Canon EOS R5 C Mirrorless Cinema Camera Overview
Prepare for a new shooting experience with Canon EOS R5 C Mirrorless Cinema Camera, catering to wedding videographers, drone operators, and multimedia journalists. This versatile camera seamlessly transforms from a fully-featured still photo camera, akin to the R5 EOS mirrorless model, to a powerful 8K60 Cinema EOS camera with internal 12-bit Cinema RAW Light recording, eliminating the need for a second camera.
The EOS R5 C brings significant enhancements compared to its counterparts, the R5 and C70. These upgrades include 4K120 recording, HDMI RAW output, Canon Log 3 HLG/PQ support, unlimited recording, timecode port, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection, active cooling, a high-capacity LP-E6NH battery, 13 reassignable buttons, and a multi-function shoe for XLR adapters. It retains features like Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, compatibility with DaVinci Resolve and Canon apps, electronic RF mount, CFexpress/SD card slots, and a familiar button layout. Additionally, the EOS R5 C shares the moisture and dustproof design of its cinema sibling, the EOS C70, all in a compact 1.7 lb body—perfect for drone use. This camera is poised to be your primary choice for versatile photography and videography needs.
Common Features & Technology as the EOS R5
- The EOS R5 C camera boasts a 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering exceptional image quality and supporting impressive 8K60 RAW cinematic video shooting.
- It excels in focus and speed, allowing continuous still-image capture at speeds up to 20 fps.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II ensures precise tracking of fast-moving subjects.
- With 1053 Automatic AF zones, you can use Eye, Face, and Head Detection AF for people or track the entire body, face, or eyes of animals like cats, dogs, or birds with Animal Detection AF.
- The camera includes still-image vehicle subject detection for accurate tracking of cars and motorcycles.
- It offers seamless connectivity with 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for still image transfer.
Video Features of Canon EOS R5 C
Upon switching the EOS R5 C’s main toggle to “video,” the Cinema EOS menu and interface, known to users, become active. This transition unlocks advanced video features like waveform monitors, codec choices, and comprehensive audio control, significantly enhancing the camera’s video capabilities for seasoned operators and content creators. When operating in “photo” mode, the menus closely resemble those of the EOS R5 camera.
Ergonomic EOS Design of Canon EOS R5 C
The EOS R5 C camera boasts a remarkably compact and lightweight body. When combined with a Canon RF lens (or EF lens via the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R), it delivers exceptional performance while remaining comfortably hand-held. Whether capturing video or stills, it ensures a seamless handheld shooting experience. Its electronic viewfinder is extended optically, offering eye-level viewing akin to the standard EOS R5 camera, and it shares the same ergonomic grip design for user comfort.
CMOS Sensor and DIGIC X Processor
The 8K CMOS sensor and DIGIC X processor combine to deliver exceptional video quality at resolutions up to 8K60. The utilization of the efficient Cinema RAW Light format allows for internal card recording without the need for an external recorder. The EOS R5 C camera also provides support for HDR recording in both Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and Perceptual Quantization (PQ) formats, ensuring vibrant color reproduction and a broad dynamic range, making it a valuable tool for live streaming, broadcasting, and post-production endeavors.
8K60 RAW Recording in Canon EOS R5 C
8K Cinema RAW Light is excellent for post-production grading and archiving, while MP4 is optimized for speedy online use. Internal recording options include 5.9K in Super 35mm mode and 2.9K in Super 16mm mode to CFexpress cards. The efficiency of Cinema RAW Light video files enables 12-bit recording in all frame rates. With three new Cinema RAW Light modes (High-quality RAW HQ, standard-quality RAW ST, and Light recording RAW LT), users can choose the RAW video mode that suits their shooting requirements. Additionally, you can record smaller proxy video files alongside 8K capture.
The EOS R5 C camera facilitates RAW output through HDMI and enables ProRes RAW recording when paired with compatible external recorders like Atomos units. This connection empowers users to capture Apple ProRes RAW footage at resolutions up to 8K30. Simultaneously, proxy data can be in-camera recorded onto an SD card, streamlining post-production processes.
File Formats and Simultaneously Recording
In addition to Cinema RAW Light, which offers compact RAW data sizes for recording, the EOS R5 C camera also accommodates XF-AVC in MXF format and versatile MP4. It’s capable of simultaneously recording two distinct video files, like Cinema RAW Light and MP4, at different resolutions including 4K and HD. It can also generate lightweight proxy files suitable for various professional workflows. XF-AVC provides sturdy 10-bit 4:2:2 files packaged in the .MXF format, ensuring seamless compatibility with non-linear editing systems (NLEs) and existing work processes.
