The Canon Cinema EOS C300 PL Camcorder Body
with a PL mount takes what professionals love about DSLR filmmaking �
access to a vast selection of widely available lenses, a large sensor
that facilitates a shallow depth of field, and portable operation with a
modular, compact camera � and addresses its shortcomings. That means
that unlike DSLR cameras, this Cinema EOS camcorder is designed both
inside and out for professional cinematographers capturing motion pictures that will stand up to rigorous post-production processes.
As
its name suggests, the EOS C300 PL features a PL mount for
compatibility not only with a broad range of compatible cine lenses from
manufacturers like Angenieux and Zeiss, but also with Canon's
burgeoning line of EF Cinema lenses for PL mount. These lenses are
designed to match up perfectly with the 3-perf Super 35mm-size CMOS
sensor that Canon developed for this camera. Like the camcorder, these
lenses (sold separately) were developed specifically for digital
cinema, with engraved markings on angled surfaces in meters and feet and
uniform front diameters for easy lens switching without having to
reconfigure a matte box or follow focus gearing.
The Canon Super
35mm sensor is paired with the Canon DIGIC III image processor, which
uses an innovative method of breaking out red, green, and blue data to
enable color performance on a level that would otherwise require three
separate chips. Recording HD formats to CompactFlash cards as Canon's XF
codec � at the highest level a 50 Mb/s, 4:2:2 MPEG-2 format � the C300
PL records motion video that reduces the jagged edges and Moir� patterns
that can plague video with 4:2:0 chroma subsampling and lead to
post-production challenges.
Moreover, the files' MXF file wrapper
brings together video, audio, metadata, and timecode in a package that
enjoys robust support from all professional NLE programs. The EOS C300
PL is designed to capture footage that thrives in the post-production
suite. To that same end, the camera also offers Canon's Log gamma mode,
which results in excellent tonal reproduction in the highlight and
lowlight regions of an image, and a greatly expanded dynamic range.
The
exterior of the camera is as unique as its innards. Featuring the
expected HD-SDI output, timecode I/O, and genlock input BNCs, the body
is a modular creature that can either be stripped down completely, or be
built up to host the included handle, 4" rotating LCD unit with full
controls, grip, and thumb rest. With accessible, assignable buttons laid
out in an ergonomic fashion, the C300 PL is physically designed not for
still photography but for the craft of digital cinema.
- Canon Super 35mm CMOS Sensor
-
Modeled on the Super 35mm 3-perf motion picture film
standard, the Canon CMOS sensor has an active image size of 24.4 x
13.5mm. It uses 3840 x 2160 photosites to perform the crucial
optoelectronic transformation of digital imaging. Each photosite is a
generous 6.4 x 6.4 micrometers in area, and each has a microlens that
ensures the highest efficiency in light transfer to the individual
photodiode. Proprietary technologies within the photosite simultaneously
lower the image sensor noise floor while enhancing the photon capacity
of the photodiode � a combination that assures superb dynamic range. The
image sensor employs an innovative readout technique that delivers
full-bandwidth individual RGB video components without the need for any
de-Bayering algorithms. Each of these components has a 1920 x 1080
sampling structure at up to 60 frames. From these original video
components, a 1080-line 60i format or a 1280 x 720 at 60p HD format are
selectively derived
- Wide Dynamic Range
-
The EOS C300 PL incorporates the first Canon CMOS sensor
designed specifically for high-frame-rate motion pictures, offering not
only high resolution and shallow depth of field but also high
sensitivity with low noise. Working together, Canon's Super 35mm sensor
and DIGIC DV III Image Processor achieve a remarkably high
signal-to-noise ratio that enables recordings with great detail and
dynamic range even in minimal light
- Canon Log Gamma
-
Shooting in Canon Log mode, cinematographers can set the
camera exposure value using their customary light meter practices. Canon
Log is a special nonlinear transfer function embodied within the DIGIC
DV III RGB video processing system. This transfer function is
specifically designed to facilitate the post-production of digital
images originating in Cinema EOS in a manner similar to the
post-production of images digitally transferred from motion picture film
(the contemporary DI process). By managing the disposition of
quantization bits, Canon Log ensures excellent tonal reproduction within
both highlight and low-light regions of a given digital image,
maintaining a total dynamic range of 800%. These sophisticated video
grading processes restructure a new digital representation achieving a
sought-after creative look on a quality reference display
- High Image Quality Benefits Post-Production
