Canon EOS C100: the ideal camera for independent videographers

The EOS C100 interchangeable-lens Digital Cinema Camera is the entry-level model in Canon’s Cinema EOS System and offers high resolution, Full HD capture in an ultra-compact body.

The C100 fuses Canon’s proven video technology and lens heritage with the creativity of the Cinema EOS System. As an EF mount camera the EOS C100 accepts Canon's EF and EF-S lenses for DSLRs, plus the EF mount Cinema Lenses to provide videographers with a wide choice of creative shooting options.

WHO IS IT FOR?
The EOS C100 Digital Cinema Camera is an ultra-compact, highly versatile camera that will appeal to a wide spectrum of independent videographers including corporate video makers, wedding and event video producers, small video production companies, film schools, and more.

Sophisticated Canon camera technologies – many of which are inherited from Canon’s high-spec EOS C300 camera – and an AVCHD MPEG-4 4:2:0 codec delivers superb imaging performance for videographers.

The C100 offers a potent combination of exceptional imaging performance, compatibility with Canon’s EF mount Cinema Lenses for optimal optical performance, and ultra-compact form factor, allied with extensive customisation options to suit individual users.


KEY FEATURES

• Super 35mm-equivalent 8.3 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor with Bayer pattern filter.
• EF lens mount; over 60 EF lenses available for the EOS C100.
• One-Shot AF/Push Auto Iris/Auto White Balance features; optimised for single operator use.
• Compact, modular design; 15% smaller than EOS C300.
• 24Mbps (Max) MPEG-4 AVCHD/H.264 recording, 4:2:0 colour sampling.
• ISO range of 320-20,000 with wide dynamic range (800%; achievable when shooting Canon Log Gamma or Wide DR Gamma).
• Stereo microphones built in to detachable handle, Pro XLR connectors included on the handle.
• New Wide Dynamic Range (Wide DR) Gamma setting.
• Two SD memory card slots with relay record or simultaneous record options. SDHC/SDXC supported.
• Built-in, manually controlled glass ND filters; 2, 4 and 6 stops.
• Low power consumption with supplied BP-955 battery.
• DIGIC DV III image processor.
• Comprehensive NLE support; Data Import Utility software included.

8.3 MEGAPIXEL SUPER 35MM CMOS SENSOR FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION

The C100 features the same, large 8.3 Megapixel Super 35mm-equivalent CMOS sensor as the EOS C300 and C300 PL cameras for video capture that provides three-channel RGB processing for Full HD. The sensor has a pixel size larger than that for conventional professional camcorders enabling greater light-gathering capabilities for superb high-resolution images with enhanced sensitivity, low noise, reduced shutter artefacts and low power consumption, along with typical large sensor benefits such as beautifully shallow depth-of-field.

NEW AUTO FEATURES FOR EASE OF USE

The EOS C100 inherits many of the features from Canon’s high-spec EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera, but also incorporates a number of newly enhanced auto functions such as One-Shot AF, Push Auto Iris and Auto White Balance, which make it ideal for single operator use.

Pushing the One-Shot AF button before recording starts, ensures the camera focuses on the subject at the centre of the screen. Push Auto Iris is a recording assist function that automatically adjusts the aperture in accordance with the brightness during recording. The Auto White Balance feature automatically normalises the colour temperature by correcting warm or cool tones. Note that One-Shot AF and Push Auto Iris functions are not available when shooting with Canon Cinema Lenses.

WIDESPREAD LENS COMPATIBILITY

The creative possibilities of the EOS C100 Digital Cinema Camera are greatly enhanced by its compatibility to Canon’s wide range of EF mount lenses. Canon’s extensive EF lens range encompasses over 60 different lenses for a total focal length range that stretches from 8mm up to 800mm to open up an incredibly wide range of shooting possibilities. Filmmakers already shooting with EF mount lenses can now take advantage of the widespread compatibility of the Cinema EOS System.

The C100 is also compatible with the EF mount lenses in Canon’s Cinema Lens range – these lenses deliver exceptional optical performance and offer compatibility with Super 35mm-equivalent sensors.

