New Codec launched

The newly formed Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) have already announced their first product, the H.265 codec.

The H.265 codec is designed to replace the popular H.264 codec. The H.264 codec which is often referred to as MPEG4 quickly became the standard codec for video on the internet, as well as Blu-Ray and portable devices such as iPhones and iPads.

So what does H.265 offer over H.264?

The JCT-VC group claim the codec will provide the same quality of image as H.264 but at half the data rate, effectively halving file sizes, but that’s not all. H.265 has been designed to support frame sizes up to 7680x4320. This massive frame size is known as Ultra High Definition and is 16 times larger than HD and will be trialed by the BBC during the 2012 Olympics.

H.265 is expected to be available as a rough draft specification this year and a full standard by 2013. However it may take many years before we see devices carrying the H.265 badge.

Peter Bonnar
Senior Editor

Canon 5D MarkIII unveiled

Canon has unveiled a new version of the videographers favourite the Canon 5D. The new updated DSLR hybrid has a revamped full frame sensor. The sensor Canon claims, along with its new Digic 5+ imaging processor it will provide better low light stills and video.

The sensor uses the same gapless micro lens setup from the 1 DX, which allows the MkIII to provide ISO up to 25,600 up from the MarkIIs 6400. The higher ISO combined with the new image processing will produced brighter images with less noise and less artifacts.

The sensor isn't the only thing that’s new, Canon have added new video modes allowing the camera to shoot video up to 60fps, although to achieve these higher frame rates you will need to drop from shooting 1080p to 720p.

One major issue with the MarkII that has also been addressed is the inability to monitor audio levels. While the MarkII incorporated a mini jack for external microphones, there was no way to monitor the audio being recorded. Canon have fixed this by adding a Headphone jack on the MarkIII as well as live volume control on the rear control dial.

Other improvements over the MarkII include a higher resolution LCD, which promises to make manual focusing easier as well as the improved All-I codex taken directly from the 1DX.

The Canon 5D MarkIII is due for release in late March and will retail for $3500 (body only)

Peter Bonnar
Senior Editor

BBC’s 3D Olympic

BBC confirms Olympics 2012 coverage to be partly shown in 3D

The BBC has announced that they will broadcast on BBC HD several events including the opening and closing ceremonies, the Men’s 100m final, and highlights from each day.

The BBC claim anyone with access to their free to air HD channel with a 3D TV will be able to watch it, no matter which provider they use.

This isn't the BBC's first 3D trial, they had previously broadcast both the Mens and Ladies finals of Wimbledon via the BBC HD channel.

The head of BBC 3D Kim Shillinglaw says "We have always said we believe some of 2012 should be captured in 3D, and we're delighted to confirm our offer to audiences in the UK, providing them with a new way of getting close to some of the key moments from the London 2012 Olympic Games"

Peter Bonnar
Senior Editor