Canon has officially announced the release of its newest addition to the Cinema EOS lineup: the EOS C80. This camera is designed as a dedicated cinema tool within a mirrorless-style body, targeting professional videographers, independent filmmakers, and small production teams. The EOS C80 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the EOS C70, bringing a host of new features and improvements that cater to advanced video production needs.
Canon EOS C80 Cinema Camera: $5,499 at B&H, Adorama.
Key Features
- 6K FF Back-Illuminated CMOS Sensor
- 6K30, DCI 4K/2K, UHD 4K120 S35 Recording
- Full Frame and Super35 Modes
- 12G-SDI and HDMI Simultaneous Output
- Triple-Base ISO: 800, 3200, 12,800
- Cinema Raw Light LT, HEVC, AVC Codecs
- 16+ Stops of Total Dynamic Range
- Dual-Pixel CMOS AF II, Built-In NDs
- 1 x BNC Timecode, 2 x Mini-XLR Audio In
- 2 x SD Card Slots, LUT/Long GOP Support
Key Features and Upgrades
At the heart of the EOS C80 is a 26MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, paired with Canon’s RF lens mount. This new sensor is almost identical to the one found in Canon’s latest professional cinema camera, the Cinema EOS C400, suggesting a high level of performance continuity across Canon’s product line. However, the C80 lacks certain high-end features of the C400, such as some of the more advanced recording formats. The C80 effectively replaces the popular EOS C70, which featured a smaller Super 35mm sensor and came with an EF-to-RF 0.71x optical adapter that functioned like a speed booster.
One of the standout features of the EOS C80 is its ability to capture video up to 6K resolution, thanks to its innovative triple-base ISO design with bases at ISO 800, 3200, and 12,800. This design incorporates a dual-gain output (DGO) system that switches between two different readout paths to optimize for either high dynamic range or low noise, depending on the shooting conditions. Canon has hinted at the presence of a third readout option that further extends these capabilities, although additional technical details are still forthcoming.
Enhanced Autofocus Capabilities
The EOS C80 benefits from the latest version of Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus technology, Dual Pixel AF II. This updated autofocus system covers a significantly larger portion of the sensor, enabling more precise and responsive focusing. It also supports advanced tracking modes for both people and animals, which have been inherited from the Cinema EOS C400. The faster readout speed of the C80’s sensor allows the autofocus system to perform more quickly and accurately, enhancing its usability in dynamic shooting environments.
One of the innovative features in the C80’s autofocus system is its ability to seamlessly rack focus between subjects. When the camera’s autofocus system is tracking a person, users can manually adjust the focus using the lens’s focus ring. Once the camera detects that the focus is close to a new subject, it automatically switches to track the new target. This feature offers filmmakers more creative control, especially in scenes that require a smooth transition between focus points.
Connectivity and Ergonomic Enhancements
The EOS C80 brings several new connectivity options and ergonomic improvements designed for professional use. It features 12G-SDI terminals for uncompressed video output, a multi-function shoe for attaching accessories, and a lightweight handle accessory. The camera includes multiple mounting points, such as a third 1/4″-20 tripod thread on both the base and top, providing flexibility for various shooting configurations. Additionally, the camera is equipped with a full-sized HDMI-out, two mini XLR audio inputs, a 3.5mm microphone jack, support for 4-channel audio, and a Time Code terminal, ensuring comprehensive connectivity options for professional workflows.
The C80 retains the advanced ND filter system from the Cinema EOS C400, with five settings ranging from ND2 to ND10. It also includes practical design features like a tape measure hook on top, which is useful for precise focus planning.
Video Recording Capabilities and Codecs
The EOS C80 offers versatile recording capabilities, supporting three sets of video codecs that align it closely with the Cinema EOS C400, EOS R1, and EOS R5 II. This commonality in codec usage suggests Canon’s strategy to standardize video features across its entire EOS line, from mirrorless to cinema cameras.
The C80 can capture 6K/30p video using the full width of its sensor or 4K/60p video with a Super 35mm crop, utilizing Canon’s Cinema RAW Light (LT) codec. While it does not support the higher bit rate Cinema RAW formats (HQ and ST) that demand faster write speeds, the C80’s dual SD (UHS-II) memory cards provide ample capacity for most professional workflows.
