Similar to the C300 in Every Way, But a Little Bigger

Canon spilled some beans this morning with the news that NAB attendees will see a prototype of a new EOS digital-cinema camera, the C500, with a key difference from the recently announced C300 — this one will output a raw 4K picture (4096×2160) to an external recorder via dual 3G-SDI output.

The camera will be released in EF- and PL-mount versions, and the prototype will be on display at Canon's NAB booth next week. Date and price are "undecided," the company said, although the C500 is scheduled to ship this year. [UPDATED: In a follow-up announcement, Canon said "preliminary plans are for a suggested list price of approximately $30,000," subject to change.]

The C500 will output 4K as a 10-bit uncompressed data stream without de-Bayering at speeds of up to 60 fps. Other output options include quad HD (3840×2160), 2K (2048×1080), and full HD (1920×1080). A 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 2K signal can be output at up to 60 fps, or a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 2K signal at up to 120 fps.

Need proxies? The camera simultaneously records to dual on-board CF cards at 50 Mbps for offline editing.

The camera will have a new "Super 35mm-equivalent" CMOS, Canon said, bumping the resolution from 8.3 megapixels in the C300 to 8.85 megapixels in the C500. Complete specs for the camera aren't set, but look for more info to come out during NAB next week.

Need more info? Canon has a decent comparison of the different cameras in the Cinema EOS lineup at its website: cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/products.php?type=Cameras