Canon C300 MKII 4K Camera Announced.
I know you want to see the pictures first so here you go! And as for price? It looks to be around $16,000 but I expect that to drop a little. It is now available for pre-order. Expected delivery is September 2015.
Something important to note is the new C300 MKII mount is now upgradable to PL from EF. This means you dont have to buy a new camera if you go with PL in the future. I dont believe the mount is user swappable unfortunately. Probably way to much electronics in it that require a professional engineer to do the service but at least this is now an option.
The C300 MKII is Canon’s first internal recording 4K camera. It does pack some nice features and also lacks some too. Namely frame rates. It doesn’t do more than 60P in 4K. It will do 120 in 2K. Not bad and the codec is pretty good so uprezing it could be a pretty good option. I really haven’t been to impressed with the image quality of the GH4 and A7s in higher frame rates but then these are cheap cameras compared to this C300 MKII. Speaking of codecs the C300 uses a new XF-AVC Intra. It’s 410Mbps in 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 29.97 frames per second internally using CFast 2.0 cards.
This new entry packs 15 stops of dynamic range by using a new log gamma. Canon Log2
The C300 MKII has two Digic DV5 processors instead of just one. This helps reduce issues like false color jaggies moire and noise. The sensor read out is twice as fast as the former model. This will improve rolling shutter. Not eliminate but should help a lot. The sensor is actually larger than S35. The advantage to this is more photosites for a cleaner image.
Yes Canon put RAW output in the C300 mkII. It can output 4K 4:4:4 to an external recorder.
The EVF is OLED with approximately 1770,000 dots (1024 x RGB x 576). The contrast ratio is 5000:1 vs 270:1 on the first C300 version. Nice upgrade.
The C300 MKII has updated ND filters. Canon added two ND filter wheels with a total of 6 ND filter settings. The 2nd filter wheel is engaged with a custom setting.
The new camera doesn’t use the same batteries as the C300 and C100. A new model Canon BP-A30 is now being used for the additional power needs of the C300 MKII.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology
The EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera features the newest generation in Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology. Each pixel in the camera’s CMOS sensor is configured with two photodiodes. Two independent image signals can then be detected at each photosite. By implementing phase-difference AF, smooth focusing is accomplished using Canon EF lenses with much higher speed and accuracy than was possible with previous technologies.
The DAF focusing area has been expanded on the EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera to approximately 80% (vertically) x 80% (horizontally) of the image area. The focusing area can also be moved using the camera’s 4-direction key, allowing the user more control of AF operation.
Dual Pixel Focus Guide
Utilizing the Dual Pixel CMOS AF information focus-assist information is displayed on the screen. It employs a truly innovative user interface that enables the user to see if they are focused in front of or behind the subject through visual observation, and allows quick and accurate manual focus to be achieved.
The C300 MKII with the movable Dual Pixel AF is now complete. Being able to move the target area around is a big deal. Now with 10 different focus speeds to select for fast or slow and smooth. To help check focus the C300 MKII now has 2x, 4x and 6x punch in. I like that!
Some key features.
With the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 files internally at up to 410Mbps in 4K, or 10/12-bit 4:4:4 files in 2K/Full HD, with up to 15 stops of dynamic range, the EOS C300 Mark II provides footage suitable for extensive post-production work. The C300 Mark II features Canon’s XF-AVC codec integrating both 4K and 2K/Full HD footage into workflows effortless, while maintaining the highest image quality. The range features XF-AVC intra for 4K, and XF-AVC Long GOP and Proxy options for 2K/Full HD recording, both of which utilize H.264 codec, offering post production flexibility and ease of use. The modular body that can be adapted to suit the needs of each shooter and filming situation, through the extensive range of compatible accessories and is also compatible with more than 90 current EF and Cinema lenses.
- Ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 files internally at up to 410Mbps in 4K.
- Integration with professional workflows Canon’s XF-AVC codec is compatible with in standard NLE systems.
- with up to 15 stops of dynamic range ideal for extensive post production.
- Automatic features make independent shooting easy – Choose full manual control or enhanced automatic modes.
- A modular body design that can be adapted to suit the needs of filmmakers and broadcasters alike.
