Canon Unveils EOS C70
Canon's first RF-mount Cinema EOS camera will begin shipping in November. The company also announced an adapter that will enable C70 users to tap the EF lens line.
Canon USA, Inc., has unveiled its first RF-mount Cinema EOS camera, the EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera.
Weighing 2.6 pounds, the camera features a slim, motorized ND-filter unit (6mm deep) that is built into the short flange back of the RF mount. The 10-stop ND filter provides users with the flexibility to control exposure while maintaining the desired depth-of-field and capturing images that feature the desired level of bokeh. Thirteen customizable buttons allow users to select from more than 80 functions to be assigned based on individual preferences.
“The Canon EOS C70 camera is truly a special tool that will undoubtedly satisfy and delight a variety of users searching for a high-powered piece of video equipment,” says Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “In today’s fast-moving, ever-changing world of content creation, versatility is key, and the EOS C70 will provide a familiar form and feature set to our entire spectrum of customers. We’re eager to see the projects that come from it.”
The C70 features Canon’s Super 35mm DGO Sensor, which extends the high dynamic range and lowers noise levels by reading out each photodiode with two different gains. One gain prioritizes saturation, protecting detail in highlight areas, while the other suppresses noise in the shadows. The result is an image with up to 16-plus stops of total dynamic range, clean shadows and vibrant highlights in up to 4K/60p or 2K/120p in Super 16mm Crop mode.
The camera also features Canon’s recently developed Digic DV7 image processor, which collects the information captured from the DGO sensor and processes it into HDR imagery while offering choices between Canon Log 2 and 3, in addition to PQ and HLG gamma functionality. The C70 can also record 4K DCI or UHD up to 120 fps and 2K DCI or HD up to 180 fps. The camera supports XF-AVC format (in variable bit-rate), both Intra and Long GOP with MXF file format. The Intra-frame format compresses the data after analyzing each frame separately, whereas Long GOP format compresses data at a higher rate, creating an even smaller file size. A secondary choice is Long GOP 10-bit 4:2:2/4:2:0 MP4/HEVC (a next-generation HDR-video-recording compression standard) with an MP4 file format, a first in the Cinema EOS line.
The camera’s independent air-intake system is separated from the electrical systems to protect the sensor from water, sand and dust. The camera also features two air outlet vents that allow uninterrupted recording for extended periods of time.
Additional features of the C70 include a new direct-touch menu system, coordinated electronic image stabilization, two built-in Mini XLR inputs, a time-code input/output terminal, custom picture processing via import of 3D LUTs and recording to Look Files, dual-SD card slots, a built-in stereo mic and support for optional Canon RC-V100 remote control.
In related news, Canon has also announced the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x, which allows users to tap into the company’s full-frame EF lenses when operating the C70. The adapter preserves full electronic communication between the lens and camera, enabling optical lens corrections and transfer of lens metadata between the C70 and select Canon EF lenses. (At press time, compatible lenses are the EF16-35mm F2.8L III USM, EF24-70mm F2.8L II USM and EF24-105mm F4L IS II USM. Compatibility will be added for more EF lenses in the future.)
The Canon EOS C70 lists for $5,499 and will begin shipping in November. The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x will be available in December at a list price of $599.99.
Canon has also added to its UHDxs series of 4K UHD broadcast portable zoom lenses, unveiling the CJ20ex5B (5-100mm), which will begin shipping early next year.
Designed for broadcast cameras that have 2/3" sensors, the lens features a built-in 2x extender that can expand the zoom range up to 200mm.
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