Cameras, Equipment, Lenses

Canon’s NAB 2020 Announcements – C300 Mark3 and CINE-SERVO 25-250mm Lens

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So obviously NAB and any other public event has been canceled this year because of the corona virus. That doesn’t mean that companies like Canon that spend lots of money and time developing new products will just delay their product releases. So even though it’s all done online, Canon still announced an exciting new camera and a new servo lens.

The new camera is the Canon EOS C300 Mark III

This new cinema camera has some great specs. The camera features a Super 35mm Dual Gain Output sensor with up to 16 stops of high dynamic range capability for superior HDR recording and low noise. The EF lens mount offers compatibility not only with Canon’s existing broad range of DSLR lenses but also with their line of EF-mount cinema prime, zooms, and even 2.0 and 1.33 anamorphic lenses. The mount is also interchangeable with a separately available PL mount by the end user.

The sensor is paired with the Canon DiGIC DV7 image processor, which uses the sensor’s raw information and processes it for various applications such as high frame rate recording, raw recording, HDR-PQ output, electronic image stabilization (EIS), and proxy recording. The camera records up to DCI 4K resolution video to dual CFexpress cards, and an SD card slot is available to record additional images. High frame rates up to 120 fps can be recorded in 4K raw, and up to 180 fps in 2K cropped mode. Canon’s Cinema RAW Light and XF-AVC recording formats are supported, providing DCI 4K images with a 10-bit, 4:2:2 Long GOP codec. Proxy recording is also supported, which allows a significant boost to your post-production speed.

For more flexibility during post-production, the camera also offers Canon’s Log 2 and Log 3 gamma modes, which results in excellent tonal reproduction in the highlight and low-light regions of an image, and an expanded dynamic range. The C100 Mark II also supports custom user LUTs that can be utilized on monitors, the LCD, or viewfinder to ensure the most accurate color. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF (autofocus) support allows you to not only provide accurate autofocus, but it also features touch AF and face detection.

The camera features up to 12G-SDI output over a single BNC cable, timecode I/O, and genlock input BNCs. It supports up to 4-channel audio using the internal mic, mini-mic input, and XLR ports, and an expansion unit can be added to support up to four XLR inputs. The body has a modular design that can either be stripped down completely or be built up using the included handle, 4.3″ rotating touchscreen LCD unit with full controls, grip, and thumb rest.

Canon Super 35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor

The EOS C300 Mark III features Canon’s next-generation Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor. This new sensor is capable of dynamic ranges in excess of 16 stops and is compatible with Canon’s exclusive Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology. The DGO Sensor is a newly developed imaging system that generates high dynamic range and maintains low-noise levels by reading out each pixel with different gains. It combines images using pixels shot with a saturation-prioritizing amplifier for bright areas, and a lower-noise, noise-prioritizing amplifier for darker areas.

DIG!C DV7 Image Processor

The EOS C300 Mark III features Canon’s DIG!C DV7 image processor that takes the extensive raw information captured from the imaging sensor and processes it for output. DiG!C is also the engine behind features such as high frame rate recording, Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor, Dual Pixel Autofocus, Cinema Raw Light Recording, HDR (PQ) output, Electronic Image Stabilization, and proxy recording.

Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus with Touch AF and Face Detection

The Cinema EOS C300 Mark III features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology. For DAF, each pixel in the camera’s CMOS sensor is configured with two photodiodes. Two independent image signals can then be detected at each photosite and compared using phase difference to provide autofocus with compatible lenses. DAF can survey the scene and recognizes not only whether the subject is in focus or not, but in which direction (near or far), and by how much. DAF also powers the intuitive Focus Guide for users who prefer to focus manually but enjoy the positive feedback DAF provides through the guide interface.

High Frame Rate; 4K 120p and 2K CROP 180p

The EOS C300 Mark III is capable of ultra-high frame rates with its new chip design and DiG!C DV7 processor. Frame rates up to 120 fps can be obtained in 4K, while 2K CROP mode provides even greater flexibility with speeds up to 180 fps.

