Canon kicks off its NAB 2016 campaign with the launch of a new camera, a new lens, and firmware updates for an impressive range of products.
We’ll start with the ME200S-SH, billed as a compact professional multipurpose video camera featuring Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus system. The company is aiming this at a fairly wide spectrum of users, from broadcast and cinematic productions, to scientific research and wildlife documentaries, claiming that it combines some of the best features from the company’s Cinema EOS range with the form factor, flexibility, and operational characteristics of the extremely popular ME20F-SH.
Sensor is a Super 35mm CMOS sensor with 8.29 megapixels that can record Full HD up to 50p/59.94p. Canon Log support enables it to capture up to 12-stops of dynamic range, as well as ensuring that it can match easily with other Canon-derived footage in post. As with Canon’s Cinema EOS cameras, Wide DR mode enables footage to be used directly from the camera with little or no grading.
An ISO range of 320 - 204,800 (which would have been fairly astonishing once upon a time but now seems almost common now so much has the bar been raised recently) makes it versatile for low light shooting, while retracting the built-in infrared cut filter allows for capture of a scene in infrared too.
Unsurprisingly, the ME200S-SH uses the same design architecture as the ME20F-SH, packing a lot into a compact body, which could see it make a decent option for use on robotic heads, or even attached to drones.
Also new from the company is the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S, a new Cinema EOS lens with cine-servo style functionality.
Its 18-80 mm focal length equates to 4.4x zoom ratio with stable T4.4 number maintained across the entire zoom range from the center to the edges. Three Canon Image Stabilization modes result in what is hoped to be complete stability, while a nine blade diaphragm provides that essential ‘bokeh’ look.
Also available is the newZSG-C10, an optional dedicated zoom grip ideal for use with hand-held rigs.
There are more firmware updates than we can shake a fairly large stick at, so we’ll just state that the highlight looks to be that the EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera updates will allow various functions such as shooting in new Canon Log3, and publish the rest below. You can read the various press releases regarding the ME200S-SH and the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S over the page.
The EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera updates will allow various functions such as shooting in new Canon Log3, viewfinder magnification during recording, focus guide with EF Cinema Prime lenses, Push Auto Iris and Zoom function on the grip joystick with New COMPACT-SERVO and CINE-SERVO series lenses, Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF) with COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lenses, ACES 1.0 output, peripheral illumination correction updates and overall image improvements such as noise level reduction in low-light for Canon Log2.
The EOS C100 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera update will allow various functions such as Push Auto Iris and Zoom function on the grip joystick with the new COMPACT-SERVO and CINE-SERVO series lenses, Canon DAF with COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lenses, and peripheral illumination correction updates and selectable disabling of the microphone.
The DP-V2410 4K Reference Display firmware will be updated to support ARRI Log C and ARRI metadata; improve display contrast and dynamic range; add support for Canon Log3 and Hybrid Log Gamma; and display of SMPTE 2084 input signal on the waveform monitor
The DP-V3010 4K Reference Display firmware will be updated to improve display contrast and dynamic range; add support for Canon Log3 and Hybrid Log Gamma; and display of SMPTE 2084 input signal on the waveform monitor.
The CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Lens will be updated to be compatible with Canon’s DAF function in the EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C100 Mark II Cameras.
The update for the ME20F-SH Camera will include lens support for an additional 19 EF and CINE lenses allowing for more creative choices in a wider variety of shooting applications including television and film production.
The XA35 and XA30 Professional Camcorders and LEGRIA HF G40 Camcorder updates include a new MP4 file format at 8Mbps (720 / 59.94P, 50P) allowing the user to shoot low bit rate footage
The firmware upgrades for the XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include new shooting modes allowing for greater creative flexibility, Wide DR Gamma (600%) Mode, Highlight Priority Mode, and Signal/Noise priority mode.
The XC10 4K Camcorder firmware will be updated to include a new file format MP4 in HD mode, improved AF speed, and shutter speed options for flicker reduction.
The best of Cinema EOS, affordable, compact and versatile – introducing the Canon ME200S-S
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 13 April 2016 – Canon today introduces the ME200S-SH, a compact professional multipurpose video camera featuring Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus system. Ideal for use across a wide range of applications from broadcast and cinematic productions, to scientific research and wildlife documentaries, the ME200S-SH is capable of capturing professional, high quality Full HD images even in low or difficult lighting conditions. The latest edition to Canon’s professional camera lineup combines some of the best features from the company’s famous Cinema EOS range, with the form factor, flexibility and operational characteristics of the extremely popular ME20F-SH.
Endless imaging possibilities
Featuring a Super 35mm CMOS sensor with 8.29 megapixels, the ME200S-SH replicates the outstanding image quality seen in the Cinema EOS range, delivering consistently impressive results. Thanks to Canon’s sensor oversampling technology, users including scientific researchers, or those shooting films and documentaries, can capture exceptionally clear, sharp, Full HD images. The ability to record Full HD images up to 50p/59.94p also extends the camera’s use for sports and wildlife, as well as surveillance.
