It has been a long time since we’ve seen new and exciting Cinema EOS products. The last camera introduced to the lineup was the EOS R5 C way back in January of 2022. Its safe to say that the entire lineup needs a refresh and some new focus.
This is what we have been told to expect in 2024, and this information may not be complete.
First up, we’re told that the Cinema EOS C200 is dead, and there will not be a Mark II version. While the Cinema EOS C100 did receive a Mark II version, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise to us.
Why? The Cinema EOS C70 has been somewhat of a slow burn success for Canon. It has become a favourite of many video shooters and it is/was in and around the same price-point as the Cinema EOS C200. The form-factor and image quality seems to continue to impress when we look at long-term reviews from real shooters.
We have been told that the Cinema EOS C70 Mark II will be announced in early Q4 of this year. We have not been given any specifications about the camera.
We’re also told that there will also be a second camera in a similar form factor, but we don’t know if it’ll fit above or below the Cinema EOS C70 Mark II in the lineup.
There are currently two known Cinema EOS cameras that have made their way to certification agencies, the ID0174 and the ID0179. The interesting thing about those certifications are that they’re partially for WiFi. You may or may not know, the only Cinema EOS camera with built-in WiFi is the EOS R5 C, and that’s only for photography, and not the video side of things.
When we researched a bit further, one of the biggest wishes for videographers using the Cinema EOS R5 C and Cinema EOS C70 is having the ability to control the camera in video mode with built-in WiFi. We think it’s safe to assume that the this will be coming to the lower end of the Cinema EOS lineup. No one likes having to buy external things for $4000-$6000 cameras for features that should be part of the basic feature-set at this point in time. Call us cynical, but for the people that do need fast wireless file transfer, they can always sell you a gazillion dollar WiFi 7 solution.
It’ll be interesting to see what becomes of the EOS R5 C and whether or not it will get a Mark II version or if something else will take its place. Canon will have done their market research to find out the percentage of customers that used the EOS R5 C for photography work and if it’s a worthwhile product line going forward. We don’t have an idea on that sort of data to form an opinion on the matter.
As far as the higher-end Cinema cameras go, we haven’t heard anything directly in a long time, and the pandemic likely played a roll in product releases and they may well have gone back to the drawing board for that segment of the lineup.
Canon doesn’t seem to be announcing much for the trade show cycles anymore, but IBC is in September and they have announced Cinema EOS gear for that show in the past, but that may not be a thing going forward going by recent history.
This likely isn’t all that that we’ll see for Cinema EOS this year.
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Canon dropped the price a long time ago.
A C200 II would be priced in between the C70 and C300 III and would be very much welcome.
The form factor of the R5 C and C70 is not appropriate for every scenario.
The C200 is 7 years old... she's dead. If there is something outside of the C70 form-factor, I think it'll be something more modular, which is what will likely happen with the upper tiers of the CEOS lineup.
The MFS has also remained under utilized. I agree the lack of Wi-Fi support in Cinema mode was and continues to be a bummer. No one ever expected to the ability to transfer video, but the lack of basic camera control was a huge miss on Canon's part. Not to mention the level of support you don't get when using the body with a gimbal. Even connected via USB-C all you can do is start / stop.
Still however, this camera excels in so many areas. No camera is ever perfect. Its absolutely time for a Cinema Series refresh given the C70 is the only dedicated RF mount video camera. I know good things are coming. I'm not likely to upgrade. I like my camera too much and am not video centric enough to warrant a change.
There were probably some inefficiencies in the R5 C firmware, with the two different teams handling stills and video.
I am going to patiently wait for the used C70s. It's hard to write about Cinema cameras when you've never spent serious time with one.
Off topic: Nikon will just make Red cameras with their mount to sell to their user base, who never had a choice before.
1. We have 4 R5C’s. They are great for video. But only because there range is SO OLD and it’s the ONLY full frame cine range camera with RF to take advantage of the new glass.
2. C70. Slow burner because People don’t love the form factor they buy it because it’s the ONLY S35 option with RF mount to take advantage of the new glass.
3. Canons research numbers will be way off as there is no true DF cine caneras.
4. Why reinvent new models with new form factors. Just make a simple range of cameras.
3 bodies and 2 sensors.
- high end full featured body
- box camera body
- mirrorless form factor body
Do each body with Full frame abd S35 sensors.
JOB DONE.
Yes, I have an R5C, but I am still desperately waiting for a C500 with an RF mount. Just a bigger camera with XLR ports, knobs to control individual parameters or internal ND filters is great.
I'm so desperate to wait that I've started peeking in the direction of a Sony FX6 or FX9...
It takes great photos and great videos—perfect for my kind of jobs. Its 'Netflix Approved' status has landed quite a few jobs my way, and it's a beast on gimbals.
Canon should definitely continue the line with the R5C Mark II.
My top wish list for the Mark II version would be:
- Built-in ND filters (like the Blackmagic 6K Pro).
- Better audio preamps with 2 mini XLR ports, as well as a 3.5mm audio input port (just like the Blackmagic 6K).
- Full-size HDMI.
- Better battery backup (without making the camera too bulky).
I had rented both the C70 and R5C before making a purchase decision, and the R5C having a built-in EVF was the deciding factor. Besides helping with composition, the EVF adds a third point of contact to get stable handheld shots. It is perfect for the majority of my hybrid jobs—run-and-gun style documentaries outdoors with a minimal but powerful small setup. The EVF has been such a pleasure for composing and nailing exposure under the bright sun. Once you get used to it, you simply cannot go back!Perfect form factor, design, ergonomics, and feature set. In my humble opinion, Canon has nailed it with the R5C.
So, yes, waiting for the R5C Mark II. Count me in :)