Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera 4K Video Movie

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with EF 50mm f/1.4 lens

* * *  Download the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Instruction Manual now  * * *

Canon announced the EOS-1D X's replacement, the Mark II camera on February 1. The camera will start delivery some time next month. Below is a 4K video from Canon shot with the new camera. You can also see the high dynamic range test with the camera here.

I am very anxious to take delivery of this body and take it on real world wildlife photography shoots around the globe. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

How To Shoot Slow Motion Video With Your Camera

Canon Ending EOS-5D Mark III Production. Replacement On Its Way

Canon has announced the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-80D cameras last month, with deliveries scheduled for April. Attention is now focused on the replacement to the EOS-5D Mark III. Canon is winding down the production of the old camera in favor of the upcoming EOS-5D Mark IV or EOS-5D X, depending on which name they finally decide to use.

Unlike the flagship EOS-1D X Mark II, the EOS-5D Mark IV camera may not command a stand alone event, so it will most probably be announced around NAB 2016, coming up on April 16 - 21. NAB is primarily a trade show for videographers and broadcasters. Canon will be showcasing their Cinema EOS products like the C500 Mark II camera with 8K video. The next EOS-5D will have 4K video.

There are a lot of chatter out there on the EOS-5D Mark III's replacement. Some are simply without merit (designed to grab attention) and not worth mentioning. My best estimate is Canon will now announce the new camera around the NAB 2016 Show.

Below are the latest possible specs I have on the EOS-5D (Mark IV or X). Keep checking back. More to come . . . . . .

• New 28MP Sensor
• DIGIC 6+ Processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
• 61 point AF system (same as EOS-1D X Mark II)
• Burst rate of 8 to 10 fps
• Comes with WiFi and GPS
• Canon Log and Wide DR gamut
• Equipped with SD and CFast memory slots
• Improved material and ergonomics 
• May come with tilting touchscreen LCD
• Equipped to shoot 4K video 
• Maybe called EOS-5D X
• Likely announcement date - Q2 2016.
• List price - around $3,599 in the U.S.

SDA Introduces Fastest Video Speed Class at CP+ Show 2016

SAN RAMON and PACIFICO YOKOHAMA, Japan - Feb. 25, 2016 - The SD Association (SDA), a global ecosystem of companies setting industry-leading memory card standards, today launched its fastest speed class, Video Speed Class, which also delivers real-time multi-file recording for many applications and supports the highest video resolutions and qualities available today. With Video Speed Class, 4K, 8K, 3D and 360 degree video recordings are now assured and accessible to consumers and professionals alike.

Consumers will easily capture memories at their devices’ best quality by following device manufacturer recommendations and matching the Video Speed Class mark on their device to an SD memory card with the same Video Speed Class mark. The new marks will appear on SDHC and SDXC UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards.

The new Video Speed Class maintains the tradition of ensuring guaranteed minimum performance levels as the familiar Speed Class and UHS Speed Class systems do today. Minimum speeds will range from 6MB to 90 MB per second.

The fastest options, V60 and V90, support 8K resolution, while V6, V10 and V30 capture high-definition and 4K resolution. All speed classes guarantee minimum video recording speeds to ensure smooth video playback, so actual recording performance may be even faster.

“With Video Speed Class, SD device and memory card manufacturers can offer the highest-quality video recording to consumers and professionals that keep pace with the awesome video resolutions not only offered today, but anticipated tomorrow,” said Brian Kumagai, president of the SDA. “New products leveraging the capabilities of Video Speed Class will be based on the high storage capacities offered by SDHC and SDXC memory cards.” Video Speed Class, part of the latest SD 5.0 specification, gives SD manufacturers flexibility in using the latest flash memory technology to support a range of current and expected video applications. SDA anticipates and encourages market transition to the newly introduced Video Speed Class as the choice for future applications. The SDA expects video recording device and card manufacturers will offer the first products supporting Video Speed Class soon.

