Archive for November, 2011

Make Your 5D Mark II Infrared

Make Your 5D Mark II Infrared

When you get your 5D Mark III…..
Why not convert your 5D Mark II to an infrared camera?

Keith over at Northlight has been using an infrared 5D Mark II for a while now gives his thoughts with examples about the medium

Well it takes practice to get consistently good results. Focus needs care and it helps to bracket exposures to allow for the variable amounts of IR light in a scene compared to what you can see.

The ‘creative’ aspects of IR photography are more difficult to pin down from my own point of view.

There is that initial burst of enthusiasm for something different – that urge to explore and see just what you can do.

Read the article

 

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A Little Canon Roadmap

A Rare Glimpse (Translation Below)

“the arrow to the right reads “Motion Picture” while the arrow to the left reads “Still Photography”. It seems like the C EOS DSLR in development is mostly aimed at Video instead of Still. BTW, the arrow up is “Professional” while the arrow down is “Consumer”. “

Thinking aloud
I wonder if we’ll ever see a “Cinema Powershot”. Maybe the next “G” will go into that realm.

Source: [NL]

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New APS-C Camera in February?

New APS-C Camera in February?

APS-C Before Full Frame?
Received word today, that the next planned DSLR announcement from Canon will be in February 2012. It’s a loose date and could happen at the end of January as well. The floods in Thailand are messing with parts availability.

It will most likely be a camera using the current 18mp sensor, with some modifications. Expect DIGIC V as well.

Lenses?
I’m told from the same person we’ll see a lens announcement before the next DSLR. No word on what.

Next “G”?
Again, the same person is saying the next “G” series camera will be a departure from what we have now.

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Two More EF Cine Primes in the Works

Two More EF Cine Primes in the Works

More EF Cine Lenses Coming
According to Erik Allen at Canon there are two more EF Cine prime lenses in the pipeline. An ultra wide solution, as well as a telephoto prime.

From Erik:

There’s also two more of the Cinema Primes, one would be an ultra-wide and one would be a telephoto over and above what we have already announced so we have two more in the pipeline and from there we will see where the market tells us we need to go.

10 Things You May Not Know About the EOS C300 & Future of Cinema EOS
Photographer Dan Carr posted a great article on his site about the C300 and Cinema EOS announcements.

Read it here

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Weekend Round-up

Weekend Round-up

Most popular posts this week
What a week it was in the world of Canon. The last three weeks in fact have been a lot of fun. Below is a list of the most popular articles on CR this week.

  1. Canon EOS 300c [CR1]
  2. Canon EOS C300 & C300PL Announced
  3. Concept Cinema DSLR Official
  4. New Lenses Imminent? [CR1]
  5. Tech Article: Lens Genealogy
  6. Big Sandisk Price Drops
  7. Review: Leica M9 – A Second Opinion

Another useful read
A few people have asked via email and in the forums what “T Stop” is compared to “F-Stop” when speaking about the new Cine lenses from Canon. The link below explains it well.

http://www.scarletuser.com/showthread.php?t=882

thanks bsbeamer

I’m Going Away
I head off to Mexico for a 8 days starting tomorrow. Keep the emails coming, I will still be working.

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A Note About The [CR] Rating

[CR3] & [CR4] Explained
Currently we operate with a rating system ranging from [CR0] to [CR3]. [CR3] is something we deem as fact.

However, some folks have pointed out past [CR3]‘s that proved not to be true. The reason is because we used to go up to [CR4]. If you do a search for [CR4] things on Canon Rumors, you’ll find a few.

When I changed the rating system, I guess I never thought about the effect that ditching the [CR4] rating would bring about.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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Cinema EOS Development Opinion

Cinema EOS Development Opinion

This is an opinion with a mix of speculation
A lot has been made of the “in development” announcement of a new “Cinema” branded DSLR. Most people seem to think the camera is going to be based on the 1D X.

I agree with Keith at Northlight Images, nothing was said by Canon as to what the form factor would be. I think what they showed was just a 1D X body with a red “C” stuck on it for marketing purposes.

