Canon USA News (Page 7)

From Canon USA:

Films Premiere for the First Time at Canon Theater During the 2015 NAB Show

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 13, 2015 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce the premiere of two short films "Trick Shot" and "Battle of the Ages" today during the 2015 NAB Show in Las Vegas, NV. Both films will screen daily in true 4K at the 2015 NAB Show in the Canon Theater at Booth #C4325.

Using the brand new Canon EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera and the XC10 4K Digital Camcorder, the short films were shot in cinematic 4K (4096 x 2160) and recorded in-camera on SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 cards.

"Trick Shot," directed by Evan Kaufmann with cinematography by Gale Tattersall (Grace and Frankie, House M.D.), is a classic con movie with a twist. Reformed pool shark "Eight Ball" Bobby is forced to play one more crucial billiards game to save his son Devon, who got mixed up in the wrong crowd. Shot on location in Nevada, Tattersall utilized the EOS C300 Mark II camera to capture the menacing darkness of a seedy pool hall, the stark beauty of the barren desert, and the tense drama of a clever heist film.

"The new sensor in the Canon EOS C300 Mark II is a game changer," said Tattersall. "The 15 stops of dynamic range and cinematic quality put this camera in the big leagues."

Mounted with Canon's new CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens, the camera produced an incredible tracking shot of a speeding car from more than two miles away. Yet when the script called for aerial photography, the camera easily transitioned from sticks on the ground to propellers in the sky. Flying with a Canon EF 24mm 1.4L II USM lens on the Aerigon, a professional cinema drone from Intuitive Aerial Inc., the camera captured the vast landscape of Valley of Fire State Park.

"The small form factor makes it wonderful to move around very quickly," Tattersall noted. "It took seconds to go from handheld to drone to Steadicam to jib arm to studio mode. The EOS C300 Mark II is absolutely one of the most versatile cameras I've come across."

Tattersall also had the XC10 camcorder in his toolkit. The 4K fixed-lens, video-and-still-shooting hybrid served as a point-of-view camera, which the filmmakers put through its paces by mounting it under cars and on pool cues.

Tattersall added, "I like the XC10 camcorder enormously. It's a true 4K camera that creates beautiful images in one tiny form factor."

"Battle of the Ages," shot entirely on the XC10 4K digital camcorder, is an action-packed comedy from YouTube filmmaker Scott Winn, whose channel, ScottDW, has amassed more than 59 million views. Riffing on the 1980s crime drama trope, "Battle of the Ages" features two young thugs who learn the hard way that appearances can be deceiving and age is nothing but a number. Scott captured his fearless cast of three professional parkour athletes through an exhilarating chase and an epic fight scene with the XC10 camcorder mounted on a Freefly MoVI M5.

"While we love epic, extreme adventures, we prefer to keep the crazy on screen and away from our camera crew," said Winn. "The XC10 camcorder worked perfectly out of the box. And, the image this tiny, lightweight camera produced is larger than life. I know my work will look great if it is streaming on the small screen of someone's phone or projected in true 4K in a massive theater."

To capture the action from every angle, Scott teamed up with Helivate Films' Zac Eskelsen to fly the camera above Salt Lake City's skyline. They mounted the XC10 camcorder on a DJI Spreading Wings S1000 drone with a MoVI gimbal to get the bird's eye view.

"We love what we were able to accomplish with this camera from above, these shots add a dynamism to our film that was shot in one day with a small crew," said Winn. "The sky is the next frontier for filmmakers, and this camera puts quality drone work within reach for every creator."

Following NAB, the films and their accompanying behind-the-scenes featurettes will be available on the Canon U.S.A. website: https://www.usa.canon.com. "Battle of the Ages" will also be available in streaming 4K on the ScottDW YouTube channel.

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 10, 2015 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, delivered the first Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens to Otto Nemenz International, a world-renowned rental company based in Los Angeles, CA. Otto Nemenz is the first facility in the United States to offer the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm lens for rental.

Canon introduced the ultra-telephoto CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens in October of 2014. With the world's longest focal length (75-1500mm with its built-in 1.5x extender) and highest (20x) magnification among Super 35mm zoom lensesi, this CINE-SERVO zoom lens offers cinematographers new possibilities for shooting scenes in HD, 2K and 4K on single-sensor cameras. Available in both EF- and PL- mount versions, the lens features a removable Digital Drive unit designed to support broadcast or cinema-style production.

"We are thrilled to be the first to purchase this new lens, a historic development in engineering," said Otto Nemenz, founder and CEO of Otto Nemenz International and I.A.T.S.E. Local 600 member. "Our cinematographer clients are excited to get their hands on this lens and develop new filmmaking techniques using this product."

"Among professionals in the industry the name Otto Nemenz is synonymous with quality and reliability," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We are honored by their selection of our CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm lens, and its inclusion into their impressive equipment portfolio will make it readily available for professionals to explore the visual potential this lens offers."

On April 23, 2015, Otto Nemenz will begin offering the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Ultra-Telephoto Zoom lens for rent. To inquire about reserving the lens, please contact Alex Wengert (alex@ottonemenz.com) or Fritz Heinzle (fritz@ottonemenz.com).

Want to own the lens rather than rent? B&H has the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0 - T8.9 Lens available for preorder.

TOKYO, April 2, 2015 — Canon Inc. announced today that the Company is currently developing a high-zoom-ratio, long-focal-length field zoom lens that realizes exceptional imaging performance for use with 4K-capable broadcast cameras employing 2/3-inch sensors. Canon will exhibit a prototype of the 4K field zoom lens at the 2015 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show, to be held from April 13 to 16 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.

As 4K-resolution content, which traces its beginnings to the movie-production industry, continues to gain ground in the broadcasting industry, initiatives are currently underway to implement 4K broadcasting in countries around the world with an increasing number of professionals making use of equipment supporting 4K production.

