As Canon’s initial venture into the 4K digital cinema production field, the Canon EOS C500 4K Cinema Camera (EF Lens Mount) is equipped with an EF lens mount. The EOS C500 fulfills the potential of the large (Super 35mm-size), high-resolution (8.8 Mp effective) CMOS imager by delivering full 4K RAW output via 3G-SDI. This sensor is shared with the older EOS C300 camera.
Additionally, the C500 and the C300 share the same body style in common. The EOS C500 has been created specifically with the art of digital cinematography in mind, as evidenced by its large, easily accessible buttons that are separated by ridges.
Its signal output is similarly suitable: The 10-bit 4K RAW data stream output can be recorded to an approved external device (available separately) at full resolution at recording rates up to 60 frames per second. This recording can be done at any frame rate.
By utilizing both of the C500’s 3G-SDI outputs, you are able to capture up to 120 frames per second onto an external recorder. This is made possible by a format known as 4K half RAW, which reduces the horizontal resolution by half.
The Canon EOS C500 can integrate with tried-and-true workflows used in the production of feature films. For example, you can record proxy files at a rate of 50 Mb/s to the camera’s internal CF card while the camera is also recording 4K RAW data outside. This will allow you to begin editing a rough cut or dailies as soon as a scene is over.
The camera is equipped with Canon’s Log gamma mode, producing outstanding tone reproduction in both an image’s highlight and lowlight parts and a significantly extended dynamic range. This allows for the most significant possible freedom for making color adjustments during post-production.
The EOS C500 comes equipped with an EF mount, making it compatible with Canon’s extensive collection of DSLR lenses and the company’s rapidly expanding lineup of EF Cinema Zoom and Prime lenses.
This camera has a CMOS sensor that is of a 3-perf Super 35mm size, and these lenses are meant to be a perfect match for that sensor. In the same way the camcorder was explicitly designed for digital cinema, these lenses (sold separately) were also developed specifically for digital cinema. They feature engraved markings on angled surfaces in meters and feet and uniform front diameters that allow for easy lens switching without needing to reconfigure a matte box or follow focus gearing.
CMOS Sensor for Canon Super 35mm Camera
The Canon CMOS sensor has an effective resolution of 4096 by 2160 and was modeled after the standard for motion picture film measuring Super 35mm with three perforations. The image sensor uses a cutting-edge readout method that eliminates the requirement for any de-Bayering techniques to provide full-bandwidth representations of the individual RGB video components.
RAW 4K Output
The C500 can generate a full 4K RAW data stream (4096 x 2160 pixels) in 10-bit color space, with complete Bayer encoding and frame rates of up to 60 frames per second when using a single 3G-SDI output. If all of the camera’s 3G-SDI creations are used, the frame rate can increase to as high as 120 frames per second; however, the horizontal resolution will need to be cut in half and then interpolated back in.
Canon Log Gamma
When shooting in Canon Log mode, cinematographers can set the camera’s exposure valuehe procedures they are accustomed to employing with their light meters. This nonlinear transfer function was developed to ease the post-production process for digital images captured with Cinema EOS cameras in a manner analogous to the post-production process for digital images that have been digitally transferred from motion picture film (the contemporary DI process).
Canon Log enables superb tonal reproduction over an entirely digital image by carefully controlling the distribution of quantization bits. This applies to both the high- and low-light areas of the picture.
Canon EOS C500 Digital SLR Camera with EF Mount
The EOS C500 with a Canon EF lens mount is entirely compatible with all of Canon’s EF lenses, including compact primes, super telephotos, specialty tilt-shift, macro, and fisheye lenses – a total of over 60 in total – so that it can easily integrate into the working style and equipment array of film crews and production houses. This allows the EOS C500 to be easily incorporated into these environments.
Canon EF Cinema Lenses
The precise needs of working professionals were considered during the design and development of Canon EF Cinema lenses, which are available for purchase individually. Every single Canon EF Cinema lens is built to meet the modern production standards for 4K, exceeding the performance requirements of any HD imaging system. Zoom lenses typically have sizeable aspherical lens elements, which allow for creating sharp and consistent images regardless of the shooting environment.
