Do The Canon EOS-1D X (and 1D C) Have An Autofocus Issue In Cold Weather?

EOS-1D X

It seems they have, at least the Canon EOS-1D X ([shoplink 4119]price & specs[/shoplink]). And since the EOS-1D C shares the same mechanical structure of the mirror box, the EOS-1D C may be affected too.

That’s what Canon Rumors is reporting, both in their forum and citing a notice they got from an anonymous source. Note that there is no official Canon statement so far. The notice, which looks pretty much like an internal memo and dates back to 2013, says:

Symptom:
Camera “does not autofocus”, “does not search in AF”, or “does not focus in AF search” depending on the reporter or the camera settings; specifically, the focus cannot be achieved in low temperatures (under 0 degree Celsius).

Cause:
This phenomenon is due to the Locking Claw of the Sub Mirror (mirror for AF) going over the Locking Pin. The Sub Mirror’s angle becomes deviated and the light rays for AF does not fall on the AF sensors, causing the “does not autofocus” phenomenon.

Reading the rest of the text it seems as if Canon knows of the issue. There are two passes that are significant:

If the user complains about this specific phenomenon (does not autofocus in low temperature), replace the Mirror Box Ass’y with the ones to be shipped in the future (CY3-1661-010 or CY3-1687-010)

and

Handling of general repairs: If the user does not mention this phenomenon, please handle as normal repair.

Which simply means Canon will not recall the affected batches but rather repair them only if the customer reports the issue. Let’s wait for an official Canon advisory.

[via CR]

Canon Announces New Run-And-Gun XF205 And XF200 Professional Camcorders

XF205
Canon XF205
Canon XF200

Canon today announced two new professional camcorders, the XF205 and the XF200. There is a hands-on by Canon Explorer of Light Phil Coates and a Canon Professional Network article about the new camcorders.

Canon has expanded its professional video range with the launch of the XF205 and XF200 – two compact video cameras that deliver powerful features, professional functionality and high levels of image quality for a wide range of camera operators.

Building on the blueprint of Canon’s highly successful XF105 and XF100, the new models have been enhanced to reflect feedback from professionals working in a variety of fields. Further extending the XF range, both the XF205 and XF200 offer even greater versatility with a more powerful Canon HD Video System, numerous recording modes, wireless connectivity and an enhanced operational design – providing users with greater freedom to shoot, view and distribute their footage during assignments.

 

New Canon XF205 And XF200 Professional Camcorders Deliver Ideal Performance For Run-And-Gun, Cinéma Vérité Filmmakers

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 2, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the introduction of the compact Canon XF205 and XF200 Professional Camcorders, building on technologies carried over from the XA25 and XA20 Professional Camcorders and offering improved performance and enhanced operability in response to industry feedback.

Positioned above the XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorder models, the new Canon XF205 and XF200 Professional Camcorders are equipped with the upgraded zoom lens, CMOS sensor and image-processing platform featured in the XA25/XA20 High Definition Camcorders. The new camcorders have a compact, lightweight body design, advanced operability and expanded network connectivity, satisfying a wide range of professional shooting demands from the production of high-definition content for news gathering, documentaries, weddings and event videography.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon Announces Free Software Upgrade for the EOS C500 Camera that Delivers Greatly Enhanced Efficiency

 

Canon press release:

Canon Announces Free Software Upgrade for the EOS C500 Camera that Delivers Greatly Enhanced Efficiency with Intel® Iris™ Pro Graphics-Powered PCS

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 2, 2014 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, shared today that its parent company, Canon Inc., announced a software upgrade for the EOS C500 digital cinema camera (launched in October 2012), part of Canon’s Cinema EOS System lineup of professional digital cinematography products, that will enable users to more efficiently on-set production workflows. The Company plans to offer the free-of-charge Cinema RAW Development software upgrade* starting in October 2014.

 

 

 EOS C500

The new Cinema RAW Development 1.3 software, currently under development, will deliver enhanced shooting workflows, including the on-set playback and confirmation of 4K RAW video, when using the EOS C500 camera.

