Canon may pull out of Photokina 2018, or just wait for the next one

Photokina 2018
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Over at DIYPhotography they got word that some big brands, including Canon, Elinchrom and Profit, may pull out of Photokina 2018.

So far only Elinchrom has released a statement:

ELINCHROM TAKE A BREATHER FROM PHOTOKINA.

It goes without saying that the photo industry is going through major changes; photographer’s habits and expectations are evolving so rapidly.

In order to respond to this new environment, the photokina international exhibition has repositioned itself as an annual event to be held over 4 days in September this year, and then annually each May from 2019.

“After close to 30 successive participations we feel this is a transitional year for photokina and this break will help Elinchrom to analyse and refocus on what is really important for our customers in the coming years.” said Simon Whittle, CEO of Elinchrom.

The launch of the ground-breaking ELB 1200 location stills and video light and the ELB 500 TTL is proof of Elinchrom’s commitment to their customers.

Full information on the complete Elinchrom range remains accessible on-line and locally from Elinchrom’s Distributor and Retail network, throughout the year.

Keep in mind that there will be another Photokina in May 2019, so it’s possible the mentioned companies are just adjusting to the new schedule. Canon hasn’t confirmed or denied anything so far, and it’s still a rumor and hence may never happen.

Off Brand News: Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
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Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Features

  • Full size 4/3 sized sensor with native 4096 x 2160 resolution sized sensor.
  • Compatible with extremely high quality Micro Four Thirds lenses.
  • Super wide 13 stops of dynamic range allows capture for high end feature film look.
  • Up to 25600 ISO for incredible low light performance.
  • Carbon fiber polycarbonate composite body which makes it lightweight, portable and durable.
  • Multi function grip for quick access to recording start/stop, still photos, ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance, power and more.
  • Built in SD, UHS-II and CFast card recorders.
  • USB-C expansion port allows longer duration recording directly to an external SSD or flash disk.
  • Standard open file formats compatible with popular NLE software such as 10-bit ProRes and 12 bit RAW.
  • Features full size HDMI output for monitoring with camera status graphic overlay.
  • Professional mini XLR input with 48 volts of phantom power for connecting to pro microphones.
  • 3.5mm audio jack, headphone jack, and locking DC 12 volt power connection.
  • Built in 5” LCD touchscreen allows accurate focus when shooting 4K.
  • LCD supports on screen overlays including status, histogram, focus peaking, and transport controls.
  • Records 4K images at up to 60 frames per second and windowed HD at up to 120 frames per second.
  • 3D LUTs can be applied for both monitoring and recording.
  • Blackmagic OS as used in URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras.
  • 4th generation Blackmagic color science.
  • Supports remote camera control via Bluetooth.
  • Includes full license for DaVinci Resolve Studio editing, color, visual effects and audio post production.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K will be available later this year for US$1,295 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

Press release:

Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Next generation 4K camera features dual native ISO, full 4/3 HDR sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range, and ProRes or RAW recording to internal SD/UHS-II and CFast cards, or even external USB‑C drives!

NAB 2018, Las Vegas, USA – April 9, 2018 – Blackmagic Design today announced the all new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, a handheld digital film camera with full 4/3 HDR sensor, dual native ISO with up to 25600 ISO for incredible low light performance as well as 13 stops of dynamic range. It also eliminates expensive external recorders, as it features a unique new USB-C Expansion Port, which allows customers to record using the internal SD/UHS-II and CFast recorders or directly to the same external disks they will use for editing and color correction. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K will be available from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide later this year for only US$1,295.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2018 booth at #SL216.

The revolutionary new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is the handheld digital film camera that customers have been asking for. It packs incredibly high end imaging and professional features into a portable and affordable design that can be used anywhere. The compact body style is perfect for shooting independent films and documentaries, fashion shows, travel blogs, web videos, weddings, corporate video, sports and much more.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K features a full size 4/3 HDR sensor with native 4096 x 2160 resolution and 13 stops of dynamic range for true digital film quality. The full size of the 4/3 sensor is designed to perfectly match MFT lenses so the crop factor is greatly reduced, giving customers a wider field of view. It also features dual native ISO with up to 25600 ISO for incredible low light performance.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is packed with features such as a MFT lens mount, large 5 inch touchscreen monitor, 10-bit ProRes and 12-bit RAW recording, 3D LUTs, 4 built in microphones, mini XLR audio input with phantom power, Bluetooth wireless camera control, HDMI on set monitoring output and more. The latest Blackmagic Design color science lets customers shoot images that are far better than DSLR cameras and even better than professional digital film cameras costing tens of thousands more.