The new 4K field zoom lens is being developed as a new model in Canon’s DIGISUPER series of studio and field broadcasting lenses, which have garnered high acclaim from professionals in the industry. In addition to realizing a high level of imaging performance supporting the capture of 4K-resolution video, the new lens will feature specifications and a body size that ensure a high level of operability and ease of use that are on a par with Canon’s HD broadcast lens models, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including sports and live concert telecasts.

Although details regarding product specifications and pricing are yet to be decided, Canon is aiming to commercialize the 4K field zoom lens in late 2015, positioning it as the first model in the Company’s new UHD-DIGISUPER series of lenses that brings together Canon’s latest optical technologies for use with 4K-capable and other next-generation broadcast cameras. In this way, Canon will continue responding to the needs of a wide range of users by further strengthening its broadcast lens lineup.

From Canon:

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 2, 2015 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that its parent company, Canon Inc., has been named to the 2015 FORTUNE magazine World's Most Admired Companies list in the computers category. Considered by FORTUNE magazine as the "definitive report card on corporate reputations," Canon received its highest ranks in innovation, social responsibility and long-term investment value.

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE magazine and well-respected industry leaders," said Kotaro Fukushima, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The results of this year's rankings are a testament to Canon's commitment to investing in our customers and technology, and our core belief of being a good corporate citizen in the communities we serve."

The 2015 list was separated into 55 industries from a variety of business areas. Over 600 companies from 29 countries around the world were analyzed and ranked by executives, directors and analysts in their respective industries based on nine reputation drivers, including financial soundness, long-term investment value, people management, social responsibility, use of corporate assets, quality of management, quality of products/services, innovation and global competitiveness.

The FORTUNE magazine World's Most Admired Companies list can be found at http://fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies/.

From Canon USA:

The Contest Opens February 25, Inviting Consumers of All Skill Levels to Submit Trailers of Their Everyday Life Moments

NEW YORK, N.Y., February 17, 2015 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that actor, Josh Hutcherson, star of The Hunger Games franchise, has partnered with Canon U.S.A. Inc. and Ron Howard for Project Imagination: The Trailer, and for the first time ever, anyone's life moments can become a movie trailer and inspire a Hollywood film. The user-generated experiment invites consumers of all skill levels to create and submit trailers of their everyday life moments, resulting in one winning trailer selected by Ron Howard and Josh Hutcherson, which will ultimately inspire a short film in which Hutcherson will star and produce.

"Josh Hutcherson is going to be a great addition, empowering a whole new generation to pick up a camera and realize they are far more creative than they give themselves credit for in their everyday life moments," said Ron Howard. "I encourage people to really have fun with their storytelling; who knows, the kid's birthday party might end up looking like a horror film or a trailer for a fantastic thriller that could truly captivate us."

"I'm fascinated by filmmaking and recently sat down with Ron Howard to hear about the history of Project Imagination," said Josh Hutcherson. "The creative process truly excites me, as does officially joining the cast of Canon's Project Imagination: The Trailer. I'm really looking forward to starring in a film inspired by user-generated trailer submissions."

Submissions will open on February 25 at imagination.usa.canon.com. Until then, consumers can visit the website and get inspired by watching "The Trailer of Your Life" - a 45-second trailer about the project, leveraging everyday footage from everyday consumers. The site also includes Ron Howard's tips for creating trailers.

Project Imagination: The Trailer marks Ron Howard's third time partnering with Canon, a brand that aligns with his conviction that people's everyday lives are visually and cinematically worth recording.

"We're delighted to continue our great partnership with Ron Howard and welcome Josh Hutcherson to the project," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO Canon U.S.A.

From Canon:

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 22, 2015 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the company will return as a Sustaining Sponsor to the 2015 Sundance Film Festival (January 22 - February 1, 2015). Nestled in the mountains of Park City, Utah, the Sundance Film Festival celebrates the best of independent film; as part of the Festival sponsorship, Canon will offer a special slate of programming dedicated to the filmmakers who push creative boundaries behind the camera.

Canon is pleased to share that at least 52 of the 188 films premiering at this year's Festival – over 27 percent – were shot using Canon equipment, up from the approximately 20 percent last year. Eli Roth's Knock Knock, Amy Berg's Prophet's Prey, The Overnight, The Wolfpack, Misery Loves Comedy, Cartel Land, Call Me Lucky, Fresh Dressed, How to Dance in Ohio, Most Likely to Succeed, The Hunting Ground, Tig, and The Nightmare are a few of the many shot-on-Canon projects set to screen during the festival.

"We are honored that so many creative filmmakers have chosen our equipment to bring their visions and stories to audiences. We look forward to supporting them and connecting with them at the Sundance Film Festival," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Sundance provides us with the opportunity to directly interact and support many up and coming filmmakers, and we are excited to return as Sustaining Sponsors to this year's festival."

In 2015, Canon will invite Sundance Film Festival filmmaker attendees to flex their creative muscle at the Canon Creative Studio (427 Main Street; open Saturday, January 24-Monday, January 26, from 11am-6pm). At this daily hub - exclusive for cinematographers, directors, producers, and crew - guests can explore how Canon supports all aspects of filmmaking - from production design, to image capture, through edit and workflow. The space features an equipment demonstration area with on-site staff to walk guests through Canon's full line of Cinema EOS cameras and lenses, including the new Cinema EOS C100 Mark II.

The Canon Creative Studio also features informal panel discussions with top Sundance filmmakers, including horror-great Eli Roth (Hemlock Grove, Hostel), VFX legend Robert Legato (The Wolf of Wall Street, Hugo), and award-winning cinematographer Rachel Morrison (Cake, Fruitvale Station).

