NEW CAMERA

Canon EOS C400 - the first advanced cinema EOS with RF

Canon now releases an advanced cinema model with RF mount focusing on compact design and professional features.

Published

Summary

  • The Canon EOS C400 is equipped with a 19-megapixel full-frame back-illuminated sensor, enabling 6K resolution and enhanced ISO performance in low light with Triple Base ISO technology.
  • The camera is the first advanced Cinema EOS camera with an RF mount, previously introduced in the hybrid camera Canon EOS R5 C.
  • The camera features autofocus functions such as face, eye, body tracking, and animal tracking, which enhance the user experience and efficiency during filming, through Dual Pixel CMos AF II.
  • Support for 12-bit Cinema RAW Light and 10-bit XF-AVC, giving filmmakers the ability to choose formats that best suit their project needs.

Canon is now releasing the new cinema camera Canon EOS C400 along with the new Cine-servo lens 17-120mm RF: "CN7x17 KAS T", RF 35mm F1.4L VCM and the Speedlite EL-10 flash - as well as a new firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark III that enables 12-bit Cinema Raw LT/ST/HQ.

The Canon EOS C400 is designed for live broadcasting, cinema recordings, and virtual management in studios, with the capability for 6K resolution with the 19-megapixel full-frame backlit sensor. The camera is smaller and lighter than the top model Canon EOS C500 II, and becomes the first Cinema EOS camera to feature an RF mount - something we've previously seen in the simpler hybrid camera Canon EOS R5 C.

The Canon EOS C400 also supports PL lenses via a PL adapter with a locking plate that mounts - or EF-EOS R lens adapter, as well as improved metadata capacity, which enhances the possibilities available with VFX and virtual production that often need to handle data flows from image acquisition for further processing.

PL-RF adapter.

Canon announces that they have worked hard to make the camera compact while integrating the connections and connectors needed for advanced video production, which means that one does not have to worry about additional modules and extra accessories. Among other things, productions of live broadcasts with multiple cameras are supported through both Genlock return input and lens connection with 12 pins where the cinema-servo support allows all solutions to be built-in without the need for any expansion unit.

The camera supports IP streaming via ethernet and wifi at 9 Mbps/4 Mbps in 1920 x 1080 (59.94p / 59.94i / 50.00p / 50.00i) as well as UDP / RTP / SRT / RTP+FEC / RTSP+RT.

The backlit sensor handles a 16-step dynamic range and has a base level of ISO 800, 3200, and 12 800 when filming with Canon Log 2/3, through the new 'Triple Base ISO technology' which is supposed to provide better image results in low light.

New for Canon's cinema series is also the use of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which among other things provides the opportunity for fast autofocus covering the entire sensor area. With this, the C400 also gets face recognition, eye and body tracking, and animal tracking, along with faster sensor readout from the new sensor. At the same time, there are settings for smooth focus transitions, the ability to adjust speed and responsiveness as needed.

Several options are available for choosing internal recording formats, including Canon's scalable 12-bit Cinema RAW Light (CRM) LT/ST/HQ, 10-bit 4:2:2 XF-AVC (MXF) format, and a new MP4-based format: XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S. The Canon EOS C400 has two memory card slots, one for CFexpress Type B and one SD card slot supporting UHS-II.

The Canon EOS C400 will be available from September 2024. The recommended price is 107,499 kronor including VAT.

Press Release: Canon Launches EOS C400 Cinema Camera with RF Mount and Cine Servo Lens - Redefining Flexibility

Stockholm, June 5, 2024 - Canon expands its range and launches the EOS C400 with RF mount and the CN7x17 KAS T lens, elevating large-scale productions to new heights.

The EOS C400 is tailored to the market's changing needs and was developed with versatility in mind. The camera is a custom all-in-one solution for a variety of productions - from indie films and documentaries, live events and virtual broadcasts to electronic news gathering.

The EOS C400 is the first advanced Cinema EOS camera with an RF mount, marking a groundbreaking new era for Canon's products, especially within the EOS R system. The innovative design is compact yet powerful, with advanced features and specifications typically found in larger cameras. In the EOS C400, agility, ease of use, and maneuverability are prioritized without compromising capacity. Additionally, multi-camera live productions are supported thanks to special connections in the camera, such as Genlock, return input, and 12-pin lens connection.