-
Whether showing dailies to producers or beginning the edit
process, professionals demand images of the highest quality � pictures
that look great and hold up during post-production. Canon developed this
camera's sensor to capture images with a wide pixel pitch for detailed,
low-noise blacks and impressive dynamic latitude even at higher
sensitivities. The EOS C300 PL can also record different frame rates,
including 23.98, true 24.00 if you're also shooting with a film camera,
plus 25p/50i and 30p/60i. Capturing high-quality images
ready for post, the EOS C300 PL benefits everyone involved in the
cinematic process, from capture to post
- Low Light/High ISO Ability
-
A dark and stormy night? With the EOS C300 PL, it's no
problem. The combination of sensor and image processor render an
extraordinary signal-to-noise ratio and as such make shooting at high
ISO (up to ISO 80,000) a breeze
- Reduced Rolling Shutter and Moir� Artifacting
-
The EOS C300 PL uses enhanced signal processing to minimize
rolling shutter skews and to reduce moir� artifacts. A high-speed
readout significantly reduces the subjective visibility of the vertical
skewing on fast-moving horizontal subjects, a typical pitfall of the
CMOS image sensor that's neutralized by Canon technology
- Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor
-
Designed and built by Canon for the highest HD RGB
processing, the DIGIC DV III Image Processor uses proprietary circuits
and architecture to deliver the highest image quality at the highest
speeds, with low power consumption and minimal heat output. It processes
the RGB representations that originate in the single CMOS sensor of the
camera into three channels (Red, Blue and Green) to maintain the rich
resolution and clean color fidelity formerly possible only in three-chip
sensor designs
- XF Codec Image Quality
-
To create digital files robust enough for major
post-production, the EOS C300 PL delivers the highest image quality with
its XF Codec � the same codec used by other Canon XF professional
camcorders. With 4:2:2 color sampling, image files have double the
vertical resolution of color components created with 4:2:0 color
sampling, minimizing jagged edges between red and blue and ensuring
ample quality for chroma key compositing with green screens. Thanks to
the Canon XF Codec and the EOS C300 PL's superior resolution, original
color quality and cinematic look will hold up through post-production �
with results that meet or exceed the filmmaker's expectations
- Canon EOS C300 PL with PL-Lens Mount
-
Designed to integrate into existing production setups, the
EOS C300 PL is fully compatible with a wide variety of industry-standard
PL-mount lenses, ensuring it will work seamlessly with trusted optics
already in the filmmaker's possession. Compatibility with Canon's
existing PL mount lenses means filmmakers can take advantage of the new
optical designs Canon has developed for the cinema market
- Canon EF Cinema Lenses, Available in PL Mount
-
Don't let the name fool you: Some Canon EF Cinema lenses (sold separately)
are available in both PL and EF configurations. They're designed and
engineered to meet or exceed the exacting standards of working
professionals. Every Canon EF Cinema lens is designed to fulfill
contemporary 4K production standards, surpassing the performance
requirements of any HD imaging system. Zoom lenses feature large
aspherical lens elements to achieve sharp, consistent images in every
shooting situation. Geared inner focusing minimizes focus-induced
changes in the angle of view, rendering focus breathing virtually zero.
The 11-blade aperture diaphragms ensure smooth out-of-focus areas and
beautiful bokeh � and innovative glass construction counteracts barrel
expansion and contraction to avoid temperature-induced marking
discrepancies. EF Cinema lenses provide markings on angled surfaces on
both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture
settings from behind or either side of the camera. Focus markings can be
switched from standard labeling to metric. Control rings are designed
to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating
torque. EF Cinema lenses share uniform gear position, diameter and
rotation angle as well as front lens diameters, enabling the film crew
to quickly change to another Canon zoom or prime lens or compatible
third-party accessories like matte boxes and rods without adjustments
- Canon EF Cinema Zoom Lenses
-
Canon's Cinema EF Zoom lenses (sold separately) offer
unrivaled optical performance for demanding high-end productions,
available in both EF- and PL-mount configurations. With fluorite,
aspherical lens elements and advanced optical design, these unequalled
Cinema EF Zoom lenses are capable of 4K-level image reproduction. For
the C300 PL< the wide-angle CN-E14.5-60mm T2.6 L SP provides
tremendous breadth of range; the telephoto CN-E30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L SP
rivals best-in-class zoom magnification and telephoto focal length.
