Canon develops own video format targeting 4K professional video camcorders (XF-AVC)

Canon Rumor

After having announced the Canon XC10 and the EOS C300 Mark II, both feature 4k video, Canon introduces also an in-house developed video format, XF-AVC.

Canon press release:

Canon develops own video format targeting 4K professional video camcorders

TOKYO, April 8, 2015—Canon Inc. announced today the development of XF-AVC, a new proprietary video format for the efficient recording of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video footage. Mainly targeting professional-use 4K video camcorders, XF-AVC will deliver enhanced workflows across various stages of the production process, from shooting to editing.

In recent years, the widespread use of digital data in cinema and video has become commonplace throughout the entire production workflow. Accordingly, amid growing demand for high-image-quality video, there have been increasing opportunities to record in 4K resolution video, which employs more than four times the number of pixels used in HD content. In light of this trend, Canon developed its XF-AVC video format to support greater workflow efficiency and convenience during the production process for high-image-quality video.

The new Canon XF-AVC is a standard that defines each recording method for the visual and audio data components that make up individual video files. Because XF-AVC employs the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression format, which realizes a high data-compression rate without sacrificing image quality, it supports the efficient recording on memory cards of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video content captured on video camcorders. As a result, not only can external storage and other equipment required during shooting be kept compact, because it enables the recording of high-image-quality video data, the format also facilitates color grading and other high-precision editing processes.

Canon will employ XF-AVC primarily in the Company’s 4K-compatible professional-use video camcorders, such as the XC10 (to go on sale in mid June 2015) and EOS C300 Mark II (to go on sale in early September 2015). Additionally, by collaborating with various industry manufacturers in connection with the new video format, Canon will deliver improved ease and convenience during cinema and video production workflows for high-image-quality video.

XF-AVC: Primary specifications

Resolution Bitrate Color sample Intra Frame2
/ Long GOP3		 File format Compression format
4K 4096 x 2160 10 bit
8 bit		 4:2:2 Intra Frame MXF MPEG-4
AVC/H.264
3840 x 2160
2K/HD 2048 x 1080 12 bit
10 bit
8 bit		 4:4:44
4:2:2
4:2:0		 Intra Frame5
/ Long GOP
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720 8 bit 4:2:2

Canon EOS C300 Mark II Announced (has 4k, costs $16,000)

c300_2x

The EOS C300 Mark II – Stunning 4K quality, creativity and versatility

London, UK, 8 April 2014 – Canon today unveils the EOS C300 Mark II, a new 4K video camera allowing filmmakers and broadcast producers to realise their creative vision in stunning cinematic detail. Building on the unprecedented success of the acclaimed EOS C300, the more rugged EOS C300 Mark II features an advanced imaging engine with dual DIGIC DV5 processors, new professional codecs and outstanding dynamic range, making it the most capable, flexible and accessible Cinema EOS video camera to date.

EOS C300 Mark II

With the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 files internally at up to 410Mbps in 4K, or 10/12-bit 4:4:4 files in 2K/Full HD, with up to 15 stops of dynamic range, the EOS C300 Mark II provides footage suitable for extensive post-production work, producing crisper images across the full colour spectrum with reduced “colour bleed”. The camera offers professional filmmakers and broadcasters alike the very best image quality, recording 4K in both broadcast (3840 x 2160) and DCI cinematic (4096 x 2160) resolutions.

The EOS C300 Mark II can record high bitrate 4K files internally to dual CFast 2.0™¹ media, while simultaneously recording 4K RAW files to an external recorder, offering the flexibility and universal appeal for production at the highest quality available today. Additionally, the ability to record 2K/Full HD Proxy files to an internal SD card, at the same time, further streamlines the production workflow process.

The new Canon-designed Super 35mm CMOS sensor and an increased ISO range up to ISO 102,400 deliver exceptional low light performance, allowing operators to capture low-noise footage across a variety of challenging environments without compromising on image quality.