Video Speed Class marks will be located on supporting devices and memory cards, product manuals or packages so consumers will know what type of card should match their device, assuring their video is recorded at their devices’ highest quality with the best playback.

SD Association Speed Classes March 2016

A new white paper, “Video Speed Class: The new capture protocol of SD 5.0,” outlines how the latest SD specification enables Video Speed Class. Download the white paper here.

Visit the SD Association at CP+2016 in Booth G-O6 Thursday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, Feb. 28, to discuss the Video Speed Class for the next SD memory cards and video recording devices. SDA members will also demonstrate applications currently in the market, including UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards and devices, wireless SD memory card data transfers, TransferJet technology and more.

Nikon D5 Coming To CES 2016 in Las Vegas?

* * *  See how the Nikon D5 stack up against the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II  * * *

A few days ago, Nikon officially announced the development of the D5 camera. End of story. No more information was provided. Their top-of-the-line D4 camera was announced at the CES in 2012.

Perhaps Nikon is deliberately coy about the D5 announcement to generate more excitement. If history is any guide, they may just announced the D5 at the CES 2016 in January in Las Vegas. Canon is expected to announce their EOS-1D X Mark II camera after Nikon, perhaps in mid Q1, 2016.

The rumored Nikon D5 specs :

• New 20MP FX sensor
• New focusing module with larger coverage and 153 AF points
• Native high ISO of 102,400
• 15 fps
• Body design similar to the D4s
• 4K video 60/30fps
• Full HD slow motion

My readers know I have picked the EOS-1D X camera as the best full frame DSLR body three years in a row for sports and wildlife photography. Although the Mark II is scheduled to come out in a few short months, not everyone needs or wants to upgrade to the latest and greatest. There is a seller on eBay selling the 1DX for $3,899. The current model is a fine camera and at almost half the price of the new body, it is really a bargain. I expect the EOS-1D X Mark II to list for just below $7,000.

You will not find a link to this eBay item because I do not accept any ad or commissioned link on my Blog or website and do not recommend any particular company. I am completely unbiased in my reporting and have no conflict of interest. You can easily find the listing on eBay yourself. You can see my works with this camera on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Announced XA30 and XA35 Professional Camcorders

Canon XA 35 HD Camcorder

I have just gotten back from my Polar Bear Photo Tour in the Canadian sub Arctic. Trying to catch up on some Canon photo news when I was away. It was quite a productive trip. The weather was 'milder' than past years and I will be processing the photos when I have a chance to rest up and look at them.

Sydney, Australia, 11 November 2015 – Canon Australia today announces the addition of two handheld video cameras to its X-series, the XA35 (US$3,000) and XA30 (US$2,500). Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, the highly compact and lightweight models feature a newly developed HD CMOS Pro sensor which provides higher sensitivity and improved low-light performance. Both cameras also include new Wide Dynamic Range (DR) and Highlight Priority settings, making them suitable for shooting everything from news and documentaries, to weddings and corporate films.

First-class image quality and video processing performance

Utilising Canon’s heritage in optical expertise and advanced technologies, the newly designed 1/2.84-type 2.91 megapixel HD CMOS Pro sensor has enhanced sensitivity with improved signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, images are crisp and clear, even in low-light environments. Low-light shooting opportunities are further boosted by improved infrared performance, ideal for users capturing nocturnal wildlife or night-time documentaries.

The 20x zoom wide-angle lens offers a 26.8-576mm (35mm equivalent) focal range and employs Canon’s intelligent 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization System with Dynamic IS. The lens also features an 8 blade circular aperture to give enhanced ‘bokeh’.

The XA35 and XA30 features two new settings – Wide DR and Highlight Priority. In Wide DR mode, the cameras are able to achieve 600% dynamic range, resulting in bright images with high contrast that retain detail in both highlight and shadow areas, without the need for post-production. When using the High Priority settings, users are able to produce footage with more natural tones and richer colours, particularly in areas of high brightness1, perfect for scenes with bright skies and reflective surfaces.

