The Canon C500 was announced today alongside the Canon EOS 1D C.  Both offer 4K video capture; however, the C500 is clearly targeted toward the higher-end Hollywood user.

The C500 supports 4K-resolution video and outputs as a 10-bit uncompressed RAW data stream with no de-Bayering.  The C500 can shoot 4K at 1-60fps.

The camera will also output quad full-HD (3840 x 2160), 2K (2048 x 1080) and full HD (1920 x 1080).  The C500 offers a 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format during 2K output, which can be selected to operate from one to 60 fps. The C500 can capture 120 fps when switched to a 10-bit YCrCb 4:2:2 mode.

In addition to the external video output options, the  C500 simultaneously records in-camera a 50 Mbps HD proxy video to a CF card.

Like the C300, the C500 features a Super 35 format CMOS sensor and will be available in EF-mount and PL-mount options.  Pricing (rumored to be around $30k) and release dates are yet to be confirmed.

More info and images for the Canon C500 below. [Read more…]