A lens and recording media are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase the lens and recording media that best suit your needs.
The Canon EOS C100 EF Cinema Camera (Body Only) inherits the design concept of the EOS C300, which put DSLR quality video in a groundbreaking form factor with the key features of a more traditional video camera. The C100 has been optimized for run-and-gun and one-man-band style shooting, a specialty of event videographers, documentarians and independent filmmakers. This camera is about 15% smaller than the C300, and yet its 1080p image will hold-up nicely beside that of the more expensive camera. The C100 even has a few features not found in the C300, like One Shot AF, Push Auto Iris, a built-in microphone and non-compression HDMI out with superimposed timecode and 2:3 pull down marker.
| Lens Mount | Canon EF mount with EF contacts |
| Image Sensor | Super 35mm CMOS (24.6 x 13.8 mm) (28.2 mm diagonal) |
| Processor | DIGIC DV III |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 9.84 megapixels (4206 x 2340) |
| Effective Pixels | Approx. 8.29 megapixels (3840 x 2160 pixels) |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1000 TV lines |
| Minimum Subject Illumination |
59.94 Hz: 0.3 lux 50 Hz: 0.25 lux |
| Recording Format |
Compression: MPEG-4, AVC/H.264 File Format: AVCHD Color Space: 4:2:0 SD down Conversion: MPEG2 |
| Signal System | NTSC and PAL |
| Video Record Mode |
24 Mbps LPCM: 1920 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25 24 Mbps: 1920 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25 17 Mbps: 1920 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25 7 Mbps: 1440 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25 |
| Audio Record Mode |
24 Mbps Mode: Linear PCM; 2-Channel; 16-Bit; 48 kHz All Other Modes: Dolby Digital AC3 |
| Recording Media | 2 SDHC/SDXC card slots |
| Maximum Recording Time |
With an 2GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 10 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 15 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 35 minutes With an 4GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 20 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 30 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 1 hours 10 minutes With an 6GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 30 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 45 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 1 hour 45 minutes With an 8GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 40 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 1 hour 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 2 hours 20 minutes With an 12GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 1 hour 5 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 1 hour 30 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 3 hours 35 minutes With an 16GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 1 hour 25 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 2 hours 5 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 4 hours 45 minutes With an 32GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 2 hours 55 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 4 hours 10 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 9 hours 35 minutes With an 64GB SD Memory Card 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 5 hours 55 minutes 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080: 8 hours 20 minutes 7 Mbps 1440 x 1080: 19 hours 10 minutes |
| Simultaneous REC./Relay REC. | Yes |
| Slow/Fast Motion | No |
| Peripheral Illumination Correction | Yes (with EF lenses) |
| Focusing System |
Manual One-Shot AF AutoFocus (dependent on interchangeable lenses) |
| Shutter Speed | Max. 1/2000 sec. |
| ISO Range | 320 - 20,000 in 1-step and 1/3-step increments |
| Built-in ND Filter | Yes, manual operation type (OFF, 2 stops, 4 stops, 6 stops) |
| White Balance | AWB, Kelvin setting (2000K to 15000K), daylight, tungsten, set A, set B |
| Built-In Microphone | L/R Stereo electret condenser microphone |
| Audio Format | Dolby Digital/2 channel 48kHz linear PCM (24Mbps) |
| Auto Functions | ONE SHOT AF and PUSH AUTO IRIS provided for all EF mount lenses |
| Display |
LCD: 3.5-inch, 920k dots, vari-angle (100% coverage) EVF: 0.24-inch with an equivalent of 1,560,000 dots (100% coverage) |
| Outputs |
HDMI (Type A x1) 3.5mm Headphone mini-jack (x1) High Speed Mini-B USB (input/output x1) |
| Inputs |
XLR (x2) 3.5mm Microphone Jack (x1) High Speed Mini-B USB (input/output x1) |
| Remote Connection | LANC |
| Power Supply |
7.4 V DC (battery pack: BP-955) 8.4 V DC (DC IN) |
| Operating Temperature |
Performance requirements 32 - 104° F (0 - 40° C), 85% relative humidity Operating requirements: 32 - 113° F (0 - 45° C), 60% relative humidity |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Body with Thumb Rest: 5.3 x 6.7 x 5.1 in (13.5 x 17 x 12.9 cm) Body with Grip: 7.2 x 6.7 x 5.1 in (18.2 x 17 x 12.9 cm) W/ Thumb Rest and handle: 5.6 x 11.1 x 9.3 in (14.2 x 28.1 x 23.6 cm) W/ Grip and handle: 7.2 x 11.1 x 9.3 in (18.2 x 28.1 x 23.6 cm) |
| Weight |
Body only: approx. TBA lb. (TBA kg) Grip: approx. 8.1 oz (230 g) BP-955 Battery: 7.8 oz (220 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Don't Listen to the Armchair DPs
The C100 is a much derided camera on the internet but beloved among its users. I am among the latter.I shoot mostly corporate documentaries, event coverage, music videos, and the occasional commercial or ...Read complete review