The Canon Live Learning team will offer hands-on workshops with Canon's latest filmmaking tool – the EOS C100 Mark II camera with Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus – including a demonstration of this camera on a DJI Ronin 3-Axis Stabilized Handheld Gimbal System.

The Canon Creative Studio will serve as host to the Canon Crew Party (details below) on Sunday, January 25. This will mark Canon's third annual celebration of filmmakers who work behind the lens of the 2015 Sundance Festival films.

Canon's Festival activities will culminate on Monday, January 26 with a special hosted screening of Bending the Light as part of Canon's corporate presentation and not an official selection of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. This documentary honoring the artistry of creating a lens and the visual artists who use them from acclaimed director Michael Apted (The 'Up' series, The World is Not Enough, Gorillas in the Mist). The 60-minute film explores the relationship between master craftsmen who shape lenses and the masters of light who use these lenses for image capture – each an artisan in their own right. Bending the Light features never-before-seen footage from inside Canon's lens factory in Japan and intimate interviews with award-winning photographers and cinematographers, including Stephen Goldblatt, ASC, BSC (Get on Up, The Help), who will participate in a Q&A immediately following the screening.

Click here to see the full schedule of events for Canon's activities at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. All events take place at Canon Creative Studio (427 Main Street) unless otherwise noted.

MELVILLE, N.Y., November 14, 2014 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Academy Award-Nominated director Sebastian Junger (Restrepo, Korengal) and cinematographer Rudy Valdez chose Canon EOS Digital Cinema cameras and lenses for their new documentary The Last Patrol, the third installment of Junger's trilogy of war documentaries. The pair of filmmakers relied on the Canon EOS C300 Digital Cinema camera to capture The Last Patrol, which premiered on HBO on November 10, 2014 and is currently airing on HBO.

The Last Patrol follows Junger, photojournalist Guillermo Cervera, and combat veterans Brendan O'Byrne and Dave Roels as they hike the 300-mile stretch of railroad lines from Washington, D.C. to New York City - a trek Junger originally planned with his close friend and acclaimed war photographer Tim Hetherington before Hetherington was killed in 2011 while covering the Libyan civil war. The goal of the journey was to get to know America again after a decade of war and discuss why combat is so incredibly hard to give up. Because hiking along the tracks is illegal, they moved with a purposeful invisibility designed to echo the isolation felt by many who return from war.

"The Last Patrol is a compelling example of the kind of storytelling that the Cinema EOS system was designed to support," said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We are honored that the filmmakers selected Canon professional cameras and lenses for their epic project."

The men lived outdoors and carried all of their own supplies, which presented an unusual challenge for the filmmakers.

"What I needed was, basically, the ultimate camera," said Junger. "Not too heavy, easy to use with numb fingers, good in low light, rugged if you throw yourself in a ditch, and something that delivers absolutely gorgeous cinematography."

After searching for a camera that would produce a consistent, top-of-the-line image under rough conditions, Junger and Valdez determined the Cinema EOS C300 digital cinema camera was the best camera for the job.

"The EOS C300 camera seemed like it was designed specifically for this project," said Valdez. "It's a lightweight camera with a large sensor that works really well in low light. With the added bonus of being able to shoot in Canon Log, it ended up being a pretty easy decision."

Carrying the EOS C300 digital cinema camera on his back during the entire trek, Valdez shot using only natural light while the former soldiers and combat journalists dodged rail security and hiked terrain as varied as dense wilderness and urban streets.

The images Valdez captured exceeded Junger's expectations: "When we watched the material, I was absolutely speechless. It all absolutely glowed with a kind of meaning. That glow came from the machine we were shooting on."

Valdez rounded out his kit with a set of Canon Cinema prime lenses, including the CN-E24mm T1.5 L F, CN-E50mm T1.3 L F and CN-E85mm T1.3 L F.

"After some days on the trek, I started looking at the camera with a kind of reverence," said Junger. "It was incredible. I can't imagine making this film with any camera that lacked the power and capability of the EOS C300 camera."

For more information about Canon Cinema EOS cameras and lenses, please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at http://cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/

B&H carries Canon EOS Cinema equipment.

The Canon Experience Center in Costa Mesa, California and Canon Information Technology Services in Albuquerque, New Mexico Celebrate Grand Openings

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, N.Y., November 7, 2014 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the grand openings of two new Customer Service and Support Operation Centers – the Canon Experience Center in Costa Mesa, California and the Western expansion of Canon Information Technologies Services, Inc. (CITS), a customer call center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The openings of these centers symbolize Canon’s commitment to providing customers with top-quality service, support and education from coast to coast.

The Canon Experience Center, a new branch of the Canon Americas Marketing Engineering Technology Center (METC), opened its doors on November 5 to celebrate the grand opening of the facility and the customer-focused features and offerings within the space. Following the opening of the Canon Experience Center, the Company celebrated the grand opening of the CITS customer call center on November 6. Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry marked the occasion, along with Canon executives and staff.

“The grand openings of the new Canon Experience Center and the additional CITS call center are a testament to Canon’s commitment to our customers,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “These facilities will allow us to connect with our customers on the west coast and further support the needs of all our customers, no matter where they are located in the U.S.”

The opening of the 38,000 square-foot Canon Experience Center in Costa Mesa signifies the completion of a renovation of an existing Canon owned facility, which now offers innovative, meaningful face-to-face service and support experiences to customers, clients and partners. The new facility features comprehensive and high-quality customer experiences, including an education center and 35-seat theater where Canon Live Learning, Explorers of Light (EOL) and Canon Professional Services (CPS) events will be held throughout the year. The Canon Experience Center also has a nearly 5,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art showroom that displays Canon products ranging from the Canon PowerShot family to the Cinema EOS lineup to large format imagePROGRAF printers. A CPS members-only lounge where members can relax while their equipment is being cleaned or repaired, as well as a photo studio providing even more onsite convenience to Canon customers are housed within the building.

