Canon EOS-1D X, una per tutti
Canon EOS-1D X, click per ingradire
UPDATE. Approfondimento tecnico su Canon Europe, CPN [QUI]
Dopo le cannonate SONY, era chiaro che sarebbe venuto il turno dei “grandi” e Canon non si è fatta certo cogliere impreparata, con la differenza però che la Casa Giapponese ha preferito iniziare dal top di gamma, dalla serie 1D ed, in particolare, dal pieno formato (full frame). Il corpo nero tropicalizzato in lega di magnesio della nuova EOS-1D X cela, tra le numerose novità, l’ultima iterazione del processore DiGiC, la 5 , che ha già fatto parlare bene di se sulla compattina avanzata SX100 grazie alla qualità foto/video molto buona. Chiaramente l’implementazione high-end del DiGiC 5+ porta con se prestazioni e features conseguenti: doppio processore per un massimo di 12 fps in RAW (14fps JPEG) con AF tracking, in piena risoluzione, profondità colore a 14bit e, ovviamente, modalità video avanzate delle quali parleremo più in avanti.
Canon EOS-1D X, sensore FF da 18MPixel con sistema anti-dust, click per ingradire
Il sensore della 1D X, fotovideocamera che unifica il dualismo 1D/1Ds e che sostituisce de facto le 1DsMkIII (Full Frame 21.1MPixel) e 1D MkIV (APS-H 16.1MPixel) in un sol colpo, è un pieno formato 36x24mm da 18MPixel il che assicura, insieme alla rinnovata logica di processing DiGiC, immagini “pulite”, sia still che in movimento, anche agli ISO più elevati (51.200 il valore massimo standard, 102.400 in H1 e addirittura 204.800 in H2) e zone scure/alte luci estremamente ben dettagliate grazie anche alla presenza di un ADC in grado di restituire immagini a 14bit. Il gap di risoluzione nei confronti della uscente 1Ds (21MPixel), potrebbe sollevare qualche dubbio sulla 1D X come macchina per ambiti studio/panoramiche ma Chuck Westfall, Canon USA Technical Advisor, ha tenuto a ribadire che questo nuovo 18MPixel ha una qualità d’immagine che per Canon rappresenta il livello più alto mai raggiunto. E noi non vediamo l’ora di provarlo!
Canon EOS-1D X, nuovo sensore AF a 61 punti, click per ingradire
L’autofocus di nuova progettazione a 61 punti (21 cross-type con sensibilità fino ad F5,6, 20 fino ad F4 ed i 5 centrali F2,8), è assistito da una CPU DiGiC 4: in questo caso il processing viene effettuato a carico di una unità elaborativa scelta per la potenza di calcolo impressionante. Il nuovo modulo AF supporta infatti differenti logiche di funzionamento: 1) generale, 2) scatto in continuo senza tenere conto di ostruzioni improvvise, 3) re-focus nel caso di ostruzioni improvvise, 4) soggetti che accelerano/decelerano velocemente, 5) soggetti con movimenti random, 6) soggetti che cambiano velocità e direzione in modo random.
Anche la logica di misurazione della scena (metering) è stata riprogettata ed ora si affida ad un sensore R,G,B da ben 100mila pixel per valutare correttamente l’esposizione.
Canon EOS-1D X, viste e tropicalizzazione, click per ingradire
Doppia compressione per il video. Essendo stata ri-progettata completamente da zero per soddisfare tanto le esigenze dei fotografi sportivi quanto dei matrimonialisti nonché di coloro che lavorano prevalentemente in studio per sfruttare le risoluzioni più elevate, la EOS-1D X non poteva certo non “pensare” anche a coloro i quali hanno contribuito alla nascita di una vera e propria rivoluzione: i videomakers. Le modalità previste sono le solite: Full HD 1920 x 1080 in 24p (23.976), 25p, 30p (29.97) e 720p HD oppure SD video a 50/60p (59.94). Canon però ha introdotto due algoritmi di compressione, uno praticamente “lossless” e denominato ALL-i per la massima qualità possibile (6 minuti in continuo “bruciano” una card da 16GB !!!), l’altro, IPB, riduce a circa 1/12mo lo spazio occupato con conseguente minor qualità finale del girato.
Sezione audio potenziata. Evoluzione da sottolineare anche per il capitolo “audio“. La 1D X infatti permette all’utente di regolare manualmente i livelli audio, impostabili prima e durante la registrazione. Incluso anche il filtro “taglia vento”. Come già avveniva sulle precedenti HDSLR Canon, il sonoro può essere registrato attraverso il microfono integrato oppure servendosi di un mic stereo esterno.
Canon EOS-1D X, nuovo mirino (0.76x e 100% di copertura) con overlay delle funzioni, click per ingradire
Connettività ed accessori. La Canon EOS-1D X offre numerose porte I/O tra cui anche una gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-T per collegare la fotocamera direttamente alla rete ed assicurare così una connessione dati veloce e stabile per il trasferimento dei file foto/video. Fanno inoltre la loro comparsa due nuovi accessori, entrambi tropicalizzati e resistenti ad acqua e polvere: si tratta del trasmettitore wireless WFT-E6A (600USD) che supporta il protocollo di comunicazione 802.11n per network LAN e l’unità GPS GP-E1 (300USD), dotata di bussola elettronica ed in grado di memorizzare movimento (latitudine, longitudine, elevazione), UTC (Universal Time Code), nonché direzione del corpo macchina durante uno scatto o una ripresa, anche con orientamento verticale.
Canon EOS-1D X, GPS GP-E1 e WFT-E6, click per ingradire
Canon EOS-1D X, il doppio slot di memorie e le numerose porte I/O (anche LAN Gigabit), click per ingradire
Insomma, come avrete avuto modo di leggere e soprattutto guardare, di carne a cuocere ce n’é davvero tanta: adesso però è il momento di assaggiarla…
Disponibilità prevista da metà Marzo 2012 a 6.800 Dollari USA.
P.S. Non finisce qui, soprattutto per i videomakers: a Novembre 2011, il 3 per la precisione, è previsto un mega-evento Canon ad Hollywood…
Press Release Ufficiale (inglese)
CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE NEW CANON EOS-1D X DIGITAL SLR CAMERA, RE-DESIGNED FROM THE INSIDE OUT
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.
The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon’s recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company’s 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.
“The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
The Camera With Three Brains
The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera’s new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera’s new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon’s second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.
The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.
New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. (See image below for AF point configuration)All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models). A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.
Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection. (See image below AF point selection options.)
EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance
The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.Exposure Control
For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X’s 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure. The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera’s automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.Multiple Exposure Modes
The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X’s Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.Super High Speed Mode
The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG mode*1. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X’s 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording
Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.Canon’s all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.
The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.
Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design
Photographers familiar with Canon’s EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement. The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user’s thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally. On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position. The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.
Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.
This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV. A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.
Connectivity
For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission. If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent. The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.Accessories
Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models. With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras. In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera’s body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.*1 Super High Speed Continuous shooting at 14 fps requires mirror lock and JPEG mode at ISO speeds less than 32000.