Both models also feature slow and fast recording modes, supporting a range of shooting scenarios with interval recording options up to a maximum of 1200x normal speed.

Canon Developing Lightweight 4K Projector

Canon LCOS 4K projector

TOKYO, September 1, 2015 - Canon Inc. announced today that it is developing an LCOS projector capable of displaying 5,000 lumen video and still images at a resolution of 4,096 x 2,400 pixels, a level of definition that surpasses the 4,096 x 2,160 pixel-resolution of 4K digital cinema.

Tracing its beginnings to the movie industry, 4K-resolution content has been gaining traction in the broadcasting industry. Amid ongoing advances in image quality and definition made possible by the introduction of a growing number of 4K production tools, Canon is leveraging its proprietary optical technologies to make its entry into the 4K projector market in 2016.

In addition to growing demand for high-resolution, high-quality imaging performance, there is an increased need for projectors that enable projection from close-range installation locations and offer compatibility with a variety of installation environments to facilitate use in such settings as museums with limited available space, driving and flight simulators, and on the design scene. In response to these needs, Canon is developing the 4K projector as a new model within its Power Projector (REALiS and XEED in other regions) series that not only achieves high brightness and high resolution, but also has a compact and lightweight body to accommodate a range of installation environments.

Equipped with a high-definition 4,096 x 2,400 pixel LCOS panel, the Canon 4K projector under development will support the projection of high-definition content that exceeds the resolution offered by 4K digital cinema. While increases in brightness performance for projectors commonly require larger lamps and cooling systems, resulting in increases in projector body size, Canon’s proprietary AISYS optical system delivers bright 5,000 lumens performance while making possible significant reductions in body size and weight. Additionally, the projector will feature a newly developed 4K wide zoom lens capable of projecting large images from a short throw distance, as well as an optical focusing function that enables the projection of images on curved-surface screens.

Through the further enhancement of its Power Projector series lineup, Canon will strive to respond to the diverse needs of users.

Canon XC-10 4K Digital Camcorder Video

Canon XC-10 4K Digital Camcorder

“Battle of the Ages,” shot on the recently announced Canon XC10 4K digital camcorder, is an action-packed comedy from YouTube filmmaker Scott Winn. Riffing on the 1980s crime drama trope, “Battle of the Ages” features two young thugs who learn the hard way that appearances can be deceiving and age is nothing but a number. 

Scott captured his fearless cast of three professional parkour athletes through an exhilarating chase and an epic fight scene with the XC10 mounted on a Freefly MoVI M5. They also mounted the XC10 on a DJI Spreading Wings S1000 drone with a MoVI gimbal to get a bird’s eye view of all the action. You can see a review of the camera here.

Canon XC10 4K Camcorder Review

Canon XC10 4K camcorder

Canon announced the XC-10 camcorder with 4K capability in April 2015. The video review below from Cinema5D has painted a mix picture of this unusual 'hybrid' camera. Wait for more reviews before you decide. I find this camera interesting but video is not my thing.  

Canon Explains The Science Behind 4K Optics

Real 4K technology goes far beyond the label. Canon 4K optics are born from decades of research and design, creating brilliant, vivid, rich images. And it all begins with the lens.

Canon Developing High-magnification 4K Field Zoom Lens

TOKYO, April 2, 2015 - Canon Inc. announced today the company is currently developing a high-zoom-ratio, long-focal-length field zoom lens that realizes exceptional imaging performance for use with 4K-capable broadcast cameras employing 2/3-inch sensors. Canon will exhibit a prototype of the 4K field zoom lens at the 2015 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show, to be held from April 13 to 16 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.

As 4K-resolution content, which traces its beginnings to the movie-production industry, continues to gain ground in the broadcasting industry, initiatives are currently underway to implement 4K broadcasting in countries around the world with an increasing number of professionals making use of equipment supporting 4K production.

