FINALLY the full frame Canon 1DX DSLR featuring “improved video”.

 

We have all been waiting for the replacement for the 1Ds mkIII for some time. Initial rumours had it coming out September last year. Well it looks like that is not coming out at all. Instead, we have the renamed Canon 1Dx. The first full frame DSLR to shoot full HD video since the 3 year old 5DmkII!!

It has as expected incredible stills specs, as that is what it is primarily designed for. It has the brand new dual digic 5 processors and can rattle off 12 fps photos (14 fps in JPEG mode). And the magnesium alloy body is the most weather sealed body Canon have produced for a DSLR.

Of course the video function is what I am most interested in, and this is lifted from the Canon press release: “Featuring advanced video-capture capabilities, the Canon EOS-1D X’s upgraded imaging system and Dual DIGIC 5+ deliver greatly enhanced movie quality. In particular, the camera minimizes the occurrence of color artifacts and moiré, and enables the shooting of low-noise video even in dark conditions.”

Now I have not seen any footage yet but I am curious as hell to try this out. We have the same frame rates as we have become used to: 24,25, 30p in full HD and 50 and 60p in 720p mode, but this is interesting…minimised moire? Hopefully rolling shutter too!

The camera now supports Intra-frame and Inter-frame compression, meaning editing with the camera will be a hell of a lot easier, and it will also support two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run. Great for syncing up multiple cameras and great for professional video recording. It is still H264 video compression though…

We also now have a single clip length of up to maximum of 29 minutes and 59 seconds (that stupid EU tax rule stopping it going longer!) which is terrific news! Manual audio is featured and levels can be adjusted WHILST recording with meters on screen during recording!…but I still see no sign of the most basic feature we need…a headphone jack!!

I haven’t seen any footage but cannot wait to get my hands on this. No matter how great all these other video cameras with S35 chips are, they simply don’t have the full frame aesthetic that this camera will offer. Of course now all eyes are turned to the 5dmkIII.

This is the flagship Canon DSLR. But remember this is a camera designed to photographers first and foremost. Canon may potentially add even more features to the mkIII…

The camera is due for release late March next year, and will retail body-only for around $7000!

I do not know if the below video was shot on the 1Dx or not, but it features the camera.

Full press release below:

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The New Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera, Re-Designed from the Inside Out

Featuring a Completely New 61-Point Autofocus, Fast Shooting up to 12 fps, 18-Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Full HD Video Recording and Much More

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon’s recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company’s 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

“The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains

The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera’s new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera’s new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon’s second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. (See image below for AF point configuration)

All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models). A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.

Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection. (See image below AF point selection options.)

EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance

The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

Exposure Control

For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X’s 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure. The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera’s automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.

Multiple Exposure Modes

The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X’s Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.

Super High Speed Mode

The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG mode. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X’s 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.

Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording

Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.

Canon’s all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.

The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.

Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design

Photographers familiar with Canon’s EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement. The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.

The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user’s thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally. On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position. The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.

This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV. A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.

Connectivity

For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission. If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent. The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.

Accessories

Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models. With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras. In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.

The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera’s body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.

142 comments

  1. This looks interesting – iframe compression, surely that would mean a different codec to h.264? This chunky codec would surely support a technical reason to span files of more than 4 GB.
    Could the top left small rubber flap on the side of the camera be a headphone jack? Clearly this camera is addressing the needs of filmmakers and I just cannot believe they would omit a headphone jack…timecode, yet no headphone jack? I’d be dumbfounded if they missed it out.
    My final reaction, is what DSLR are Canon going to release in november? or is november just a Pro video ‘face off’ with RED?

  2. Philip I was about to buy a 7d TODAY, do you think i should hang on incase there is a super duper 7d mk ii on its way, like last year when the 60d suddenly came from no where, which i just sold just so i can get HD in record mode ala 7d.

