Unfortunately, they are cameras and lenses that no mortal being can afford. Probably the closest to being within the working pro’s reach is the new Canon EOS 1D C, a cinema-oriented SLR built on the foundation of the upcoming Canon EOS 1D X. Using what appears to be the same 18 megapixel sensor found in the 1DX, the 1DC’s claim to fame is the ability to capture 4K video (a resolution of 4096 x 2160), roughly double the resolution of FullHD 1080p video. The camera will be available at some indeterminate time during 2012 for an MSRP of $15,000.
Also on display at NAB (National Association of Broadcasters, a professional show in Las Vegas) will be Canon’s new Cinema EOS C500, a dedicated cinema camera with 4K capture in motion-jpeg format and 10-bit RAW data output. The C500 uses an 8.85 megapixel sensor which is expected to offer excellent low-light image quality, and in 10-bit output mode, can shoot up to 120 frames per second for smooth, 1/5 speed slow-motion video. Canon has not released an official price, but rumors are that it will fall into the $35-50,000 range.
To compliment either of these cameras, Canon has produced two new manual-focus cinema lenses (each available in EOS EF or PL mounts): a 15.5-47mm T2.8L, and a 30-105mm T2.8L. Canon claims that both lenses are optimized for the high-resolution capture of 4K cameras (though 4K video is only 8.8 megapixels, so this is not a particularly taxing goal). Again, Canon has not released an official price, but previous lenses in this class, such as the 14.5-60mm T2.6L, were priced at $46,000 each.