The ME200S-SH supports Canon Log, which enables the camera to capture up to 12-stops of dynamic range and ensure that detail is retained in the brightest areas through to shadows. Canon Log provides an additional benefit to those currently using cameras such as the EOS C100 Mark II or EOS C300 Mark II, making it easy to match footage in post-production. As with Canon’s Cinema EOS cameras, the ME200S-SH also features Wide DR mode, enabling footage to be used directly from the camera with little or no grading, further speeding up the post production workflow.
The camera is equipped with the Canon EF with Cinema Lock mount, providing use with a large range of compatible Canon EF, EF-S and cine-servo lenses. Launched today, the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S cine-servo lens is the perfect partner for the ME200S-SH thanks to its compact size, light weight and ability to control the zoom and focus via Canon’s RC-V100 remote controller.
Ultimate control
Providing smooth, fast, high-performance continuous autofocus, the ME200S-SH features Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (DAF), a highly efficient AF system developed by Canon, which allows users to easily capture moving subjects such as those found in sports and wildlife environments. Additionally, the Custom Picture Setting allows users to preset and store preferred settings, ensuring shooting can start in a preferred style, as soon as the camera is switched on.
Excellent image capture from daylight to near-darkness
Offering an equivalent ISO range of 320 - 204,800, the ME200S-SH is a versatile tool for difficult or low light shooting scenarios such as in sports arenas or when capturing nocturnal wildlife. Retracting the built-in infrared cut filter further extends the camera’s capability when shooting in the lowest of light or when natural daylight disappears, allowing capture of the scene in infrared.
Compact and flexible for the most confined spaces
The ME200S-SH uses the design architecture of the ME20F-SH, packing advanced imaging functionality into a compact body. Opening up a world of new shooting opportunities, the camera’s size means it can easily be placed high in sports stadiums, inside vehicles, on robotic heads, or even attached to drones. The flexibility makes it the perfect camera for restricted spaces, fixed locations and in unusual or discreet positions. The option to operate the ME200S-SH remotely provides even greater levels of creative freedom – particularly for wildlife and natural history filmmakers who don’t want to disturb their subjects.
Connectivity options for individual workflows
With options to record to a range of third party devices, the ME200S-SH has the ability to fit directly into existing workflows. The HDMI out and 3G/HD-SDI out terminals, for example, allow easy connection to monitors and recording devices. There are also multiple remote control terminals and the camera is compatible with Canon’s RC-V100 for full remote operation over the camera.
ME200S-SH Key Features
High quality Full HD output
Great low light performance
Advanced autofocus and image controls
Easy remote setup and installation
Flexible configuration
Blending operability with precision and quality, Canon launches compact cine-servo lens
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 13 April 2016 – Canon today unveils the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S, a new Cinema EOS lens with cine-servo style functionality. Designed for professional and advanced amateur videographers using large-format, single-sensor cameras, the lens strengthens Canon’s line of cine-servo lenses, following in the footsteps of the CN7x17 and CN20x50. The latest addition offers the perfect balance of operability with outstanding precision and quality, giving videographers the power to capture exceptional footage.
Available out-of-the-box, the lens includes a servo engine which is powered via EF mount connectors, supporting hand-held shooting. For increased versatility, Canon is launching the ZSG-C10, an optional dedicated zoom grip, ideal for use with hand-held rigs. Free of charge, Canon is also announcing today a firmware upgrade to the CN7x17 cine-servo lens, adding Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Push Auto Iris and one shot or continuous AF when used with Canon Cinema EOS C100 and C300 cameras.
Outstanding 4K optical performance
Based on Canon’s heritage in optical design and performance, the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S is equipped with a resolving power that matches 4K, producing exceptionally high quality images. The 18-80 mm focal length equates to 4.4x zoom ratio with stable T4.4 number maintained across the entire zoom range from the center to the edges. Thanks to three Canon Image Stabilization modes, the lens ensures complete stability even during hand-held shooting, perfect for wedding videographers, for example. The CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S also features a nine blade diaphragm, to give the much loved ‘bokeh’ look and is colour balanced, matching other Cinema EOS lenses.
The perfect companion for single-shooters
Weighing in at just 1.2kg, the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S is Canon’s smallest and lightest cine-servo lens to date, providing instant benefits for mobile videographers, such as those shooting news and interviews. Its compact size and weight also means it can be used for drone-style shooting or in discreet or restricted positions. It’s also incredibly easy to function, negating the need to switch between lenses, opening up a variety of shooting opportunities for single users.
Undeniable performance
The CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S has an incredible servo performance as the servo unit is incorporated on the body, enabling precise digital zoom operations. Users such as documentary and filmmakers are able to achieve maximum speed and responsiveness with seamless switching between auto and manual focusing and zoom. For those using a shoulder-style rig or shooting hand-held in challenging positions, the ZSG-C10 is a perfect accessory – the grip simply attaches to the side of the lens, offering simple integration and zoom management.
The lens features minimal focus breathing, thanks to the 3-group inner focus system. Users are able to quickly change focus without losing viewing angles, perfect for those capturing fast moving activity such as in adverts or corporate film.