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Canon Is Taking It a Step Further With the Canon Cinema EOS System S35MM 8K Camera

2019/01/10 By Brice Jenkins

You can never talk about cameras without mentioning Canon. The brand, after all, has built its reputation on creating some of the most advanced cameras in the world.

But Canon is only getting started as it develops the latest addition—and probably the best one yet—to its impressive lineup of cameras: the Canon Cinema EOS System S35mm 8K camera.

Here’s what we know about it:

It is Canon’s first 8K Camera in a Cinema EOS System

We all know how Canon loves to impress with its products, and the Canon Cinema EOS System S35mm 8K camera is no exception. With a super 35mm CMOS sensor and 8,192x4,320 pixel resolution, the Canon Cinema EOS System S35MM 8K camera can shoot at a frame rate of 60 frames per second. It also features an impressive 13+ stops dynamic range and wide color gamut that when combined with its low aberration 8K lens, produce incredibly stunning images.

It is made to adapt to different shooting styles

The Canon Cinema EOS System S35MM 8K camera will feature Canon’s advanced image processing technology, a pixel density of more than 300 pixels per inch and loads of other features that will make it one of the best out there when it comes to producing ultra-realistic images.

Video credit:cinema5D

But with its massive specifications, the Canon Cinema EOS System S35MM 8K camera will still be housed in a compact body that takes mobility into consideration and a design that will make it highly operable in almost any setting. It will also feature an EF mount that is compatible with the wide range of interchangeable EF lens by Canon.

This means that the camera can be used in a wide variety of shooting styles producing stunning images for visual expression.

At the Inter BEE 2018, Canon presented a prototype camera body for its 8K concept and it is quite similar to the C300 Mark II. But Canon is still not sharing any details on how its finished product will look like or even when it will be released.

We can remember that the same prototype was shown at the Canon Expo in 2015, which means that Canon has developed this technology for a couple of years already. Canon’s Toshiyuki Akimoto sheds light on this explaining that the prototype was released to help with market research and see the future demand for 8K cameras. But with how Canon’s latest 8K prototype looked, we can guess that this concept will soon reach production stage.

The Reasons 8K Is Going Mainstream

2019/01/08 By Brice Jenkins

You may not have warmed up to the idea of 4K yet but you have to brace yourself to hear more of 8K. Technology is always advancing to provide something better, and just as soon as you’re getting used to a new technology, an even more advanced one bursts into the scene.

While a portion of the population is still enjoying the benefits of 4K, signs pointing to the rise of 8K have already been laid out.

Video Credit: Shades of Tech

The movies

Guardians of the Galaxy was a hit when it came out in 2014. It’s no surprise then that there were expectations for the follow up to be better. One of the elements that helps make that come true is the kind of camera used to film the movie.

For Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 that came in the form of the RED Weapon 8K. The production team chose the camera system for the creative possibilities it provides thanks to its large sensor and super high resolution.

The second volume in the Guardians franchise was released in 2017 and unsurprisingly, it was praised for its visuals.

The cameras

RED has a few in the market, two of which are from the Weapon line. And as mentioned earlier, the Weapon was used to shoot a Hollywood film.

But RED isn’t the only maker to have ventured into the 4K market. Sharp introduced their 8K camcorder, the 8C-B6OA, in 2017. While companies like RED and Sony are aiming their products for creative purposes, Sharp’s looks designed for broadcast purposes. And it won’t be surprising to find it used during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

It’s not just professionals who can have fun with 8K. Consumers can have fun with the technology as well. Users can make use of the GoPro Omni VR to create 8K videos and can also do the same thing with the Insta360 Pro.

The (upcoming) broadcasts

NHK announced that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be broadcast in 8K in Japan. The event is not that far away and equipment to make such a broadcast possible has already been introduced.

As mentioned earlier, Sharp has unveiled an 8K camera that is designed for broadcast purposes. Although it can be used for creative shoots, everything from its looks to its features speaks of a device specifically made for the broadcast market.

