Canon provides upgrades for current EOS Cinema and XF Line

NewsSoftware

by Tim FokFebruary 25^th, 2014

Canon has released a couple of nice new features for their current video and cinema camera lines. Starting off with perhaps the most significant, Dual Pixel CMOS AF for the C300.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF for Canon C300

Towards the end of last year, Canon released this feature as a payable upgrade for C100 users. Now, it’s been announced for the broadcast ready Canon C300.

The feature utilizes phase detection AF, and is designed to provide the user with continuous autofocus when shooting. Coupled with a STM lens (stepping motor) focus is smooth and silent. We tested out this combo with the initial announcement of the technology, with the Canon 70D and 40mm STM lens.

Want to know how this technology works with the EOS Cinema line? Check out Canon Digital Learning Center video made by Joe Simon featuring Dual Pixel CMOS AF on the C100.

https://vimeo.com/87006298

To upgrade your camera, you need to part with $500 and send your unit to an authorized Canon dealer. Upgrades are said to be available from May 2014.

Canon RC-V100 Remote Control for XF and EOS Cinema C100,C300,C500 cameras

Further more to Canons announcements is a new remote control for XF camcorders and the C100, C300 and C500. The RC-V100 Remote Control brings a host of controls to your Canon camera setup, through a wired 3.5mm jack connection.

The remote looks like a fairly serious bit of kit, with dedicated knobs for white balance, knee, master black, zoom and focus (zoom for XF line with servo lenses, not manual EF lenses for EOS cinema line). The remote controls broad interface includes all aspects of exposure, including the mechanically operated ND wheels on the C300 and C500.

The price tag of remote (around $2,999 retail) heavily dictates its target audience. Expected release is in June.

Peripheral Illumination Correction

Canon has announced a firmware upgrade for the C100, C300 and C500 cameras, adding further compatibility to their EOS Cinema lens line and the cameras Peripheral Illumination Correction.

Peripheral Illumination Correction has been feature present for many of Canons DSLRs over the years, it helps decrease vignetting (dark corners) with lenses.

This latest update adds the CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens to the seven other Canon CN-E Series Cinema Lenses that share this performance advantage, including the CN-E15.5-47mm and CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S compact Cinema zooms, and the 14mm, 24mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm Canon CN-E Cinema prime lenses. Fourteen other Canon EF-Series photographic lenses also deliver Peripheral Illumination Correction in combination with these cameras.

EOS C100 Camera Continuous Recording Function Firmware Update

This sounds pretty interesting; Canon has added the ability to mark clips whilst continuously recording.

These markers – for both “in” and “out” points – can be set with the press of a button without interrupting the recording process. These markers are identified in metadata as separate “shots,” and are simultaneously recorded to both SD card slots of the EOS C100 camera

The above grab is taken directly from the Canon website. From what I understand, your full clip with be saved onto the card, with referenced metadata for clips within your full clips signified by user inputted IN and OUT points.

The firmware update is available now. Having bought a C100 recently, I’ll explore this feature over the next few days and report back on its value. One immediate use that sprung to mind is for highlighting important aspects of long interviews; with this feature you could highlight important parts without having to stop recording.

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