Feb
09
Rick Young asks Joseph Young of Canon USA “We are all looking for an HDSLR and a video camcorder in one package” an in depth interview with some interesting insight.
http://www.macvideo.tv/camera-technology/interviews/index.cfm?articleId=3212207
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Feb
08
HDW : Don’t think much of this lash up introduction you really think Canon would be a bit more professional than this !!!
London, 8th February 2010 – Canon today announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR cameras – the EOS 550D.The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity.
Creative control with no compromise on quality
The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.
For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.
Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe. “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”
EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative control
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920×1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.
Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.
A clear view of your world
The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders. The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.
EOS build – Canon quality
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body.
Share the moment with friends and family
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a first step. Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.
For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi* connected functions. The EOS 550D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption**.
Accessories
The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
Features at a glance:
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
- Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
- Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
- 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
- iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
- Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
- Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
- Select maximum value for Auto ISO
- External Microphone socket
- Movie crop function
- Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility
HDW : Once again Canon bring out a VSLR with no swivel viewfinder, no manual sound controls and no metering the up side is the amount of frame rates to choose from and the price of £800 body only.
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Canon E-1 Plugin (From Planet5D)
Canon releases a free EOS E1 video plug-in for Apple’s Final Cut Pro. The plug-in is compatible with Final Cut Pro 6 or higher and currently supports Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 1D Mark IV cameras.
This new plug-in allows simple and easy transfer of video content from Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro. The EOS E1 video plug-in takes advantage of Final Cut Pro’s powerful Log and Transfer feature, which allows users to select and mark the video directly while it is still on the camera, add custom metadata and ingest the clips in the background so the editing can begin immediately.
The EOS E1 video plug-in is a free download and will be available here but so far, they haven’t posted it yet. We’ll let you know when they do.
http://blog.planet5d.com/2010/02/canon-announces-eos-e1-video-plug-in-for-apples-final-cut-pro/
Canon Introduces MPEG-2 Full HD Codec
Canon on Tuesday said it would be releasing an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec that would debut in an unannounced but upcoming professional video camera from the company. The MPEG-2 Codec would bring with it twice the color resolution of the HDV profile format and be compatible with industry-standard editing and processing software. The codec would also have 50Mbps data recording speeds.
The new format would let users record 1920×1080 HD videos and include the open-source Material eXchange Format (MXF) used by broadcasters to edit recorded content. To make the system widely and quickly accepted, Canon is working with Adobe, Apple, Avid Technology and Grass Valley.
File-based recording, including the one in Canon’s new codec, is flexible as it can be used across a wide range of editing software and applications.
http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20100202_mpeg2_full_hd.html
Canon UPDATE : New camcorder to be 1/3″ and will NOT have interchangeable lenses but will be at a very competitive price range and is the hand held mock us seen here. http://www.hdwarrior.co.uk/2010/01/13/canon-miss-a-great-opportunity-to-compete-with-red/
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
http://www.ikonoskop.com/home/
HDW : Never quite understand why companies like Ikonoskop decide to make their own 80GB memory cartridge while running at 240MB/s…only gives you 15mins or recording time and I will bet it costs a few pennies to buy a spare. If this camera had CF or SDHC this would have made sense, I tend to think a drop to 100MB/s using CF would have given this camera a far wider audience and lets not forget the Sony EX range tops out at 35MB/s and that quality is still good.
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Feb
04
How significant is this… why would Canon bother to announce a new camcorder at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts unless we are finally going to see a 35mm full sensor film like camcorder. The early info all points to a very high spec camcorder with 50 Mbs and 4:2:2 colour space, such specs don’t come in a prosumer hand held solid state 1/3″ camcorder or do they ?
I assume our good pals over at http://www.pocket-lint.com got this graphic from an official Canon source if that’s so “Canon at the Movies” ….. exciting times and I bet the boys at RED will be watching with anticipation.
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Feb
04
You’re Invited!
11 February 2010 10:00 – 16:00
If you’re thinking of moving to tapeless acquisition, here’s a unique opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with the Sony XDCAM EX camcorder range. On Thursday 11th February between 10am and 4pm, we’re holding a special “Try it & Buy it” open house event to which you are cordially invited! We have the full range for you to try, including the new PMW-350K, the PMW-EX3, the PMW-EX1R and the PMW-EX1.Click to Register Now
This special event is taking place at our Midlands headquarters, located close to the M42 motorway south of Birmingham. It incorporates what we believe to be the best demo facilities in the UK, so you’ll be able to put each camera through its paces, assessing its suitability for your specific needs with our extremely knowledgeable sales team on hand to answer any questions. Phil Myers, Sony’s XDCAM Product Manager for the UK will also be here to offer advice and explain the features and benefits. We’re here to serve, and to make sure you get the camera that’s exactly right for you at the right price!
http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/public/sony.register.php
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Feb
02
Canon adopts MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for upcoming professional video camcorder
New Canon MPEG-2 Codec chosen for file-based professional video camcorder promises compatibility with industry-standard editing & processing software
London, February 2, 2010 – Canon Inc. today announces the adoption of an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for a new professional video camcorder currently under development. The Canon MPEG-2 codec will enable high-quality imaging and audio performance with up to 50 Mbps data recording and twice the colour data of HDV[1] profile formats. File-based recording helps video operations realise greater efficiencies during post-production processing, making it an ideal format for many industry applications such as news gathering, documentary filmmaking and event videography.
