Canon Unveils New 4K Cameras

Canon is throwing its hat into the 4K ring.

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Next week at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, the company will preview the EOS-1D C, a digital SLR camera with 4K support that is priced at $15,000.

The company is also developing new cameras for its Cinema EOS system — launched last November targeting motion picture production — including a 4K-capable Cinema EOS C500 for use with EF-mount lenses, and Cinema EOS C500 PL for use with PL-mount lenses. Currently expected to cost around $30,000, these Cinema EOS cameras  would be capable of recording 4K resolution with 10-bit uncompressed “Raw” output with no de-Bayering, according to Canon. The camera options include quad full-HD, 2K, and full HD.

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According to Canon, 4K and 2K formats can be selected to operate from one to 60 frames per second. A 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode enables 120 fps.

These Cinema EOS cameras will offer a new Super 35mm-equivalent approximately 8.85-megapixel CMOS sensor. A prototype of the C500 camera will be at NAB.

Equipped with an 18.1-megapixel 24mm x 36mm CMOS sensor, the EOS-ID C records 8-bit 4:2:2 Motion JPEG 4K video to the camera’s CF card at 24 fps or Full HD video.

The EOS-ID C is aimed at filmmakers, television producers, and other professionals.

These 4K camera systems are expected to be available later this year.

Related, at NAB Canon will show new prototype lenses, the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 and CN-E30-105mm T2.8, for EF or PL mounts.