The new 4K field zoom lens is being developed as a new model in Canon’s DIGISUPER series of studio and field broadcasting lenses, which have garnered high acclaim from professionals in the industry. In addition to realizing a high level of imaging performance supporting the capture of 4K-resolution video, the new lens will feature specifications and a body size that ensure a high level of operability and ease of use that are on a par with Canon’s HD broadcast lens models, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including sports and live concert telecasts.

Although details regarding product specifications and pricing are yet to be decided, Canon is aiming to commercialize the 4K field zoom lens in late 2015, positioning it as the first model in the Company’s new UHD-DIGISUPER series of lenses that brings together Canon’s latest optical technologies for use with 4K-capable and other next-generation broadcast cameras. In this way, Canon will continue responding to the needs of a wide range of users by further strengthening its broadcast lens lineup.

Canon 4K Cinema EOS Cameras and Ultra Wide Lens Coming To NAB 2015

Canon Cinema EOS C500 camera

Canon Cinema EOS lens lineup

The NAB 2015 Show is just round the corner, taking place in Las Vegas, April 2015. Canon is planning an aggressive announcement schedule. In the last couple of years, they have invested a lot in their cinema line of cameras and lens, including opening up dedicated service center specifically catered to the film making and video industries.

The Cinema EOS C300 Mk II and EOS C500 Mk II cameras may be announced before the show together with some accessories to help with stabilizing the camera during shoots. Both cameras are expected to have 4K capability. In addition, Canon may announce a consumer grade 4K video camera to give Sony and Panasonic a run for their money with their respective AX100 and GH4 models. Keep checking back for the latest NAB 2015 news and development.

Canon EOS C300 Mk II Camera With 4K

* * *  More info on the Canon EOS C300 Mk II camera  * * *

The Canon Cinema EOS C300 camera received a firmware upgrade in November, 2014. All indications are the Mk II model, expected to be announced around the time of the NAB 2015 Show (April 11) in Las Vegas will come with 4K video. In addition, the upcoming EOS-5D Mk IV is also expected to be equipped with 4K technology as well.

Canon Digital Learning Center Presents 4K Workflow With C500 Camera

Canon Digital Learning Center presents Alex Buono, Oscar nominee and Director of Photography on his "The Art of Visual Storytelling Tour." In the video below, Alex teaches cinematographers how to create dynamic films with impact. Follow his advice and tips and apply them to your everyday films and projects, with the Cinema EOS or DSLR cameras. 

Canon Cinema EOS Cameras For IMAX 4K Videos

Canon Cinema EOS digital cameras

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 22, 2014 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Canon Cinema EOS digital cameras and lenses have been selected by IMAX Corporation for an exciting mission to capture 4K footage in space. The cameras and lenses left Earth Saturday on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The equipment will arrive at the International Space Station, where astronauts will capture stunning 4K content for the upcoming new 3D film, tentatively titled A Perfect Planet, a presentation of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and IMAX Entertainment.

The IMAX production team selected Canon EOS C500 EF digital cinema cameras, Canon EOS 1D-C digital SLR cameras, and a selection of Canon Cinema Zoom and Prime lenses for the project. The EOS C500s will be paired with Codex recorders to capture 4K images.Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Toni Myers, the IMAX 3D space project will offer breathtaking, illuminating views of Earth from space, exploring mankind’s future on and off the planet. Renowned large format cinematographer James Neihouse serves as the film’s director of photography and trained the astronauts who will man the cameras while in orbit.

“Of the digital cameras we tested for spaceflight, the Canon EOS C500’s image quality was more film-like than the other systems,” said Neihouse. “The sharpness is superior to some of the larger sensors. And it is more user-friendly for the astronauts. We have a good track record with Canon cameras in space.”

“I am thrilled that the Canon Cinema EOS cameras we have selected launched to the International Space Station and our astronaut crews can now begin filming spectacular scenes for our new project,” said Toni Myers, who will produce, direct, write and edit the documentary film. “The lightweight, flexible Canon cameras produce remarkable imagery and are ideal for capturing scenes of our beautiful Planet Earth.

