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Samsung's 4K-ready NX1 camera finally comes to the US
The NX1, Samsung's first camera capable of shooting 4K video, was originally expected to be released last month here in the States. And even though this was clearly not the case, the company has been doing everything it can to hype up its new compact system in the meantime, including a partnership with Joseph Gordon-Levitt to create a film, titled In a City, that's going to be shot entirely with the NX1. On paper, the camera seems like great option, featuring a 28.2-megapixel, APS-C CMOS sensor, 15fps of continuos shooting, a 3-inch Super AMOLED articulating screen, an EVF with a 1,366 x 758 resolution, NFC and WiFi.
Sony teases '4K, HFR' F-series pro camcorder for October 30th event
Sony recently teased its high-end CineAlta brand and 'TheNewF,' implying a high-end PMW-F3-like camcorder could be coming at an October 30th event. It's now taken some of the suspense out of the announcement on Facebook, saying the upcoming camera will have 4k resolution, broadcast-level 50Mbps data rate, 4:2:2 color space and high frame-rates. That means it'll likely be a professional product on par with the last F-model, but we'll have to wait and see if it'll retain features like the PL lens mount and $16k price tag. We'll be there on the 30th for the full scoop, so stay tuned.
First DSLR 4K video from prototype Canon EOS-1D C reportedly emerges
If you've been wondering what kind of eye candy Canon's EOS-1D C is capable of, you might be in luck. The crew over at EOSHD have apparently snagged some 4K sample footage from an early prototype of the unreleased, professional-grade DSLR. The clip looks slick to us, albeit lacking in the scenery department. Even so, EOSHD comments that while a "massive step up for image quality compared to all previous DSLRs" the video footage isn't as sharp as stills from the 1D X (the 1D C's less-endowed sibling) and "not near what true 4K should look like." (Of course, anyone looking for true 4K is advised to step up to Sony's $70k F65 CineAlta, so we guess you get what you pay for). You can check out the minute-long clip, unfortunately scaled to a Vimeo-friendly 1,920 x 1,080, after the break. If your discerning eye demands the raw footage, however, why not grab the few seconds available at the source link and let us know your thoughts? That's what the comments are for, after all.
Canon Cinema EOS C500 camera hands-on (video)
The familiar EOS-1D C isn't the only Canon camera to make its public debut ahead of NAB. The Cinema EOS series welcomes a third model to the collection this week, with looks that nearly match last year's C300. Unlike that model, which you can already pick up through e-tailers and at specialty shops, the C500 has a long way to go before it gets a shipping nod -- it may not even make it to market in 2012. The $30,000 price tag may pose an even greater barrier to entry than its to-be-announced availability date, however, and may in need of some tweaking before it's ready to compete with already established models, like the much less expensive RED Scarlet. Like the 1D C, the C500 can shoot 4K video -- the most apparent upgrade from the $16,000 C300. To that end, boosting its price tag may be the only way for Canon to avoid cannibalizing that less-abled flavor, since many cinematographers would otherwise pay little attention to the C300, due in part to its 1080p-limited shooting capabilities.It's been a few months since we've last seen Canon's first Cinema EOS model, but the C500 has a look and feel that seems to be only subtly different from the C300. It is noticeably heavier, likely due to the additional cooling gear on board to accommodate 4K shooting. Both flavors include dual CF card slots, which you'll only be able to use for snapping 1080p video -- 4K is fed to an external recorder through the dual 3G-SDI ports, which for obvious reasons you won't find on the C300. There's also a larger grip on board, now a permanent fixture on the C500, which should aid with bare-bones handheld shoots -- but if you're dropping 30 grand on a digital body, some sticks and a dolly shouldn't be far behind. Like its sibling, this year's model ships with either a Canon EOS or industry standard PL mount, so if you have a need for both, you'll need two cameras. Overall, you're looking at the same sleek, albeit slightly unconventional body design, with a price tag that's likely to make amateurs weep and pros run for the rental house. As always, there's a hands-on video waiting just past the break.
Canon Cinema EOS-1D C 4K camera hands-on (video)
It's been but half a year since Canon first entered the motion picture market, and the company is already back with its second and third professional video rigs. The Cinema EOS-1D C marks the most drastic departure from the C300, which launched last November at an elaborate Hollywood event at Paramount Studios. It was at this spectacle that we were first introduced to the 1D C, which was then but a glass-protected prototype. Now, far sooner than expected, the (relatively) compact camera is making its return to the spotlight, in more polished form. Like the 1D series bodies that bear similar monikers and appearances, including the yet-to-ship EOS- 1D X, the C model is a very capable still shooter, offering the same core functionality of the $6,800 X. It also brings 4K capture to the table, however, prompting Canon to price the camera far above its less-abled counterpart. At $15,000, we don't expect to see red C logos popping up in many a photojournalist's gear bag, but for deep-pocketed professionals with a need to capture 4K clips, this may be a worthwhile acquisition.We took a closer look at the 1D C at Canon's pre-NAB event in Las Vegas. As the pictures and spec sheet imply, it's the 1D X's clone in nearly every way. In fact, beyond the headphone jack and C logo, there's not much distinguishing the pair externally. You'll need to hop into the menu before you'll really notice a difference, in the form of several unique 4K shooting modes, including 8-bit 4:2:2 24fps captures to a CF card or 8-bit 4:2:2 clips in an uncompressed format over HDMI. Otherwise, the C looks and feels just like the X -- a model pro snapper that we've already managed to fondle on three continents under Canon's watchful eye, but still has yet to ship. Both cameras are gorgeous externally, with slight design tweaks yet no drastic overhaul, dating back to the very first EOS-1D. If you haven't had a chance to gawk at either model, you'll at very least be able to check out the 1D C at Canon's booth this week at NAB . We're hoping to see both cameras hit the market sometime in 2012, and who knows -- this Cinema EOS could even be the first next-gen 1D to ship. Take a closer look in the gallery below, and in our hands-on video after the break.