I think the camera they’re speaking of will sit between the 5D Mark III and 1D X. Perhaps an EOS 3C? I do not like the name “3D” for a camera that doesn’t actually shoot 3D.

I also don’t think it would be a full size EOS-1 body. They just spent a few hours touting the small stature of the C300, I don’t think they’d make a cinema DSLR bigger than it needs to be. I’d have to hear from cinematographers & videographers whether or not a camera the size of the 5D Mark II is preferred to the EOS-1 body.

What about photographers?
I know a good majority of photographers are pretty tired about hearing about video in DSLRs. A lot of the community is looking for a new “photography first” full frame DSLR that doesn’t require remortgaging their homes. I think the 5D Mark III will be that camera. It’ll probably have video features on par with the 1D X, but will be a high resolution, high image quality still photography camera.

I’ve said before that I think Canon plans to monetize the videographers and video DSLRs, so something like the “EOS 3C” makes a lot of sense.  Looking at the prices of the new cinema lenses, it seems videographers have no problem spending more.

So don’t be worried photographers, Canon hasn’t forgotten about you and I’m sure will deliver the product we all know you want.

It’s going to be a very interesting 2012 to say the least.

This was just an opinion post, please don’t be too hard on me.

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Redrock Introduces the UltraCage for the C300

Redrock Introduces the UltraCage for the C300

Redrock Micro Announces New ultraCage | blue for Digital Cinema Cameras
In lock-step with Canon Cinema EOS Camera announcement, ultraCage is a New Generation of Support for a New Generation of Cameras

Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX – Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-level cinema accessories, announced today the ultraCage | blue line of cinema accessories and support gear for the new generation of digital cinema cameras. The ultraCage is the first cage designed specifically the just-announced Canon EOS C300, and has been called the essential accessory for transforming these phenomenal cameras into phenomenal camera systems. The ultraCage delivers all the needed pieces for mounting, accessory support, safety, and modularity to fulfill the promise of these cameras. As with all Redrock products, the ultraCage delivers professional systems at revolutionary prices.

Redrock ultraCage the Foundation of Canon’s Product Launch Films
The ultraCage and Redrock rigs were used exclusively by all productions of Canon’s launch movies shot with the EOS C300. These projects were all helmed by prestigious directors and directors of photography including Richard Crudo, ASC, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Sam Nicholson, ASC, Vincent Laforet, DGA, and Ron Howard, DGA.

During camera prep for these films, each production’s crew created their own custom configurations and rigs using the ultraCage as the foundation, and then built up with Redrock’s huge library of cinema accessories. The result was a wide range of finely tuned solutions to each operator’s individual taste and needs.

“The RedRock Micro ultraCage is an invaluable addition to the new Canon C300,” said Dana Christiaansen, Director of Photography for Sam Nicholson’s film ‘XXIT’. “The engineering and mechanical quality is excellent. Their [system] allows fast adjustments and holds the setting under tough shooting conditions. “I really appreciate a trouble-free camera support system… Redrock Micro has done a great job.”

“We couldn’t have asked for a better camera for this [project]” said Eric Wolfinger, first AC B camera for Richard Crudo’s film ‘Max is Back’. “The [standalone camera] design is great, but wouldn’t really work in a production environment without the support from Redrock. Everything is nice and light and easy to use.”

Leading in Innovation, ultraCage | blue is the First and Only Support Cage Designed Specifically for the Canon EOS C300 Body
Like no other system anywhere, ultraCage mirrors the sleek, compact design of the Canon C300 series camera to add critical features and support without expanding the footprint. The ultraCage closely wraps the camera to maintain its beautiful natural form factor while adding rails support, mounting points, and a rugged 360 degree camera casing. The C300′s removable handgrip can be attached and used, or detached all without removing the ultraCage. The ultraCage is designed in partnership with Canon to ensure all buttons, functions, and doors are completely accessible. You get the most out of your camera without anything getting in the way. The ultraCage is a significant evolution from today’s clunky and inelegant square cages.