ULTRA-COMPACT, MODULAR, LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN

The EOS C100 Digital Cinema Camera has an ultra-compact body (approximately 15% smaller than the EOS C300) that has a modular design for superb mobility. The body weighs just 1020g (410g lighter than the EOS C300). Removable grip, handle and multi-angle control panel components ensure maximum manoeuvrability, whilst the robust body features magnesium alloy components for additional rigidity and toughness.

A 3.5-inch (8.8cm), 920,000-dot LCD panel can be moved upwards by up to 100 degrees for easy composition at low angles. By rotating and stowing the LCD panel DSLR-style shooting is possible with viewing through the 0.24-inch (0.65cm), 1.56-million dot EVF.

The detachable handle has a built-in stereo microphone and two channels of XLR audio input connectors.

CREATIVE ND FILTERS

A manually controlled built-in ND filter allows for keeping the iris open for shallow depth-of-field and attractive bokeh. A four-layer filter system offers three densities – 2-stop, 4-stop and 6-stop – with ND0 being clear.

RECORDING CODEC AND MODES

The camera can record MPEG-4 AVCHD files at 24Mbps (4:2:0) to two SD memory cards with relay and double slot simultaneous HD recording options available. Using two SD cards allows for up to 12 hours of continuous recording by switching from one card to the other when the maximum file capacity has been reached.

A Pre REC function in the C100 starts recording video about three seconds ahead of time to ensure that you don’t miss the shot.

HIGH SENSITIVITY, LOW NOISE IMAGE CAPTURE

The C100 features enhanced sensitivity: low noise images can be captured at up to ISO 20,000, allowing for use in almost any shooting conditions.

CANON LOG & WIDE DR GAMMA

Canon Log is a log format for realising a wide, 12-stop dynamic range close to negative film. Canon Log has adopted an 8-bit log that enables the user to easily perform post-production processes, even in a desktop environment. It enables detailed adjustment for highlight and shadow and broadens the range of colour grading.

The new Wide DR Gamma feature on the EOS C100 produces smooth changes in brightness, seamless gradations, and reproduces clear skin tones with uniform colours; thus eliminating the need for post-production processes.

SEAMLESS WORKFLOW INTEGRATION

Smooth editing workflow is key during video production and this is catered for thanks to an MPEG-4/AVCHD (H.264) system that enables the capture of extensive Full HD high resolution video recording, with less data volume, by means of highly efficient compression.

The new Data Import Utility software that comes with the EOS C100 automatically recognises divided files as a single long file and seamlessly joins together the divided video files when they exceed 2GB or when they are created during relay recording. This helps to reduce the work during editing.

An HDMI signal output function enables a timecode and 2:3 pulldown marker to be superimposed on the HDMI signal output. The non-compressed signals can be processed as SDI video signals (comparable to HD-SDI) depending on the external recorder and converter connected to the EOS C100. Footage is then compatible with NLE editing software from companies such as Apple, Adobe, AVID and Grass Valley.

AVCHD CODEC

The C100 utilises Canon’s MPEG-4, 4:2:0, 24Mbps codec, recording in the AVCHD format. The format uses 4:2:0 colour sampling, and Canon has implemented the top 24Mbits/sec data rate offered by the standard, as well as native Full HD resolution.

The AVCHD format has been widely adopted and is supported by most editing software. Canon's implementation of AVCHD maximises quality, whilst economising on storage requirements, and keeps the options entirely open for post-production.

CMOS SENSORS

Canon develops and manufactures its own sensors and has incorporated a Super 35mm-equivalent 8.3 Megapixel (effective) CMOS sensor in the EOS C100. This sensor has a pixel size that is larger than that for conventional professional camcorders, enabling greater light-gathering capabilities for enhanced sensitivity and reduced noise. The sensor reads Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) video signals for each of the three RGB primary colours, decreasing the incidence of moiré while realising high resolution with 1,000 horizontal TV lines.

Supported by a heightened signal read-out speed, the CMOS sensor reduces rolling shutter skews, a phenomenon prevalent with CMOS sensors in which fast-moving subjects may appear diagonally distorted.

DIGIC DV III PROCESSOR

The DIGIC DV III processor is the latest iteration in the DIGIC DV family. Greater processing power provides enhanced colour gradation, wide dynamic range and beautiful reproduction of skin tones, in addition to supporting features such as extensive image customisation.