Canon EOS C80 Cinema Camera Officially Announced

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Canon has officially announced the EOS C80, a new addition to its Cinema EOS lineup that represents a fusion of high-end cinema capabilities with the flexibility and ease of a mirrorless-style body. Aimed at professional filmmakers and content creators, the EOS C80 is built around a 26-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and employs the RF lens mount, a choice that positions it as a versatile tool for both studio and on-location shooting. This new camera effectively succeeds the EOS C70, bringing a host of advanced features and enhancements to the table.

Canon EOS C80 Cinema Camera: $5,499 at B&H, Adorama.

Key Features

  • 6K FF Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor
  • 6K30, DCI 4K/2K, UHD 4K120 S35 Recording
  • Full Frame and Super35 Modes
  • 12G-SDI and HDMI Simultaneous Output
  • Triple-Base ISO: 800, 3200, 12,800
  • Cinema Raw Light LT, HEVC, AVC Codecs
  • 16+ Stops of Total Dynamic Range
  • Dual-Pixel CMOS AF II, Built-In NDs
  • 1 x BNC Timecode, 2 x Mini-XLR Audio In
  • 2 x SD Card Slots, LUT/Long GOP Support

A Natural Successor: Replacing the EOS C70

The EOS C80 takes over from the Canon EOS C70, which was particularly popular with independent filmmakers and small production companies. While the EOS C70 utilized a smaller Super 35mm sensor, it offered an EF-to-RF 0.71x optical adapter, essentially functioning as a speed booster to achieve full-frame-equivalent coverage. With the C80, Canon moves toward a full-frame sensor, offering a wider field of view and improved low-light performance, thus addressing one of the main limitations of its predecessor.

Sensor and ISO Capabilities: Enhanced Performance in Diverse Lighting

At the heart of the EOS C80 is a 26MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, capable of capturing video at resolutions up to 6K. This sensor features a triple-base ISO design, offering three distinct ISO settings: 800, 3200, and 12,800. This configuration utilizes dual gain technology, which switches between different readout paths to balance dynamic range and noise performance. Essentially, one mode is optimized for handling higher peak dynamic ranges with less tolerance for low light, while another is designed for low-light shooting with minimal noise. The EOS C80 introduces a third readout option that extends this trade-off further, providing more flexibility for filmmakers working in a range of lighting conditions. Canon has hinted at more technical details to come, which could reveal even more about the C80’s capabilities.

Autofocus: Upgraded Dual Pixel AF II for Precise Focus Tracking

The C80 benefits from Canon’s latest Dual Pixel AF II autofocus system, which significantly enlarges the area of the sensor used for autofocus. This system, similar to the one found in the flagship Cinema EOS C400, supports advanced subject tracking for both people and animals. The faster readout speed of the sensor contributes to quicker and more responsive autofocus performance, a crucial feature for filmmakers working with fast-moving subjects or dynamic scenes.

An intriguing new addition to the autofocus system is a feature that enhances the ability to rack focus between subjects. When the camera is tracking a person, the user can manually take control using the lens focus ring. Once the system detects that it is close to focusing on a new subject, it will automatically switch to tracking that subject once the manual focus control is released. This combination of manual and automatic focus provides filmmakers with greater creative control over their shots.

Connectivity and Build: Versatility for Professional Use

The EOS C80 comes with a comprehensive array of connectivity options to accommodate professional workflows. It includes 12G-SDI terminals for outputting uncompressed video signals, full-sized HDMI-out, dual mini XLR audio inputs, and a 3.5mm microphone jack, providing robust audio and video connectivity. Additional features like a time code terminal and Canon’s multi-function shoe, which supports a range of accessories, further enhance the camera’s adaptability in various shooting scenarios. For added convenience, the camera includes both a traditional 1/4″-20 tripod thread on the base and an additional one on top, allowing for a broader range of mounting options.

Video Capabilities: Flexible Format Choices and Advanced Codecs

The EOS C80 supports a wide range of video formats and codecs, designed to meet the diverse needs of professional filmmakers. It captures video up to 6K/30p using the full width of its sensor and up to 4K/60p with a Super 35mm crop using Canon’s Cinema RAW Light (LT) codec. While it does not support Canon’s higher bit rate Cinema RAW formats (HQ and ST), it can handle write speeds with dual SD UHS-II memory cards efficiently.

The camera also supports compressed codecs like Canon’s XF-AVC, XF-HEVC S, and XF-AVC S, which can record up to 4K/60p (downsampled from 6K) in 4:2:2 10-bit color, offering both All-I and Long-GOP formats. This flexibility ensures that filmmakers can choose the codec that best suits their project requirements, whether for broadcast, web, or cinema. Slow-motion enthusiasts will also appreciate the C80’s support for frame rates up to 4K/120p and 2K/180p, with autofocus functionality supported up to 120p.

Additional Features: Anamorphic Support and Vertical Video Interface

In keeping with current industry trends, the EOS C80 offers robust support for anamorphic lenses, with de-squeeze options for 2.0x, 1.8x, and 1.3x lenses. Additionally, Canon has introduced a new vertical shooting interface, catering to filmmakers who need to create content specifically for social media platforms or other vertical formats.

Power and Battery Life: Extended Recording Times

The C80 is powered by two new battery options: the BP-A30N, which ships with the camera and provides up to 170 minutes of continuous recording, and the BP-A60N, offering up to 335 minutes of recording time. Notably, the previous versions of these batteries will remain compatible with the C80, though with slightly reduced operating times.

Pricing and Availability

Canon has set a suggested retail price of $5,499 for the EOS C80, positioning it as a compelling choice for both professional and independent filmmakers seeking a high-performance cinema camera at a relatively accessible price point. The camera is expected to be available from November 2024.

Conclusion: A Powerful New Tool for Filmmakers

Overall, the Canon EOS C80 represents a significant step forward for Canon’s Cinema EOS line. With its full-frame sensor, advanced autofocus capabilities, and versatile video formats, it offers a powerful new tool for filmmakers looking to push the boundaries of their craft. The camera’s extensive connectivity options, enhanced ergonomics, and battery life improvements make it well-suited for a wide range of production environments, from independent projects to larger-scale studio work. As it prepares for release, the EOS C80 is poised to become a favorite among filmmakers looking for the best combination of performance, flexibility, and value.