Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 16, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
In the future, Canon wants to equip the Cinema EOS range with another, third model in two versions, and a prototype is expected to be on display at NAB 2012. Each version of the C500 is equipped with a different mount: one with EF and the second with a PL mount. The essential difference between the Cinema EOS C500 and the C300 already available on the market lies in its ability to record 4K RAW footage(4096 x 2160 pixels) at a frame rate of 1 – 60 frames. Additional recording formats include Full HD, Quad Full HD(3840 x 2160), and 2K resolutions(2048 x 1080). Canon reports that both versions are intended to use a newly developed 8.85-megapixel CMOS sensor that is expected to function similarly to those in the Super 35 range.
According to the portal engadget.com, another difference is expected to be the price. The new camcorder is expected to cost approximately 30000$ when completed, which is a hefty price increase of 14000$ over the “smaller” C300. The price increase is also necessary, however, to prevent cannibalization of the C300.
Further noticeable changes compared with the smaller model include the increased weight, which can be attributed to additional cooling devices needed to make 4K recording possible. For recording 1080p footage, both models have dual slots for CompactFlash cards. To record 4K material, the C500 will be equipped with 3G-SDI ports for connecting an external recorder. Recording is performed in RAW mode at 10-bit depth without de-Bayering. While recording in 4K mode, a 50 Mbps HD proxy video recording is made simultaneously to the CF cards.
According to Canon, all details, including the price of both C500 versions, have not yet been decided, nor has the sales date. What is definitely already certain is that Red will get a worthy competitor to Scarlett.
Further details are available from Canon
