Canon has got a whole slew of new releases starting this week. First and foremost, the anticipated, multi-purpose ME200S-SH will be available to pre-order from Adorama. Secondly, they have unveiled a new compact cinema servo lens. And finally, firmware updates are now available for six of their flagship camcorders. It’s a lot of info so let’s break it down item by item.
ME200S-SH
This appears to be the little brother to the much ballyhooed ME20F-SH. Unlike the ME20F, the ISO maxes out at 204,800 (the ME20F shoots up to 4 million ISO). However, ME200S-SH is considerably less expensive at the suggested retail price of $4999 (almost a fourth of the ME20F price tag). Interestingly, it is not a 4K camera although it does contain a Super 35 mm CMOS sensor. Yet it also seems to share the compact, box-like shape of the ME20F. Here are the specs:
Image Quality
• Super 35 mm CMOS images sensor (approximately 8.29 megapixels)
• ISO 204,800 equivalent (in comparison, the C100 Mark II is up to 102,400 ISO equivalent)
• Dynamic range of up to 12 stops
• Canon Log and DR gamma profiles
• EF lens mount
• DIGIC DV 4 image processor
• 1920 x 1080/59.94P and 50.00P
Shooting Functions
• Internal ND filters (3 stops at 1/8 light and 6 stops at 1/64 light)
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Remote manual focus/iris
• Automatic exposure
• Auto white balance
Dimensions and Inputs/Outputs
• Width, height and depth = 4.5 x 4.6 x 4.4 inches
• Aluminum body (approx. 1 kg/35.3 oz.
• Two 3G HD-SDI terminals (output only)
• One HDMI terminal (output only)
• One GENLOCK terminal (input only)
• 2ch microphone input terminal
• 4-pin XLR and 2-pin power connectors
CN-E 18-80 mm T4.4 IS KAS S Compact Cinema Servo Lens
Anyone who has attempted to use a cine zoom lens knows how bulky (and long, and awkward) a lens like this can actually be. Yet Canon has a new compact take that seems lighter and easier to attach and remove from your favorite rig. The optical performance works well with 4K cameras and will fit all EF mount models. Canon also claims this will cover the focal lengths used most frequently during movie shoots (18-80 mm, 4.4x).
• EF mount
• 4K Super 35 mm image coverage
• approximately 2.65 lbs
• 9-blade Diaphragm
• 77 mm front diameter
• Manual rings provided for zoom, focus and iris operations as well as servo operations or manual operations when needed.
• Exposure of up to F4 equivalent
• Built-in image stabilization (utilizing a lens shift-type of stabilizing function)
You can pre-order the CN-E 18-80 mm T4.4 IS KAS S at Adorama. The suggested retail price is $5225.
Canon Camera Firmware Updates
Canon also announced upcoming firmware updates for these cameras:
XA35, XA30 and G40: 8Mbps added (720/60p)
XF305 and XF300: new Highlight Priority/SN Priority/Wide Dynamic Range functions
XC10: MP4 support, AF functions improved and added shutter speed
ME20F-SH: 12 pin lens terminal activated, Aspect Marker feature now available, synchronized OSD-turn-of on REC, Newmagnification ratio for Digital Tele Converter and lens support update.
C300 Mark II
• Magnifying during REC
• Canon Log 3
• Prime Lens (Focus Guide)
• DAF, Auto Iris and Push Auto support for CN7x17 lens.
• Zoom function on grip joystick
• Peripheral illumination correction data updated
• Frame rate menu improved
• Now supports Aces1.0
C100 Mark II
• DAF, Auto Iris and Push Auto support for CN7x17 lens
• Zoom function on grip joystick
• Peripheral illumination correction data updated
• Built-in microphone “OFF” is now selectable