The C100 is a much derided camera on the internet but beloved among its users. I am among the latter.I shoot mostly corporate documentaries, event coverage, music videos, and the occasional commercial or film. I've owned an EX3 and several DSLRs, but for the past three years have been mostly a renter. I own a 550D and a bunch of great canon glass, in addition to a lot of accessories and support for my DSLR.In early 2013 I rented this camera and knew it was the one to put my cash down on. Usability is fantastic - very ergonomic, great audio control, effective modular design, and all of the features you need to shoot video with confidence. Waveform, peaking, and record magnify are all much welcome addition for DSLR shooters. Not to mention on board NDs and dual slot recording. All are much needed for professionals.The image is so much better than a DSLR it is crazy. Dynamic range is much improved (especially in the wide dynamic range profile - my personal favorite.) Sharpness is just astounding - here is a camera truly resolving 1080 lines of resolution and it's a beautiful thing. Also the low light capabilities are insane. The 5Diii can work at 6400+ ISO but loses all sharpness and detail, while introducing a lot of strange compression artifacts. The C100 is clean all the way up to 6400 and very usable all the way at 20,000. I love this for event shooting where I want a bit more depth of field and may run the ISO around 4000 or so in order to get an f8 or so.This camera has a very solid image. Don't listen to the detractors about the codec. I've used a C300 several times and the image is extremely close out of the camera, and holds up very well to basic grading. If you need a heavy grade, do a lot of chroma key, or plan to shoot everything in log mode, the C300 is noticeably a better codec. But you can always purchase a recorder such as the Ninja for those shoots, or even better rent it when you need it.There are some downsides. Codec creates a weird limitation where only 24p is a real usable option - at least for me because I edit in Premiere 6. 23.98 and 29.97 are only options in a PsF mode - a strange interlaced wrapper that I thought was rightfully discarded about 5 years ago. Why they went this route is very frustrating and I would kill for just regular 30p. Oh well. Clients won't really notice most of the time. 60i is also available and if you are even remotely decent in after effects this can get re-interpreted as 60p with little resolution loss. Actually I think it looks great, and this gives 40% slo-mo on a 1080 image.Also not a huge fan of the LCD or VF. Resolution is good on both but LCD can't be reversed for when you need to film yourself and watch the camera at the same time. Otherwise I like it. EVF is useable but not nearly as ergonomic as the rest of the camera, and not easy to use when handholding.For me, the price is right on this one. You can use great canon glass (make sure to use IS lenses, especially on your 70-200s.) Image is exactly what you need for most practical applications. And it is designed to work flexibly in a lot of different production environments. If I did exclusively commercial/film work the RED Scarlet would be a no brainer but for a Chicago corporate guy this thing is the bomb.If you are the kind of shooter getting a lot of work but still cutting it on DSLRs this is the camera to get. It will earn its keep in spades. Don't fool around with dual system audio or a bunch of peripherals - if one moving part goes down you are lost and that's a bad place to be. With this camera everything you need is at your fingertips, easy to reach, and very functional. Buy it.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Amazing IQ But Serious Omissions
Using this for short films, commercials and events. I gave it 3 stars. With future firmware updates, it has the potential to be 5 stars but as is and at its price point ...Read complete review
Using this for short films, commercials and events. I gave it 3 stars. With future firmware updates, it has the potential to be 5 stars but as is and at its price point I have to give it 3 stars.
Image Quality.
The image quality and dynamic range are fantastic - in my opinion, straight out of the camera, they're better than anything else out there in this price range and below. I'm getting 11-12 stops in Wide DR range and I can cut footage together without grading. It lives up to the hype and then some.
Many were taken with BMCC vs 5D mark III comparisons that showed how the the BMCC out-resolved the 5D and retained highlights that are blown by the 5D. Well, what I'd like to see is that same comparison with the C100, because as I compare the C100 to the 5D, it's a similar difference.
The high iso is impressive, but I'm getting noticeable noise at ISO 3200 and above.
Audio.
Using a RODE NTG-3 on camera, connected to the XLR port with phantom power, the audio is amazing - clean with lots of gain. The auto feature is also very organic and natural. Handle built-in stereo mics are OK but not as good as built-in mics on the XA10.
Limited Auto.
Purists don't like auto-ISO, but for event shooters, having auto ISO smoothly adjust exposure automatically as the light changes suddenly (for example a stage play where a dark scene changes to a fully lit scene) is VERY valuable and I use it on all my other cameras all the time. Auto ISO is ABSENT from this camera. Why??? Not auto exposure, either. For filmmaking, people turn those features off but for event and run and gun, sometimes you NEED these features. Canon, please add auto iso and auto exposure in future firmware updates! Please, please!
White balance.
Leaves much to be desired. The AWB doesn't perform well and there are not the great WB presets present on all other DSLRs. DSLRs have Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, etc. This camera only has AWB, Daylight, Tungsten and two custom. The custom requires the entire frame to be filled. This is not practical for event shooters and very disappointing.
Customizability.
Canon really listened in this regard. You can have many, many different viewfinder options that show various industry-standard crops, peaking, zebra, wave-form monitor, and even independently adjust contrast so that when shooting log you can get a better idea of what your final shot may look like. All the buttons can be reassigned but you'll need to get tape and re-label them all.
Modular? Not really.
The grip is fantastic and they've designed it to be able to use it without the grip and the handle but you can't really shoot that way. Without the handle, you have no audio - unless you attach another mic. Without the grip, you can't adjust basic settings. It's unforgivable that there's no built-in mic in the body. Obviously you don't want to use built-in audio from a DSLR for anything professional but there are plenty of times you need a small package and use only the built-in mic as a reference audio for syncing up with your boom or console audio later. Not even an option here as they didn't include.
