Canon has unveiled the EOS C400 cinema camera

Canon has unveiled the EOS C400 cinema camera, a cutting-edge addition to their EOS lineup, aimed at filmmakers and live production professionals. This new model boasts a native RF-mount and features a full-frame, back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. Alongside the EOS C400, Canon introduces the MOUNT ADAPTER PL-RF and an RF-mount version of the award-winning CINE-SERVO 17-120mm cinema lens.

The EOS C400 is equipped with a newly developed 6K full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, designed to deliver exceptional image quality under diverse lighting conditions. With triple-base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12,800, the camera maximizes its dynamic range. Additionally, it supports the next generation of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, enhancing autofocus efficiency and broadening the usable sensor area for autofocusing.

Recording options are expansive, with the EOS C400 capable of recording in 6K full frame up to 60p in 12-bit Cinema RAW Light. It can also switch to 4K RAW up to 120fps and 2K RAW up to 180fps. The camera includes Canon’s XF-AVC codec for 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, leveraging the 6K sensor for detailed and smooth imagery. New recording formats, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S, offer familiar MP4 formats while maintaining metadata, simplifying the workflow. All recordings are stored on the camera’s CFexpress slot, with sub-recording and proxy options available on the SD Card slot for simultaneous recording.

Designed for live production, the EOS C400 features a 12-pin lens terminal, mini-XLR audio inputs, DIN connectors, 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI monitor outputs, and a full-size HDMI output, among other interfaces. It supports IP streaming with SRT protocol and can be controlled remotely via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios. The camera also supports frame-by-frame metadata for virtual production workflows and is compatible with Canon’s RF5.2mm F2.8 L dual fisheye lens for 180-degree VR shooting.

Canon’s new CINE-SERVO 17-120mm cinema lens comes in RF or PL mount configurations, with the RF version enhancing communication with the EOS C400 for autofocus, distortion correction, and metadata output. The lens features the new e-Xs V servo drive unit for improved focus and iris speed and includes a USB-C connector for configuration copying. The MOUNT ADAPTER PL-RF allows for the use of PL mount lenses on the EOS C400, supporting Cooke i/Technology metadata communication.

Canon’s EOS C400 cinema camera will be available in September 2024 for $7,999, while the CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lens will be available in October 2024 for $23,850. The MOUNT ADAPTER PL-RF will also be released in September 2024, priced at $1,599. These additions underscore Canon’s commitment to providing high-quality, versatile tools for filmmakers and videographers.