Canon reveals affordable C200 that shoots Raw

Canon’s newest Cinema EOS camera, the £7700 C200, shoots 4K and records Raw footage internally. It sits mid-way between the C100 and C300 Mark II Canons in both spec, size and price, but unlike both these can record its own slimmed-down version of Raw internally to CFast cards. Its sensor spec seems almost identical to the very expensive C700.

As Canon has discontinued its C500, it’s the only Super35-size Cinema EOS to record Raw internally. It uses its own Raw format called Cinema RAW Light. Canon claims the files provide the same flexibility in colour grading as Cinema RAW but in a smaller file size.

The camera features a fast new processor to enable Raw recording, which should also help reducing rolling shutter. The C200 can record internally at 4K UHD at 50P in MP4 format, 4K DCI RAW and continuous 120fps High Frame Rate in Full HD without a crop. It can also deliver 4K UHD recording at 150Mbps, and 2K or Full HD at 35Mbps to SD cards in MP4 format.

Raw footage gives a huge 15-stop dynamic range – the same as claimed for the C300 Mark II – and up to 13-stops of dynamic range in MP4 when using Canon Log or Log 3. The ISO range is 100 to a staggering 102,400, and there are built-in optical ND filters of up to 10 stops.

The C200 has an advanced Dual Pixel AF system like it big brother C300. EOS C200’s lightweight body weighs in at just 1.4kg/ 3.09lb so ideal for fitting to a drone or gimbal. There is also built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity to allows for browser remote control and the ability to transfer files via FTP. And as a bonus, the standard EF mount can be changed to a PL mount at a Canon service centre.

Specifications

Price: £7700

Sensor: 8.85-megapixel Super35 CMOS

Recording formats: Canon Cinema RAW Light, MP4. 4096 x 2160; 3840 x 2160: 1920 x 1080

Maximum dynamic range: 15 stops

Frame rates: 1 – 240 fps. 4K RAW: up to 60P (up to 120P to CDX-36150). Max 240P (2K Cropped), XF-AVC Recording Bit Rate/ Sampling (50Hz Mode)

Colour configurations: Canon Log and Log3; BT709.

Recording media: Dual CFast 2.0 and twin SD slots

Lens mount: Canon EF

ND filter: Built in, 10 stops

Audio input: 2 x XLR inputs

ISO: 100-102,400

Image stabilisation: Depending on lens

EVF: 1.77million dots

Screen: Optional EVF-V70 OLED viewfinder

Shutter speed: 1sec-1/2000sec

Dimensions (WxHxD): 144x153x179mm/ 65.7×6.0x7.0in

Weight: 1.4kg/ 3.09lb

Canon’s official info says:

Canon Europe, world leader in imaging solutions, today announces the launch of the EOS C200, the latest addition to the esteemed Cinema EOS range. Offering exceptional creativity and flexibility, the new 4K compact digital cinema camera is perfect for a broad range of imaging professionals. As the first Cinema EOS camera to support the new RAW recording format – Cinema RAW Light – the EOS C200 provides the same flexibility in colour grading as Cinema RAW in a smaller file size, enabling filmmakers to record internally to a CFast 2.0™ card.

Newly developed Canon Dual DIGIC DV6 processors provide the ability to record internally 4K UHD/50P MP4, 4K DCI RAW and continuous 120fps High Frame Rate (HFR) in Full HD without crop. At the same time, advances in Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus (AF) technology and a new touch screen LCD monitor provide smooth AF operation and effective tracking.

Capability drives creativity

The EOS C200 features Canon’s 4K Super 35mm CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 8.85MP, along with the newly developed Dual DIGIC DV6 image processors. As a result, it can deliver Cinema RAW Light recording at 4K DCI 50P internally to a CFast 2.0™ card. It can also deliver 4K UHD recording at 150Mbps, and 2K or Full HD at 35Mbps to SD cards in MP4 format.

Supporting up to 15-stops of dynamic range with Cinema RAW Light and up to 13-stops of dynamic range in MP4 (Canon Log / Log 3), the camera is perfect for capturing highlight and shadow details. The EOS C200 is also capable of delivering both slow and fast motion recording at up to 120fps with no crop in Full HD/MP4, ideal for those wanting creative slow motion capture. An ISO range of 100 to 102,400 guarantees excellent performance, even in difficult lighting conditions, such as when quickly switching between locations. The built-in optical ND filters of up to 10 stops provide further flexibility and convenience, allowing filmmakers to shoot in bright light and expand the depth of field control.

Advanced operability and ergonomic design

Built for professionals and ideal for single shooters, the EOS C200 features an advanced AF system that provides reliability and accuracy when shooting 4K, as well as a touch screen LCD panel for filmmakers to easily select their subject. For those who need to switch effortlessly between several subjects in a single shot, the Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables smooth AF operation whilst the Manual Focus Assist Function, Face Detection with Face Priority and Face-Only options provide greater creative focus control.

The EOS C200’s lightweight body of just 1.4kg is designed for comfortable hand-held shooting and will benefit those who are filming for long periods. The compact size also makes the camera suitable for mounting onto a drone or gimbal. Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity allows for browser remote control and the ability to transfer files via FTP, whilst the camera’s compatibility options mean new and existing accessories can be used, including Canon’s electronic viewfinder – the EVF-V70.

Cinema RAW Light for next generation workflows

Canon has worked with several partners to ensure Cinema RAW Light is integrated with various software programs. As a result, editing and grading of the Cinema RAW Light video format will be supported in DaVinci Resolve of Blackmagic Design. Editing will be possible in Media Composer from Avid Technology, using Canon RAW Plugin for Avid Media Access. This format can also be processed using a Canon application, Cinema RAW Development. Support for Cinema RAW Light is also scheduled for EDIUS Pro, Grass Valley’s editing software, during 2017. Additionally, a future version of Final Cut Pro X from Apple Inc. will support Canon’s Cinema RAW Light, using Canon RAW Plugin for Final Cut Pro X.

Future Firmware upgrade

Canon’s XF-AVC video format will be available with a future firmware upgrade. This upgrade is free of charge and is planned to be available from 1H 2018.

EOS C200 key features: