Canon EOS C100 Mark II Review

The Canon EOS C100 Mark II Cinema EOS Camera with Dual Pixel CMOS AF is an improved version of the C100 that was developed for use by event videographers, indie filmmakers, and documentarians.

Through the implementation of Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, it features a continuous focusing function that is compatible with all Canon autofocus lenses. When working with a limited number of people, this new function will help users by providing autofocusing that is both quicker and more accurate.

Additionally, the Mark II comes with a number of new and improved capabilities, such as face detection AF, the ability to record in MP4, additional frame rates while recording in AVCHD, and slow motion and rapid motion options when recording in MP4. When the top handle is detached from the Mark II, an extra microphone is revealed on the body of the camera. This microphone can be used to record sound.

Key Specs:

  • Use the camera’s LANC-compatible remote interface to exercise remote control over the device.
    Even in complex rigging scenarios, a single person can handle the remote operation because of its one-person operating capability.
  • Added Advantages and Functions
  • Standard and RGB modes available on the waveform monitor
  • Exposure and focus aids such as peaking, zebra, magnify, edge monitor focus assist, and edge monitor peaking
  • The Mode in Black and White
  • Timecode can either be Drop Frame (DF) or Non-Drop Frame (NDF).
  • Timecode modes: Regen, Record Run, Free Run
  • There are some great Personalized Picture Profiles available in the camera, and you can save up to 20 of them.
  • stored on a microSD card
  • Adjustments to the following settings can be made in order to personalize picture profiles: Gamma,
  • Knee, Sharpness, Noise Balance, Black, Black Gamma, and Low Key Saturation are some of the terms that are used.
  • Adjustments to the color and the setup level
  • 15 buttons that can be assigned a function
  • It is possible to select color bars that adhere to the SMPTE, EBU, or ARIB standards.

It features a 3.5-inch OLED display that has a higher resolution, and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) now tilts in addition to having almost twice the size it had on the original C100. The Mark II is equipped with built-in wifi capabilities and supports GPS technology. However, in addition to supporting the timecode as the original C100 did, the HDMI output also supports the Canon Log LUT format.

The EOS C100 Mark II makes use of the same Super 35mm Canon CMOS sensor as its older and more powerful sibling, the C300, but it employs a Digic DV 4 processor instead. Because it has an EF lens mount, the camera is compatible with the complete lineup of Canon lenses designated as EF, EF-S, and EF Cinema.

This is especially helpful for photographers who use DSLR cameras and have already made an investment in Canon lenses. The AVCHD codec is utilized to capture 1080p video at a maximum of 24 Mbps by the camera. It is possible to record over three hours of high-definition video on a single 32GB memory card because it is compatible with dual SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. This is made possible by the efficient AVCHD codec.

You can also record clear, uncompressed 4:2:2 video with embedded timecode via the HDMI output, which makes this device suitable for professional applications.

The EOS C100 Mark II has a simplified ergonomic design that makes it possible for a single person to shoot with it. The camera has a versatile modular architecture that accommodates a range of shooting methods. In its most basic version, the camera weighs only 2.2 pounds. Operators are able to spend less time reviewing the camera settings and more time recording cinematic footage thanks to additional capabilities such as One-Shot AF and Push Auto Iris.

Technology for Autofocus with Dual Pixels of CMOS

Utilizing Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, the Continuous AF (Autofocus) capability is available for use with all autofocus lenses. You can now modify the image framing while still maintaining the intended focus thanks to a new feature called AF Lock. This function is perfect for users who routinely film with smaller crews, who photograph moving subjects, or who desire smoother, more natural-looking autofocus. Other potential users include those who shoot with moving subjects.

The CMOS sensor used in Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology is composed of an array of pixels, each of which has two distinct photodiodes.

Even when the subject of the photograph or the camera itself is moving, phase-difference autofocus helps maintain clear photos and smooth focus transitions by continuously comparing the outputs of the two lenses when the camera is in the AF mode.

The new function places a high priority on maintaining accurate focus while providing a natural, smooth autofocus movement with certain Canon EF lenses. These lenses include newer-generation STM lenses, which offer even smoother and quieter performance than their predecessors.

Continual Taping or Recording

When you use the function that records in a continuous, nonstop manner, you will have the ability to insert In and Out points into the movie whenever you hit the START/STOP button. At the present moment, the continuous recording function is compatible with the EDIUS Pro 7 software that is offered by Grass Valley.

320–102,400 ISO Scale of Measurement

The Canon EOS C100 Mark II is even more sensitive to light than its predecessor because to its expanded ISO range, which now goes all the way up to 102,400. This enables you to capture viable film during low-light and night shoots, even while using the lighting that is available to you or the illumination that is already present in the environment as your primary light source.

If you are able to function in lower light levels, you will be able to work more quickly with smaller teams and resources, which is great for independent filmmakers and filmmakers working on a low budget.

