Canon has just unveiled the EOS C80 cinema camera, which is seen as the next step in a content creator’s hardware journey.
The camera features a triple base ISO, Dual Pixel AF II, and a Stacked 6K backside illuminated CMOS image sensor.
In addition to these features, the full-frame camera also includes advanced features such as 12-G SDI, time code, and WiFi support.
Image Credit – Canon
The C80 is capable of capturing 6K video at 30 frames per second in Cinema Raw Light and also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 XF-AVC oversampled from the same 6K sensor in the EOS C400. This sensor provides increased dynamic range and color gamut.
It can also capture 4K video at up to 120 frames per second with autofocus support, as well as two compressed high-resolution recording modes XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC-S with MP4 wrappers. There is also support for Log 2 and Log 3 gamma modes and the addition of 3D LUTs.
Image Credit – Canon
Canon has also introduced a triple-base ISO feature in the C80, allowing shooting at 800, 3200, and 12,800 to optimize the full dynamic range of the camera.
The C80 also has five-axis image stabilization through a combination of its in-body and lens stabilization doing the heavy lifting.
The camera includes various cabled interfaces and wireless connections, including 12-G-SDI output for uncompressed video file transfer, HDMI, built-in WiFi connectivity, an ethernet connection, and mini-XLR inputs for stereo audio recording. It also supports data transmission over Canon’s XC Protocols when using Canon’s Remote Control App or the Multi-Camera Control App for iOS.
The camera saves to dual SD Card slots.
Image Credit – Canon
Other features of the C80 include a compact, handheld design that makes it lightweight enough to mount to a drone, gimbal, or tripod, and an ergonomic handgrip for comfortable handheld shooting.
The camera also comes with a rear-mounted articulating LCD screen, joystick controller, and a multi-function shoe for mounting accessories such as an external monitor recorder or microphone.
Image Credit – Canon
With a native RF mount, the full-frame camera supports a variety of photo and cinema lenses by Canon and other third-party lens makers, with metadata pass-through.
And here’s an added benefit … the C80 has enough room thanks to a thin flange distance to include a motorized ND filter unit for up to 10 stops of neutral density.
In terms of its position in the market, the Canon C80 seems like an incremental full-frame step up for content creators transitioning from shooting with DSLR or mirrorless cameras to more full-featured cinema platforms.
This could make it ideal as a B camera or for use on more mobile platforms as previously mentioned.
Image Credit – Canon
Pricing and Availability
The C80 comes with a retail price of $5499 and will be available beginning in November 2024. Though B&H has it listed as Friday November 29th. Preorders are being accepted now.
Additionally, Canon has announced a firmware update for the Canon C400 cinema camera, set to be released in October 2024. The update expands support for autofocus when recording in slow or fast motion settings up to 4K120p.
[source: Canon]
Order links:
- Canon EOS C80 6K Full-Frame Cinema Camera, RF (B&H)
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