Canon’s new compact 6K cinema camera, the EOS C80, is the second EOS model with an RF mount. It integrates the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, now with autofocus, and triple base ISO.
Canon’s new cinema camera, the EOS C80, is a compact 6K model, and the second cinema EOS camera built with an RF mount. It also has a backside illuminated (BSI) stacked CMOS sensor, which first appeared in the EOS C400 earlier in 2024. BSI sensors keep the photosite circuitry on the back of the sensor to avoid obscuring light as it enters the camera, and to take advantage of the whole photosite surface, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise.
Full Frame 6K Sensor
This sensor helps improve the quality of full frame 6K capture with 16 stops of dynamic range, high sensitivity and low noise levels. The EOS C80's triple base ISO of 800 / 3200 / 12,800 makes it possible to optimise image quality under varying lighting conditions. To help the user keep up with dynamic scenes, such as news segments or live sports events, an intelligent auto-switching mode automates the transitions between the three base ISO levels.
The EOS C80 also integrates Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which now has new autofocus capabilities to increase precision and responsiveness for users. These include maintaining very accurate face, eye and head tracking, as well as improved body and animal tracking, as the camera follows and keeps the subject in focus.
Workflows and Ergonomics
The compact size and the ergonomics of the EOS C80 make it useful for handheld shooting and rigging to gimbals and drones. It has a removeable top handle and a multi-function shoe compatible with a range of audio accessories, an LCD panel bright enough to use outdoors, and a joystick designed close to the user’s thumb.
The EOS C80 has built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity robust enough for file transfer, remote camera control, IP streaming and easier collaboration on set.
The camera’s capacity for real-time lens metadata and distortion data capture and output is particularly important when recording for VFX and virtual production. Having this data readily accessible makes post production workflows more efficient and increases creative control. The camera also has integrated VR capabilities that are optimised for use with Canon's RF 5.2mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye Lens.
Recording Format Support
The EOS C80 is compatible with professional recording formats and high frame rates needed to meet the demands of various productions.
Supporting 12-bit Cinema RAW Light at up to 6K 30p, the camera also works with new MP4 video formats such as XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S. These options record oversampled 4K 4:2:2 10-bit image quality in manageable file sizes that can make production and post workflows simpler. All recording formats capture detailed metadata and support structured filenames, helping users to organise and edit projects efficiently.
New RF Lens – the 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
The EOS C80 is one of the cameras in the Cinema EOS System that supports Canon's PL to RF mount adapter, opening creative possibilities for users through compatibility with a large number of industry standard PL mount cinema lenses, and support for Cooke /i Technology metadata.
At the same time as the camera, Canon has launched its 50th RF lens, the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM, a lightweight, compact, constant aperture zoom lens. It is designed for applications ranging from portraiture to street and travel shots, capturing attractive blurred backgrounds in a variety of lighting conditions.
The fast f/2.8 fixed aperture makes it a good choice for shooting in low light, capturing fading evening light and dimly lit indoor scenes. It can be used with any of Canon's compact full-frame cameras in the EOS R System range, such as the EOS R8.
The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM is also built for reliability in rough conditions, with weather resistant features and optical image stabilisation up to 5.5 stops. Measuring 92.2mm long when retracted and weighing 490g, this lens is among the lightest of its type. To help users keep their attention on the scene in front of them, the lens has a versatile control/focus ring for quickly adjusting shutter speed, aperture or ISO.
The EOS C80 is priced at AUD8899 RRP and is scheduled to be available in Australia in November 2024. The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens is priced at AUD1919 RRP and is available now. www.canon.com.au
