Put Canon's mastery of image processing into a cinema-grade production-ready form factor and you get the EOS C700 Cinema Camera. This version of the C700 comes stocked with Canon's EF lens mount with a positive-locking mechanism, minimizing play found in traditional spring-loaded bayonet-style mounts. Beyond the lens mount is the first stop in the C700's imaging pipeline, the 4.5K CMOS image sensor. With a physical resolution exceeding that of DCI 4K and a dynamic range of approximately 15 stops, the C700 is ready for today's 4K and HDR productions.
What good is a sensor without the processing technology to back it up? The C700 is capable of 4K recording at 60p to CFast 2.0 cards using the XF-AVC format. Also available are Apple's well-regarded ProRes formats for direct-to-edit workflows. Raw recording is another possibility through Canon's separately available Codex Digital Recorder which simply clips onto the rear of the C700's modular design.
While the C700 is a fairly advanced piece of equipment, Canon has implemented a familiar user interface. Most basic functions can be accessed through the six buttons surrounding the screen. More advanced settings can be found using the simple selection dial and set buttons.
I/O options for nearly any application can be found on the C700's side panel. Video, audio, control, and power inputs and outputs are available for implementations ranging from ENG-style run-and-gun to high-budget cinema productions.
While the C700 is a production powerhouse all on its own, its modular design lets the user customize the form factor to fit their use case. The rectangular body has enough real-estate to be shoulder-mounted for handheld shooting or secured to a dovetail on professional grip equipment with ease. And for the first time on a Cinema EOS camera, native V-mount battery support is available via an installed IDX battery plate.
Canon Log 2 emphasizes post-production grading, and maintains higher tonality in dark areas compared to the original Canon Log. With this curve, up to 15 stops of dynamic range can be realized in a single frame.
Canon Log 3 uses a gamma designed to simplify grading by tightening dark areas and adjusting gradation, making it a gamma that makes noise less noticeable and widens dynamic range while retaining Canon Log's ease of use.
Another function of Dual Pixel AF is Dual Pixel Focus Guide, especially for manual focus confirmation. Select an area inside the frame and the UI will show if the lens is front or back focused from that point. Once critical focus is achieved the area will confirm immediately.