Description
Cinema Capture in an RF-Mount, Mirrorless Form
Incorporating key Cinema EOS video tools in a mirrorless-style body, the Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera features a Super35 DGO (Dual Gain Output) sensor for capturing nuanced images with up to 16+ stops of high dynamic range. The EOS C70 is the first Cinema EOS camera with an RF mount that enables you to use Canon’s line of fast, reliable RF lenses with advanced coatings and image stabilization.The innovative DGO system combines two separate gain readings for each photodiode on the sensor, emphasizing saturation in bright areas of your image and lowering noise in darker areas.
Video resolutions include DCI 4K capture at rates ranging from 23.98 to 60 fps, plus high-speed options up to 120 fps in UHD 4K and 180 fps in cropped 2K. Pro video functions include unlimited video recording, Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus control, a motorized ND filter wheel tucked into the shallower RF-mount flange depth, a BNC timecode input/output connector, and built-in dual mini-XLR audio inputs.
Exceptional Image Quality
Canon Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor
Canon’s next-generation Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor offers a dynamic range of up to 16+ stops and includes Canon’s exclusive Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology. The DGO Sensor generates a high dynamic range and maintains low-noise levels by reading out each pixel with different gains. It combines images using pixels shot with a saturation-prioritizing amplifier for bright areas, and a lower-noise, noise-prioritizing amplifier for darker areas.
DIG!C DV7 Image Processor
Canon’s DIG!C DV7 image processor takes the extensive raw information captured from the imaging sensor and processes it for output. The DiG!C engine is also the driving force behind features such as high frame rate recording, Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor, Dual Pixel Autofocus, HDR (PQ) output, Electronic Image Stabilization, and proxy recording.
Canon Log 2 and 3; PQ and HLG Recording
The EOS C70 supports both the full dynamic range Canon Log 2 and the more workflow-friendly Canon Log 3 gamma. Canon Log formats are designed to reproduce the entire tonal range of its CMOS image sensor. Turn to a log post-production workflow when you’re seeking a higher dynamic range, improved highlights and shadow retention, and increased grading flexibility. Note that while Canon Log 2 offers the largest dynamic range and image detail, the most post-production flexibility, and the full dynamic range of the sensor, it typically will require more time spent in color correction.
For users seeking most of the benefits of a log workflow but with reduced turnaround times, choose the Canon Log 3 alternative with only a slightly reduced dynamic range of 14 stops.
Highly Adaptable Shooting Style
RF Lens Mount
- A built-in RF lens mount lends the EOS C70 compatibility with Canon’s expanding line of high-performance RF-mount lenses.
- With a short flange distance, the RF mount helps to noticeably reduce the camera body’s depth, resulting in a more compact design.
EF Lens Compatibility with Optional Adapter
To provide greater flexibility in lens choices, the EOS C70 camera is also compatible with the separately available EF-EOS R 0.71X EF to RF lens mount adapter. This adapter converts your full-frame lenses to Super35 format while also providing a handy aperture speed boost of around one stop The EF adapter passes EF lens data through the RF mount, providing full Dual-Pixel Autofocus and metadata information for select lenses.
Additional compatible adapters include the EF-EOS R Canon Mount, Canon Control Ring Mount, Drop-In Circular Polarizer Filter Mount, and Drop-In Variable ND Filter Mount adapters.
Direct Touch Control
The EOS C70 features Direct Touch Control, enabling you to quickly and easily access your favorite menu settings through the fully rotatable LCD screen. Simply touch the 3.5″ screen to start/stop recording, set ISO/Gain, color temperature, and iris, and access other critical settings. Recording settings that are located in different menus can now be controlled with one hand, enabling on-the-spot changes even while operating the camera with one hand.
9 x 16 Vertical Capture
Use the 1/4″-20 tripod thread built into the grip to position the EOS C70 for vertical use when capturing images for digital signage or mobile device use. For easier viewing, the user interface can also be switched for vertical use.
Professional Design Features
Compact Design
The compact EOS C70 features a lightweight design with a built-in ergonomic grip. This smallest of the EOS bodies has two top shoe mounts and comes with a detachable handle and a mic holder.
Mini-XLR Audio Inputs
- Two mini-XLR inputs with phantom power and manual control dials provide professional audio recording options for the EOS C70
- The EOS C70 supports up to 4-channel audio using dual mini-XLR ports, an internal stereo mic, and a 3.5mm mic input
Built-In ND Filters
Designed specifically for the EOS C70’s short flange distance, a thin motorized ND filter unit enables users to quickly select up to 10 stops of neutral density – an especially handy feature for ENG shooters or when shooting in quickly changing lighting conditions.
