After the launch of the Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L and 24-70mm f2.8L lenses along with the EOS 90D and EOS M6 Mark II cameras, Canon now introduced its new compact, full-frame cine camera: Canon EOS C500 Mark II. This is a new generation Cinema EOS system, it can shoot video on the entire matrix with a 5.9K resolution.

In a press release, Canon openly writes that the new camera sensor is fully developed by Canon itself. The camera is equipped with the new Canon DIGIC DV 7 processor, which enables Cinema RAW Light recording internally at 5.9K and 4K 4: 2: 2 10-bit to internal media. This is the first Cinema EOS camera to record 5.9K Cinema RAW Light on new, faster CFexpress cards.

The compact size of the EOS C500 Mark II gives filmmakers unprecedented freedom of creativity. Thanks to the flexible modular design, professionals can customize the camera with various modular extensions according to their requirements.

The Canon EOS C500 Mark II is the first Cinema EOS camera equipped with optional interchangeable lens mounts for EF Cinema Lock and PL mounts, providing professionals with a wide selection of lenses. It is also the first Cinema EOS System camera to support Electronic IS (electronic image stabilization).

Thanks to Canon’s full-size 5.9K CMOS sensor, the EOS C500 Mark II delivers a cinematic full-frame effect combined with a natural, even skin tone and accurate color reproduction, which the company is famous for. It is an ideal choice for professionals seeking to produce high-quality 4K content, you can start shooting in 5.9K resolution, after which without losing quality, convert it to 4K. The EOS C500 Mark II is ideally suited for working in a wide dynamic range. In addition, the camera is equipped with a built-in motorized device Full Frame ND (2,4,6, 81 and 102 stops), which allows you to create images with a shallow depth of field, even in the daytime.

In addition to the camera’s ability to record internally to Canon’s CFexpress cards in Canon XF-AVC format with a resolution of 4K 4: 2: 2 10 bit, it is also possible to record to an SD or another CFexpress card simultaneously. This provides professionals with maximum flexibility by letting them choose the recording format that suits their video and workflow needs. The camera is equipped with an advanced 12G-SDI interface, the transmission speed of which is four times higher than that of 3G-SDI. This 12G-SDI interface provides 4K 50 / 60p output on a single cable, which simplifies 4K workflows, but also the HDMI output allows you to use 4K 50 / 60p through a single cable.

Filmmakers can configure the camera using two different expansion modules – EU-V1 and EU-V2. Two viewfinders (EVF-V70 and EVF-V50) are also available as optional devices. The ability to configure the camera with expansion modules, along with its compactness and lightweight design, gives filmmakers great flexibility when shooting.

The EU-V1 expansion module adds the Genlock / Sync BNC interface, the Remote B interface for the optional RC-V100 remote control, and the Ethernet interface for IP streaming or remote control via a browser. The EU-V2 expansion unit also includes these interfaces but adds two more XLR inputs as well as a 12-pin lens interface. In addition to this, it is equipped with a V-Lock battery with a D-tap and 24 V output power.

Canon EOS C500 Mark II – the first camera with electronic image stabilization in the Cinema EOS system, it provides 5-axis image stabilization. If a lens that supports data transfer is mounted, focal length data is automatically received. However, when using manual lenses, the electronic stabilization function is possible by manually entering the focal length. In addition to this, electronic stabilization is also compatible with anamorphic lenses.

Like the other cameras in the lineup, the EOS C500 Mark II features dual-pixel CMOS autofocus. Offering high-speed one-touch autofocus and continuous autofocus, professionals can be sure that the footage they have is focused correctly. They can also take advantage of the smooth, intuitive touch focus with the new LM-V2 LCD monitor, as well as the Dual Pixel Focus Guide, which notifies professionals of the focus position, whether front or rear, helping to precisely control focus. In addition, the EOS C500 Mark II has autofocus with face recognition and tracking, which allows you to control focus in various shooting situations.

The EOS C500 Mark II supports custom LUTs, which allows filmmakers to apply or customize their own LUTs. By loading them into the camera for precise observation, filmmakers can also use different LUTs for each terminal. With the added LUT button, professionals get more flexibility.

Canon EOS C500 Mark II Price and Availability

The Canon EOS C500 Mark II has been priced at $15,999 and is already up for pre-order through Bhphotovideo.com and will be available from December 2019.