Atomos: Ninja comes clean on DSLRs - sharpens new Samurai Blade

Many users, particularly of DSLRs, might find the new lower price of the Atomos Ninja-2 (HDMI input) recorder appealing, as it can now take clean HDMI feeds from a lot more DSLRs, including the Canon 5D MkIII – thanks to a firmware update from Canon (Atomos also worked with Canon to develop start/stop trigger and timecode over HDMI).

The Ninja-2 now costs $695, and comes with a redesigned docking station, battery, AC mains adaptor, single battery charger and shims for Canon and Nikon batteries.

Atomos also launched the new Samurai Blade at NAB, with higher quality screen for monitoring, and reduced the price of the existing Samurai. For full details, and more Atomos NAB news, go to the main UrbanFoxTV technology blog.

Canon announces new XA25, XA20 + Legria HF G30 camcorders

Canon is expanding its semi-pro/high-end consumer handheld video camera range with three new compact models. Two new professional X-series models, XA25 and XA20, combine an all-new imaging system with professional audio and WiFi connections in a compact, lightweight (1.1kg/2.6lbs) package that fits in the palm of a hand.

The new Legria HF G30 (also known as the Vixia HF G30 in the US) has the same imaging system, but without the XLRs and is aimed at enthusiast videographers, such as hobbyists or film students.

Firmware updates for C500, C300, C100 + improved Cinema Raw software

Canon has announced upcoming firmware updates for three of its Cinema EOS System cameras, as well as various new functions for its Cinema Raw Development (CRD) software.

Once the upgrades are available, the EOS C500, C300 and C100 will support a new Magnify function allowing users to check focus in different parts of an image on the camera LCD, as well as the centre, to give added control and flexibility during shooting.

Canon 35mm cinema prime lens

Canon is developing a new 35mm cinema prime lens for large-format single-sensor digital cameras, such as its Cinema EOS range.

It will be compatible with super 35mm-size sensors, full-frame 35mm and APS-C. The new EF-mount 35mm lens will become the sixth prime lens in Canon’s EF Cinema lens line-up, giving an option between the existing 24mm and 50mm lenses. 

A development sample of the 35mm cinema lens is on display in the Canon booth during the 2013 NAB show in Las Vegas (April 8-11), with the aim of an official launch during 2013.