IBC 2017 – Trends and highlights

Canon was at the International Broadcasting Convention 2017 – one of the biggest media, entertainment and technology shows in the world – at the RAI centre in Amsterdam, Holland, from 15 to 19 September.
The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2017 – one of the biggest media, entertainment and technology shows in the world – ran in Amsterdam, Holland, from 15 to 19 September. © Joby Sessions

Tech innovators and broadcasting professionals converged on the RAI in Amsterdam, Holland, from 15 to 19 September, for the International Broadcasting Convention 2017 – one of the biggest media, entertainment and technology shows in the world. During these five days visitors tested the latest products and boned up on technological advances, gaining valuable insights into the future of broadcasting.

The shift in viewing habits from traditional platforms to digital channels dictated a key theme for the show: tech solutions for a fast-moving market. “IBC presents a great opportunity for us to showcase our broad range of new and existing technologies, but also gives our customers, partners and visitors insight into the innovative new solutions that are currently being developed,” says Richard Shepherd, Pro Marketing Manager, Consumer Imaging, Canon Europe.

At this year’s IBC show, Canon highlighted its all-encompassing professional imaging range – from input to output. Cameras and lenses were set up in touch-and-try areas and working sets with a gastronomy theme. And, in a post-production zone, Canon staff demonstrated how the EOS C200’s output integrates with existing post-production workflows.

For those who couldn’t be there, here’s a breakdown of the trends and highlights from the Canon stand at IBC 2017.

The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2017 – one of the biggest media, entertainment and technology shows in the world – ran in Amsterdam, Holland, from 15 to 19 September. © Joby Sessions

Canon has responded to the rise of the single user operator with products including the EOS C200 and the new XF405. The C200 harnesses advances in Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (AF) technology, along with a new touchscreen LCD monitor, to provide smooth AF operation and effective tracking – all in a compact body.

It’s also the first Cinema EOS camera to support the new Cinema RAW recording format Cinema RAW Light. This format provides the same flexibility in colour grading as Cinema RAW but in a smaller file size, enabling filmmakers to record internally to a CFast 2.0™ card. Newly developed Canon Dual DIGIC DV6 processors provide the ability to internally record 4K UHD/50P MP4, 4K DCI RAW and continuous 120 fps High Frame Rate (HFR) in Full HD without crop.

Canon’s more compact 4K cameras cater to the rise of the single user operator.
Canon has responded to the rise of the single user operator with smaller, more compact 4K products. © Joby Sessions

The demand for better quality images is ever increasing, and IBC 2017 visitors were able to touch and try products in the Cinema EOS range, along with a new professional camcorder that offers Ultra-HD capture – the XF405.

This small, handheld 4K-capable camcorder features Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (AF), broadcast quality UHD and full HD capability. What's more, its powerful 4K lens captures maximum detail, offering outstanding flexibility with a 25.5mm-wide angle-of-view and a 15x 4K zoom.

Shooting in 4K generates lots of data, so needs careful workflow management, including a powerful computer and processor, as well as a high-resolution 4K monitor for accurate colour grading.
Workflow solutions demonstrated how to manage 4K footage in post-production, and the power of Canon’s 4K monitors. © Joby Sessions

Working with 4K footage isn’t without its file size-related drawbacks, so in post-production and grading zones, technicians demonstrated how the 4K output of Canon products easily integrates with existing workflows. This included the DP-V2411 4K UHD monitor, which offers top image quality across a 24-inch display. The reference display is designed to be used throughout the production and post-production process, offering a true colour profile for accurate grading.

Nine broadcast lenses were on display on the Canon stand at IBC 2017, offering options for all types of broadcasters.
Nine broadcast lenses from Canon’s expanding range were on display at IBC, providing options for all manner of broadcast and shooting purposes. © Joby Sessions

Moving away from filming in HD in favour of shooting in 4K for output in HDR is proving popular, including amongst sports broadcasters. The higher-quality output captures more pixels and colour data, allowing for a sharper picture, even when it is downscaled to 1080p. At IBC, Canon demonstrated its ability to support broadcasters in their transition by showcasing nine broadcast lenses that catered to a variety of shooting requirements. 

Ultimately, it was another year of innovation across the show and at the Canon stand, where a diverse range of products made 4K and HDR more accessible for everyone from single user operators to network broadcasters. The future of moving image looks brighter and sharper than ever before.

Autor Emma-Lily Pendleton