Understanding How Canon Cinema RAW Works

The Canon Digital Learning Center published a in-depth article (updated) about how Canon’s Cinema RAW works. From the introduction:

As digital cinema camera technologies continue to evolve, one pattern has clearly emerged as the new flavor of our time: recording RAW camera sensor data. With the emergence of powerful post-production workstations, it makes theoretical sense that one would want to record all the unprocessed data the camera sensor has to offer and deliver it to post-production to process that data and create the final images we seek. Yet, in reality, the methodologies of implementing these steps seem as varied as the cameras themselves, suggesting that there are other factors at play that influence this seemingly straightforward concept.

Canon Patent for 17-55mm and 18-55mm STM Lenses (new kit lenses?)

Untitled

Egami (translated) found a patent filed by Canon that appears to refer to new kit lenses: 17-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM. s you can see both lenses feature Canon’s newer STM (stepping motor) technology to drive the lens. STM is almost silent when operating, hence useful for videography.

  • Patent Publication No. 2014-21258
    • Publication date 2014.2.3
    • Filing date 2012.7.18
  • Example 2
    • Zoom ratio 2.92
    • Focal length f = 18.50-32.89-54.00mm
    • Fno. 3.49-4.39-5.80
    • Half angle ω = 36.44-22.55-14.20 °
    • Image height Y = 13.66mm
    • 119.77-110.06-120.23mm overall length of the lens
    • BF 37.98-52.51-74.3mm
  • Example 3
    • Zoom ratio 3.09
    • Focal length f = 17.50-32.05-54.00mm
    • Fno. 3.47-4.38-5.80
    • Half angle ω = 37.97-23.08-14.20 °
    • Image height Y = 13.66mm
    • 119.55-108.81-118.68mm overall length of the lens
    • BF 36.59-51.53-73.93mm
  • Canon patents
    • 4-group zoom of positive and negative positive negative
    • Inner folder – Kas (Group 3)
    • The fourth lens unit can also be used for anti-vibration

Canon Cinema Lenses On Set and Behind the Scenes

Interesting video from Canon Pro’s Vimeo Channel. Description:

Around the world, noted filmmakers choose Canon Cine and EF lenses to bring their work to light. In this compilation of interviews and behind the scenes footage, these directors, cinematographers, documentary and commercial shooters share their experiences with Canon glass, from EFs, high-end zooms, zooms, compact zooms, and now the complete family of prime lenses.

Canon’s Cinema lenses are expensive toys, but deliver outstanding performance.

[via TDP]

Sigma Will Release 2 MTF Charts For Lens Measurement

Sigma press release:

Sigma Corporation of America to Release Two MTF Charts for Measurement of Lenses

Company releases the data of Geometric and Diffraction MTF charts for Global Vision Lenses

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., — February 3, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced that the company will now release a Geometrical MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) chart in addition to a Diffraction MTF chart when measuring the performance of all new Global Vision lenses.

MTF charts are important because they help photographers better understand the optical quality of lenses. Sigma has traditionally released Diffraction MTF data because it takes the diffraction quality of light into consideration, which can dramatically affect the data outcome. Diffracted light exists at every aperture, giving photographers a more accurate measurement of how the lens will perform in real life. Although Geometric MTF data is easier to measure and calculate since it does not consider the diffraction quality of light, it tends to show higher values in the graph and less defined results.

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Canon Going To Attend The Photography Show in March 2014

Canon UK press release:

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 3rd February 2014 – Canon, world-leader in imaging solutions, will be attending The Photography Show 2014 with an aim to excite everybody with a passion for photography. With talks from special guests, access to Canon experts and a vast interactive display of innovative products, Canon is set to bring photography to life (Stand B10). Hear first-hand and delve into the journeys of seasoned professionals that have been operating in the industry for years. Learn of their experiences and tips with talks from Canon photographers across different areas of the show, including:

  • Jeff Ascough, Wedding Photographer & Canon Ambassador, at The Student Conference
  • Clive Booth, Fashion Photographer & Canon Explorer, at The Catwalk
  • David Noton, Landscape Photographer & Canon Explorer, at The Studio
  • Danny Green, Wildlife Photographer & Canon Explorer, at The Studio
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