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.

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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.

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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.

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Canon USA Opens New Service and Support Center In Midwest Region

Canon USA
Canon U.S.A. Opens New Service And Support Center Exclusively For Imaging Professionals In Midwest Region

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 1, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the expansion of its service facilities with the opening of a new service and support center in Itasca, Ill. This facility, located just outside of Chicago, will provide comprehensive product repair and maintenance of Canon’s professional products to Cinema, Platinum, and Gold level members of Canon’s Professional Services (CPS) program, and owners of Canon professional broadcast lenses.

The Itasca facility features repair and maintenance operations for Canon’s extensive lineup of professional cameras, including Cinema EOS and EOS Digital SLR cameras, high-definition camcorders, and all of Canon’s lenses, including EF series photography lenses, Cinema lenses and broadcast lenses. Repair operations at the facility include four state-of-the-art camera body and lens adjustment rooms, Canon’s most advanced adjustment and calibration equipment, spare parts inventory, and experienced repair staff.

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Canon Announces The EOS-1D W – The Canon DSLR For Wildlife Photography

EOS-1D W
Image via TDP

Canon announced the Canon EOS-1D W, a professional DSLR especially thought for wildlife photography. :-)

Canon press release [via TDP]:

CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE NEW CANON EOS-1D W DIGITAL SLR CAMERA, DESIGNED FOR “WILDLIFE”

Featuring Canon’s proven 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, Extreme Fast Shooting up to 24 fps, 39.9-Megapixel Near-Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity up to 204800, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, Full HD Video Recording, Extreme-Durability Camouflage Finish, Development Announcement of EF 200-600mm f/4 L W IS USM/STM Lens

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 1, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. once again shows its leadership in digital imaging by introducing the Canon EOS-1D W “Wildlife” Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D W is the world’s first professional DSLR designed specifically for the needs of wildlife photographers and videographers. A new addition to Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D W is a progressive EOS-1D series camera based on the EOS-1D X, but loaded with exciting new features.

According to Sakuichi Ishizukara, Canon’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., “Wildlife photographers make up a large percentage of DSLR camera users. These photographers have specific needs – needs that have long been overlooked.”

“That the new Canon EOS-1D W is going to revolutionize wildlife photography is unquestionable” says Martyn Culbreck after 3 months of field testing the new camera. Mr. Culbreck is the Director of Photography for BBC’s upcoming “Planet Life” series. “We spend weeks waiting for the an animal to be in the right position. When that perfect moment arrives, we cannot risk any camera-related issues causing a missed shot. The EOS-1D W is a game changer. It never misses.”

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