Here is a video of the Canon EOS-1D X from Canon Europe:
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Author Archives: halfmac
Canon celebrates production of 50 million EOS SLR cameras
As some of you know, I currently use Canon cameras and lenses. Canon celebrates production of 50 million EOS SLR cameras and 70 million lenses. Here is the full press release.
“TOKYO, October 18, 2011—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the achievement of two major manufacturing milestones: combined production of film and digital EOS-series single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras surpassed the 50-million mark in September this year, and the EF series of interchangeable lenses is expected to reach the 70-million-unit milestone later this month.”
What is interesting about this release is this.
“Currently, the company offers a broad product lineup that serves the needs of all levels of users, from entry-level enthusiasts to advanced amateurs and professionals. This lineup has further expanded with the addition of the new high-performance EOS-1D X, Canon's new flagship digital SLR camera, scheduled to go on sale in late March 2012.”
CanonRumors has the video specs:
“Expanded ISO Specs
L = 50
H1 – 102,400
H2 – 204,800
Movie Mode Specs
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
1920×1080 30p/25p/24p
1280×720 60p/50p
640×480 30p/25p”
Specifications
Canon EOS-1D X
Full Frame
18.1MP
Dual DIGIC 5+ – 17 Times The Processing Power of DIGIC 4
ISO 100-51200 Native
100,000 Pixel RGB Metering Sensor
EOS iSA (Intelligent Subject Analysis)
61 Point AF
21 f/5.6 Cross Type Sensors
20 f/4 Cross Type Sensors
5 f/2.8 Dual Cross Type Sensors
EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking & Recognition Auto Focus)
12 Frames Per Second
14 Frames Per Second JPG Only
400,000 Shot Rated Shutter
Ethernet Connection
March Availability
What gets more interesting is from the official Canon press release.
Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording
Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.
Canon's all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.
The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.”
I am hoping this technology will filter down to the 70D. It would be wonderful addition to the Canon family. We live in exciting times.
The Passing of a Great Man, Steve Jobs
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Steve Jobs. Unfortunately this was not unexpected. My condolences to his family and close friends.
His products changed my life life. I have been an Apple user since 1983 when I bought an Apple IIe. Little did I know that computers would become a large part of my work and life. My brother and my dad were the eletronic wizards in my family. I was mechanical, film and videotape based.
In 1984 I purchased my 1st Macintosh computer. I have been using them ever since. I bought into Steve's vision that a computer should think like a human being instead of a human being having to think like a computer. Not only were the computers visually very well designed but they very useful visually. That has always been a trademark of the Macintosh and I feel it is because of Steve Jobs. He was always pushing us and the industry in new directions.
He had greater dreams not yet realized when he got bumped from Apple in the mid 1980's. I still bought Mac's. I was one of the first to have the color Mac, the Mac II. I started doing color television graphics with Photoshop 1.0 and editing video in a tiny window in Premiere 1.0. I saw the future that Steve had invisioned for the Mac. Years later before Steve had come back to Apple, I built a non-linar video editing system for my television work. I was still using the computer he had introduced to the world.
After Steve left Apple, it had lost it's way and focus. Apple was predicted to fade away. I neve lost faith, even in the dark times.
Fortunately he had made some smart investments while he was away. He bought Pixar from Gearge Lucas and created the NeXt operating system, which OSX is based on.
When Steve Steve came back to Apple in the late 90s he envisioned new ways to use computers. I was pleased to see him return. The rest is of what legends are made of. The iMac, iPod, iTunes, iPhone and now the iPad, on which I am writing this.
The world is not the same because of him. We live in a digital world and I could not do what I do with out the vision and leadership of Steve Jobs. I will miss you.
Just bought a second 60D
Canon 60D no lens
I like the camera so much I bought another one. As some of you know, I shoot most of my video with a Canon 60D. I have been wanting a second camera for a while now. Back in the film “daze” I always had at least two cameras (2 different types of film), sometimes the same bodies. Well now I have it again. Having the same body makes it easy to switch cameras. I thought about the Canon Rebel T3i but don't like the sone it makes when shooting stills and the viewfinder is too small. (Note the video side should be fine) The cost difference is not bad and I can use the same battery. I also considered a non Canon camera, the Panasonic GH2 which some say is better for video. That camera was hard to find. Not many of the dealers have it. I have yet to my hands on one. At NAB it was not shown because it is sold through the consumer division and I did not see one at the show. Most of their Image Stabilized lenses are too slow in the aperture department and I love IS lenses.