Together these lenses cover the range most commonly used in cinema
shooting
- Designed with Filmmakers in Mind
-
With everything a cinematographer needs, the EOS C300 PL
comes ready to produce. A logical layout of buttons and dials make
operation simple. A lock switch turns off all controls except the
recording button and function buttons. Small ridges between the buttons
help prevent activating functions by mistake. A backlit display panel is
great for low-light viewing. A tally lamp is clearly visible from the
side or behind the camera
- Compact and Modular Design
-
The EOS C300 PL body is surprisingly small (5.24 x 7.0 x
6.7") and easily handheld at just over 3 lb. There is a bright 1.55 Mp
electronic viewfinder, and the camera comes bundled with a removable
combination 4", 1.23 Mp monitor and control panel. The camera also has a
removable hand grip with a control dial and function buttons for
handheld shooting in DSLR style. Or remove it and use the supplied thumb
rest for completely stripped-down shooting. The EOS C300 PL has a
manually operated built-in neutral density (ND) glass filter offering
1/4, 1/16, and 1/64th steps of filtering. Handheld or using a tripod, on
location or in the studio, even on 3-D rigs, the EOS C300 PL fits
shooting situations that are challenging for larger cameras
- Rugged, Durable, and Quiet
-
The EOS C300 PL's dust-proof and splash-proof design
includes sealing gaskets around the edges of all access covers, dials
fitted with o-rings on the axis of rotation, and button key-tops sealed
with rubber. The EOS C300 PL also features a built-in silent cooling
system with a heat-dissipating duct in the center of the body, a
graphite sheet that conducts sensor heat towards the heat sink, three
ventilation holes and a cooling fan that pulls hot air out through an
exhaust opening. All air is directed through a discrete pathway that
keeps dust particles away from sensitive components. Your camera runs
cool, quiet, and clean
- Comfortable Ergonomic Controls
-
The moment you pick up the EOS C300 PL, you'll feel right at
home. The detachable grip rotates 360� in 15-degree increments so the
start/stop, iris control and multi-controller buttons are always
literally at your fingertips. Four separate start/stop buttons and 15
other customizable buttons distributed over the camera body mean quiet
and intuitive access. Large dials positioned in two places can be
customized for different functions and are easy to operate from all
angles. The viewfinder tilts up to a convenient 60� angle. The 4"
control panel and 1.23 megapixel monitor rotates 135� left/right or 270�
down � and can be mounted directly on the camera body or the handle
unit. Top, behind, from either side, on either shoulder: the EOS C300 PL
operates from any angle
- Pre Rec for Shooting in a Single Take
-
For situations where there is no second take and action
shoots where things can happen with little warning, the EOS C300 PL's
Pre Rec feature continually records approximately three seconds of
full-motion imaging to buffer memory. When you press the record button,
these seconds are automatically added to the shot � and you'll have a
welcome margin of insurance to capture the unexpected
- Ultra-High-Resolution EVF
-
The EOS C300 PL features a 0.52", 1.55 Mp color EVF and
approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and
accurate judgment of composition, focus, and color. The angle of the
viewfinder is adjustable for additional user comfort
- Rich Audio Controls
-
When mounted to the EOS C300 camera, the included control
unit provides two XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power. A 3.5mm
microphone terminal is also built in to the camera. Audio is recorded
uncompressed in 16-bit PCM format at 48 kHz for high fidelity sound.
Both XLR inputs, as well as the mic terminal have the option for
automatic, as well as full manual gain control (-Infinity to +18dB).
