Canon Australia expands its Cinema EOS lineup with the introduction of the EOS C400, which has an RF mount, alongside the CN7x17 KAS T lens designed for large scale productions.


Angled view of the new Canon EOS C400 cinema camera. (Source: Canon.)

The first cinema EOS camera with an RF mount, the EOS C400 has been developed to provide an all-in-one solution for productions ranging from indie cinema and documentary, live and virtual broadcasts to the electronic news gathering field. The new camera comes with a 6K full frame, stacked BSI CMOS sensor capable of recording up to 16 stops of dynamic range. New technology enhances light capture efficiency and facilitates faster readouts, helping ensure superior image quality. It also introduces the Canon triple base ISO technology for optimal performance in low light environments. With base ISO levels of 800, 3,200 and 12,800 when shooting in Canon Log 2 or 3, users have greater flexibility for filming in challenging lighting conditions. An automatic switching mode detects ambient lighting and adjusts the base ISO level accordingly, enhancing the user experience.

The RF mount enables the EOS C400 to integrate seamlessly with any RF prime, zoom, hybrid, cinema and VR lenses and supports the option to use a variety of Canon’s EF-EOS R mount adapters as well as the new PL-RF mount adaptor. Enhanced metadata capabilities and connectivity options facilitate real time frame-by-frame data capture for both VFX and Virtual Production workflows. The new camera will also feature Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocusing technology with almost full coverage of the sensor plane, which is being rolled out across the cinema EOS system to ensure fast and precise focusing. The latest system includes face, eye and body tracking plus animal detection and tracking for added versatility.

Users can now tailor the format to suit their specific needs with greater choice of internal recording formats. Options include Canon’s scalable 12-bit Cinema RAW Light LT/ ST/ HQ, reliable 4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC and all-new MP4 based XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S formats, for different types of professional requirements.

The new compact design of the EOS C400 will be familiar to users of the EOS C500 Mark II, enabling enables operators to access the full suite of features typically associated with larger scale production cameras without the burden of size, weight or attaching additional modules. Enhanced accessories include a versatile LCD bracket, advanced top handle and improved hand grip, which are compatible with most shooting styles whether the camera is handheld, on a gimbal, drone or shoulder-mounted.


The EOS C400 kitted out with an 85mm cine lens and advanced top handle. (Source: Canon.)

The EOS C400 has an RRP of AU$13,500 and is scheduled for release in Australia in September. Click here for details. Also coming in September are the following accessories: PL-RF Lens Mount Adapter ($2,600 RRP), MC-5U Monitor Cable for EOS C400 ($60 RRP), BPA30-N Battery Pack ($400 RRP), BPA60-N Battery Pack ($700 RRP) and CA-CP300B Compact Power Adapter ($105 RRP).


Angled view of the new CN7x17 KAS T Cine Servo lens. (Source: Canon.)

Canon’s new Canon Cine Servo lens, the CN7x17 KAS T, is available with either RF or PL mount and represents an update to the to the previous CN7x lens to bolster operational performance and extend compatibility with virtual and VFX workflows. The 17-120mm focal length zoom range provides an optical magnification of 7x, which is ideal for live sports and news, documentary, film, remote and virtual productions. Eleven iris diaphragm blades produce softly diffused highlights and out-of-focus backgrounds. Improved connectivity between the lens and camera streamlines processes like real-time lens distortion correction, frame by frame lens metadata updating and virtual production workflows with an Unreal Engine plug-in tailored for the EOS C400. The PL mount variant of the lens supports both Cooke /i TechnologyTM and ZEISS eXtended DataTM for lens metadata and distortion/shading correction. Other features include optical focus breathing correction, faster iris control and a convenient USB-C interface for remote control and user setting transfer. The CN7x17 KAS T RF Mount and CN7x17 KAS T PL Mount are priced at $38,200 RRP and are scheduled for release in Australia in October. Click here for details of the RF mount and here for the PL mount.

Canon is also releasing a free-of-charge firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark III, adding 12-bit Cinema RAW Light formats: LT (Light), ST (Standard) and HQ (High Quality), improving workflow flexibility and providing more options post-production. An Auto ISO feature will also be made available to easily transition between dynamic lighting conditions in a continuous shot. It will be available in Australia at the end of June and can be downloaded here.