The next generation EOS C700 Digital Cinema Camera is the camera that so many cinematographers having been asking for from Canon and incorporates what Canon has learned through professional feedback over the last five years since the original Cinema EOS C300 was announced.
Canon's new EOS C700 Super35 format camera is designed to be a flexible "A" camera for various types of shooting scenarios. The EOS C700 features both internal 4K ProRes and XF-AVC recording. With the optional 4K Codex CDX-36150 recorder, the EOS C700 is capable of recording uncompressed RAW up to 120 frames per second.
As Canon's flagship cinema camera, the EOS C700 features the choice of one of two new Super 35mm CMOS sensors. With three models to choose from, users can choose the best tool for their shooting requirements. The EOS C700 is available in both EF and PL versions and features a pixel resolution up to 4.5K, a dynamic range of 15 stops and Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF). The PL mount only EOS C700 GS PL features 14 stops of dynamic range, up to 4.2K resolution and a Global Shutter.
The EOS C700 also includes a variety of 2K/HD recording options featuring frame rates up to 120 fps using the full frame of the sensor, and up to 240 fps in 2K crop mode.
The rugged magnesium body features rounded edges and semi-circular sides behind the lens mount that hint at the Canon Cinema design legacy. The EOS C700 can be equally comfortable handheld, shoulder-mounted, on a tripod head, gimbal rig or rigged to a car mount.
The EOS C700 is designed for professionals and incorporates "must have" features that users have asked for. The versatile design allows the EOS C700 to be compatible with a wide variety of lens configurations including EF, PL, B4 with (with optional adapter), and Anamorphic.
Other key features of the camera system include Dual Pixel CMOS AF (EF Model Only), optional Professional OLED HD viewfinder, Canon Log 2 and 3, Slow and Fast Motion Recording, ACES Support, SMPTE 2084 HDR Monitoring, 10 stops of internal ND filtration, and IP Streaming.
The EOS C700 offers the option of two different sensor designs. The EOS C700 offers a 4.5K CMOS sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range. The standard sensor will be offered in both PL and EF mounts. The EF mount version of the camera features Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology.
The EOS C700 GS PL features global shutter technology. Global shutter technology is helpful for sports, fast action, concerts and events where it eliminates "jello" and "flash band" artifacts.
The image on a global shutter sensor is captured simultaneously by every pixel on the sensor. Standard CMOS sensors capture the image by scanning the scene from top to bottom. Depending on the speed of the scan, the time delay between the scan of the first line and the last sometimes results in a "jello" effect where straight lines appear curved or wobble as the camera or subject moves. By capturing the entire image at once these artifacts are removed. The EOS C700 GS PL features 14 stops of dynamic range and does not offer Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
The EOS C700 features a new design when compared to previous Cinema EOS products. The EOS C700 is a full size cinema camera allowing for both traditional studio style and handheld configurations.
The camera body includes built in cheese plates with numerous 3/8-16 and 1/4-20 threaded holes on the top and bottom to easily attach accessories. The top handle attaches in a variety of positions for assisting in achieving optimum balance.
The EOS C700 has an optional 0.7-inch OLED Electronic Viewfinder (EVF-V70). Canon's first professional grade viewfinder features Full HD 1920x1080 viewing, surround view, view assist and false color. The EVF also has the ability to display an HDR simulated picture with a "stretched" dynamic range for increased shadow detail and highlight retention.
Both sides of the camera can have redundant main displays with menus and controls. A built in control panel on the camera operator side allows quick access to the camera controls. Canon's optional new Remote Operation Unit OU-700 attaches to the camera's right side and mimics all the functions of the built-in Main Display. It conveniently flips up for access to the CFast and SD card slots. This allows for camera operation from both sides of the camera making camera adjustment easy for both operator and assistant.
The intuitive six button layout of the menu system allows quick access to frequently used camera functions such as ISO, shutter, slow and fast motion, etc. and may instantly feel very familiar and comfortable to camera operators. Within each quick access function is the ability to access deeper menu options so complete camera control and customization is always accessible while the menu remains clean and easily usable.
The EOS C700 can be used with an optional accessory Shoulder Support Unit SU-15 with industry-standard rosettes on each side and 15mm rods in front. The unit has a comfortable shoulder pad that consists of two sections that can adjust to fit the width of a camera operator's shoulder. Attaching the shoulder pad to the camera allows for easy handheld operation and still provides a quick release bottom to connect to a tripod.
The EOS C700 has a significantly upgraded power management system to help facilitate connecting with various third party accessories. The camera comes standard with a V-mount plate to accept common professional battery systems. External power supplies of +10 - 34 VDC plug into the camera via an industry-standard 4-pin XLR Style power connector. Camera accessories can be powered via a 24V DC 3-pin and a 12V DC 2-pin connector located on the front of the camera to help with cable management.
The EOS C700 offers a choice of two lens mounts, PL or Cinema Lock EF. The Canon Cinema Lock EF mount is the same ruggedized version first seen on the EOS C300 Mark II.
With an optional Codex CDX-36150 attached, the EOS C700 can record uncompressed 10-bit or 12-bit 4K RAW up to 120 fps, 2K RAW up to 240 fps, or ProRes 4K up to 60 fps.
The Codex CDX-36150 is made specifically for the EOS C700 and attaches to the rear of the camera and is controlled directly through the cameras menu system.
The Codex CDX-36150 RAW Recorder is attached to the EOS C700 by removing the battery plate at the rear of the EOS C700 and replacing it with the recorder. This modularity of the EOS C700 allows the recorder to be connected securely without wires and act like an integrated part rather than an external accessory. The rear of the Codex recorder has a battery plate with onboard Gold Mount battery connector. External power (10-32 VDC) can also be supplied to the 2-pin connector on the recorder body.
Codex CDX-36150 is an integrated system when attached to the EOS C700. The Codex Recorder allows recording not only 4K RAW, but also ProRes at significantly higher frame rates than internal CFast Cards. When recording RAW files, they are saved as an .RMF frame sequence in an uncompressed format. Clip development can then be easily adjusted in post using Canon Raw Development (CRD) software.
The EOS C700 has two modes of internal recording: Canon XF-AVC and Apple ProRes. Both record to internal CFast Media.
XF-AVC records up to 59.94p in 4K onto the CFast media.
The camera also records Apple ProRes to CFast media. This is the first time a Canon Cinema EOS camera records ProRes internally. This can help significantly reduce the time and cost of transcoding video files for productions using ProRes as an intermediate and delivery format.