Eye Viewfinder.
This is an example of Canon deliberately crippling this camera. The viewfinder is borderline unusable. It's too small for most people. While not too small for me, there's no eye cup to speak of and so it can't be used a stabilization point and light leaks into the VF in bright sun making it hard to use. They could have fixed this with $5 in parts.
One Shot Push Auto AF.
This is useless to me for all of my L lenses as it takes to the count of 3 to achieve focus and even if it does, it's a large square right in the middle, lacking any kind of precision.
Conclusion.
This is a camera with amazing potential. Canon has positioned it as an event, single camera operator camera but it really isn't. There are many options out there that are far better for R&G shooting.
That being said, the ergonomics are beautiful. The grip is amazing and the foot of the camera puts your hand in the perfect position to stabilize, zoom and focus. I find the buttons on the side difficult to access in handheld mode, and wish there were more assignable buttons near the trigger finger, like on the GH3.
The camera is, in my opinion, peerless. There aren't any other cameras at or below this price-point offering the combination of image-quality and ergonomics. If Canon would add some of the features I found missing and even a modest bump in codec bitrate to bring up to broadcast standards, this would be a 5-star cam.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I use this for smaller productions and it has all the bells and whistles I need.
The expandable audio xlr ports make keeping sound in sync very easy. The filters are really easy to switch for outside shots. The dual SD card slots give you extra security with your footage.
The only thing I wish it had was a higher color space, but the difference in price from the c100 to the c300 makes me prefer the c100 more.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I'm very happy with this purchase.Awesome for run and gun shooting but also great for narrative projects. Extreme low light sensitivity though shooting at 20,000 ISO not recommended! Would have preferred the C300, but the price point is just to high. With an HDMI out external recorder you can get 4:2:2 color space which ups the ante on what this camera can do.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I agonized over what pro camera that I was going to buy. Must haves, 422, 10 bit, light weight, flexible and easy to handhold. C100 had all but two. With the addition of Ninja2, it was the perfect doc/indie for the money. Images are amazing, especially with Canon log. Since purchasing this combo, my recent work has gained the attention from unlikely clients and has me booked solid for the next 6 months. People say that it's not the camera that makes a good film, it's the story and execution. I partly agree, but when you have the right tools and everything else in place, it's all about the image quality.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have to admit that I haven't used the camera's h.264 compression very much. It has its place for web-based video and other applications, but I started using this camera with a Ninja 2 recorder right away and the 10-bit, 220 mbs picture I'm getting using this setup is amazing. It really is the "poor man's" c300! It can be slightly cumbersome in this configuration, but attaching an Israeli arm or having an assistant hold the recorder while you film are all feasible options and worth the extra hassle.
That said, its native compression isn't bad at all; it's very, very good and I don't see why anyone would continue shooting with a DSLR with this line of camera available unless the c100 is too pricey or unless video is a secondary concern rather than a primary one. If I were going to stick to a DSLR, I'd purchase the 1DC, but using this camera for video and my Canon DSLRs for still photography is a perfect setup for me.
Everything you've read about the EVF is true: It's almost useless. Don't count on being able to use it for anything where precision is important. However, the camera's LCD monitor is fantastic, properly placed, and makes the need for the EVF unnecessary.
The camera is super light and its ergonomics are well designed. There's no problem at all holding this camera for extended periods.
The various picture profiles available are all very useful. The latitude is wonderful and the images can be properly and easily graded for wonderful finished results.
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
If you shoot video with a DSLR you should sell it and get a camera like this. The is a REAL video camera and is nothing short of amazing. It is missing some features like slo-mo, but WHO CARES! You can shoot all day with this camera and never have a problem. The recording is rock solid.The quality from this camera blows away any DSLR hands down. It's not even close.You won't lose footage, it won't overheat, the audio is great and it is simple to use.The viewfinder could be larger, but it does the job for quick reference.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have used the camera for the last 3 weeks filming wildlife in the upper midwest. The wide dynamic range feature has been great filming snow geese in evening light. Push button adjustment is an excellent feature. Fits in my Clik Elite Escape with 100-400 mm lens. Wish it had easier sound level adjustment. Using a Rode video mic I need to go into the menu to adjust levels.
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have an incredible camera with the XF300 but it was terrible in low lighting during live events. So I had to go on the hunt for an answer and I found it!