    Appreciate your response to this 🙂

  3. Looks like a very fine top of the range DSLR.
    Quite interesting to see they got rid of the 1.3 crop, which surely will annoy plenty of sports shooters but please all PJs, who were crying to get a FF as with the D3s -along with similar low noise high iso. Looks like Canon learnt the lesson.

    As for video (remeber this is mostly for PJs), it’s nice to see i-frame and “better moire”, but it still missed on solving all DSLR video issues: 422 50mbps+ codec, 48v and good preamps, annoying separate video&audio machines requirement and high-res tilting TFT with peaking, zebras etc. ALL OF THIS could have been solved with a very simple move: A CLEAN 422 HDMI/SDI out. You then plug it into a PIX240 or similar device and it’s ALL taken care of.
    (Note: lack of built in NDs not an issue, ALEXA doesn’t have them and it’s ok, just get a MBB-2)

    I guess they didn’t do it because Canon is releasing S35 videocam/s on the 3rd November, and they want us to buy all of their cams (I personally need both, if possible on a single body). Oh well…

  4. In theory this means the 5D Mark 3 is about six months away.

    In theory this means the 5D Mark 3 will have dumbed down still photo capabilities relative to this 1Dx, but will probably match the video capabilities.

    Obviously, that intraframe thing looks interesting as heck. My question is bitrate. Do you know anything more about this intraframe recording format?

  5. Can do 14 fps in full RAW when the mirror is locked up. How long before they can do 24/25/30 fps???!!!! Then it could take on the big boys. This looks awesome… but please don’t say ‘only’ $7000, it’s the most expensive DSLR out there! But still amazing value compared to the HD video world. I hope the 5DmkIII has at least the same (if not better) video features as this one…

  6. Hmm…hope that that videoclip is not shot on the 1D. At 22 sec, there’s some seroius rolling of shutter. Looks like a post-stabilized clip, with just the shutterolling left.

    1. Amen to that brother. I’m not concerned with the 30 minute record time. Managed for 2 years with 12-15 minutes. If I’m recording a long lecture, I’m not using a dslr anyway. I’ve always felt like that limit helps with overheat prevention. Give us 60p or higher @ 1080p or a way to hear the audio with headphones as you suggested.

  7. Look at 0:24 sec you can clearly see rolling shutter correction. If they fixed rolling shutter in the 1D-X then i would guess this wasn’t shot on it, but it would make sense to shoot on the camera thats featured. If they did then the rolling shutter wasn’t corrected. I really hope it is though.

  8. would love to see how it stacks up against the 5Dmk2, FS100, and AF100. The improvements sound amazing and even if the aliasing and rolling shutter is down by a bit it is a welcome addition. But I would be lying if that price tag didn’t scare me a bit since it cost more then the 3 I mentioned. I can’t wait to see it in action. I also find it very funny that this moment and time in my life when I am looking for my next camera all these new ones keep hitting the market or Zacuto sheds some light on some cameras. Guess its time to put in some overtime at work

  9. Looks really nice.

    Perhaps on November 3rd we see the guts of this camera, or something like them, inside a camcorder form with proper audio etc.

    At least now we know the technology resides inside Canon.

  10. I’m with you on this, Philip. This is a DSLR geared more towards photographers. The 12 fps shutter speed is definitely nice to have. Until they come out with a a FULL-FRAME 1080p HD video that shoots 60fps or higher, plus a headphone jack for audio monitoring …. I’m not going to get that excited. Right now….. the 5DMII + 7D is still the smart buy for DSLR users that like shooting HD video.

  11. Was kinda hoping there’s be more advanced video improvements, like ditching the 8-bit compression and 4.2.0 colour-space, a headphone jack, 60fps @1080p, and 120fps at 720 or 640 would’ve been amazing.

    The record limit and slightly improved compression is one step forwards I suppose!
    But essentially this is still the ‘first generation’ of HDSLR’s to me.
    As soon as Canon start to implement a professional codec then we’ve got a 2nd generation HDSLR, so let’s up the 5D3 will bring us there in 2012!

