Canon has pulled the curtain on its newest lens, one that will bridge the gap between traditional Canon EF Photography Lenses and CN-E Cinema Lenses. The Compact-Servo 18-80mm T4.4 EF lens (Preorder here) combines the benefits of compact size and light weight (only 2.7 lbs.) for outstanding mobility. Designed to shoot video, this lens can be ideal for the cinematographer moving up from EF lenses, combining the functionality of Canon’s EF lenses with the video shooting features of Cinema lenses.
The Compact-Servo 18-80mm T4.4 Zoom Lens is a cinema-style lens that includes a newly developed servo drive unit and incorporates Image Stabilization and Autofocus functionality. The lens also supports 4K image productions and was designed to be able to be utilized in a variety of shooting styles, including both large and small productions. Canon seems to be targeting C100, C300, C500 users who aren’t able to justify the $20,000-$60,000 for a Cine-Servo Lens.
The Compact-Servo 18-80mm Zoom Lens is compatible with EF- mount Super 35mm large-format cameras, and maintains brightness across the entire focal range at T4.4 (equivalent to F4.0). The lens even possesses optical image stabilization, something not normally found on cine lenses. Filmmakers can control many of the features of the lens through the EF-mount communication, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF, push auto iris, record start and stop and remote lens control via the camera with an optional remote control, compensation for chromatic aberration (when paired with the EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Camera), metadata acquisition, and selection of T-number display. The nine-blade iris aperture diaphragm will give footage a “cinematic” look and feel, while providing a “bokeh” effect in out-of-focus areas.
An optional servo grip is available (ZGC-C10), which adds ENG-style control and operation. It can even be mounted to the end of a shoulder rig for more versatility and comfort. The Compact-Servo 18-80 is also compatible with other servo grips, such as the ZSD-300D and FPD-400D.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Mount Type – EF Focal Length – 18 to 80 mm Zoom Ratio – 4.4x Image Circle – 31.4 mm Coverage – Super 35 / APS-C Maximum Relative Aperture – T4.4 (f/4) Number of Aperture Blades – 9 Angle of View – 24.6 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio):
68.7° x 41.9° at 18mm
17.5° x 9.9° at 80mm
26.2 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.9:1 Aspect Ratio):
72.1° x 41.9° at 18 mm
18.6° x 9.9° at 80 mm
Minimum Object Distance – 1.7′ (0.5 m) Object Dimensions at M.O.D. – 24.6 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio):
17.1 x 9.6″ (43.4 x 24.3 cm) at 18mm
3.7 x 2.1″ (9.5 x 5.3 cm) at 80mm
26.2 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.9:1 Aspect Ratio):
18.2 x 9.6″ (46.2 x 24.3 cm) at 18 mm
4.0 x 2.1″ (10.1 x 5.3 cm) at 80 mm Front Lens Diameter – 84 mm Filter Thread – 77 mm Dimensions – 3.7 x 4.2 x 7.2″ (9.34 x 10.72 x 18.23 cm) Weight – 2.65 lb (1.2 kg)
Check out the Canon C300 Mark II Tutorial Series with Jem Schofield below to help you get oriented to your new camera.
After you watch the videos, head over to the C300 Mark II Menu Simulator to practice setting up your camera.
New Features of the C300 Mark II:
Custom Picture Menu for C300 Mark II
Internal Recording Options for the Canon C300 Mark II
External Recording Options for the Canon C300 Mark II
This video in the tutorial series shows how to set the EOS C300 Mark II menu up for external recording. He goes over the menu options found in the Recording/Media Setup, Picture/Terminals Setup menus as well as relevant menus in the Odyssey 7Q+ that he is using.
1.Mount lightweight adjustable camera rail, or base plate with the provided quarter twenty tapered allen bolt. The front most hole is recommended – setting the plate as far back as possible on the Mark II. (The top camera rail and hot shoe adapter will not be used when mounting the C100 Mark II to the MoVI.)
Texas Media Systems works with multiple leasing companies to get customers approved for the equipment they need. I answer many questions a day about leasing equipment. So, I decided to compile some of the most commonly asked questions to make the process of filling out an application even easier.
1) Where do I find the applications?
If you are on the page of the equipment you are looking for, the apply now button will be underneath the picture of the item. For example, if you are looking at the page for the C100 mk II, the apply now button will be on the page in the item’s description. By clicking on that button, it will take you to the pdf page to electronically sign and submit.
Canon announced on December 19th that the Cine-Servo 17-120mm (Part #s: 9785B001, and 9785B002) are now eligible for the Lens Mount Exchange Progam – allowing users to convert from EF to PL mount or vice-versa.
From the announcement:
“Canon USA’s Cinema Lens Factory Service Centers can perform the modification on eligible lenses. The cost of the mount conversion kit is $800 for the Cine-Servo 17–120mm. Additionally, a $400 labor charge and applicable return shipping fees will also apply for each lens modified. The parts comprising the original mount will be returned to the client and can be reused as necessary.”
Also of note: the modification process does not affect the manufacturer’s one-year limited warranty. Contact Texas Media Systems about initiating a change!
We expect that the native EF mount version of the Cine-Servo lens will be very popular with Canon C300 EF owners and operators who have not had a native EF Mount Servo lens available for use with their cameras.
The Cine-Servo PL and EF mounts can be swapped by Canon Cinema EOS Service Centers for an additional fee. One upgraded, the extra mount is returned with the lens.
