In a Hollywood event that included Martin Scorcese and many other filmmakers, Canon unveiled its foray into digital film making – the C300 Cinema EOS camera. Film makers have been infatuated with Canon’s HD DSLR cameras ever since Canon introduced HD video capability in its 5D Mark II. But the 5D Mark II was really just a still image camera with video capability tacked on as an afterthought. Now Canon is capitalizing on its video success with a series of cameras dedicated to the digital film maker.
The C300 cameras will include a sensor optimized for video capture (8.3MP 2160×3840 Super-35 CMOS sensor) and a more full featured support system (external LCD monitor, XLR audio units, side grips). Exposure and focus controls are fully manual. These features, and the $20,000 price tag, mean that these cameras are meant for professional film makers.
Along with the cameras, several lenses were introduced, including 24, 50, and 85mm prime lenses along with 14.5-60mm and 30-300mm zoom lenses. While these lenses will have EF mounts and could presumably be used on consumer cameras, the lenses will have stratospheric prices ranging from $6800 to $45,000, putting them out of reach for the normal photographer.
It appears that the C300 is just the first in a series of cameras designed with the film makers in mind. Canon has also announced development of a new DSLR camera with enhanced video features, including 4k resolution.
For a sampling of the video capabilities of these cameras, check out this sample video from Vincent Laforet, the Pulitzer Prize winning photographer and film maker:
Mobius from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.
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