Up to the Mark? C100 Mark II review

When Canon introduced the hugely popular EOS C300 camera, many people saw it as the budget Arri Alexa, and when it released the C100, it was the budget C300 - using the same large sensor everyone loved, but losing the ability to record industry-standard 50Mbps video in the camera, although that was nothing the addition of an Atomos Ninja or similar recorder couldn’t address.

 

Canon XF200/XF205 free firmware reduces noise + adds live streaming

New firmware that improves the XF200’s and XF205’s noise ratio in low light and enables live streaming of content over IP networks is being released by Canon. It is also claimed to enhance the camera’s standard of performance and recording modes.

The first firmware update, available now for the XF200 and XF205, enables a new image quality setting that should reduce noise in the picture, even in low light. Users can choose their preferred image quality based on their shooting requirements, selecting from the current default setting, which prioritises resolution, or a new setting that gives priority to reducing noise.

New Canon EOS C300 Mark II - 4K/Ultra HD + 15 stops dynamic range

Canon has unveiled its upcoming EOS C300 Mark II, an improved version of its highly regarded C300. It will record digital cinema 4K (4096x2160) and broadcast Ultra HD (3840x2160) 10-bit 4:2:2 formats internally, or 10/12-bit 4:4:4 files in 2K (2048x1080) and HD (1920x1080). It also boasts 15 stops of dynamic range, slightly better than Arri’s Alexa. However, it will also cost more than many of its rivals (such as Sony’s FS7), at £11,299 + VAT (almost $17,000) when it is released in September.

Canon XC10 compact Ultra HD camera

Canon has announced a new lightweight video and digital stills camera, the XC10, which can record Ultra HD (3840x2160) video and will cost £1,600 (about $2,400) when it ships in June.

Although it is not part of the Cinema EOS range, it does offer some of their features, and is designed to be suitable as a B camera for larger productions. However, it is essentially competing with a couple of established 4K cameras, the Sony A7s, which offers wonderful low-light capabilities with a full-frame sensor for about the same price, and the popular Panasonic GH4, which is slightly cheaper.

Canon EOS C100 Mark II

Canon’s entry-level EOS C100 Mark II Super 35mm camera has received a major upgraded that is designed to offer: improved image quality; better in-camera recording quality; greater creative flexibility; easier operation; and wireless sharing. There is also an improved, tiltable electronic viewfinder and a new flip-out OLED display (just one of many improvements that recognise that the C100 is often used by lone shooters).

It is the first Cinema EOS camera to get integrated WiFi, for file transfer via FTP, and can record HD at up to 50/60p in both MP4 (at up to 35Mbps) and AVCHD (up to 28Mbps), or HD and SD, simultaneously to the two SD cards (and upload the lower bitrate version). There is also browser-based camera control via WiFi.

Canon firmware upgrades for 4K

Canon has announced several firmware upgrades for its EOS C500 and EOS C300 Digital Cinema Cameras, DP-V3010 4K reference display and Cinema Raw Development software, most of which will better integrate acquisition and management of 4K footage into every workflow situation (except the C300 of course, which doesn’t do 4K).

Principal amongst them is support for the recently defined ITU BT.2020 colour space for Ultra HD production. This will be most noticeable on the 30-inch DP-V3010 4K professional reference display. The BT.2020 input signals will be mapped to the native colour space of the DP-V3010 for output, to ensure that images are displayed with the widest possible colour gamut and the greatest possible accuracy. Of course, BT.2020 support starts with the camera, so the C500 will be able to create it too.

Canon XF200 + XF205 launched

Canon’s new XF205 and XF200 compact video cameras fit into the XF range between the existing XF100/XF105 and XF300/XF305, although as the XF200 models each have a single slightly-bigger-than one-third-inch CMOS sensor, they are nearer the 100/105 than the 300/305.

