Canon EOS C80 Full-Frame Cinema Camera Officially Announced
Canon has officially unveiled the EOS C80, a new cinema camera designed to cater to filmmakers and video producers seeking a balance between professional-grade video quality and the compact form factor of a mirrorless camera. The C80 is built around a 26-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and utilizes Canon’s RF lens mount. According to Canon, the internal components of the EOS C80 closely resemble those of the recently released Cinema EOS C400, including an almost identical sensor. However, the C80 lacks some of the high-end features found on its more expensive sibling, the C400.
Canon EOS C80 Cinema Camera: $5,499 at B&H, Adorama.
Replacing the EOS C70: A Step Forward in Full-Frame Cinematography
The EOS C80 is positioned as the successor to the EOS C70, a camera that gained popularity among independent filmmakers and small production studios. Unlike the C70, which featured a Super 35mm sensor and required an EF-to-RF 0.71x optical adapter to boost speed, the C80 offers a native full-frame experience. This change is expected to attract users who prefer the larger sensor format for its wider field of view and shallower depth of field, delivering more cinematic footage.
Advanced Sensor Technology: 6K Resolution and Triple-Base ISO
The EOS C80 is equipped with a stacked CMOS sensor capable of capturing video in up to 6K resolution. The sensor features a unique triple-base ISO design with base settings at ISO 800, 3200, and 12,800. This design employs dual gain systems that alternate between two different readout paths, each optimized for different shooting conditions. One mode is tailored for high dynamic range situations with a larger signal tolerance, while the other prioritizes low noise in dimly lit environments. Canon has also introduced a third readout option that extends this trade-off, although the specifics of this third mode have not been fully disclosed. Canon has been contacted for further technical details, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Improved Autofocus and Tracking: Dual Pixel AF II
One of the key upgrades in the EOS C80 is the implementation of Canon’s latest autofocus technology, Dual Pixel AF II. This enhanced system expands the area of the sensor available for autofocus, providing more precise and reliable tracking. The autofocus zones are identical to those found in the Cinema EOS C400, allowing for advanced people and animal tracking capabilities. The faster readout speed of the new sensor further enhances the autofocus system’s responsiveness.
The autofocus system also introduces an innovative feature that simplifies racking focus between subjects. When the AF system is tracking a person, manually turning the focus ring on the lens allows for manual focus control. If the system detects a focus shift toward a different subject, it will automatically take over the focus tracking once the focus ring is released. This feature is designed to provide more intuitive control, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Connectivity and Usability Enhancements
Canon has also improved the connectivity and usability of the EOS C80, adding features that enhance its versatility in various production environments. The camera includes 12G-SDI terminals for uncompressed video output, a full-sized HDMI-out port, and an ethernet terminal for networked control. It is equipped with two mini XLR audio inputs, a 3.5mm microphone jack, and support for four-channel audio, ensuring high-quality audio recording options. Additionally, the camera includes Canon’s multi-function shoe for mounting accessories, a lightweight handle accessory, and multiple 1/4″-20 tripod threads for flexible mounting options.
The EOS C80 maintains the same ND filter system as the Cinema EOS C400, offering five levels of neutral density ranging from ND2 to ND10. This system provides the ability to quickly adapt to varying lighting conditions. Canon has also added a practical tape measure hook on top of the camera to aid in precise focus measurement and planning.
Versatile Video Codec Support and Recording Capabilities
The EOS C80 supports three sets of video codecs, including those found on the Cinema EOS C400, the EOS R1, and the EOS R5 Mark II. This alignment of codecs across Canon’s EOS line suggests a deliberate effort to unify video capabilities across its cinema and mirrorless cameras, making it easier for professionals to switch between different models within the ecosystem.
The C80 can record up to 6K/30p video using the full width of its sensor, or 4K/60p using a Super 35mm crop when utilizing Canon’s Cinema RAW LT (‘light’) codec. Unlike some of its higher-end counterparts, the C80 does not support Canon’s more demanding Cinema RAW formats (HQ and ST), which require write speeds beyond the capabilities of the C80’s dual SD (UHS-II) memory card slots.
