The new Canon EOS R5 C is the first hybrid camera to combine the professional filmmaking features of the Cinema EOS range with the EOS R System’s photo capabilities.
Angled view of the EOS R5 C with the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens. (Source: Canon.)
With a weather-resistant body measuring 141.5 x 97.5 x 111 mm and based on the popular EOS R5, the EOS R5 C gives professionals a familiar and versatile tool for filmmaking as well as stills photography. The lightweight magnesium alloy chassis results in a body weight of only 680 grams.
Rear view of the EOS R5 C with the articulating monitor extended. (Source: Canon.)
Key features of the new camera include:
- Full Frame Sensor with 8K/30p 12-bit RAW recording or 8K/60p when using an external power source6
- 45 megapixel images up to 20 fps
- Precise Eye AF via Dual Pixel CMOS AF and intelligent face/ head tracking via EOS iTR AF X
- A multitude of professional recording formats including three new flavours of Cinema RAW Light
- Active cooling for longer recording times
- Timecode Terminal
- RF Mount with Advanced Combination IS
- Advanced connectivity and Multi-Function Accessory Shoe
The combination of the full-frame 45-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor enables users to access high-fidelity 8K recording and 45 megapixel stills capture at burst speeds up to 20 fps without the need to swap to a different camera body. The DIGIC X processor supports sensitivity settings up to ISO 51200 with noise processing innovations to deliver usable shots in low-light environments like indoor sporting events. As an alternative to JPEGs, 10-bit HEIF images can be captured with extended dynamic range and colour gamut. Time-lapse recording is also available via the built-in interval timer.
Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system enables the EOS R5 C to support Eye AF and EOS iTR AF X advanced auto focus technologies. Capable of tracking people’s eyes in real time the system can even follow their heads as they look away from the camera. Built-in electronic stabilisation with coordinated control works in combination with the Optical IS in compatible lenses to ensure sharp images and smooth footage when shooting hand-held,
This diagram shows the coordinated control passing IS information between the camera body and an attached optically-stabilised lens. (Source: Canon.)
On the video front, for the first time in the Cinema EOS System the EOS R5 C is capable of internal 8K 30p RAW recording and up to 60p when using an external power source (via either the DR-E6C DC coupler plus CA-946 power adapter or the PD-E1 USB Power adapter, both optional accessories). In another ‘first’, audio recording is possible when shooting at 4K 120p.
This diagram shows the airflow created by the camera’s active cooling system. (Source: Canon.)
The EOS R5 C’s internal active cooling system supports extended 8K recording times, dependent on battery and memory card capacities. Video capabilities include HDR support via PQ and HLG, as well as Canon’s popular Canon Log 3 gamma, while use of the Cinema RAW Light format enables internal recording of 12-bit footage with a wide dynamic range and colour gamut, all in a manageable file size. Three new RAW settings are available – RAW HQ (High Quality), RAW ST (Standard Quality), and RAW LT (Light Quality) – so users can select the best match for their shooting needs and production process. Dual CFexpress 2.0 Type B and UHS-II SD card slots support simultaneous recording with different formats, resolutions and bit depths for workflow flexibility.
Angled rear view showing the dual CFexpress 2.0 Type B and UHS-II SD card slots. (Source: Canon.)
The EOS R5 C supports Canon’s popular 10-bit XF-AVC format, which allows MP4 recording at up to 810Mbps. Internal oversampling of the full frame width enables 4K and Full HD recording, along with High Frame Rate (HFR) recording at 4K 120p resolution without cropping the angle of view. In addition, 4:2:2 10-bit sampling and autofocusing are supported when shooting in HFR and audio is recorded on a separate file from the video.
Separate menus are provided for stills and video, the former based on the EOS R system and the latter using the Cinema EOS interface. The 3-position power dial lets users switch seamlessly between them to access the relevant settings. Thirteen assignable buttons are available for user-specific customisation of selected functions. The camera also boasts a 0.5-inch OLED viewfinder with 5.76 million dots and an articulating 3.2-inch HD LCD monitor plus a dot-matrix display on the top panel for quick checks of camera settings.
Side view showing the EOS R5 C in use with the XLR Adapter and DM-E1D stereo microphone. (Source: Canon.)
The EOS R5 C can be used with lenses from across Canon’s EF, RF and cinema lens line-up, including the new RF 5.2mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens for immersive VR recording. It has the same Multi-Function Accessory Shoe as the EOS R3 and XF605 for connecting and powering accessories like Canon’s DM-E1D Stereo Microphone and TASCAM’s CA-XLR2d Audio XLR Adapter. It also includes a dedicated Timecode In/Out terminal for integrating into professional multi-camera workflows. iPhone owners can use the Apple Content Transfer Mobile3 application for FTP transfers and the editing of ML-G2 metadata.
This diagram shows the locations of the key terminals for professional video input and output. (Source: Canon.)
The EOS R5 C will be available in Australia in March at an RRP of AU $7,499. It is supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller. Click here for more information.