Through collaboration with Intel, Cinema RAW Development 1.3 will deliver improved performance using a beta version of the Intel Media SDK 2014 Professional Camera Pack, making possible faster development of 4K Cinema RAW data when using a PC equipped with Intel Iris Pro graphics. Canon’s software upgrade will support greater workflow efficiencies for 4K RAW data by enabling real-time playback with playback speeds of up to 24 frames per second (fps). To date, previewing 4K RAW video footage on a notebook PC and other compact computer devices had been difficult because of the slow fps rate and the need for tremendous processing power, which was only available with a workstation PC. Now, with a combination of upgrades to Canon’s Cinema RAW Development 1.3 software, compatible with the Intel Media SDK 2014 Professional Camera Pack, and a PC with Intel Iris Pro graphics, Canon users will be able to more quickly preview their 4K video footage while on a shoot.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon Announces HJ18ex7.6B Portable HD Eng Lens (HDTV News Gathering)

HJ18ex7.6B

Canon Professional Network article is here.

Canon press release:

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The HJ18ex7.6B Portable HD Eng Lens, Delivering Outstanding Optical Performance And Operability, And Affordability For HDTV News Gathering

New Compact Portable HD Lens for 2/3-Inch Imager Cameras Features High Peripheral Resolution, First-Class Magnification, Focal Length, MOD, and a New Drive Unit

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 2, 2014 – With an impressive design and competitive price, the new HJ18ex7.6B portable HD zoom lens from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, delivers superb optical quality and versatile operability, improving on the performance of its widely used predecessor, the HJ17ex7.6B lens. Utilizing a generous focal length range of 7.6mm to 137mm (15.2mm to 274mm with its built-in 2X extender) and a Minimum Object Distance (MOD) of 0.56m (10mm with Macro), this new member of Canon’s family of HD portable lenses enables shots to be taken four centimeters closer than with rival lens models, an advantage for camera operators working in tight locations such as studio spaces or on-site home-improvement reality television locations.

Designed with broadcast news gathering in mind, the HJ18ex7.6B portable HD zoom lens features an advanced new optical design that helps ensure high-peripheral resolution and contrast from its closest subject-focusing distance out to over 19 feet. This enables news shooters to capture “head and shoulders” shots from distances further away than previously possible with comparable ENG lenses. A new design for the Digital Drive Unit provides additional advantages including a more comfortable hand grip, simple display-based operations for improved operability, greater digital precision for integration with virtual studio systems, and reduced power consumption compared to predecessor Canon models.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Canon Announces New Versatile CINE-SERVO Lens (17-120mm T2.95, with 4K performance)

CINE-SERVO Lens

There is also a Canon Professional Network article about the new CINE-SERVO lens:

Canon has expanded its Cinema EOS System with the launch of the CN7x17 KAS S – its first-ever cinema lens to feature a servo drive unit, designed for broadcast and handheld use with large sensor cameras.

The CN7x17 KAS S has been created for the world of TV production – a fast-paced, mobile environment for which conventional Super 35mm format cine lenses were not designed. To support operators in this field, Canon’s new cine-servo lens combines decades of experience in the design of market-leading broadcast lenses with technology derived from its high-performance cine zooms – creating a tool of unprecedented quality, versatility and usability.

Canon press release:

New Versatile CINE-SERVO Zoom Lens from Canon Provides High-Optical Performance and Operation for ENG, Documentary and Narrative Productions

New Canon CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 Zoom Lens Features 4K Optical Performance, a Dynamic 17-120mm Focal Length Range, and Removable Digital Drive Unit for Cine-Style or Shoulder-Mounted Operation

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 2, 2014 – Shallow, creative depth of field, high-resolution and optimal low-light shooting capabilities are just some of the many reasons that large, single-sensor digital cameras have been kitted and rigged for use in nearly every application involving video capture. Further enhancing the versatility and adoption of these cameras into markets such as ENG (Electronic News Gathering), documentary, narrative production and special event coverage is the new CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions.

Designed to perform in a shoulder-mounted application or as a traditional cinema lens, the Canon CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens has an ENG-style Digital Drive handgrip with zoom rocker switch, which can also be detached to allow for manual cinema operation. The new CINE-SERVO lens features high 4K optical performance throughout the broad focal length of 17mm to 120mm within its compact and lightweight body, a three-group inner focus system to help minimize focus breathing and provide a stable angle of view, an 11-blade iris to help achieve creative depth-of-field manipulation and natural “bokeh” background, user-friendly design features, support for matte boxes, follow focus and other accessories, and rugged reliability. Designed to work with single-sensor cameras, the lens will be available in either PL- or EF-mount.

Click here to open the rest of the article