Canon USA has announced the EOS C400, a cinema camera with the native RF mount and a full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor.
Canon has also announced its first mount adapter, the PL-RF, and an RF mount version of its CINE-SERVO 17-120mm cinema lens. Details about this mount adaptor are below.
The Canon Cinema EOS C400 full-frame RF mount camera is scheduled for release in September 2024 with an estimated retail price of $7,999.00. The CINE-SERVO 17-120mm is scheduled for release in October 2024 with an estimated retail price of $23,850.00. The Mount Adapter PL-RF is scheduled for release in September 2024 with an estimated retail price of $1,599.00.
“Canon is excited to partner with NVIDIA to bring its new 3D printers to market,” said Brian Maher, senior vice president and general manager, Canon USA.
Equipped with a back-illuminated stacked sensor
The Canon EOS C400 camera is the first Cinema EOS system to feature a newly developed 6K full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Triple base ISO ensures stunning images in a wide range of lighting conditions. Base ISO of 800, 3200 and 12,800 maximize the camera’s dynamic range.
The EOS C400 camera’s sensor supports Canon’s next-generation Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, Dual Pixel AF II. The back-illuminated stacked arrangement improves light capture efficiency and increases the area of the sensor that can be used for autofocus. The sensor also achieves faster readout speeds and improved 4K image quality with 6K oversampling.
6K60P full frame recording in 12-bit Cinema RAW Light
The EOS C400 camera is capable of recording up to 6K60P full frame in 12-bit Cinema RAW Light. By changing the sensor mode, you can record 4K RAW at up to 120fps and 2K RAW at up to 180fps. This is all recorded in Canon’s latest Cinema RAW Light, and you can choose between three different recording modes depending on your file size preferences and workflow.
For other recording, the camera supports the industry-standard XF-AVC codec developed by Canon, which supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with oversampling from the 6K sensor, creating rich detail and smooth images at frame rates up to 120P without cropping the image from the sensor.
Canon is introducing two new recording codecs for the EOS C400 camera: XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S. These formats record in the familiar MP4 format, preserve metadata, and feature an easy-to-manage system and folder structure.
All of these options are recorded to the camera’s CFexpress slot, and the SD card slot offers sub recording and proxy options, even when shooting RAW.
Supports live production
For live production, the EOS C400 camera body features a variety of output and input interfaces. These interfaces include a dedicated 12-pin lens terminal for broadcast and cine-servo lenses, mini XLR audio input, DIN connectors for timecode, genlock and return video, 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI monitor outputs, full size HDMI output, built in Wi-Fi connectivity, ethernet and even IP streaming of video and audio via the SRT protocol.
For those looking to control the camera remotely, the Ethernet port or Wi-Fi connection can be used for remote control, including support for the Canon Multi Camera Control app, Browser Remote Control, or Canon RC-IP100 or RC-IP1000 controllers using the included XC protocol.
The EOS C400 camera also provides per-frame metadata in real-time and in post-production to support virtual production workflows, and is compatible with Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE for 180° VR shooting.
Triple-Base ISO Innovation
One of the standout features of the EOS C400 is its triple-base ISO technology. This innovation surpasses the conventional dual-native ISO seen in many high-end video cameras. The camera can operate at base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12800. These ISO settings providing incredible dynamic range and flexibility in various lighting conditions.
Extensive Connectivity Options
The EOS C400 is designed for versatility, offering a wide range of connectivity options. These include a full-size HDMI port, mini-XLR inputs, DIN connectors for timecode and genlock, 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI monitor outputs, and an ethernet port. The camera also features integrated Wi-Fi and supports video and audio IP streaming via SRT. Remote control is available through Canon’s RC-IP100 or RC-IP1000 controllers, the Canon Multi-Camera Control app, or browser remotes.
CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Cinema Lens
This latest cinema lens from Canon adds the benefits of a native RF mount to their CINE-SERVO line. The extra pins in the RF mount allow for increased communication with RF-mount cameras like the EOS C400, enabling autofocus, distortion correction and metadata output for virtual production. The lens is available in RF and PL mount, with the PL mount version supporting ZEISS eXtended Data and ARIA (Automatic Restoration of Light Attenuation).
The new drive unit for this lens, the e-Xs V, improves focus and iris speed, enables focus breathing compensation, and features a USB-C connector for copying drive unit configurations.
PL-RF mount adapter
Canon will also introduce a newly developed mount adapter, the PL-RF. This adapter opens up a wide range of PL mount lenses to the EOS C400 camera. The adapter uses Cooke /i Technology to maintain compatibility of metadata communication between the camera and the lens. It also comes with a lock plate to achieve maximum mount strength.