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have been filming with Canon 6D DSLR and have done the side to side comparison with the C100. The C100's picture is so much sharper. The overall picture quality is great and I couldn't be happier. Easy to use and handles much better than DSLR.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
The C100 is a much derided camera on the internet but beloved among its users. I am among the latter.I shoot mostly corporate documentaries, event coverage, music videos, and the occasional commercial or film. I've owned an EX3 and several DSLRs, but for the past three years have been mostly a renter. I own a 550D and a bunch of great canon glass, in addition to a lot of accessories and support for my DSLR.In early 2013 I rented this camera and knew it was the one to put my cash down on. Usability is fantastic - very ergonomic, great audio control, effective modular design, and all of the features you need to shoot video with confidence. Waveform, peaking, and record magnify are all much welcome addition for DSLR shooters. Not to mention on board NDs and dual slot recording. All are much needed for professionals.The image is so much better than a DSLR it is crazy. Dynamic range is much improved (especially in the wide dynamic range profile - my personal favorite.) Sharpness is just astounding - here is a camera truly resolving 1080 lines of resolution and it's a beautiful thing. Also the low light capabilities are insane. The 5Diii can work at 6400+ ISO but loses all sharpness and detail, while introducing a lot of strange compression artifacts. The C100 is clean all the way up to 6400 and very usable all the way at 20,000. I love this for event shooting where I want a bit more depth of field and may run the ISO around 4000 or so in order to get an f8 or so.This camera has a very solid image. Don't listen to the detractors about the codec. I've used a C300 several times and the image is extremely close out of the camera, and holds up very well to basic grading. If you need a heavy grade, do a lot of chroma key, or plan to shoot everything in log mode, the C300 is noticeably a better codec. But you can always purchase a recorder such as the Ninja for those shoots, or even better rent it when you need it.There are some downsides. Codec creates a weird limitation where only 24p is a real usable option - at least for me because I edit in Premiere 6. 23.98 and 29.97 are only options in a PsF mode - a strange interlaced wrapper that I thought was rightfully discarded about 5 years ago. Why they went this route is very frustrating and I would kill for just regular 30p. Oh well. Clients won't really notice most of the time. 60i is also available and if you are even remotely decent in after effects this can get re-interpreted as 60p with little resolution loss. Actually I think it looks great, and this gives 40% slo-mo on a 1080 image.Also not a huge fan of the LCD or VF. Resolution is good on both but LCD can't be reversed for when you need to film yourself and watch the camera at the same time. Otherwise I like it. EVF is useable but not nearly as ergonomic as the rest of the camera, and not easy to use when handholding.For me, the price is right on this one. You can use great canon glass (make sure to use IS lenses, especially on your 70-200s.) Image is exactly what you need for most practical applications. And it is designed to work flexibly in a lot of different production environments. If I did exclusively commercial/film work the RED Scarlet would be a no brainer but for a Chicago corporate guy this thing is the bomb.If you are the kind of shooter getting a lot of work but still cutting it on DSLRs this is the camera to get. It will earn its keep in spades. Don't fool around with dual system audio or a bunch of peripherals - if one moving part goes down you are lost and that's a bad place to be. With this camera everything you need is at your fingertips, easy to reach, and very functional. Buy it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Only giving four stars because of the limited options of frame rate. Other than that its a great camera. Really easy to work with. The AVCHD files hold very well in post. Cine-Log and Dynamic range awesome. Great low light and audio. No more syncing audio in post from a external recorder. Great image details. I'm keeping mine. If you do green screen work a external recorder is a great call.
Eyepiece is useless. I shoot a three days sports event with this camera and the pictures where great.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Upgrading from a 5DIII for video and just love this camera. The quality is awesome and it is easy to use right out of the box. There is a much better dynamic range with this unit and I also felt in low light it performed much better. I don't need to be as high in ISO compared to the 5D.
The camera is well balanced and when you add a lens just feels right in your hands.
The double magnification really helps. You can clearly see if you are in focus. Being able to use all my L lenses is also a plus. This si truly a great camera. I read a lot of reviews both positive and negative and spent a lot of time researching it out. FInally, I decided to just buy the unit and I am really glad I did. It is an awesome unit. I have taken a lot fo video at low light or in bad lighting and I am extremely impressed. I will use this for weddings and commerical work. It is only 1080 at 60i but I am ok with that. 60p would have been better but for me 60i will work. It is not 2k or 4k but again right now I don;t need it and dont want to make the large investment to jump to 4k.
The other issue would be the view finder but I rarely use that so less of an issue for me. I agree the viewfinder is not well designed.
It does have the auto focus though I prefer manual focus.
This is a massive step up from my other video cameras and 5Diii (which I like).
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Upgraded from an AF100 to the canon C100 and I love the ergonomics of this camera and the image quality it produces. Many helpful tools as well, adjustable peaking, waveform, zebras, ND filters, etc.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
If you're looking at this camera you probably know its limitations: no slow-motion, a lackluster viewfinder and odd placement of the LCD screen, etc. Now let's get to the good stuff: Stellar picture quality, amazing low-light capabilities, and, despite the viewfinder and LCD quirks noted earlier, spectacular ergonomics. This camera is solid and when you pick it up it just feels "right." I've shot with many video cameras over the years, including DLSRs, the AG-AF100, the NEX-FS100 and even Sony's wonderful but underrated little NEX-VG20. The C100 is expensive, but for documentary and corporate work, and I think even narrative, this is a solid step up.
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I use this product for producing live music videos, interviews, and documentariesPros - Great low light, great color, doesn't require color correction if your in a pinch. Cons - Heavy. Highly suggest using canon IS lenses. Other canon lenses will work but I would use a mono pod or tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I was very hesitant to spend so much on a camera at first, but after putting it in your hands and using it, you will understand why it's so good. The form factor is slightly heavier than say a 5D Mark III(which I sold so I could get the C100), but the image that comes out of this thing is far superior to any DSLR on the market. It is razor sharp. Not to mention, it actually has all the "Video" features that you would need for a production; XLR, peaking, zebras, etc.
