Canon Expands Their EOS Line with the New EOS C100 Video Production Camera
Canon has just announced the expansion of their EOS camera line with the release of the highly-versatile EOS C100 Video Production Camera.
It is compact—about 85% the size of the EOS C300—and designed for
one-man operation. The body weighs only 2.25 lb (1.02 kg), supports 24
Mbps AVCHD recording, and is compatible with EF, EF-S and non-PL EOS
Cinema lens systems. The EOS C100 is equipped with a new Canon Super
35mm-equivalent 8.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, which was designed
specifically for shooting high frame rate motion pictures. It's
outfitted with a 3.5-inch multi-angle control LCD panel, a
high-resolution electronic viewfinder and the ability to capture sound
through dual XLR inputs, a mini-plug mic input, or a built-in stereo
mic. The setting screens on the EOS C100 are refreshingly intuitive, and
its modular design offers the flexibility to add a range of useful
accessories.
The new Super 35mm-equivalent CMOS sensor on the EOS C100 is capable
of a shallow, film-like, depth of field. It's highly sensitive, with an
ISO range from 320 to 20000, which enables shooting in low-light
situations with minimal noise. You’ll be able to achieve brighter
recordings even in environments where lighting equipment cannot be used.
The sensor features a fine pixel pitch, which further enhances
sensitivity while reducing noise. Compared to the way a regular CMOS
operates, the new sensor in the C100 greatly reduces rolling shutter. It
reads signals at a higher speed, and the result is a noticeable
lessening of diagonal motion blurs when recording moving subjects and
panning.
Like the EOS C300, the C100 features an EF lens mount and supports a wide variety of Canon EF lenses, including tilt-shift and fish-eye lenses. The EOS C100 is also equipped with a DIGIC DV III image processor, which supports rich color output that’s equivalent to a three-chip sensor. The EOS C100 also supports in-camera Peripheral Illumination Correction, which improves image quality by maintaining evenness of illumination from edge to edge, even when shooting with wide-angle lenses.
The EOS C100 has an expanded video expression range for a wider dynamic range and gamma characteristics. Its natural color reproduction emphasizes smooth gradation while seamlessly suppressing overexposure. The Canon Log Gamma preserves shadow and highlight details that would otherwise be lost, which enables more grading options in post, without degrading the image quality. The C100 can realize a 12-stop dynamic range as well, which enables detailed adjustment, as well as broadening the range of color.
Similar
to the C300, the EOS C100 is equipped with a dial switching type
built-in neutral density filter. This mechanism combines four individual
ND filters in a flag-like structure to ensure dust-proof performance
while providing simplified exposure reduction. The ND filters enable
2-stop, 4-stop and 6-stop switching, as well as turning the ND filter
off. This is achieved with the ND Selector, which can be set at each
option with every 90° rotation of the ND Selector dial.
The EOS C100 features dual SD card slots. You can record to the SD cards either in sequence or simultaneously. If you record in sequence, you will be able to seamlessly record from one card to another without losing any of your recordings. The divided files can be joined together later as a single video file. If you record to two SD cards simultaneously, you will be able to create backup files as you are shooting. This is a valuable tool while filming in situations where mistakes and lost recordings are costly. The camera also supports HD to SD down-converting for creating files that are the optimal size for DVD and Web uploads.
Although the EOS C100 is compact enough for one-man operation, its Auto assist functions make it truly suitable for a single person to operate. The camera provides focusing and aperture adjustment assistance. You can press the One-Shot AF to focus on a subject in the center of the frame before you start recording. Plus, the Push Auto Iris function lets you automatically adjust the aperture to the appropriate exposure. Just let the button go and the F-number is set. The C100 also features full manual control of both video and audio parameters.
The 8.3 megapixel sensor offers a decidedly optimized pixel count to avoid extra processing, thus preventing aliasing and other image degradation. Comprehensive focusing aids such as Peaking and Magnify Focus modes are provided in both the EVF and LCD monitor, in standby and when recording. A LANC-compatible remote terminal is also present for utilizing external accessories. A side-mounting grip accessory is available separately, which transforms the form factor of the C100 into a DSLR-style body.
