Pixiq

The launch of the EOS-1D X , mixing the EOS-1D and 1Ds series, suggested the drop of the APS-H sensor size. But Canon might have new plans: on video.

Canon has a major event scheduled for the 3rd November 2011. It's not about DSLR cameras, the rumors say, but probably about video. The fact that they've chosen Hollywood to make the presentation, that is announced as "The Story Begins - Canon is making a major global announcement", let's one think about the possible news on the area of video.

This can be pure speculation, but it's based on true facts. Canon has invested a lot into video in their DSLR, and the recent Canon EOS-1D X is an example of the continuous effort. The camera maker claims that the new EOS-1D X is the best performing video DSLR Canon has produced. It might be, but there may be other news about video on the 3rd November. Why?, Let's see.

Canon has a major interest into the area and wants to keep ahead of the pack in terms of presenting video to the masses. There's a new business area, for small film makers that have found out they can use DSLR cameras to make projects that would not be possible other ways... because of the money needed. DSLR cameras with video have opened new ground, but maybe something more "cinema like" is needed as everybody moves from traditional ways of filming to digital capture.

The need for specific cameras for video/cinema has always been pointed as something that will always make DSLR, no matter how good they are, not the exact equipment for filming. So it makes sense to have something new. RED, the unconventional maker and brand name in the area, has promised to reinvent the camera industry, but it's prices seem to be too high for most people on low budgets... that have gone the Canon way.

Now,  although RED cameras use the PL mount as the default mount, two thirds of the part suppliers have used Canon EF lens mounts for the RED One that provide full electronic control of EF lenses. Maybe Canon, who has been looking at the market evolution with interest, has decided to do something of their own. And they will present it on the 3rd November.

It's interesting that RED also has a presentation, for the same day, of their new camera. The RED announcement will be made after Canon presentation, what suggests that we may be  watching a... "clash of the titans".. One thing is sure: the 3rd of November is going to be an interesting day for all those that are interested into the future of digital video.

One last note that is important: Canon has already stated that they do not intend to drop the APS-H format sensor, what somehow is contrary to general assumption after the launch of the EOS-1D X. In fact, looking back to August 2010, they announced the development of an APS-H size sensor with an image resolution of approximately 120 megapixels (13,280 x 9,184 pixels), the world's highest level of resolution for its size.  The first was a 50 million sensor made sometime before. By Canon. Both APS-H.

At the time Canon claimed that "with CMOS sensors, while high-speed readout for high pixel counts is achieved through parallel processing, an increase in parallel-processing signal counts can result in such problems as signal delays and minor deviations in timing. By modifying the method employed to control the readout circuit timing, Canon successfully achieved the high-speed readout of sensor signals. As a result, the new CMOS sensor makes possible a maximum output speed of approximately 9.5 frames per second, supporting the continuous shooting of ultra-high-resolution images." and also noted that the "newly developed CMOS sensor also incorporates a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) video output capability. The sensor can output Full HD video from any approximately one-sixtieth-sized section of its total surface area."

According to the document, "images captured with Canon's newly developed approximately 120-megapixel CMOS image sensor, even when cropped or digitally magnified, maintain higher levels of definition and clarity than ever before. Additionally, the sensor enables image confirmation across a wide image area, with Full HD video viewing of a select portion of the overall frame."

In August 2010 Canon stated that "through the further development of CMOS image sensors, Canon will break new ground in the world of image expression, targeting new still images that largely surpass those made possible with film, and video movies that capitalize on the unique merits of SLR cameras, namely their high mobility and the expressive power offered through interchangeable lenses. "

Now we're on the verge of something new, and it may well be an equipment made for video. Using the APS-H format which, after all, when created in 1996, at the launch of the analogue film APS, was meant to be used to display images on HDTV. So, it makes sense to keep the APS-H that Canon has been the only camera maker to use.