To meet the requirements of a diverse range of shooting applications, the EOS C300 Mark II offers both full manual control, ideal for cinematic environments, as well as automatic modes. These include, enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF (now covering approx. 80% of the frame vertically and 80% horizontally), auto white balance and Face Detection AF, all making it easier for independent news gatherers and documentary filmmakers to shoot on the go.

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Full Canon XC10 specs now released in Japan – Update

Bildschirmfoto 2015-04-08 um 09.53.20

And here it is the new Canon X10! It’s a 12MP 4K camera that is going to ship in mid June in Japan.

And those are the google translated info from the Japanese press text:

Edit: in the meantime we have the English press text. The XC10 will be available starting June 2015, and will sell for around $2,000.

Canon premieres the XC10 – a breakthrough compact 4K video and stills camcorder

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 8 April 2015 – Canon today unveils the XC10 – a compact, lightweight video and digital stills camera that brings professional 4K quality to aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts. Inheriting many of the Cinema EOS range’s features, the XC10 offers incredible recording versatility and is the ideal solution as a small, stand-alone camera for independent film makers or the perfect accompaniment as a supporting B camera in larger productions.

Unleashing 4K recording for enthusiasts
Boasting outstanding market leading image quality, traditionally associated with larger cameras, as well as the flexibility and ease of use of traditional compact camcorders, the XC10 delivers consistently breath-taking results. Its advanced imaging engine – a powerful combination of a specially developed 1” CMOS sensor and Canon’s new DIGIC DV5 image processor – gives both budding filmmakers or experienced pros the blistering speed and quality they demand to capture 4K video, at a wide range of variable bit rates.

Able to fit seamlessly into workflows, or productions with existing Cinema EOS cameras, the XC10 can record UHDTV standard (3840 x 2160) 4K footage to an internal CFast 2.0™¹ card at up to 305Mbps, or Full HD (1920 x 1080) footage to an SD card at up to 50Mbps, with pro-standard 4:2:2 colour sampling for high resolution performance.

The XC10 delivers rich colour, synonymous with Cinema EOS cameras, with a high ISO of up to 20,000, ensuring excellent results in low light conditions, and a 12-stop Wide Dynamic Range, providing vivid detail in both highlights and shadows.

Shooters have the freedom to capture a diverse range of scenes in professional 4K quality using a specially developed 10x optical zoom lens, complete with Canon’s class-leading image stabilisation technology. With a versatile 27.3-273mm focal range (35mm equivalent, in video mode) videographers can easily switch between capturing sweeping scenes, to intimate close ups with a single lens. Pros and enthusiasts alike can change between movie recording and still image shooting, capturing high quality 12.0 MP images, or extracting 8.29 MP stills from 4K video footage.

xc10

Uncompromising design, optimised for easy shooting
The XC10 redefines the boundaries of advanced compact camcorder design, with a body that’s instantly intuitive to use. Once in your hand, you’ll find a rotating grip that supports a variety of shooting styles, as well as essential feature controls at your fingertips, including a manual zoom and focusing ring. Designed to match any shooting preference, the camcorder features a 7.66cm vari-angle touch LCD, with 100% field coverage, providing direct access to the menu system through a simple set of cross keys, while an included optical loupe viewfinder, that fits the LCD, offers a more traditional shooting experience.

Fostering creativity with expert workflows
Professional videographers can easily integrate the XC10 into existing production kits and workflows, thanks to its portfolio of professional standard codecs and recording modes. Canon’s new XF-AVC H.264 codec supports recording in both 4K and Full HD quality, enabling easy integration into industry- standard Non-Linear Edit systems. Canon Log Gamma also enables maximum freedom in post-production editing and processing and seamless quality matching with content shot on Cinema EOS cameras. Additionally, videographers can freely shoot in 4K, and later down convert to Full HD, to create a higher quality end product, and enable greater flexibility in the editing process.

A selection of slow and fast motion recording modes – including up to 1200x fast motion in 4K/Full HD, and up to1/4x slow motion in HD – as well as interval shooting provide further creative opportunities.

The XC10 is also Wi-Fi compatible; enabling remote control of key features via a browser, smartphone or tablet – securing its position as an essential part of any Cinema EOS video shooter’s toolkit.

