This lightweight body of the Canon EOS C70 is a welcome addition for professionals due to its portability. Now with three mounts (1x ⅜" and 2x ¼"), the camera will become a magnet for third-party manufacturers for a cage, gimbal and monitor accessories. Combine this with the C70's RF lens mount, and the configurations you have at your fingertips makes this an exciting tool for filmmaking.
Canon EOS C70 Sensor, Built-in Motorised ND Unit and Image Processor
The Canon EOS C70 houses a single chip Super 35mm equivalent CMOS sensor with 4096 x 2160 effective pixels (approx. 8.85 million pixels). Canon's exceptional image quality has always been at the forefront of technology. So C100, C200 or C300 users will know what to expect when they start shooting with the C70. Footage will be rich in contrast and gradation even in areas of significant variable light. This vast range of light capturing capability is thanks to the Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor, which allows for 16+ stops of flexibility.
The ISO sensitivity ranges from 160-25600 (100-102400 with extension) allowing videographers to see in extreme low light conditions when coupled with an accommodating T-Stop. Base level ISO's for Wide DR sit at ISO 400 which is capable of offering a broad-ranging tonality of 16+ stops. If you prefer to film in Canon Log2 or Canon Log3 profiles, then ISO 800 becomes your standard.
Canon's newly developed DIGIC DV7 image processor impressively deals with vast amounts of data processing while boasting high data processing power while suppressing unwanted noise. There's also an ability to shoot in untraditional environments of high contrast thanks to a built-in motorised ND unit (supports RF Mount) which is capable of adjustment of up to 10 stops (with extension). The motorised variable ND filter is adjustable in either 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 stops.
C70 Video Quality, Frame Rates and Recording Options
If you are thinking of upgrading from a Canon 5D series or adding to your existing R5, R6 or C300 kit, then you won't be disappointed with the EOS C70. With 4K recording at your fingertips, you can expect the footage to record Canon colour with rich graduation. This level of quality is all due to the Super 35mm CMOS Dual Gain Output (DGO).
Canon's C70 is adaptable to fit a filmmaker's requirements. Featuring variable 4K compatible frame rates of 25, 60 and 120fps as a cinematographer your creativity is covered. In addition, you can opt for 180fps; however, there is a loss of quality from 4K to 2K. When filming in 4K, you can either record directly to the dual UHS-II V60 compatible slots or utilise the 10 bit 4:2:2 external recording to an Atomos recorder.
The recording formats and frame rates are extensive on this camera, so whatever type of footage you are aiming to capture the Canon EOS C70 has you covered. In addition, when recording, you can simultaneously record in a variety of file formats, resolutions, and colour sampling, making the C70 an ideal candidate for workflow requirements. The following is a list of recording formats, frame rates and audio recording formats the C70 is capable of:
Recording Format (Video)
- XF-AVC Intra
- XF-AVC Long GOP
- MP4 (HEVC/H.264)
Recording Frame rate
- XF-AVC Intra 4K/29.97p/25p
- XF-AVC Intra 2K/59.94p/50p
- XF-AVC Long GOP 4K/59.94p/50p
- XF-AVC HFR Long GOP 4K/119.88p/120p
- XF-AVC HFR Long GOP 2K Crop/179.82p/180p
- MP4 H.265 Long GOP 4K/59.94p/50p
- MP4 H.265 Long GOP 2K/59.94p/50p
- MP4 HFR H.265 Long GOP 4K/119.88p/120p
- MP4 HFR H.265 Long GOP 2K/179.82p/180p
- MP4 H.264 Long GOP 4K/59.94p/50p
- MP4 HFR H.264 Long GOP 4K/119.88p/120p
- MP4 HFR H.264 Long GOP 2K/179.82p/180p
Recording Format (Audio)
- Linear PCM 24bit 48kHz 4ch (XF-AVC)
- MPEG-2 Aac LC 16bit 48kHz 2ch (MP4)
Canon C70 Controls, Storage and Ergonomics
The new Canon EOS C70 breaks all tradition as the smallest body developed within the Cinema EOS range. The design has drastically shaved the size and weight of previous Canon Cinema EOS bodies. As a result, handheld shooting is even more achievable than ever before. The deep and ergonomically designed grip provides brilliant shooting control.
For additional stability, the C70 comes packed with an additional hot-shoe mounted camera grip. Another key benefit of the EOS C70 is the ability to shoot in portrait orientation. Plus, Canon has redesigned the airflow with a large Air Intake vent and two Exhaust Vents to optimise operating temperatures to approximately 0° to 40° with relative humidity 85% and 5° to 45° with relative humidity 60%.
The Canon EOS C70 features a large and bright 3.5-inch touch panel, swivel LCD with a resolution of 2.76 million dots. You have full control of key videography info and features at the touch of the screen. The EOS C70 features everything you need for an effective videography workflow thanks to the range of control options on the body.
Control buttons exist for Peaking, Zebra, ND Filter Control, White Balance and more. Plus, there are up to 12 customisable buttons for optimal tailor-made control. A neat feature is the top-mounted Slot Selection button with A and B sub-options to choose your recording destination. Plus, the camera houses dual SD card slots for UHS-II and V60. With two DC slots, you have greater flexibility with simultaneous recording in multiple formats and resolutions plus relay recording for long-time shots.
In addition, the EOS C70 houses a vast array of ports from two mini XLR terminals to full-sized HDMI port supporting 4K 10-bit output.
Terminals
- Input1 terminal (3 pin Mini XLR)
- Microphone terminal
- USB Type-C terminal
- Headphone terminal
- Remote terminal
- HDMI output terminal (Type-A)
- Input2 terminal (3 pin Mini XLR)
- TimeCode in/out terminal
Autofocus and Stabilisation
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF is exceptional on the Canon EOS C70. This is all thanks to the blazing fast EOS iTR AF X which offers improved subject detection and tracking. Put simply; the iTR AF X works with conventional face detection to provide faster processing with an advanced head detection algorithm and dramatically improve distance measuring and tracking reliability. Focus Touch Control allows you to precisely set the camera's specific focus area by simply touching the LCD.
The Canon EOS C70 also provides enhanced image stabilisation which combines the electronic stabilisation of the sensor and the IS found in an RF lens.
Canon EOS C70 Lens Mount and Mount Adapter
The C70 expands a videographers arsenal with the adoption of the ever-growing RF mount. With a short flange back, the 12-pin RF mount reduces the body depth resulting in a much smaller design than the C100, C200, C300 or C500. This means videographers can finally handhold and capture footage like never before.
Canon has also released the new EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter which offers a 0.71x magnification. This magnification converts the Super 35mm sensor into a full-frame equivalent. The adapter employs optical conversion to capture the same full-frame angle of view with the Super 35mm sensor. Depth of field stays the same, and the f-number is one stop brighter.
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