  12. Now this is interesting, this announcement doesn’t rise to the level of the upcoming Nov 3rd announcement. I assume will be bigger. This sounds like a great stills camera. I think Canon is trying to keep their core market happy. Nov. 3rd could be the Big video announcement.

    maybe:

    10 bit output
    4K (to compete with RED)
    1080p 60 at least (would love 120)
    Recordable clean HDMI (though I think HDMI is limited to 8 bit)

    Now clearly RED knows whats coming on the 3rd. That’s why they are countering with the Scarlet on the 3rd.

    Very interesting times.

  13. I’m not sure if this was filmed with the 1DX or not, but you can definitely see some rolling shutter that looks to have been stabilized when they’re tight on Frits Van Eldik. right around :23-:25. anyone else see that…?

  14. I think that the Nov 3rd announcement will be the EOS HD Video Camera APS-C sensor and not much else.

    It would be great if they showed the 5D Mk III at the same time but it seems unlikely now. The Tsunami might have disrupted the time-frame even more than we think.

    GPS:

    “The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera’s body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically. ”

    Could this be used to record motion in Video Mode for compositing? That would be incredible.

  15. It’s a beautiful camera with stunning specification which might finally be what a lot of professional photographers have been hoping Canon would produce. To have a camera that can cover weddings, sports and wildlife is a great thing. I’ve had to use a mixture of the 1DmkIII and 5DmkII bodies to get the coverage that I needed meaning everything was doubled up, bodies, batteries, chargers etc.

    Now to the specifications…. I can’t wait to hear 14fps firing off (OK only 12 if using AF), the 10 of the mkIII already sounds great, so this should be amazing! Also, to play with the higher ISO settings could make a huge world of difference in certain church wedding situations as well as sports when the light is getting low. I’m just waiting to see the real life shots and if ISO 6,400 and 12,800 is really usable for large prints this will really be a winning camera. It will also mean emptying my pockets and getting a couple 🙂

    Sure, we’ve lost the 1.3x crop, but that’s nothing major to most people considering this sort of investment as you put on longer glass. Nikon shooters have been doing so for a long time and the results have been stunning.

  16. Please answer this Phil:
    Have you been able to ascertain whether the 1d X will utilize 8 bit/420, or 10 bit/422 chroma SS in video mode??

    A bloody LOT of us would love to know this.

    Thanks!

  17. For making people wait this long, and since Canon’s refresh cycle is about 4 to 5 years now, the least they can do is make it 4:2:2 50 mb and have 1080p 60fps. That will future proof it a little bit. Otherwise, for video it will just be passed within a year. Even point and shoots can do 1080p 60fps. But the 1D is more for stills people.

    They need to step up on the 5D3, or make a video optimized full frame DSLR with what is mentioned above, a flip screen and hopefully a headphone jack. That’s the problem when companies make people wait a long time, is the expectation go out the roof; and they have to deliver a lot more.

    But the big day for video is in November, so we shall see. At least now I feel like I don’t have to sell all my EOS Glass and switch to Sony.

  18. Philip,

    What do you think of the gigabit Ethernet port? How would this be necessary to photographers or video shooters? I would imagine better live-view options, but maybe faster transfer speeds?

  19. A very nice Pro camera with video added!

    It’s more for togs, with the video function for the press/photojournalists out there. Great low light for sports and wildlife photographers as well as the wedding crowd.

    Tough as old boots to take a hammering with good quality and in the sweet spot for image size. Good to see Canon listening to the proper pros out there and not just the mega-pixel freaks!

    Expect a more video orientated camera to come later for the movie crowd, probably with the flip screen.

  20. If the 1DX can do 12fps x 18MP = 108MP/second for each Digic 5. . .
    then might the 5DIII do 60fps x 2MP (1080p) = 120MP/second for each Digic 5 which would be 240fps at 1080p?

    I’d happily wait for that.