Timecode Input/Output
A BNC connector on the front of the EOS C70 enables users to input and output timecode, making synching on multicamera shoots easier.
Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus with Touch AF and Face Detection
- Another innovative EOS C70 feature is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology, which uses each pixel on the CMOS sensor for both focus detection and image information, resulting in precision focusing and optimal image quality. The EOS C70 is also the first Cinema EOS camera to feature the EOS iTR AF X autofocus function featuring a head-detection algorithm developed using deep-learning technology.
- In Face Detection mode, this algorithm helps to improve distance measuring and tracking reliability, even when a subject turns their head to the side or back.
- The EOS C70 also features the innovative Dual Pixel Focus Guide, which provides both front- and back-focus information to let users know where to set the focus during manual pulls.
EIS with Coordinated Control
- To smooth out handheld shots, the EOS C70 is the first Cinema EOS camera to offer enhanced image stabilization with coordinated control. When used with an RF-mount lens and the EOS C70’s electronic IS, coordinated control optimizes hand-shake correction for even greater vibration reduction than that obtained with an EF-mount lens and electronic IS.
- When working in the 2K format, the EOS C70’s Super16 Digital IS improves performance by using the peripheral area around the center of the 4K sensor to stabilize the image.
Auto ISO/Gain Control
In another first for the Cinema EOS line, the EOS C70 can automatically adjust ISO and Gain Control using the DGO (dual gain output) to change gain smoothly, enabling users to concentrate on their framing instead of their aperture control when moving between locations with notable changes in light levels.
RC-V100 Support and LANC Compatible
The EOS C70 body’s remote LANC terminal enables remote control using the optional Canon RC-V100 unit. The RC-V100 provides full access to key functions like start/stop, shutter/gain adjustments, focus/iris/zoom settings, display settings, white balance, black gamma, and more.
Advanced Workflow Optimization
Dual SD Card Slots / Multiple Recording Options
Dual SD card slots on the EOS C70 enable simultaneous recording in different formats including 4K/HD and XF-AVC/MP4 options. The EOS C70 can also capture still photos when on standby in select video modes.
Standard and High Frame Rate to 4K 120p
With its new chip design and DIG!C DV7 processor, the EOS C70 is capable of both standard rates ranging from 23.98 to 60pfs and ultra-high frame rates. Capture video at frame rates up to 120 fps in 4K and up to 180 fps in the 2K crop mode. Dual Pixel AF is supported by the EOS C70 even at high frame rates, keeping your focus even when used on a gimbal or drone.
Note:
V90 SD cards are recommended for slow- and fast-motion recording.
Log2/3 and Cube LUT Support
For greater flexibility during post-production, this camera also offers Canon’s Log 2 and Log 3 gamma modes, both of which provide an expanded dynamic range with excellent tonal reproduction for highlights and in low-light areas of your images. The EOS C70 also supports .cube 3D LUTs so you can get the most accurate color reproduction on both the LCD and your external viewing monitors
4K/2K Long GOP Support
The EOS C70 supports the higher-compression Long GOP for longer recording times at rates up to 4K60p. The inter-frame Long GOP compression detects differences between frames by referring to preceding and subsequent frames.
Firmware Updates
Winter 2022 Update
With this firmware update, you’ll be able to add the latest codec, eye and face detection, and audio metering, as well as streaming, gamma, and LUT support options to your cine-style capture. Efficient intra-frame compression choices now include 4K60p XF-AVC capture and new 24p 240 Mb/s, 30p 300 Mb/s, and 60p 600 Mb/s bit rates. When using a 64GB card, you can now record up to 35 minutes at 24p and up to 14 minutes at 60p.
Livestreamers haven’t been neglected—support for Canon’s XC streaming protocol enables camera control with the optional RC-IP100 controller and easier development of third-party collaborations. Imaging tools have been updated with enhanced midrange contrast and an emphasis on accurate skin tones using Canon 709 gamma and LUT options. Off-speed shooters will appreciate eye and face detection in slow-/fast-motion modes; and last but not least, 4-channel audio levels can now be viewed onscreen to help you obtain optimal sound quality.
