Canon 4K Price and Specs

[FilmMan]

CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES EOS-1D C DIGITAL SLR CAMERA FEATURING 4K HIGH-RESOLUTION VIDEO CAPTURE
Newest Addition to the Canon Cinema EOS Product Line Combines the Convenient Form Factor of a Digital SLR Camera with Full HD and 4K Video Recording up to 4096 x 2160-Pixel Resolution

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 12, 2012 – Continually advancing the frontiers of digital high-resolution motion-image capture for film, television, and other industries, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the EOS-1D C digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera.* Delivering outstanding video performance, the compact, lightweight EOS-1D C provides video recording at 4K (4096 x 2160-pixel) or Full HD (1920 x 1080-pixel) resolution to support high-end motion picture, television production and other advanced imaging applications.

Equipped with an 18.1-megapixel full-frame 24mm x 36mm Canon CMOS sensor, the camera records 8-bit 4:2:2 Motion JPEG 4K video to the camera’s CF memory card at 24 frames-per-second (fps) or Full HD 1920 x 1080 video at selectable frame rates from 24p to 60p, making it possible for next-generation visual expression with even higher image-quality and resolution performance.

“The Canon EOS-1D C digital SLR camera was designed in response to the needs of filmmakers, television producers, and other high-level motion-imaging professionals,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “Not only does it combine 4K and Full HD video capture with a convenient design, its use of dual CF cards also offers an efficient workflow compatible with today’s post-production requirements.”

Creative Control
The Canon EOS-1D C digital SLR camera incorporates Canon Log Gamma to enable the recording of high-quality video with rich gradation expression, making possible the type of impressive image quality required in motion pictures by maximizing both highlight and shadow detail retention while also providing a high level of color-grading freedom. The EOS-1D C’s full-frame 24 x 36mm 18.1-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor makes possible a wide range of creative imaging expression, such as image-blur effects. Additional features include an expanded sensitivity range of up to ISO 25600 for exceptional motion-imaging results with reduced noise even in low-light settings. The camera’s ability to record 8-bit 4:2:2 4K and 8-bit 4:2:0 Full HD video to CF cards eliminates the need for an external recorder and enables workflows with increased mobility. If desired, however, captured video (excluding 4K video) can be output from the camera’s HDMI terminal to an external recorder using an uncompressed YCbCr 8-bit 4:2:2 signal.

4K video is captured by an approximately APS-H-sized portion of the full image sensor, while Full HD video can be captured in the user’s choice of two different imaging formats:

The standard Full HD setting captures the full 36mm width of the CMOS sensor to achieve the largest possible angle of view for any compatible lens.

An optional Super 35 crop setting enables cinematographers to match the industry-standard imaging format and angle of view achieved by traditional motion picture cameras. This enables video footage from the EOS-1D C camera to more closely match the look of footage from other cameras in multi-camera shooting environments.

Other useful video-related features on the EOS-1D C DSLR include a built-in headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring, and the ability to view the camera’s LCD even when the HDMI port is connected to an external monitor. The EOS-1D C camera uses the same LP-E4N battery pack as the EOS-1D X, and it can also be powered by an optional AC Adapter Kit.

The EOS-1D C camera ships with Canon software applications including EOS Utility, which enables various camera settings to be adjusted from a PC, and Picture Style Editor. These two personal computer applications enable users to view the camera’s live output on an external monitor1 and adjust the image in real-time to maximize shooting and post-production efficiencies. The software also ensures no loss of quality for 4K/Motion JPEG and full HD/60p video displayed on the external monitor, and it enables video shot with Canon Log Gamma to be output on the monitor with video gamma applied.

Versatility and Value
The Canon EOS-1D C camera can be used to capture still images with more than 60 interchangeable Canon EF and EF Cinema Lenses, all of which are designed to deliver exceptional image quality to maximize the potential for creative visual expression. The compact size and lightweight design of the camera make it easy to carry so it is highly mobile for convenient shooting inside automobiles and other confined spaces. Its compact size also enables peripheral equipment such as rails and cranes to be more compact, which can facilitate smoother handling and reduced costs on-set. The camera’s low-light capabilities can also help to minimize lighting costs and increase versatility for lighting. For added usability, record start/stop can be remotely controlled by EOS Utility Software via an optional Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter.

Realizing the same exceptional still-image performance as the recently introduced Canon EOS-1D X digital SLR camera, the camera provides a sensitivity range of ISO 100-51200 for outstanding still-image results with reduced noise, even in dimly lit settings. Incorporating high-performance Canon Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, the EOS-1D C delivers high-precision AF and AE performance while also enabling high-speed continuous shooting of up to approximately 12 fps. In the ultra-fast continuous shooting mode, the EOS-1D C provides a continuous shooting speed of up to approximately 14 fps (mirror remains raised during shooting; JPEG images only).

The Canon EOS-1D C digital SLR camera is scheduled to be available within 2012 at a suggested retail price of $15,000.

[FilmMan]

C500 Info:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 12, 2012 – Canon Inc. is developing two digital cinematography cameras as part of its acclaimed new 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 (4096 x 2160-pixel) resolution digital motion imagery with uncompressed RAW output for external recording, in response to growing expectations for higher levels of imaging performance in premium Hollywood films and other production markets requiring the utmost in picture quality.