- 10-bit 4:2:2 in 4K recording (UHD 3840 x 2160 & DCI cinematic (4096 x 2160 pixels)
- up to 410Mbps (in 4K)
- 10/12-bit 4:4:4 in 2K & Full HD
- up to 30p in 4K, 120p in 2K/Full HD
- 4K RAW files to external recorder
- dual DIGIC DV5 processors
- dual CFast 2.0 slots
- 15 stops of dynamic range with new Canon Log2
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- New XF-AVC Intra, Long GOP and Proxy H.265 codecs in 4K, UHD, 2K and 1080p
- 4-channel audio in 16 or 24 bit and 48 kHz
- sensor-read out 2x faster than C300, less rolling shutter
Lots of nice features. Cant wait to get my hands on one. Like the original C300 many people where disappointed with the specifications so I’m waiting to see the image of the C300 MKII before passing to much judgement but I do have to say Canon has more competition these days and price will be one factor that users will take into consideration. The C300 MKII is loaded with tools and features any DP or camera operator will love. The Dual Pixel AF is so dang awesome and now the target can be moved around making it the most useful AF tool on the market. It can even assist manual focus lenses with new tools to help get the shot in focus. Moving up to 4K 10 bit and a huge 410 Mbps data rate. Impressive! Cant wait to get my hands on one.
To learn more visit this site. More news will be available soon as this is the first release.
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Filed in: C300 • Camera News • Canon • Canon Cinema EOS • Featured Post • New Release
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Very impressive! Seems to be feature film ready. Canon was saying that they did not think the $9900 Sony FS7 was competition.
When you say you expect it to drop what do you mean by that? Do you mean by September it will drop? And if so, if you pre-order now will you have to pay the 16K or will you only have to pay the updated amount? I tried to look into what c300 did and I know it launched at 20K and dropped but can’t remember when. I’m inches from pulling the trigger on this but if the price does drop 1K – 2K I’d like to be part of that.
Whats your thoughts?
I do think the price will be. I hope will be $2K less.
Yeah I would hope so. I’d still buy it for the 16K but hate to buy it in the next week or two then have it drop 2K before I even get it in hand!
Hi Erik! i have been inspired by your commercial work for sure…I’m learning more every day…
I feel ready to move up a bit with my production gear and after enjoying
my Canon XF300 (small sensor) and Canon 70D with a Sigma 18-35mm f1.9 I’m considering getting a C series camera…
there are some used C100 and C300 for sale now (I’m in Toronto-Canada), but I feel that the C100 mkii would be better than even a C300…I can’t afford a C300 mkii so let’s not go there..
I would like do so some minor slow mo for cinematic purposes and I think the new C100 mkii will get me close at 1080 60p…
4K is not a consideration at this point..
I’m not crazy about the AVCHD codec (I use mostly FCP 7 with my XF300 MPEG2 and I transcode my 70D to pro res LT)…I always have issues with AVCHD…my mac doesn’t even read them..or maybe is me…
and I don’t want to add a ninja 2 to the set up…
hmmm…what would you suggest Erik? sorry to bother you! and thanks for the awesome reviews and articles!
Erick
in Toronto-Canada
I think you are on the the right track!
The C100 MKII has pretty much all the problems fixed that I didnt like with the original. I wish the codec was better. The Atomos Star is very popular with C100 shooters. Very small and from I hear reliable. Check it out. If you can swing it the upgraded C100 MKII is worth it. The viewfinder alone is worth it. I just struggled with C100’s. Had to always use a Zacuto EVF outside. I’m a external monitor user so when I can I set one up but outdoors it can be tough. 60P at 1080 is very nice. For most people I would think it gives you a little drama slowmo to play with. Hang in their for a few weeks and see what shakes out at NAB. Prices are going to fall for the older models so even with the flaws a great deal could be had and a good EVF can be added. Good luck and thanks for the kind words.
thanks for the advice Erik.I think a C100 mkii might just be the way to go. Might be a better investment for 2-3 years. Time to save my pennies and do more lifestyle videos this Summer!
thanks for the sensible advice! and your work speaks for itself.
take care
E