The use of geared inner focusing helps reduce the amount of focus-induced shifts in the angle of view, effectively eliminating focus breathing. In addition, the revolutionary glass design counteracts barrel expansion and contraction to minimize temperature-induced marking anomalies, and the 11-blade aperture diaphragms ensure smooth out-of-focus areas and gorgeous bokeh.
Reading the focus and aperture settings on EF Cinema lenses is simple because they include markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel. This makes viewing the scenes from behind or on either side of the camera possible. In addition, standard labeling can be changed to metric labeling on focus markers if desired.
Control rings are constructed to keep the appropriate level of resistance while allowing for a consistent amount of operating torque. In addition, EF Cinema lenses have uniform gear positions, diameters, rotation angles, and front lens diameters. This allows the film crew to quickly switch to another Canon zoom, prime lens, or compatible third-party accessories such as matte boxes and rods without adjusting.
Developed with the Interest of Filmmakers in Mind
The Canon EOS C500 is fully equipped to produce, meeting the requirements of a cinematographer in every respect. The intuitive organization of the controls, including the buttons and dials, makes operation very easy. All rules, except the record and function buttons, are disabled by a lock switch. The buttons have tiny ridges between them to help avoid accidental activation of functions. When there is little available light, having a backlit display screen is helpful. A tally lamp can be seen very clearly from the side or behind the camera.
Comfortable Ergonomic Controls
When you first pick up the EOS C500, you’ll immediately feel comfortable and familiar. Access is simple and discreet because the camera’s design features 15 programmable buttons and a separate start/stop button.
Making Provisions for Production Based on Files
The Cinema EOS system generates complete HD proxy files in the Material eXchange Format (MXF), an international standard. These files include video and audio data with metadata in a single file, ensuring that vital information can be accessed at all times during production.
Canon EOS C500 Specifications
| Sensor | |
| Effective Pixels | 4096 x 2160 pixels, approx. 8.85 megapixels |
| Total Pixels | 4206 x 2340 pixels, approx. 9.84 megapixels |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Scanning System | Progressive |
| Filter | RGB Primary Color Filter (Bayer Array) |
| Processor | Digic DV III |
| Minimum Illumination | 59.94 Hz Mode: 0.3 Lux (f/1.2, 24 dB, 29.97p, 1/30 sec.) 50.00 Hz Mode: 0.25 Lux (f/1.2, 24 dB, 25p, 1/25 sec.) |
| Sensitivity | 59.94 Hz Mode: F9 (1920 x 1080/59.94i, ISO 640 (0 dB), 2000 lux, 89.9% Reflection) 50.00 Hz Mode: F10 (1920 x 1080/50i, ISO 640 (0 dB), 2000 lux, 89.9% Reflection) |
| S/N Ratio | 59.94 Hz Mode: 54 dB (1920×1080/29.97p, Canon Log, ISO 850, Dynamic Range 800%) 50.00 Hz Mode: 54 dB (1920×1080/25p, Canon Log, ISO 850, Dynamic Range 800%) |
| Dynamic Range | During Normal Shooting: 300% With Canon Log Gamma: 800% (ISO 850 or above, gain 2.5dB or above) |
| Lens System | |
| Mount Type | EF |
| ND Filter | Mechanical ND filter system with the option of clear, 2, 4, and 6 stops |