  21. jeez dave he doens’t know! haha 😉 – I was wondering though, Has anyone ever used the HDMI output on the 7D to record through a kipro to skip transcoding? Or ever tried the same thing on a 60d or t2i? I was thinking you could just monitor on the 60D and record on the kipro? Would that work?

  22. by the way if anyone is interested – it appears Canadian retailers are selling the 5DII for C$1999 – that’s the new price not some refurb. That’s a reduction by almost $500-700 (depending on the retailer). That is a SIGNIFICANT amount. I don’t want to read into anything but usually when something drops in price by that much it’s an indication that they’re making way for something else.

    Also, a flip screen would be REALLY good on the 1Dx but i think in order to have complete weather sealing it has to be fixed.

  23. Did anyone notice in the Canon demo video a bit of jello cam right at the end? (seems to be a very windy day, wind blowing on the tripod fairly hard) No moire or aliasing on the brick walls though.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_MjFZN0fO5M#

    Phillip, re the new cinema camera on Nov 3, is it official that the sensor is super 35? I’m secretly hoping its full frame with at least one new zoom.

    Re the 1DX, as was pointed out already, its an all round stills camera designed for news/media shooters that also do video and that’s why I think the video feature set is a bit limited.

    I’m hoping the video feature set on the 5DIII will be much richer though.

    Canon must fully showcase all the video benefits of full frame in a professional camera somewhere in its product line. I thought definitely in the upcoming cinema camera, or at least in a feature rich 5DIII.

    It needs to have 4:2:2 or 4:4:4, proper pro codec, on demand AF, HD/SDI, proper audio, over/under cranking, proper frame fates including progressive and interlaced and all the other features.

    I hope they dont dissapoint.

    In any case, I’m sure some these new features of the 1DX will filter down the line to the prosumer & consumer DSLR’s in time.

  24. I’m actually kind of disappointed. I was hoping Canon would deal with the media compression problem inherent in the media these cameras use. It’s an amazing camera no doubt, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could get uncompressed footage at a higher rate? Guess I’ll have to stick to HDMI out to my samurai for the time being.

    Or am I missing something? 🙂

    1. ‘Or am I missing something?’

      Well, two things:

      1) There are two options for video compression: a lot, and not so much (details are not yet clear).

      2) It’s still (!) a stills camera; no matter how much video functions they put into it, it cannot compete with video camera particulars.

      That said, it’s a very exciting camera. Canon claim to have solved (or at least greatly reduced) aliasing and moire problems. Also, what I find most exciting, is the high ISO capabilities. There’s a video sample on Canon Japan’s website (albiet not HD) that shows off the high ISO capabilities of this camera in video and stills mode (details are at the end of the video):

      http://cweb.canon.jp/camera/eosd/1dx/samples/index.html

      At $6800, it might not be a good alternative to the likes of AF100 or FS100, but if the moire, aliasing, and especially the low light ISO capabilities are superior, it just might be.

      Although, honestly, Canon’s marketing ‘talk’ isn’t overly emphasizing the video features of the camera. This might be a bad sign, or not.

      What’s disappointing is a six month wait till we find out! 🙁

      Cheers 🙂

  25. This looks like a really terrific camera, but we finally bought a 5D Mark II just a little while ago because we wanted a quality stills camera that can also serve as a “B” video camera for a good camcorder that has yet to be purchased. Our cash is now being saved for Red and Canon’s respective November 3 announcements. It will be interesting to see which manufacturer releases the best combination of performance, features and price.

    The 1Dx looks like a great solution for a lot of people, but it’s probably overkill for what we’d use it for.

  26. “We also now have a single clip length of up to maximum of 29 minutes and 59 seconds which is terrific news”

    …but 29 minutes and 59 seconds…it is about 800m/2700ft/ of the motion picutre lenght in 35mm.
    The question is – am I a filmmaker or a “gambler”?