The television screens

Since 8K offers so much more resolution than 4K, it follows that a proper appreciation for it involves having an 8K television set. The good news is that many makers have already been putting out 8K-supporting products. LG, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba all have 8K TVs.

Video credit: Unbox Therapy

Even the 2019 CES will feature new 8K displays, including an 88-inch OLED screen from LG. Much of the world is still getting used to the idea of 4K. Some may not even have 4K products just yet but technology doesn’t really wait. There are evident signs pointing at a progression towards 8K, from the ways films are being made to the devices used to watch such entertainment.

8K Fulldome: An Explainer

2019/01/08 By Brice Jenkins

Looking at the heavens has fascinated humans for many years. And teaching you more about astronomical elements and other things seen in the night sky is the job of planetariums and similar institutions. While exhibitions can be conducted on the various wonders of celestial objects, it’s quite something else to be able to sit down and look up at a simulated night sky.

The technology responsible for such an experience is called a fulldome. It’s essentially a video projection system that allows immersive and interactive stories to be told. While the technology is popularly used in museums and planetariums, it can also be used for other purposes such as flight simulation and virtual reality.

Images shown using such a technology can be better appreciated if it shows incredible detail, a promise that 8K can fulfill.

What 8K brings

You’re probably most familiar with 4K, which many camera systems offer and several television sets support. It basically gives you much clearer and sharper images.

If 4K provides a lot of vividness and clarity, 8K doubles that. An 8K image contains 7680x4320 pixels. To put things more simply: you get really clear and detailed images with 8K.

The term 8K refers to there being 8,000 pixels in an image. It was invented by NHK, the largest broadcaster in Japan, back in 2000.

Basically, what you’re getting with 8K is super clear images, which is needed in quite a lot of industries. For example, a film can be shot in 8K with certain scenes cropped to show greater detail. And being able to capture incredible detail was one of the major reasons the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 production team chose a RED Weapon 8K camera to shoot the film.

An 8K fulldome

Details are important in films that require the heavy use of CG. And an 8K-supporting camera like the RED Weapon is one of those that can provide such fine details. In other words, it allows for more creativity in the creation of products.

Video credit: jennifergala

With 8K capable of providing top-notch detail, it makes sense then for it to be used to educate people about the night sky and other celestial objects. How better to appreciate the world we live in than by seeing incredibly detailed simulations of objects located far away?

In action

Although 8K adoption has been slow, there are some spaces where it has been put to use. Take the Fukui City Museum of Astronomy in Japan, which showcases videos of the scenic Tojinbo coastal area, the historic Ichijodani Asakura Clans Ruins, and the Fukui skylines. Of course, an astronomical simulation is also shown.

In 2020, television viewers in Japan will get to see the 2020 Tokyo Olympics broadcast in 8K resolution. While this makes for interesting news, only those with compatible television sets can enjoy the wonders of an 8K broadcast.

Then again, quite a few makers have already put out 8K television sets. It’s not just in the realm of film where 8K can thrive. It can also be used for educational purposes, just like the case of the 8K fulldome at the Fukui City Museum of Astronomy in Japan.

Introducing the Panavision Millenium 8K DXL Camera

2016/06/16 By Brice Jenkins

The Panavision Millenium 8K DXL is a new large format digital camera, produced from the collaboration of Panavision, RED and Light Iron, which can go head-to-head with other high-end cameras, such as the Alexa 65. Receiving the expertise harnessed by the three companies, it comes with stunning features and practicalities of motion picture cameras.

Design & Features of the 8K DXL

This high-end cinematography camera is designed with an enormous sensor having 8K capabilities and 15 stops of dynamic range, integrated with the new T-series lenses, which according to the vice president of optical engineering, Dan Sasaki, offer the only 4K anamorphic in the motion picture industry. It also comes with a built-in WiFi Ambient ACN time-code transmitter receiver, color management function and a turnkey digital file handling management system. Specifically, the camera uses the RED 16-bit 35.5 megapixel CMOS sensor with a resolution of 8192×4320, a diagonal of 46.31 millimeters and a native ISO of 800 ASA that can be set up to 12,000 ISO.

