Latin America. Canon launched the EOS C80, a cinema camera with a mirrorless style body. It is built around a 26 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and uses the RF lens mount.
According to Canon, the C80's internals look a lot like those of the Cinema EOS C400, its new professional cinema camera, including a sensor that's almost identical, although it lacks some features that the C400 does.
"The C80 replaces the EOS C70, a camera that proved very popular with independent video producers and small production companies in Latin America, but which used a smaller Super 35mm sensor and included a 0.71x EF to RF optical adapter that basically functioned as a speed amplifier. It is a camera that will undoubtedly arouse a lot of interest in our market and that all those who visit us at IBC will be able to see it exclusively, as it is expected to be released on the market in November of this year," says Edson Marion, CEO of Merlin Distributor and Canon Master Distributor for Latin America.
The EOS C80's CMOS sensor can capture video at up to 6K resolution and features a triple-base ISO design, with bases at ISO 800, 3200 and 12800. The dual gain system works by alternating between two different read paths with different capacitance levels, providing a balance between a mode that can accommodate a large signal (higher maximum dynamic range) and one with lower light tolerance but lower read noise, better suited for shooting in low light. The implication is that Canon has a third reading option that takes this compensation even further.
In addition to the triple-base ISO, the updated sensor is compatible with the latest version of Canon's dual-pixel autofocus system, Dual Pixel AF II. It significantly expands the sensor area that can be used for autofocus and includes the same autofocus zones found on the Cinema EOS C400. The new system supports tracking people and animals, and the higher readout speed of the sensor allows the autofocus system to be faster and more responsive.
The autofocus system also introduces a new function aimed at making it easier to change subjects. If the autofocus system is following a person, using the manual focus ring on the lens will take control of the focus; When the autofocus system detects that you are close to focusing on a different subject, it will identify and assume focus tracking on that new subject once the focus ring is released.
"This is a cinematic quality camera, with a very high level of image quality and at an extraordinary cost that will be around US$ 5500, which is an excellent opportunity for our entire network of distributors in Latin America to offer the EOS C80 in their different markets, continuing the success that we have been developing together with Canon in the region, along with all our support with which we usually support our business partners," said Valdiney Marcelino, commercial director of Merlin Distributor.
