Canon has decided to give 4K pro camera enthusiasts something to talk about thanks to today’s announcement of both the XC15 and C700. With the release of these cameras, Canon has become a worthy competitor with the ARRI Alexa. While the Xc15 is a great option for budding (but serious) cinematographers, the C700 is targeted primarily at high-end, Hollywood-style productions as well as ENG/EFP television production.
The XC15
Last year Canon unleased the XC10, their first “prosumer” 4K camcorder. Although limited in some aspects as it seemed to appeal to the consumer market more than the pro, the new XC15 should not be misconstrued as a simple upgrade. For one thing, it takes on some of the specs of Canon’s C300 cine cam. Which is pretty impressive for a camera that is as small as this. So the XC15 should be viewed as an enhanced, souped up take on the XC10 rather than an upgrade.
According to Canon’s press release, the XC10 will now be positioned as an “introduction camera” which will hopefully encourage budding cinematographers to upgrade to the more advanced XC15. The XC15, however, is being positioned as a versatile A or B camera to be used on both ENG video and feature film shoots. Thanks to its compact size and light weight, the XC15 will be perfect for drone cinematography as well.
Although it shares the same 1 inch CMOS sensor as the XC10, the differences between that model and the XC15 is considerable. For one thing, the XC15 will be packaged with a MA-400 adapter thus enabling XLR input audio recording.
The XC15 will also feature the same looks (or, rather, camera profiles) as the EOS C300 Mark which will make this the perfect secondary cam for a C300 shoot. Looks include Standard, Cinema EOS Standard, Canon Log, Wide DR and Highlight Priority among others.
Speaking of which, the Highlight Priority gamma takes advantage of the XC15’s 12 steps of dynamic range, thus promising something more akin to the tonal range of the human eye.
The XC15 will also boast support for the lossless 24.00P mode (for both 4K and Full HD). Thus, again, making this camera the perfect companion to the C300.
Current owners of the XC10 should not feel left out, however, as Canon has also announced a firmware update. This will include advanced autofocus performance and enhanced image quality for low light recordings.
XC15 specs:
- Large format 12M CMOS Sensor
- 4K and Full HD recording
- 12 stop dynamic range
- Rolling shutter reduction mode
- Supports Canon Log, Wide DR plus additional looks (Neutral, Production Camera, Color Matrix Off, etc.)
- 98p/24.00p, 29.97 and 59.94p recording
- XLR compatible
- Touch screen display enables Waveform Monitor display
- Ability to switch from shutter speed settings to shutter angle display
- Ability to assign file names and metadata using XF-AVC
- Advanced AF performance
- 10x optical, 1-241mm lens with shake correction and internal ND filter
- Recording media: Cfast, SD, FHD. Also inputs for HDMI and USB.
- WiFi accessible
The suggested retail price for the XC15 will be $2399.00 and is available for pre-order here.
The C700
Canon’s EOS C series that began with the C100 now reaches the latest iteration of its evolutionary chain. Say hello to the C700. Canon has come up with a worthy competitor alongside cinema cams like the ARRI Alexa. Although targeted primarily at high end, Hollywood style productions, Canon hopes to broaden the C700s use within ENG/EFP television production as well.
Incorporating a modular design not too dissimilar to RED or Alexa cams, the C700 offers the kind of flexibility desired by cinematographers when working under a variety of conditions both on set and off. This provides room for attachable OLED viewfinders, camera handles, shoulder supports, mic adapters and various mounts and grips.
The C700 captures motion via Canon’s Super 35mm CMOS sensor. Containing a pixel count of 4512 x 2376 and a dynamic range of 15 stops, the C700 records at the High Frame Rate of either 120 or 240 (2K only) frames per second. The pixel count is particularly interesting when you compare it to something like the ALEXA SXT line which only captures up to 4096 x 2637. So basically, the C700 is a 4.5K cam.
Unless, that is, you decide to go for the C700GS option. Available in three models, this version of the C700 is a PL mount only camera that shoots up to 4K with only 14 stops of dynamic range and a global shutter. Which makes this variant perfect for live news coverage as rolling shutter cameras tend to result in distorted motion. The other two have the same 4.5K sensor but come equipped with either EF or PL lens mounts.
Canon is also introducing for the first time multi-format recording with the Apple ProRes intermediate codec. This is a big deal for C series users as it eliminates the need for transcoding thus enabling a more efficient workflow. Canon has also teamed up with Codex to develop a dockable RAW recorder that fits on the C700. This will support 4K 120fps RAW plus other recording formats with future firmware updates.
HDR recording is also supported with the SMPTE ST 2084 standard thus making it easier for cinematographers to frame their shots through the EVF or any external viewing device without the use of LUTs. But that’s not all: the C700 also offers anamorphic lens support. The image is cropped to 2.39:1 after de-squeezing so the full cinematic frame is viewable through the EVF and external monitors as well.
The C700 also supports Canon Log1, Log2 and Log3 which helps to anticipate the post-production finishing process… and take advantage of the camera’s 15 stops of dynamic range as well.
Since Canon has equipped all their cameras with the latest in Auto Focus technology, the C700 is no exception. Dual Pixel CMOS AF, continuous AF and face detection AF will work seamlessly with all EF lenses.
C700 Specs:
- Three model options: PL mount, EF mount and global shutter variant that shoots up to 4K (C700GS)
- Modular design
- 35mm CMOS Sensor, up to 4.5K (4512 x 2376) and dynamic range of 15 stops
- 240 fps (4K up to 120 fps)
- RAW/XF-AVC/ProRes
- Anamorphic lens support
- In-camera ND filter with an extension mode of 8/10 stop.
- Lens mounts, Canon Log gamma, common looks and optimized workflow offers compatibility with other EOS models.
- 12V DC input XLR 4-pin, 2.5mm stereo mini-mini jack, MON. x2/SDI OUT x4, 12V DC and 12V DC output support
- Supports ProRes internal recording, CFast x2 simultaneous recording from Canon Log to Canon Log 3.
- ST.2084 monitoring.
