Canon Expands Their EOS Line with the New EOS C100 Video Production Camera

Canon has just announced the expansion of their EOS camera line with the release of the highly-versatile EOS C100 Video Production Camera. It is compact—about 85% the size of the EOS C300—and designed for one-man operation. The body weighs only 2.25 lb (1.02 kg), supports 24 Mbps AVCHD recording, and is compatible with EF, EF-S and non-PL EOS Cinema lens systems. The EOS C100 is equipped with a new Canon Super 35mm-equivalent 8.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, which was designed specifically for shooting high frame rate motion pictures. It's outfitted with a 3.5-inch multi-angle control LCD panel, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and the ability to capture sound through dual XLR inputs, a mini-plug mic input, or a built-in stereo mic. The setting screens on the EOS C100 are refreshingly intuitive, and its modular design offers the flexibility to add a range of useful accessories.

The new Super 35mm-equivalent CMOS sensor on the EOS C100 is capable of a shallow, film-like, depth of field. It's highly sensitive, with an ISO range from 320 to 20000, which enables shooting in low-light situations with minimal noise. You’ll be able to achieve brighter recordings even in environments where lighting equipment cannot be used. The sensor features a fine pixel pitch, which further enhances sensitivity while reducing noise. Compared to the way a regular CMOS operates, the new sensor in the C100 greatly reduces rolling shutter. It reads signals at a higher speed, and the result is a noticeable lessening of diagonal motion blurs when recording moving subjects and panning.
Like the EOS C300, the C100 features an EF lens mount and supports a wide variety of Canon EF lenses, including tilt-shift and fish-eye lenses. The EOS C100 is also equipped with a DIGIC DV III image processor, which supports rich color output that’s equivalent to a three-chip sensor. The EOS C100 also supports in-camera Peripheral Illumination Correction, which improves image quality by maintaining evenness of illumination from edge to edge, even when shooting with wide-angle lenses.
The EOS C100 has an expanded video expression range for a wider dynamic range and gamma characteristics. Its natural color reproduction emphasizes smooth gradation while seamlessly suppressing overexposure. The Canon Log Gamma preserves shadow and highlight details that would otherwise be lost, which enables more grading options in post, without degrading the image quality. The C100 can realize a 12-stop dynamic range as well, which enables detailed adjustment, as well as broadening the range of color.

Similar to the C300, the EOS C100 is equipped with a dial switching type built-in neutral density filter. This mechanism combines four individual ND filters in a flag-like structure to ensure dust-proof performance while providing simplified exposure reduction. The ND filters enable 2-stop, 4-stop and 6-stop switching, as well as turning the ND filter off. This is achieved with the ND Selector, which can be set at each option with every 90° rotation of the ND Selector dial.
The EOS C100 features dual SD card slots. You can record to the SD cards either in sequence or simultaneously. If you record in sequence, you will be able to seamlessly record from one card to another without losing any of your recordings. The divided files can be joined together later as a single video file. If you record to two SD cards simultaneously, you will be able to create backup files as you are shooting. This is a valuable tool while filming in situations where mistakes and lost recordings are costly. The camera also supports HD to SD down-converting for creating files that are the optimal size for DVD and Web uploads.
Although the EOS C100 is compact enough for one-man operation, its Auto assist functions make it truly suitable for a single person to operate. The camera provides focusing and aperture adjustment assistance. You can press the One-Shot AF to focus on a subject in the center of the frame before you start recording. Plus, the Push Auto Iris function lets you automatically adjust the aperture to the appropriate exposure. Just let the button go and the F-number is set. The C100 also features full manual control of both video and audio parameters.
The 8.3 megapixel sensor offers a decidedly optimized pixel count to avoid extra processing, thus preventing aliasing and other image degradation. Comprehensive focusing aids such as Peaking and Magnify Focus modes are provided in both the EVF and LCD monitor, in standby and when recording. A LANC-compatible remote terminal is also present for utilizing external accessories. A side-mounting grip accessory is available separately, which transforms the form factor of the C100 into a DSLR-style body.
The EOS C100 also handles a variety of workflows. It records using the AVCHD 4:2:0 format and supports down-conversion to MPEG2. The internal microphone records using Dolby Digital 2-channel, 48 kHz LPCM format. There is also a mic input, headphone output and dual XLR inputs for external mic and line connection and monitoring. Another new function of the camera is its ability to output non-compressed digital signals via HDMI with the time-code and 2:3 pulldown markers superimposed on the HDMI signal output.
Other useful features include a highly efficient cooling system with a two way heat dissipation system, and an HDMI lock function that prevents cable wobble and contact loss. The EOS C100 camera body comes with several accessories as well, including a new handle unit, thumb rest, shoulder strap, tripod base, BP-955 battery pack and more. It is designed for a variety of industries from TV production to weddings to independent movie production. Plus, with its modular design and shooting assist features, it supports true one-man operation, as well as a wide range of lenses and accessories.