For me the Canon 60D has been the best camera for what I do. Video and stills. It is the best camera for video Canon makes in my opinion because of the size of the sensor, the manual controls including audio and the swivel LCD. Most of the newer cameras have not improved the video enough for me to buy them. It is also a pretty good still camera as well. It is a nice compromise of both. I have already done a shoot with both where one was a wide shot and the other was more tighter on a person doing a intro to the program I am currently working on.
Canon Bringing Back Lens Aperture Rings for HDSLR Video
This is a good development for video Canon EF lens users. I use 6 EF lenses with my 60D for video.
An article from Photgraphy Bay talked about a new Canon patent:
“Anyone who has shot video with a Canon DSLR recognizes that smooth iris pulls are impossible while recording with Canon’s EF lenses. In one of the more interesting patent applications of late, Canon revealed that it is working on new lenses with aperture rings for adjusting aperture settings during video capture.
The new lenses with aperture rings utilize electronic control of the lens diaphragm rather than a mechanical aperture ring of yesteryear.
What’s not entirely clear is whether or not the aperture adjustments via the lens ring will offer step-less iris pulls. This feature is not addressed in the patent application. However, the presumption is that a new lens design for iris adjustments during video capture would offer much smoother changes than the terrible 1/3-stop clicks we get now out of the adjustments from the camera body.”
Read the full article at their site.
Apple Releases First Final Cut Pro X Software Update
StudioDaily has this article about FCPX
Apple today released the first significant software update to its Final Cut Pro X editing software, which it unveiled to much controversy in late June. In a one-on-one call earlier today with Apple's Richard Townhill, senior director of applications product marketing, we learned more about the 10.0.1 update that includes critical support missing from the original release, notably for XML import and export and Xsan-based workgroup editing. The update is free to existing users and went live in the Mac App Store during our call.
Go to the article to read more
In commemoration of 9/11 – Know Your Rights: Photographers
In commemoration of 9/11, we need to stand up for our rights as photographers. They can't take our rights away as photographers for security. Thank you to the ACLU for publishing Our Rights.
“Taking photographs of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is a constitutional right – and that includes federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties. Unfortunately, there is a widespread, continuing pattern of law enforcement officers ordering people to stop taking photographs from public places, and harassing, detaining and arresting those who fail to comply. Learn more >>“
Apple Puts Legacy Final Cut Studio Back on Sale
I am using both, Final Cut Pro 7 and Final Cut Pro X.
This is from MacRumors:
Apple has put the previous version of its Final Cut Studio video editing suite back on sale after a mixed reception to the new and completely redesigned Final Cut X. We received word that Apple had issued a memo this afternoon announcing re-availability of the product.
We confirmed with an Apple telesales representative at 800-MY-APPLE that Final Cut Studio, part number MB642Z/A, is again available for $999 (and $899 for educational customers). The product is only available through the 800-number and is not available in Apple Retail Stores or on the Apple Online Store.
Final Cut Studio is a comprehensive video editing package that includes Final Cut Pro 7, Motion 4, Soundtrack Pro 3, DVD Studio Pro 4, Color 1.5 and Compressor 3.5. Apple had discontinued the product at the launch of Final Cut Pro X, their next generation video editing suite. Critics of the new product had complained that the abrupt discontinuation of the previous version of the software had made the transition more difficult. Apple had promised regular updates to Final Cut Pro X.
An open letter to Canon
Optical Anti-Aliasing Filter for the Canon 5Dmk2
Now I don't have a 5Dmk2. This is something I would like for my 60D. It works.
Optical Anti-Aliasing Filter for the Canon 5Dmk2 from Glenn Przyborski on Vimeo.
Director/cinematographer Glenn Przyborski describes the VAF-5D2 optical filter and details its installation and removal from the Canon 5D Mk2 camera. Przyborski also clarifies aliasing and moiré pattern interference and shows examples of each. Anyone interested in this unique optical solution for the Canon 5D Mk2 should screen this short presentation.
Note that original Canon camera files and 1920×1080 H.264 versions of various test videos are available for download and evaluation at: przyborski.com/mosaic_downloads.html
Mosaic Engineering's website: mosaicengineering.com/