Briand –
I’ve had the C70 for a little over a year now and this is my A-Cam. Auto focus is really strong and I love that you can choose face only AF. The only knock I’d have against it is the AF tends to slow down when shooting at 120fps but that still hasn’t stopped me from shooting fast action sports like hockey with it.
If you’re looking for just a video only camera, this has got to be near the top of your list. (Yes, it can take photos but you have to re-map some buttons.). The C70 is a little heavy so if you plan on flying this on a gimbal or a glidecam, I hope you’ve been hitting the gym! I have been able to get this to fly on a ronin-S but it needs some serious counterweights. I usually use this on a Devin Graham series glidecam.
I primarily use this for sports so having the ability to shoot 4K, 120fps with audio (even though the audio is recorded onto your second card) is a huge plus for me. Speaking of audio, I do wish that canon did not use the mini XLR on this camera. Personally, I would’ve rather they use a full size XLR and ditched the white balance option buttons on the side of the camera. But hey, not every camera is perfect. Though this one nearly is.
My last knock on the C70 is unlike the R5 or R6, not every control dial on the camera controls the three aspects of light (ISO, shutter, and aperture.). On my R6, having those three dials is huge for quick adjustments. On the C70, I can only control ISO and aperture with dials and I have to push a couple buttons to change the shutter speed.
All in all, I still love this camera and use it as my primary camera!
Cooper DV –
I own a commercial production company.
This is such a work horse of a camera. You can strip it down and easily mount it on a gimbal or you can completely rig it out to be extremely useful on larger sets.
The continued updates have been amazing and the footage looks fantastic.
Couldn’t recommend this camera more.
Jeaft –
For a long time, it seemed that you had to accept certain compromises for any cinema camera less than $10k. The C70 entered the market in a weird place, with some of the guts of a C300 Mark III in a different package. It initially felt limited, but the 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is clean and robust. Using old EF lenses with the speed booster has been fantastic.
But then they filled in the blanks with updates, including raw light recording, time lapse (which should have been there), eye tracking auto focus, and the feature set now punches above its price point. The image quality and tweakability is great when you shoot log, and you don’t really have to work that hard in grading to get something to meet your intentions. Huge fan of the camera.
gipsz Ty –
I am using this camera for a while now, however it has some severe issues.
1. There is a heavy antialising and moire problem that make most of my recordings unusable!!! The effect is increased when Digital IS switched on. DIS makes every straight line jitter, no matter which lens or zoom range I am using.
2. The autofocus is really bad, probably worst than in my R7 camera, despite the Face Priority mode which would have been nice, but not working properly.
3. The battery is pretty mediocre, but costs a furtune!
4 The LCD panel is full of garbage, the hinge already came off from the body of the camera. Poor engineering.
5. It is prone to be get scratched due to the plastic of the body, especially the upper part.
I can’t beleive I paid for this camera almost the same amount as my little apartment did cost.
Ugggghhhh.
admin –
bought my second one and love them both
admin –
The small form factor is comfortable to adjust to. Coming from an R6 the RF mount was perfect.
Only downside I wish it had sdi ports but the full hdmi still works for me. Anything else is just nit picking
admin –
When I first got the C70 I worked through all the various recording formats and camera functions. I record now in CLOG2 XF-AVC as it seems to be the best bang in terms of quality and file size etc. Using the Canon LUT, I’m getting amazing video with very little grading. Battery life is awesome, ergonomics are great, and the cinema extras like zebras, peaking etc. are helpful upgrades coming from the DSLR/mirrorless world. My only wishes are for better AF (my R series cams are much better), a level meter, and the ability to see how long each scene I am shooting is vs. just having the running clock. I know these features are standard on DSLR cams and not of the “cinema” world, but if Canon is trying to drag more folks into the C world then they should consider putting these features in the C line to help folks with the transition. Bottom line however is picture quality and this camera is worth every penny.
admin –
As one of the owners of a video production company I have used a lot of cameras, both hybrid mirrorless cameras and ones such as from Blackmagic. The C70 piqued my interest a while back, as I’m primarily a Canon shooter and have a lot of RF lenses for my R5. I held off at the time as I was unsure if I wanted to grab the C70 or an R5C and wanted to feel them out a bit first. But in the last year Canon has released two major firmware updates adding internal RAW video with multiple codecs, and now enhanced autofocus and even more codecs. It feels like it should be the C70 Mark II. I really have no complaints, its barely larger than a gripped and caged R5, with tons of customizable buttons, a WAY better audio system, so I don’t always have to lug a sound bag around with me. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.