Canon has unveiled the Cinema EOS C80, the successor to the popular EOS C70. It now features a full-frame 6K BSI sensor, which allows users to shoot 6K RAW video at up to 30 fps and offers triple the base ISO. The Canon C80 includes an enhanced autofocus system, a 12G-SDI video output, a full-size HDMI port, a multi-function connector, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
The EOS C70, released four years ago, gained popularity among content creators as one of the most compact models in Canon’s Cinema Camera line. The Canon C80 builds on this legacy as a ‘bigger brother’ to the C70, sharing similar dimensions of 160 x 116 mm but standing taller at 138 mm due to the addition of a 12G-SDI port on top. Weighing 1.31 kg (body only), the C80 is compatible with DJI RS 3/4 Pro gimbals.
Key Features
- Full-Frame 6K BSI CMOS Sensor: Captures high-resolution video with exceptional detail.
- Built-in ND Filters: Up to 10 stops for versatile lighting control.
- Audio Inputs: Two mini-XLR, one 3.5mm mic input, and a 3.5mm headphone output with 24-bit/48 kHz recording quality.
- Connectivity: USB-C, full-size HDMI 2.0, and a BNC time code port on the front.
- Storage: Dual SD UHS-II memory card slots for expanded storage and backup options.
- Stabilization: Digital image stabilization is available, though it does not work in Cinema RAW Light mode.
- External Monitor Compatibility: No built-in electronic viewfinder, but includes a locking connector for external monitors or viewfinders.
- Multi-Functional Shoe: Connects external accessories like the TASCAM CA-XLR-2d-C audio adapter and Canon DM-E1D microphone without cables.
- Remote Control: Ethernet port supports connection to RC-IP1000/RC-IP100 remote controls, with the ability to manage up to 20 cameras via the Remote Camera Controller app using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
- Triple Base ISO: Offers options of Canon Log 2, Log 3, or RAW (ISO 800, 3200, and 12800) and BT.709 standards for flexible shooting in different lighting conditions.
The C80 is powered by new BP-A30N and BP-A60N batteries. It remains compatible with older BP-A30/BP-A60 models, though these do not support the multi-function shoe.
Design and Build
The Canon C80 features a smaller removable top handle that mounts with a single 1/4″-20 screw and anti-twist pins. However, it does not include a multi-function shoe. It has a brighter 3.5-inch flip-out touchscreen display and includes a new locking mechanism. The Canon RF camera offers multiple mounting points. It includes a 3/8″-16 point at the bottom and 1/4″-20 points on the sides for vertical shooting.
Recording Formats
- Internal Recording: Supports 12-bit 6K Cinema RAW Light (6000 x 3164) up to 30P at 639 Mbps in RAW LT mode. Reducing resolution to 4368 x 2304 allows frame rates up to 60P.
- New Codecs: XF-HEVC S and XF-AVC S codecs offer smaller file sizes in the .MP4 format, maintaining compatibility with Cinema RAW Light and XF-AVC metadata and file structures.
- High-Quality 4K Recording: Internal XF-AVC recording in 10-bit 4:2:2, up to 4K60P in Intra-Frame mode, and 120P in Long-GOP mode. All non-RAW 4K recordings are oversampled from the full 6K sensor readout.
- High Frame Rate Options: Achieves up to 180P at resolutions up to 2048 x 1080 and 1920 x 1080 in 10-bit 4:2:2 XF-AVC.
- Proxy Recording: Offers Long GOP 4:2:0 8-bit proxy options.
Utilizing dual UHS-II SD cards instead of CFexpress Type B, the Canon C80 achieves a maximum bitrate of 639 Mbps. This dual-card setup enables redundant recording for backup and other advanced features.
Autofocus Capabilities
The Canon C80 employs the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system with EOS iTR AF X technology. It uses 100% of the image sensor, enhancing speed and accuracy compared to the EOS C70. It offers recognition for people and animals (dogs and cats), with eye, face, head, and body recognition for people. The autofocus system includes 10 speed settings and 7 response settings to adjust sensitivity.
Canon EOS C80 price and release date
The Canon EOS C80 is a versatile super 35 cinema camera that is now available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com for $5,499. Additionally, shipping is set to begin on November 29, 2024.