Throughout the facility there are a number of image galleries that feature images taken by Canon EOLs, along with several images that were captured by Canon customers, including two Canon CPS members and four participants of a Canon Live Learning Destination Workshop.

“I feel honored to have my work recognized by Canon and showcased in the gallery at the Canon Experience Center,” said Chris Martin, photographer and Canon Live Learning participant. “The resources Canon provides to me as a photographer run the full spectrum, from video tutorials to instruction manuals, covering not only the nuts and bolts of the cameras, but also how to use these features to produce optimal results. Even more invaluable, though, was the hands-on instruction during the Live Learning event that brought out a creative side of me that I never knew I had.”

The Canon Experience Center will be home to approximately 75 experienced employees when fully staffed, and will host ongoing Canon employee training. In addition, the Canon Experience Center features repair and maintenance operations for Canon’s extensive lineup of consumer and professional products, including Cinema EOS and EOS Digital SLR cameras, PowerShot Cameras, high-definition camcorders, 4K reference displays and all of Canon’s lenses, including EF series photography lenses, Cinema lenses and broadcast lenses. Repair operations at the facility include 10 state-of-the-art camera body and lens adjustment rooms, Canon’s most advanced adjustment and calibration equipment, and a spare parts inventory.

The new 33,682 square-foot CITS call center in Albuquerque, which officially began operations in June 2014, provides support to Canon's growing professional photographic, cinema, printing and office solutions customers. By spring 2015, the center will also support customers using small office and consumer imaging products, including digital cameras, camcorders, large format printers and copiers. Canon’s customer focused investment in the new call center includes state-of-the-art data center technology that help ensure the Albuquerque, New Mexico and Chesapeake, Virginia locations are able to conduct uninterrupted operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The expansion of the CITS service and support footprint to the west coast demonstrates Canon’s dedication to providing high-quality customer service with 100 percent U.S.-based Canon employees. The Albuquerque location was specifically chosen because it will help better serve customers from coast to coast. The area has a stable climate, the ability to service multiple time zones and a well-educated largely bilingual workforce. It is anticipated that the support center will create at least 150 customer service, direct sales and technical support positions over a three-year period.

“We are thrilled to have Canon ITS here in Albuquerque,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “By selecting Albuquerque, Canon capitalized on a qualified and culturally diverse workforce and a location with a stable climate for business operations. They have made a strong commitment to our community and have proven to be a great fit in our growing business sector. We thank them for their many contributions to our community.”

Canon’s commitment to providing award-winning, 100 percent U.S.-based support will be highlighted in a new advertising campaign launching mid-November. This entertaining campaign, titled “Rigorous Training,” features real employees at the east coast call center in Chesapeake, Virginia. For a sneak peak at this campaign please visit Canon Service & Support: Rigorous Training.

Additional camera and lens service facilities for both professional and consumer clients are located in Jamesburg, New Jersey, Itasca, Illinois, and Newport News, Virginia.

For more information about Canon’s Customer Service and Support offerings visit usa.canon.com/satisfaction.

For additional information about the Canon Experience Center visit usa.canon.com/cec.

From Canon:

On Display for the First Time in the U.S. will be the New Cinema EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera, EOS 7D Mark II and PowerShot G7 X Digital Cameras along with the Latest in Lenses and Professional Printing Solutions

NEW YORK, October 23, 2014 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will demonstrate its latest digital camera optics and printer lineup, including the recently announced EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera, at PhotoPlus Expo 2014 in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 30 - November 1, 2014 in Booth #121.

Visitors to the Canon booth will have the opportunity to see the new EOS C100 Mark II, the latest addition to the Company’s Cinema EOS line of professional Super 35mm digital cameras. Additionally, PhotoPlus Expo attendees can try, firsthand, the powerful new EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the full line of Canon EOS and Cinema EOS cameras, EF and CN-E lenses, Canon’s professional and consumer camcorders, and the latest in PowerShot cameras including the new PowerShot G7 X. The Company will also be showing its gallery of PIXMA PRO and imagePROGRAF large format professional inkjet prints and will feature stunning images from Canon’s Explorers of Light, as well as live printing demonstrations throughout the show.

For the first time at PhotoPlus Expo, the Canon booth will feature images from the Austin, TX, and Seattle, WA, portions of the 2014 PIXMA PRO City Senses Tour. Attendees can experience this interactive image gallery that brings the printed image to life through the senses of touch, taste, smell and sound. The PIXMA PRO City Senses Tour began in 2013 and this year traveled to three new cities -- Boston, MA, Austin, TX, and Seattle, WA, with celebrity hosts and photographers Donnie Wahlberg, Michael B. Jordan, and Joel McHale.

Canon will continue its Live Learning Stage educational series with a combination of lectures and live photo shoots featuring professional photographers, videographers and Canon Explorers of Light. Professionals such as Scott Kelby, Alex Buono, Peter Read Miller, Adam Jones and Michele Celentano will discuss and demonstrate their personal expertise and share their experience with audiences. The Live Learning Stage presentation series, which is open to all attendees, will take place throughout the duration of PhotoPlus Expo. Canon will also host demonstrations of portrait lighting using Canon’s Speedlite system, time lapse video shooting, 4K video for still-frame output to PIXMA PRO-100 and imagePROGRAF iPF6400 printers, and an EOS 7D Mark II demonstration.

Canon Solutions on Display
Attendees will be treated to stunning images in amazing detail and accurate color courtesy of the REALiS WUX6000 and REALiS WUX400ST LCOS projectors, casting images onto a large 130-inch screen. The demonstration will show how REALiS projectors can help professional photographers showcase their work in a large format to clients in studios and galleries to help them visualize for image selection or entice them to order large-format prints. In addition, a REALiS WUX400ST will be displaying a digital signage application running Canon commercials on a loop, an ideal solution for both advertising and education fields.

