Quietly, under the radar, Canon has presented its new (not released yet) Cinema EOS 8K camera, which looks surprisingly I’d say, very modest and compact just like the C300 Mark II and C200. Furthermore, a mysterious 8K conversion box was introduced. Check it out below.
Canon’s 8K ecosystem
For some time, (more than 5 years) Canon has been developing an 8K ecosystem for cinema applications. It all has started in the EOS 8K prototype that was demonstrated in Photokina 2016. However, that model seemed to be very cumbersome, big, and heavy. Two months ago, we’ve reported on the two videos Canon published that were shot on its upcoming Cinema EOS 8K camera. The videos demonstrated and showcased the performance of those cameras regarding 8K imagery capabilities. According to Canon, the Cinema EOS 8K camera is supposed to be launched in 2021 as the new flagship (read: Canon Shows Off its Upcoming EOS 8K Cinema Camera Footage).
Canon is working to develop 8K solutions in anticipation of further advances in image expression. A compact, lightweight 8K camera that can be used in a variety of shooting styles.
Canon
EOS 8K Cinema Camera
A few days ago, an Inter BEE 2020 ONLINE presentation was published in the Canon Marketing Japan YouTube account, demonstrating the new EOS 8k Cinema Camera. After a bit of investigation, this new camera was also presented by Inter BEE 2020 ONLINE on Canon’s page. As stated by Canon: “As a leading company in imaging technology, Canon is working to develop 8K solutions in anticipation of further advances in image expression. A compact, lightweight 8K camera that can be used in a variety of shooting styles. EF Cinema Lenses boasts an extensive lineup of wide-angle and telephoto lenses. 8K display with high brightness, high contrast, and high color gamut. The blending of four real 4K projectors enables a large screen projection of real 8K images. From input to output, the Canon 8K solution provides an unparalleled viewing experience”. That statement means that Canon puts all its chips in the 8K world.
Cinema 8K for the masses
Surprisingly, and this is just an assumption, the new Cinema EOS 8K is not going to be Canon’s flagship, but more like an entry-level high-end cinema camera. That means a powerful camera that can deliver high DR, RAW output (uncompressed?), and 8k resolution, packed into a lightweight and compact design, that is very similar to the C200 and C300 Mark II. Also, an 8K conversion box was introduced. The purpose of this box was not defined. There is a probability that the camera will record 8K internally, and the box will allow RAW output. However, this is just a guess since the specs have not been revealed yet.
Check out the 8K Solution TBS TV “World Heritage” Presentation below, with some BTS of the EOS 8K cinema camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xGtc-91N2Y
Final thoughts
It looks like the Cinema EOS 8K will be introduced by Canon’s US channels in the near future. Canon has decided to go on a modular, lightweight, and compact design. It will be interesting to explore the price and specs and moreover, the purpose of the Conversion box. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we get more info. Stay tuned!