Canon Log 2 and 3 Gamma

The EOS C300 Mark III supports both Canon Log 2 and Canon Log 3 gamma. In post-production, Canon Log is designed to reproduce the entire tonal range that the CMOS image sensor is capable of. Log workflows provide the user with a higher dynamic range, more highlight and shadow retention, and more flexibility in grading.

Canon Log 2 provides the largest dynamic range and image detail. While Canon Log 2 provides the most post-production flexibility and full dynamic range of the sensor, it typically requires more time in color correction.

For users looking for most of the benefits of Log workflow, but with shorter turnaround times, Canon Log 3 provides an alternative with only a slightly reduced dynamic range of 14 stops.

Modular Design

A new modular design allows productions to optimize and customize the EOS C300 Mark III to specific shooting needs. Accessories and expansion units can be easily attached to provide different levels of functionality. The camera is equally at home fully rigged with a large zoom lens, FIZ unit, audio accessories, and rangefinder as it is stripped down flying on a drone.

Canon Cinema RAW Light and XF-AVC Recording

Thanks to the powerful DIG!C DV7 image processing platform, the EOS C300 Mark III can record Cinema RAW Light directly to two onboard CFexpress cards. Cinema RAW Light offers plenty of freedom for grading with a dynamic range that can exceed 16 stops with Dual Gain Output (DGO) technology while maintaining file sizes that are about 1/3 to 1/5 the size of Canon Cinema RAW. Canon Cinema RAW Light offers a great combination of codec efficiency and quality.

In addition to the conventional Intra-based XF-AVC codecs, a 4:2:2 10-bit Long GOP-based codec has been added with consideration for a balance of quality and data rates. This new Long GOP-based codec has a data rate that is less than half that of the conventional Intra codecs. This new lightweight codec makes it easier for users to reduce media costs and work with cloud-based infrastructures.

The EOS C300 Mark III Digital Cinema Camera incorporates the new Canon XF-AVC codec that allows 4K and 2K image data to be recorded internally onto CFexpress cards in workflow-efficient file sizes using advanced video compression. Using the XF-AVC codec, the EOS C300 Mark III can record a variety of frame fates up to 4K 120 fps and 2K up to 180 fps.

LM-V2 4.3″ LCD Touchscreen Monitor

The LM-V2 4.3″ LCD Monitor is an easy-to-view touch panel with approximately 2.76 million dots. The monitor easily attaches to the EOS C300 Mark III using included accessories and can be adjusted to different viewing positions. The LCD monitor is capable of displaying both image framing and visual confirmation of camera settings. Additionally, the display has a control interface to make it easy to access and change camera settings.

4-Channel Audio Recording

The EOS C300 Mark III supports up to 4-channel audio recording. Audio input from the camera’s internal microphone, mini mic port, and XLR ports can be assigned to the four different audio channels. With the Expansion Unit EU-V2, a total of four XLR ports are supported. This flexibility allows for a wide range of audio devices to be connected and mixed directly on the camera.

Support for Custom User LUTs

Users can upload and apply custom LUTs to the EOS C300 Mark III. LUTs can be assigned to specific output terminals, LCD, and viewfinder. Clients can be viewing one LUT, while production works from another, giving different production roles the ability to customize the look of the image to their needs.

User-Interchangeable Lens Mounts

User-interchangeable lens mounts and an available B4 mount adapter gives operators the freedom to make bold creative choices based on the subject matter. The EOS C300 Mark III ships with an EF mount that can be user-swapped to an optional Locking EF (EF-C) or PL mount. Each mount swaps easily by simply removing four M3 hex screws. A shim set is provided with each mount kit in order to adjust back focus for the precision in focusing accuracy that professionals rely on.

