Unveiled: Canon EOS C100 Mark II Cinema Camera

In an unanticipated move, Canon has announced a successor to its popular EOS C100 cinema camera. Dubbed the “Mark II,” the camera is more of an update to the original model rather than a complete overhaul. It comes standard with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, a feature that required a paid hardware modification for the original model, and will also support Face detection AF when using STM lenses. Other major updates include the addition of 1080p recording at 50 and 60 fps, Canon Log LUT support on the HDMI output, and an improved viewfinder and display panel.

To support 1080p 50/60 recording, the camera sees a bump in its maximum bit rate—up to 28 Mbps for AVCHD and 35 Mbps for MP4. In MP4 recording, the camera also gets fast- and slow-motion recording, with speeds ranging from 40% slow motion to 250% fast motion, as well as AAC audio recording. The C100 Mark II also features built-in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, and is compatible with Canon’s GP-E2 GPS receiver for recording location data and RC-V100 remote controller.

The Canon C100 Mark II does see some physical changes, as well. Most obviously, the microphone is now incorporated into the body of the camera itself, rather than into the top handle. The camera also sees a boost in the quality of its display panel and EVF. The 3.5" LCD of the original has been replaced with a 1.23MP OLED version of the same size, and has a side-hinged design that enables you to monitor your images from the side of the camera. The EVF size has been increased from 0.24 to 0.45" and can be tilted to accommodate different shooting positions.

The last major update that many filmmakers will appreciate is Canon Log LUT support on the HDMI output. This enables you to use external monitors that lack Canon Log LUT or custom LUT support to more accurately judge the exposure and color of your images while recording Canon Log gamma internally.

With expanded recording options and enhanced usability, the C100 Mark II should pick up right where the C100 left off as an industry staple for event videographers, documentarians, and independent filmmakers.