For compressed recording, the C80 supports the XF-AVC, XF-HEVC S, and XF-AVC S codecs, offering video capture up to 4K/60p (downsampled from 6K) in 4:2:2 10-bit color. The camera also supports high frame rate recording, offering slow-motion capture at up to 4K/120p and 2K/180p, with autofocus functionality maintained up to 120p. In addition, the C80 includes both C-Log2 and C-Log3 gamma curves and the option to record proxy files for easier editing workflows.
The EOS C80 further extends its video capabilities with support for anamorphic lenses, offering 2.0x, 1.8x, and 1.3x de-squeeze options. A new vertical interface makes it more convenient for shooting vertical video, a growing trend in social media and digital content creation.
Battery Options and Power Management
Canon has introduced two new battery options for the EOS C80: the BP-A30N and the BP-A60N. The BP-A30N, included with the camera, offers up to 170 minutes of continuous recording, while the BP-A60N provides up to 335 minutes. Both new batteries are fully compatible with the C80, and Canon confirms that previous versions of these batteries can also be used, although with slightly reduced performance.
Price and Availability
The Canon EOS C80 is set to launch in November 2024, with a suggested retail price of $5,499. Given its advanced features, versatile recording options, and alignment with the rest of the Cinema EOS range, the C80 is poised to be a compelling choice for filmmakers and video professionals looking for a robust and flexible cinema camera.
Conclusion
The EOS C80 represents a strategic expansion of Canon’s Cinema EOS lineup, offering an attractive blend of high-resolution video capabilities, advanced autofocus, and flexible connectivity in a compact, mirrorless-style body. Its introduction signifies Canon’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of modern content creators, from independent filmmakers to professional videographers. With its competitive pricing and extensive feature set, the EOS C80 is likely to continue the success of its predecessor, the EOS C70, while carving out its own niche in the market.
Press release:
Canon Introduces the EOS C80 6K Full-Frame Cinema Camera
New EOS C80 RF-Mount Camera Features a 6K Full-Frame, Back-Illuminated Stacked CMOS
Sensor, Triple-Base ISO, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and 12G-SDI
MELVILLE, N.Y., September 9, 2024 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is pleased to announce the new EOS C80 cinema camera, with a native RF-mount and full-frame, back- illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, designed for filmmakers that require a full-featured camera in a compact body.
6K Full-Frame Back-Illuminated Stacked CMOS Sensor
The Canon EOS C80 camera features a 6K full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, with triple-base ISO, allowing the camera to deliver stunning imagery in a wide range of lighting conditions. The base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12,800 maximize the full dynamic range of the camera. The EOS C80 camera also features Canon’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, Dual Pixel AF II. The back-illuminated stacked sensor’s positioning offers superb light-capturing efficiency, which widens the area of the sensor that can be used for autofocusing. The sensor also empowers fast readout speed, as well as amazing 4K image quality from 6K oversampling.
12-G SDI and a Variety of Interfaces
In addition to moving to a full-frame sensor, the EOS C80 camera has also stepped up from its predecessor by adding 12G-SDI output, which enables uncompressed transfer of your video signal with a secure cable connection. The camera’s design includes a variety of other interfaces including HDMI, mini-XLR audio inputs, time code, built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity, and Ethernet. This internet connectivity enables the camera to be controlled remotely via our IP-based XC Protocol using Canon’s Remote Camera Control Application (available for free on the Canon USA Website), or our Multi-Camera Control App for iPhone (available for free on the App Store).
Compact Design
The compact and lightweight EOS C80 camera is suitable on a drone, gimbal, tripod, or in any configuration where compact size and light weight are important. The camera is ergonomically designed with a new, lightweight handle assembly. The Multi-function Shoe is located just above the LCD screen and the joystick controller provides easy control and menu navigation.
Recording Options
The EOS C80 camera can record up to 6K 30P in Cinema RAW Light. Other recording options include our standard XF-AVC codec which can record in 10-bit 4:2:2 with oversampling from the 6K sensor, creating rich detail and smooth imagery without the need for cropping the image from the sensor. Furthermore, autofocus is enabled when recording in slow or fast motion at up to 4K 120P. Additionally, the EOS C80 camera has two more recording codecs, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S. These formats were first introduced with the EOS C400 camera and feature an easy-to-manage naming system and folder structure, while recording in the familiar MP4 format and preserving metadata.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon Cinema EOS C80 Full-Frame camera is scheduled to be available in November 2024 for an estimated retail price of $5,499.00. For more information, please visit www.usa.canon.com.
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