SYDNEY, 12 April, 2012: Canon Australia announced today the introduction of the new EOS-1D C, a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera targeting the motion picture, television and other digital high-resolution production industries. Delivering outstanding video performance, the compact, lightweight EOS-1D C delivers 4K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) video recording to support cutting-edge visual expression possibilities such as shots employing blur effects.

The new Canon EOS-1D C is capable of recording video at 4K (at a frame rate of 24p, with 8-bit Motion JPEG compression), cropped to an APS-H-equivalent size angle of view, making possible next-generation visual expression with even higher image quality and resolution performance.

“The EOS 5D Mark II gave shallow depth of field back to digital filmmakers, restoring the creative capability of film-era cameras,” said Charles Montesin, Brand Manager ­­– Professional Video, Canon Australia. “The release of the new EOS-1D C takes the digital evolution further by offering 4K resolution, approximately four times higher than Full HD and very similar to 35 mm film neg. The combination of 4K resolution, shallow depth of field, low-light capability and the ease of digital workflow provides filmmakers with an attractive proposition without compromises.”

In response to the high-level needs of filmmakers and other professionals, the Canon EOS-1D C digital SLR camera offers an efficient post-production workflow that is highly compatible with those used in the motion-picture, television, music video and other top-end production industries. The camera is capable of recording video, including 4K, to an inserted CF card without using such peripheral equipment as external recorders, enabling workflows with increased mobility. In addition, captured video can be output from an HDMI terminal to an external recorder (excluding 4K video) using an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 signal.

The EOS-1D C also supports Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) video recording at a frame rate of 60p to satisfy the demands of professionals in the industry. Facilitating a smooth introduction into motion-picture production locations, the camera incorporates a Super 35 mm crop function enabling video to be recorded in the industry-standard 35 mm angle of view. The Canon Log Gamma enables the recording of high-quality video with rich gradation expression, making possible the type of impressive image quality required in motion pictures by minimising both shadow-detail loss and highlight-detail loss while providing a high level of colour-grading freedom.

The camera ships with such software applications as EOS Utility, which enables various camera settings to be conducted from a PC, and Picture Style Editor. These two applications enable the performance of such real-time procedures as the editing and registration of picture styles while confirming images results on a monitor. By having a PC with this software installed on-set, users can promptly carry out shooting adjustments during set-up while also realising efficient shooting and post-production procedures.

Exclusive playback software that ships with the camera allows 4K/Motion JPEG and Full HD/60p video shot on an EOS-1D C to be output on an external monitor* with no loss of image quality. It also enables video shot with Canon Log Gamma to be output on a monitor with video gamma applied.

Equipped with a 35 mm full-frame approximately 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS-1D C makes possible sublime imaging expression, such as beautiful image blur. Furthermore, when shooting video, the new camera features an expanded sensitivity range up to ISO25600 for exceptional visual imaging results with reduced noise even in low-light settings. By combing the new camera with one of Canon’s more than 60 interchangeable EF lenses and EF Cinema Lenses, which were designed to draw out the highest levels of performance from the company’s EOS series, professionals will be able to realise exceptional image quality with great expressive power.

Contributing to expanded shooting possibilities, the new EOS-1D C offers a lightweight, compact body design for high mobility, enabling video capture in such confined settings as the inside of a car while making transporting and storing the camera easy. The EOS-1D C enables such peripheral equipment as rails and cranes to be more compact, making possible smoother handling and reduced costs on-set. The camera’s high-sensitivity shooting capabilities also help to minimise lighting costs and save space that would normally be occupied by lighting equipment.

The EOS-1D C realises the same exceptional still-image performance as the Canon EOS-1D X digital SLR camera (scheduled for release from June 2012), featuring a sensitivity range of ISO100-51200 for outstanding still-image results with reduced noise even when shooting in dimly lit settings. Incorporating Dual DIGIC 5+, which comprises two high-performance DIGIC 5+ image processors, the camera delivers high-precision AE and AF performance while also enabling high-speed continuous shooting of up to approximately 12 frames per second (fps). In the ultra-fast continuous shooting mode, it realises a continuous shooting speed of up to approximately 14 fps (mirror remains raised during shooting, JPEG images only).

The Canon EOS-1D C digital SLR camera will be available in Australia from the end of August 2012 with pricing at dealer discretion.

