Canon has announced the development of firmware updates for three of its Cinema EOS System cameras, along with a selection of new functions for its Cinema RAW Development (CRD) software plus a 35mm cinema prime lens.

The upgrades, which apply to the  EOS C500, EOS C300 and EOS C100 cameras, are the latest to be developed in response to feedback from imaging professionals. They include support for a new Magnify function that will allow users to check focus in different parts of an image, on the camera LCD, as well as in the centre of the frame. The EOS C300 will also be upgraded to support Push Auto Iris and One Shot AF function and record 1440×1080 HD video at 35Mbps for broadcast use. To offer greater flexibility for single shooters, a further upgrade for the EOS C100 will add support for Continuous AF when used with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

The update to the Cinema RAW Development software will add support for the Academy Colour Encoding Specification (ACES), providing an Input Device Transform function to allow output of developed Canon Cinema RAW files in an ACES-compliant OpenEXR file format.   A new function will also allow users to specify in/out points before developing or copying their RAW footage, streamlining workflow both on-set and during post-production.   Finally, it will be possible to generate a development log, which will list details of files that have been copied or developed using the CRD software for future reference.

The firmware updates for the EOS C500, EOS C300, EOS C100 and CRD software will be available later in 2013.

Canon has also announced it is developing a new 35mm cinema prime lens for large-format single-sensor digital cameras. Compatible with a wide range of sensor sizes including super 35mm, full-frame 35mm and APS-C, the new EF-mount 35mm lens in development would become the sixth prime lens in Canon’s EF Cinema lens line-up, fulfilling the requirement for an option between the existing 24mm and 50mm lenses.   A development sample of the 35mm cinema lens will be on display in the Canon booth during the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 8-11, 2013, with the aim of an official launch during 2013.