Canon CPS Lounge
Canon Professional Services will once again host the CPS Lounge where Gold, Platinum and Cinema CPS members can have their Canon equipment (up to two current Professional DSLR bodies or lenses*) cleaned and checked during Expo hours starting Thursday, October 30th through Saturday, November 1st in Room 2D12.

CPS Lounge Hours during PhotoPlus Expo 2014:

10/30 - 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
10/31 - 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11/01 - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (equipment pick-up only, no new items accepted)

This exclusive lounge area also provides members with a product showcase and the opportunity for Gold, Platinum and Cinema CPS members to have one of their own images printed free, on a PIXMA PRO-1 or PIXMA PRO-100 printer, as well as a free imagePROGRAF Large Format Print (limit one imagePROGRAF and one PIXMA PRO print per qualifying member). A registration kiosk will be available in the CPS Lounge for new and existing members throughout the show. Those who sign up, upgrade, or renew a Gold or Platinum CPS Membership in the CPS Lounge during the show will receive an additional free clean and check coupon to be used at a later date.

Canon will also feature technicians directly in the Canon booth, performing CPS customer clean and checks. This area will highlight Canon’s “Support Matters” advertising campaign featuring peer-to-peer testimonials about Canon’s Professional Service and Support from professional photographers and cinematographers.

Canon 2014 PhotoPlus Expo In-Booth Speaker/Shooter Schedule

From Canon USA:Features MP4 and AVCHD 1080/60p Recording, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Face-Detection Autofocus (AF), Redesigned Viewfinder and OLED Panel, Built-In Canon Log Look-Up Table, and Wireless File Transfer

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 21, 2014 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the Canon EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera, the latest edition to the Canon Cinema EOS line of professional Super 35mm 8.3 megapixel CMOS cameras and the second-generation version of the popular Canon EOS C100 Digital Video Camera.

Designed for economical film and video productions such as documentary and remote broadcast crews, wedding and event coverage, indie film productions, as well as film schools and business and government users, the new EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera, features advanced image processing, AVCHD and MP4 1920x1080/60p recording, uncompressed YCbCr output from HDMI, and many other new and enhanced capabilities for improved picture quality, operability, and convenient handling. Delivering a cinematic look with shallow depth of field and high sensitivity in low-light environments, the new EOS C100 Mark II camera weighs just 2.5 lbs. and is compatible with over 103 Canon EF Series lenses, including STM models which can deliver smooth and silent autofocus during filmmaking.

“Canon’s commitment to the advancement of tools for visual expression takes another major step forward with the introduction of the EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Drawing on input from Canon’s global community of Cinema EOS camera users and from digital filmmakers using Canon EF lenses – 100 million of which have now been produced worldwide – the Company has added new capabilities to the EOS C100 Mark II from its predecessor that powerfully leverage our considerable expertise in optics, imaging, and digital signal processing. The result is an improved, affordable Super 35mm CMOS digital camera that is designed to provide outstanding HD image quality, operational performance, ergonomics, and workflow convenience.”

Design Enhancements
Optimized for one-person operation, the new EOS C100 Mark II camera has a mobile core design enabling users to choose their preferred style of shooting. The existing design has been enhanced to include a large-size detachable eyecup for the camera’s large 68-degree tilting 0.45-inch 1.23 megapixel color EVF (electronic viewfinder). Clearly marked red trigger buttons on the camera body, top handle, grip, and a built-in mono microphone on the camera body - for times when the top handle is not attached - can be used to capture basic sound for audio notation or as an aid to audio syncing during post.

Another major redesign of the new EOS C100 Mark II over its predecessor is an innovatively hinged 3.5-inch 1.23 megapixel OLED display panel, delivering 100 percent field-of-view coverage, wide color range support, and improved viewing even in bright sunshine. The new hinge design - which folds the panel shut when stowed, protecting the OLED surface - opens 180 degrees to reveal function keys and a joystick. The panel can open even further to 270 degrees to deploy against the side of the camera to provide monitoring for directors and other production personnel. Additional design improvements on the camera body include 17 assignable recessed function buttons, dual SD card slots with a transparent cover, and a simplified battery insertion and removal release.

Visual Expression
Previously available only as an optional upgrade for earlier Cinema EOS models, Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a standard feature on the new EOS C100 Mark II, providing enhanced autofocusing capability. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology helps provide smooth and consistent autofocus, so that focus transitions are natural looking and subjects can remain in focus even as they move off center. In addition, the compatibility of Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Canon EF autofocus lenses combines outstanding optical tools with a wide range of creative options. It’s ideal for shooting sports, weddings and many more productions where focus pulling by a single operator is not feasible, such as when the video camera is attached to steadicams or drones. The EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera also includes Face-Detection AF , a first in the Cinema EOS camera line, which utilizes contrast detection AF to maintain focus across most of the image plane, an advantage in one-person electronic news gathering (ENG) situations.

Imaging and Recording
Central to many of the new features of the new EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera is its advanced Canon DIGIC DV4 image processor. The Canon DIGIC DV4 image processor separates the RGB output from the camera’s 8.3 Megapixel CMOS imager into three individual 8 megapixel signals (as opposed to 2MB in the EOS C100) for noticeably improved image quality. The Canon DIGIC DV4 processor also includes a new debayering algorithm to help minimize moiré and reduce video noise even at high ISO speeds. (high-sensitivity recording on the camera ranges from ISO 320 to 80,000).

Another important benefit of the Canon DIGIC DV4 processor is Full HD recording in both the high-quality professional format AVCHD or the popular web-friendly MP4 format at a variety of bit rates (up to 28 Mbps and 35 Mbps, respectively), resolutions, and frame rates (up to the smooth look of 59.94p) to suit practically any production need. For special-effect requirements, slow and fast motion MP4 recording at up to 1920x1080/60p can also be performed.

