Published: November 03, 2011
A Star is Born: Canon Launches New Digital Cinema Camera for High-Resolution Motion Picture Production
HOLLYWOOD & TOKYO - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Canon Inc. and Canon U.S.A., Inc. today raised the curtain on an all-new
interchangeable-lens digital cinema camera that combines exceptional
imaging performance with outstanding mobility and expandability to meet
the demanding production needs of today's motion picture industry. The
camera, which features a newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent
approximately 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor, will be available in two
models: the EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera*, equipped with an EF lens
mount for compatibility with Canon's current diverse lineup of
interchangeable EF lenses for EOS single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and
new EF Cinema Lens lineup; and the EOS C300 PL Digital Cinema Camera*,
with a PL lens mount for use with industry-standard PL lenses.
The introduction of the EOS C300/C300 PL coincides with the launch of
the Cinema EOS System, marking Canon's full-fledged entry into the
digital high-resolution production industry. The new professional
digital cinematography system spans the lens, digital cinema camera and
digital SLR camera product categories.
Star-Studded Supporting Cast
Equipped with an EF lens mount, the EOS C300 is supported by an all-star
cast of high-performance EF lenses, not only the wide array of
interchangeable EF lenses for EOS SLR cameras that have earned the trust
and respect of photographers around the world, but also the EF cinema
lenses in the newly announced Cinema EOS System. When outfitted with a
Canon EF lens, the C300's peripheral illumination correction
automatically corrects for vignetting in accordance with each lens's
optical characteristics, and enables iris control from the camera. Canon
EF lenses also enable the recording of such metadata as the name of the
lens used, aperture setting and shutter speed.1
Show-Stopping High-Resolution Full-HD Performance
The Canon EOS C300/C300 PL's newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent CMOS
sensor incorporates approximately 8.29 million effective pixels and has
a pixel size that is larger than that for conventional professional
camcorders, enabling greater light-gathering capabilities for enhanced
sensitivity and reduced noise. The sensor reads Full HD (1920 x 1080
pixels) video signals for each of the three RGB primary colors,
decreasing the incidence of moire while realizing high resolution with
1,000 horizontal TV lines.
Supported by a heightened signal read-out speed, the CMOS sensor reduces
rolling shutter skews, a phenomenon prevalent with CMOS sensors in which
fast-moving subjects may appear diagonally distorted. Additionally, the
powerful combination of the sensor with Canon's high-performance DIGIC
DV III image processor facilitates high-precision gamma processing and
smooth gradation expression.
In addition to MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG2 422@HL compliant) compression, the
EOS C300/C300 PL employs 4:2:2 color sampling for high-resolution
performance that minimizes the appearance of "jaggies" at chroma edges.
Additionally, with a maximum recording rate of 50 Mbps, the camera
supports the recording of high-quality video.
The camera's video and audio recording file format adopts the
industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format), an open source file
format ideally suited for non-linear editing systems. Recording to
versatile, readily available CF cards, the EOS C300/C300 PL realizes
high cost-performance and, equipped with two CF card slots, makes
possible the simultaneous recording of video data to two CF cards.
Ready for Action
With a compact body design measuring 5.2 (w) x 7.0 (h) x 6.7 (d) inches,
the Canon EOS C300/C300 PL delivers exceptional maneuverability,
enabling shooting from vantage points all but inaccessible to large
cinema cameras, such as close to the ground for high-impact low-angle
shots, and alongside walls. In accordance with on-location shooting
needs, the camera can be outfitted with a handle, grip, thumb rest and
monitor unit, and offers an array of industry-standard terminals,
including HD/SD-SDI video output for the external recording of
high-quality video content. When using a WFT-E6B wireless file
transmitter for EOS digital SLR cameras (sold separately), the EOS
C300/C300 PL can be controlled remotely by means of such common devices
as smartphones or tablet PCs.
The camera is equipped with four start/stop buttons positioned at
various locations to satisfy any preferred camera-holding style, and can
be outfitted with a variety of third-party accessories, including matte
boxes, follow focuses and external video and audio recorders. The unit
also achieves seamless integration with third-party editing systems and
provides added peace of mind through its dust-proof, drip-proof
construction and built-in cooling system.
The new camera allows users to adjust image quality to match that of
professional camcorders and EOS-series digital SLR cameras, and offers
Canon Log Gamma, enabling flat image quality with subdued contrast and
sharpness for maximum freedom in post-production editing and processing.
In addition to frame rates of 59.41i, 50.00i, 29.97P, 25.00P and 23.98P,
the EOS C300/C300 PL features a 24.00p mode, matching the 24
frame-per-second frame rate of film cameras for high compatibility with
common film-production workflows.
Other features include fast-motion shooting, achieved by capturing fewer
frames per second to create action up to 60x normal speed, and
slow-motion down to 1/2.5x2 made possible by capturing more
frames per second. Frame rates between 1 and 60 frames per second (fps)
3 can be adjusted in increments of 1 fps. Additionally, a
selection of Custom Pictures lets users freely adjust image quality for
greater control over how content looks.
Pricing and availability
The Canon EOS C300 (EF mount) digital cinema camera is scheduled to be
available in late January 2012 for an estimated list price of $20,000.
The Canon EOS C300 PL (PL mount) digital cinema camera is scheduled to
be available in late March 2012 for an estimated list price of $20,000.
For more information and to view online demonstration footage of the new
products please visit: www.usa.canon.com/cinemaeos
About Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in
the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and
information systems. Canon's extensive range of products includes
copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment,
medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally
established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera
manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to
become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging
systems and solutions. With over 195,000 employees worldwide, Canon has
manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe,
Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the
United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon's consolidated net
sales for fiscal 2010 (ended December 31, 2010) totalled $45.8 billion
(at an exchange rate of ¥81 = US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer,
business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With
more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc.
(NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010â€
and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011.
Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction
and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and
support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is
dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental
responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A.,
sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
* This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the
Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may
not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization
is obtained.
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†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and
Trademark Office.
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Specifications, price and availability are subject to change without
notice. Actual prices are set by authorized dealers and may vary.
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All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of
their respective owners.
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1
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Compatible features differ depending on the EF Cinema Lens used.
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2
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1/2.5x possible only when recording in 720p mode.
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3
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When 59.41i frame rate is selected.
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Canon U.S.A. Web site:
http://www.usa.canon.com
or
For
sales information/customer support:
1-800-OK-CANON
ccenter@cits.canon.com
or
Editorial
Contacts:
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Len Musmeci,
516-328-4884
lmusmeci@cusa.canon.com
or
Canon
U.S.A., Inc.
Kevin McCarthy, 516-328-5950
kmccarthy@cusa.canon.com
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