Canon CN-E35mm lens for 4K

This is the new CN-E35mm lens which has been developed in response to strong demand from Cinema EOS users, and has a compact design that promises fast performance, which Canon believes makes it ideal for shooting in challenging low-light conditions. 

The CN-E35mm T1.5 L F prime lens takes Canon’s range of EF Cinema primes to a total of six lenses. 

The 35mm lens is designed for 4K production. So will go nicely with the Canon EOS-1D C with full frame coverage, and is colour matched to others in the range, as well as featuring the same form factor and uniform markings, making it easy to switch between lenses when on a shoot. 

It is expected to be available from December.

Canon's 4K - EOS-1D C now EBU Tier 1 approved

Canon’s 4K DSLR camera, the EOS-1D C, has become the first DSLR to meet the EBU Tech 3335 requirements that show it can deliver an image of high enough quality for top-end broadcast production. If you are interested in the tests the camera had to pass here's the link to the EBU doc.

The camera is based on the EOS-1D X, but is designed for video-supporting in-camera 4K (4,096x2,160) recording with 4:2:2 colour sampling.

IBC 2013

Yes, It's September - it must be IBC.

Hopefully there will be some new and interesting bits of kit at the exhibition.

But, there are still a lot of boxes to unpack on the Canon stand.

Plus, you have to remember which bit goes where...

Final Tweaks to the Canon stand at IBC

More soon...

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.

New Mini Hoods for C100, C300/C500 plus C100 raincover

Petrol Bags is launching new mini LCD hoods for Canon’s C100, C300 and C500 at NAB2013 (April 8-11 in Las Vegas), as well as a C100 raincover.

BVE2013 - The Aftermath...

Thanks to all who came to see us at BVE2013. The freelance seminar, in particular, was a huge success. Even though the seminar room was at least twice the size as previous years, there were still about 30 people standing, most of whom stuck it out to the end - so, sorry if you ended a tiring day even more tired than you should have been.

We got a great response, with lots of people asking further questions as we packed up, and some very nice messages on Twitter after the event, such as:

Come see us at BVE - free seminars

Broadcast Video Expo is Britain’s best conference and exhibition for anyone working in the video industry. It has lots of interesting FREE seminars to attend, and is probably the single best place to find out what is happening and make new contacts.

Previously it took place at Earls Court, which was ideal for those of us in what is a west-London-centric industry. However, this year it moves to the Excel Centre in distant east London, so it’s lucky that the seminars we’re taking part in aren’t early in the morning…

There are apparently 283 seminars in total (including those in specific manufacturer’s theatres), so BVE is a great opportunity for some free training. There are also supposed to be 331 exhibitors, so there is a lot to see and do – it’s worth making the journey.

We’ll be taking part in three sessions:

C300 is most popular rental camera

Canon's C300 camcorder has topped Televisual's list of the most popular rental cameras in the UK for 2012

The full list is:

Canon launches EOS C100 – a half-price C300 (with half the bit rate)

Canon’s new entry-level member of its large-sensor EOS Cinema camera range will be less than half the price of the acclaimed C300, but unfortunately it isn’t an XF camera, as it records 24Mbps AVCHD to SD cards rather than 50Mbps MXF.

However, it does have a lockable HDMI port with full, 4:2:2 uncompressed output, so anyone with a Ninja 2 or similar external recorder, can get the glorious C300 sensor at a sensible price.

For the full details, have a look at our EOS C100 preview on the UrbanFoxTV blog.

Sony PMW-200 rival for XF305

If Sony’s single-sensor PMW-100 is a competitor for Canon’s XF105, then the newly announced PMW-200 is certainly a (more expensive) rival for the XF305. Or it could be seen as an EX1R replacement, with 50Mbps recording, as it has three 1/2-inch Exmor CMOS sensors (compared to three 1/3-inch sensors on the XF305).

For a full rundown on all the features on the new Sony camcorder, have a look at our UrbanFox.tv Blog.