Designed to meet the demanding needs of filmmakers and TV production users, the new Canon’s offer the ease of use of entry level cinema cameras with high-end features that are ideal for cinema, documentary, wildlife, wedding and events productions.
First things first: Canon delivers not one but two cameras, the EOS C200 and the EOS C200B. The company says that the decision was based on the feedback of users. The two configurations available retain the same core technologies, but are designed to fit different needs. The Canon EOS C200 is a production-ready solution that can be used right out of the box, accompanied by an LCD monitor, LCD attachment, camera grip and handle unit. The camera also features a 1.77 million dot OLED Electronic View Finder (EVF). For users who crave more versatility and the ability to craft custom setups tailored to their subject or environment, the Canon EOS C200B Digital Cinema Camera offers cinematographers the same camera without these accessories and the EVF to optimize shooting using a gimbal, drone or a variety of other configurations.
The Canon EOS C200 and EOS C200B are scheduled to be available in August 2017 for estimated retail prices of $7,499 and $5,999 respectively. Users who choose the EOS C200B will be able to buy the additional accessories – LM-V1 LCD Monitor, LA-V1 LCD Attachment, GR-V1 Camera Grip and HDU-2 Handle Unit – separately in September 2017.
Despite the different configurations, the core of the new cameras is the same. Both sport a 8.85MP CMOS sensor, that combines with a newly developed dual DIGIC DV6 image processing system to help process high-resolution image data and record video from Full HD (1920×1080) and 2K (2048×1080) to 4K UHD (3840×2160) and 4K DCI (4096×2160).
“Building upon the success of our Cinema EOS system and taking into account feedback from users in the field, the new Canon EOS C200 and EOS C200B Digital Cinema Cameras provide powerful and versatile solutions for production users eager to expand their creativity and explore the possibilities of HDR cinematography,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “With an innovative new file formats available, alongside improved operability that professionals need, the new generation of Cinema EOS cameras are poised to become the camera of choice for many in the filmmaker community.”
The new 4K video formats, Cinema RAW Light and MP4, are optimized for those interested in recording HDR video, says Canon. This is only possible due to the combination of sensor and newly developed processing system. Both allow for the support for the two new 4K file formats designed to help optimize workflow and make 4K and HDR recording more accessible to filmmakers. Cinema RAW Light, available in 4K 60p/50p at 10 bit and 30p/25p/24p at 12 bit, allows users to record data internally to a CFast card by cutting data size to about one-third to one-fifth of a Cinema RAW file, without losing grading flexibility. Due to the reduced file size, users will appreciate rich dynamic range and easier post processing without sacrificing true 4K quality. Alongside recording to a CFast card, proxy data (MP4) can also be simultaneously recorded to an SD card for use in offline editing.
Additionally, filmmakers will also be able to export 4K in MP4 format on versatile SD media cards at 60/50/30/25/24P at 8 bit. Support for UHD recording allows for use in cinema and broadcasting applications or scenarios where long recording times are needed while still maintaining top image quality. The digital cinema cameras also offer slow motion Full HD recording support at up to 120fps to help ensure every frame is captured in exquisite detail.
The Canon EOS C200 and Canon EOS C200B Digital Cinema Cameras feature Innovative Focus Control that helps assist with 4K shooting that demands precise focusing, whether from single or remote operation. Canon’s acclaimed Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology helps to expand the distance of the subject area to enable faster focus during 4K video recording. This also allows for highly accurate continuous AF and face detection AF when using EF lenses. For 4K video opportunities that call for precise focus accuracy that can’t be checked on an HD monitor, users can also take advantage of the LCD Monitor LM-V1 (supplied with the EOS C200 camera), which provides intuitive touch focusing support to help filmmakers achieve sophisticated focusing even as a single operator.
In addition to these features, the Canon EOS C200 and Canon EOS C200B Digital Cinema Cameras offer:
- Over Sampling HD Processing, which enhances sensitivity and helps minimize noise. It should be noted that Over sampling HD processing is not available with Cinema RAW Light recording or 120p/100p.
- Wide DR Gamma: helps reduce overexposure by retaining continuity with a gamma curve
- ISO 100-102400 and 54db gain: high quality in both low sensitivity and low-light environments
- In-Camera ND Filter: Internal ND unit allows cleaning of glass for easier maintenance
- ACESproxy Support: Delivers standardized color space in images, helping to improve efficiency
- Two SD card and one CFast card slots for internal recording
- Improved grip and Cinema EOS System compatible attachment method
- Support for Canon CINE-SERVO and EF Cinema Lenses
The new Cinema RAW Light format is supported by different editing and grading software, as mentioned in a previous article about the new cameras. Demonstrations using the software programs already compatible will be given at the 2017 Cine Gear Expo June 1st-4th in Hollywood, CA. One final note which is important: Canon’s XF-AVC video format will be available with a future firmware upgrade. This upgrade is free of charge and is planned to be available early 2018.