New Canon ME20F-SH Cinema Kit Offers Versatility For Filmmaking And Television Production

Canon ME20F-SH

New Canon ME20F-SH Cinema Kit Offers Versatility For Filmmaking And Television Production

ME20F-SH Cinema Kit Includes 10 Accessories to Ready the Camera for Cinematic Applications

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 13, 2016 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the ME20F-SH Cinema Kit, which bundles the ME20F-SH Camera with 10 accessories to enhance the user operation and provide significant savings compared to purchasing the accessories separately. The ME20F-SH camera’s CMOS sensor has pixels measuring 19 μm square1, which is more than 5.5 times the surface area of the pixels on the CMOS sensor featured in select top-of-the-line interchangeable lens cameras2. Its large pixel size enables the ME20F-SH to deliver magnificent imagery in normal lighting conditions, while also possessing the high sensitivity to capture Full HD video in less than 0.0005 lux3 (at maximum 75 dB gain setting, equivalent to an ISO sensitivity of more than 4,000,000). Along with its modular body and compact size, the image quality delivered by the ME20F-SH camera allows users to capture clear images in even the most demanding of applications including cinematic production, reality television, and nature/wildlife documentaries.

“We’ve been using the ME20F-SH camera to simulate military-grade night vision goggles and no other camera can simulate night vision goggles like this – it’s the only machine that could do what we needed,” said David Klein, ASC, cinematographer of The History Channel’s upcoming drama series SIX. “The camera takes sensitivity to a new level; its high end is not just noteworthy, it’s mind blowing. When we shoot with the ME20F-SH camera, nearly every light is turned off or knocked down to nothing, and the camera does the rest,” added Dominik Mainl, SIX’s First AC.  “I know this camera is capable of over four million ISO, but we found a remarkable singular image around 600,000 ISO, where signal to noise ratio was suddenly irrelevant.”

Similar to Canon’s Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography cameras, the ME20F-SH camera includes Canon Log and Wide DR, which make possible a wide dynamic range, delivering high-image-quality video results across a range of illumination environments, from low- to brightly lit conditions. The ME20F-SH employs the same EF mount (Cinema Lock type) as Canon’s SLR cameras and Cinema EOS series of professional digital cameras, allowing users to make use of the Company’s extensive lineup of interchangeable EF lenses from fisheye to super-telephoto.

The ME20F-SH kit accessory list includes the Atomos Shogun Flame external recorder, Zacuto mini baseplate, a SanDisk SSD pack, Noga Arm, HDMI cable, additional battery, battery and cheese plate, D-Tap/D-Tap cable, XLR cable and a battery charger that can also be used as a power adapter. All of these accessories make the ME20F-SH Cinema Kit ready for film and TV production as well as documentary work across a number of genres.

“Since its introduction in 2015, the ME20F-SH camera has been an incredible tool for cinematic production,” noted Tim Smith, senior advisor, Film & TV Production, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “It produces phenomenal light sensitivity that enables incredibly clean images in standard lighting conditions, and remarkable color imagery up to ISO 4,000,000 even in extremely low light. This new Cinema Kit empowers filmmakers to have a turnkey solution to shoot with minimal lighting equipment or additional gear.”

The Canon ME20F-SH Cinema Kit is expected to be available in April 2016 at a suggested list price of $31,000.* For additional information about the camera and this new kit please visit:  https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/multi-purpose-cameras/me20f-sh. Follow Canon throughout the NAB show on Instagram at @CanonUSA and Twitter at @CanonUSApro and visit Canon’s C4325 Booth in the Center Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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Canon’s New ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera Provides Compact Imaging Solution For Live HD Broadcasts, Production, And Surveillance

Canon ME200S-SH

The ME200S-SH multi-purpose camera is scheduled to be available in August 2016 for a suggested list price of $4,999. Pre-order: Adorama | B&H Photo

Canon’s New ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera Provides Compact Imaging Solution For Live HD Broadcasts, Production, And Surveillance

Featuring Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus and ISO Ranges up to 204,800, this Modular Affordable Camera is Compatible with Canon’s EF, EF-S and CINE-SERVO lenses

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 13, 2016 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the latest addition to the Company’s line of multi-purpose modular cameras, the new ME200S-SH. Compact and versatile, the camera supports a broad range of uses, including cinema, television production, live sports, law enforcement, house of worship and special uses, such as weather monitoring, night shooting, event installs and point of view applications. This 8.2 megapixel Super 35mm compact box camera features both high sensitivity and a cinema look for high-quality image capture. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus (DAF) technology provides ME200S-SH camera users with a range of focusing options when using compatible Canon EF lenses and CINE-SERVO lenses.

