Canon goes large with full-frame EOS 500 Mark II
Canon has revealed a brand new Mark II version of its Cinema EOS C500 with a 5.9K full-frame sensor, internal Raw Light recording like the EOS C200 and 4K 4:2:2 10bit XF-AVC recording to CFExpress cards. The C500 Mark II is set to be unveiled to the public at next week’s IBC show in Amsterdam. The price will be £16,999 including VAT.
Canon Europe today releases its next generation Cinema EOS System camera – the EOS C500 Mark II. Created with the expertise and technical knowledge at the heart of Canon’s innovative products, and built on the foundations of Cinema EOS System, the EOS C500 Mark II is a compact and versatile 5.9K Full Frame camera. The EOS C500 Mark II’s impressive Full Frame sensor, developed and built by Canon, is powered by Canon’s new DIGIC DV 7 processor. Supporting 5.9K internal Cinema RAW Light and 4K 4:2:2 10bit XF-AVC recording, this camera enables professionals to creatively explore Full Frame, cinematic image. It is the first camera in the range with the ability to record 5.9K Cinema RAW Light onto new, faster storage media – CFexpress cards. Providing professionals with greater flexibility and efficiency, simultaneous recording of the same file format is also possible to dual CFexpress card slots.
The compact size of the camera provides cinematographers with unparalleled creative freedom. With its flexible, modular design, professionals can configure the camera with different expansion units to suit production requirements. The EOS C500 Mark II is the first Cinema EOS System camera to feature a user interchangeable lens-mount for EF Cinema Lock, and PL, giving professionals a wide variety of lens selection. It is also the first Cinema EOS System camera to support Electronic IS.
Full Frame image quality
Featuring Canon’s 5.9K Full Frame CMOS sensor, the EOS C500 Mark II provides a cinematic, immersive Full Frame look combined with Canon’s natural, smooth skin-tone and faithful colour reproduction. Thanks to the 5.9K sensor and the newly developed DIGIC DV 7 processor, the EOS C500 Mark II is an ideal choice for professionals looking to produce content in top quality 4K as it uses a high-quality debayering algorithm when over sampling 5.9K into 4K. This suppresses moiré and reduces noise, resulting in exceptional image quality. With its 15+ stop latitude with wide colour space, the EOS C500 Mark II is perfect for High Dynamic Range Productions. In addition to this, the camera is equipped with a built-in motorised Full Frame ND unit (2,4,6, 8[1] and 10[2] stops) making it possible to create images with a shallow depth of field – even in the daytime.
Efficient recording and workflow
The versatile multi-recording format ability of the EOS C500 Mark II provides workflow efficiency to fulfill production requirements. With Canon’s new DIGIC DV 7 image processor, the camera offers Cinema RAW Light internal recording with 5.9K resolution. Cinema RAW Light format has all the benefits of a RAW file in terms of flexibility in post-production yet allows the EOS C500 Mark II to record high quality files in a smaller file size.
In addition to the camera’s ability to record internally onto CFexpress cards in Canon XF-AVC format with 4K 4:2:2 10bit, simultaneous recording as well as proxy recording is possible. This provides professionals with ultimate flexibility, allowing them to choose a recording format suited to their filming and workflow needs. The camera features an advanced 12G-SDI interface which has four times higher transmission speeds compared to 3G-SDI. This 12G-SDI interface enables 4K 50/60p output with a single cable – simplifying 4K workflows. Additionally, the HDMI output allows for 4K 50/60p via a single cable.
Exceptional expandability and versatility for wide production requirements
Cinematographers can configure the camera using two different expansion units – the EU-V1 and EU-V2. Two viewfinders (EVF-V70 and EVF-V50) are also available as optional units. The ability to configure the camera with Expansion Units, along with its compactness and lightweight design, gives cinematographers greater shooting flexibility.
The expansion unit EU-V1 adds a Genlock/Sync BNC interface, Remote B interface for the optional RC-V100 Remote Controller, and an Ethernet interface for IP streaming or browser remote control operation. The EU-V2 expansion unit also includes these interfaces but adds a further two XLR inputs, as well as 12-pin Lens interface. In addition to this, it is equipped with a V-Lock battery mount with D-tap and 24V Power Output.
Stable filming with Electronic IS and Pioneering Auto Focus technology
The EOS C500 Mark II is the first camera to incorporate Electronic Image Stabilization in a Cinema EOS System, providing the camera with 5-axis Image Stabilization. When a lens that supports data transmission is attached, focal length data is automatically received. However, when used with a lens with no lens communication, Electronic IS is possible by manually inputting the focal length. In addition to this, Electronic IS is also compatible with anamorphic lenses.
As with other cameras in the range, the EOS C500 Mark II features Canon’s renowned Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus. Offering high-speed One-Push AF and continuous AF, professionals have the reassurance that footage will be focused. They can also benefit from smooth, intuitive touch focus operation with the new LCD monitor LM-V2, as well as the Dual Pixel Focus Guide which notifies professionals where the focus position is, whether it be in front or the back, helping accurate focus control. Additionally, the EOS C500 Mark II has Face Detection AF and Tracking AF, enabling focus control in a variety of filming situations. To further fine tune AF performance, the camera offers the ability to set the AF tracking speed and response.
Additional features
The EOS C500 Mark II supports user LUTs, allowing cinematographers to apply or customise their own LUTs. Loading them onto the camera for precise-look monitoring, cinematographers can also apply different LUTs for each terminal. With the added LUT button, professionals have greater operational flexibility. The EOS C500 Mark II also includes high frame rate recording up to 50/60 fps in 5.9K resolution with the Cinema RAW Light codec.
EOS C500 Mark II Key Features:
- Breathtaking Full Frame Image Quality
- 5.9K Full Frame sensor
- Immersive look
- Faithful colour reproduction with Canon colour science
- Natural and smooth Skin tone
- HDR capable with PQ/HLG and Canon Log 2/3
- Internal recording to CFexpress / Cinema RAW Light and XF-AVC
- Compact and robust body
- Lightweight body at 1,750g
- Robust design
- Reliable in harsh environments
- Modular system
- User interchangeable lens mount
- Extension units and EVF’s
- Pioneering autofocus technology
- Electronic IS
- Additional Features
- User LUTs
- Internal ND (2/4/6/8/10)
- False colour / Marker / Customisable display level.
