Ready for Stills and Video with the Canon EOS R5 C Camera

Canon has announced the new EOS R5 C, a compact, hybrid camera that is ideal for journalists, event photographers, and drone users who routinely capture stills and video over the course of their workday. This RF-mount mirrorless camera combines the full-frame 45 MP resolution and speed of EOS R5 stills capture with up to 8K60, 12-bit Cinema RAW Light internal video capture, HDMI raw output, Canon Log 3, HLG and PQ HDR, unlimited recording length, and multiple video features of the EOS Cinema line. Canon C70 users will also be glad to explore some new firmware updates for that Cinema line camera.

Ready for Anything: Melding Canon C70 and R5 Features

The full-frame R5 C camera features discrete menu options for still and video capture that are selected with the twist of a dial, enabling you to access the abilities of both types of capture with the use (and weight) of just one body.

In addition to providing a “ready for anything” melding of existing Canon C70 and Canon EOS R5 features, the R5 C adds features like raw output via HDMI, up to 8K60 Cinema RAW Light and 4K120 full -frame recording, support for Canon Log 3 and HLG/PQ HDR, a recording time that is limited only by your media and power, a timecode port, waveform monitors, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection, active cooling, a higher-power LP-E6NH battery, and a multi-function shoe for XLR audio adapters. The total of 13 user-assignable buttons allows for customizing the controls just the way you like.

Functions carried over from the C70 and R5 include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, an electronic RF lens mount, both CFexpress and SD card slots, a familiar button layout, and DaVinci Resolve and Canon app compatibility for a smooth post-production workflow.

EOS Comparison

Still Photo Capture

The R5 C offers richly detailed still imaging with continuous capture at speeds of up to 20 fps using the 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor and the DIGIC X processor. The R5 C works with R5 accessories such as the battery and WFT (wireless file transfer) grips, so, if you upgrade, you can continue to use those existing items, and it incorporates a multi-function shoe for compatible accessories. Use the R5 C’s dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for image file transfers while you work.

Improved Autofocus Functions

Autofocus options are available to suit just about any type of action and include Dual-Pixel CMOS AF II for freezing split-second movements, 1,053 AF zones used for Eye, Face, and Head Detection AF, Animal Detection AF for grabbing wildlife or furry friends, and Vehicle Detection for nailing those automobile product shots. You can select the size of the active AF area ranging from a single point to the whole AF area. You can even adjust the user-selected area using the 8-way controller located on the back of the camera. Basically, the R5 C offers the same still-image AF method choices as the EOS R5 model.

ISO Range of 100-51200

An ISO range of 100-51200 that expands to 50-102400 ensures that you have the sensitivity to capture optimal still photos in any kind of lighting.

High-Speed Continuous Capture

Whether you’re documenting the latest fashions, wildlife movements, or emotional moments, you can capture the most detailed action with continuous photo shooting rates of up to 12 fps using the R5 C’s mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the silent electronic shutter.

Compact, Lightweight Body

Compact and lightweight like the EOS R5, the R5 C is designed for comfortable handheld use. It also sports an optically extended EVF for eye-level viewing, and it shares the R5’s ergonomic grip design. An articulated, 3.2" LCD touchscreen makes it easy to keep an eye on your frame whether you’re shooting stills or video.

Cinema Line Video Imaging

Cine camera users will see the familiar Cinema EOS menu and overlays when using the R5 C in video mode, making it easier to switch between a Cinema EOS camera like the C70, C300 Mk II, or C700 and an R5 C being used as a “B” camera.

Resolution and Frame Rates

This is the first Cinema EOS camera with the ability to record 8K video internally at rates up to 8K60 using Canon‘s Cinema RAW Light codec or in 8K30 in MP4 for quicker uploading. The incredibly detailed 8K (8192 x 4320) resolution can be used natively or used for 4K cropping from within the frame. The R5 C’s ability to record two resolutions simultaneously means you can capture in Cinema RAW Light for your final version while capturing 4K, HD, or a proxy file for speedier, less storage-intensive editing. Note that one quirk of the R5 C is that some of the top frame rates require the use of a power supply and are not attainable under battery power.

Cinema RAW Standard is available in a variety of modes at rates of up to Full Frame 8K30, Super 35 6K60, and Super 16 at 3K60. Cinema RAW HQ is not available in Full Frame but can be captured at rates of up to Super 35 6K30 and Super 16 3K60.

8K Cinema RAW Light External Output

Experienced video shooters will appreciate the R5 C’s ability to output lengthy recordings to pro monitor/recorders like the Atomos NINJA V+ at rates up to 8K Cinema RAW Light or in Apple ProRes RAW up to 8K 30p while simultaneously capturing proxy files via the camera’s SD card slots.

HDR Imaging

The R5 C offers HDR (High Dynamic Range) in HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) in PQ (Perceptual Quantization)―producing richly detailed, lifelike footage even in 8K. Canon Log 3 compatibility streamlines simple grading when pairing the R5 C with other Cinema EOS models on multicamera shoots.

Sensor Modes

Content is produced for a wide variety of cinema-style forms, and the R5 C has you covered with the ability to select from full-frame, Super35, and Super16 modes. High-frame-rate options include up to DCI 4K120 in 4:2:2 10-bit without sensor cropping and the ability to use autofocus and record audio files even at high frame rates.

Enhanced Image Stabilization

Run-and-gunners will want to take advantage of the R5 C’s Enhanced Image Stabilization, especially to control for hand shaking movement. Available when using Canon RF lenses with optical IS, this function enhances the R5’s electronic IS when shooting in XF-AVC or MP4 formats, offering better anti-vibration performance than that obtained with conventional IS-equipped EF lenses (using the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS R) and electronic IS together.

Design

A fan system keeps the R5 C cool, enabling uninterrupted, internal video recording, and pro touches such as a timecode port, durable housing, and a built-in cable clamp make the R5 C easy to integrate into your all-day, multicamera events.

Accessories

The versatile R5 C comes with a shoulder strap, a USB Type-B to USB Type-C cable, a cable clamp, an LP-E6NH battery, and a battery charger. Besides the battery, it can also be powered using the existing CA-946 adapter, the omnicharge Omni Mobile 25600 mAh power bank, the new DR-E6C DC coupler, or the PD-E1 USB power adapter.

Advanced Audio

For advanced audio options, add the Tascam CA-XLR2d-C XLR Microphone Adapter with two XLR inputs, which connects to the R5 C’s multi-interface shoe and offers 4-channel, 24-bit audio.

Canon C70 Firmware Updates

Thanks to a new firmware update, the following features are now available for the popular Canon C70 Cinema Camera:

• 12-bit internal Cinema RAW Light recording at rates of up to 60 fps in DCI 4K Super 35 and in 2K Super 16. HQ, ST, and LT options are available, depending on the resolution and frame rate.
• A Frame Recording mode that enables you to capture a set number of frames with a touch of the Record button.
• Interval recording and time-lapse effects, with the ability to select interval lengths and the number of frames captured.

Do you foresee the versatile Canon EOS R5 C replacing one or more of your still or video cameras? Let us know your impressions in the Comments section, below.

Canon EOS R5 C Mirrorless Cinema Camera: Panel Discussion with Keith Ladzinski