| Iris Dial | Iris Dial is located on the camera body for EOS EF Lenses with electronic Iris control. |
| Peripheral Illumination Correction | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
| Gain | Normal Setting: -6 ~ 30 dB Fine Setting: 0 ~ 24 dB in 0.5 dB increments |
| ISO | 320 ~ 80,000 |
| Shutter Modes | OFF; Speed; Angle; Slow Shutter; Clear Scan Speed Mode is selected in 1/3 or ¼ stop increments |
| Shutter Speed Range | 59.94i/59.94p: 1/60 ~ 1/2000 in 1/4 or 1/3 stops SLS: 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30; CS: 59.94 Hz – 250.27 Hz 29.97p: 1/30 ~ 1/2000 in 1/4 or 1/3 stops SLS: 1/4, 1/8, 1/15; CS: 29.97 Hz – 250.27 Hz 23.98p/24p: 1/24 ~ 1/2000 in 1/4or 1/3 stops SLS: 1/3, 1/6, 1/12; CS: 23.97 Hz – 250.27 Hz 50i/50p: 1/50 ~ 1/2000 in 1/4 or 1/3 stops SLS: 1/3, 1/6, 1/12 1/25; CS: 50.00 Hz – 250.78 Hz 25p: 1/25 ~ 1/2000 in 1/4 or 1/3 stops SLS: 1/3, 1/6, 1/12; CS: 25.00 Hz – 250.78 Hz |
| Shutter Angle Settings | 59.94i/59.94p: 360, 240, 216, 180, 120, 90, 60, 45, 30, 22.5, 15, 11.25 29.97p: 360, 240, 216, 180, 120, 108, 90, 60, 45, 30, 22.5, 15, 11.25 23.98p/24p: 360, 345.6, 288, 240, 180, 172.8, 144, 120, 90, 86.4, 72, 60, 45, 30, 22.5, 15, 11.25 50i/50p: 360, 300, 240, 180, 150, 120, 90, 60, 45, 30, 22.50, 15, 11.25 25p: 360, 300, 240, 180, 150, 120, 90, 75, 60, 45, 30, 22.50, 15, 11.25 |
| Iris Control | With compatible EF lenses: 1/2, 1/3 stop, or fine setting |
| White Balance | Kelvin Setting: 2,000K ~ 15,000K in 100K increments Presets: Daylight (5,400K); Tungsten (3,200K); Kelvin White balance shift is available within Presets (-9 to +9) |
| Auto Black Balance | Yes |
| Recording | |
| External Recording Output | 4K RAW 10bit 4096×2160 or 3840×2160 at 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p/50p/25p/24p 4K RAW 10bit 4096×1080 or 3840×1080 at 62p up to 119.88p in 2 frame steps 2K RGB 444 12bit 2048×1080 or 1920×1080 at 59.94p/29.98p/23.98p/50p/25p/24p) 2K RGB 444 10bit 2048×1080 or 1920×1080 at 59.94p/29.98p/23.98p/50p/25p/24p) 2K YCC 422 10bit 2048×1080 or 1920×1080 62p up to 119.88p in 2 frame steps |
| Compression | Video: 8 Bit MPEG-2 Long GOP Audio: Linear PCM; 2-Channel; 16-Bit; 48 kHz |
| Maximum Bit Rate | 50Mbps (CBR) |
| Recording Options | 50 Mbps (CBR) 4:2:2 422P@HL 1920×1080 at 59.94i/29.98p/23.98p/50i/25p/24.00p 1280×720 at 59.94/29.98p/23.98p/50p/25p/24.00p 35 Mbps (VBR) 4:2:0 MP@HL 1920×1080 at 59.94i/29.98p/23.98p/50i/25p 1280×720 at 59.94/29.98p/23.98p/50p/25p 25 Mbps (CBR) 4:2:0 MP@H14 1440×1080 at 59.94i/29.98p/23.98p/50i/25p |
| Recording Time | 2GB: 5 min (at 50 Mbps), 5 min (at 35 Mbps), 10 min (at 25 Mbps) 4GB: 10 min (at 50 Mbps), 10 min (at 35 Mbps), 20 min (at 25 Mbps) 8GB: 20 min (at 50 Mbps), 25 min (at 35 Mbps), 40 min (at 25 Mbps) 16GB: 40 min (at 50 Mbps), 55 min (at 35 Mbps), 80 min (at 25 Mbps) 32GB: 80 min (at 50 Mbps), 110 min (at 35 Mbps), 155 min (at 25 Mbps) 64GB: 160 min (at 50 Mbps), 225 min(at 35 Mbps), 310 min (at 25 Mbps) |
| Recording Media | CF Card (Type 1 Only); 2 Slots (Movie Files); UDMA supported SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (JPEG), Custom Picture Data*, Clip Metadata, and menu settings *Custom Picture Data and settings are not compatible with data from other Canon models |
| File Format | MXF (OP-1a) |
| Maximum Clip Number | 999 (per media) |