I absolutely love the attachable grip as it makes the camera completely handheld. The grip has a joystick on it that you can use to control almost all aspects of the camera(even while you are SHOOTING!)
I do a lot of documentary work, freelance shooting for weddings, interviews, and the occasional shorts, but with the Canon C-Log and the Wide DR profiles, you could really use this camera in the industry. It is an absolute pleasure to deal with and I would buy it again if I didn't already have one. Thanks Canon for listening to all the short comings of the DSLR world and making a camera that does everything I need it to and so much more!
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I just recently used this to make my first wedding video and the image looks spectacular when paired with a great lens. If I had to do it over again I would still get this camera.
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I've been using the C100 for Weddings, and Corporate Videos and its been an outstanding addition to my Canon collection. The design is simple, with easy to use features. The picture has amazing clarity. The colors really pop on the wide dynamic range setting, and Cinema Style makes it easy to color grade in post. This is by far the best low light camera I've ever gotten my hands on. I did find it quite hard to get focus and judge light properly in the bright sun with the LCD monitor. The zebra feature makes thus easier though. I love this camera, it made me excited about video again.
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have tried all of the cameras in this price range, including the Sony FS700. In my opinion, this camera is without equal.
Before purchasing the camera, I managed to snag a meeting with the consultant who produces all of the Canon videos introducing every new camera. He is a specialist in the EOS line and especially in the C300 and now C100. We went over each and every feature of the camera including settings and the individual picture profiles. Prior to this meeting, I had always avoided the cameras with no full automatic features, quite frankly because I was scared to "man up". No longer. This is a very easy camera to learn.
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I haven't really put this through its proper paces yet, but to me the image looks indistinguishable from the C300, which is to say it looks great. Surely no one here seeks a treatment on AVCHD, and if you need more you know where to look. The ergonomics are excellent, it's very light and feels good handheld with the the grip (which is necessary for full operational control). The LCD screen is sufficient, although not in direct sun. I prefer using the EVF, which has taken some flack on this camera. I was happy to discover that the optics of the EVF are perfectly fine, although it leaves one wanting for a much better eyecup. Bluestar has some solutions ready to go (they recommend extra small round) although I'll be keeping my eyes for a more robust solution I'm sure. The removable handle seems stronger than the C300's. Already three people have asked me when I was going to take a picture, unaware I was shooting video!
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Transitioning from DSLR's to the C series has been so painless. This camera is easy to operate, light weight, and versatile.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Don't Listen to the Armchair DPs
The C100 is a much derided camera on the internet but beloved among its users. I am among the latter.I shoot mostly corporate documentaries, event coverage, music videos, and the occasional commercial or ...Read complete review
The C100 is a much derided camera on the internet but beloved among its users. I am among the latter.I shoot mostly corporate documentaries, event coverage, music videos, and the occasional commercial or film. I've owned an EX3 and several DSLRs, but for the past three years have been mostly a renter. I own a 550D and a bunch of great canon glass, in addition to a lot of accessories and support for my DSLR.In early 2013 I rented this camera and knew it was the one to put my cash down on. Usability is fantastic - very ergonomic, great audio control, effective modular design, and all of the features you need to shoot video with confidence. Waveform, peaking, and record magnify are all much welcome addition for DSLR shooters. Not to mention on board NDs and dual slot recording. All are much needed for professionals.The image is so much better than a DSLR it is crazy. Dynamic range is much improved (especially in the wide dynamic range profile - my personal favorite.) Sharpness is just astounding - here is a camera truly resolving 1080 lines of resolution and it's a beautiful thing. Also the low light capabilities are insane. The 5Diii can work at 6400+ ISO but loses all sharpness and detail, while introducing a lot of strange compression artifacts. The C100 is clean all the way up to 6400 and very usable all the way at 20,000. I love this for event shooting where I want a bit more depth of field and may run the ISO around 4000 or so in order to get an f8 or so.This camera has a very solid image. Don't listen to the detractors about the codec. I've used a C300 several times and the image is extremely close out of the camera, and holds up very well to basic grading. If you need a heavy grade, do a lot of chroma key, or plan to shoot everything in log mode, the C300 is noticeably a better codec. But you can always purchase a recorder such as the Ninja for those shoots, or even better rent it when you need it.There are some downsides. Codec creates a weird limitation where only 24p is a real usable option - at least for me because I edit in Premiere 6. 23.98 and 29.97 are only options in a PsF mode - a strange interlaced wrapper that I thought was rightfully discarded about 5 years ago. Why they went this route is very frustrating and I would kill for just regular 30p. Oh well. Clients won't really notice most of the time. 60i is also available and if you are even remotely decent in after effects this can get re-interpreted as 60p with little resolution loss. Actually I think it looks great, and this gives 40% slo-mo on a 1080 image.Also not a huge fan of the LCD or VF. Resolution is good on both but LCD can't be reversed for when you need to film yourself and watch the camera at the same time. Otherwise I like it. EVF is useable but not nearly as ergonomic as the rest of the camera, and not easy to use when handholding.For me, the price is right on this one. You can use great canon glass (make sure to use IS lenses, especially on your 70-200s.) Image is exactly what you need for most practical applications. And it is designed to work flexibly in a lot of different production environments. If I did exclusively commercial/film work the RED Scarlet would be a no brainer but for a Chicago corporate guy this thing is the bomb.If you are the kind of shooter getting a lot of work but still cutting it on DSLRs this is the camera to get. It will earn its keep in spades. Don't fool around with dual system audio or a bunch of peripherals - if one moving part goes down you are lost and that's a bad place to be. With this camera everything you need is at your fingertips, easy to reach, and very functional. Buy it.