“When we launched the Cinema EOS product line, Canon hoped to inspire filmmakers to take their craft to new heights. We are honored that IMAX, Toni Myers, James Neihouse, and the astronauts took our challenge so literally. To have our cameras and lenses travel to space is an incredible cause for celebration. We look forward to this awe-inspiring film and pledge to continue to engineer products worthy of the next frontier-whether here on Earth or among the stars,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

IMAX’s 3D film will be shot over the course of the next year with multiple crews of astronauts conducting principal photography. The film is tentatively set for release in early 2016.

For more information about Canon Cinema EOS cameras and lenses, please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at http://cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/

Firmware Upgrades For Canon C500 and C300 Cameras

Canon EOS Cinema cameras - C500 and C300

* * *  Canon announced their IBC 2014 program  * * * 

Canon has announced details of firmware upgrades for its EOS C500 and EOS C300 Digital Cinema Cameras, DP-V3010 4K reference display and Cinema RAW Development (CRD) software. The firmware upgrades, scheduled for release as free downloads from Canon Europe in Q4 2014, have been designed to better integrate acquisition and management of 4K footage into every workflow situation…

When Canon first entered the digital cinema market, it did so with a firm commitment to fully support every aspect of filmmaking. The latest firmware upgrades provide more compelling reasons for filmmakers to enjoy the significant advantages offered by the Cinema EOS system.

SUPPORT FOR BT.2020 COLOUR SPACE

The EOS C500 will be able to, thanks to new firmware, deliver BT.2020-defined Ultra High Definition (UHD) video. Since launch, Canon’s Cinema EOS Digital Cinema Cameras and lenses have earned widespread praise and the C500 and C500 PL, which capture 4K video in stunning detail, can now be enhanced even further with a new firmware upgrade offering support for BT.2020, the recently-defined colour space for Ultra High Definition (UHD) video, the next-generation broadcast standard.

Supporting end-to-end BT.2020 workflow, Canon’s DP-V3010 4K professional reference display will also be upgraded to support content shot in BT.2020. BT.2020 input signals will be mapped to the native colour space of the DP-V3010 for output, implementing the latest derivation of luminance and colour-difference signal specified by the International Telecommunications Union, to ensure that images are displayed with the widest possible colour gamut and the greatest possible accuracy.

DP-V3010 – THE SUPERIOR 4K REFERENCE DISPLAY

Since the DP-V3010 was launched in January 2014, it has won critical praise for its exceptional colour accuracy and high image quality. Continuous feedback from users and industry professionals has resulted in this firmware upgrade. In addition to BT.2020 support, the ACESproxy transfer standard1 advocated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will become an option following the update, enabling streamlined colour grading on set and in post-production.

The DP-V3010 4K reference display has received a significant firmware upgrade to allow for new inputs and signal formats as well as BT.2020 and ACESproxy modes. The new firmware will also provide an output solution for footage shot using the Cinema Gamut and DCI-P3+ colour spaces available in EOS C500, simplifying monitoring and post-production work. Footage can be displayed using either DCI-P3 or BT.709, as the project requires, with optimised conversion occurring in the display. Further support added includes YCbCr 4:4:4 luminance and chroma sampling used in digital cinema production, while a new peaking function displays a colour outline around subjects in focus making it easier to judge a point of focus for a shot.

The update makes the DP-V3010 the first2 4K professional display to support the 48 frames-per-second digital cinema frame rate increasingly used by professionals in the industry.

DP-V3010 – KEY IMPROVEMENTS

The DP-V3010 will benefit from a variety of improvements thanks to the forthcoming firmware update, including BT.2020 and ACESproxy modes. The improvements include :

•     BT.2020, DCI-P3+ and Canon Log to DCI 1.0 gamma conversion modes
•     New colour space transforms
•     Support for new signal formats
•     Gain RGB and Bias RGB colour temperature settings
•     Peaking function
•     Automatic 3G-SDI and HD-SDI selection
•     Selection of OSD display position
•     New interface options
•     Delete LUT function
•     PsF conversion for signals with no payload

 
IMPROVEMENTS FOR CANON RAW DEVELOPMENT (CRD) SOFTWARE

Canon is improving on-set workflow to make 4K RAW production a more cost-effective proposition and at the heart of this is the continued enhancement of its Canon RAW Development (CRD) software, which will be upgraded to version 1.3 in Q4 2014.