Users can choose from multiple formats that support MP4 or AVCHD to suit a wide variety of production, post, and output needs. The EOS C100 Mark II camera’s dual SD card slots can record in one or both formats simultaneously for back-up, or convert AVCHD and MP4 files into smaller MP4 files for web upload. Extended clip times can be achieved by recording continuously from one card to the other without a break. In addition, a Data Import Utility application is included that can seamlessly join divided files to help reduce work during editing and to import video file data from an SD card inside the camera or a card reader.

As with the other cameras in Canon’s Cinema EOS line, the new EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera includes Canon Log as a recording choice, providing maximum dynamic range for post-production color grading. New, however, is the addition of a built-in LUT (look-up table), enabling users to view the camera’s live video signal in Wide DR (dynamic range) or the BT.709 (TV standard) color space on the OLED or any external monitor connected to the camera’s locking HDMI output (this feature can be turned off in the menu). Uncompressed video output (with time code data and 2:3 pull-down markers superimposed) can be output via HDMI to an external recorder.

Connectivity Innovations
The addition of wireless file-transfer capabilities further expands the versatility of the new EOS C100 Mark II camera for multiple production applications, including transferring time-critical news video or backing-up files. Utilizing dual 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies, the camera can transfer video files via FTP server for instant relay, or send MP4 video to the web browsers of laptops or tablets for viewing and storage (even on PC’s lacking playback software). Remote control of the camera is also enabled via a compatible smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The new EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera also includes compatibility with the optional multi-functional Canon RC-V100 Remote Controller, which can be used to adjust image quality and other important operations from a distance, a handy feature for shooting from a jib arm, drone, or other inaccessible location.

In addition, the optional Canon GP-E2 EOS GPS Receiver can be connected to the EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera using a USB cable to record location and time information during shooting, a helpful feature for editing and archiving.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera is scheduled to be available at the end of December 2014 for an estimated retail price of $5,499.00.

B&H has the Canon EOS C100 Mark II Digital Video Camera available for preorder.

From brandchannel:

"Canon USA last week launched 'See Impossible,' a new tagline and logo as part of a multi-year branding campaign.

Much in line with the industry shift towards 'age of you' and human storytelling, the accompanying ads focus on the people, rather than the camera.

As Adweek noted, 'Canon's campaign centers around a new microsite, which houses a series of digital videos that highlight how customers use a range of products. One 45-second clip shows how an author used the technology to self-publish her book. Going forward, Canon will expand the site's content to include submissions from consumers and clients.'

'We're going to use it as a messaging vehicle, but we're also going to use it internally to organize and marshal our resources in a way that's much more customer-centric than just strictly approaching everything from a product viewpoint that we've done over the years,' said Michael Duffett, VP and general manager of marketing at Canon USA.

brandchannel spoke with Duffett to get more of the strategy behind the new branding, positioning and campaign for the world's 37th most valuable brand."

From Canon USA:

From Hollywood Films to Publishing and Medical Technologies, New Inspirational Brand Ethos Spotlights the Breadth of the Company’s Capabilities and Contributions to Developing Imaging Technologies that Showcase the Impossible for Customers

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 7, 2014 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce “Canon See Impossible”—a branding effort aimed to inspire customers to see impossible with Canon products. As part of the companywide marketing initiative, the iconic brand will roll out a new logo visual to include the addition of the “Canon See Impossible” tagline, accompanied by a 3-D visual of an expanding box, symbolizing the Company’s desire to break the boundaries of what is possible and shift the focus from Canon as being solely a manufacturer of quality digital imaging products to a Company that empowers the creative spirit within its people and customers.

Central to the new marketing initiative, the light within the borderless box represents the dedication the Company has to building new collaboration paths with both consumers and commercial clients to constantly innovate and to challenge convention. As the next chapter in the Company’s long history unfolds, Canon is working to listen, adapt, and build a prescient understanding of the changing market forces it faces today and the opportunities they present.

Creative is featured on seeimpossible.usa.canon.com, a digital hub housing consumer, professional, and commercial stories of inspiration, imagination, and innovative end-user applications of Canon imaging technology.

“As a technology-based brand, Canon is constantly challenged to empower its customers in today’s high-tech and fast-paced world in which new apps and innovations are launching every single day,” said Joe Adachi, Chairman and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “With imagination and customer focus at the core of the Canon business model, ‘Canon See Impossible’ will highlight the combined technological innovation and human ingenuity that makes the impossible possible. Our new rallying cry will extract creative thinking from a place of isolation, encourage exploration of the unknown, and showcase our creativity as it impacts the real world with limitless possibilities.”

The Company’s heritage in imaging technology advancement and migration into new, applicable business domains has been going on since the 1930’s. The foundation of success was initially built with film cameras, which led to the evolution of high-quality digital cameras for families and professionals, and eventually led to groundbreaking imaging platforms for Hollywood productions that use Canon Cinema EOS Camera technology. Remarkable technologies that have empowered end-users to see the infinite possibilities of the image and to make the impossible come alive go beyond photography applications. Advances in optics development, imaging sensors and powerful image processing technology have been harnessed to deliver a wide range of cutting-edge solutions today. One of the latest developments has been with eye-care technology, allowing ophthalmologists to see deep into the eye, helping to enable early detection, treatment and prevention of eye disease.

Canon has introduced groundbreaking developments in digital imaging reproduction hardware and software solutions. Canon has created new business models, in conjunction with key partners, such as on-demand book printing, empowering aspiring authors to publish and bring their literary visions forward. Central to the “Canon See Impossible” campaign is cultivating storylines that illustrate how Canon technology, combined with end-user ingenuity, breaks new ground daily and how, together, the sharing of ideas and opportunities will help provide a picture of future imaging technology and service development direction.