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Amazing IQ But Serious Omissions
Using this for short films, commercials and events. I gave it 3 stars. With future firmware updates, it has the potential to be 5 stars but as is and at its price point ...Read complete review
Using this for short films, commercials and events. I gave it 3 stars. With future firmware updates, it has the potential to be 5 stars but as is and at its price point I have to give it 3 stars.
Image Quality.
The image quality and dynamic range are fantastic - in my opinion, straight out of the camera, they're better than anything else out there in this price range and below. I'm getting 11-12 stops in Wide DR range and I can cut footage together without grading. It lives up to the hype and then some.
Many were taken with BMCC vs 5D mark III comparisons that showed how the the BMCC out-resolved the 5D and retained highlights that are blown by the 5D. Well, what I'd like to see is that same comparison with the C100, because as I compare the C100 to the 5D, it's a similar difference.
The high iso is impressive, but I'm getting noticeable noise at ISO 3200 and above.
Audio.
Using a RODE NTG-3 on camera, connected to the XLR port with phantom power, the audio is amazing - clean with lots of gain. The auto feature is also very organic and natural. Handle built-in stereo mics are OK but not as good as built-in mics on the XA10.
Limited Auto.
Purists don't like auto-ISO, but for event shooters, having auto ISO smoothly adjust exposure automatically as the light changes suddenly (for example a stage play where a dark scene changes to a fully lit scene) is VERY valuable and I use it on all my other cameras all the time. Auto ISO is ABSENT from this camera. Why??? Not auto exposure, either. For filmmaking, people turn those features off but for event and run and gun, sometimes you NEED these features. Canon, please add auto iso and auto exposure in future firmware updates! Please, please!
White balance.
Leaves much to be desired. The AWB doesn't perform well and there are not the great WB presets present on all other DSLRs. DSLRs have Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, etc. This camera only has AWB, Daylight, Tungsten and two custom. The custom requires the entire frame to be filled. This is not practical for event shooters and very disappointing.
Customizability.
Canon really listened in this regard. You can have many, many different viewfinder options that show various industry-standard crops, peaking, zebra, wave-form monitor, and even independently adjust contrast so that when shooting log you can get a better idea of what your final shot may look like. All the buttons can be reassigned but you'll need to get tape and re-label them all.
Modular? Not really.
The grip is fantastic and they've designed it to be able to use it without the grip and the handle but you can't really shoot that way. Without the handle, you have no audio - unless you attach another mic. Without the grip, you can't adjust basic settings. It's unforgivable that there's no built-in mic in the body. Obviously you don't want to use built-in audio from a DSLR for anything professional but there are plenty of times you need a small package and use only the built-in mic as a reference audio for syncing up with your boom or console audio later. Not even an option here as they didn't include.
Eye Viewfinder.
This is an example of Canon deliberately crippling this camera. The viewfinder is borderline unusable. It's too small for most people. While not too small for me, there's no eye cup to speak of and so it can't be used a stabilization point and light leaks into the VF in bright sun making it hard to use. They could have fixed this with $5 in parts.
One Shot Push Auto AF.
This is useless to me for all of my L lenses as it takes to the count of 3 to achieve focus and even if it does, it's a large square right in the middle, lacking any kind of precision.
Conclusion.
This is a camera with amazing potential. Canon has positioned it as an event, single camera operator camera but it really isn't. There are many options out there that are far better for R&G shooting.
That being said, the ergonomics are beautiful. The grip is amazing and the foot of the camera puts your hand in the perfect position to stabilize, zoom and focus. I find the buttons on the side difficult to access in handheld mode, and wish there were more assignable buttons near the trigger finger, like on the GH3.
The camera is, in my opinion, peerless. There aren't any other cameras at or below this price-point offering the combination of image-quality and ergonomics. If Canon would add some of the features I found missing and even a modest bump in codec bitrate to bring up to broadcast standards, this would be a 5-star cam.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I use this for smaller productions and it has all the bells and whistles I need.
The expandable audio xlr ports make keeping sound in sync very easy. The filters are really easy to switch for outside shots. The dual SD card slots give you extra security with your footage.
The only thing I wish it had was a higher color space, but the difference in price from the c100 to the c300 makes me prefer the c100 more.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I'm very happy with this purchase.Awesome for run and gun shooting but also great for narrative projects. Extreme low light sensitivity though shooting at 20,000 ISO not recommended! Would have preferred the C300, but the price point is just to high. With an HDMI out external recorder you can get 4:2:2 color space which ups the ante on what this camera can do.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I agonized over what pro camera that I was going to buy. Must haves, 422, 10 bit, light weight, flexible and easy to handhold. C100 had all but two. With the addition of Ninja2, it was the perfect doc/indie for the money. Images are amazing, especially with Canon log. Since purchasing this combo, my recent work has gained the attention from unlikely clients and has me booked solid for the next 6 months. People say that it's not the camera that makes a good film, it's the story and execution. I partly agree, but when you have the right tools and everything else in place, it's all about the image quality.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have to admit that I haven't used the camera's h.264 compression very much. It has its place for web-based video and other applications, but I started using this camera with a Ninja 2 recorder right away and the 10-bit, 220 mbs picture I'm getting using this setup is amazing. It really is the "poor man's" c300! It can be slightly cumbersome in this configuration, but attaching an Israeli arm or having an assistant hold the recorder while you film are all feasible options and worth the extra hassle.
