Sydney, Australia, 4 April 2013 – Canon has announced it is developing a new 35mm cinema prime lens for large-format single-sensor digital cameras. Compatible with a wide range of sensor sizes including super 35mm, full-frame 35mm and APS-C, the new EF-mount 35mm lens in development would become the sixth prime lens in Canon’s EF Cinema lens line-up, fulfilling the requirement for an option between the existing 24mm[i] and 50mm[ii] lenses.  A development sample of the 35mm cinema lens will be on display in the Canon booth during the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 8-11, 2013, with the aim of an official launch during 2013.

Delivering high optical performance in a variety of focal lengths to suit a broad range of creative shooting preferences, the precision-matched Canon Cinema prime lenses are part of the Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products. Launched in late 2011, the Cinema EOS System offers a unique range of high performance, large sensor cameras and 4K cinema lenses, providing exceptional quality and creative freedom to professionals of all kinds.

“Canon is committed to developing class-leading tools to support visual story-telling at all levels,” said Charles Montesin, Brand Manager, Cinema EOS, Canon Australia. “In the past 18 months, we’ve launched Cinema EOS and expanded the system to include HD, 2K, and 4K cameras, and a range of different lenses. We continually strive to offer our customers more creative options providing them with greater flexibility that will further support the delivery of exceptional imaging content. The new 35mm lens currently in development is a great example of this.”

All Canon EF Cinema lenses integrate advanced materials and coatings to meet high optical performance levels, including 4K (4096 x 2160) production standards. Each Canon Cinema prime lens is equipped with an 11-blade aperture diaphragm, which is ideally suited to achieve creative depth-of-field manipulation and pleasing “bokeh” effects. All feature a full-frame image circle in a lightweight, compact design, delivering colour tone and balance that matches Canon’s advanced Cinema zoom lenses. Canon Cinema prime lenses deliver the operation and reliability required in professional film-style shooting environments.

Canon Cinema prime lenses are fully compatible with all cameras in the Cinema EOS System, and, thanks to their full frame imaging circle, can also be used with Canon’s DSLR cameras such as EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark III. The EF-mount design of Canon’s Cinema prime lenses supports communication between camera and lens, enabling features such as display of the f-number in the viewfinder, recording of lens metadata, and Peripheral Illumination Correction[iii].

Launched in 2011, the Canon Cinema EOS System has already grown to include four cameras and nine prime and zoom lenses with different lens mounts, covering a range of focal lengths.  For full details of all the products in the Cinema EOS range please visit Cinema EOS System – Canon Australia

Specifications and pricing for the 35mm Cinema prime lens in development are not yet fixed.  Canon will release further details in due course.

Canon announces firmware updates for EOS C500, EOS C300, EOS C100 and improvements to Cinema RAW Development software

Sydney, Australia, 4 April 2013 – Canon has today announced the development of firmware updates for three of its ground-breaking Cinema EOS System cameras, as well as a selection of new functions for its Cinema RAW Development (CRD) software. The upgrades are the latest to be developed in response to feedback from imaging professionals, demonstrating Canon’s continued commitment to supporting the needs of the professional video community.

Following the release of the upgrades, the EOS C500, EOS C300 and EOS C100 will now offer support for a new Magnify function that will allow users to check focus in different parts of an image, on the camera LCD, as well as the centre. This offers enhanced control and flexibility during shooting.

The EOS C300 will also be upgraded to support an additional range of features designed to assist independent videographers. Push Auto Iris and One Shot AF will provide further versatility on small-crew shoots, offering a quick, easy way to check and adjust exposure and focus prior to recording. The EOS C300 will also gain additional support with 1440×1080 HD video recording at 35Mbps – a broadcast-friendly recording mode employed by many news and broadcast organisations.

To offer greater flexibility for single shooters, a further upgrade for the EOS C100 will add support for Continuous AF when used with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

Cinema RAW Development software – enhanced with new functionality

As well as updates to Cinema EOS cameras, Canon will also add new features to the Cinema RAW Development software.  This software is supplied with the EOS C500 and is designed to support development, playback, and export of 4K Canon Cinema RAW clips.

The update will add support for the Academy Colour Encoding Specification (ACES), providing an Input Device Transform function to allow output of developed Canon Cinema RAW files in an ACES-compliant OpenEXR file format.  ACES has been proposed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a SMPTE colour space standard, intended to define the colour response for input and output devices to achieve an end-to-end pipeline of colour management from filming to editing, grading, distribution and screening.

A new function will also allow users to specify in/out points before developing or copying their RAW footage, streamlining workflow both on-set and during post-production.  Finally, it will be possible to generate a development log, which will list details of files that have been copied or developed using the CRD software for future reference.

The firmware updates for the EOS C500, EOS C300, EOS C100 and CRD software will be available later in 2013.

Canon expands creative possibilities with new XA25, XA20,

LEGRIA HF G30 camcorders

Sydney, Australia, 4 April 2013 – Canon has today expanded its handheld video camera range with the launch of three highly advanced compact models for professionals and video enthusiasts.  Two new professional X-series models, XA25 and XA20, combine a powerful, all-new imaging system with professional audio and Wi-Fi connectivity in a versatile, compact package that fits neatly in the palm of a hand. The new LEGRIA HF G30 benefits from the same advanced imaging system in a package optimised for enthusiast videographers, such as hobbyists or film students.

Developed using Canon’s advanced imaging technologies, these models include a powerful specification that delivers outstanding quality and operability. The Canon HD Video system has been completely redesigned – from the lens through to the image sensor and processor – providing new levels of imaging performance. A range of advanced shooting features and connectivity options make these cameras ideal for either professional or amateur use, and are suitable for shooting everything from news and documentaries to weddings.