* Requires the use of a PC equipped with an SDI port

Related Links:

–        Visit the product pages for the Cinema EOS System

–        EOS C300 dealer websites:        http://www.lemac.com.au/

SYDNEY, 12 April, 2012: Canon Australia announced today that Canon is developing four new digital cinematography zoom lenses that deliver exceptional optical performance for use with 4K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) resolution cameras. Joining an already star-studded line-up of Canon EF Cinema Lenses, the four lenses will be compatible with Super 35 mm-equivalent cameras, supporting the professional-level demands of the motion picture, television and other high-end digital production applications.

In November 2011, Canon introduced the initial seven models of the company’s EF Cinema Lens series, the first of which went on sale in January this year. EF Cinema Lenses represent the core of Canon’s Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products spanning the lens, digital cinema camera and digital SLR camera product categories.

Building off the initial EF Cinema Lens line-up, the company is moving forward with the development of four new cinematography zoom lenses: the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L S (for EF mounts) and CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L SP (for PL mounts) wide-angle cinema zoom lenses, and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S (for EF mounts) and CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L SP (for PL mounts) telephoto cinema zoom lenses.

In addition to compatibility with industry-standard Super 35 mm-equivalent cameras, the four cinema zoom lenses will offer exceptional optical performance to support video recording using 4K-resolution cameras. Delivering superior mobility and utility, the zoom lenses will feature compact, lightweight bodies that were designed with such uses as handheld shooting in mind, while covering a wide focal length range. When combined with the previously announced single-focal-length cinema lenses from the EF Cinema Lens series, the four new lenses will easily enable a variety of visual expression possibilities. While further details regarding the four cinema zoom lenses currently under development, including specifications and pricing, have yet to be decided, plans call for the lenses to be launched during 2012.

Canon will be displaying prototypes of the cinema zoom lenses at NAB Show 2012, one of the world’s largest events for the video, broadcasting equipment and digital media industries, from April 16 to 19 in Las Vegas, U.S.A.

Canon will continue to enhance its Cinema EOS System product line-up to support diverse imaging creation in the motion-picture and other digital high-resolution production industries, contributing to further expanding the possibilities in visual expression and the development of cinematic culture.

Related Links:

–        Visit the product pages for the Cinema EOS System 

About Canon 

Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 20 years, and had global revenues of around $US46 billion in 2011. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH today unveiled new screenshots for METAL GEAR SOLID HD Collection for the Playstation®Vita system. From the critically acclaimed director, Hideo Kojima, METAL GEAR SOLID HD Collection includes two beloved classics, METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty and METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater.

Both titles feature stunning, upgraded graphics, optimized controls designed to take full advantage of the PlayStation®Vita system touchscreen capabilities, and trophies that are shared via TRANSFARRING (save data sharing) with the PlayStation®3 title of the same name.

Bethesda are pleased to announce that Kinect™ for Xbox 360® support is coming to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.  Available for free as a title update slated for release this month, SkyrimKinect for Xbox 360 Support will feature more than 200 Voice Commands.

Adding a new dimension to Skyrim’s gameplay, the Kinect for Xbox 360 integration offers Voice Commands throughout the game including Dragon Shouts, Hotkey Equipping, Follower Commands, and all Menus (Items, Magic, Map, Barter, Container, Favorites, and Skills). With Voice Commands, quickly create and load saves during gameplay and access menus and inventories. Skyrim’s Kinect for Xbox 360 Support also adds new functionality including special map functions, additional hotkey options, and the ability to sort inventory items by name, weight, and value.

For a look at some of the included Voice Commands, a video is posted at  www.elderscrolls.com.

Skyrim Kinect for Xbox 360 Support is the latest in free feature updates that Bethesda Game Studios has added to enhance Skyrim, and more are coming. In addition, Bethesda Game Studios has been hard at work on creating the first set of game add-ons that will be exclusive to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. This additional content will add new quests, locations, features, and much more to the world of Skyrim. Stay tuned, we hope to officially announce what it is soon.

SYDNEY, Australia – 13 April 2012 – Plantronics®(NYSE:PLT) today announced the newest additions to its GameCom® portfolio with the release of the GameCom 780, GameCom 380 and GameCom 307 PC headsets. The new models deliver the ultimate PC gaming experience with clear audio, along with a high quality design allowing users to game comfortably for hours.

GameCom® 780 Surround Sound Stereo USB Gaming Headset

The GameCom 780 USB headset has been designed to create the most realistic and lifelike gaming experience possible. Replacing the ever popular Gamecom 777, It also features 7.1 surround sound enabled by Dolby® Headphone and Dolby® ProLogic® IIx technologies, 40mm speakers and a deconstructed design. The GameCom 780 enables gamers to bring their best game forward with the addition of noise-cancelling microphones that annihilates background noise, meaning that commands are heard loud and clear. For added convenience, the headset design includes built-in joints to let the ear pods lay flat for easy storage, or should a gamer wish to take a break. Additionally, volume controls are conveniently located on the ear pods themselves meaning that users can have their eyes on the game at all times. The GameCom 780 is built to last with superhero-strength cords and joints, plus ultra-comfortable ear cushions and headband to allow players to stay in the game for lengthy periods of time.

