Canon Europe has introduced the EOS C400, a high-end cinema camera and the first of the range to feature an RF mount. The camera brings the professional line of cinema cameras up to date and boosts versatility in filmmaking that can be achieved with the new mount. The camera’s launch is being partnered with the release of the CN7x17 KAS T lens, also engineered to boost the performance of large-scale productions.
The EOS C400 addresses the needs of today’s filmmakers, offering an all-in-one solution suitable for various productions, including indie cinema, documentaries, live and virtual broadcasts, and electronic news gathering. This camera marks Canon’s first high-end RF mount cinema EOS camera and the C400’s compact yet robust design follows the format popularised by the C100, C200 and C300 and incorporates advanced features typically found in larger cameras, ensuring ease of use without sacrificing capability.
Canon EOS C400 key features include a 6K full-frame backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, providing 16 stops of dynamic range. The camera also introduces Canon’s triple base ISO technology, optimized for low-light performance with base ISO levels of 800, 3,200, and 12,800 in Canon Log 2 or 3. An automatic switching mode adjusts the base ISO according to ambient lighting, which is handy.
The RF mount allows seamless integration with a wide range of Canon RF lenses, including prime, zoom, hybrid, cinema, and VR lenses. The camera also supports Canon’s EF-EOS R mount adapters and the new PL-RF mount adapter, enhancing flexibility without third-party accessories. Enhanced metadata capabilities and connectivity options enable real-time frame-by-frame data capture, which will be great news for anyone working with VFX and Virtual Production workflows.
The EOS C400 features Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, providing improved autofocus with 100% sensor coverage. This system offers face, eye, body, and animal detection and tracking, which is crucial for solo operators in fast-paced environments. The camera supports multiple internal recording formats, including 12-bit Cinema RAW Light LT/ST/HQ, 4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC, and the new MP4-based XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S formats.
The compact design of the EOS C400 is familiar to users of the EOS C500 Mark II but is more streamlined and packed with connectivity options. This design supports a range of shooting styles, from handheld to gimbal, drone, or shoulder-mounted setups. Enhanced accessories such as a versatile LCD bracket, advanced top handle, and improved hand grip offer compatibility with diverse shooting styles.
Canon also introduces the CN7x17 KAS T lens, available with RF or PL mount, as part of its Cine Servo lens range. This lens features a 7x optical zoom with a 17-120mm focal length, ideal for live sports, news, documentary, film, remote, and virtual productions. The lens offers improved connectivity with the camera, real-time lens distortion correction, frame-by-frame lens metadata, and a virtual production workflow with an Unreal Engine plug-in tailored for the EOS C400.
Additionally, Canon is releasing a firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark III, adding 12-bit Cinema RAW Light formats and an Auto ISO feature for better handling of dynamic lighting conditions.
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