Canon continues to cultivate its presence in the pro video segment with the announcement of the new Canon Compact Servo 18-80mm T4.4 Zoom Lens and the Multi-Purpose ME200S-SH Camera.
Being lightweight, at 2.7 pounds, and covering a very useful focal range, the Compact-Servo 18-80mm Zoom Lens is a new offering in Canon’s ever-expanding line of lenses. With super-35mm sensor coverage, 4K capability, optical Image Stabilization, and a constant T4.4 transmission rating throughout the zoom range, this new lens will fit right into documentary, ENG, and other handheld or run-and-gun situations that require cinematic depth-of-field control and sharp images. The zoom and iris actuations on this lens are accomplished via an integrated servo. These actuations can be controlled manually using the lens rings, directly from the servo itself, or through EF-mount communication with compatible cameras and camcorders. When full communication is enabled, automatic functions such Dual Pixel CMOS AF, push auto iris, record start/stop, shading, and chromatic aberration compensation (EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Camera only) can be implemented.
Announced alongside the 18-80mm lens is the new Zoom Grip ZSG-C10. Connecting via an integrated 20-pin cable, the Control Grip can command zoom operations, one-shot autofocus, and record start/stop without removing your hand from the grip. Since the servos are part of the lens and not the grip, the Control Grip can be relocated to different positions in relation to the camera, depending on the application.
On the camera side of things, the new ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera integrates the renowned super-35mm sensor found in the Cinema EOS cameras into a compact and versatile form factor similar to the ME20F-SH Multi-Purpose Camera, announced a few months prior. Along with the tried-and-true Cinema EOS sensor comes the addition of Dual-Pixel AF when used with compatible lenses in addition to amenities carried over from the ME20F-SH; such as the locking EF mount, Canon Log, power options, video output up to 1080p60, control interfaces, mounting locations, and more—all inside the versatile box-shaped chassis. The camera’s relatively small form factor and large feature set is fit for many different pro-video workflows, including but not limited to, live studio production, cinema, and security surveillance.
All the products in this announcement will be featured at the upcoming 2016 NAB show alongside many existing Canon products. In addition to the new hardware, Canon also announced new firmware for many of its currently available products including: The EOS C300 Mark II, EOS C100 Mark II, 4K Reference Displays, ME20F-SH, XA30, XA35, XF300, XF305, and XC10 Camcorders. Check the Canon USA website for more details on individual firmware updates.
