The big pre-NAB announcement this year was definitely the much anticipated Canon C300 Mark II. The latest EOS cinema camera from Canon is packed with a ton of advance features including in-camera 10-bit 422 4K recording up to 30p in the new Canon developed XF-AVC codec as well as slow motion in 1080p/2K up to 120 frames per second. At the heart of the new C300 Mark II lays a brand new 8.85MP Super 35 CMOS 4K sensor capable if the phenomenal 15 stops of dynamic range.

 

4K recording is on dual CFast 2.0 cards and available in standard frame rates – 23.98/24/25/29.97. Sadly no 4K/60p, but for slow-motion, camera ops can go to 2K and get up to 120fps. Both 4K DCI (4096 x 2160) and Broadcast UHD or UltraHD as its sometimes referred to (3840 x 2160) are available.

 

The Canon C300 mark II will be available in EF mount only upon shipping, however, Canon will be offering an interchangeable PL mount (sold separately) which can be changed at a Service centre. A newly redesigned top handle features a removable XLR unit for a more flexible and stripped down approach when flown on hand-held gimbals or drones. The ISO sensitivity has been bumped up to the staggering 102,400 giving you the ability to shoot in the dark (although more applicable benefit would be clean ISO's of 3200 and above to a reasonable level). The built-in ND filters have also been updated to 2, 4, 6, and 8 and 10 stops in expansion mode.

Check out our NAB 2015 video straight from the show floor:

ARRI Alexa MINI Accessories & AMIRA Slot

 

We saw the ALEXA MINI for the first time at this year's BVE exhibition in London, and this time around ARRI have teamed up with PAG who are making a slimmer 90Wh battery for the Alexa MINI. This new slimmer profile allows to keep the form factor relatively small so it can be operated on stabilisers and drones. At the moment the V-lock plate is mounted to the side and upside down, however ARRI and PAG are working on getting a plate for the back as well.

 

There have been some improvements to the EF mount as well, which is not more robust and a new iOS app for control via various tablets and smart phones. There is also a 15mm rod supported back plate for various battery plates, and a new and really robust shoulder plate specifically designed for the ALEXA MINI allowing for greater comfort when rigging for hand held setups, while still maintaining a low profile foot print.

 

The ARRI Amira also has a really neat new accessory called the Slot, which ARRI developed by working together with Ambient and it basically is a slot in for a digital audio receiver on the back of the AMIRA body. Support at the moment is for most receivers, except Sony (but this may change) and an AUX connector is present for connecting to a balanced XLR input. The SLOT is sandwiched in between the back of the AMIRA and the battery plate. Definitely a great addition to the already phenomenal ARRI AMIRA documentary style camera. Pricing and availability is yet to be finalised.

Check out Fran's findings from the show floor in the video below:

ARRI SkyPanel LED Officially unveiled for the first time at NAB 2015 in Las Vegas the ARRI Sky Panel LED fixtures feature the latest LED technology and ARRI lighting's long-lasting heritage in creating world class lighting fixture for the broadcast and film industry. ARRI have always been at the forefront of technology and as LEDs evolve and continue to improve, you can always count on ARRI to delivery the most accurate colour, robust build quality and versatility capable of withstanding even the most rigorous demands of modern film and TV production.

 

The Sky Panel LED fixtures from ARRI offer the ultimate colour temperature control with the ability for users to change from 2,800 Kelvin to 10,000 Kelvin, and even adjust precise Green hue, with 100% flicker-free dimmability, the Sky Panel's can be tailored to just about any lighting condition regardless of application. SkyPanel is a compact, ultra-bright and high-quality LED soft light that sets a new standard for the industry. With a design focused on form, colour, beam field and output, SkyPanel represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development of LED technology at ARRI. SkyPanel will initially be available in two sizes: The S60 and S30.

 

The S60 is a midrange model, featuring a light aperture of 645 x 300 mm and accommodating the vast majority of applications. The S30 is a smaller, more portable version; half the length of the S60, it is perfect for on-the-go mobile applications. Both models are available in fully colour tuneable and remote phosphor versions.

ANDRA Motion Focus System

 

The Andra Motion focus control system is something quote unique and fascinating. While it may not exactly replace the role of a focus puller, who will still be an invaluable part of any camera crew, the Andra Motion Focus offers some incredible creative possibilities for filmmakers. It uses some pretty sophisticated gadgetry to track a subject wirelessly and rack focus based on movement.

Check out Fran's report from NAB 2015 below for more information on how this is done.

For all our NAB 2015 highlights and new releases check out our NAB 2015 Top Picks, a place where we've gathered just some of the hottest items announced at the trade show. For any questions and to place your pre-orders give us a buzz on 0208 977 1222.

We expect the new releases from NAB to be quite popular, so to avoid long queues and disappointment, best to get your pre-order in now, and get first dibs on when we get first stock.