Canon EOS C300 Mark III - the upcoming dynamic reference?
[19:00 Mon,20.April 2020 by Rudi Schmidts]
At the end of 2011, Canon introduced its revolutionary C300, laying the foundation for its in-house EOS Cinema camera division. In 2015 this model was replaced by the second version, which for the first time mastered interesting 4K. Currently -and (co-)felt at the virtual opening of the NAB 2020- Canon has now presented the third version of its classic.
The EOS C300 Mark III remains true to the classic cinema sensor format and features a new Super-35mm 4K CMOS image converter. Compared to its five-year-old predecessor, it stands out for its Dual-Gain Output (DGO), which promises an incredible dynamic range of more than 16 f-stops.
For this purpose each pixel/sensor is read out with two different gain values, which are then combined to a pixel value. The readout with a higher gain should have a Provide low-noise priority gain to capture clean details in dark areas. The lower gain readout should use a saturation priority gain to capture details in lighter areas. By combining both signals, the dynamic range per sensor should increase accordingly.
Furthermore, the new sensor again supports the proven dual pixel CMOS autofocus. In the new C300 MkIII, this should be able to approach the target focus plane even more smoothly than its predecessors.
Internally, the new model can record 4K with up to 120 fps in Cinema RAW Light or XF-AVC on CFexpress. In XF-AVC, the signal lands on the board at 4K DCI or UHD resolution in 4:2:2 10 bit (ALL-I or Long-GOP). In addition, 2K and Full HD formats are also available, which can use the entire sensor area through oversampling.
The housing is based on the EOS C500 Mark II, which has already been introduced, so the same accessories can also be used on the camera. For example the EU-V1 expansion module (Genlock/Sync, Remote and Ethernet) or the EU-V2 (like EU-V1 plus XLR inputs, 12-pin interface and V-Lock battery mount).
Last but not least, the lens bayonet on the new C300 Mark 3 can be changed between EF, PL and EF with Cinema Lock without having to send the camera to an authorized service center.
Except for a movable sensor, this camera seems to lack hardly anything worth mentioning. Thus, the third C300 in the S35 range could prove to be a new reference in both device classes in the near future. We are already eagerly awaiting the first practical impressions...
The EOS C300 Mark III should be available from June for EUR 11,899 incl. VAT. Surprisingly, this is even significantly lower than the introductory prices of its predecessors.
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