That said, its native compression isn't bad at all; it's very, very good and I don't see why anyone would continue shooting with a DSLR with this line of camera available unless the c100 is too pricey or unless video is a secondary concern rather than a primary one. If I were going to stick to a DSLR, I'd purchase the 1DC, but using this camera for video and my Canon DSLRs for still photography is a perfect setup for me.
Everything you've read about the EVF is true: It's almost useless. Don't count on being able to use it for anything where precision is important. However, the camera's LCD monitor is fantastic, properly placed, and makes the need for the EVF unnecessary.
The camera is super light and its ergonomics are well designed. There's no problem at all holding this camera for extended periods.
The various picture profiles available are all very useful. The latitude is wonderful and the images can be properly and easily graded for wonderful finished results.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
If you shoot video with a DSLR you should sell it and get a camera like this. The is a REAL video camera and is nothing short of amazing. It is missing some features like slo-mo, but WHO CARES! You can shoot all day with this camera and never have a problem. The recording is rock solid.The quality from this camera blows away any DSLR hands down. It's not even close.You won't lose footage, it won't overheat, the audio is great and it is simple to use.The viewfinder could be larger, but it does the job for quick reference.
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have used the camera for the last 3 weeks filming wildlife in the upper midwest. The wide dynamic range feature has been great filming snow geese in evening light. Push button adjustment is an excellent feature. Fits in my Clik Elite Escape with 100-400 mm lens. Wish it had easier sound level adjustment. Using a Rode video mic I need to go into the menu to adjust levels.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have an incredible camera with the XF300 but it was terrible in low lighting during live events. So I had to go on the hunt for an answer and I found it!
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have been filming with Canon 6D DSLR and have done the side to side comparison with the C100. The C100's picture is so much sharper. The overall picture quality is great and I couldn't be happier. Easy to use and handles much better than DSLR.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
The C100 is a much derided camera on the internet but beloved among its users. I am among the latter.I shoot mostly corporate documentaries, event coverage, music videos, and the occasional commercial or film. I've owned an EX3 and several DSLRs, but for the past three years have been mostly a renter. I own a 550D and a bunch of great canon glass, in addition to a lot of accessories and support for my DSLR.In early 2013 I rented this camera and knew it was the one to put my cash down on. Usability is fantastic - very ergonomic, great audio control, effective modular design, and all of the features you need to shoot video with confidence. Waveform, peaking, and record magnify are all much welcome addition for DSLR shooters. Not to mention on board NDs and dual slot recording. All are much needed for professionals.The image is so much better than a DSLR it is crazy. Dynamic range is much improved (especially in the wide dynamic range profile - my personal favorite.) Sharpness is just astounding - here is a camera truly resolving 1080 lines of resolution and it's a beautiful thing. Also the low light capabilities are insane. The 5Diii can work at 6400+ ISO but loses all sharpness and detail, while introducing a lot of strange compression artifacts. The C100 is clean all the way up to 6400 and very usable all the way at 20,000. I love this for event shooting where I want a bit more depth of field and may run the ISO around 4000 or so in order to get an f8 or so.This camera has a very solid image. Don't listen to the detractors about the codec. I've used a C300 several times and the image is extremely close out of the camera, and holds up very well to basic grading. If you need a heavy grade, do a lot of chroma key, or plan to shoot everything in log mode, the C300 is noticeably a better codec. But you can always purchase a recorder such as the Ninja for those shoots, or even better rent it when you need it.There are some downsides. Codec creates a weird limitation where only 24p is a real usable option - at least for me because I edit in Premiere 6. 23.98 and 29.97 are only options in a PsF mode - a strange interlaced wrapper that I thought was rightfully discarded about 5 years ago. Why they went this route is very frustrating and I would kill for just regular 30p. Oh well. Clients won't really notice most of the time. 60i is also available and if you are even remotely decent in after effects this can get re-interpreted as 60p with little resolution loss. Actually I think it looks great, and this gives 40% slo-mo on a 1080 image.Also not a huge fan of the LCD or VF. Resolution is good on both but LCD can't be reversed for when you need to film yourself and watch the camera at the same time. Otherwise I like it. EVF is useable but not nearly as ergonomic as the rest of the camera, and not easy to use when handholding.For me, the price is right on this one. You can use great canon glass (make sure to use IS lenses, especially on your 70-200s.) Image is exactly what you need for most practical applications. And it is designed to work flexibly in a lot of different production environments. If I did exclusively commercial/film work the RED Scarlet would be a no brainer but for a Chicago corporate guy this thing is the bomb.If you are the kind of shooter getting a lot of work but still cutting it on DSLRs this is the camera to get. It will earn its keep in spades. Don't fool around with dual system audio or a bunch of peripherals - if one moving part goes down you are lost and that's a bad place to be. With this camera everything you need is at your fingertips, easy to reach, and very functional. Buy it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Only giving four stars because of the limited options of frame rate. Other than that its a great camera. Really easy to work with. The AVCHD files hold very well in post. Cine-Log and Dynamic range awesome. Great low light and audio. No more syncing audio in post from a external recorder. Great image details. I'm keeping mine. If you do green screen work a external recorder is a great call.
