Last year, Canon announced its EOS 1D C dSLR, which had the headline feature of capturing 4k video, which left many people asking a question: what is 4k video? To put it simply, it is ultra high-res video that has a resolution of 4096×2160 pixels (hence the term '4k'). In comparison, standard HD video is only 1920×1080 pixels, meaning that, the 1D C has about 4 times the resolution of standard 'high definition.'
Videos, please?
Unfortunately, as Canon has a way of doing things with its high-end gear, namely announcing way, way ahead of actual ship dates, the EOS 1D C has been slow in finding its way to photographers. The good news: the cameras are starting to find their way to a lucky few shooters, who are then being good enough to post their samples online.
Right now, Imaging Resource, one of the web's most-trusted places for all things digital photography, has such a sample, albeit one downsized for the Internet. Still, though, even at reduced resolution, one will be amazed at the crisp sharpness and minute details captured in the short, 3-minute clip, one can clearly see that the EOS 1D C is a different class of dSLR altogether when it comes to video capability.
From the get go, the Canon 1D C was designed with the videographer in mind. For starters, the camera features several different video aspects, which will serve to create a seamless transition from pros using other equipment who adopt to the 1D C. Another feature sure to be appreciated by professionals: the Canon Log Gamme option, which Canon claims will produce film-like dynamic range in video mode.
For those not demanding 4k video, the 1D C can shoot full HD (1080p) video in frame rates ranging from as slow as 24fps to as fast as 60fps. The camera also supports industry standard timecode and codec support. There is also a vast choice of compression methods to provide compatibility with established workflow processes, facilitating fast, easy editing.
Another interesting feature of the 1D C: the ability to stream uncompressed video via HDMI to an external monitor.
As a final kicker, Canon has announced the introduction of a new line of lenses: the EF 4k Cinema Series, which are optimized for shooting in this previously unheard of 4k (on a dSLR) resolution. Obviously, by the introduction of a new line of lenses, Canon clearly shows that it is the market leader in the field of dSLR video, making video capability not an add-on, but an integral part of the imaging experience.
In many of the other respects, the 1D C is identical to the 1Dx, now not due out until this summer, nearly a year after the initial announcement.
With this camera, Canon appears to be ahead of the technological game as the development of 4k video is a recent innovation, with few monitors and editing programs currently capable of handling it. The hope: as 4k becomes more popular in the future, being able to record in this ultra high definition now and archive the video for the future will be a big draw to film and television producers.
Want to buy either the 1D C in the Cleveland area? Well,there's Cleveland-based Dodd Camera, with its downtown superstore. In addition, there are many smaller Cleveland metro area chain stores in the Cuyahoga County area, too. Unfortunately, as for availability and pricing, the camera is being slow to hit stores and when it does, be prepared to pay around $15,000.
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