CRD v1.3 will provide a colour space transform function to enable review of ‘developed’ 4K footage in the industry-standard colour spaces BT.709 and DCI-P3.

CRD v1.3 will also include support for Edit Decision List (EDL) files for the first time, helping to streamline RAW workflow. Hence it will be possible to complete an offline edit using HD proxy files (recorded to CF card) and use the resulting EDL file to determine which files should be developed by the CRD software. This means that only the required content will be developed – saving time and money.

CANON RAW DEVELOPMENT AND INTEL GRAPHICS

Furthermore, CRD v1.3 will also benefit from a collaboration with Intel, first announced in April 2014, that will help to make shooting in 4K RAW a simpler proposition. The upgrade will offer improved performance thanks to the Intel® Integrated Native Developer Experience RAW Media Accelerator, enabling fast de-bayering and drop-free playback of the resulting 4K footage (up to 24fps only) when using a laptop equipped with Intel ® Iris™ Pro Graphics. This solution reduces the cost and footprint of the necessary computer hardware and saves time (and budget) on set. With suitable software on a laptop this solution means it will be possible to edit, develop, play back and output 4K RAW footage using a single suitably specified laptop – thus providing a complete mobile RAW workflow.

C500 AND C300 – IMPROVED OPERABILITY WHEN SETTING COLOUR TEMPERATURE OF WHITE BALANCE

The new firmware upgrade also includes a useful feature for users of the EOS C500 and EOS C300 cameras, allowing users to easily set colour temperature values using the camera’s FUNC button.

FIND OUT MORE

Canon will also be showcasing the advantages offered by the new firmware at IBC 2014 (the International Broadcasting Convention), which will take place at the RAI conference and convention centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from 12-16 September 2014.

Canon EOS-5D Mk IV Camera With 4K Video?

The EOS-7D has been out for almost 5 years and is one of Canon's most successful cameras. The Mk II should be announced in September. Read my latest post on this highly anticipated DSLR body, including yours truly.

The Canon EOS-1D X has been available for about two years now. I have picked this camera as the best DSLR body on the market two years in a row. Since its announcement, there has been many improvements in the world of high tech camera equipment - the DIGIC 6 processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF system and newer sensor technology, just to name a few.

My sources informed me the upcoming EOS-7D Mk II will be the first camera to feature a new, ground breaking sensor technology but even more advanced version will be introduced on the EOS-5D Mk IV and EOS-1D X Mk II cameras in early 2015.

With major emphasis placed on the Canon EOS Cinema line, there was a secret test recently in some New York City film studios. The camera in question was a prototype Canon EOS-1D X Mk II, with a new type of sensor, creating files that are larger than the present EOS-1D X and similar in size to the EOS-5D Mk III but with superior colors and details.

Rumor has it Canon may introduce 4K video on the EOS-5D Mk IV camera. Although on the surface, this sounds strange, since most people buying the current 5D model are not videographers and Canon has a separate, robust line of excellent EOS Cinema cameras. One would think this is where Canon will choose to introduce 4K video first, but instead, they have a pattern of introducing their latest technologies on their lower line of equipment, first. Cases in point are their latest DIGIC processors, STM lenses, touch screen LCD monitors, Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, etc., all introduced on the lower end products first.

I doubt Canon has decided which product line they will introduce 4K video at this time. The EOS-5D Mk IV may be announced before or after the EOS-1D X Mk II. Right now, the timetable is very fluid for both cameras. Canon needs to pull out all the stops and complete the official EOS-7D Mk II launch first and then they can turn their full attention to the other two cameras. Recently, in an interview, Canon hinted on their upcoming release of a megapixel camera as well. Keep checking back for the latest information and development.

MichaelDanielHo.com