The EOS C100 also handles a variety of workflows. It records using the AVCHD 4:2:0 format and supports down-conversion to MPEG2. The internal microphone records using Dolby Digital 2-channel, 48 kHz LPCM format. There is also a mic input, headphone output and dual XLR inputs for external mic and line connection and monitoring. Another new function of the camera is its ability to output non-compressed digital signals via HDMI with the time-code and 2:3 pulldown markers superimposed on the HDMI signal output.
Other useful features include a highly efficient cooling system with a two way heat dissipation system, and an HDMI lock function that prevents cable wobble and contact loss. The EOS C100 camera body comes with several accessories as well, including a new handle unit, thumb rest, shoulder strap, tripod base, BP-955 battery pack and more. It is designed for a variety of industries from TV production to weddings to independent movie production. Plus, with its modular design and shooting assist features, it supports true one-man operation, as well as a wide range of lenses and accessories.
Like the EOS C300, the C100 features an EF lens mount and supports a wide variety of Canon EF lenses, including tilt-shift and fish-eye lenses. The EOS C100 is also equipped with a DIGIC DV III image processor, which supports rich color output that’s equivalent to a three-chip sensor. The EOS C100 also supports in-camera Peripheral Illumination Correction, which improves image quality by maintaining evenness of illumination from edge to edge, even when shooting with wide-angle lenses.
The EOS C100 has an expanded video expression range for a wider dynamic range and gamma characteristics. Its natural color reproduction emphasizes smooth gradation while seamlessly suppressing overexposure. The Canon Log Gamma preserves shadow and highlight details that would otherwise be lost, which enables more grading options in post, without degrading the image quality. The C100 can realize a 12-stop dynamic range as well, which enables detailed adjustment, as well as broadening the range of color.
The EOS C100 features dual SD card slots. You can record to the SD cards either in sequence or simultaneously. If you record in sequence, you will be able to seamlessly record from one card to another without losing any of your recordings. The divided files can be joined together later as a single video file. If you record to two SD cards simultaneously, you will be able to create backup files as you are shooting. This is a valuable tool while filming in situations where mistakes and lost recordings are costly. The camera also supports HD to SD down-converting for creating files that are the optimal size for DVD and Web uploads.
Although the EOS C100 is compact enough for one-man operation, its Auto assist functions make it truly suitable for a single person to operate. The camera provides focusing and aperture adjustment assistance. You can press the One-Shot AF to focus on a subject in the center of the frame before you start recording. Plus, the Push Auto Iris function lets you automatically adjust the aperture to the appropriate exposure. Just let the button go and the F-number is set. The C100 also features full manual control of both video and audio parameters.
The 8.3 megapixel sensor offers a decidedly optimized pixel count to avoid extra processing, thus preventing aliasing and other image degradation. Comprehensive focusing aids such as Peaking and Magnify Focus modes are provided in both the EVF and LCD monitor, in standby and when recording. A LANC-compatible remote terminal is also present for utilizing external accessories. A side-mounting grip accessory is available separately, which transforms the form factor of the C100 into a DSLR-style body.
The EOS C100 also handles a variety of workflows. It records using the AVCHD 4:2:0 format and supports down-conversion to MPEG2. The internal microphone records using Dolby Digital 2-channel, 48 kHz LPCM format. There is also a mic input, headphone output and dual XLR inputs for external mic and line connection and monitoring. Another new function of the camera is its ability to output non-compressed digital signals via HDMI with the time-code and 2:3 pulldown markers superimposed on the HDMI signal output.
