The 1D C from Canon is the first DSLR capable of 4K, but the best it can do at the moment is 24fps at that frame size -- not as useful for much of the world which shoots at 25fps. Philip Bloom recently took an in-depth look at the camera, and while the Super 35 mode looks like it resolves a lot of detail, the 4K mode has a bit more potential for manipulation in post. Canon Rumors had previously reported that we may be getting the update this week, but according to Canon's Germany site, it's going to be coming quite a bit later than that.
Here is a translated grab from their site:
Canon announces the development of a new, based on the feedback of the European professional video community, specification upgrades for the EOS-1D C. After updating the camera with the free upgrade then the 25p recording is supported at full 4K video resolution.
The specification upgrade is expected in April 2013.
The camera is going to be a bit more specialized than your run-of-the-mill DSLR, but having 25fps is going to open up the market share far more than just having 24p. Having 30p in 4K would increase its usefulness even more, especially for broadcast in the US, but I've certainly seen a lot more 24p content on television in recent years, and that frame rate has been in use much more in all sorts of mediums and content largely thanks to DSLRs.
It's interesting that Canon is introducing two major firmware updates in the same month -- the first being the uncompressed HDMI for the 5D Mark III. While this may have something to do with NAB, it will be interesting to see if the 1D C continues to receive firmware updates that enable more features, especially because many perceive it as overpriced based on the specifications and the competition alone.
After seeing its excellent high-ISO performance in 4K and some incredible looking videos, it's clear to me that there is a definite market for this camera who need these specific features in an easy-to-use and lightweight body. Nothing else competes directly with all of these features at this price range, so while we might want it for a few thousand cheaper, Canon most likely doesn't feel threatened by anything else out there.
If you shoot a lot of 25p content, does this make the camera that much more interesting? Let us know what you think.
Link: 25p Upgrade Coming in April -- Canon Germany
[via Canon Rumors]
