Canon EOS C300 Gets Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus Upgrade

Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus

The amazing Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus technology Canon first implemented on the EOS 70D is now available on the Canon EOS C300.

Canon press release:

Available soon from Canon will be an accredited Canon service center installed feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Digital Video Camera that will offer an autofocus mode to help ensure sharp focus and smooth focus transitions. The upgrade provides a new Continuous AF (Autofocus) Function for all Canon EF autofocus Lenses, using Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. A new AF Lock setting also lets you change the image framing while holding the desired focus. These critical focusing capabilities are designed to help reduce out of focus video while providing for smooth focus transitions and assist users when operating with small crews.

The accredited Canon service center installed feature upgrade for the EOS C300 camera is targeted at users who regularly shoot with smaller crews, who shoot moving subjects, or who want smoother, more natural-looking autofocus. Specific markets include documentary filmmakers, electronic news gathering, sports productions, weddings and similar special events, nature and wildlife, and many others.

To use and enjoy this milestone technology by Canon you don’t have to break your bank and get a $14,000 C300, it’s already available on the prosumer-oriented Canon EOS 70D. I am using the EOS 70D everyday while on the road in India (together with the awesome Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM). I am working on a review while abroad, first samples shot with the EOS 70D and the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 can be seen here.

Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus
Canon EOS C300

(Update) Next Canon APS-C Flagship Will Come For Photokina, Prototypes Tested At 2014 FIFA World Cup

 

Canon APS-C Flagship
Fake EOS 7D Mark II (mock-up)

Little correction: the source contacted me again. Not prototypes are tested during 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but preproduction models undergoing last tests (in the field). I think it’s more about firmware fine-tuning or similar issues.

I have been told (thanks) that selected photographers will test prototypes ofthe upcoming Canon EOS 7D replacement during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brasil. The source (known to me) also told me that the EOS 7D replacement will be announced for Photokina 2014. Apparently Canon is going to announce a pro-grade APS-C camera, and wants to be sure to do everything right.

It is still not sure if the EOS 7D replacement will be called “EOS 7D Mark II”. According to my information it will not be named that way. The high-level video features rumored previously have been confirmed by the source. I still have no hints about the rumored hybrid viewfinder, though none of my source has ever told me that it will not be featured on Canon’s next APS-C flagship.

The EOS 7D (price & specs) has been announced in september 2009. If Canon announces the replacement for Photokina 2014, that would be 5 years after the 7D. A long time, and some people starts wondering if Canon will ever announce a new APS-C flagship. I think they will. Canon has the knowledge and the research facilities to produce a milestone APS-C camera. If only they want to do.

However, be aware that all the EOS 7D replacement rumors I and others reported so far are pretty vague, and sometimes contradicting. For me there is only one sure thing: Canon will announce a new APS-C flagship. Eventually.