Anamorphic Lens Support

The EOS C300 Mark III offers cinematographers support for the use of both 2.0 and 1.33 anamorphic lens types. Users can achieve the wide cinematic looks, oval bokeh, and striking flares particular to anamorphic glass. It is a distinctly cinematic palette that is within reach for your next project.

Proxy Recording

Higher resolution, greater bit depths, and faster frame rates provide versatility and greater image quality but come at the cost of much larger file sizes. Proxy files can greatly speed up the editorial process by providing a lower bandwidth alternative for initial file sharing and rough cutting.

Canon’s powerful high-speed DIGIC DV7 image processor makes it possible for the EOS C300 Mark III to simultaneously record 2K Proxy files. Cinema RAW Light can be recorded to the internal CFexpress card, while an XF-AVC 2K 4:2:0 8-bit proxy can be recorded directly to an internal SD card. The C300 Mark III can also apply LUTs to Proxy recording.

Electronic Image Stabilization

The EOS C300 Mark III includes the same built-in five-axis electronic IS introduced with the EOS C500 Mark II that works with almost any lens, including anamorphic.

12G-SDI Support

Support for 12G-SDI allows for the EOS C300 Mark III to output 4K resolution up to 60p over a single BNC cable.

RC-V100 Support and LANC Compatible

The EOS C300 Mark III body has a remote A terminal (LANC) on the body and supports remote B (RS-422) in both expansion unit EU-V1 and EU-V2. Through these connectors, the EOS C300 Mark III can be completely remote-operated either by a standard LANC compatible cable or over longer distances through the use of a serial connection.

 

The new CINE-SERVO 25-250mm T2.95 Cinema Zoom Lens is also an exciting addition to their servo lens collection.

This durable lens is designed for use with EF-mount cameras featuring large-format, Super 35-sized sensors with 4K optical performance. Measuring approximately 11″ long and weighing only 6.7 lb, the compact, lightweight lens is suitable for a variety of productions such as narrative to EFP/ENG or run-and-gun documentary.

The lens covers an extensive 25 to 250mm focal range while featuring a T2.95 to T3.95 aperture from wide to telephoto. Using a 1.5x extender with 10x optical zoom, the telephoto range extends to an impressive 375mm. Like the rest of its cine lens family, the zoom lens creates a soft, pleasing bokeh using an 11-blade iris and a clickless iris ring. The focus ring rotates 180° with smooth operation. An LCD screen on the lens allows you to adjust user settings and functions such as zoom speed and locking, easily configured using the integrated drive switch. This EF mount model supports Canon electronic communication, which passes metadata to your camera.

Canon has equipped the zoom lens with a servo drive unit compatible with industry-standard lens controllers, such as the broadcast ZSD-300D or FPD-400D, for full zoom, focus, and iris control. The servo drive is removable if you are shooting in a cinema style, and it can also be integrated into studio systems with its 16-bit metadata output.

Lens Design

  • Covers Super 35 sensors with 4K applications
  • 25 to 250mm focal range, extends to 375mm with 10x zoom at 1.5x magnification
  • T2.95 to T3.95 aperture
  • Parfocal design to maintain focus during zoom
  • Minimized focus breathing
  • LCD screen for features and settings
  • Focus ring rotates 180°
  • 16-bit high-resolution encoder for virtual studio systems
  • 11-blade iris
  • Compact and lightweight design

Servo Control

  • Servo control capability for all zoom, focus, and iris
  • Power provided via camera mount (from compatible cameras)
  • Compatible with broadcast-style servo lens controllers such as Canon ZSD-300D and FPD-400D

Functionality with Cinema EOS Cameras

  • Autofocus function (Continuous AF, One-Shot AF, Focus Guide)
  • Image stabilization
  • Remote control of zoom, focus, and iris via camera
  • REC start/stop from ZSG-C10 Grip
  • Peripheral illumination correction
  • Chromatic aberration correction
  • Lens metadata record
  • T-stop/F-stop number display select
  • EF-mount model supports Canon lens communication

 

 

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