New EOS C300 MKII
Amongst a slew of major announcements from Canon today is the exciting news of a new MKII 4K capable version of the popular EOS C300. Building on the unprecedented success of the acclaimed C300, the next generation camera features an advanced imaging engine with dual DIGIC DV5 processors, new professional codecs and outstanding dynamic range, making it the most capable, flexible and accessible Cinema EOS video camera to date.
EOS C300 Mark II key benefits
- Seamlessly integrate with professional workflows
- Automatic features make independent shooting easy
- High bitrate internal 4K recording with external RAW
- High dynamic range files, ideal for post production
- Shoot with confidence in low light with low noise
With the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 files internally at up to 410Mbps in 4K, or 10/12-bit 4:4:4 files in 2K/Full HD, with up to 15 stops of dynamic range, the EOS C300 Mark II provides footage suitable for extensive post-production work, producing crisper images across the full colour spectrum with reduced “colour bleed”. The camera offers professional filmmakers and broadcasters alike the very best image quality, recording 4K in both broadcast (3840 x 2160) and DCI cinematic (4096 x 2160) resolutions.
The EOS C300 Mark II can record high bitrate 4K files internally to dual CFast 2.0™[i] media, while simultaneously recording 4K RAW files to an external recorder, offering the flexibility and universal appeal for production at the highest quality available today. Additionally, the ability to record 2K/Full HD Proxy files to an internal SD card, at the same time, further streamlines the production workflow process.
The new Canon-designed Super 35mm CMOS sensor and an increased ISO range up to ISO 102,400 deliver exceptional low light performance, allowing operators to capture low-noise footage across a variety of challenging environments without compromising on image quality.
To meet the requirements of a diverse range of shooting applications, the EOS C300 Mark II offers both full manual control, ideal for cinematic environments, as well as automatic modes. These include, enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF (now covering approx. 80% of the frame vertically and 80% horizontally), auto white balance and Face Detection AF, all making it easier for independent news gatherers and documentary filmmakers to shoot on the go.
Shipping of the new C300MKII will commence in September 2015
XF-AVC 4K Record format
Canon also announced XF-AVC - a new, proprietary video format for the efficient recording of high quality 4K, 2K and HD Video
Mainly targeting professional-use 4K video camcorders, XF-AVC will deliver enhanced workflows across various stages of the production process, from shooting to editing. In recent years, the widespread use of digital data in cinema and video has become commonplace throughout the entire production workflow. Accordingly, amid growing demand for high-image-quality video, there have been increasing opportunities to record in 4K resolution video, which employs more than four times the number of pixels used in HD content. In light of this trend, Canon developed its XF-AVC video format to support greater workflow efficiency and convenience during the production process for high-image-quality video.
The new Canon XF-AVC is a standard that defines each recording method for the visual and audio data components that make up individual video files. Because XF-AVC employs the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video compression format, which realises a high data-compression rate without sacrificing image quality, it supports the efficient recording on memory cards of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video content captured on video camcorders. As a result, not only can external storage and other equipment required during shooting be kept compact, because it enables the recording of high-image-quality video data, the format also facilitates colour grading and other high-precision editing processes.
Canon will employ XF-AVC primarily in the Company’s 4K-compatible professional-use video camcorders, such as the XC10 (to go on sale in mid June 2015) and EOS C300 Mark II (to go on sale in early September 2015). Additionally, by collaborating with various industry manufacturers in connection with the new video format, Canon will deliver improved ease and convenience during cinema and video production workflows for high-image-quality video.
XF-AVC Primary Specifications
| |
Resolution |
Bitrate |
Color sample |
Intra Frame2
/ Long GOP3 |
File format |
Compression
format |
| 4K |
4096 x 2160
3840 x 2160
|
10 bit
8 bit |
4:2:2 |
Intra Frame |
MXF |
MPEG-4
AVC/H.264 |
| 2K/HD |
2048 x 1080
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720 |
12 bit
10 bit
8 bit |
4:4:44
4:2:2
4:2:0 |
Intra Frame5
/ Long GOP |
MXF |
MPEG-4
AVC/H.264 |
XF-AVC will be available on the EOS C300 MKII, which begins shipping in September 2015
And Even more!
Canon also chose today to announce a new, field-ready, robust 4K reference monitor. The DP-V2410 has been engineered for use on-set or on-location in both broadcast and cinema productions. The new reference display provides accurate and reliable output of 4K content, facilitating live shooting for quality control, focusing and exposure confirmation, as well as on-set colour management and grading. Thanks to a new High Dynamic Range Mode, the display makes it easy to see both extreme highlights and shadow detail simultaneously, providing a more natural and realistic image.
A range of on-set functions enable quick and easy content review, including a 4K capable Wave Form Monitor and Vectorscope which confirm signal data. Additionally the display features multiple 1D/3D-LUTs for convenient monitoring and an audio level meter for accurate sound recording.
The DP-V2410 is encased in a sleek and robust body and incorporates a sturdy handle. Weighing just 12kg, it’s easy transport around sets, and is equipped with a 24 volt DC power unit to work throughout the day.
Shipping will begin in November 2015
Also unveiled today is the Canon XC10 - a compact, lightweight video and digital stills camera that brings professional 4K quality to aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts. Inheriting many of the Cinema EOS range’s features, the XC10 offers incredible recording versatility and is the ideal solution as a small, stand-alone camera for independent film makers or the perfect accompaniment as a supporting camera in larger productions.
XC10 Key benefits