American Cinematographer - April 2009 - 82

New Products & Services Right: The VIXIA HF S10 offers the option of recording video to a 32GB internal flash drive or directly to an SDHC memory card. Below: At Canon’s manufacturing headquarters in Oita, Japan, workers are organized into teams called “cells” to increase efficiency and productivity as they assemble products. Upgraded Camcorders Drive Canon’s Business Strategy by Stephen Pizzello Canon U.S.A., Inc. recently announced a new line of camcorders that includes five VIXIA high-definition cameras and six standard-definition models. According to Canon executives, the camcorders — and the innovative technologies they offer — will be a key component of the company’s global business strategy in the coming years. The key news for users is that the hi-def cameras are more advanced than older HDV models like the HF10, which was used to shoot some footage for the upcoming theatrical feature Crank High Voltage (see article in Production Slate, page 22). Makoto Shimokoriyama, deputy senior general manager of the company’s Image Communication R&D Center, noted that the same basic image processor, the DIGIC, is being used in both the consumer and prosumer cameras, telling AC, “If you look at the specifications, you’ll notice that the sensors and the lenses are different; however, at the end of the day, DIGICs are DIGICs. In other words, from the beginning we have designed DIGIC so that it can also meet the requirements of professionals.” The 2009 line of VIXIA hi-def camcorders retains Canon’s three core imaging technologies: the Genuine Canon HD Video Lens; an HD CMOS image sensor, designed and manufactured by the company; and Canondeveloped DIGIC DV II and DIGIC DV III image processors. Other features found in select VIXIA models include Instant AutoFocus, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and 24Mbps Recording, the highest bit rate available in AVCHD. The DIGIC DV III image processor, featured in the top VIXIA models, is Canon’s latest and most sophisticated image processor. The company is touting this new imaging engine for its ability to “deliver stunning color reproduction, clarity and enhanced noise reduction.” The upgraded processor’s high- speed engine powers a variety of other new camcorder features, including 8.0 megapixel photo capture, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology and an advanced Auto Exposure system. Hidekazu Takahashi, assistant general manager of Sensor R&D, contends that the CMOS sensor has several advantages over CCD sensors, including better resolution, fewer image artifacts (such as moire problems) and lower power consumption. Canon’s face-detection technology, which helps users track subjects in the frame, was previously pioneered in the company’s digital still cameras. Up to 35 faces can be detected automatically, and nine detection frames can be displayed at one time. The system can even recognize faces that are turned down or sideways. Users can also select a face they would like the camcorder to continuously track. While the cameras are in playback mode, users can access specific scenes based on chosen faces. Another new twist is Video Snapshot Mode, a “home movie” feature that enables users to record a series of 4-second video clips that then can be blended with background music provided on supplied software. 82 April 2009 Photos courtesy of Canon.

American Cinematographer - April 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Cinematographer - April 2009