The Canon EOS C70 is the first RF mount cinema camera, and shoots 4K 4:2:2 10-bit with no record limits
(Image credit: Canon)
Canon has changed the game yet again. The Canon EOS C70 has just been announced by the manufacturer – a groundbreaking cinema camera that’s the size of a DSLR, and features the new RF lens mount.
The Canon EOS C70 replaces the C100 Mark II and packs a whopping 16 stops of dynamic range, thanks to its Dual Gain Output Super35 sensor (first seen on the Canon EOS C300 Mark III). It can also capture 4K video in 4:2:2 10-bit up to 120fps with no recording limits, and maxes out at 180fps in crop mode – all while recording sound, and with full Dual Pixel AF, subject tracking and touch focus.
The killer feature here, though, really is the size. At just 160mm wide and 130.2mm in height (with a depth of 115.9mm), it’s considerably smaller than both the Canon EOS C200 and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and is ideal for using with a gimbal or drone setup.
In combining the best of both worlds – the form factor, technology and RF mount of cameras like the Canon EOS R5, with the image quality and industry-standard features of the Cinema EOS range – the C70 serves as a natural bridge between those looking to graduate from DSLR or mirrorless videography to a truly professional system.
At the same time, its incredibly compact size makes it an ideal cinema camera for nimble mobile shooting (such as news gathering or event coverage) as well as working in tight environments (such as inside vehicles or cramped locations). Small enough to operate without needing a crew, it’s also an option for advanced content creators and social media users – indeed, it even supports vertical shooting.
While it doesn’t feature the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF II seen in the Canon EOS R6 and R5, the C70 possesses the same enhanced Dual Pixel AF and iTR AFX system with as the 1D X Mark III, with remarkably sticky subject tracking and head detection. And taking a nod from its EOS stills counterparts, the C70 brings touchscreen inputs to the Cinema range.
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In lieu of in-body image stabilization, the Canon EOS C70 features new combination IS thanks to the RF mount, which co-ordinates the in-lens stabilization with the camera’s electronic stabilization for superior performance to EF mounts. The camera also features physical 2-, 4- and 6-stop ND filters built in, which are expandable to 8- and 10-stop.
While the RF mount enables the C70 to use the best Canon RF lenses, it can of course make use of existing EF glass via the existing mount adaptors as well as the new Canon speed booster, the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x.
At present, there are no plans to accommodate other cinema standards such as the PL mount – and likewise, the C70 does not capture RAW video, though both of these more advanced features are available in the C300 Mark III.
The Canon EOS C70 goes on sale in late November for $5,499 / £4,799.99.
• Canon RF mount
• Super35 sensor with Dual Gain Output
• 4K 120fps with sound and AF (no record limits)
• 2K 180fps with sound and AF (no record limits)
• Enhanced Dual Pixel AF
• Enhanced image stabilization
• XF-AVC, MP4 formats
• Dual SD card slots
• Can record different codecs to different slots
• Dual mini XLR ports
• Built-in stereo microphones
• Built-in 10-stop ND filters
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes.
