Canon continues 4K push, intros latest remote pan-tilt camera head

Canon continued its push into the 4K realm this week at IBC2012, introducing Europe to a pair of EOS 4K cameras and a line of 4K monitors that originally debuted in April. In addition, the company introduced its latest remote-control pan-tilt camera head (the BU-47H) and showcased several broadcast lenses, including a trio of DIGISUPER lenses integrated with Digital Video Sud (DVS) ultra-slow-motion camera systems.

The two new 4K models — the EOS C500 and EOS-1D C DSLR — are being demonstrated alongside Canon’s expanding 4K-resolution EF Cinema Lens range, including both Cine Primes and new Compact Zoom Lenses. Canon has also rolled out its entire Cinema EOS System in Europe for the first time, including the EOS C300.

In addition to 4K camera and lenses, Canon is demoing its 4K displays, which were previously showcased at the NAB Show in April. The company will also hold a screening of two short films, which were created for the launch of these products on Saturday 8 Sept.: Man and Beast, shot with EOS C500, and The Ticket, shot with the EOS-1D C, will be displayed in full 4K resolution.

Among the lenses on display at Canon’s booth are the HJ17ex6.2B, DIGISUPER 80 and 76 Box Lenses, and the pan-tilt XU-80. The DIGISUPER lenses have been integrated with a Super Loupe HD ultra-slow-mo camera system from DVS. The system brings together the Canon box lens with a Grass Valley control panel and EVS server and hypermotion controller to create a pristine ultra-slo-mo image.

The BU-47H remote pan-tilt camera is aimed squarely at the broadcast market and represents the next step in the evolution of the BU-46H, but with several upgrades. The camera delivers Full HD (1920×1080) through three CMOS sensors and a total pixel count of 2.37 megapixels. Its Canon HD zoom lens offers 18x optical zooming and AF function with 7.4mm wide angle to 134mm telephoto ( ⅔ in. equivalent) and a focal length of 4.1mm to 73.8mm. A minimum subject brightness of 0.08 lux1 enables shooting at brightness levels equivalent to moonlight (0.5 to 1 lux).

Canon is also demonstrating its professional compact handheld X-series cameras and its DSLRs, including the EOS-1D X and the EOS 5D Mark III.