Professional filmmakers and TV productions have a whole new range of gear to choose from following Canon recently launching its latest professional camera equipment.
Included in the launch are four new 4K camcorders, a remote-controllable pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, and several accessories to bolster filmmaking and studio productions.
Four new 4K camcorders for the pros and enthusiasts
Starting with the new Canon camcorders, four new 4K-capable models will be available in the coming months: the XA60, XA75, XA70, and HF G70. Made to be versatile and featuring advanced autofocus, the handheld cameras are suited for various uses, including documentary filming, schools, and corporate events. Aside from 4K footage, they all support USB-C HD UVC streaming, making them suitable for recording live productions for online viewing.
Each X model camcorder has 40x digital zoom, with the XA60 equipped with 20x optical zoom, compared to 15x for the XA75 and XA70. Additionally, the XA60 uses a 1/2.3” type CMOS sensor, while the other three models use a 1.0-inch type CMOS sensor. Billed as a prosumer model for enthusiasts, the HF G70’s zoom maxes out at 20x.
Two of the cameras are due out in October, with some retailers listing the XA60 at $2,499 and the HF G70 for $1,799. Following in November, the XA75 is listed for $4,199, while the XA70 costs $3,499.
Broadcasting at a high level
Aimed at those in the land of broadcast TV, Canon also announced the CR-N700, a PTZ camera capable of filming in 4K at 60 frames per second. Equipped with a 1.0 type CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV7 processor, the CR-N700 is made for various types of TV productions, ranging from reality TV to sports. It has a 15x optical zoom and a 30x advanced zoom when filming in 1080p. Intelligent autofocus and image stabilisation features make sure the subject remains the focal point, with face, head and eye tracking making it possible to track moving talent.
For when light is limited, the CR-N700 has a Night Mode that uses an in-built IR cut filter to capture footage in dimly-lit settings. Plus, it supports PQ and HLG HDR formats to handle different lighting situations. In addition to being designed to work in conjunction with other Canon Cinema EOS cameras, the CR-N700 can also provide two separate feeds from a single device using its crop function.
Launching in January 2023, the CR-N700 will fetch a price of close to $15,000 according to several early listings from specialist retailers.
More Canon professional accessories
Alongside the new professional-grade Canon cameras, the company also announced three new pieces of hardware to complement the filmmaking arsenal. A new lens in the form of the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 is coming in November, has a focal range of 15-120mm, boosted to 180mm with its in-built 1.5x extender, and is futureproofed to support 8K cameras.
Additionally, the EU-V3 module expansion unit for the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III cameras is also coming in November. It expands the cameras’ multi-camera and live production capabilities, adding various connection types for more options. It also comes as the cameras get a new Cinema EOS firmware update in October, adding new lens and accessory support, enabling more auto-focus features when shooting at 100p and above, and more.
Although not necessarily aimed at the consumer market, it’s fascinating to glean an insight into the technology used by professionals to create our favourite shows and sports broadcasts.