Elements of “Canon See Impossible” will be launched in print, digital media, and live events and will run on various video media platforms during the fourth quarter of 2014, extending into 2015 and beyond as part of a multiyear effort by Canon.

Note: The See Impossible website just got a little more interesting.

Canon USA has posted a couple of videos pertaining to its "See Impossible" campaign. From a photography standpoint, the videos don't seem terribly exciting...

Canon See Impossible: Beyond Photography, Director

Canon See Impossible: Beyond Photography, Author

Whatever it is, we won't have to wait long – the countdown timer will run out in about two hours.

Note: AdWeek has an illuminating article on Canon's new ad campaign.

From seeimpossible.usa.canon.com:

THIS MESSAGE GOES OUT TO FEAR, DOUBT, LOGIC AND REASON.

To excuses, distractions, procrastination, inertia, critics, cynics, realists, pessimists, resistance, conventional wisdom.

To the peanut gallery, the so-called experts, the good enoughs, the urges to pass the buck, the easy way out, the snooze button, the panic button, and to that little voice in the back of your head that says,

“It can't be done.”

To all of it, we apologize.

Because we don’t see what you see.

AT CANON, WE SEE IMPOSSIBLE.

So what in the world is Canon up to? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

From Canon:

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 22, 2014 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that Canon Cinema EOS digital cameras and lenses have been selected by IMAX Corporation for an exciting mission to capture 4K footage in space. The cameras and lenses left Earth Saturday on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The equipment will arrive at the International Space Station, where astronauts will capture stunning 4K content for the upcoming new 3D film, tentatively titled A Perfect Planet, a presentation of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and IMAX Entertainment.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Toni Myers, the IMAX 3D space project will offer breathtaking, illuminating views of Earth from space, exploring mankind's future on and off the planet. Renowned large format cinematographer James Neihouse serves as the film's director of photography and trained the astronauts who will man the cameras while in orbit.

The IMAX production team selected Canon EOS C500 EF digital cinema cameras, Canon EOS-1D-C digital SLR cameras, and a selection of Canon Cinema Zoom and Prime lenses for the project. The EOS C500s will be paired with Codex recorders to capture 4K images.

"Of the digital cameras we tested for spaceflight, the Canon EOS C500's image quality was more film-like than the other systems," said Neihouse. "The sharpness is superior to some of the larger sensors. And it is more user-friendly for the astronauts. We have a good track record with Canon cameras in space."

"I am thrilled that the Canon Cinema EOS cameras we have selected launched to the International Space Station and our astronaut crews can now begin filming spectacular scenes for our new project," said Toni Myers, who will produce, direct, write and edit the documentary film. "The lightweight, flexible Canon cameras produce remarkable imagery and are ideal for capturing scenes of our beautiful Planet Earth.

"When we launched the Cinema EOS product line, Canon hoped to inspire filmmakers to take their craft to new heights. We are honored that IMAX, Toni Myers, James Neihouse, and the astronauts took our challenge so literally. To have our cameras and lenses travel to space is an incredible cause for celebration. We look forward to this awe-inspiring film and pledge to continue to engineer products worthy of the next frontier-whether here on Earth or among the stars," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

IMAX's 3D film will be shot over the course of the next year with multiple crews of astronauts conducting principal photography. The film is tentatively set for release in early 2016.

B&H carries Canon EOS Cinema Cameras and Lenses.

We asked Canon USA what precipitated the recent lens price drops. In response, we were provided the following information:

"Thank you for helping us achieve our production of 100 million EF lenses worldwide*! In recognition of your continued support and the creativity you bring to the captured image, we are offering some of our best EF lenses at new prices. Long Live Imagination."

* Refers to EF Lenses, EF-S Lenses and Cinema Lenses produced worldwide from 1987 to First Half of 2014.

Check out yesterday's post for full details on the price drops.

From Canon:

TOKYO, September 2, 2014—Canon Inc. commemorated today the 80th anniversary of the birth of Japan’s first 35mm focal-plane-shutter camera, dubbed the Kwanon, which was produced in prototype form in 1934.

The engineers who created the camera decided to name it after Kwannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, hoping the deity would share her benevolence as they pursued their dream to produce the world’s finest camera. The camera’s lens, called Kasyapa—after Mahakasyapa, a disciple of Buddha—also took its name from Buddhism. Additionally, the top portion of the camera body featured an engraving depicting the thousand-armed Kwannon.

In 1936, two years after the birth of the Kwanon and following much trial and error, Canon launched the Hansa Canon,* its first commercial 35mm focal-plane-shutter camera, thus embarking on the Company’s history as a camera manufacturer.

In 1959, Canon introduced its first single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, the Canonflex, followed in 1961 by the Canonet, an immensely popular rangefinder camera that took the market by storm, selling out an entire week’s worth of inventory in a mere two hours. Following these successes, the Company continued to lead the industry with a range of popular camera models, such as the F-1, a top-of-the-line 35mm SLR camera introduced in 1971, and the AE-1, introduced in 1976, which was the world’s first SLR camera equipped with a built-in microcomputer.

In 1987, following continued technological innovation, Canon launched EOS, the world’s first AF (autofocus) SLR camera to employ a fully electronic mount system. In 1995, EOS marked its entry into the digital era and the lineup continues evolving today. In 2012, the Company released the Cinema EOS System, a lineup of professional digital cinematography cameras and lenses realized through the culmination of various technological innovations centered on optical technologies developed since the Company’s founding. Since its introduction, the Cinema EOS System has contributed to expanding the horizons of visual expression.

Over the 80 years since the birth of the Kwanon camera prototype, Canon, supported by its wide user base, has continuously striven to realize camera and lens technologies to fulfill the Company’s never-ending ambition to create the world’s finest cameras. Leveraging the technologies and know-how it has acquired over its history, Canon will continue contributing to the development of the photographic and video imaging culture through its technologies and products designed to satisfy the expectations of a wide range of users.