“Much like the ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera that Canon launched in 2015, the new ME200S-SH multi-purpose camera is so small and compact it can easily fit into tight spaces,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As indicated in the name, we anticipate users will implement this camera in an extensive variety of ways, from uniquely angled shots for HD sports broadcasting or traffic and weather reporting, to cinematic production or surveillance of public spaces, even applications we haven’t yet thought of. We are very excited to see how the capabilities of this camera inspire image creators.”

Canon’s new multi-purpose ME200S-SH camera’s compact, modular body design allows for easy custom configurations for diverse usage scenarios such as:

  • Live HD – 1920×1080 / 60p, 50p output, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Remote (RC-V100) enable HD Live use for HD studios as well as sporting events. Thanks to its compact size, this camera can be placed in unique creative spaces such as the top of a basketball hoop. Genlock functionality is standard for this multi-purpose camera use.
  • Production – Remote manual control of focus, iris, auto exposure (AE) and ND filters is available with the optional Canon RC-V100 controller, benefitting a range of users from meteorologists looking to get distinctive images of severe weather conditions to concert venues looking to add creative low-light imagery or cinematic shallow depth of field to their offerings.
  • Security Surveillance – Infrared shooting and ISO 204,800 allow for surveillance of buildings, borders, airports, and harbors. Remote control capability and Auto Exposure allow the ME200S-SH camera to be easily incorporated into these constantly evolving and potentially unmanned environments.

The ME200S-SH camera includes both Canon Log and Wide DR Gamma providing users the high- dynamic range and the ability to choose their post-production strategy. Users can experience high-quality imagery whether they are doing a full post-production grade or making quick onsite corrections.

In addition, the ME200S-SH camera employs Canon’s EF Mount (Cinema Lock Type) providing shooters with the ability to use a diverse array of compatible Canon EF interchangeable lens, CINE-SERVO lenses, newly announced COMPACT-SERVO lens and a select Canon Broadcast HD lenses by utilizing a third party mount converter. The Cine Lock feature allows users to easily mount the lens without having to rotate it into the mount.

The ME200S-SH camera features 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI output terminals that enable users to output video via a single cable to a variety of peripheral equipment, including external recorders and monitors. A 12-pin lens jack is provided to enable communication with the drive unit of select CINE-SERVO and broadcast lenses. Equipped with a φ2.5mm stereo mini-jack and a round eight-pin jack for RS-422, the multi-purpose camera is capable of connecting with Canon’s optional RC-V100 Remote Controller. Furthermore, a φ3.5mm stereo mini-jack allows the camera to connect to a microphone or other external audio equipment,

Pricing and Availability
The ME200S-SH multi-purpose camera is scheduled to be available in August 2016 for a suggested list price of $5,999. In addition, optional accessories which include the RC-V100 Remote Control, RS-422 eight-pin remote cables and TB-1 Tripod Base are currently available for a suggested list price of $2999, $249 (10m cable) or $999 (100m cable) and $35 respectively.* For more information please visit, https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/multi-purpose-cameras/me200s-sh.

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Canon’s New Versatile COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens Will Have Shooters Smiling About Quality, Performance, And Price

COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm

The Canon COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available later in 2016 for an estimated retail price of $5,500. Pre-order: Adorama |

Canon’s New Versatile COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens Will Have Shooters Smiling About Quality, Performance, And Price

New Lens Features 4K Optical Performance, Enhanced Servo Drive Unit, Image Stabilization* and Autofocus* Functions- Ideal for ENG, Documentary, and Budding Filmmakers

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 13, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce today the new COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens (model name CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S), a compact and lightweight 4K-ready lens constructed for optimal mobility. A bridge between traditional Canon EF photography lenses and CN-E cinema lenses, the COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm can be ideal for filmmakers and documentary shooters who want the control and quality of cinema optics with the lightweight, compact design and features of photography lenses. The first in a new class of Canon lenses, the COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens is a cinema-style lens that includes a newly developed servo drive unit as a standard feature. Additionally, the lens incorporates Image Stabilization* and Autofocus* functionality, two extremely useful features not commonly found in cinema lenses, but which are ubiquitous in photography lenses. The lens also provides high image quality that supports 4K image productions and was designed to be able to be utilized in a variety of shooting styles including, hand-held, shoulder mounted, and tripod mounted.

“The new COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens ushers in a new class of optics for Canon. Featuring the outstanding build-quality and excellent optical performance professionals have come to expect from Canon, this new lens provides videographers with an affordable and versatile option when stepping up from EF lenses,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are excited about the new form factor this lens takes on and can’t wait to see how the imaging community utilizes it.”

