Canon's cinema camera lineup featuring Super-35mm and full-frame sensors, ranging from the C70 to C700 for various production scales.
Technical Details
The Cinema EOS family includes various sensor sizes: Super35mm (C300/C500), Full Frame (C700 FF), and APS-C (C100). The C500 Mark II achieves 5.9K full resolution at 60p, while the C300 Mark III offers native ISO values of 800/3200/12800. All models use Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 3840 focusable points. Internal recording is optionally in XF-AVC (up to 410 Mbit/s) or Cinema RAW Light (up to 2.1 Gbit/s) onto CFexpress cards.
The cameras feature interchangeable viewfinder units, modular grips, and integrated ND filters from 2 to 10 stops. The Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor of the C500 Mark II combines two gain levels per pixel for extended dynamic range.
History & Development
Canon announced the Cinema EOS line at NAB 2011 with the C300 as a competitor to the Sony F3 and RED Scarlet. In 2012, the C500 followed with 4K recording, and in 2013, the C100 as a more affordable alternative. The Mark II generation (2015-2017) introduced Dual Pixel AF and improved codecs. In 2019, Canon unveiled the C700 Full Frame, and in 2020, the C500 Mark II with DGO sensor technology.
Practical Application in Film
Steven Soderbergh shot "Unsane" (2018) entirely with the C300 Mark II, and Lenny Abrahamson used the C300 for "Room" (2015). The cameras established themselves particularly in TV series and documentary production due to their native Dual Pixel AF system. The Cinema RAW Light workflow enables 12-bit post-production with half the file size compared to uncompressed RAW.
Typical applications include run-and-gun productions due to the compact design and corporate video due to Canon Log integration into standard workflows.
Comparison & Alternatives
Cinema EOS directly competes with Sony's FX series and Blackmagic URSA. Compared to RED cameras, Canon offers lower data rates and simpler operation but does not achieve their resolution records. The EF mount system provides access to Canon's extensive lens portfolio but is limited to other manufacturers.
The EOS R5C (2022) is considered a successor, integrating Cinema EOS features into an RF mount body. For budget productions, the C70 with RF mount remains the current entry-level option.
Current News
With the Cinema EOS C810, Canon expands its professional camera line with a 6K Super 35mm model featuring the DIGIC X9 processor. The camera offers 4K RAW recording at up to 120fps and boasts an improved Dual Pixel autofocus system that functions even in low light (-7EV). The RF mount makes the C810 a versatile option for mixed camera crews at approximately $12,000.