Texas Media Systems is accepting Pre-Orders at the links below with an expected ship date of August 2014:
MELVILLE, N.Y., April 2, 2014 – Shallow, creative depth of field, high-resolution and optimal low-light shooting capabilities are just some of the many reasons that large, single-sensor digital cameras have been kitted and rigged for use in nearly every application involving video capture. Further enhancing the versatility and adoption of these cameras into markets such as ENG (Electronic News Gathering), documentary, narrative production and special event coverage is the new CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions.
Designed to perform in a shoulder-mounted application or as a traditional cinema lens, the Canon CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens has an ENG-style Digital Drive handgrip with zoom rocker switch, which can also be detached to allow for manual cinema operation. The new CINE-SERVO lens features high 4K optical performance throughout the broad focal length of 17mm to 120mm within its compact and lightweight body, a three-group inner focus system to help minimize focus breathing and provide a stable angle of view, an 11-blade iris to help achieve creative depth-of-field manipulation and natural “bokeh” background, user-friendly design features, support for matte boxes, follow focus and other accessories, and rugged reliability. Designed to work with single-sensor cameras, the lens will be available in either PL- or EF-mount.
“Since the launch of the Cinema EOS system, Canon has been a part of the large-sensor camera movement that has taken many video markets by storm. Each day the markets that employ these dynamic tools are growing, as is the way professionals are using them in the field,” explained Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “We remain dedicated to providing the equipment and service that enables professionals to reach the full potential of their talent. With the CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens, we sought to arm them with a lens that is equally as versatile and adaptable as they are, and just as comfortable shooting a feature documentary as it would be shooting a corporate event or an interview for the evening news.”
Lens-Camera Communication
Compliance of the Canon CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 lens with industry-standard camera-to-lens communication protocols helps ensure its compatibility with multiple brands and models of 4K, 2K, and HD cameras. These standards include 12-pin serial communication (common to major broadcast camera brands), Cooke’s /i Technology, and Canon EOS technology (employed by the EOS C500, EOS C300, and EOS-1D C Cinema cameras, and the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera). Specific types of data-management functions involving focus, zoom, iris and other settings can vary, depending on camera brands and models. In the case of the Canon EOS system, precise lens data – including aperture setting – are displayed in the EOS camera’s viewfinder, as well as recorded in the video file as metadata along with the model name of the lens and focal length setting.
Dual Operability
With its Canon Digital Drive handgrip unit attached, the CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 lens is ideal for shoulder mount camera configurations commonly employed in ENG, broadcast, or cinema shooting. Attaching the Digital Drive unit does not require manual adjustment of the focus, zoom, and iris gears on the lens, and a rubber cap prevents dirt from entering the Digital Drive unit connections when it’s detached. Together with Canon’s unique LCD display equipped on the Digital Drive unit that allows the operators to easily access the various digital functions, a 16-bit high-precision microprocessor contained within the Digital Drive unit enables operators to pre-program focus and zoom position/speed, as well as iris settings if desired – allowing for precise, repeatable performance. The microprocessor also provides the capability of a very high-speed zoom of 0.5 seconds to a very slow and consistent zoom of 300 seconds, from wide-end to telephoto-end. Three 20-pin connectors on the Digital Drive unit enable the use of zoom and focus demands or the precision integration of images from the lens and its accompanying camera into a variety of virtual set systems.
In addition to its removable ENG-style Digital Drive unit handgrip that gives users a choice between programmable broadcast-style or fully manual cinema-style operation, the new Canon CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens integrates strategic design features for intuitive, convenient operation by a wide range of camera operators. These features include an ergonomically designed compact and lightweight Digital Drive unit that fits into an operator’s hand and brings the palm closer to the center of the lens barrel which can contribute to lessening fatigue on the operator’s arm. The lens barrel markings are clearly engraved in both feet and meters on both sides of the lens barrel, and focus indicators on the front side of the lens are marked on an inclined surface to make them easier to see from the back of the camera, especially when mounted on an operator’s shoulder. Additionally, luminous paint is used for the scale display on one side of the barrel to help make the markings visually identifiable in the dark.
Combining both broadcast operability and the accuracy required by cinematographers, the lens features a 180 degree focus rotation angle. Both 0.8 type and 0.5 type gear module focus accessories can be used, with the 0.8-pitch gear positioned in front of the focus ring to preclude any interference with the Digital Drive unit or a connecting cord. Major power-driven accessories, matte boxes, and other standard options used by filmmakers can all be mounted. Lens support shafts for support rods as well as a lens hood unit are also included with the lens.
As a symbol of inheriting the optical technology that was developed for other Canon Cinema lenses, a red alumite identity color is used for the mount area. A structure enabling the lens’ EF mount to be replaced with the PL mount, or vice versa (electrical system included), is also incorporated. This conversion upgrade can be provided at authorized Canon service centers.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon CINE-SERVO 17-120mm T2.95 zoom lens (CN7x17 KAS S/E1 in EF mount and CN7x17 KAS S/P1 in PL mount) is expected to be available in August 2014 for a suggested list price of $33,000. For more information, please visit the Canon U.S.A. website atwww.pro.usa.canon.com/cine-servo.
Designed for the capture of crucial, unpredictable scenes during wedding/event, documentary, news, or wildlife filming, the Continuous Recording Function firmware update for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera enables videographers to insert metadata markers identifying crucial scenes and moments in their footage while continuously recording to the memory capacity. These markers — for both “in” and “out” points — can be set with the press of a button without interrupting the recording process. These markers are identified in metadata as separate “shots,” and are simultaneously recorded to both SD card slots of the EOS C100 camera.
At Texas Media Systems, we are not surprised at the survey results. Rental houses are often early buyers of the latest and greatest cameras. The C300 continues to be a strong seller to the rental house market, proving growing demand by rental customers.
