Further to the announcement of the EOS-1D C, Canon has also announced the release of the EOS C500 digital cinema camera. Available in 2 versions, for use with either PL or EF mount lenses, the camera capable of originating 4K (4096 x 2160-pixel) resolution digital motion imagery with a 10-bit uncompressed RAW output for external recording. 4K formats can be selected from 1fps to 60fps. In addition, the company has announced the release of 4 new Cinema zoom lenses. These are a wide-angle cinema zooms the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L and a telephoto cinema zooms, the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L. Both lenses are available in either PL or EF mount.

Canon is displaying prototypes of the EOS C500 and the new lenses at the NAB show in Las Vegas from 16 to 19 April. Pricing and availability are not yet confirmed.

Canon Announces Development Of 4K Digital Cinema Cameras.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 12, 2012 – Canon Inc. is developing two digital cinematography cameras as part of its acclaimed new Cinema EOS System of professional cinematography products. Designated as the Cinema EOS C500* for use with EF-mount lenses, and the Cinema EOS C500 PL* for use with PL-mount lenses, the cameras will be capable of originating 4K (4096 x 2160-pixel) resolution digital motion imagery with uncompressed RAW output for external recording, in response to growing expectations for higher levels of imaging performance in premium Hollywood films and other production markets requiring the utmost in picture quality.

“With the unveiling of our Cinema EOS System last November to great acclaim, Canon marked our full-fledged entry into the motion-picture production market,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “To further serve the needs of Hollywood’s premier filmmakers, Canon is developing the Cinema EOS C500 and Cinema EOS C500 PL digital cinematography cameras, which deliver the added benefit of full 4K motion-image capture to the Cinema EOS System.”

The 4K imaging format is emerging as the new standard for advanced effects and post-production in Hollywood, and it is particularly important for big-budget motion pictures that include scenes compositing live-action cinematography with high-resolution computer-generated imagery. The Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras will not only support 4K-resolution video but also outputs this as a 10-bit uncompressed RAW data stream with no de-Bayering. The cameras offer the additional versatility of being able to output quad full-HD (3840 x 2160), 2K (2048 x 1080), full HD (1920 x 1080), and other imaging options. All of these digital image source formats fully conform to established SMPTE production standards. All 4K formats can be selected to operate from one to 60 frames per second. The cameras employ a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format during 2K output, which can be selected to operate from one to 60 frames-per-second (fps) as well. If switched to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode, the camera can operate up to 120 fps.

The Cinema EOS C500 simultaneously records in-camera a 50 Mbps HD proxy video to a CF card that is immediately available to support offline editing. Equipped with a newly developed Super 35mm-equivalent approximately 8.85-megapixel CMOS sensor, the cameras will be compatible with Canon’s wide range of interchangeable EF Cinema and PL-mount lenses and EF lenses for Canon SLR cameras. Highly mobile and compact for filmmaking versatility, the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras - like Canon’s Cinema EOS C300/C300 PL cinematography cameras - provide all of the same ergonomic features, except for the rotating hand grip.

Further details regarding the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography cameras - including specifications and pricing - have yet to be decided. Plans call for these new products to be launched later this year. In addition to targeting a swift launch of these cameras, Canon will continue to enhance other components of its Cinema EOS System product lineup, which is designed to contribute to the continued advancement of tools for visual expression and the development of cinematic culture.

Canon will display a prototype of the Cinema EOS C500/C500 PL digital cinematography camera at the 2012 NAB Show in booth C4325 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 16 to 19.

Canon U.S.A. Announces Development Of Four EF Cinema Zoom Lenses.

A Wide-Angle Cinema Zoom and a Telephoto Cinema Zoom, Available in EF- and PL-Mount Versions, Will Further Expand Canon’s Cinema EOS System of Professional Digital Cinematography Products

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 12, 2012 – Building upon the historic November 2011 introduction of the Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leading in digital imaging solutions, today announced the development of four EF Cinema zoom lenses. Designed to deliver exceptional optical performance on 4K resolution Super 35mm-equivalent cameras, each of the four lenses features a compact, lightweight design to facilitate handheld and SteadicamTM shooting while also covering a wide range of focal lengths. Included are two wide-angle cinema zooms - the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L S* (for EF mounts) and the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L SP* (for PL mounts) - and two telephoto cinema zooms - the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S* (for EF mounts) and CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L SP* (for PL mounts).

“Canon’s introduction of EF- and PL-mount versions of the EOS C300 digital cinema camera was well received by the film and television production communities,” noted Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The development of these EF- and PL-mount cinema zooms will help add to the rich diversity of creative imaging choices available to the many film and television professionals who have embraced the new Cinema EOS System.”

A leading maker of precision lenses for professional digital photography, broadcast HDTV sports and news coverage, and many other markets, Canon has leveraged its years of expertise as a world leader in optics and imaging to develop its latest EF Cinema lenses. These wide-angle and telephoto cinema zooms will be compatible with industry-standard Super 35 mm-equivalent cameras and are engineered to deliver exceptional optical performance to support 4K resolution digital filmmaking. The four lenses will perfectly complement the compact body design of Canon EOS digital cinematography cameras with their own compact, lightweight design featuring a form factor well-suited for hand-held use, or for mounting on Steadicam or other lightweight, highly mobile camera-support devices used for cinema verité, “run-and-gun” shooting, or other rapid-action filmmaking.

The developments of these EF Cinema lenses are essential to Canon’s Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products, which include digital cinema cameras, a digital SLR camera, and a wide variety of advanced lenses. Canon will continue to enhance its Cinema EOS System product lineup to support diverse image creation in motion picture, television, and other high-resolution digital production industries. All of these products are designed to contribute to the continued advancement of tools for visual expression and express Canon’s commitment to cinematic culture.

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.