Lens Mount	EF mount (with EF contacts), compatible with EF, EF-S and EOS Cinema lens systems (non-PL)
Sensor Type	CMOS (single panel, one sensor)
Sensor Size	24.6 x 13.8 mm (28.2 mm diagonally) Equivalent to Super 35 mm CMOS sensor
Effective Pixels	8.29MP (3840 x 2160)
Total Pixels	Approx. 9.84MP (4206 x 2340
Scanning System	Progressive
Filter	RGB Primary Color Filter (Bayer Array)
Imaging Processor	DIGIC DV III
Horizontal Resolution	1000 TV lines
Minimum Illumination	59.94 Hz: 0.3 lux 50 Hz: 0.25 lux
Illumination Correction	Yes
Built-In ND Filter	Mechanical ND filter system with three densities (Clear, 2, 4, and 6-stops), manual operation type
Focusing System	Manual, One-Shot AF Autofocus system is available, AF is dependant on interchangeable lenses
Max. Shutter Speed	1/2000 sec.
ISO Range	3200 to 20000 in 1-step and 1/3-step increments
White Balance	AWB, Kelvin setting (setting range: 2000 - 15000K), daylight, tungsten, set A, set B
Auto Function Support	One-Shot AF / Push Auto Iris (provided for all EF mount lenses)
Correction of Peripheral Light Amount	Yes (when EF lenses are used)
Recording/Codec	Signal System: NTSC and PAL Compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Color Space: 4:2:2 Maximum Bit Rate: 24Mbps Canon Log Gamma: Available File Format: AVCHD
Down Conversion	Yes (MPEG2)
Bit Rate	24/17/7 Mbps
Frame Rate	NTSC: 60i, 30p, 24p PAL: 50i, 25p
Recording Media	2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots (video, still JPEG images, clip meta data, menu settings, Custom Picture Data)
Simultaneous/Relay Recording	Yes
Internal Stereo Microphone	Yes (handle unit)
Audio Recording	24 Mbps Mode: Linear PCM, 2-channel, 16-bit 48kHz All other Modes: Dolby Digital AC3
LCD Screen (Monitor Unit)	3.5" (8.8 cm diagonal) color wide-screen LCD with 16:9 aspect ratio vari-angle LCD that can move upward of 100° Equivalent to approx. 922,000 dots (640 x 480) 100% field of view ratio
Viewfinder	0.24" (0.6 cm diagonal) color wide-screen EVF LCD with 16:9 aspect ratio Equivalent to approx. 1.555 million dots (960 x 540) 100% field of view ratio
Genlock Terminal	No
SDI Terminal	No
Timecode Terminals	No (timecode provided through HDMI)
HDMI Output	Yes, Type A (timecode can be superimposed on HDMI signal output)
Video Terminal	3.5mm 4-pole mini jack out only
Headphone Output	Yes (3.5 mm mini jack), variable level settings available
Microphone Input	Yes (3.5 mm mini jack)
XLR Input	2 x XLR inputs, Auto and Manual level settings (handle unit) Mic Trimming: -12, -6, 0, +6, +12 dB +48V Phantom Power available
1 KHz Tone	Yes, -12, -18 or -20 dB
Connectivity	USB Port, mini-B, Hi-Speed USB
Power Supply (Rated)	7.4 V DC (battery pack: BP-955), 8.4 V DC (DC in)
Dimensions (Body & Thumb Rest, WxHxD)	5.3 x 6.7 x 5.1" (135 x 170 x 129 mm)
Weight (Body Only)	2.25 lb (1.02 kg)