Menu Navigation via Camera Buttons

The buttons on the camera body can now be used to navigate the menus found on the inside of the camera. In the past, the only way to manage the internal menus was by removing the joystick and replacing it with a removable joystick. However, today there are buttons on the back of the camera, just below the monitor that is built in. When the side grip is removed, you will still have access to the menus thanks to this feature.

Magnification and Location Shift for the Viewfinder

Using the joystick, you can manually shift the center of the camera’s magnification viewing area to one of 25 distinct spots throughout the image frame. Camera operators may now quickly verify focus even on subjects that are situated farther from the center of the image frame thanks to recent technological advancements.

Record Button Lock

Through the use of the Key Lock setting, it is now able to lock all of the functions, including the record button. This helps to prevent unintentional operation during a crucial shoot, which could have been caused by the operator hitting the incorrect button by accident.

Super 35mm 8.3MP CMOS Sensor

The classic Super 35mm film’s field of vision and angle of view are replicated by the depth of field and angle of view provided by the Super 35mm-sized sensor. The sensor has a native resolution of 8.3 megapixels and a larger pixel pitch than the majority of traditional professional camcorders. As a result, it delivers greater sensitivity and reduced noise in areas with low levels of available light.

Image Processor with the DIGIC DV 4

The DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor was developed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the highest HD RGB processing. It makes use of Canon’s own proprietary circuits and architecture to deliver the highest image quality at the highest speeds, while also consuming the least amount of power and producing the least amount of heat.

It converts the RGB representations that are generated by the camera’s solitary CMOS sensor into three channels—namely, red, blue, and green—in order to preserve the high resolution and accurate color reproduction that were previously achievable only with three-chip sensor designs.

Sensitivity to light that is low

Together, the Super 35mm sensor and the DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor are able to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio, which makes it possible for recordings to have a significant amount of clarity and dynamic range even when there is only a little amount of available light.

Log gamma and wide dynamic range gamma from Canon

Because Canon Log records a picture with muted contrast and sharpness, it maintains a high dynamic range but requires color grading to be done after the fact in order to achieve the desired effect.

The dynamic range of the image is increased by 12 stops as a result of Canon Log Gamma’s emphasis on rich gradients from the mid-range to the highlights. Canon Log Gamma offers 5.3 stops of latitude above ideal exposure (and 6.7 stops of latitude below), which broadens the possible dynamic range in color grading. This capability is available at ISO 850 and higher.

Wide DR Gamma is designed to provide finished-looking photographs without the need for any color grading in post-production. This is accomplished by reducing the brightness of the image while keeping the gradations intact. This results in a wider dynamic range.

mount for EF lenses that use EF contacts

The camera is completely compatible with the well-known EF mount lenses that Canon produces. Even specialized lenses, such as Canon’s tilt-shift lens (24mm f/3.5L II) or fisheye lens (8-15mm f/4L Ultra-Wide Zoom). The camera has a feature called peripheral illumination correction that, when used in conjunction with EF lenses, automatically adjusts for any light loss that may occur in the image’s four corners.

AVCHD Supports a Wide Variety of Recording Modes and Frame Rates

The camera is capable of recording at a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080 at AVCHD bit rates of up to 24 Mbps (LPCM). In order to cater to the requirements of your production workflow, frame rates like 59.94p, 50p, 59.94i, 50i, 24p, 25p, PF30, and PF24 are all at your disposal. Relay recording of long takes across dual SD cards is supported, and it is also possible to write video to both cards so that you have a backup copy in case one of the SD cards fails. The Pre REC mode provides a buffer of roughly three seconds before to the activation of the tally light.

MP4 Supports a Wide Variety of Recording Modes and Frame Rates

The Canon C100 Mark II is capable of recording in 1920 x 1080p to MP4, as well as supporting 720p and 640 x 360 frame sizes. Recording may be done at a variety of frame rates.
Uncompressed HDMI Output with Support for Canon Log LUT and Timecode Uncompressing the signal before sending it out over HDMI.

This signal is able to superimpose the timecode and the 2:3 pulldown marker, which indicates that an external recorder and converter are able to handle the HDMI output as an SDI signal. A quick backup is provided by external recorders, which also assist in the process of streamlining post-production procedures. Additionally, Canon Log LUT output is supported through the HDMI output.

Design That Is Both Space-Saving and User-Friendly

It is 85% the size of the Canon C300, and it is based on a mobile core design that allows extra accessories to be connected depending on the situation. It was designed with the single shooter in mind, and it is 85% the size of the Canon C300. Either keep the camera as simple as possible for a “run-and-gun” style of shooting, or add a full variety of camera-mounted accessories to enhance your photography.

You don’t need overly large and cumbersome gear to shoot dual-camera 3D footage if you have a camera with a small body. Because of its low weight, it decreases the amount of tiredness that users experience and enables even complex rigging systems to remain mobile enough to be operated by a single person.

In order to provide you with a variety of comfortable shooting positions, the optional hand grip for the camera can be removed and rotated around a full 360 degrees. Additionally, the camera’s physical buttons can be personalized in order to accommodate your own unique shooting preferences.