Covering the commonly used focal length range of 18mm to 80mm, this new Zoom Lens combines the functionality of Canon EF lenses with the precision and cinematic look of Canon Cinema lenses. The new COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens is 4K-ready and features auto focus and optical image stabilization with compatible camera models only, resulting in high-resolution imagery, with the ability to assist filmmakers in capturing the shot they envisioned. Compatible with EF- mount Super 35mm large-format cameras, the lens maintains brightness across the entire focal range at T4.4 (equal to F4.0). For added convenience, videographers can control many of the features of the lens in a variety of ways through the EF-mount communication, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF, push auto iris, record start and stop and remote lens control via the camera with an optional remote control, compensation for chromatic aberration (when paired with the EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Camera), metadata acquisition, and selection of T-number display. The COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens features a nine-blade iris aperture diaphragm to help give footage a truly artistic and beautiful look and feel, providing the much desired “bokeh” effect in the out-of-focus areas. For improved operability, focus breathing has been greatly reduced due to the three group inner focusing system.

The lens comes equipped with a newly developed Servo Drive Unit, which provides seamless switching between servo and manual modes, allowing videographers motorized control of focus, zoom, and iris settings. The Servo Drive Unit is compatible with broadcast style industry-standard lens controllers including Canon’s ZSD-300D or FPD-400D. To further enhance ease-of-use for ENG and “run-and-gun” style shooters, Canon has developed an optional grip accessory specifically designed for the new lens, the ZSG-C10. The grip accessory connects to the camera through a 20-pin cable, allowing a variety of lens functions to be controlled from the grip, including zooming via a zoom rocker switch, one-shot AF and the starting and stopping of a recording. When the lens and grip are being used with the EOS C100 Mark II or EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Cameras, users will also have the ability to control the zoom and iris from the camera’s grip unit.

The Canon COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm Zoom Lens and ZSG-C10 accessory grip are scheduled to be available later in 2016 for an estimated retail price of $5,500 and $499 respectively.** Additional lenses in the COMPACT-SERVO lens class will be announced in the near future. For more information please visit, https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/cinema/compact-servo/compact-servo-18-80mm-t4-4-ef.

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Canon U.S.A. Announces A Host Of Product Firmware Updates At NAB 2016

canon rumors

Canon U.S.A. Announces A Host Of Product Firmware Updates At NAB 2016

New Updates Include Canon Log3 for the EOS C300 Mark II Camera and Support of ARRI Log C and Metadata for Canon’s DP-V2410 4K Reference Display

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 13, 2016  – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced firmware updates to several products being showcased at NAB 2016. These firmware updates support a number of feature updates for users including improvement of workflow, ease of use, focusing and lens corrections, color space, and creative flexibility for products in the Cinema EOS, HD Video, and 4K Reference Display lines.

Firmware updates are as follows:

  • The EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera updates will allow various functions such as shooting in new Canon Log3, viewfinder magnification during recording, focus guide with EF Cinema Prime lenses, Push Auto Iris and Zoom function on the grip joystick with New COMPACT-SERVO and CINE-SERVO series lenses, Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF) with COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lenses, ACES 1.0 output, peripheral illumination correction updates and overall image improvements such as noise level reduction in low-light for Canon Log2.
  • The EOS C100 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera update will allow various functions such as Push Auto Iris and Zoom function on the grip joystick with the new COMPACT-SERVO and CINE-SERVO series lenses,  Canon DAF with COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lenses, and peripheral illumination correction updates and selectable disabling of the microphone.
  • The DP-V2410 4K Reference Display firmware will be updated to support ARRI Log C and ARRI metadata; improve display contrast and dynamic range; add support for Canon Log3 and Hybrid Log Gamma; and display of SMPTE 2084 input signal on the waveform monitor.
  • The DP-V3010 4K Reference Display firmware will be updated to improve display contrast and dynamic range; add support for Canon Log3 and Hybrid Log Gamma; and display of SMPTE 2084 input signal on the waveform monitor.
  • The CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Lens will be updated to be compatible with Canon’s DAF function in the EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C100 Mark II Cameras.
  • The update for the ME20F-SH Camera will include lens support for an additional 19 EF and CINE lenses allowing for more creative choices in a wider variety of shooting applications including television and film production.
  • The XA35 and XA30 Professional Camcorders and VIXIA HF G40 Camcorder updates include a new file format making it easier to integrate into third party software systems that are used for athletic coaching applications.
  • The firmware updates for the XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include new shooting modes allowing for greater creative flexibility, Wide DR Gamma (600 percent) Mode, Highlight Priority Mode, and Signal/Noise priority mode.
  • The XC10 4K Camcorder firmware will be updated to include a new file format MP4 in HD mode (35 Mbps only), improved AF speed, and shutter speed options for flicker reduction.

