Canon has unveiling their latest RF-mount Cinema Camera, the EOS C400, featuring a full-frame 6K CMOS back-illuminated stacked image sensor, triple-base ISO and a host of other advanced features.
In addition to the new camera, Canon also announced a new PL to RF lens adaptor, new 17-120mm Cine Servo Lens and new 35mm f/1.4 Hybrid Lens.
As mentioned in the intro, the EOS C400 features a native RF-mount and a new, full-frame, back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor that enhances light-capturing efficiency to deliver unparalleled dynamic range.
The newly developed sensor offers 6K full-frame resolution at up to 60p recording in 12-bit Cinema RAW Light, as well as 4K RAW up to 120fps and 2K RAW up to 180fps also in Cinema RAW Light.
Two new recording codecs have also been introduced, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S which are designed to streamline post-production workflows with manageable file sizes while maintaining high-quality output.
The sensor also boasts triple-base ISO (800, 3200, and 12,800) which promises improved noise performance and dynamic range making it exceptionally versatile in different shooting environments.
View Canon EOS C400 Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Canon’s next-generation Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology, Dual Pixel AF II is also supported. Covering the entire frame, it offers enhanced autofocus performance with increased light-capturing efficiency and faster readout speeds, crucial for maintaining sharp focus in dynamic scenes.
The camera also features built-in ND filters, that offer 0 to 6 stops in normal mode and up to 10 stops in extension mode.
Anamorphic lenses are also supported with image de-squeezing using three available settings: either 2x, 1.8x, or 1.3x with the image being able to be viewed on the LCD monitor or output to an external monitor.
In terms of connectivity, the EOS C400 features built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet capabilities, as well as support for IP streaming. It also comes equipped with a comprehensive array of input and output ports including a 12G-SDI and a 3G-SDI video output, USB-C terminal, dual Mini-XLR audio inputs, and a full-size HDMI output.
Additionally, it boasts a timecode terminal, a G-Lock/Sync/RET terminal, and a 4-pin XLR for 12V DC power input.
With it’s native RF-mount, the EOS C400 is compatible with Canon’s ever growing list of RF lenses, but with the newly developed MOUNT ADAPTOR PL-RF attached, it becomes possible to mount a broad range of PL mount lenses as well.
This new adapter supports Cooke i/Technology metadata communication, offering full compatibility and enhanced communication between the camera and lens. The additional pins of the RF mount offer increased functionality enabling features like auto-focus, distortion correction, and metadata output.
In terms of design, the C400 features a compact, box-like body, (significantly smaller than the C500 Mark II), allowing it to be used with gimbals such as the DJI RS 4 or DJI RS 4 Pro.
It includes a CFexpress (Type B) card slot and a secondary SD slot (UHS-II) allowing it to simultaneously record RAW footage to the CFexpress card and proxy footage to the SD card.
There are two Mini-XLR ports and one 3.5mm jack audio input allowing the camera to record up to four 24-bit linear PCM audio tracks.
Offering two additional full-size XLR ports the TASCAM CA-XLR-2d-C audio adapter can also be mounted on the Multi-function shoe, however, audio is still limited to four tracks in total.
The included 3.5″ full touchscreen LCD monitor features a joystick and four function buttons for navigation inside the menu including a Quick Access sub-menu allowing access to the camera’s fundamental settings as well as to activate monitoring tools.
The monitor can be mounted directly to the camera body using Canon’s Accessory Mount anti-twist mounting system or to the camera’s top handle via a 15mm rod.
A new battery is also introduced with the camera, the BP-A60N battery, offering greater output when compared to traditional Canon BP-A batteries.
While older BP-A models are still compatible, they limit certain functionalities such as powering the lens terminal or multi-function shoe.