The stereo microphone and XLR inputs can be found on the detachable top handle.

Included in the package is a top-mounted handle unit that provides a microphone shock mount in addition to its two XLR connectors. XLR connections provide a high-quality audio input for professional-grade microphones and make it possible to record audio at a bit rate of 24 Mbps for two channels at 48 kHz linear PCM.

Integrated OLED Display and High-Resolution Electronic Viewfinder

The 1.23 million dot-equivalent 0.45″ electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage enables you to make precise adjustments to the focus, composition, and exposure of your image. The integrated 3.5-inch 1.23-megapixel equivalent OLED panel can swivel 180 degrees to protect the screen when it is not in use and tilt 100 degrees to provide the photographer more options when shooting difficult perspective images. You can review the footage or check out the waveform monitor by using the LCD display on the camera.

Recording in AVCHD or MP4 Format to SD Cards Based on File

AVCHD is a high-efficiency codec that has swiftly become a standard in both the professional and consumer video markets. The camera records video to SDHC/SDXC cards using this codec.

The maximum bit-rate is 24 megabits per second. During the recording process, video files that are larger than 2GB are divided into numerous files. These individual files are then automatically linked together when using Canon Data Import. The AVCHD video codec is the default for Blu-ray discs and is extensively supported by most non-linear editing (NLE) systems.

The camera uses the MP4 codec to record, and while it is in MP4 recording mode, it can record either at a fast speed (25 percent quicker) or a slow speed (40 percent slower).

Completely Manual Operation with Various Focusing Aids

The camera grants the user total manual control over the recording process in all of its aspects. You can make your own unique picture settings, camera operations, and display options, and then recall them later.

Both the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and the LCD monitor of the camera come equipped with a number of highly effective and user-friendly focusing aids that make it simple to determine the critical focus distance. Peaking Modes and Magnify Focus Modes can be used regardless of whether the camera is in standby or recording mode.

In addition, the LCD has an Edge Monitor Display, where a green waveform indicates the overall focus of the scene and a red waveform provides input regarding the focus of the three focus check boxes that are visible on the LCD monitor.

One-Shot Autofocus & Pushing the Iris Auto

One-Shot AF is responsible for executing focus adjustments with a dedicated button, and the Push Auto Iris button is responsible for automatically adjusting the aperture of the lens in order to easily and quickly keep the exposure in the correct range. Even when the mode is set to manual, it is still possible to access both of these capabilities.

Built-In ND Filters

When shooting in extremely bright surroundings, neutral density filters are frequently necessary in order to prevent overexposure while maintaining the ability to use optimal shutter and aperture settings. It has built-in neutral density filters of three different densities, giving you a total of four different ND settings (OFF, 2 stops, 4 stops, 6 stops). A manual dial is used to activate the built-in neutral density filters.

Canon EOS C100 Mark II Specs

Imaging

Lens MountCanon EF
Lens CommunicationYes, with Autofocus Support
Sensor ResolutionActual: 9.84 Megapixel (4206 x 2340)
Effective: 8.29 Megapixel (4096 x 2160)
Sensor Type24.6 x 13.8 mm (Super35) CMOS
Built-In ND FilterMechanical Filter Wheel with 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters
Capture TypeStills & Video

Exposure Control

Shutter TypeElectronic Rolling Shutter
Shutter Speed1/2000 to 1/3 Second
ISO Sensitivity320 to 102,400
Gain-6 to 30 dB (Expanded)
0 to 24 dB (Native)
Shutter Angle11.25 to 360°
Internal Recording ModesAVCHD 4:2:0 8-Bit
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [28 Mb/s]
MP4
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [35 Mb/s]
Sensor Crop ModesSuper35 / APS-C
Variable Frame Rates23.98 to 60 fps
Broadcast OutputNTSC/PAL
Audio Recording2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz
IP StreamingNone

Interface

Video I/O1 x HDMI Output
Audio I/O2 x XLR 3-Pin (+48 V Phantom Power) Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Power I/O1 x Barrel Input
Other I/O1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control Input
1 x Mini-USB

Monitor

Size3.5″
Resolution1,230,000 Dot
Display TypeArticulating OLED

Viewfinder

TypeBuilt-In Electronic (LCD)
Size0.24″
Resolution960 x 540 (1,560,000 Dot)
Diopter Adjustment-5.5 to +2

Focus

Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeAutomatic, Manual Focus

Environmental

Operating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C

General

Battery TypeCanon BP-9 Series
Accessory Mount1 x 1/4″-20 Female
1 x Cold Shoe Mount
Dimensions (W x H x D)7.2 x 11.1 x 9.3″ / 18.2 x 28.1 x 23.6 cm
Weight3.2 lb / 1.5 kg

Packaging Info

Package Weight12.2 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)14.5 x 12 x 12″

Canon EOS C100 Mark II Price

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