Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, continues its
commitment to the advancement of tools for visual expression and expand
its contribution to cinematic culture with the introduction of the new
EOS C500 4K Digital Cinema Camera* and the EOS C100 Digital Video
Camera*. The C500 will take its place as the flagship camera model in
Canon's Cinema EOS System while the C100 provides another option for
beginning filmmakers working on a budget. The C500 is Canon's high-end
professional 4K (4096 x 2160-pixel) cinema camera capable of originating
uncompressed RAW output for external recording to meet the demands of
premium cinematic productions and other top-quality production markets.
The C100 digital video camera is a compact, affordable entry-level model
delivering full 1920x1080 HD video and integrating the popular AVCHD
codec for universal compatibility with laptop and desktop editing
systems. The C500 will be available in both EF- and PL-mount versions;
while the C100 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. All products in the Canon Cinema EOS line are
engineered to provide exceptional image creation capabilities for
professionals in the motion picture, television, and other diverse
high-resolution digital production industries.
"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," stated Yuichi
Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging
Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc.
The EOS C500 4K digital cinema camera and EOS C100 digital video camera
join Canon's Cinema EOS System which includes two other camera models,
the EOS C300 digital cinema camera for mainstream HD production and the
EOS-1D C 4K Digital SLR cinema camera for 4K and HD filmmakers favoring
the SLR form factor. The Cinema EOS System also offers filmmakers
optical diversity with seven EF Cinema lens models: the compact and
lightweight CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L wide-angle cinema zoom and the
CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L telephoto cinema zoom (available in EF and PL
versions); the CN-E14.5-60mm T2.6 L wide-angle zoom and CN-E30-300mm
T2.95-3.7 L telephoto zoom (also available in 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, in addition to the more than 60 lenses in Canon's
EF and EF-S lens lines (which include macro, fisheye, telephoto, and
tilt-shift models).
4K, 2K, and Full HD Image Quality
The Canon EOS C500 and C500 PL digital cinema cameras are designed to
provide a versatile high-quality 4K imaging solution to high-end
productions. High-quality 4K resolution imaging has become the new
standard for advanced effects and is particularly important for
big-budget motion pictures that include scenes compositing live-action
cinematography with high-resolution computer-generated imagery. The C500
and C500 PL cameras output 4K resolution to external recorders as a
10-bit uncompressed RAW data stream, as well as offering the additional
versatility of being able to output quad full-HD (3840 x 2160), 2K (2048
x 1080), full HD (1920 x 1080), and other imaging options. All of these
digital image source formats fully conform to established SMPTE
production standards. All 4K formats can be selected to operate from one
to 60 frames per second. When shooting in 2K, the C500 and C500 PL
cameras employ a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format from one to 60
frames-per-second (fps) as well. For high-speed shooting and slow motion
capture the cameras can be set to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode, and can
output 4K or 2K video up to 120 fps.
While outputting 4K or 2K video to an external recorder, the Canon EOS
C500 and C500 PL digital cinema cameras simultaneously record a 50 Mbps
Full HD video file in-camera to the user's choice of one or two CF
cards. The 8-bit 4:2:2 in-camera recordings can be used as a proxy for
offline editing of 4K projects, and they are also suitable for various
projects that do not require 4K resolution. Equipped with Canon's
exceptional Super 35mm 8.85-megapixel CMOS sensor, both C500 camera
models are compatible with a wide range of interchangeable Canon lenses
- the C500 is compatible with EF, EF-S and EF Cinema lenses for Canon
SLR cameras, while the C500 PL is compatible with PL-mount EF Cinema
lenses and other PL-mount lenses. Highly mobile and compact, the C500
digital cinema camera provides the same ergonomic features as the C300
model, 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. Canon is working with several independent
manufacturers of external video recorders to support smooth workflow
options, and these recorders are expected to be available by the time
the EOS C500 and C500 PL 4K digital cinema cameras ship to authorized
dealers later this year.
One-Person Full HD With Automatic Functions
A cost-effective camera solution for a wide range of everyday users, the
EOS C100 digital video camera is ideal for many full HD applications
such as:
-
Low-budget television production and independent moviemaking
-
Museums, galleries, and film schools that utilize Full HD video
-
Wedding, corporate and event videography
The EOS C100 digital video camera is approximately 85% of the size of
the EOS C300 model, for maximum mobility. Designed for professional
operability, the C100 includes a push auto iris function, one-shot auto
focus (or full manual focus and exposure control), a multi-angle
3.5-inch LCD control panel, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder
(EVF), built-in ND filters, dual XLR inputs, and a locking HDMI output.
These features combine with such advanced technologies as reduced
rolling shutter artifacts in 60i mode, enhanced gamma modes (including
Wide Dynamic Range (DR) Gamma and Canon Log Gamma), cinematic depth of
field characteristics, and excellent low-light performance. The C100
records to dual SD cards contributing to the camera's reduced size and
convenience.
Like its C300 sibling, the EOS C100 employs Canon's uniquely designed
Super 35mm 16:9 CMOS sensor that captures individual R, G, and B
channels for each full HD 1920 x 1080 frame. This high-sensitivity CMOS
sensor provides creative depth of field capabilities for an excellent
"bokeh" effect, and provides an ISO range of from 320 to 20,000,
enabling the capture of images in low light with minimal picture noise.
The Canon DIGIC DV III image processor in the C100 helps ensure high
color fidelity and smooth color gradations. The camera's AVCHD codec
utilizes MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression similar to the codec used in
Canon's XA10 professional HD camcorder. AVCHD features a maximum
recording bit rate of 24Mbps in full HD 1920 x 1080 and 4:2:0 color
space for sharp, vivid images. Multiple recording modes, resolutions,
and frame rates (including 24p) make the C100 creatively flexible for
many production environments. The C100 also offers enhanced gamma modes
(including Wide DR Gamma and Canon Log Gamma) for a peak dynamic range
of 800% and the wide exposure latitude needed for creative
post-production image processing, color correction, and contrast
manipulation.
Designed for extensive operational versatility, the Canon EOS C100
digital video camera features a mobile core configuration that allows
users to flexibly 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 provides
traditional SLR camera-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. The C100 records
linear PCM two-channel audio or Dolby digital two-channel audio.
In addition to its ability to record to both SD cards simultaneously, or
relay-record from one card to the other, the Canon C100 Cinema EOS
camera can also output uncompressed digital HD to an external recording
device via its locking HDMI connector. This HDMI output includes
superimposed time code and 2:3 pull-down marker information. Additional
outputs include a USB connector and stereo headphone jack.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS C500 and C500 PL 4K Digital Cinema Cameras are scheduled
to be available in October for an estimated list price of $30,000. The
Canon EOS C100 Digital Video Camera is scheduled to be available in
November 2012 for an estimated list price of $7,999.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer,
business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With
approximately $45.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon
Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2011?
and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2012.
Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction
and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and
support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is
dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental
responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A.,
sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the
Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may
not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization
is obtained.
?Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and
Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of
their respective owners.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Editorial:
Len Musmeci,
516-328-4884
[email protected]
or
Kevin
McCarthy, 516-328-5950
[email protected]
or
Canon
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