Canon 60D to be Released

One thing you will not find on this blog is rumors. But since Canon has stated explicitly that the 7D was not meant as a first replacement of the xxD line, that means that they will likely be releasing a 60D this year. Most will be able to guess on the specs, as they will be somewhere between the T2i and the 7D. This is a smart move by Canon, as it will provide an outlet for users that want the solid build quality and weather sealing of the new xD line with the video capabilities of the T2i - at the price point of an xxD series body. It will also more than likely offer the crop modes for video recording seen on the T2i. Here's what I think we are likely to see on the Canon 60D:

Sensor:
* 18mp CMOS [probably that of the 7D]
* APS-C

Video:
* 1920 x 1080 (30p, 24/25p)
* 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
* 640 x 480 (60p, 50p)

Processor:
* Digic 4 Image Processor

Other Features:
* 6.x shots/sec.
* ISO 6400
* Kelvin and manual white balance
* 1/8000 sec. to 30 sec. shutter
* CF card type
* 95%+ viewfinder coverage
* Eye-Fi support

I do however predict that this will be the final release in the xxD line, because anything more and you will simply have yourself a 7D. I expect a price point between $1199 and $1399USD.

"City of Lakes" Now Showing At Planet5D

Many of you saw the preview of the "City of Lakes" and some of you even downloaded it. Soon after, the feature shot completely on the Canon 7D and 5DMKii was released on the Pacific Pictures website.

This has been the only place to watch the internationally acclaimed film up until today. Congratulations to Planet5D as they have been exclusively chosen to show the film as well! Link

Pasonic AG-3DA1 3D HD Camcorder

The AG-3DA1 was announced earlier this year at CES by Panasonic. As some may know, this is not the world's first 3D camera, but, per Panasonic, it is the "world’s first* professional quality, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder offering SD media card recording." Of course this is probably the most solid system, at least as far as convenience and work-flow. And since the release of HD DSLRs what does everyone crave? Portability.

The AG-3DA1 is however the first of it's kind on a manufacturer level. On the exterior it sports dual lenses, wrapped around two 1920 x 1080 2.07 megapixel 3-MOS sensors. It records at the basic frame-rates as well as 720/60p and 50p. They also give us HD-SDI and HDMI out, which is now a standard on most mid to pro level cameras. All this in a body weighing only about a pound more than your standard DV system.

When the curtains open, you might think it's looks couldn't be mistaken, but it really looks similar to this RCPRI setup from a couple years back:



Prior to the Panasonic, you would have to work with a custom, dual camera rig, or something similar to the 3ality system pictured here:


img courtesy of Stephen Shankland/CNET

Truth is for the moment, there just isn't another way to design such a system better crafted than what Panasonic has done. Will other manufacturers join in? Eventually. Sony has announced it's development of a 3D system with joint efforts of none other than Discovery. This speaks highly of the future of their relationship. On the consumer level, the electronics company DXG said that it would be releasing a small camcorder that will record two separate streams. Will there ever be a "3D war?" No. And Panasonic is only building these to order, which is why you are charged a non-refundable deposit. So what it is going to come down to is functionality, which is the way it should be. Film cameras will always look more glorious anyway.

Suggested Retail Price: $21,000USD (including $1,000 deposit)

Should you get one? Well, it seems that Panasonic's major hype this year surrounds the AG-AF100. It can be fun to build your own 3D rig and a lot cheaper, but that depends on the nature of the project.

PRESS RELEASE

Other points of interest:

Hi-end 3D alignment products
Fujifilm "FinePix" prototype at Photokina 2008

Real People in Photography - I Mean Acrylic

Alexa Meade is an Installation Artist based in Washington DC. It is always interesting to see things done in a different way. That's what art is, creativity. It is not a new thing to paint in acrylic, it is not a new thing to body paint and photography certainly has been around for centuries. But Meade has taken these basic elements into a new realm of representation. When you look at these photographs, you are looking at a real person! Though the first impression is that you are looking at a painting, well, essentially you are. Meade paints her subjects in a way that is reminiscent of a lively, inanimate structure. Interpretation at it's best! It is easy to see how a conversation can quickly be struck and last quite some time when discussing her work. Meade's work can be viewed at the “Art of Giving” show in London this Fall.

Interview with Meade + more paintings, and her website.

Credit to Geekologie as this is where I first saw the article.

