Canon USA introduces EOS-1D C Digital SLR camera featuring 4K

[Chris Hurd]

"Equipped with an 18.1-megapixel full-frame 24mm x 36mm Canon CMOS sensor,
the camera records 8-bit 4:2:2 Motion JPEG 4K video to the camera’s CF memory
card at 24 frames-per-second (fps) or Full HD 1920 x 1080 video at selectable frame
rates from 24p to 60p, making it possible for next-generation visual expression with
even higher image-quality and resolution performance."

The full, official press release is located at:

Canon USA Introduces EOS-1D Digital SLR Camera Featuring 4K at DVInfo.net

[Andy Wilkinson]

It was exciting reading the spec - until I got to the $15,000 bit. Ouch!

[Simon Wood]

Wow. Killer cameras.

I guess Canon is really serious about getting the upper ends of the market.

It just strikes me as weird that it was the whole low budget DSLR movement that actually got Canon into this arena in the first place; but that is the very demographic that they are now neglecting (I'm talking price here).

Anyhow, hopefully there will be a trickle-down effect into the next generation T4 or T5. We'll see where that goes eventually.

But for now the DSLR movement looks like it will have to rely on Sony and Panasonic to deliver the next great cost effective camera.....

[Jerry Manco]

If I had 15,000 to spend on a video camera, it definitely wouldn't be that one.

[Chris Hurd]

I seriously doubt it'll be $15k. Remember what happened
with the C300... they initially said $20k, but had planned
all along to sell it for $16k. Same thing here, I'll bet.

Also, I don't think they're "neglecting" the lower markets.
These are NAB announcements after all. The high-end pro
gear is indicated for now. Prosumer, etc. to follow later.

[Jack Zhang]

MJPEG is kind of a dealbreaker. It also sounds like they're sticking to H.264 for full HD video. (4:2:0 was the clue)

[Josh Dahlberg]

"The camera’s ability to record 8-bit 4:2:2 4K and 8-bit 4:2:0 Full HD video to CF cards eliminates the need for an external recorder and enables workflows with increased mobility."

Yes Jack, very few details on the internal codecs. What kind of 4K quality is possible writing mjpeg to CF cards?

Smart move by Canon to completely differentiate their products. This doesn't undercut the C300 market at all. Apart from the mount, the cameras could hardly be more different.

Missing: EVF, movable LCD, xlrs, nds, 1080 422 codec, SDI, video form factor, zebras!!

But a full-frame sensor, 4K video and 18K stills. Interesting proposition.

[Dylan Couper]

Well, it's what I expected but not at the price I expected. Even assuming that it will street at $13k-$14k... fails to rouse excitement.

[Chris Hurd]

Originally Posted by Josh Dahlberg

What kind of 4K quality is possible writing to CF cards?

RED was doing this four years ago with the RED One.

[Peer Landa]

Originally Posted by Andy Wilkinson

It was exciting reading the spec - until I got to the $15,000 bit.

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

I seriously doubt it'll be $15k. Remember what happened with the C300... they initially said $20k, but had planned all along to sell it for $16k. Same thing here, I'll bet.

Let's hope so -- I can handle tops $10k, no way $15k (I need both my kidneys).

-- peer

[Mark Kenfield]

Originally Posted by Chris Hurd

I seriously doubt it'll be $15k. Remember what happened
with the C300... they initially said $20k, but had planned
all along to sell it for $16k. Same thing here, I'll bet.

Also, I don't think they're "neglecting" the lower markets.
These are NAB announcements after all. The high-end pro
gear is indicated for now. Prosumer, etc. to follow later.

But what purpose would announcing a higher price serve, when it's cheaper prices that rouse the rabble?

[Chris Hurd]

Double bluff?

How would I know, Mark... I'm just a reporter here.

In all seriousness, I think it's just a way to take a bit of the sting
out of the "real" price. As in, announce it at an outrageous price,
then lower it later on so that it seems like a favor even though it's
still overpriced. My biggest complaint of Canon over the years has
been that they are consistently overpriced by about 20%.

[Robert Sanders]

It doesn't surprise me that Canon is more expensive. They don't have the same economies of scale that Panasonic and Sony have. Compared to those mammoths, Canon is a tiny company.

I'm a huge Canon fan and the last few months have been amazing!

C300? Awesome. Still the camera I crave most.

C500? Even more awesome for the ultra high end guys.

1DX-C? Wow.

Do I have little quibbles here and there? Sure. But Canon is just rocking it lately.

[Emmanuel Plakiotis]

I understand that there are certain economies of scale for Canon to maintain the same 1D body, but still is a product that doesnt make sense to me.

If I'm a pro photographer why I should pay over double the price of 1Dx essentially for uncompressed HD out, and 1080/60p? Given that the claimed on board compression of 1Dx is very high, clean video out is unnecessary for a photographer turned occasional videographer. Not to mention that for 2/3 of the price, you get D4+D800+ext recorder, that can cater almost all your needs.

If I'm video professional, why I should compromise my work with DSLR form factor and still can't get more than uncompressed 8bit 422 video out, although I paid $15Κ for it? Ok I also get compressed 8bit MJPEG 4K @ ONLY 24p*, but I don't see any real need for that option. If I want to shoot a 4K feature, I need more than that and for everything else is an overkill.

If I'm both I can buy a 1Dx and a FS700 and have two cameras and more video functionality for the same price (apart from on board 4K recording).

Didn't make sense 6 months ago when it was announced, still does not!


*the lack of 25p is crucial for European markets.

[Sam Tansey]

As far as I know, weatherproof 4k is brand new.

That alone is kind of cool.