Lake Success, NY—Canon Inc. is developing two mobile, compact digital cinematography cameras as part of its Cinema EOS system of professional cinematography products. Designated as the Cinema EOS C500 for use with EF-mount lenses and the Cinema EOS C500 PL for use with PL-mount lenses, the cameras will be capable of originating 4K-resolution (4,096×2160 pixel) digital motion imagery with uncompressed RAW output for external recording.
“With the unveiling of our Cinema EOS system last November to great acclaim, Canon marked our full-fledged entry into the motion-picture production market,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications, Canon USA. “To further serve the needs of Hollywood’s premier filmmakers, Canon is developing the Cinema EOS C500 and Cinema EOS C500 PL digital cinematography cameras, which deliver the added benefit of full 4K motion-image capture to the Cinema EOS System.”
The 4K imaging format is emerging as the new standard for advanced effects and postproduction in Hollywood, and the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL will not only support 4K-resolution video but also output it as a 10-bit uncompressed RAW data stream with no de-Bayering. The cameras will offer the additional versatility of being able 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 conforming to established SMPTE production standards.
All 4K formats can be selected to operate from one to 60 frames per second. The cameras employ a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal during 2K output, which can be selected to operate from one to 60 fps as well. If switched to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode, the camera can operate at up to 120 fps.
The Cinema EOS C500 simultaneously records in-camera a 50 Mbps HD proxy video to a CF card that is immediately available to support offline editing. Equipped with a Super 35mm-equivalent approximately 8.85MP CMOS sensor, the cameras will be compatible with Canon’s range of interchangeable EF Cinema and PL-mount lenses and EF lenses for Canon SLRs.
Further details regarding the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras, including specifications and pricing, have yet to be decided, although preliminary plans are for a suggested list price of $30,000. Plans also call for these new products to be launched later this year. In addition, Canon announced it is continuing to enhance other components of its Cinema EOS system lineup. usa.canon.com
