Canon's New EOS C300 Mark III is a Customizable Workhorse With 16 Plus Stops of Dynamic Range

The Canon C300 Mark III is a Super35mm workhorse. 

Canon adds to its Cinema EOS digital cinema cameras with the new Canon EOS C300 Mark III. One major new feature is the Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor, giving you up to 16+ stops of dynamic range. We'll get to more of the specifics on that later. 

Key Features 

• Newly-Designed 4K Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor 
• DIGIC DV 7 Image Processor
• Internal Cinema RAW Light
• 4K DCI/UHD up to 120 fps and 2K/HD up to 180 fps -- with  4:2:2 10-bit XF-AVC recording
• 2 CFexpress media card slots
• Compatibility with EF and PL lenses (with optional mount kit) as well as anamorphic and spherical lenses
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF, up to 120fps
• 5-axis electronic image stabilization, which can be utilized even without the use of a lens with IS functionally
• Support for Canon Log 2 and 3
• Four-channel recording that supports 4 XLR inputs with the use of the EU-V2 expansion unit
• User LUT allowing users to upload and apply custom LUTs
• 6 in (width) x 5.8 in (height) x 6.6 in (depth)
• Weighs 3.9 lbs.

Sensor

The next-generation Super 35mm workhorse features a new Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor and, like the full-frame EOS C500 Mark II digital cinema camera, employs a modular design and an interchangeable lens mount optional accessory that allows users to easily customize the camera according to the needs of each project. 

The newly developed 4K Super 35mm DGO imaging system captures high dynamic range content by reading out each pixel through two separate gains. One gain prioritizes saturation in highlight areas while the other suppresses noise in the shadows. The result is an image with up to 16+ stops of dynamic range, clean rich shadows, and vibrant highlights in up to 4K/60p.

In 2K recording mode, the EOS C300 Mark III camera features recording speeds up to 180p. Equipped with Canon’s latest video imaging processor, the DIGIC DV 7, the camera achieves more fluid and efficient recording of 4K and HDR and can process high-speed video recording, including 4K at up to 120p.

The EOS C300 Mark III camera utilizes Cinema RAW Light and is able to record 4K and 2K RAW data internally without using an external recorder. The camera also supports XF-AVC (with a choice of Intra or LongGOP), offering flexible options in recording duration.

Body

The EOS C300 Mark III camera is modular and customizable, just like the EOS C500 Mark II camera. Included with the camera are 13 accessories, such as a 4.3-inch LCD monitor and the GR-V1 grip. Users can also choose from a wide range of additional optional accessories that allow them to configure the EOS C300 Mark III camera to their preferences.

Optional accessories include the EVF-V70 electronic viewfinder, SU-15 shoulder support unit and EU-V1 and EU-V2 expansion units. The EU-V1 expansion unit allows for gen-lock, sync out, remote use and ethernet connection; while EU-V2 expansion unit features those functions plus a V-mount battery connection, two analog XLR audio ports and 24v DC Out. Additionally, the mount kits (sold separately) allow users to exchange the EF mount with an EF cinema lock mount or PL mount.

Pricing & Availability

The Canon EOS C300 Mark III Cinema Camera is scheduled to be out later in 2020 for an estimated retail price of $10,999