As for the new range of Panavision Primo 70 lenses that the camera uses, they include internal motors that you can drive with electronic contacts in the lens mount, which powers them all. This means that it does not require anything like an external focus motor. To top this off, you can control them wirelessly as well.

The camera can record 8K RAW, but it can also simultaneously record a 4K file or proxy in Avid DNx or Apple ProRes. It allows 4K file editing in any edit suite, but take note that 8K RAW files will be encrypted, which means that you will be limited to open them to the camera’s system. As for recording, it is done to the SSD drives. The camera can also shoot at 60fps in 8K full frame or at a slightly higher frame rate of 75fps. However, it is not clear yet if it can produce windowed HD for even-higher frame rates.

The 8K DXL provides 6 individual independent video outputs, which means that you can apply 6 separate 1D look up tables (LUTs) to each of the video outputs.

With regards to the design, it seems like Panavision has integrated their practical side of filmmaking into it. It uses dual menus for the operator and the assistant, as well as an advanced airflow system to prevent heating from handling huge amounts of data with a large sensor. Its handles and widgets are attached without any tool, which means that you will not need Allen keys or screwdrivers, and there is a cable-less mount for a monitor on its side. Another nice design feature is the customized quick-release base plate, which is based on the Steadicam quick-release system, so you will be able to quickly move from the tripod head to Steadicam and vice versa.

As for the weight, the 8K DXL only weighs 10 lbs, which is fairly lighter than common studio cameras. Moreover, it uses Light Iron’s color profile, called Light Iron Color, which is compatible with all popular transfer curves and gamuts.

Pros

Even with all the technologies that are packed in the 8K DXL, the camera is just lightweight and can work well with mounts, modifications and accessories. As mentioned above, it allows you to move quickly from the tripod head to the Steadicam and vice versa with its quick-release base plate. Also, this camera is designed to allow you to deliver a high level of tool-less and rapid change-over capabilities when attaching and removing accessories to switch from one shooting style to another.

Cons

The only drawback that frustrates enthusiasts when it comes to this camera is that it is not available for purchase, but only for rent. During its introduction, it was even implied that one will not be able to buy this cinematography camera, where the chance of getting one of these equipment if you are a beginning filmmaker is very slim.

Final Thoughts

Most probably, the Panavision 8K DXL is the most prestigious rental camera in the world as of yet, which is created by three of the most prominent companies the world has ever known. Considering all the features and functions that this baby has, it is definitely one of the best cameras you can get your hands on. Now, if you do want to get the chance to use one, you might want to find yourself in the filmmaking industry to be able to rent it. For one who wants to capture great quality videos, this camera is the best option.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor Type

16-bit, 35.5 Megapixel CMOS

Resolution

8192 x 4320

Sensor Size

Large Format: 40.96mm x 21.60mm (Diagonal: 46.31mm)

Dynamic Range

15 stops

Max Frame Rate

60 fps at 8K Full Frame (8192 x 4320), 75 fps at 8K 2.4:1 (8192 x 3456)

Recording Codec

8K RAW with simultaneous 4K proxy (ProRes or DNx)

Recording Media

SSD (up to 1 hour on a single magazine)

File Type

.r3d (supported in RED SDK)

Color Profile

Light Iron Color (compatible with all popular gamuts and transfer curves)

Weight

10 lbs.

Additional Features

6 independent video outputs
Supports 6 independent 1D LUTs or up to 4 independent 3D LUTs
Directly motorize Primo 70 lenses through wireless control
Built in wirelesss timecode for genlock (Ambient Communication Network)
Dual menus (Operator side, Assistant side)
Advanced airflow system for superior temperature management
Custom cheeseplate with integrated electronics
Modular and tooless quick changeover accessories

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