“When Canon approached us to create a cage that would ‘finish’ the C300 into a supremely functional production camera, we wanted to do something more than just create a square cage,” said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionary of Redrock Micro. “We felt it was important to mirror C300′s compactness and beautiful lines without increasing the camera’s footprint. Customers want to retain the camera’s feel and ergonomics, and add the support, security, and features of the ultraCage.”

The Redrock ultraCage and Redrock rigs showed prominently in the behind-the-scenes footage of the Canon unveiling event. Martin Scorcese, a keynote speaker at the event, reflected on the significance of smaller, more agile equipment, and underscores the important design theme that both Canon and Redrock espouse: “bulky, expensive equipment [has been an] impediment to filmmaking in the past… Now anyone can make a movie, and storytelling through video is easier than ever.”

The ultraCage | blue Delivers it All

  • Form-fitting - The ultraCage design mirrors the C300 and enhances the camera’s form and functionality without increasing the footprint.
  • Full-featured - ultraCage delivers a landslide of features across support, stabilization, power, and cinema accessories.
  • Modular sizes - choose the style that works for you: from ultra-compact cages to full cinema-style extended cages with added support and mounting points. Tool-less setup allows you to switch between setups quickly and easily.
  • High-end cinema ready: built- in 15mm lightweight, built-in ready for 15mm studio and 19mm rails for big lens support such as Canon’s cine zooms. Powered option includes power for camera and up to 2 additional 12v accessories such as camera-top monitors.
  • Affordable - Redrock continues to buck the trend by offering professional level cinema accessories at revolutionary prices so that anyone can afford to own great gear and get more value for your money.

ultraCage | blue Universal: ultraCage for Everyone
In addition to the ultraCage for the Canon C300, Redrock also announced ultraCage Universal, a version designed to extend the great features of ultraCage to other cameras including HDSLRs and digital cinema cameras such as the Sony NEX-FS100 and Panasonic AG-AF100 among others.

For More Information
Additional details can be found on the ultraCage page at redrockmicro.com/ultraCage

Pricing and Availability
Official pricing has not yet been announced for the ultraCage, but cages are expected to start under US $750. Like all other Redrock cinema accessories the full line is expected to be profoundly affordable. Redrock revolutionary prices are typically ½ to 1/5th the cost of comparable professional level equipment. Expected availability is December 2011.

About Redrock Micro
Redrock Micro revolutionized independent film production in the early 2000s with the M2 cinema lens adapter, and reinvented digital filmmaking in 2008 with HDSLR cinema rigs and accessories. Today, Redrock Micro continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning digital cinema rigs and accessories, DSLR rigs, depth-of-field adapters, stabilization and support gear, sophisticated focus controllers, and advanced cinema accessories. More information is available at redrockmicro.com.

Print-Ready Images and Resources
Redrock Micro ultraCage | blue

Redrock Logo

Online Videos
Redrock Micro ultraCage | blue was the exclusive suport system used in all Canon’s product launch films. Behind-the-scenes videos from these launch videos can be found below:

If you have any questions, please drop me a line.
Cheers,
Brian

Brian Valente
Redrock Micro

Another EF 100-400 Patent

Canon EF 100-400 f/4-5.6L IS Patent
We’ve previously shown a 100-400 in a patent, and it appears a second patent for nearly the same optical formula has come about.

EF 100-400 f/4-5.6L IS Optical Formula Patent

 

Example 1

  • Focal length f = 102.20 – 390.01mm
  • Fno. 4.10 – 5.90
  • Half angle of 11.95 – 3.18 °
  • Image height 21.64mm
  • Lens Length 228.18 – 288.12mm
  • Back Focus 51.23 – 69.84mm
  • 3.82x zoom ratio
  • Lens Construction 14 group of 19 images

Source: NL, PR via EG

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Vincent Laforet Talks About the C300

From Engadget
Vincent Laforet took some time out to speak with Engadget about a few of the features of the C300. The word “love” was used.

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