| Audio Features | Recording Channel Selection: CH1/CH2, CH1/CH1, CH2/CH2, ALL CH/ALL CH XLR Mic Trimming: -12dB, -6 dB, 0dB, or +12 dB Limiter: available Recording Level Adjustment Range: – Infinity to +18dB Phantom Power: +48V Headphone Adjustment: 16 Settings (volume is muted at lowest setting) 1 KHz Tone: -12, -18, or -20 dB |
| Slow and Fast Motion Recording | This feature records at a different frame rate than the playback rate, allowing for fast and slow-motion effects. Slow and Fast Motion Recording is available to external recording devices in 4K and 2K modes. 4K RAW (4096×2160/3840×2160) 1-60 fps (60Hz/24:00); 1-50 (50Hz) 4K HRAW (4096×1080/3840×1080) 1-60, 62-120 in 2 frame increments (60Hz/24:00); 1-50, 52-100 in 2 frame increments (50Hz) 2K RGB 4:4:4 (2048×1080/1920×1080) 1-60. 62-120 in 2 frame increments (60Hz/24:00); 1-50, 52-100 in 2 frame increments (50Hz) 2K YCC 4:2:2 (2048×1080/1920×1080) 1-60, 62-120 in 2 frame increments (60Hz/24:00); 1-50, 52-100 in 2 frame increments (50Hz) 50 Mbps 1920×1080 1-30 (29.97p/23.98p/24.00p); 1-25 (50i/25p) 50 Mbps 1280×720 1-60 (59.94p/29.97p/23.98p/24.00p); 1-50 (50p/25p) 35 Mbps 1920×1080 1-30 (29.97p/23.98p/24.00p); 1-25 (50i/25p) 35 Mbps 1280×720 1-60 (59.94p/29.97p/23.98p/24.00p); 1-50 (50p/25p) 25 Mbps 1440×1080 1-30 (29.97p/23.98p) |
| Time Code | Drop Frame (not available in 24P) Non-Drop Frame |
| Time Code Modes | Regeneration, Record Run, Free Run, and External Source |
| Special Recording Functions | Relay Recording, Double-Slot Recording, Copying between Media, Photo Recording Mode, Waveform Monitor (Standard and RGB Component modes), Vectorscope, Peaking (2 types), Zebra Pattern, Magnify, Edge Monitor Focus Assist, Black and White Mode, Interval Record, Frame Record Pre-Record (3 seconds cache), Scan Reverse |
| Display | |
| Electronic View Finder | Viewing Angle Adjustment: viewing Angle can be adjusted up and down 60° Diopter Adjustment Range: +2.0 to -5.5 Adjustments: brightness, contrast, color, and backlight |
| Monitor | Type: LCD Display Adjustments: brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, and backlight |
| Input/Output | |
| HD/SD-SDI | HD 8-bit 4:2:2 (YPbPr) 1920×1080: 59.94i/50i/23.98/24.00, 1280×720: 59.94p/50p/23.98/24.00 SD 8-bit 4:2:2 (YPbPr) 480: 59.94i, 576: 50i BNC Connector, output only NTSC 480i/PAL 576i: Compliant with SMTPE 259M Embedded Audio: Compliant w ith SMTPE 272M Time Code Standard: (VITC/LTC) SMTPE 12M HD-SDI: (Compliant with SMTPE 292M) 1080i/720p: Compliant with SMTPE 292M Embedded Audio: Compliant with SMTPE 299M |
| 3G-SDI | Connector: 2x BNC Output Modes: RAW (10-bit); RGB 4:4:4 (10-bit/12-bit); YCC 4:2:2 (10-bit) Frame Rates: 23.98p/24.00p/25.00p/29.97p/59.94p/50p |
| Audio Inputs | 2x XLR inputs (auto and manual level settings) 1x External microphone terminal (3.5 mm diameter) |
| Video Output | Connector: 2x BNC Resolution: 2048×1080 / 1920×1080 Frame Rates: 23.98p/24.00p/25.00p/29.97p/30p/59.94p/50p/60p Color Space: YPbPr 10-bit |
| Time Code I/O | Connector: BNC (Input and Output) |
| Genlock | Connector: BNC (Input Only) Adjustment range: -1023 ~ 1023 |
| Synch Out | Connector: BNC (1) HD tri-level signal (HD Sync) 1920×1080: 59.94i/50i/23.98/24.00, 1280×720: 59.94p/50p/23.98, 24.00; The HD standard analog component Y signal with the black muted is output. (2) HD-Y signals (HD-Y) 1920×1080: 60i, 59.94i/50i, 1280×720: 60p/59.94p/50p; Only the HD standard analog component Y signal is output. (3) Black burst signal 480: 59.94i, 576: 50i; The SD standard analog composite signal with the black muted is output. (4) Composite 480: 59.94i, 576: 50i; The SD standard analog composite signals are output. |