Other useful features include a highly efficient cooling system with a two way heat dissipation system, and an HDMI lock function that prevents cable wobble and contact loss. The EOS C100 camera body comes with several accessories as well, including a new handle unit, thumb rest, shoulder strap, tripod base, BP-955 battery pack and more. It is designed for a variety of industries from TV production to weddings to independent movie production. Plus, with its modular design and shooting assist features, it supports true one-man operation, as well as a wide range of lenses and accessories.
| Lens Mount | EF mount (with EF contacts), compatible with EF, EF-S and EOS Cinema lens systems (non-PL) |
| Sensor Type | CMOS (single panel, one sensor) |
| Sensor Size | 24.6 x 13.8 mm (28.2 mm diagonally) Equivalent to Super 35 mm CMOS sensor |
| Effective Pixels | 8.29MP (3840 x 2160) |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 9.84MP (4206 x 2340 |
| Scanning System | Progressive |
| Filter | RGB Primary Color Filter (Bayer Array) |
| Imaging Processor | DIGIC DV III |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1000 TV lines |
| Minimum Illumination | 59.94 Hz: 0.3 lux 50 Hz: 0.25 lux |
| Illumination Correction | Yes |
| Built-In ND Filter | Mechanical ND filter system with three densities (Clear, 2, 4, and 6-stops), manual operation type |
| Focusing System | Manual, One-Shot AF Autofocus system is available, AF is dependant on interchangeable lenses |
| Max. Shutter Speed | 1/2000 sec. |
| ISO Range | 3200 to 20000 in 1-step and 1/3-step increments |
| White Balance | AWB, Kelvin setting (setting range: 2000 - 15000K), daylight, tungsten, set A, set B |
| Auto Function Support | One-Shot AF / Push Auto Iris (provided for all EF mount lenses) |
| Correction of Peripheral Light Amount | Yes (when EF lenses are used) |
| Recording/Codec | Signal System: NTSC and PAL Compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Color Space: 4:2:2 Maximum Bit Rate: 24Mbps Canon Log Gamma: Available File Format: AVCHD |
| Down Conversion | Yes (MPEG2) |
| Bit Rate | 24/17/7 Mbps |
| Frame Rate | NTSC: 60i, 30p, 24p PAL: 50i, 25p |
| Recording Media | 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots (video, still JPEG images, clip meta data, menu settings, Custom Picture Data) |
| Simultaneous/Relay Recording | Yes |
| Internal Stereo Microphone | Yes (handle unit) |
| Audio Recording | 24 Mbps Mode: Linear PCM, 2-channel, 16-bit 48kHz All other Modes: Dolby Digital AC3 |
| LCD Screen (Monitor Unit) | 3.5" (8.8 cm diagonal) color wide-screen LCD with 16:9 aspect ratio vari-angle LCD that can move upward of 100° Equivalent to approx. 922,000 dots (640 x 480) 100% field of view ratio |
| Viewfinder | 0.24" (0.6 cm diagonal) color wide-screen EVF LCD with 16:9 aspect ratio Equivalent to approx. 1.555 million dots (960 x 540) 100% field of view ratio |
| Genlock Terminal | No |
| SDI Terminal | No |
| Timecode Terminals | No (timecode provided through HDMI) |
| HDMI Output | Yes, Type A (timecode can be superimposed on HDMI signal output) |
| Video Terminal | 3.5mm 4-pole mini jack out only |
| Headphone Output | Yes (3.5 mm mini jack), variable level settings available |
| Microphone Input | Yes (3.5 mm mini jack) |
| XLR Input | 2 x XLR inputs, Auto and Manual level settings (handle unit) Mic Trimming: -12, -6, 0, +6, +12 dB +48V Phantom Power available |
| 1 KHz Tone | Yes, -12, -18 or -20 dB |
| Connectivity | USB Port, mini-B, Hi-Speed USB |
| Power Supply (Rated) | 7.4 V DC (battery pack: BP-955), 8.4 V DC (DC in) |
| Dimensions (Body & Thumb Rest, WxHxD) | 5.3 x 6.7 x 5.1" (135 x 170 x 129 mm) |
| Weight (Body Only) | 2.25 lb (1.02 kg) |
