The Canon Cinema EOS (Cinema Electro-Optical System) autofocus digital photographic and cinematographic SLR and mirrorless interchangeable lens camera system was introduced in late 2011 with the Canon EOS C300 and followed by the Canon EOS C500 and Canon EOS 1D C in early 2012.[1]
Cinema EOS is a branch-off from the existing EOS line of cameras that dates back to 1987 with the introduction of the analog Canon EOS 650. With many Canon DSLRs adding motion video capabilities, starting with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in 2008,[2][3] Canon decided to focus on making cameras specially designed for motion video instead of just producing still video cameras with some motion video capabilities.
The Cinema EOS line launched in late 2011, with a multi-day gala event held at Paramount Studios. Director Martin Scorsese spoke, and four films (directed by Sam Nicholson, ASC; Vincent LaForet, Richard Crudo, ASC and Felix Alcala ASC/Larry Carroll) shot with the new Canon C300MkI as well as accompanying Behind the Scenes films were presented.[4] Products introduced included the C300 and new CN-E lenses (with both Canon EF and Arri PL mounts).
In early 2012, Canon began to expand the Cinema EOS line with the C500, which added 4K/QHD recording and RAW capture to the existing features of the C300. The new C500 would be the first camera to offer uncompressed raw motion video recording.[5]
Canon also announced a variant of the Canon EOS-1D X, called the Canon EOS-1D C, which featured 4K (but not raw) recording on the same sensor. The new split in the Canon EOS 1D series follows its recent reunification of the high-resolution line (1D S) and high-speed line (1D) in 2011.[6]
Additional announcements included an upcoming Canon camera that would feature 4K motion video capabilities in a DSLR body. The demonstration of a prototype device from Canon was a rarity and was seen as a sign of their intent to enter the new still and motion camera market.[7]
In 2019 Canon released the Canon EOS C500 Mark II, a revision of the previous C500 model. This upgraded version included a Full Frame 5.9K sensor (the same sensor as the larger C700 FF camera), and allowed raw recording onto CFexpress type B cards. The camera featured a higher dynamic range with a claimed 15+ stops. The camera also features a built in ND filter system.[8]
In early 2020 Canon would release the Canon EOS C300 Mark III, a Super 35 4K camera which shares a similar body to the C500 Mark II. The camera allows raw recording to CFexpress type B cards, and features a dual gain output sensor, allowing for a claimed dynamic range of 16+ stops. The camera also features a built in ND filter system. [9]
In late 2020 Canon released the C70, a camera bridging DSLR video shooters with cinema camera users. It includes all of the features of the larger C300 Mark III (which shares the same sensor) in a smaller body that is more appealing to indie filmmakers. The camera uses Canon's latest lens mount, RF. The RF mount features a shorter flange depth allowing lenses from other mounts (like the more common cine lens mounts like PL or EF) to be easily adapted to it. It has features like a dedicated timecode port, user assignable buttons, built in ND filters, an array of audio ports, and Canon's full suite of monitoring tools.[10]
In 2022 Canon released the R5 C, a cinema version of their R5 mirrorless stills camera. It is a full frame camera with an RF mount, and allows for 8K internal raw recording.[11]
Future - Cinema EOS 8K - Super 35 8K Raw[13]
Canon has released a series of cinema-specific lenses using the CN-E designation.
The CN20x50, CN10X25, and CN8x15 are primarily Super 35 lenses that have a built in 1.5X extender which allows them to cover Full Frame when in use
The CN20x50, CN10X25, and CN8x15 are primarily Super 35 lenses that have a built in 1.5X extender which allows them to cover Full Frame when in use
The Full Frame CN-E Prime lenses also fully cover Super 35.
The Full Frame Sumire Prime lenses also fully cover Super 35.
