Canon EOS C300 Cinema Camcorder

 

Modeled on the Super 35mm 3-perf motion picture film standard, the Canon CMOS sensor has an active image size of 24.4 x 13.5mm. It uses 3840 x 2160 photosites to perform the crucial optoelectronic transformation of digital imaging. The image sensor employs an innovative readout technique that delivers full-bandwidth individual RGB video components without the need for any de-Bayering algorithms. Each of these components has a 1920 x 1080 sampling structure at up to 60 frames. The C300 incorporates the first Canon CMOS sensor designed specifically for high-frame-rate motion pictures, offering not only high resolution and shallow depth of field but also high sensitivity with low noise. Working together, Canon's Super 35mm sensor and DIGIC DV III Image Processor achieve a remarkably high signal-to-noise ratio that enables recordings with great detail and dynamic range even in minimal light.  This combination of sensor and image processor render an extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio that make shooting at up to ISO 16000 a breeze.

 

The EOS C300 is designed to capture footage that thrives in the post-production suite. Recording HD formats to CompactFlash cards using the XF codec set to the highest level (50 Mb/s, 4:2:2 MPEG-2 format) the C300 records motion video that reduces jagged edges and Moiré patterns that can plague video with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling.  With 4:2:2 color sampling, image files have double the vertical resolution of color components created with 4:2:0 color sampling, minimizing jagged edges between red and blue and ensuring ample quality for chroma key compositing with green screens. The files' MXF wrapper brings together video, audio, metadata, and timecode in a robust package supported by all professional NLE programs. The camera also includes Canon's Log gamma mode for excellent tonal reproduction in the highlight and lowlight regions of an image, and a greatly expanded dynamic range.  The XF Codec and C300's superior resolution ensure original color quality and cinematic look hold up through post-production.

 

For versatility and reliability, the C300's records to CF cards through dual slots. From a cost and reliability standpoint, CF cards have no equal. Solid state, hot-swappable, and easy to find, two 32 GB CF cards can hold 2 hours of 4:2:2 50 Mb/s footage. It's even possible to record to two CF cards simultaneously, relay-record for uninterrupted shots, and copy from one card to another.  With the realities of production in mind, the EOS C300 can record in a number of different modes, resolutions and frame rates, delivering quality recordings perfect for any application. 24.00p mode matches the exact frame rates of film cameras, so there's no need for time-consuming frame-rate conversion. Plus, the camera can shoot in both PAL and NTSC modes at 50 Mb/s (CBR), 35 Mb/s (VBR), and 25 Mb/s (CBR) with a range of settings for resolution, color, frame rate, and recording time. Whether shooting with the expectation of significant editing and post-production, recording for compatibility with HDV editing, or simply creating the longest possible HD video files, the EOS C300 camera performs flawlessly.

 

Beyond the advantages of file-based recording, the EOS C300 offers a number of creative possibilities in post-production. By capturing fewer frames per second, the camera can transform normal action into intense high-speed motion up to 60x. By capturing more frames per second, the camera slows down motion to 1/2.5x at 720p. The EOS C300 can also be programmed to record a set number of frames at defined intervals for amazing time-lapse photography – and a frame-recording feature is perfect for stop-frame animation.

 

The exterior of the camera is as unique as its innards. The C300 body is surprisingly small (5.24 x 7.0 x 6.7") and easily handheld at just over 3 lb. There is a bright 1.55 Mp electronic viewfinder, and the camera comes bundled with a removable combination 4", 1.23 Mp monitor and control panel. The camera also has a removable hand grip with a control dial and function buttons for handheld shooting in DSLR style. Or remove it and use the supplied thumb rest for completely stripped-down shooting. The EOS C300 has a manually operated built-in neutral density (ND) glass filter offering 1/4, 1/16, and 1/64th steps of filtering. The EOS C300 also features a 0.52", 1.55 Mp color EVF and approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and accurate judgment of composition, focus, and color. The angle of the viewfinder is adjustable for additional user comfort.   Featuring the expected HD-SDI output, timecode I/O, and genlock input BNCs, the body is modular and can either be stripped down completely, or be built up to host the included handle, 4" rotating LCD unit with full controls, grip, and thumb rest. With accessible buttons and ridges dividing them, the C300 is egronomically designed video and still photography.

 

When mounted to the EOS C300 camera, the included control unit provides two XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power. A 3.5mm microphone terminal is also built in to the camera. Audio is recorded uncompressed in 16-bit PCM format at 48 kHz for high fidelity sound. Both XLR inputs, as well as the mic terminal have the option for automatic, as well as full manual gain control (-Infinity to +18dB). Additionally, a 3.5mm headphone terminal with 16 volume settings offers accurate audio monitoring.

 

Bringing Canon's expertise and decades of experience designing sensors, lenses, and cameras to the world of motion picture capture, the EOS C300 camera exceeds the demanding needs of cinema industry professionals, providing a modular, portable, and adaptable system for moviemaking in the 21st century.