To see these products mentioned above at NAB 2016, visit Canon U.S.A., Inc. in the Central Hall, Booth C4325.  Follow Canon throughout the show on Instagram at @CanonUSA and Twitter at @CanonUSApro. To learn more about the firmware updates and their availability, please visit www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/firmware-updates.

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Lensbaby’s New Twist 60 Lens Exudes Pure Magic of Vintage Photography

lensbaby twist 60

Lensbaby Twist 60 at a glance:

  • 60mm f/2.5 Optic
  • Canon EF Mount/Full-Frame Format
  • Compatible with Optic Swap System
  • Straight Body Manual Focusing Ring
  • Creates Subtle Swirled Edges
  • Aperture Range: f/2.5 to 22
  • Manual Aperture Control
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 18″
  • Filter Diameter: 46mm
  • Internal 12-Blade Diaphragm

Lensbaby announced the Twist 60, and it is all about being bokehlicious. The Twist 60 can be preordered, and sells for $279.95 (B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon).

Lensbaby’s New Twist 60 Lens Exudes Pure Magic of Vintage Photography

Company’s love of old lenses inspires new creativity with classic image elements optimized for full frame photographers

Portland, OR – April 12th, 2016 – Lensbaby, makers of award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories, today announced the availability of the Twist 60 lens. Twist 60 helps creative photographers find their visual voice by seeing the world differently.

This metal-bodied 60mm f/2.5 lens with gold anodized accents creates powerful portraits, spotlighting subjects by freeing them from their background and surrounding them with swirly blur and enhanced vignette. The brighter the aperture, the greater the swirl and the greater the vignette.

“Twist 60 embodies our love of old lenses and their unique ways of helping photographers discover creative possibilities,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer. “True to an 1840 design by Joseph Petzval, this lens reveals striking separation between subjects and their background, a quality that modern lens designs lack.”

Twist 60 Lens specs:

● 12 blade f/2.5-22 aperture
● 60mm focal length
● Twisty, swirly blur
● Recommended for use on full frame cameras
● Available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sony E mounts
● 4 elements in 3 groups
● Filter threads: 46mm
● Black anodized body with gold anodized aperture ring
● Minimum focus distance – 18”

Availability
Twist 60 lens retails for $279.95 and is available via pre-order beginning April 12, 2016 (shipping May 5th, 2016). Twist 60 Optic will also be sold separately for use with other Lensbaby Optic Swap System-compatible lenses. It retails for $179.95. For best results, when using it in a tilting Lensbaby such as the Composer Pro, photographers should shoot with Twist 60 pointed straight ahead. Lensbaby products are available at lensbaby.com, B&H, Adorama, and from select specialty photo stores worldwide.

About Lensbaby
For over a decade, photographers have relied on Portland, Oregon based Lensbaby to help them break free of routine, tinker, and open themselves up to unexpected results – dancing, playing and delighting in what’s possible with a creative lens and their imagination.

Lensbaby makes award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories that follow this philosophy, including the Velvet 56, a versatile portrait and macro lens; their unique Optic Swap System, which lets photographers swap their optic and tilt their lens for limitless effects; and mobile lenses that transform everyday smartphone photography. Lensbaby products are sold and distributed worldwide. For more information, visit www.lensbaby.com

Lensbaby Twist 60: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Canon Digital Photo Professional 4.4.30 (DPP) available for download (and new version of Picture Style Editor and EOS Utility)

canon rumors

Thanks Matt!

The latest release of Canon’s RAW processing software, Digital Photo Professional 4.4.30, is available for download. Along with the usual bug fixes etc, these are the changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.4.30:

Newly supported PowerShot G7 X Mark II, EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS Kiss X80 / EOS REBEL T6 / EOS 1300D, EOS 80D, EOS Kiss X4 / EOS REBLE T2i / EOS 550D, EOS Kiss X3 / EOS REBEL T1i / EOS 500D, EOS Kiss X2 / EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi / EOS 450D, EOS Kiss F / EOS DIGITAL REBEL XS / EOS 1000D, EOS 50D, EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1D Mark III, PowerShot G16, PowerShot S120, PowerShot G1 X. – Supports EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

It appears Canon added some new features, like diffraction correction (more info here) and updated user interface and handling.

On the same download page you may also donwload new releases of EOS Utility and Picture Style Editor.