Interview with Chuck Westfall about Canon XC10 (no raw and EVF to keep costs down)

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Canon´s Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor for Canon U.S.A.’s Professional Engineering and Solutions Division, gave an interview to DPReview during NAB 2015. The main topic being Canon´s new XC10. Some excerpts:

Q: Some of our readers were disappointed that the XC10 was a fixed lens camera. What drove that particular design choice?

A: It’s important to remember that part of the story of this camera is to reduce the size, weight, and cost. With those goals in mind, the idea of having a fixed lens is really quite complimentary to the goals of the camera, while at the same time providing the most versatile focal length range possible. A fixed lens solution really makes that possible. Also, other factors such as keeping the sensor clean in the field were important as well.

[…]

Q: Why did Canon choose to use a 12MP sensor? Was there a specific reason for that choice?

A: Yes, absolutely. One of the things that we looked at when developing this camera was how to achieve the best balance between still and video image quality by reducing the resolution somewhat compared to a conventional still camera. What we’re able to do is increase the performance of this camera in low light. The noise levels are quite good right up to its limit, and with a 1” sensor that can become an issue. Also, for most of the users of this camera 12MP is a good range in terms of resolution. It can be used to make a large print, and is more than adequate for anything that will be shown online.

Mr. Westfall also said that the XC10 doesn’t have raw video and a built-in EVF “for cost reasons“.

Head over to DPReview to read the full interview –>

Canon’s new, 4k and WiFi enabled, XC10 camera (announcement) sells for $2,499 and is available for pre-order at B&H Photo | Adorama. Canon XC10 specs:

  • 4K Wide-Angle 10x Zoom Lens with Image
  • 12 Megapixel One-Inch 4K-Compatible CMOS Image Sensor
  • DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor
  • XF-AVC Codec for 4K 30p and Full HD 60p
  • Multiple Recording Modes and Frame Rates
  • Slow and Fast Motion Recording
  • Exceptional Still Capture Capability
  • High Speed Dual Pixel AF with Face Detection
  • CFast 4K Recording Technology
  • Canon Log and Wide Dynamic Range Gamma
  • Image Settings Compatible with Cinema EOS Cameras
  • Compact and Ergonomic Design
  • Wireless Operation
  • Workflow Versatility
  • Compatible with Multiple Canon Accessories

New firmware for Canon EOS 7D Mark II coming next week?

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This comes from the CR forum. According to the user, Canon is trying to solve an AF issue with a new firmware:

Called [Canon] to ask what’s up and got a fairly intresting update: They have changed the mirror box and AF sensor and are still not happy how it performs. They have also narrowed that it is not anything physical that’s causing the AF issues. […] I asked if it was a new firmware and they said that it in fact is a new firmware and it should come in early next week.

This does not necessarily mean Canon will release a public firmware update for the EOS 7D Mark II next week. Sometimes cameras come back from service with a new firmware that will be released to the public later.

[via CR]

Magic Lantern running on Canon EOS 70D – Update

Update: Andrew Reid of EOSHD just tweeted me noting that the EOS 70D with Magic Lantern is the only camera that can deliver raw video and has Dual Pixel AF on board :-) See Andrew’s test video above.

Think Dual Pixel AF and all the raw video goodness. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? Well, it is still an alpha release but it is working.

You can download ML for your [shoplink 14246]Canon EOS 70D[/shoplink] heading over to the ML forum, here. Please take time to read all the instructions and notes, remember this is alpha software, not a final release of the firmware add-on. You need to check the serial number of your 70D to see if you need to download version A or B.

Have fun!

[via EOSHD]

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