XC10 Key benefits:

Stunning 4K video and 12MP stills from one compact camera
High bit rate XF-AVC files, great for post production
Seamlessly integrate with professional workflows
Get creative with fast and slow motion recording
Built-in Wi-Fi for easy browser/smart device control

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Canon EOS 5Ds Hands-on with Peter Hurley

In this 8 minutes video, Peter Hurley reviews the upcoming Canon 5DS, a 50 megapixel studio camera that rivals medium format (via Resource Magazine).

Canon’s new EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R are available for pre-order. Demand wil be high, be sure to make your pre-order as soon as possible in order to get it in June when it ships.

More about the EOS 5DS and 5DS R. Canon Asia posted a two part article about the new EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R: [Part 1] Appearance and New Features, [Part 2] Enhancements Seen from the Product Specs. EOS 5DS and 5DS R previews and hands-on: Canon Japan’s EOS 5DS image and video samples and EOS 5DS R image samples. EOS 5DS and 5DS R preview at Photography Blog, hands-on and sample pics at ephotozine, preview at DPReview, CPN Europe Article, The Digital Picture. A tip about which lenses are best for the EOS 5DS at The Phoblographer. A more technical and in-depth article by CPN. First impression from the videographer’s point of view at EOSHD. Fotosidan interview with Mike Burnhill at CPS, Canon Europe to talk about the upcoming, high resolution Canon Eos 5Ds and 5Ds R (12min video). Hands-on video in Italian. Hands-on video in German.

Image: Canon

Lensbaby announce Velvet 56, a new high-end classic portrait lens

Lens baby announced Velvet 56, a 56mm f/1.6 SLR and mirrorless camera lens with 1:2 macro capabilities. The Velvet 56 retails for $499.95 and $599.95 for Velvet SE. The lenses will be available beginning 4/13/15

PORTLAND, OR and ST. LOUIS, MO–(Marketwired – Apr 7, 2015) –(ShutterFest 2015) — Lensbaby, providing creative effects lenses to photographers that ignite their creativity and expand their unique visions of the world, today announced the Velvet 56, a new high-end classic portrait lens. Velvet 56 will be on display for the first time during ShutterFest 2015, being held April 7-8 at St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, Missouri.

Velvet 56 is a 56mm f/1.6 SLR and mirrorless camera lens with 1:2 macro capabilities. This “new classic” portrait lens delivers a velvety, glowing, ethereal look at brighter apertures, and beautifully sharp but subtly unique images as you stop down — with gorgeous, velvety tones that give digital images a film-like, organic quality. Incredibly versatile, Velvet 56 enables photographers to move seamlessly from shooting an environmental portrait, to capturing details in a subject’s clothing or jewelry. Nature and macro photographers will find its close-focus capabilities, combined with effects varying from impressionistic to just a touch of velvety smoothness, provide a set of visual tools that will expand their vision of the world.

Evoking the image style and construction quality of classic portrait lenses of the mid-20th century, Velvet 56 features the heft and smooth, dampened manual focus of these early lenses. Velvet 56, with an all metal body, will be available in two colors: traditional black, plus, Velvet SE, a special silver edition. Velvet SE will feature a beautiful clear-anodized finish, along with engraved aperture and focus markings.

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Canon to sponsor 23rd World Scout Jamboree

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Canon press release:

Canon to sponsor 23rd World Scout Jamboree

TOKYO, April 7, 2015—Canon Inc. announced today that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Scout Association of Japan to become a Platinum Sponsor1 of the 23rd World Scout Jamboree,2 which kicks off on July 28, 2015, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Canon will support the 23rd World Scout Jamboree through a contribution as a Platinum Sponsor, the event’s highest sponsorship ranking, along with product loans and other assistance.

The Company will host a booth at the World Scout Jamboree’s program venue, with plans to allow participants to pose for commemorative photos captured using Canon cameras, which will be output on the spot by Canon printers and given as souvenirs. The Company will also launch a photo gallery on the World Scout Jamboree’s homepage to share photos captured from the camping grounds, from which participants can view, download and print their favorite photographs both during and after the conclusion of the event.

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