Designed using a space age carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, the body of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is extremely strong and light. The carbon composite material consists of a high strength polymer that’s reinforced with carbon fibers. This gives the camera body incredible strength and rigidity to help protect it from accidental knocks and drops which can often result in damage. The handheld design features a multi function grip which has logically placed buttons and dials that allow super fast access to essential shooting functions such as recording start/stop, still photos, ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance, power and more.

Fourth generation Blackmagic Design color science lets customers shoot HDR images in film, video and new extended video modes. The new extended mode combines the latitude of digital film with an optimized video file. This gives customers working on fast turnaround projects an ideal solution for shooting great looking images that don’t need a lot of color correction or post production work.

Images can be recorded onto standard SD cards, faster UHS-II cards or CFast 2.0 cards in either ProRes or RAW formats. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can record 4K images at up to 60 frames per second and windowed HD at up to 120 frames per second. It’s also the first camera that lets customers record directly onto the same exact external USB-C media drives they use for editing and color correction. That means customers can turn projects around much more quickly because they don’t have to transfer files. All they need to do is unplug the USB-C drive and then connect it to their computer to start editing.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses the same MFT (Micro Four Thirds) lens mount as the original Pocket Cinema Camera so customers can use the investment in lenses they already own. The MFT mount is extremely flexible and allows for different lens adapters so customers can also use PL, C, EF and other types of lenses from manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Leica and even Panavision.

The rear of the camera features a large bright 5 inch touchscreen that makes it easy to frame shots and accurately focus. It also uses the same Blackmagic OS as URSA Mini so customers can use simple tap and swipe gestures to adjust settings, add metadata and view recording status. On screen overlays make it easy to see recording parameters, status, histogram, focus and peaking indicators, and playback controls. In addition, 3D LUTs can be applied for both monitoring and recording.

For audio, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K features multiple built in microphones with an extremely low noise floor, a mini XLR input with 48 volts of phantom power to connect professional lapel and boom mics, and a 3.5mm stereo audio jack for connecting different types of video camera microphones. The high quality built in audio recording means customers don’t have to carry around a separate recorder.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K also includes a full size HDMI connector which can output HDR video as well as a clean 10-bit video feed with optional on screen overlays. There’s also an innovative high speed USB-C Expansion Port for adding external accessories such as flash drives and an SSD for external recording. The camera uses standard LP-E6 batteries and can be charged via USB-C or the locking DC power connector, which protects the camera from being accidentally unplugged during a shoot.

“Customers love the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and have been asking us for a 4K version,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “We’ve listened and built a camera that combines all of our newest ideas and customer feedback from the previous model! The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is exciting because it packs so much technology into an incredibly small design. We feel it will go well beyond what customers expected. It’s perfect for anyone that needs a truly professional ultra compact digital film camera. This is not a consumer camera that’s trying to do high end work, it’s a true high end camera designed for high end work.”

The History of Canon’s CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Lens (video)

Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm
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At a glance:

  • Covers up to Super 35mm Sized Sensors
  • 50 to 1000/75 to 1500mm Zoom
  • ENG-Style Zoom, Focus, Iris Servos
  • For Broadcast or Cinema Shooting Styles
  • 180° Focus Ring with Knurled Grip
  • Double Focus Markings in Feet and Meters
  • Detachable Drive Unit
  • Zoom Speed: 1.5 to 180 Seconds
  • Programmable Zoom, Focus, Iris Positions
  • 11-Blade Aperture Design

We are talking about a lens that costs $70.000, the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 (available in EF and PL mounts).

Cinematographer/filmmaker Ivo Norenberg approached Canon in 2010 with a request for an extreme lens. He challenged Canon to produce a long zoom 4K Super 35mm lens tailored to the diverse needs of wildlife video production.