“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,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “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 post-production in Hollywood, and it is particularly important for big-budget motion pictures that include scenes compositing live-action cinematography with high-resolution computer-generated imagery. The Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras will not only support 4K-resolution video but also outputs this as a 10-bit uncompressed RAW data stream with no de-Bayering. The cameras offer 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. The cameras employ a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format during 2K output, which can be selected to operate from one to 60 frames-per-second (fps) as well. If switched to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode, the camera can operate 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 newly developed Super 35mm-equivalent approximately 8.85-megapixel CMOS sensor, the cameras will be compatible with Canon’s wide range of interchangeable EF Cinema and PL-mount lenses and EF lenses for Canon SLR cameras. Highly mobile and compact for filmmaking versatility, the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras – like Canon’s Cinema EOS C300/C300 PL cinematography cameras – provide all of the same ergonomic features, except for the rotating hand grip.

Further details regarding the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras – including specifications and pricing – have yet to be decided. Plans call for these new products to be launched later this year. In addition to targeting a swift launch of these cameras, Canon will continue to enhance other components of its Cinema EOS System product lineup, which is designed to contribute to the continued advancement of tools for visual expression and the development of cinematic culture.

Canon will display a prototype of the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography camera at the 2012 NAB Show in booth C4325 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 16 to 19.

[FilmMan]

[size=14pt][size=18pt]Canon EOS-1D C digital SLR camera
PRICE:  $15K[/size][/size]
That is what a Scarlet package costs.  If the retail is $15K will the camera price drop to $12K?  Availability timing?  Sony's FS700 is looking mighty attractive now.

[FilmMan]

Talked with Canon.  Supposedly prototype will be at NAB, which was expected.  Time frame TBA. 

[Sara]

Big win for Sony.

Though imo all manufactures still fail.

2012 and we still don't have 12 bit color 1920x1080 for under $5k. 

While 4k is awesome, I run into so many people doing heavy keying and blue screen work (cost of digital post production tools is very low today) that they rent Alexa and Red Epics but would love to "own" something cheaper.

Oh well.

[FilmMan]

Sara,

A camera manufacturer could clean up if they provided some good specs for the sub $5K market.  Check out another Sony possible surprise:
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/

[Sara]

[quote author=FilmMan link=topic=571.msg3840#msg3840 date=1334256499]
Sara,

A camera manufacturer could clean up if they provided some good specs for the sub $5K market.  Check out another Sony possible surprise:
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/
[/quote]

Sort of.

Remember that a Sony FF DSLR will likely use their SLT technology.  And while it is great for AF and the tracking of moving objects - sports/wildlife - it REDUCES image quality.

Film makers rarely AF (if ever) and they would want to REMOVE the SLT mirror (if possible) to get the best image quality.  That and imo the form factor of a DSLR isn't the best for high end video.

I have used an a77 a lot (fun but not a professional tool) and its SLT design has serious limitations. 

But more competition the better!

[FilmMan]

Sara,
Yep more competition.
With respect to the Sony FS700, it will be a beast.  4k sensor which downsamples to 1080p.  A person doesn't have to encode as the process is done.  The C300 does the same.  I like the Sony's price. 

As an aside, I wouldn't be surprised if Canon will have to make some adjustments...more competition is coming, [u][b]that's a fact[/b][/u], ...it is coming...just wait...should I let the cat out of the bag?  ;)

[Sara]

Red Dragon?

On a side note, FilmMan did you see what Jim Jannard from Red posted?

===

"Why the other guys suck.

So Canon releases the C300 in November. 1080P and an RGB codec. Really? $16K (or $20K depending on where and when you bought one).

Then Canon releases the 1Dx (1080P and 18MP stills). This obsoletes the C300. Now they will obsolete both the C300 and 1Dx in one fell swoop… just months later. They are ready to announce a 4K motion DSLR that obsoletes all of the above. Only problem is that it won’t shoot motion RAW. Which means that you will have to buy their next camera… after you have bought one of the others… or more. Let’s add up the cost. And the next one won’t have frame rates… but maybe the one after will?

Sony sold some of you on the F3 (1080P) camera. But they knew they were going to obsolete those before you ever bought one. The NEX 4K will be announced. But it doesn’t shoot RAW. That will be sometime after you buy one of the previous. For less. And then you’ll need to buy a special recorder. For more.

My problem is that these companies string you along. They give you part of what you want. Just enough. Then sell you the next one… almost there. Then the next one. By the time you are done you could have bought a real camera.

I was personally plagued with this scenario for years. It is the reason I decided to start RED. I couldn’t take it. The seduction turned to frustration. But it seems like these companies can’t help themselves… they continue to do it. At your expense.

Just venting…

Jim Jannard"

===

Gotta agree with almost everything he said.

[FilmMan]

Hi Sara,

Interesting read. 
 
With respect to video cameras:
Here's what Shane has to say, "I would wait till after NAB to be honest." 

So hang tight.  Don't forget about Kineraw.  They potentially could shake up the market.  But will they be able to deliver?  JVC's interchangeable 4k is coming but how soon?  Panasonic won't sit idle.  Other higher end video cameras exist too. It'll be interesting how things play out.  I do like the Sony.  I'm not too interested in 4k but a downsampled top notch 1080p picture.  It looks like Sony has it with the FS700.  Also, JVC half chipper still intrigues me.  Within a week, we should have more camera info.  Cheers.