Eyepiece is useless. I shoot a three days sports event with this camera and the pictures where great.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Upgrading from a 5DIII for video and just love this camera. The quality is awesome and it is easy to use right out of the box. There is a much better dynamic range with this unit and I also felt in low light it performed much better. I don't need to be as high in ISO compared to the 5D.
The camera is well balanced and when you add a lens just feels right in your hands.
The double magnification really helps. You can clearly see if you are in focus. Being able to use all my L lenses is also a plus. This si truly a great camera. I read a lot of reviews both positive and negative and spent a lot of time researching it out. FInally, I decided to just buy the unit and I am really glad I did. It is an awesome unit. I have taken a lot fo video at low light or in bad lighting and I am extremely impressed. I will use this for weddings and commerical work. It is only 1080 at 60i but I am ok with that. 60p would have been better but for me 60i will work. It is not 2k or 4k but again right now I don;t need it and dont want to make the large investment to jump to 4k.
The other issue would be the view finder but I rarely use that so less of an issue for me. I agree the viewfinder is not well designed.
It does have the auto focus though I prefer manual focus.
This is a massive step up from my other video cameras and 5Diii (which I like).
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Upgraded from an AF100 to the canon C100 and I love the ergonomics of this camera and the image quality it produces. Many helpful tools as well, adjustable peaking, waveform, zebras, ND filters, etc.
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
If you're looking at this camera you probably know its limitations: no slow-motion, a lackluster viewfinder and odd placement of the LCD screen, etc. Now let's get to the good stuff: Stellar picture quality, amazing low-light capabilities, and, despite the viewfinder and LCD quirks noted earlier, spectacular ergonomics. This camera is solid and when you pick it up it just feels "right." I've shot with many video cameras over the years, including DLSRs, the AG-AF100, the NEX-FS100 and even Sony's wonderful but underrated little NEX-VG20. The C100 is expensive, but for documentary and corporate work, and I think even narrative, this is a solid step up.
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I use this product for producing live music videos, interviews, and documentariesPros - Great low light, great color, doesn't require color correction if your in a pinch. Cons - Heavy. Highly suggest using canon IS lenses. Other canon lenses will work but I would use a mono pod or tripod.
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I was very hesitant to spend so much on a camera at first, but after putting it in your hands and using it, you will understand why it's so good. The form factor is slightly heavier than say a 5D Mark III(which I sold so I could get the C100), but the image that comes out of this thing is far superior to any DSLR on the market. It is razor sharp. Not to mention, it actually has all the "Video" features that you would need for a production; XLR, peaking, zebras, etc.
I absolutely love the attachable grip as it makes the camera completely handheld. The grip has a joystick on it that you can use to control almost all aspects of the camera(even while you are SHOOTING!)
I do a lot of documentary work, freelance shooting for weddings, interviews, and the occasional shorts, but with the Canon C-Log and the Wide DR profiles, you could really use this camera in the industry. It is an absolute pleasure to deal with and I would buy it again if I didn't already have one. Thanks Canon for listening to all the short comings of the DSLR world and making a camera that does everything I need it to and so much more!
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I just recently used this to make my first wedding video and the image looks spectacular when paired with a great lens. If I had to do it over again I would still get this camera.
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I've been using the C100 for Weddings, and Corporate Videos and its been an outstanding addition to my Canon collection. The design is simple, with easy to use features. The picture has amazing clarity. The colors really pop on the wide dynamic range setting, and Cinema Style makes it easy to color grade in post. This is by far the best low light camera I've ever gotten my hands on. I did find it quite hard to get focus and judge light properly in the bright sun with the LCD monitor. The zebra feature makes thus easier though. I love this camera, it made me excited about video again.
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I have tried all of the cameras in this price range, including the Sony FS700. In my opinion, this camera is without equal.
Before purchasing the camera, I managed to snag a meeting with the consultant who produces all of the Canon videos introducing every new camera. He is a specialist in the EOS line and especially in the C300 and now C100. We went over each and every feature of the camera including settings and the individual picture profiles. Prior to this meeting, I had always avoided the cameras with no full automatic features, quite frankly because I was scared to "man up". No longer. This is a very easy camera to learn.
Pros
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Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
I haven't really put this through its proper paces yet, but to me the image looks indistinguishable from the C300, which is to say it looks great. Surely no one here seeks a treatment on AVCHD, and if you need more you know where to look. The ergonomics are excellent, it's very light and feels good handheld with the the grip (which is necessary for full operational control). The LCD screen is sufficient, although not in direct sun. I prefer using the EVF, which has taken some flack on this camera. I was happy to discover that the optics of the EVF are perfectly fine, although it leaves one wanting for a much better eyecup. Bluestar has some solutions ready to go (they recommend extra small round) although I'll be keeping my eyes for a more robust solution I'm sure. The removable handle seems stronger than the C300's. Already three people have asked me when I was going to take a picture, unaware I was shooting video!
Comments about Canon EOS C100 Cinema EOS Camera (Body Only):
Transitioning from DSLR's to the C series has been so painless. This camera is easy to operate, light weight, and versatile.