I’ve just got back from Las Vegas where I spent a few days hanging out with some friends and checking out all the latest HDSLR and video production gear. NAB brings in around 100,000 people from all around the world and all the major players in the production industry show up to show off their latest and greatest hardware and software. Over on ProPhoto Coalition I’ve written up a run down of some of my favorite DSLR related gear that I found at the show. It’s almost impossible to see everything though, and only a tiny proportion relates to DSLRs but there is some cool stuff nonetheless.
In the week proceeding the 2012 NAB show in Las Vegas, Canon have unveiled two brand new Cinema EOS cameras that take their new line right into the world of 4k video capture. The C500 will build on the platform that the C300 launched on back in November 2011 but offer RAW 4k recording via 3G HD-SDI output and up to 120fps at 10 bit and 60fps at 12 bit. Back then I interviewed one of the technical developers from Canon and it was immediately obvious that this was just the beginning for them. I don’t think that anyone would have expected them to push forwards with these developments quite so quickly though.
As well as the C500, Canon have also revealed the specification for the “4k DSLR” that was announced as in-development back in November. Identical in looks to the EOS-1D X, the new EOS-1D C adds the ability to shoot up to 4K video to the on board CF cards but maintains all of the impressive photo specification of the 1D X. With this Canon have created the ultimate multimedia imaging tool. The ability to shoot RAW 18MP images up to 12fps AND shoot 4K video on a sensor larger than super 35mm sized is simply unparalleled in any other camera though the projected $15,000 price tag will keep it sadly out of the hands of many people.
Critical Specs
C500
- 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal during 2K (2,048 x 1,080 pixels)
- EF & PL Mount versions
- 120fps in 10bit
- up to 60fps in 12bit
- Downsampled slow motion footage NOT cropped like REDs. Amen!!
- Proxy file recording on CF card while RAW recorded externally!
- Almost identical form factor to C300
- 3G HD-SDI for RAW external 4K recording.
- All other features as with the C300 such as built in ND filters etc.
- No side handle like the C300 , replaced with the 3G HD-SDI ports
- Same EVF and screen as C300
- Target price $30,000
EOS-1D C
- 8-bit 4K Motion JPEG (4096 x 2160 pixel) at 24P and 1080P at 24,25,30,50 and 60P
- Simultaneous HDMI output and LCD usage
- Built in headphone jack
- Canon Log Gamma
- Uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 signal from HDMI
- Unlimited record time on video
- Dual CF cards
- Dedicated Canon software package to enable 4k video playback and monitoring
- Same ISO performance as EOS-1D X
- Super 35mm crop mode
- 18MP full frame sensor
- Still images up to 14fps (12fps in RAW)
- 61 Point AF system
- Target price $15,000
Apr 112012
When I first started to write this blog I included posts about my photography work, mixed in with gear reviews and industry news. Eventually I decided that I needed to separate these two things so I started www.TheSkiPhotographer.com as a place to keep info about my ski photography work which takes up the majority of my shooting time. Since then I haven’t really shared any of my work on this blog apart from the odd technique related post. Today though I’d like to break that habit because I’m proud to be able to say that I have the #1 rated photo on the popular photography website 500PX. I’ve been a fan of this site since it’s launch and it never ceases to amaze me how much incredible photography there is out there in the world. To have the #1 photo is a proud moment for me, a real honor. I’ve been amazed at the response I’ve had this morning from the media as well. 500PX is doing a lot right! Newspapers and news agencies from around the world have contacted me this morning looking to showcase the image and the rest of my winter work. It’s really quite incredible!
Photo background:
We’d been looking for a spot to build some consecutive jumps for a few weeks and when the opportunity finally presented itself we only had a few minutes of light left in the day. As you can see in the image there is no direct light left! The sun had just settled behind the mountains and time was running out. This was Sammy’s first hit on the jumps and YES this was all shot in one go. I put the Canon 1dMK4 on JPEG mode to get more shots before the buffer filled up and I literally just let it rip! There was just enough shots in the buffer though. This was shot with the Canon 70-300 L IS lens that I used so much last winter with great success.
Please click HERE to view the image on 500PX in higher resolution.
Today I have a quick tip for you if you are going to travel with camera equipment in Pelican cases. These types of cases provide excellent protection for any gear that needs to travel in the hold of the aircraft, but people know that expensive equipment lies within. They can become a target for theft and also draw time consuming attention from customs officials who want to see what you have in the case. My solution for this issue is a simple one, simply place my Pelican case inside a large duffel bag. The one I use came from Eddie Bauer but you can find these large types of bags in practically any outdoor store. Now it looks the same as any other bag on the baggage conveyor belt! Now I’m not saying you should be trying to fool customs agents, absolutely not! If you are traveling with something that needs to be declared then you should most definitely do so. But if you are simply moving your own camera gear around and are in a hurry to get out of the airport ( who isn’t these days ?!) then passing through with a duffel bag probably won’t get you a second look.
Apr 032012
I’ve just taken delivery of my own Canon 5D MK3 and also the new 600 EX RT flash with ST-E3 Radio trigger. I’m really excited to try these things out on some upcoming shoots. I made a quick video yesterday with some first impressions on the flash and the new trigger. Stay tuned for more in-depth thoughts in the coming days and weeks.
These products are now in stock at B&H.
Canon have just launched another one of their specialist astophotography cameras providing “a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity”. Given that this isn’t the first astro camera that Canon have launched there must be a market for it I guess! It’s pretty cool that they would make such a specialist product though.
If this is your thing then B&H have the camera ready for pre-order already.
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