GameCom® 380 and 307 Stereo Gaming Headsets

Plantronics’ GameCom 380 has been designed to be the more affordable option for those who do not require the 7.1 surround sound experience. This headset is for gamers who already have a high-quality sound card. The GameCom 380 features a slim ID and similar to the Gamecom 780, features ear pods that folds flat, as well as easy-to-reach on-ear volume and mute controls. Equipped with a pair of ultra-comfortable ear cushions, the headset is perfect for gaming, watching videos, listening to music and making PC voice calls.

The GameCom 307 lets gamers feel the bass with 40mm speakers which deliver studio-quality audio. Plus, the outstanding voice quality, precise microphone placement and noise cancellation ensure that your teammates or enemies hear you clearly.

“Plantronics GameCom headsets have always been modelled on the Military Headsets that we design. We understand that gamers crave high-quality audio and clear voice communication. The new Gamecom headsets cater to this need as well as provide ultimate comfort, ease of use, reliability and style, which are also important features for PC gamers” said Peter Petrides, National Sales Manager of Plantronics Australia. “Plantronics is excited to be expanding its line of successful PC gaming headsets and catering to the serious gamers out there.”

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The GameCom 780 is available now for AU$129.99. The GameCom 380 headset retails for AU$89.99. The GameCom 307, which features an on-the-ear wearing style retails for AU$49.99. For a full list of retailers please visit www.plantronics.com/au.

WARGAME: EUROPEAN ESCALATION, THE FIRST FREE DLC!

War goes on! Wargame: European Escalation, the new real-time strategy hit praised by critic and players alike, today offers its first DLC “New Battlefields“, which is not only generous with the content offered, but also entirely free! A way to thank the already large community of players who make of Wargame one of the most played and most download strategy game on Internet since February.

This announcement comes with 3 exclusive images, illustrating one of the novelties brought by this DLC free for all Wargame players.

This first free DLC for Wargame: European Escalation offers brings 7 new multiplayer maps! These brand new battlefields will challenge the veteran commanders! 2 of these maps are built asymmetrically, in order to offer Attack/Defense games by giving a natural role to each team. Hold or take that position at all cost!

The DLC also introduces a new skirmish AI, allowing 1 up to 7 players to face the computer. Willing to test your Clan’s newest tactics? Or to just have some quick fun with friends without the pressure of the competition? Team up with other players and jump into the action against a computer-controlled opponent!

Lastly, communication, coordination and all your team tactics are optimized, thanks to the new Flare system! Get the attention of your teammates by firing one of the preset Flares, or one with a custom message, which you can see on the 3 screenshots we invite you to discover today!

Inspired by actual events across the globe and written by real Tier 1 Operators while deployed overseas, follow the global Warfighters as they are asked to take on a real terror threat, PETN. Powered by the Frostbite 2 Engine. For more info about the Global Operators and the Most Authentic Shooter to date, go to http://www.medalofhonor.com/en_au.

Strike First on Oct 23rd for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

BRAINTREE, UK – 12/04/2012

Ghostlight have today announced that their latest PSP JRPG, Fate/EXTRA, will be released on the 4^th May, with the collector’s edition priced at just £39.99 with a PSN release to follow in the near future.

Ghostlight have also released details of how players can get their hands on the following exclusive items:

• A massive      A1 poster (posted in a tube, so no fold marks!)
• The Fate/The Facts book, featuring an      interview with Rin Tosaka, as well as all the latest news from the Fate Universe.

These exclusive items are only available through the Ghostlight Store where pre-orders will be going live soon.

Established in 2004, Ghostlight specialise in bringing the best in Japanese gaming to the PAL region.  We have released JRPGs such as Agarest: Generations of War, Agarest: Generations of War Zero, Shadowhearts: From the New World and multiple entries in the Shin Megami Tensei series, including Digital Devil Saga, Digital Devil Saga 2, Lucifer’s Call and Persona 3 Portable.  We have recently released Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky and Persona 2: Innocent Sin (both on PSP) and are currently working on the forthcoming releases of Fate/EXTRA (PSP) and Agarest: Generations of War 2 (PS3).