Panasonic Announces AG-AF100 HD Video Camera

It has been quietly rumored that Panasonic would be releasing a new video camera. Yesterday at NAB, they officially announced the AG-AF100. This is a 4/3" camera, utilizing the chip from their popular GH1. It was also noted that though the chip is the same, the engineering is not. Jan [Product Manager - Panasonic] specifically noted that there will be no aliasing. So don't expect the camera to have the problems of DSLR video recording. The cam records to AVCHD, and offers HD-SDI output as well as HDMI. Canon users are already asking what the response will be, as they historically have always waited for others to release their product first.

PRESS RELEASE:

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 11, 2010) – Panasonic Solutions Company today announced a game-changing AVCCAM HD camcorder, the AG-AF100, the first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder optimized for high-definition video recording. Scheduled to ship by the end of 2010, the AG-AF100 will set a new benchmark for digital cinematography.
 
Targeted at the video and film production communities, the AF100 delivers the shallow depth of field and wider field of view of a large imager, with the flexibility and cost advantages of use with a growing line of professional quality, industry standard micro 4/3-inch lenses, filters, and adapters. The full 1080 and 720 production camera offers superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates, professional audio capabilities, and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media.
 
The design of the AF100’s micro 4/3-inch sensor affords depth of field and field of view similar to that of 35mm movie cameras in a less expensive camera body.  Equipped with an interchangeable lens mount, the AF100 can utilize an array of low-cost, widely-available still camera lenses as well as film-style lenses with fixed focal lengths and primes.
 
“Designed in consultation with the filmmaking community, the AF100 eclipses the video performance of other cameras in this price range,” said Joe Facchini, Vice President of Sales & Product Management, Media & Production Services, Panasonic Solutions Company.  “Ideal for film schools and independent filmmakers, this affordable, digital cinematography camera employs an advanced professional AVC/ H.264 Hi Profile AVCHD codec compatible with a wide range of editing tools and affordable players.” 
 
The AF100 incorporates a 4/3-inch, 16:9 MOS imager. The camcorder records 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) in AVCHD’s highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps). Ready for global production standards, the camcorder is 60Hz and 50Hz switchable.
 
The AF100 maximizes the potential of its high-resolution imager with built-in ND filtering and dramatically reduced video aliasing. Standard professional interfaces include HD-SDI out, HDMI, time code recording, built-in stereo microphone and USB 2.0. The AF100 features two XLR inputs with +48V Phantom Power capability, 48-kHz/16-bit two-channel digital audio recording and supports LPCM/Dolby-AC3.
 
This newest Panasonic AVCCAM camcorder is the first to enjoy the benefits of advanced SDXC media card compatibility in addition to existing SDHC card support.  (SDXC is the newest SD memory card specification that supports memory capacities above 32GB up to 2TB). With two SD slots, the AF100 can record up to 12 hours on two 64GB SDXC cards in PH mode
 
The AG-AF100 will be available by the end of 2010. Panasonic will support the AF100 with a three-year limited warranty (one year plus two extra years upon registration).
 
About Panasonic Solutions Company
Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. Panasonic Solutions delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company’s portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
 
All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic Solutions Company’s full line of products can be obtained by calling 877- 803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.

Taking the 7D to New Heights

I have to give credit to Eric Austin. This is the first post on the blog simply here for "cool points." Eric developed a custom platform for the Canon 7D, that allows him to get smooth aerial shots, all without leaving the ground. As I mentioned in the "City of Lakes" post, advanced technology is becoming available to a wider group of individuals. But it is this type of creativity and innovation that is going to help you stand out from those that just "do the job," or those that think the equipment is what makes you a professional. Eric seems to be open about sharing details about the project, so just ask! And be sure to drop by his Vimeo page and leave a comment.

CS5 Tutorial: Content-Aware Fill

This is a quick walk-around of the new Content Aware tool that is included in Photoshop Creative Suite 5. By AdobePhotoshopFB:

Press Release: Canon XF305 and XF300

Read the press release here: http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20100407_xf_procamcorders.html
 
CANON'S NEW XF305 AND XF300 PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDERS RECORD
NATIVE 1920 x 1080 4:2:2 VIDEO DIRECTLY TO COMPACT FLASH CARDS

Both Models Utilize an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps Codec for Exceptional HD
Image Quality, Full NLE Compatibility and an Efficient, Robust Workflow

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 7, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders. Both new models employ an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec – Canon XF Codec – for capturing and recording native 1920 x 1080 video onto affordable, universally available Compact Flash (CF) cards. Uniting video, audio and metadata into a single file, the Canon XF305 and XF300 use an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open source format, to maximize compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE)systems. Priced under $8,000 per model, the Canon XF305 and XF300 are engineered for multiple production applications including broadcast news, documentary and independent filmmaking and event videography. Canon will be demonstrating a variety of professional applications for the Canon XF305 and XF300 at the Company's booth# C4325 at the 2010 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens providing documentary filmmakers and news camera operators with the focal-range versatility required in the field. Designed with input from professional users, each model includes three Canon developed and designed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, and the new Canon XF Codec for extreme color detail required for accurate chroma-keying, color-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. For finer transitions in tone and color, 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the color resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 formats. In addition, Canon's XF305 model features industry- standard HD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals for multi-camera or 3-D productions.

