lenses under Development
Further contributing to the evolution of the motion picture industry, Canon USA is developing two cinema prime lenses—the 14mm T3.1 cinema and 135mm T2.2 cinema—adding to the Cinema EOS lineup that consists of 11 EF Cinema lenses.
Both the 14mm T3.1 and 135mm T2.2 cinema prime lenses will be engineered for optical performance for Canon’s latest large-format single-sensor 4K and 2K digital cinematography cameras. They will be compatible with standard sensor sizes including Super 35mm, the standard format in the motion picture industry, as well as HD-compatible EOS DSLRs using 35mm full-frame, APS-H and APS-C image sensors.
“In November of 2011, Canon pledged to offer high-end professional solutions to filmmakers, cinematographers and television production professionals. Our pledge included a commitment to this industry and a promise of future product development and solutions to meet industry needs. Today’s announcements prove that we intend to deliver on that pledge,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon USA.
The 14mm T3.1 and 135mm T2.2 EF cinema prime lenses are expected to be available in the first half of 2013. usa.canon.com
