Canon Cinema EOS C300 EF

Introducing the new Canon Cinema EOS C300 (Canon EF Lens Mount) and Cinema EOS C300 PL (Arri PL lens mount) - Canon's first Digital Cinema camcorders.

This new Full HD camcorder has the form factor of a supersized DSLR, however it is clearly aimed solely at digital cinematography, with a total absence of still image capture as well as AF and AE functionality. This means that even when using a Canon EF lens on the C300 EF you won't get the benefit of the lens' auto focus capabilities!

Contrary to expectation the C300 is a Full HD 1080p camcorder rather than being a 4K device even though its CMOS sensor is actually natively 4K resolution (This pitches it head to head with the Sony PMW-F3L).

Rather than the moire-pattern inducing line skipping method employed in the EOS 5D Mark II, the C300 uses a far more video-friendly down-sampling method whereby a group of 4 pixels are sampled and then mapped to each final output pixel.

Interestingly, where the Sony F3L's S-Log option offers the ability to obtain dual-link 4:4:4 output for the ultimate in recording quality, the C300 has built in log capability but only provides a single 10-bit 4:2:2 output via a single HD-SDI connector.

Whilst the C300 is the first Canon EOS badged camcorder, it shares many features with the XF305 camcorder:

• 50Mb/s 4:2:2 recording
• The use the same BP-975 batteries & chargers
• Compact flash media cards

Bringing Canon's expertise and decades of experience designing sensors, lenses, image processing and design to the world of motion picture capture, the EOS C300 camera has been designed to meet the demanding needs of cinema industry professionals, providing a modular, portable and eminently adaptable system of cameras, lenses and accessories built for moviemaking in the 21st century. 

Featuring a unique Super 35mm Canon CMOS sensor, revolutionary Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor and 50 Mbps 4:2:2 codec, the EOS C300 provides outstanding cinema quality movie capture. Compact, modular and compatible with Canon's existing line-up of EF and new EF Cinema lenses as well as accessories from third parties, the stunningly simple to operate EOS C300 is designed to please cinematographers for any production large and small, on location or in the studio, from shoestring to Hollywood budgets.

The EOS C300 offers compatibility with virtually every cinema lens in production today, while its compact and modular design and compatibility with third-party accessories enable it to meet virtually any production need while keeping costs down. Designed with SMPTE HD production standards, its MPEG-2 codec is an internationally recognized standard compatible with major NLE applications while additional features such as Canon Log ensure seamless integration with existing production workflows, making post-production easy. And with an entire support infrastructure designed to help you get the most from your equipment before, during and after production, the EOS C300 is ready to go to work.

• Single 8.3 megapixel 2160×3840 Super-35 CMOS sensor (4K resolution) with Digic DV III processor
• Canon XF codec (50Mbps 4:2:2 1080p30 MPEG2 MXF) 
• 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 30p PLUS variable frame rate recording 1-60 fps
• Records to dual Compact Flash card slots
• Canon Log gamma
• SDI output
• Compact body (similar size to Panasonic AF101)
• Custom Presets and menus similar to Canon XF series
• Exposure and focus control are completely manual — No AE or AF on either camera
• Fully Compatible with New & Existing EF-mount Lenses
• CF Memory Card Recording
• Full Manual Control and Focusing Aids 
• WFT Wireless Remote Control over Wi-Fi
• Sold as a system c/w LCD monitor, XLR audio unit, side grip, top handle, battery & charger

New Canon Super 35mm CMOS Sensor

Modeled on the Super 35mm 3-perf motion picture film standard, the Canon CMOS sensor has an active image size of 24.4 x 13.5mm. It uses 3840 (H) x 2160 (V) photosites to perform the crucial optoelectronic transformation of digital imaging. Each photosite is a generous 6.4 x 6.4 micrometers in area and each has a microlens that ensures the highest efficiency in light transfer to the individual photodiode. Proprietary technologies within the photosite simultaneously lower the image sensor noise floor while enhancing the photon capacity of the photodiode - a combination that assures superb dynamic range. The image sensor employs an innovative readout technique that delivers full bandwidth individual RGB video components without the need for any debayering algorithms. Each of these components has a 1920 (H) x 1080 (V) sampling structure at up to 60 frames. From these original video components, a 1080-line 60i format or a 1280 (H) x 720 (V) at 60P HD format are selectively derived. 

Wide Dynamic Range

The EOS C300 incorporates the first Canon CMOS sensor designed specifically for high frame rate motion pictures, offering not only high resolution and shallow depth-of-field but also high sensitivity with low noise. Working together, Canon's Super 35mm sensor and DIGIC DV III Image Processor achieve a remarkably high signal-to-noise ratio that enables recordings with great detail and dynamic range even in minimal light.

