Canon will release a free firmware update for its popular EOS C500 and EOS C300 video cameras, as well as version 1.3 of its Cinema RAW Development software in December, 2014.
Standards are beginning to emerge for the broadcast of 4K video and the firmware promises to add support to the C500 for the new ITU-R BT.2020 color space which has been used in recent broadcast testing.
Both the C300 and C500 will also gain the ability to use the assignable Func. button to specify color temperature.
Canon Announces New Firmware Updates For Cinema EOS Cameras And 4K Display
Cinema RAW Development 1.3 will feature several updates, notably the inclusion of EDL (edit decision lists) support which could dramatically cut down the amount of footage that cinematographers need to convert from Raw footage into editable ProRes or DPX files.
Cinema EOS Firmware Update
- ITU-R BT.2020 color space added
- C300/C500 Func. button assignable to color temperature selection
Cinema RAW Development 1.3
- Support for EDL.
- Performance enhancements for PCs running Intel Iris graphics cards
- Conversion from Cinema Gamut/DCI-P3+ to Rec 709 or DCI-P3
FREE CANON FIRMWARE FOR CINEMA EOS SYSTEM CAMERAS DELIVERS IMPROVED BASIC PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING SUPPORT FOR ITU-R BT.2020 COLOR SPACE
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 4, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., will be releasing free firmware upgrades for both the Cinema EOS C500 4K and C300 Digital Cinema Cameras, as well as Cinema RAW Development 1.3, an updated version of Canon’s Cinema RAW Development software, in November 2014.
Canon’s Cinema EOS System lineup of digital cinematography cameras and lenses has earned the praises of a wide range of progressive professionals working in the cinema and television production industries. The new firmware upgrades, which will deliver enhanced performance to effectively respond to the needs of various users, are being offered for the EOS C500 and EOS C300 camera models while the updated Cinema RAW Development software for 4K Cinema RAW footage is intended for the Cinema EOS C500.
Support for ITU-R BT.2020 next-generation broadcast standard color space (for EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models)
Offering compliance with the ITU-R BT.2020 (Rec. 2020) color space employed in the 4K TV broadcasting tests carried out earlier this year in Japan, the firmware upgrade for the EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models facilitates the capture of high-resolution video supporting the color space employed in the ITU-R BT.2020 next-generation broadcast standard. When used in combination with Canon’s DP-V3010 professional 4K reference display (released in January 2014), the system effectively responds to input and output needs within the realms of next-generation motion-picture production and broadcasting.
Enhanced Cinema RAW Development functionality (for EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models)
The upgraded Cinema RAW Development software features the addition of 3D-LUT for converting from Cinema Gamut/DCI-P3+ to such highly versatile color space standards as ITU-R BT.709 (Rec. 709) and DCI-P3, enabling efficient video editing while maintaining low-chroma color reproduction and high-chroma color gradation. Additionally, support for EDLs (edit decision lists)3 enables only necessary time code-designated segments to be converted to the DPX and ProRes formats suitable for editing, effectively doing away with the need to process unnecessary files. Also, when using a PC equipped with Intel® Iris™ Pro graphics, Cinema RAW Development 1.3 makes it possible for faster development of 4K Cinema RAW data.4
Improved operability when setting color temperature of white balance (for EOS C500 and EOS C300 camera models)
The new firmware upgrades contribute to improved operability by allowing users to easily set color temperature values using the camera’s FUNC button.
Canon plans to exhibit products supporting the ITU-R BT.2020 color space at the company’s booth during the IBC2014 broadcast technology tradeshow, to be held in the Netherlands, September 12-16, 2014.