Canon set to showcase latest Cinema and Broadcast gear at NAB Show 2018

canon rumors

NAB Show 2018 starts in Las Vegas on April 7, 2018. Canon press release:

Canon U.S.A. to Debut Newest Cinema and Broadcast Products at This Year’s NAB Show

The Company Will Showcase Latest Products and Professional Service and Support as well as Provide Hands-on Demonstrations and Panel Discussions at the Show

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 4, 2018 – At the 2018 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will unveil its newest cinema and broadcast products on in booth #C4325. Among the products on display in the booth include Canon’s first full-frame cinema camera, the EOS C700 FF, the CN-E 20mm T1.5 L F cinema prime lens, four new 4K UHD broadcast lenses and two new 4K HDR reference displays. From stadiums to studios, houses of worship to on-location breaking news, the Canon booth will feature product solutions for a wide variety of live production and filmmaking environments. Additionally, Canon will host a myriad of panel discussions and presentations to help NAB attendees glean best practices and insights from leading industry professionals.

“The Canon booth at NAB has always been a go-to resource for professionals in the production community looking for the latest technology and products to bring their projects and visions to life,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “At NAB this year, visitors will witness the full breadth of our commitment to provide those in video creation, editing and distribution with products, services and support they need to get the job done.”

Newly Debuted Products and Presentations

Visitors to the Canon booth will have hands-on opportunities to experience the full range of Canon Cinema cameras, 4K reference displays, HD video and DSLR cameras and lenses, including the recently announced full-frame EOS C700 FF Cinema Camera and the CN-E 20mm T1.5 L cinema lens, a full-manual 20mm prime cinema lens. Canon will also display its newest 4K UHD broadcast lenses; a mid-range UHD-DIGISUPER 66 telephoto zoom lens and the CJ24ex7.5B, CJ14ex4.3B and CJ18ex7.6B 4K portable zoom lenses as well as two new professional 4K HDR reference displays: the 24-inch DP-V2421 and the 17-inch DP-V1711.

Throughout the show, the Canon booth will feature presentations and panels such as “Shooting Homeland,” “Large Format in Sports Production” as well as “Documentary Filmmaking” by world-renowned cinematographers, broadcast specialists and filmmakers. The stage will also incorporate working demonstrations of the seamless integration of Canon imaging products into a live production environment. For more information on the panel discussions, please visit usa.canon.com/nab.

Along with informative lectures and panel discussions, the Canon stage will feature live performances from entertainers at various times throughout the show. All events on the Canon stage will be broadcast live onto IMAG screens on the side of the stage using cameras that are open to the public to touch and try. These live demonstrations are fully functional production environments, complete with VFX, control room and a professional crew staffing the boards.

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Canon U.S.A. Earns 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

ENERGY STAR
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Canon press release:

Canon U.S.A. Earns 2018 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 2, 2018 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that it has received the 2018 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership and superior contributions to ENERGY STAR. Canon U.S.A.’s accomplishments will be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2018.

“Our company is one that truly practices what we preach in terms of providing environmentally conscious, energy-efficient products to our customers,” said Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A. “Canon pays special attention to the impact that its products have on the planet that we inhabit and how we can make eco-friendly decisions for the betterment of us all, all of which is reflected in our corporate philosophy of Kyosei. We thank ENERGY STAR for their continued work and for this tremendous honor that they have presented to Canon.”

Canon has been an ENERGY STAR partner for over 20 years and offers nearly 200 ENERGY STAR certified products that incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, without compromising features or performance. This is the first time that Canon U.S.A. has received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Canon U.S.A. has previously received Partner of the Year – Product Brand Owner Awards (2010, 2016 and 2017), as well as Excellence Awards for ENERGY STAR Promotion (2011) and Product Labeling (1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008).

“The 2018 ENERGY STAR Partners of the Year have demonstrated real leadership, showing how American families and businesses can save energy, save money, and reduce air emissions,” said Bill Wehrum, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.

The 2018 Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Awards are bestowed upon companies and other organizations demonstrating continued leadership in energy efficiency and commitment to the ENERGY STAR program. Winners hail from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 organizations – representing energy-efficient products, services, new homes, and buildings in the commercial, industrial, and public sectors.

For a complete list of 2018 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

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