Additionally, a 3.5mm headphone terminal with 16 volume settings offers
accurate audio monitoring
- Accommodating File-Based Production
-
The Cinema EOS system creates files in the internationally
standardized Material eXchange Format (MXF), wrapping video and audio
with metadata in a single file that maintains access to critical
information throughout the production process. The EOS C300 and EOS C300
PL record to inexpensive and easy-to-find CF cards in dual card slots,
giving you unlimited hot-swappable storage on reliable solid-state
media. And for industry-standard peripherals, the EOS C300 PL has all
the right terminals: remote (2.5mm), sync out (BNC), HDMI type A out,
genlock (BNC), timecode (BNC), HD/SDI (BNC), headphone, SD card, DC
input socket, plus mic and XLR connectors (CH1 & CH2) when using the
included Canon monitor/controller unit. The camera also includes a
dedicated connection port for the optional Canon Wireless File Transfer
WFT-E6A unit (sold separately)
- Perfect for Mixed-Shoot Editing
-
The tremendous dynamic range of the EOS C300 PL with Canon
Log gamma can be easily converted to industry-standard 10-bit Cineon
(.cin) Log format which assures smooth integration with
industry-standard post workflow and finishing. The EOS C300 PL's 24.00p
mode matches the exact frame rates of film cameras, so there's no need
for time-consuming frame-rate conversion. And you'll have plug-ins for
leading NLE systems from Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley. Whether
your entire production is digital or your EOS C300 PL is used as an A,
B, or C camera on a primarily film-based shoot, the integrity of your
image and sound is assured through the editing process � and beyond
- CF Memory Card Recording
-
For versatility and reliability, the EOS C300 PL's recording
and terminal specifications are completely compatible with the
prevailing industry standards. It records to CF cards through dual
slots. From a cost and reliability standpoint, CF cards have no equal.
Solid state, hot-swappable, and easy to find, two 32 GB CF cards can
hold 2 hours of 4:2:2 50 Mb/s footage. It's even possible to record to
two CF cards simultaneously, relay-record for uninterrupted shots, and
copy from one card to another
- Custom Pictures
-
To achieve the look and feel you want in less time during
post-production, the EOS C300 PL has 26 different Custom Picture
settings. Custom Pictures can include different image quality
adjustments, including gamma, knee, color matrix, sharpness, noise
reduction, and more. Settings can be created in-camera and saved to the
EOS C300 PL or to an SD card for transfer to other cameras. A number of
natural color settings are included with the EOS C300 PL; others include
Cinema setting for post-production and EOS setting to match images
captured by a Canon EOS DSLR
- Black Balance Adjustment
-
In ambient conditions that cause the black in the video
signal to shift out of alignment, the EOS C300 PL's black balance can be
easily adjusted to bring it back. A simple process with the lens cap on
the camera, black balance adjustment is especially useful the first
time you use the EOS C300 PL, when your camera has been on the shelf for
an extended period, when you'll be shooting in a wide range of
temperatures, or when the ISO sensitivity or gain settings have been
changed
- Multiple Recording Formats & Advanced Recording
-
With the realities of production in mind, the EOS C300 PL
can record in a number of different modes, resolutions and frame rates,
delivering quality recordings perfect for any application. 24.00p mode
matches the exact frame rates of film cameras, so there's no need for
time-consuming frame-rate conversion. And the camera can shoot in both
PAL and NTSC modes at 50 Mb/s (CBR), 35 Mb/s (VBR), and 25 Mb/s (CBR)
with a range of settings for resolution, color, frame rate, and
recording time. Whether shooting with the expectation of significant
editing and post-production, recording for compatibility with HDV
editing, or simply creating the longest possible HD video files, the EOS
C300 PL camera will perform flawlessly
- High-Speed, Slow-Motion, Time-Lapse & Stop-Motion
-
Beyond the advantages of file-based recording, the EOS C300
PL offers a number of creative possibilities in post-production. By
capturing fewer frames per second, the camera can transform normal
action into intense high-speed motion up to 60x. By capturing more
frames per second, the camera can slow down motion to 1/2.5x at 720p.
The EOS C300 PL can also be programmed to record a set number of frames
at defined intervals for amazing time-lapse photography � and a
frame-recording feature is perfect for stop-frame animation
- Connectivity
-
To connect to external monitors, switchers, VTRs, and NLE
systems with SDI inputs, the EOS C300 PL features industry-standard
HD-SDI output, genlock, and timecode terminals, plus audio terminals
with Linear PCM recording. Timecode and genlock enable synchronized
multiple camera capture, perfect for multiple-camera shots, 3D
acquisition, and more. The HD-SDI sync terminal can be switched to
output to HD Sync, HD Y, Black Burst, and Composite
Full M