Canon unveils EOS-1D C and C500 4K Cinema cameras, two new lenses ahead of NAB (updated)
In a departure from its last introduction as dramatic as the C300's Hollywood launch itself, Canon has quietly announced two additional cameras to sit alongside the company's former lone flagship. You may have caught a glimpse of the EOS-1D C at the C300 launch, but what six months ago was a mere mock-up has actually become a reality, likely to ship sometime this year. More out of left field, however, is the C500 -- a higher-end version of the C300 that adds several shooting modes, dual 3G-SDI ports and a larger, permanent grip. Both cameras can capture 4K video, but in substantially different ways. Canon teases 'exclusive screening' in Las Vegas, new Cinema EOS products coming at NAB? Canon has a new 'EOS Movies' DSLR on the way too: 4K video, 35mm full frame sensor Canon C300 cinema camera hands-on (video) The $15,000 1D C, which has the same chassis and still shooting features of its less-abled cousin, the EOS-1D X, pipes 4096 x 2160 8-bit 4:2:2 video to a CF card at 24 fps. Unlike the X, however, the C swaps a headphone jack for the X's PC socket, that's usually used for hooking up strobes. The higher-end C500 requires a dedicated external recorder, but offers two full-RAW output options: 4096 x 2960, that will be better suited for motion picture capture, and 3840 x 2160 for 4K TV. Both of these modes offer 10-bit 4:4:4 at 60 frames-per-second. There's also a half-RAW option, at 4096 x 1080 or 3840 x 1080 resolutions, also 10-bit 4:4:4, but at 120 fps. The C500 also includes dual CF slots, but that recording option is only available for 1080p (which can be captured to CF concurrently). Both cameras support Canon Log Gamma, empowering colorists to correct color in post production with more versatility by capturing additional information and a higher dynamic range. Jump past the break to continue...
A Red Scarlet-X 4K tour around CES 2012 (video)
For the third CES in a row, our old friend Ted Schilowitz has stopped by to let us drool over Red's latest high-end cameras. And boy, this is one helluva camera we have this time. You may recall that last year we were shown a working Scarlet prototype with 3K video resolution and a fixed lens; but fast forward to 2012 and we have the Scarlet-X, a sturdy 4K beast that not only supports interchangeable lens, but it's also actually out on the market. Obviously, the $9,700 base price (excluding the Canon EF lens mount; Nikon and Leica mounts coming soon) is aimed at film studios instead of us regular Joes, but Ted was kind enough to spend a whole afternoon showing us all the goodness on the Scarlet-X -- we even got to play with it on the CES show floor, and unsurprisingly, this Red kit became quite the celebrity. Read on to find out how we got on with it.
JVC's 4K camcorder begins making throat-cutting motions towards the RED Scarlet
We've been lusting after the commercial version of JVC's 4K camcorder for longer than we'd care to admit. It's powered by a Falconbird LSI chip, toting a 10 x optical zoom and a 0.5-inch 8-megapixel CMOS that'll record footage at a resolution of 3840 x 2160. The chip's USP is its ability to process the footage as it's being recorded rather than storing it for post processing later. It'll compress the video down enough, in real time, that you'll be able to store up to two hours of 4K video on sufficiently equipped SDHC card. You can also crop out images on the 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen. It'll set you back $5,000 when it arrives in March and at that price, we'll take two (oh, and there's a PR for you, after the break).
RED Scarlet starts shipping for $9,750, first customer takes one home today
Announced at a curiously-timed event just minutes after Canon's C300 made its on-stage debut, we expected the RED Scarlet to be a hit with cinematographers the world abound. But we're perhaps even more impressed to see one actually make its way to a customer just two weeks after launch, than we were when RED revealed the 4K cam's low $9,750 price tag. Rental service owner Tonaci Tran (pictured front and center above) is the lucky winner, and if you happen to have a Scarlet loan scheduled with him, you could be too. Haven't had enough of the 4096 x 2160-pixel 4K cam? Check out our hands-on from RED's Hollywood launch event.
RED One Mysterium X cameras now available for all
Got a spare $25,000 burning a hole in your pocket and a passion for 4K resolution? Then you'll be pleased to know RED's next generation Mysterium X camera is now available to all potential buyers, after initially being released exclusively as an upgrade for RED One owners seven months ago. Just because the better low-light capturing goodness is more accessible though doesn't mean this bad boy will be gathering dust on the shelf. Instead, thanks to high demand, budding Neill Blomkamps will have to put down a 10 percent deposit to reserve one and should expect waits of roughly a week for it to arrive. If for some reason you were still hoping to snag the original Mysterium sensor that window is also now closed -- unless you're one of the few still waiting on a reserved model. As excited as we are though to see the new RED gear in action, we still wouldn't watch a sequel to Knowing filmed on it.
Digital Playground to shoot with RED ONE 4k cameras
Just last week, we heard that Digital Playground was going true blue. Now it's going RED? Yes indeed, the adult film powerhouse has committed to using the 4k RED ONE camera to shoot its future films. Reportedly, the high-resolution camcorder has already been used to capture ten films in the past two months (staying busy, aren't we?), and apparently the results have been so, um, crystal clear, that the outfit is planning to continue using them. Talk about staying one step ahead of the curves.