Canon announces Dual Pixel AF for C100

In an interesting development Canon has announced that it will make the dual pixel auto focus feature available in the Canon C100 video camera. The Dual Pixel AF feature was first introduced in the Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera which helps in smooth auto focus in the video mode. This feature in the EOS 70D was well received. So now Canon has decided to offer this dual pixel AF to be introduced in the C100 through a hardware upgrade and will be available in February 2014. This is the first time Canon is deciding to use this technology in a C series camera.
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One can use all the EF lenses with autofocus ability to benefit from the Dual Pixel AF technology.

Autofocus technology was earlier not good and hence professional cinematographers and videographers used to hate autofocus. The autofocus used to also introduce micro jitters. However, the autofocus technology has now improved a lot and has reached a stage where it can be a big help in certain situations.

The C100 camera introduced at the bottom of the C series professional cameras had first had one shot AF and Canon had announced that it would autofocus with its STM lenses. However, it is a big and strategic decision to go for a factory hardware update of these cameras to introduce the new AF technology. This AF technology will help people shooting events, sports, fast erratic movements as in wildlife etc.

This upgrade will cost 500 USD.

Given that Canon has announced the one shot AF to be included in the C300 via a firmware update this month, I hope Canon also offers this option to the C300 users as well who also shoot lot of events and documentaries.

How does the Dual Pixel AF work:

The EOS C100 camera with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology features a CMOS sensor that consists of an array of pixels that each feature two separate photodiodes. By continuously comparing their outputs during AF mode, phase-difference autofocus helps ensure non-blurred images even when the talent and/or camera are moving. The new feature places a high priority on image quality, providing a natural, smooth autofocus movement with all Canon EF lenses – including newer-generation STM lenses – offering quieter operation.
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After this modification, the EOS C100 camera's Continuous AF function in the middle of the frame represents just 20% of the overall frame in the vertical plane and 25% horizontally, the remainder being used to define the sharpest section of the image for tight, accurate video resolution even when the camera is moving. The AF Lock mode allows you to set the focus point and hold it, thereby making it possible to change framing while maintaining the same focus position.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF Benefits
FAST, SMOOTH AF DURING VIDEO CAPTURE
A modified EOS C100 camera's set-up menu offers two options for “AF Mode” – One-Shot AF and Continuous Autofocus – with AF Lock also becoming an option for the camera's assignable buttons. During filming, you simply press this button to prevent Continuous AF from changing, and then press it again to re-enable that mode.


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The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology helps provide smooth and consistent autofocus, so that pans are natural looking with subjects remaining focused even as they move. The compatibility of Dual Pixel CMOS AF with many Canon EF lenses combines outstanding optical tools with a wide range of creative options.

By using Contrast AF signals to supplement the EOS C100 camera's new Dual Pixel CMOS AF, you may be able to avoid blurring caused by the normal inability to detect the direction in which the focusing circuitry should move to help ensure consistent focus.

FASTER ONE-SHOT AF MODE

The combination of Contrast AF and Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps ensure that autofocus adjustments will move in the correct direction, and not hit the end of its range and then have to change directions to locate the correct setting. As Contrast AF can now detect the correct focusing direction, thereby eliminating a random search, a modified EOS C100 will focus twice as fast as an unmodified camera, with a more natural look and no overshoot. Because the current One-Shot AF mode uses only Contrast AF, movements can be jerky with overshoot anomalies.
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The factory-installed upgrade for the EOS C100 camera is targeted at users who regularly shoot moving subjects, or who want a smoother, more natural-looking autofocus feature. Specific markets include documentary filmmakers, electronic newsgathering, sports productions, weddings and similar special events, nature and wildlife, and many others.

Disclosure: Technology details and images courtesy Canon press release