• MPEG-2 Full HD compression and 4:2:2 colour sampling
The adoption of MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 4:2:2 HP@HL compliant) compression enables the recording of 1,920 x 1,080-pixel full high-definition video. Additionally, compared with the 4:2:0 profile format used in HDV and other standards, 4:2:2 colour sampling offers twice the volume of colour data, providing double the level of colour resolution.
• Maximum 50 Mbps data recording
With approximately twice the total data volume of HDV, the codec supports higher resolution and increased colour data to enable the recording of high-quality video.
• Industry-standard MXF[2] file format
MXF (Material eXchange Format) is a widely supported open source file format for the recording of video, audio and metadata, developed to suit the latest editing systems used by broadcasters.
Canon partners with major editing and processing software
With the adoption of the MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec, Canon is working in cooperation with Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology, Inc. and Grass Valley to ensure compatibility with major editing and processing software programs widely used within the video imaging industry. Additionally, at future industry events Canon intends to demonstrate the overall video-production workflow, from initial video capture to clip-trimming and final editing. Video clips stored in a file-based recording system and industry-standard software applications will be used.
[1] HDV is a standard for the recording and playback of high definition (1,440 x 1,080 pixels) video and audio on DV-format cassette tapes
[2] A format for professional digital video and audio media defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Canon adopts MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for upcoming professional video camcorder
New Canon MPEG-2 Codec chosen for file-based professional video camcorder promises compatibility with industry-standard editing & processing software
London, February 2, 2010 – Canon Inc. today announces the adoption of an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for a new professional video camcorder currently under development. The Canon MPEG-2 codec will enable high-quality imaging and audio performance with up to 50 Mbps data recording and twice the colour data of HDV[1] profile formats. File-based recording helps video operations realise greater efficiencies during post-production processing, making it an ideal format for many industry applications such as news gathering, documentary filmmaking and event videography.
• MPEG-2 Full HD compression and 4:2:2 colour sampling The adoption of MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 4:2:2 HP@HL compliant) compression enables the recording of 1,920 x 1,080-pixel full high-definition video. Additionally, compared with the 4:2:0 profile format used in HDV and other standards, 4:2:2 colour sampling offers twice the volume of colour data, providing double the level of colour resolution.
• Maximum 50 Mbps data recording With approximately twice the total data volume of HDV, the codec supports higher resolution and increased colour data to enable the recording of high-quality video.
• Industry-standard MXF[2] file format MXF (Material eXchange Format) is a widely supported open source file format for the recording of video, audio and metadata, developed to suit the latest editing systems used by broadcasters.
Canon partners with major editing and processing software
With the adoption of the MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec, Canon is working in cooperation with Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology, Inc. and Grass Valley to ensure compatibility with major editing and processing software programs widely used within the video imaging industry. Additionally, at future industry events Canon intends to demonstrate the overall video-production workflow, from initial video capture to clip-trimming and final editing. Video clips stored in a file-based recording system and industry-standard software applications will be used.
[1] HDV is a standard for the recording and playback of high definition (1,440 x 1,080 pixels) video and audio on DV-format cassette tapes[2] A format for professional digital video and audio media defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
HDW : This looks to be a mean machine 4:2:2 and 50Mbs full broadcast spec all we need now is some pics and size of sensor used…1/2″ or 2/3″ ?
Q. Could this be kicking RED in the butt…?
More news on this camcorder 8th February 2010.
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Feb
01
I know this has been discussed on many other blogs, but while shooting part of a 3D project in London, from a public right of way several private “security guards” tried to move us on and prevent us from shooting the exterior of their building. The law in the UK is actually quite clear on this: This extract is from the Met police web site:
“Freedom to photograph/ film
Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel.”
In addition there are no laws preventing you from shooting normal people and buildings in the street, there are exceptions for military establishments, buildings covered by the official secrets act and nuclear power stations. But normal office buildings etc can be filmed at will. The security officers were from the Santander Building on Euston Road. We were not on their property and had gone by the book informing Camden council that we were going to be filming in the street, yet still they insisted we move on. For half an hour they obstructed us, behaving as though they had some kind of legal right to stop us filming (which they did not). Had it not been for the pressures of the shoot and the need to go to another location we would have called the police. It is getting harder and harder to carry out your legal right to film in public places. Contrary to popular belief you do not need to obtain a permit to shoot on the public streets of London (with the exception of Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square). Using a tripod is not illegal or a crime, however causing an obstruction is. To move you on for causing an obstruction the police would have to show that you are impeding the passage of others. Clearly if you are a big crew it is wise to contact the authorities before hand to smooth the way and get assistance from the local authority. You do also need to consider that many seemingly public places may be private property and you may not be allowed to use a camera under the land owners terms of access. In this case the only offence you are committing is trespass which is a civil offence so you cannot be arrested. You should leave when asked and your equipment cannot be touched.
Article by Alister Chapman www.XDCAM-USER.com
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd
Jan
30
Here is the real reason why Apple are producing the iPad, to compliment Final Cut Pro as an audio surface to give us real time audio mixing. Now if someone see’s this and can produce such a surface I and many others would not only buy two iPads but pay up to £100 for the sheer pleasure of being able to mix live audio in Final Cut Pro.
Please…Please add an accurate adjustable free moving PPM meter, I am so fed up with the stupid wee miserable VU meter you get with FCP-7.
For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Company Ltd