"The creation of HD video content continues to grow across every market category," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "We are proud to introduce the new Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders, which provide extraordinary image quality, a generous array of features and seamless integration with file-based workflows, all at an attractive price. These camcorders provide the convenience, production cost and quality that the HD video market has been asking for."

Further adding to the low total-cost-of-ownership of the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders is their use of CF cards. In addition to rugged, solid-state construction and the speed and ease of file transfer to computers, CF cards are cost effective and widely available, unlike proprietary memory systems. The new Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders feature hot-swappable dual card slots and support UDMA CF cards for maximum performance.

To support the swift adoption of the Canon XF Codec, Canon has worked in cooperation with major editing and post-production software developers, including Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley, to ensure compatibility with leading software programs widely used within the video production and broadcast industries.

Genuine Canon Optics with Image Stabilization
Leveraging the Company's expertise as a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance optics, the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens with a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 29.3 – 527.4mm and a Full Manual Focus mode with mechanical "hard" end stops and distance markers for professional operability and repeatable manual focus. Canon utilized HI-UD (high-index, ultra low dispersion), UD and aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and provide a compact size and weight to the lens – while also delivering a resolution of approximately 1,000 TV lines. The lens also features a new SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system featuring Dynamic and Powered modes for optimal performance in the greatest variety of situations.

DIGIC DV III Image Processor
At the heart of Canon's XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorder models is Canon's proprietary DIGIC DV III Image Processor, which ensures natural, lifelike colors and captures tonal gradations and shadow detail with remarkable accuracy. The DIGIC DV III Image Processor also powers Canon's innovative Face Detection Technology, an autofocus option that can significantly reduce the effort required when camera operators work alone, such as in news applications.

To maximize the camcorders' adaptability across various production environments, Canon equipped each model with the ability to record at multiple bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates for slow and fast motion.

Code:
Mode Resolution Frame Rate
50Mbps (CBR) 4:2:2 1920 x1080 60i/30p/24p
50Mbps (CBR) 4:2:2 1280 x 720 60p/30p/24p
35Mbps (VBR) 4:2:0 1920 x1080 60i/30p/24p
35Mbps (VBR) 4:2:0 1280 x 720 60p/30p/24p
25Mbps (CBR) 4:2:0 1440 x1080 60i/30p/24p

CBR = Continuous Bit Rate VBR = Variable Bit Rate
Additional professional features include variable-interval (for time-lapse) and frame-record for stop-motion animation, and a photo feature for frame-grabs.

Refined Ergonomics and Operation
The Canon XF305 and XF300 are designed to maximize shooting comfort and usability. The well-balanced design allows the operator to comfortably control the camcorder and easily maintain a steady shot while minimizing arm fatigue. Each camcorder also features a convenient, freely rotating 4.0-inch, 1.23-megapixel LCD monitor that can be positioned at either the right or left side of the camcorder body, allowing for easy viewing even in the most difficult shooting positions.

The LCD monitor also provides a display of the camcorders' built-in waveform monitor and vectorscope to aid in achieving accurate exposure and color levels while shooting. Additionally, the LCD can show peaking, edge-monitor-focus and magnify the image, enabling users to confirm critical focus, an essential objective in all HD production.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 models also come equipped with a 0.52-inch, 1.55-megapixel color electronic viewfinder, providing ample resolution for critical focus and approximately 100 percent field-of-view coverage for accurate judgment of composition.

Audio Flexibility
The Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders feature a built-in stereo microphone as well as dual XLR inputs for external audio sources. The new camcorders support 16-bit PCM audio at 48 kHz with automatic and manual audio level adjustment

Pricing and Availability
Canon's XF305 Professional Camcorder is scheduled to be available in late June for an estimated retail price of $7,999. Canon's XF300 Professional Camcorder is scheduled to be available in late June for an estimated retail price of $6,799.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.