Apple’s new iPad: The Laptop Replacement?

Can your iPad replace your notebook computer? This is probably the most asked question since the iPad made its debut in April of 2010. Now in its third generation, Apple continues to impress with the new iPad. The new iPad has a high-res 9.7” Retina display with a 2048 x 1536 native resolution that surpasses Full HD 1080p. The screen has multi-touch gesture support, a glossy fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating and is backlit with LED lights for deep black levels and vibrant colors. However, what it doesn’t have is a tactile keyboard, which arguably limits the productivity of its users, especially when it comes to typing.

Keyboards & Cases

One of the main physical differences between an iPad and a notebook is a tactile keyboard. While the onscreen virtual keyboard on the new iPad is responsive and easy to use, its layout is not ideal for typing lengthy emails, papers or documents. Since there’s no USB port, you’ll have to either rely on Bluetooth technology or a compatible dock to connect a physical keyboard to.
An obvious choice would be the Apple Wireless Keyboard. This ergonomic keyboard from Apple utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect to your iPad from up to 30 feet. Its compact design takes up 24 percent less space than other full size desktop keyboards, although you are giving up a numeric keypad for it. The Apple Wireless Keyboard has a low-profile anodized aluminum enclosure with chiclet-style keys. A number of function keys, such as volume, play, pause and screen brightness allow you to adjust your iPad without having to go into settings. It also automatically powers off after being idle for a certain amount of time to save battery life, or you can turn it off manually by using the on/off switch.

If you decide to go with the Apple Wireless Keyboard, it’s a good idea to get a case for it, unless you don’t mind its buttons being constantly smashed while you move about. The Incase Designs Corp Origami Workstation provides complete protection for your Apple Wireless Keyboard from the inevitable thrashing it will receive from inside your travel bag. What’s more, this Incase Origami Workstation can fold quickly and easily into a stand that offers both horizontal and vertical iPad positions for flexible viewing options. Since you’ll probably have your iPad in a protective case of its own, the Incase Origami Workstation will work with most iPad cases so you won’t have to remove it just to use it.

If you would rather have an all-in-one case, try the Blurex D-lux Leather Case with Keyboard. Made with durable leather, the Blurex D-lux Leather Case has a secure magnetic closure. There are custom cutouts for direct access to all of your iPad’s ports, such as the headphone jack, volume rocker and dock port. When placed in this case, your iPad can be adjusted into landscape mode (similar to a laptop) for secure, comfortable typing. Speaking of comfortable typing, the included keyboard features real laptop-style keys as well as dedicated keys for Select, Copy, Cut, Paste, Search and more.

Another viable all-in-one case is the Kensington KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard Case. This protective case fits snugly around your iPad, iPad 2 or the new iPad. There is also a Bluetooth keyboard with spill-proof keys. The keys are made of rubber, which helps prevent them from scratching the iPad display when the case is closed. The durable case protects the edges of your tablet from wear and scratches as well as a camera opening for FaceTime. There is an adjustable stand that offers multiple viewing angles for landscape mode so you can watch movies, run apps, play games and surf the Web with ease.

