Following its younger predecessors, C100 and C300, the C500 gets an upgrade that is not just a face-lift, but an arsenal of new features that are aiming to satisfy today's filmmaker's standards and demands.
The C-series of Canon up to C500 have in common that they are low-profile and have features allowing almost any production size and budget to be able to get the job done. The C500, being the A-camera on the Need for Speed movie, is now adding a "mark II" in its name with many new features, the most notable of which are its 6K resolution and a full-frame CMOS sensor.
Sensor and Resolution
The camera's 35 mm sensor can work in 6K, 4K, and 2K modes. It has an electronic image stabilization built-in, and utilizes Canon's well-known Dual Pixel Autofocus technology. The sensor size has true anamorphic and spherical lens support. The crop modes are for super-35 and super-16 mm shooting. Canon states the camera has a 15 stops of dynamic range.
Memory
The camera includes three memory card slots. There are two CFexpress slots, which are for main footage storage, supporting high data transfers and large files. The third slot is for SD cards for capturing proxy 2K 4:2:0 files.
Bit Rate, Frame Rate, and File Types
Canon C500 Mark II can record up to 60 frames per second in Canon's Cinema Raw Light files, giving you the raw file flexibility in a smaller package. The camera records 4:2:2 10-bit files in all resolution modes. In 2K it can capture footage of up to 120 fps. The firmware supports recording to Canon Log 3, Canon Log 2, and Canon Log as well.
External Recording
External recording is utilized through the 12G SDI output which is capable of transferring uncompressed data up to 4K at 60 fps. The camera also has an HDMI output port with a max throughput of 4K 4:2:2 streams at 60 fps.
Lens Mount
For the first time in Canon's C-series cameras there is an available user-swappable lens mount. Except for their proprietary EF mount, you can purchase a PL mount and easily install it by yourself.
Autofocus
The EF mount allows you to take advantage of Canon's Dual Pixel Autofocus system, Continuous AF, as well as a built-in face detection.
Additional Accessories
You can purchase additionally an 1920x1080 OLED EVF that covers a 100% of the field of view of the sensor. Another unit, the EU-V1, expands the connectivity of the camera giving you the option to connect with genlock or synchronization devices as well as an Ethernet connection. The EU-V2 has all the features of the EU-V2 plus a V-mount battery bracket, two additional XLR audio inputs, and 12 and 24-Volt power outputs.
Pricing and Availability
Canon C500 Mark II is sold for $15,999 and will be available on the market starting from Dec, 2019.
:) You mean, the handle, the CH1 XLR input, or the font of the "USB" rubber cap?
An option for a RF mount would have been nice.
I doubt they would target the mirrorless audience.
you forgot to note this post as sponsored.
Unfortunately it's not sponsored.
hahaha sure
YoU forGOt To NOTE THIs poST As spONsOrEd.
I’m very conflicted over this camera. I shoot on the c300 mrk ii 80% of the time, and I like a lot about canon cine cameras. But from what I see this camera has not surpassed RED, Blackmagic or Arri in the digital cine space.
What exactly do you think it's lacking?
Bit Depth & Real RAW video.
I think 10-bit is more than enough in that price range. If one wants real 12-bit raw data they will buy a Canon C700 for $33K which is more in the price range of the ARRI and RED that offer files with these characteristics.
Real raw 12-bit video will require a different memory storage which small productions won't be able to manage. This is why I think everything up to C500 mark II is great for small productions that can pull out great results from these cameras. I still use the first C100 and I love it.