Canon Log Gamma 

Shooting in Canon Log mode, cinematographers can set the camera exposure value using their customary light meter practices. Canon Log is a special nonlinear transfer function embodied within the DIGIC DV III RGB video processing system. This transfer function is specifically designed to facilitate the post-production of digital images originating in Cinema EOS in a manner similar to the post-production of images digitally transferred from motion picture film (the contemporary DI process). By managing the disposition of quantization bits, Canon Log ensures excellent tonal reproduction within both highlight and low-light regions of a given digital image - maintaining a total dynamic range of 800%. These sophisticated video grading processes restructure a new digital representation achieving a sought-after creative look on a quality reference display.

Low Light/High ISO Ability 

A dark and stormy night? With the EOS C300, it's no problem. The combination of sensor and image processor render an extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio and as such make shooting at high ISO (up to ISO 16000) a breeze.

Reduced Rolling Shutter and Moiré Artifacting 

The EOS C300 uses enhanced signal processing to minimize rolling shutter skews and to reduce moiré artifacts. A high-speed readout significantly reduces the subjective visibility of the vertical skewing on fast-moving horizontal subjects, a typical pitfall of the CMOS image sensor neutralized by Canon technology.

Super 35mm equivalent 16:9 Large CMOS Sensor

Large imager unleashes full creative potential. Modeled on the Super 35mm 3-perf motion picture film standard, Canon's CMOS sensor has an active image size of 24.6 x 13.8mm. The image sensor utilizes an innovative readout technique that delivers full bandwidth individual RGB video components without the need for any
debayering algorithms.

• 8.3 MP sensor
• Shallow Depth of Field
• High Sensitivity/Low Noise
• High signal-to-noise ratio
• Reduced rolling shutter artifacts
• Signal processing equivalent to that of 3-chip RGB systems
• 8 MP Bayer array; no pixel interpolation needed

Modular design for mobility and expandability 

Taking into account various shooting scenarios, the EOS C300* can accommodate situations where every last inch of maneuverability counts. With day-long shooting comfort and usability in mind, different components can be added or removed as needed. It's also compatible with industry standard, third-party accessories so it can be easily rigged for studio, Steadicam, jib or just about any other configuration imaginable.

Mobility:

• Compact and lightweight body design
• Body weight: 1430g
• Body dimensions: 133mm X 171mm, 179mm
• Start/Stop buttons in four different locations to suit different shooting styles
• Large dials positioned in two places allow operation from the side
• Viewfinder tilts up to 60 degrees
• Removable, rotating handgrip turns 360 degrees in 15 degree increments
• Multiple-angle control panel rotates 270 degrees to accommodate shoulder, side, low-angle camera positions

Reliability and durability:

• Withstands rough, professional use
• Dust- and splash-proof design
• Cooling system of heat sinks and fans protects sensor and allows for extended shooting

Cinematographer friendly:

• Look-free camera operation made easier with between-button ridges and protrusions
• Button layout based on commonly used features
• Assignable control buttons
• Lock switch prevents accidental control changes while recording
• Measuring hook for distance readings
• Tally lamp visible from side or behind camcorder
• Internal battery
• Backlit display panel
• Industry-standard terminals

Expandability:

• Easily configured in a side-by-side rig for 3D shooting
• Compatible with rail systems, flags, matte boxes and follow focus accessories
• Wireless remote control of key camera functions, including focus, shutter speed, white balance and iris (when using supported Canon EF lenses) via laptops and tablets

Highly compatible with movie production workflows

Seamless integration with NLEs is just the beginning of effective post-processing. Clean image quality. Low S/N ratio. Canon Log Gamma for expanded dynamic range. File formats that hold up when multiple effects and color corrections are applied. Robust enough for the big screen, but convenient enough for on-set review and tweaking.

File format:

• MXF file wrapper bundles video, audio and metadata in standardized file format recognized by most NLE systems
• Uses XF codec to record highly versatile MPEG-2 Long GOP 4:2:2 code
• Incredible image quality - particularly in high ISO/low light situations

Recording media:

• 
  Records to affordable, readily available CF cards
• Simultaneous recording to dual CF cards and HD-SDI out to external recorders or monitoring systems

Terminals

• GenLock
• HD/SD-SDI
• Time code
• XLR 

• EOS C300 Body (with Grip/Camera cover R-F-3)
• Monitor unit
• Handle unit
• Battery Pack BP-955 (also available as optional accessory)
• Battery Charger CG-940 (also available as optional accessory)
• Compact Power Adapter CA-940 (also available as optional accessory)
• Eye Cup
• Viewfinder Cap
• Thumb rest
• Tripod base TB-1
• WFT Attachment
• Measuring Hook
• AC Cable x2
• DC Cable (for CA-940)
• Shoulder Strap SS-1200
• XF Utilities Disc Ver. 3.0

Documentation