If you want a more traditional laptop look for your iPad, the ClamCase for iPad2 & new iPad may be a better fit. Made of hard-shell polycarbonate, the ClamCase protects your iPad on all sides from dents and dings while also making it look like a traditional notebook computer. It also has shock absorbing anti-scratch pads that cushion your iPad while it is in the case. The movement of the ClamCase’s hinge is precise and smooth across 360 degrees. Of course, there is an included Bluetooth tactile keyboard with a full QWERTY layout and chiclet-style keys. There are also several special function keys on the keyboard designed specifically for the iPad, which are copy, paste, control music and more. An added convenience is the instant wake capability. The ClamCase offers added efficiency and sleek protection for your iPad without making you compromise the portability of your tablet.

iWork

Once you’ve settled on your choice of a compatible tactile keyboard and case, you’re ready to take on the bane of the tablet’s existence, Microsoft Office files. Developed by Apple, iWork is a trio of apps (Pages, Numbers and Keynote) that make it easy for you to create well-written documents, organized spreadsheets and stellar presentations. Pages lets you write up word documents using the onscreen virtual keyboard, the voice dictation or with your tactile keyboard. Numbers brings spreadsheets to your iPad so you can plan, organize and analyze your data without having to go to a computer. Keynote makes it easy to create, deliver and share impressive presentations on your iPad, which makes it great for meetings and conferences.

All three apps are designed to work seamlessly with your iPad and can even be saved to iCloud, making it easier for you to retrieve them on a computer without having to sync it with your iPad. All three apps can also save your work in Microsoft Office file types, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint saves. This way, your documents can be opened in their respective Microsoft Office programs and remain accessible for both Mac and PC users.

iCloud

When it comes to accessing shared files, the iPad gives the traditional notebook computer a run for its money. When you want to share files from one notebook to another, you would have to either email them to yourself, use a USB flash drive or join a shared network (which is a pain to set up). With the iPad, you’ll be able to share files automatically after the initial setup (click here to read our article on how to set up iCloud) not only to your Mac computer, but your iPhone as well. This cloud-saving feature comes in handy when you need to work on a word document on several different devices, especially when you’re on a tight schedule or on the go.

LogMeIn – Remote Desktop

While your iPad may look like a notebook computer on the outside when using one of the keyboards and cases mentioned above, it still functions like a tablet. The iOS operating system makes it difficult. Using a remote desktop control app, you’ll be able to view and control your desktop or notebook computer from your iPad.
A simple, easy-to-use remote desktop control app is LogMeIn. Available in the Apple App Store, you can download it to your iPad (also available for your iPhone) for free. You will also have to download LogMeIn to the computer you would like to control as well, which is also available for free on LogMeIn’s official website.
To get started, you will need to download the free LogMeIn app to your iPad. Then you need to create an account in the app. Next, you need to log in at LogMeIn.com from the computer you want to remotely access. After you’ve successfully logged in, you can then install the LogMeIn software, which is also free, to your computer. After you’ve installed the software, you’re now ready to access your computer via your iPad.
After following the easy instructions of the initial setup, you’ll be able to remotely control your desktop computer as long as it’s turned on and connected to the Internet. You can access your files, media and more directly from your iPad. Since you’re remotely accessing your computer, your iPad screen will show the desktop of your computer and not the 4-by-4 rows of icons of iOS. Of course, you can exit the app and return back to iOS whenever you like, but it’s nice to be able to access your computer when you need to.

LogMeIn features some interesting remote control features such as intuitive and flexible control modes, multi-monitor support, special key combinations and the ability to start a sleeping computer with Wake-On-LAN. LogMeIn also supports Bluetooth keyboard functionality so you’ll be able to full screen visibility while typing.
While the free version is great, there are also premium features only available in LogMeIn Pro, such as HD video streaming, access and downloading files from your computer to your iPad via File Manager and accessing My Cloud Bank, LogMeIn’s cloud storage solution. LogMeIn Pro can be purchased in 1-month, 3-month and 1-year options. If you need these extra features, it’s definitely a sound investment. However, for most people, the free version of LogMeIn app should suffice.