Advanced Canon HD video system, first-class optics

The XA25, XA20 and LEGRIA HF G30 all benefit from a completely new imaging system, which has been engineered to provide outstanding image quality and versatility. A ground-breaking 20x zoom wide-angle lens offers a 26.8–576mm focal range[i], employing optical technology found in Canon’s top-of-the-range XF305 camcorder. An enhanced 3-mode Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) system[ii] incorporates a Dynamic OIS mode to further reduce the effects of camera movement during shooting. The 8-blade circular aperture also provides enhanced ‘bokeh’, using Canon’s unique Electro Magnetic Diaphragm technology – developed for the company’s EF lens range – to ensure beautiful background blur in shots with a shallow depth of field.

A newly-designed 1/2.84-type 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro sensor provides outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance. The increased sensor size maximises photosite area, combining with a highly sophisticated image processing system to reduce image noise and increase sensitivity in low light environments.

The outstanding processing capability provided by DIGIC DV 4 provides enhanced image reproduction, supplementing the strengths of the DIGIC DV family – such as smooth gradation and faithful colour reproduction – with support for recording at higher data rates. The sensor and processor work together to eliminate more camera shake, augmenting a highly-effective optical IS system with electronic stabilisation that detects and compensates for movement in a larger number of directions.

Complete creative control

Designed to provide maximum flexibility, all the new models support multiple recording formats. AVCHD (up to 28Mbps) and MP4 (up to 35Mbps) provide high bitrates suitable for many professional applications. Video is recorded to dual SD[iii] card slots in a range of resolutions and frame rates up to 1080/50p, with slow and fast motion options supported in MP4 mode – providing greater freedom to choose an appropriate setting according to creative requirements.

All models also support simultaneous recording of different formats to each card – giving users the ability to capture high-quality Full HD footage in the desired format, and smaller MP4 files at the same time[iv].  Delivered by the power of DIGIC DV 4, the smaller files can be shared more quickly and easily for time-critical applications, such as reporting breaking news, whilst the high-quality copies are retained for later use.

Professionally-optimised features

The XA25 and XA20 feature the same removable handle concept launched with the popular Canon XA10. Easily attached or removed to suit the shooting situation, the top-mounted handle houses a range of additional controls, including XLR inputs for capturing professional quality audio from external microphones. The handle also integrates an IR lamp to enhance the shooting capabilities of the infrared mode available in XA25 and XA20 – ideal for recording night-time documentaries or nocturnal wildlife.

All three models offer a compact, ergonomically designed body that offers outstanding handling and control during use.  A new 8.77cm (3.5”) 1.23million-dot Organic LED (OLED) touch screen panel provides greater resolution, contrast and improved colour reproduction during recording and playback. Users have full manual control over exposure: a combination of the touch screen and a customisable control dial allows for adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, iris, gain and exposure.

Zoom or focus can be adjusted via a switchable ring at the front of the camera lens. Additionally, a new zoom rocker integrated into the camera body is ideal for shooting when handheld or tripod mounted, offering the fine control and convenience typically found on larger professional cameras. An improved 1.56 million-dot 0.61cm (0.24”) electronic viewfinder (EVF) can be tilted up to approximately 45°, providing outstanding detail and comfort for effective handheld or tripod shooting.

Studio connectivity and wireless support

The new XA25, XA20 and LEGRIA HF G30 offer an advanced selection of interfaces, with physical inputs conveniently grouped together and designed to keep connections in place during handheld use. All include integrated HDMI, microphone, USB and headphone terminals, while the XA25 also includes HD-SDI output – offering the high capacity, uncompressed connectivity useful for many broadcast applications.

Each camera also features newly-integrated dual band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz), providing a range of capabilities for use during or after shooting. Camera Remote support allows wireless adjustment of settings via a web browser[v], and Remote Browser allows users to review recorded footage from the camera in smartphone or tablet browsers – with no need for playback software.

FTP File Transfer allows users to transfer footage to FTP servers at up to 150Mbps via a wireless access point, and with Media Server, Wi-Fi can be used to play back videos stored on a camera on supported TVs or computers, without the need for cables[vi]. Direct movie uploading is also supported for iOS devices using Canon’s Movie Uploader application, allowing the upload of videos directly to YouTube or Facebook at bitrates of up to 24Mbps.

XA25 – key features:

• 26.8mm, f/1.8-2.8 lens, 20x zoom, Dynamic OIS
• 1/2.84” HD CMOS PRO sensor
• 8.77cm (3.5”) OLED touchscreen
• Dual-format recording; DIGIC DV 4
• HD-SDI output
• 1.56m dot EVF, 45° tilt
• Fast/slow motion
• Built-in IR lamp
• 2x XLR inputs
• Built-in Wi-Fi

XA20 – key features:

• 26.8mm, f/1.8-2.8 lens, 20x zoom, Dynamic OIS
• 1/2.84” HD CMOS PRO sensor
• 8.77cm (3.5”) OLED touchscreen
• Dual-format recording; DIGIC DV 4
• 1.56m dot EVF, 45° tilt
• Fast/slow motion
• Built-in IR lamp
• 2x XLR inputs
• Built-in Wi-Fi

LEGRIA HF G30 – key features:

• 20x zoom, 26.8mm wide-angle lens; 8 blade circular aperture
• Control settings remotely and share with Wi-Fi
• Simultaneous recording of AVCHD and MP4
• Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor, DIGIC DV 4
• Optical Intelligent IS
• Full manual control
• Instant AF; Face Detection
• 8.8cm OLED touch screen