* Made possible through the cooperation of Nippon Kogaku K.K. (present day Nikon Corporation). “Hansa” was the trademark of Omiya Photo Supply, a wholesaler of cameras and photo products. In accordance with a contractual obligation, it was engraved on the top of the camera.

From Canon:

Instruction by Amina Moreau, Jack Reznicki and Jim Divitale

Canon In Action Tour, a brand-new educational experience from Canon, is set to launch Sept. 6th in Denver, CO, featuring instruction by renowned image makers Amina Moreau, Jack Reznicki, and Jim Divitale.

The Canon In Action Tour helps advanced amateur DSLR users and filmmaking enthusiasts unleash their creativity and gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to create great images and videos. Those interested can attend a Saturday Imaging Essentials Seminar, or a hands-on Sunday Workshop, or both, for a nominal fee.

Each Saturday Imaging Essentials workshop will help teach participants how to take photos like a pro. Topics include understanding light, exposure control, camera settings, lens choices, composition, adding HD video, and utilizing Speedlites. On Sundays, participants will have two hands-on workshops to choose from – a Speedlite Intensive workshop will help teach comprehensive lighting techniques. In addition, the Exploring DSLR Video workshop will teach participants storytelling techniques like camera movement, audio, and lighting tricks to help participants shoot better video with their DSLRs.

The Canon In Action Tour will run through Nov. 23rd in several major U.S. cities. A full schedule of dates and locations is available at: www.inactiontour.usa.canon.com.

From Canon USA:

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 13, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the launch of a multi-year partnership with the Little League International, which kicks off with the "Print to the Little League Baseball World Series" event in South Williamsport, PA. From today through the end of the tournament on August 24, baseball fans from around the world can utilize Canon PIXMA Printing Solutions and cloud technology to share photos and words of encouragement printed on-site to create "The Great Wall of Fandom." With the new partnership, Canon becomes the official camera and printer sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball, the world's largest youth sports organization.

To celebrate the tournament and cheer on all of the competing teams, fans from around the world can submit their supportive comments and images via a custom microsite, thegreatwalloffandom.com. Canon will then print high-quality versions of the photos and messages on a Canon PIXMA MG7120 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One printer, made possible via cloud connectivity, and the Canon team in Williamsport will add them to "The Great Wall of Fandom." Series attendees will see the photos and messages posted throughout the tournament, and images of how the exhibition evolves will also be shared online daily for the enjoyment of supporters worldwide.

Brand ambassadors will also be available at the World Series sites using Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR and Wi-Fi equipped PowerShot SX700 HS Digital Cameras to take photos of attendees and post the content directly to "The Great Wall of Fandom." In addition, Best Buy has partnered with Canon to lend on-site support at the batting cage installation to answer any PIXMA printer or PPS questions.

"From input to output with Canon cameras and printers, the multi-year partnership with the Little League Organization will allow Canon to connect with a new generation of young families who want to capture and share quality memories of this exciting sporting event," said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We are thrilled that the 'Print to the Little League Baseball World Series' initiative allows us to demonstrate the ability to print from virtually anywhere to anywhere via PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS). Moreover, we're connecting with fans who can't be there in person, but want to show their support and encouragement for the players."

While anyone can submit photos to "The Great Wall of Fandom" from virtually anywhere during each game, Canon will also produce keepsakes for on-site spectators and attendees of the Little League Baseball World Series by inviting them to pose in a Canon-branded batting cage located in the Family Fun Zone area, where on-site brand ambassadors will take photos using Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR cameras and then print the captured images directly on Canon PIXMA MG7120 printers as tokens of the attendees' experience.

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Little League, and part of its longtime success in providing a healthy, safe environment for 2.4 million children in more than 80 countries can be attributed to the assistance provided by sponsorships. Canon joins Little League as its 20th National Sponsor, which help Little League maintain low team affiliation fees and provide valuable training and educational resources to coaches, parents, umpires, and volunteers. Many of Little League's national sponsors also participate in enhancing the fan experience at the Little League Baseball World Series Family Fun Zone.

"We are excited to welcome Canon as Little League's newest national sponsor and to the Little League Baseball World Series this August," said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships. "Little League is more than a youth sports organization, it is a youth leadership organization, and thanks to the support of our national sponsors, Little League is able to provide parents a healthy, affordable recreational outlet for their children."

From Canon:

TOKYO, August 4, 2014—Canon Inc. announced today the start of a new program launched in cooperation with paper manufacturers and paper sellers that provides users with an expanded selection of specialty print media compatible with the Canon PIXMA PRO (PIXUS PRO in Japan) series of inkjet printers. The program allows professional and advanced-amateur users of PIXMA PRO printers to choose the ideal paper according to their personal preferences and print project demands.

The new Canon initiative gives users access to inkjet print media that satisfies standards for the popular Canon A3+/13”-wide PIXMA PRO printer lineup: the PIXMA PRO-1, PIXMA PRO-10 and PIXMA PRO-100. Print media that meets these criteria will display the PIXMA PRO Partner mark.

Users will be able to purchase paper carrying the PIXMA PRO Partner mark with peace of mind, knowing that the product has been tested for use with the PIXMA PRO printer series. Accordingly, users will have an enhanced printing experience as they will not only be able to use Genuine Canon Paper, but also select from a variety of art and specialty print media according to individual print needs. To ensure optimal print results, the ICC profiles for paper offered through this initiative by other companies can be obtained on paper manufacturer and seller websites and elsewhere.

By combining Genuine Canon Paper along with paper from other companies that satisfies Canon standards, Canon provides users with an extensive selection of specialty print media to meet the diverse print needs of professional and advanced-amateur users.

B&H carries Canon PIXMA PRO inkjet printers.