NAB/Canon new video cameras
The April 2015 NAB show is swinging into full action mode in just a few days. The NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) tradeshow is a dream come true for videographers and photographers alike. As their site explains, a person can “overindulge in hands-on experience with emerging technologies and the latest innovations, limitless networking and learning opportunities, and the inspiration to take your work to the next level.”
With a collection of talented content creators attending, all of the major (and many minor) players in video equipment manufacturing will be there to show off their latest and greatest gadgets.
Just a few days before the commencement of the show, Canon announced two new video camera systems, the EOS C300 Mark II and the Canon XC10.
EOS C300 Mark II
The EOS C300 Mark II is the successor to the EOS C300 and it brings major improvements to the line. The C300 Mark II features internal 4K recording at either true DCI 4K or Ultra HD resolution. This will satisfy both broadcast and cinematic requirements. The C300 Mark II records to CFast cards instead of dual Compact Flash in order to handle the 4K recording. The option to output 4K raw video, a function only previously available on the C500 Cinema EOS camera, is now available in this model. The camera is available in Canon EF or PL mount versions.
The ISO of the EOS C300 Mark II has also been improved. The range is now 160 to 25600 ISO and 100 to 102400 ISO when expanded.
The viewfinder is now a bit smaller but has improved significantly with the Mark II. What it loses in size, it makes up for in image quality. The new OLED screen delivers accurate colors and rich blacks. The Start/Stop button has been moved to low on the left side which is much more convenient to press with your left hand.
Canon XC10
On the consumer side of the spectrum, Canon has also released the XC10, a fixed lens camcorder that packs quite a punch. The body design looks like a scaled down and squatty DSLR. A 10X lens is installed and also has a rotatable handgrip and a flip-out LCD touchscreen. The sensor captures 4K video at 24 and 30 fps. It can also capture 1080p video at from 24 fps to 60 fps.
The XC10 also functions as a still-image camera. It takes 12 MP images and features common modes like Manual, Auto, and those in-between. It can take photos while recording video or during playback. The photo images are captured at the same resolution of the video.
The built-in lens is optimized for 4K and has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide range and f/5.6 at the telephoto end. Zoom rings allow for smooth manual focus.
With its small size and light weight make the XC10 ideal for live event work or mounting on drones.
Both models are now available for pre-order and it’s likely that interested videographers can take a first-hand look at both the EOS C300 Mark II and the XC10 at the NAB show held April 11-16, 2015 in Las Vegas.
Doug Hill
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