| HDMI | Connector: HDMI (Type A) HD 8-bit 4:2:2 (YPbPr) 1920×1080: 60i/59.94i/50i, 1280×720: 60p/59.94p/50p SD 8-bit 4:2:2 (YPbPr) 480: 59.94i, 576: 50i |
| Headphone Jack | 1x 3.5mm stereo mini-jack |
| Remote Terminals | Fully LANC Compatible Remote control through the WFT-E6A accessory is also possible |
| Power Terminal | DC in on camera (no need for “Dummy Battery”) |
| General | |
| Other Features | Playback: Clip Display, 3×4 Index Display, Original, “OK Mark,” “Check Mark,” “Shot Mark,” Expand, Photo (SD Card), Clip Metadata Clip Playback: Forward Search (x5, x15, x60), Reverse Search (x5, x15, x60), Forward frame Advance, Reverse Frame Advance, Record Review, Skip to following clip, skip to previous clip Clip information Display: Clip Metadata display, custom picture settings Playback Functions: Inter-media Copy (Single Clip, All Clips, Last Clip); Clip Delete (Single Clip, All Clips, Last Clip) Still Image Playback: index, single playback, erasure, protect Custom Picture Settings: 23 Custom Picture settings Custom Functions: 9 total functions Custom Display: LCD panel and EVF information display can be customized On Screen Markers Assignable Buttons: 15 buttons, 37 functions Color Bars: compliant with SMPTE, EBU, or ARIB standards |
| Language Support | English, Japanese, Chinese, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian |
| Time and Date | Automatic Calendar range from January 1st, 2010, through December 31, 2031, and is selectable in American, Japanese, and European Date formats. |
| World Clock | World Clock support – UTC setting: Setting range from +14:00 to – 12:00 |
| Power | Supply: DC 7.4 V (Battery Pack) / DC 8.4 V (DC In) Battery: BP-9 Series (Excluding BP-925) Compact Power Adapter: CA-940N |
| Operating Conditions | Performance requirements: (0° ~ 40° C) 85% (relative humidity) Operating requirements: (-5° ~ 45° C) 60% (relative humidity) |
| Dimensions | Body only: 6.3 x 7.0 x 6.7 in (160 x 179 x 171 mm) With monitor: 7.3 x 9.8 x 7.4 in (185 x 249 x187 mm) With handle and monitor: 7.3 x 11.2 x 11.9 in (185 x 284 x 301 mm) |
| Weight | Body only: 4 lb (1820 g) Monitor Unit: 1.4 lb (645 g) Handle Unit: 6.3 oz (180 g) With a monitor, BP-955, and 2 CF cards: 6.0 lb (2705 g) With a monitor, handle, BP-955, and 2 CF cards: 6.4 lb. (2885 g) |
Canon EOS C500 FAQs
Is Canon C500 Netflix approved?
The Canon C500 has been given the green light by Netflix and satisfies all their requirements regarding recording their original material.
Does C500 have autofocus?
Unfortunately, the Canon C500 does not support autofocus in any capacity.
Is the C500 full-frame?
The Canon C500 has a Super 35mm CMOS sensor, smaller than a full-frame sensor but more significant than the APS-C sensor found in many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. A full-frame sensor measures 36 x 24 mm, while the Super 35mm CMOS sensor measures 35 x 24 mm.
How much does a Canon C500 cost?
The Canon C500 can be purchased between $10,000 and $15,000, with prices ranging from either end of that spectrum contingent on the configuration and retailer chosen.
When did the EOS C500 released?
The Canon EOS C500 was made available to consumers in the year 2012.
