We knew it wouldn’t be long before Canon finally started switching their cinema cameras over to the RF mount and they’ve finally done it. Today, Canon has announced the new Canon EOS C70 Super 35mm cinema camera. They say it’s in a “mirrorless-style body” although it actually looks a lot more like a big ol’ chunky DSLR than it does a little mirrorless camera.
It’s a pretty hefty little beast that offers Dual Gain Output (DGO) claiming an impressive 16+ stops of high dynamic range. Naturally, as it’s Canon, it features Dual Pixel CMOS AF and can shoot 4K DCI at up to 120fps (without overheating, though?) or a Super 16 2K crop at up to 180fps.
| Sensor Size | 26.2 x 13.8 mm (Super35) |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 4206 x 2280 (9.6 MP) Effective: 4096 x 2160 (8.85 MP) |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Built-in ND | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 stops |
| ISO | 100-102,400 |
| Gain | -6 to 54 dB (Native) -2 to 54DB (expanded) |
| Dynamic range | 16+ Stops |
| Video resolutions | 4K DCI, 4K UHD, 2K, 1080p |
| Frame rates | 4K DCI/UHD 4:2:2 10-Bit up to 120fps, 2K/1080p 4:2:2 8-Bit up to 180fps |
| Storage | 2x UHS-II SD Card slots |
| LCD | 2.76m-dot articulating LCD |
| Dimensions | 160 x 130 x 116 mm |
| Weight | 1.17kg |
| Launch Price | $5,499 |
Built into the camera are an array of pro-level features, including a built-in motorised ND wheel offering 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 stop options, BNC timecode input and output, as well as a pair of mini XLR audio inputs. It’s compatible with all of Canon’s RF lenses and presumably all its EF lenses through the use of an adapter – offering autofocus and image stabilisation in the lens.
The camera shoots 4K DCI, not 8K, although I suspect that this camera more than likely will carry on shooting 4K 120fps footage for as long as you can feed it power and storage space. Unlike the EOS R5, it’s built specifically for video, optimising for heat dissipation while shooting footage. At least, that’s the theory, although I’d be very surprised if there are reports of this one overheating.
As you can see from the image above, it’s quite the little chunk, although I suspect it would handle quite well on a gimbal like the Zhiyun Crane 3S (review) or Crane 2S (review coming soon). The battery mounts to the rear of the unit, although it does have a DC input and surprisingly, the C70 has a flippy out LCD which, upon flipping it out, uncovers a number of settings options for your audio.
I can’t wait for Camera Conspiracies to try to vlog with this thing. Despite the flippy out LCD, the weight of the C70 (1.17kg) plus a lens is going to make vlogging somewhat challenging. Of course, it’s not really designed to be a vlogging camera – but that hasn’t stopped people from trying in the past.
There’s no RAW video capture on the C70, which is going to be disappointing to some, especially given the price vs the RED Komodo (at least the early pricing). But you do get 4:2:2 10-Bit with Canon Log 2 and Canon Log 3.
The Canon EOS C70 is available to pre-order now for $5,499 and is expected to ship in November.
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