BSI sensor and Triple Base ISO technology

The EOS C400 features a high-tech 6K back-illuminated CMOS full-frame sensor (BSI) with 16 stops of dynamic range. The technology enhances light capture efficiency, facilitates faster readout, and thus ensures superior image quality. The camera sets a new standard and introduces Canon's Triple Base ISO technology, designed for optimal performance in low light conditions and delivering the cleanest optical results. With base levels ISO 800, 3200, and 12800 when shooting with Canon Log 2 or 3, users are given greater flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.

And to make shooting much easier, the automatic change mode tracks ambient light and adjusts the ISO base level accordingly, enhancing the overall user experience.

RF mount

The EOS C400 features Canon's RF mount and can thus be used with a variety of RF fixed, zoom, hybrid, Cinema, and VR lenses. Everything becomes smoother, without the need for third-party accessories, as the camera can also be used with EF-EOS R lens adapters and even with the new PL-RF lens adapter. Additionally, the camera has enhanced metadata capacity and connectivity options that facilitate real-time frame-by-frame data collection, benefiting both VFX and Virtual Production workflows.

Dual Pixel CMos AF II

Canon now introduces its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II in the Cinema EOS system, providing filmmakers with enhanced autofocus capabilities. With 100% coverage across the sensor plane, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II delivers fast and accurate focus, upgrading the clarity and reliability of film recording and creating the calm needed for every successful shot.

This latest system also has additional benefits such as face recognition, eye/body tracking, and animal detection and tracking - really useful when working alone in a time-pressured environment.

Recording formats

Users now have more options for internal recording formats and can tailor the format to fit their specific needs. The options include Canon's scalable 12-bit Cinema RAW Light LT/ ST/ HQ, reliable 4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC, and the brand-new MP4-based formats XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S, catering to various professional demands. All these include detailed workflows for film recording with professional support for filenames and metadata.

Compact design

Users of the EOS C500 Mark II will appreciate the familiar design of the EOS C400, which has now been upgraded to an even more compact form, yet still offers many different connectivity options. Operators thus have access to all the features typically associated with cameras for large-scale productions, but without the inconvenience of size and weight and without the need for additional modules.

New compact design and improved accessories - such as a versatile LCD mount, advanced top handle, and improved grip - provide compatibility with many different recording styles, whether handheld, with gimbal, drone, or shoulder rig.

The latest Cine Servo lens introduced

The brand-new lens CN7x17 KAS T is available with either RF or PL mount and is part of Canon's Cine Servo range, an evolution from the previous CN7x lens, but with improved updates that enhance operational performance and extend compatibility with virtual and VFX workflows. With an extended 7x optical zoom and focal length 17-120 mm, the lens appeals to anyone wanting to record live sports events and news, documentaries, film, and remote and viral productions. 11 aperture blades produce soft diffuse highlights and silky smooth blurry backgrounds.

Key features also include improved connectivity between lens and camera, streamlining processes such as real-time lens distortion correction, metadata frame by frame, and virtual production workflows with a custom Unreal Engine plugin for the EOS C400. The PL version of the lens supports both Cooke /i TechnologyTM and ZEISS eXtended DataTM for lens metadata and correction of distortion/shading(1).

CN7x17 KAS T features the next generation modern e-Xs V digital drive unit with advanced features such as optical angle of view change, faster aperture control, and a convenient USB-C interface for remote control and transfer of user settings.

Firmware update for EOS C300 Mark III

Canon also releases a free firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark III camera, adding 12-bit Cinema RAW Light formats: LT (Light), ST (Standard), and HQ (High Quality), enhancing workflow flexibility and providing more options for post-processing. An Auto ISO function is also enabled for flexible transitions between dynamic lighting conditions in longer shots

Canon also introduces the RF 35mm F1.4L VCM, a hybrid lens that is the first of its kind and takes both stills and film, and the new Speedlite EL-10 which enhances portrait images through adjustable lighting.

The EOS C400 will be available from September 2024, with a recommended retail price including VAT of 107,499 SEK. The recommended price and availability of CN7x17 KAS T will be confirmed later.

More information about these products can be found at:

EOS C400: https://www.canon.se/cameras/eos-c400/

https://www.canon.se/cameras/eos-c400/specifications/

CN7x17 KAS T: https://www.canon.se/pro/cinema-lenses/cn7x17-kas-t/

https://www.canon.se/pro/cinema-lenses/cn7x17-kas-t/specifications/

EOS C300 Mark III firmware update: EOS C300 Mark III - Canon Svenska

1 Not supported if the lens is equipped with a PL-RF mount adapter (scheduled release in early September 2024).