The Canon EOS C500 4K Cinema Camera (EF Lens Mount) represents
Canon's first foray into the world of 4K digital cinema production.
Sharing a sensor with the earlier EOS C300 camera, the EOS C500 fulfills
the potential of the large (Super 35mm-size), high-resolution (8.8 Mp
effective) CMOS imager by offering full 4K RAW output via 3G-SDI.
The C500 also has a body type in common with the C300. Featuring large,
accessible buttons with ridges dividing them, the EOS C500 has been
designed expressly for the craft of digital cinema. Its signal output is
similarly appropriate: At rates up to 60 frames per second, the 10-bit
4K RAW data stream output can be recorded to an approved external device
(sold separately) at full resolution. Using a format called 4K
half RAW, which halves the horizontal resolution, you can capture up to
120 fps to the external recorder by using both of the C500's 3G-SDI
outputs.
The Canon EOS C500 integrates with time-tested feature film
production workflows. As 4K RAW data is being recorded externally, you
can record proxy files at 50 Mb/s to the camera's internal CF card so
rough-cut or dailies editing can begin immediately after a scene is
complete. For the widest latitude for color correction in
post-production, the camera 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 EOS C500 features an EF mount for compatibility not only with
Canon's existing broad range of DSLR lenses, but also with the
burgeoning line of EF Cinema Zoom and Prime lenses. These lenses are
designed to match up perfectly with the 3-perf Super 35mm-size CMOS
sensor of 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.