Additionally, the camera offers several compressed codec options, including Canon’s XF-AVC, XF-HEVC S, and XF-AVC S, which support up to 4K/60p (downsampled from 6K) in 4:2:2 10-bit color, using either All-I or Long-GOP formats. For slow-motion enthusiasts, the C80 provides frame rate support up to 4K/120p and 2K/180p, with autofocus capabilities maintained up to 120p. The camera also includes Canon’s C-Log2 and C-Log3 gamma curves and supports proxy file creation for streamlined workflows.
Additional Features: Anamorphic Support and Vertical Video Interface
The EOS C80 goes beyond standard video capture, offering support for anamorphic lenses with 2.0x, 1.8x, and 1.3x de-squeeze options. This feature caters to filmmakers who prefer the distinctive look and feel of anamorphic footage. A new vertical interface has also been added, allowing for more user-friendly vertical video shooting, a growing trend in social media content creation.
Battery Life and Power Options
The C80 introduces two new battery models: the BP-A30N and BP-A60N. The BP-A30N, which ships with the camera, provides up to 170 minutes of continuous recording, while the BP-A60N offers up to 335 minutes. Canon assures that the previous non-N versions of these batteries remain compatible, although they will deliver slightly shorter operating times.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS C80 is priced at $5,499 and is expected to be available in November 2024. With its combination of a full-frame sensor, versatile recording options, and professional features in a compact body, the EOS C80 is set to become a compelling choice for filmmakers and content creators looking for high-end performance without the bulk of traditional cinema cameras.
In summary, the Canon EOS C80 represents a significant step forward for Canon’s Cinema EOS line, bridging the gap between compact mirrorless and full-fledged cinema cameras. With its advanced sensor technology, enhanced autofocus capabilities, and comprehensive connectivity options, the C80 is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of today’s filmmakers and video producers.
Press release:
Canon Introduces the EOS C80 6K Full-Frame Cinema Camera
New EOS C80 RF-Mount Camera Features a 6K Full-Frame, Back-Illuminated Stacked CMOS
Sensor, Triple-Base ISO, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and 12G-SDI
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 9, 2024 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is pleased to announce the new EOS C80 cinema camera, with a native RF-mount and full-frame, back- illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, designed for filmmakers that require a full-featured camera in a compact body.
6K Full-Frame Back-Illuminated Stacked CMOS Sensor
The Canon EOS C80 camera features a 6K full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, with triple-base ISO, allowing the camera to deliver stunning imagery in a wide range of lighting conditions. The base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12,800 maximize the full dynamic range of the camera. The EOS C80 camera also features Canon’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, Dual Pixel AF II. The back-illuminated stacked sensor’s positioning offers superb light-capturing efficiency, which widens the area of the sensor that can be used for autofocusing. The sensor also empowers fast readout speed, as well as amazing 4K image quality from 6K oversampling.
12-G SDI and a Variety of Interfaces
In addition to moving to a full-frame sensor, the EOS C80 camera has also stepped up from its predecessor by adding 12G-SDI output, which enables uncompressed transfer of your video signal with a secure cable connection. The camera’s design includes a variety of other interfaces including HDMI, mini-XLR audio inputs, time code, built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity, and Ethernet. This internet connectivity enables the camera to be controlled remotely via our IP-based XC Protocol using Canon’s Remote Camera Control Application (available for free on the Canon USA Website), or our Multi-Camera Control App for iPhone (available for free on the App Store).
Compact Design
The compact and lightweight EOS C80 camera is suitable on a drone, gimbal, tripod, or in any configuration where compact size and light weight are important. The camera is ergonomically designed with a new, lightweight handle assembly. The Multi-function Shoe is located just above the LCD screen and the joystick controller provides easy control and menu navigation.
Recording Options
The EOS C80 camera can record up to 6K 30P in Cinema RAW Light. Other recording options include our standard XF-AVC codec which can record in 10-bit 4:2:2 with oversampling from the 6K sensor, creating rich detail and smooth imagery without the need for cropping the image from the sensor. Furthermore, autofocus is enabled when recording in slow or fast motion at up to 4K 120P. Additionally, the EOS C80 camera has two more recording codecs, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S. These formats were first introduced with the EOS C400 camera and feature an easy-to-manage naming system and folder structure, while recording in the familiar MP4 format and preserving metadata.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon Cinema EOS C80 Full-Frame camera is scheduled to be available in November 2024 for an estimated retail price of $5,499.00. For more information, please visit www.usa.canon.com.