Canon EOS C50: Small but Powerful Cinema Camera

Canon EOS C50: Small but Powerful Cinema Camera

Canon has introduced the EOS C50, its most compact and lightweight cinema camera yet. Despite its small body, it comes with strong features like a new 32MP full-frame sensor, the ability to record 7K up to 60p, internal Raw recording, a full-size HDMI port, and active cooling. To stay light and portable, it skips extras such as an EVF, in-body stabilization, built-in ND filters, or large cinema batteries.

Key Specifications

• 32MP full-frame CMOS sensor
• 7K 60p recording (Cinema Raw Light)
• Oversampled 4K up to 60p
• 4K 120p high frame rate
• 3:2 Open Gate up to 30p
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with human and animal detection
• Dual gain ISO: 800 and 6400
• Canon Log 2 / Log 3
• Detachable top handle with 2 XLR inputs
• 3″ 1.62M-dot LCD screen

The camera is mainly designed for small and mid-level production studios rather than casual users. Its price is set at $3899, with shipping starting in November.

A New Sensor

The EOS C50 introduces a fresh 32MP full-frame sensor never seen before in Canon’s lineup. While it’s not expected to be a stacked design, it’s still fast enough to deliver full-width 7K video at 60p. It also uses dual conversion gain with ISO 800 as the base and ISO 6400 for high gain in Log shooting.

Video Performance

The camera supports a wide range of codecs, including three versions of Cinema Raw Light, recorded to CFexpress Type B cards. The SD card slot is limited to 4K and below, making it useful for proxies.

Notably, the C50 is Canon’s first cinema camera to support 3:2 open gate recording, popular with anamorphic lenses and flexible for post-production cropping. You can also record a main 4K video while saving a quick-turnaround Full HD vertical or square crop to the SD card.

Extra Features

The EOS C50 comes with a detachable top handle offering XLR inputs, zoom rocker, record button, and accessory mounts. It includes strong build support for adapters like PL-mount.

Its 3″ LCD has a new brightness boost mode for outdoor use, though Canon advises using exposure tools for accuracy. Other extras include flexible autofocus zones, digital zoom, and auto shutter control. It can also record in HDR formats (HLG, PQ) and even be used as a USB webcam without extra software.

Ports and Battery

Connections include USB-C, full-size HDMI, mic and headphone jacks, timecode input, and remote control port. With its 16Wh LP-E6P battery, the camera offers about 90 minutes of 7K recording. Larger setups can use the optional battery grip or older LP-E6NH batteries, though with shorter runtime.

Stills Photography

Even though it’s focused on video, the EOS C50 can shoot stills at up to 40fps in Raw. It supports pre-burst capture and priority autofocus for registered subjects. However, it lacks a mechanical shutter, which limits flash use and may affect fast-moving shots.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS C50 stands out as a purpose-built cinema camera rather than a modified mirrorless model. With its compact size, brand-new sensor, and professional features, it seems targeted at mid-level productions, putting it in competition with BlackMagic and Sony in this market.