That is a piece of great news for C200 owners/shooters. We have got a precise answer from Netflix confirmed that the “Canon C200 meets Netflix capture spec when doing RAW capture”. However, there are some things to take into consideration. Read below.

Netflix and Canon cinema cameras

The most recent cameras RED Dragon-X and RED Ranger were accepted readily. Netflix approved all entire RED family with no brainer.

As for the Canon cinema cameras, only the C300 Mk II, Canon C500, Canon C700, and Canon C700 FF were accepted. There was (and still is) no mention of the Canon C200, which owns the same sensor as the C700 and C300. Also, the C200 has RAW capabilities (Cinema RAW light). So what is the reason for Netflix not to accept the C200?

Netflix does not publish disqualifications and does not publicly share information on what cameras have been tested

The C200 Netflix dilemma

Not surprisingly, a lot of discussions were raised on the question of the ‘right’ interpretation of why the C200 is not in the list of Netflix camera requirements and image captures. Netflix does not publish disqualifications and does not publicly share information on what cameras have been tested.

I found some useful discussion led by Mitch Gross (Cinema Product Manager at Panasonic), just after the EVA-1 was accepted to Netflix. According to Mitch: “Netflix has a rigorous testing process; it’s not just based on a spec list. Part of the qualification is that the approved mode for shooting on the camera must be a practical one. Perhaps – and this is purely speculation – Netflix did not consider shooting a production for the service in Canon RAW Light was a practical concept for their producers…It’s possible that the lack of proper timecode or some other factor contributed to the decision. Again, it is a rigorous testing process with actual test shoots and posts work with the camera”.

Netflix has a rigorous testing process; it’s not just based on a spec list. Part of the qualification is that the approved mode for shooting on the camera must be a practical one. Mitch Gross – Cinema Product Manager at Panasonic

Netflix’s answer: C200 lack of timecode input

Timecode Input allows accurate timecode sync that makes it a breeze to sync up your clips during editing. With a Timecode Input, you can plug a Timecode generator into the camera that allows writing the metadata into each video file and significantly simplifies the post process. Without Timecode Input, the camera suffers from a severe drawback to the workflow of even mid-sized productions. The Canon C200 doesn’t own a Timecode Input, and according to Netflix, that’s the reason for not being accepted (formally) to the list.

As stated from Netflix’s Partner Support answer: “C200 can be accepted on a case-by-case basis only if doing RAW capture. The C200 meets our capture spec only when doing RAW capture. It is not on our list of approved cameras due to its lack of a timecode input.”

C200 can be accepted on a case-by-case basis only if doing RAW capture. The C200 meets our capture spec only when doing RAW capture. It is not on our list of approved cameras due to its lack of a timecode input. Netflix

Cinema RAW Light: OK for Netflix

Many of the C200 owners believed that the reason for not accepting the C200 is the Cinema RAW Light, which is not a real RAW. However, according to Netflix, the C200 RAW option is good enough and meet their camera image capture requirements.

Conclusions

Netflix confirmed that the C200 might be accepted a case-by-case basis only when shooting in Cinema RAW Light format. According to Netflix, if Canon wants the C200 being part of the list formally, a Timecode Input should be implemented. However, let’s not jump to any conclusions since this is just an assumption. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to stop you from shooting your Netflix project on your Canon C200, since the C200 image capture might be good enough for Netflix.

Update from Netflix:

We got some updates from Netflix to shed some lights regarding the C200 being used in their productions.

According to Netflix: The C200 is not an approved as a primary camera for Netflix 4K Originals. However, it can be used, but it depends on multiple variables that come into play, like the type of production and how it is being managed (originally produced, acquisition, distribution, licensed).