  27. …I see.
    It was my primitiv attack to your lamentation through 29’59” record time.
    “What happiness have this footage as one portion in the camera-casette!”
    Times changes.
    The footage is good…

  28. I’m the proud owner of a 7D and 550D (T2i in the states) which are used in my licensed video production company. After watching this video, I see NO NEED to trade them in/sell them and jump on the 1D X bandwagon. I prefer cropped sensors for movies – which are actually closer to the 35mm frame of motion picture film. The full frames (including the 5D mk II) while beautiful, looks too big with alot of depth of field. Doesn’t look cinematic IMHO. Increasing record time while nice isn’t that big a deal alot of us have learned to manage the 12 minute record time accordingly. How bout 60p @ 1080p Canon. And add a headphone jack while you’re at it.

    1. that’s 3 comments about the GH2. I love my GH2 but I get the message Gavin! You seem to miss the point that full frame look is wanted by many DPs including me. If your focus puller is good there is no problem.

  29. I’m all for improved specs on a full frame camera, (not perfect but a definite improvement, assuming the implementation is good) but am I the only one disappointed with the reduced resolution? I understand the reasoning, but what about those of us wanting more not less resolution in its stills capacity? If they’re genuinely homologating the two lines (1D and 1Ds) where does that leave those photographers? I really don’t want to have to jump ship to Nikon.

  30. I’m really looking forward to hopefully a more video optimized Canon Full Frame. The look is so awesome. As for Gavin’s comments on the GH2, the 2x crop is such a killer for me. Even compared to the 1.6x APS-C, the GH2 has very noticeably more DOF. I wish Panasonic just went with a 1.6x crop instead, and I would own that camera. Just can’t do 2x.

    I think it would be smart if Canon offered paid firmware updates. I have a feeling that the final compression on all their DSLRs is going to be 4:2:0. I would gladly pay an extra $1000 or even more, for a 4:2:2 compression upgrade. Modern cameras are basically just computers, and it would be nice to include the basic feature set, but have the option of upgrading to more higher end features, even if you have to pay.

    I would also pay for a 3x crop upgrade since I love Macro.

    What do you think Phil? Would you pay for extra features that made the camera better? It would be nice if it came from Canon instead of a hack.

    Can’t wait till November 3rd.

  31. Philip, I wonder how the (I) Intraframe H264 output will improve the aesthetics.
    (IPB) H.264 left alot to be desired in term of perceptible quality.
    What are your thoughts here?
    I personally doubt that the H.264 codec is robust enough to do justice to this intraframe approach. I guess we will soon see.

  32. I’m ready to jump into the big league now but I strictly use my cameras for photos and am not even remotely interested in video. I’d much rather a perfected, dedicated still camera. If my concern was for video, I’d buy a great video camera. I just don’t see the two marrying up that well together but rather believe that catering to both impacts the overall effectiveness of the camera. I’m not a pro, just love taking photos. I dislike the prosumer stuff on the market. I’ll wait for the reviews before I decide what to purchase.

  33. I’m really excited about this camera. It uses a full frame sensor and it uses ALL pixels from what I understand. This means it could be the best low light cam out there at least at a price below €20000 or so. It should be clearly better than 5Dmk2 and judging from the video of the boxer it is a superb performer indeed.

    I use a 550D and two EX1R’s and excpect this 1DX to be a major improvement in the noise department which is a real problem in the mentioned cam’s.

    Sure, Magic Bullet and Neat Video can clean up noise but at a small loss of sharpness and a huuuge loss of time..

    The only thing that keeps me from getting on the list booking a 1DX is the talk about the 4K DSLR and a possible 5Dmk3 or similar. The 1DX should go a long way though. If they could offer clean 1080p HDMI and/or 10bit with 100-150Mbit/s to the internal compact flash it would be wonderful. Should be possible.

    I don’t care for sound in cam’s (other than for sync) since I am covered in that department with a SD788T and pro mic’s (sound is my main thing).

  34. Hey Philip,

    I have the 7D, and would like to purchase the 5D since prices have dropped dramatically for a full frame sensor! OR should I wait for the 1DX? or something similar.

    Your comments please!!!

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