In addition, they've announced that they are working on an 8K reference display — because it's helpful to have an 8K monitor if you want to look at 8K footage. I heard rumors about this 8K sensor some time ago, and at this point it's almost a foregone conclusion that they were going to push ahead and develop a camera with this kind of technology, just as Sony likely has their own native 8K camera right around the corner, something that can shoot and capture 8K straight in the camera (something the F65 cannot do).
Though Canon has taken hits lately with some product announcements that seem like they're behind the curve, they've taken the last few days and weeks to show that they have plenty of tricks up their sleeve, and that they are putting lots of resources into sensor and camera development. First it was their ME20F-SH full-frame camera that can basically see in the dark, and then it was yesterday's 250 Megapixel sensor.
Canon 8K Camera
Here's more on the 8K camera from their announcement, which may continue with a similar form factor as their current cinema cameras (courtesy of Canon Watch and Canon — emphasis mine):
Through the further enhancement of the Cinema EOS System 8K camera and professional-use 8K reference display under development, Canon aims to contribute to smooth production workflows, facilitating not only the input and output of 8K video content, but also such processes as 8K to 4K down-conversion and 4K cropping.
The Cinema EOS System 8K camera being developed will be equipped with a Canon Super 35 mm-equivalent CMOS sensor that makes possible high-resolution 8,192 x 4,320 pixel (approximately 35.39 million effective pixels) imaging performance even at a frame rate of 60 frames per second with 13 stops of dynamic range and a richly expressive wide color gamut. Additionally, featuring a body size that realizes outstanding mobility and a design that delivers high levels of operability, along with an EF mount that offers compatibility with Canon’s extensive interchangeable EF lens lineup, the camera will support diverse shooting styles and means of visual expression.
The lens on the camera above was actually a prototype 8K lens they showed off a little less than a year ago in Japan. Here's a video of that courtesy of News Shooter and Matt Allard:
This lens is also just a prototype like the cameras you're seeing above, but there is no question Canon will continue pushing the boundaries of what their lenses can resolve — from 4K to 8K and beyond. With the DSLR they are working on below, you're going to need some incredibly sharp lenses stopped down to get the most out of them. It's even possible Canon may develop a whole new line just as Zeiss has for higher resolutions.
Canon 120 Megapixel DSLR
Regarding the 120 Megapixel DSLR, which is likely using technology first announced back in 2010:
Featuring a resolution of approximately 120 effective megapixels, the SLR camera now being developed will incorporate a Canon-developed high-pixel-density CMOS sensor within the current EOS-series platform, which will realize compatibility with the Company’s diverse interchangeable EF lens lineup. The high-resolution images that the camera will be capable of producing will recreate the three-dimensional texture, feel and presence of subjects, making them appear as if they are really before one’s eyes. The camera will facilitate a level of resolution that is more than sufficient for enlarged poster-sized printout while also enabling images to be cropped and trimmed without sacrificing image resolution and clarity.
Canon 8K Reference Display
More on the display:
Incorporating Canon image-processing technology, the ultra-high-resolution 8K reference display currently under development will achieve high brightness, high contrast (high dynamic range) and a wide color gamut. Additionally, with a pixel density exceeding 300 pixels per inch, a level approaching the limit of human visibility, the display will make possible ultra-realistic imaging that enables the reproduction of subtle changes in light that were previously not possible. Furthermore, when used in combination with the Cinema EOS System 8K camera, the display will be capable of conveying truly impressive levels of visual expression.
They haven't said when we can expect any of these products, but I would guess we are probably only a year or two out from seeing these cameras and monitors in person — though they may just be prototypes first. It's anyone's guess how soon they will actually release these models, but I would expect to hear something near NAB in 2016 or 2017.
The biggest thing about an 8K camera as I've said before is that it gives you a more detailed 4K image, due to the way single sensor cameras only have 1 color per pixel, and therefore have to interpolate information to get a full-color image. This is one of the reasons Sony has oversampled significantly with their highest-end cinema cameras. The Sony F35 had a 5K sensor for a final 1080p output, and their F65 has a non-standard 8K x 2K sensor for a final 4K output — though it's now possible to get interpolated images with higher resolution from the RAW files. Either way, more resolution won't necessarily just be about projecting that resolution, but about scaling down or cropping for 4K projection and TVs.
Source: Canon