Internal Cooling Fan to support Nonstop 8K60 Recording in Canon EOS R5 C
The EOS R5 C camera incorporates an internal cooling fan that expels heat, allowing for uninterrupted, virtually limitless shooting of high-definition 8K60 video.
Interface for Professional Recorders
The EOS R5 C camera features a timecode input/output terminal to facilitate synchronization when using multiple cameras and interfaces. It also comes with a built-in cable protector to prevent cable disconnection or terminal damage due to the application of excessive force while connecting interface or HDMI cables.
Multi-Function Shoe for Audio Recording
Canon’s versatile shoe with a digital audio interface is compatible with the TASCAM CA-XLR2d-C professional XLR microphone adapter, which expands audio capabilities to 4 channels. This accessory includes two full-sized XLR ports with phantom power and a shotgun mic mount, facilitating digital 4-channel, 24-bit audio recording to cater to the demands of professional video production.
Multiple Power Options for Canon EOS R5 C
The inclusion of Cinema RAW Light recording at higher resolutions and frame rates necessitates increased power to support full lens functionality. When recording in full-frame 8K60, Super 35 5.9K60, and Super 16 2.9K120 with Cinema RAW Light, the standard LP-E6NH, LP-E6, or LP-E6N battery packs won’t provide sufficient power for RF or EF lenses when connected via an adapter. However, purely mechanical lenses can be used without any issues at these settings.
To access complete electronic lens functionality across all Cinema RAW Light resolutions and frame rates, you have the option of using the CA-946 power adapter with the new DR-E6C DC coupler, connecting to mains power or professional D-Tap battery sources. Alternatively, you can employ a power bank, such as the Anker Power Core 26800mAh PD or the Omni charge Omni Mobile 25600mAh.
4K and 2K Oversampling
The EOS R5 C camera extracts data from all functional pixels of its full-frame 8K sensor, resulting in 4:2:2 10-bit high-definition recording during 4K and 2K video capture through oversampling. An advanced debayer algorithm has been integrated, allowing the 4K output, derived from the rich RGB data of the 8K sensor, to deliver enhanced image quality with reduced occurrences of moiré, false colors, artifacts, and noise.
Up to 4K120 Slow and Fast Motion Recording Mode in 4:2:2 10-Bit
The EOS R5 C camera can capture High Frame Rate (HFR) videos at resolutions of DCI/UHD 4K (4096 x 2160/3840 x 2160) up to 120p in 4:2:2 10-bit, all without sensor cropping. Its quick and user-friendly autofocus operates seamlessly during HFR recording, allowing for precision even in fast-paced scenes. This feature makes it well-suited for shooting from gimbals or drones, ensuring excellent focus accuracy whether you’re working at HFR rates or standard frame rates.
Simultaneous Audio Recording Enabled with HFR
In contrast to certain other cameras that do not capture audio during high-frame-rate (HFR) shooting, the EOS R5 C camera can record .WAV audio as an independent file, effectively eliminating the necessity for separate audio recording. This allows for the convenient capture of HFR video and audio files in a single device when shooting in slow motion or fast motion.
Enhanced Image Stabilization of Canon EOS R5 C
Improved image stabilization results from synchronized control when pairing Canon’s RF lenses with optical IS alongside the EOS R5 C camera’s electronic IS for XF-AVC or MP4 shooting. When using an RF lens equipped with optical IS and the electronic IS within the EOS R5 C camera, coordinated control maximizes the effectiveness of handshake correction. This synergy delivers superior anti-vibration performance compared to the traditional combination of IS-equipped EF lenses (utilizing the optional Mount Adapter EF-EOS R) and electronic IS.
Canon LOG 3
The EOS R5 C camera incorporates Canon Log 3, a gamma mode present in numerous Canon cameras, compatible with various Canon EOS and Cinema EOS models. This wide dynamic range proves valuable for extensive post-shooting color grading. Canon Log 3 is a gamma curve tailored for straightforward grading, including adjustments to shadow detail and tones. It retains the user-friendly characteristics of Canon Log while minimizing perceptible noise. Furthermore, it’s applicable when shooting alongside other Cinema EOS system cameras like the EOS C300 Mark III and EOS C70.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF with iTR AF X
Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology leverages every sensor pixel for precise focus and image quality. This technology covers around 80% of the screen area with most Canon RF and EF lenses, ensuring accurate video autofocus. Touch AF simplifies AF point selection via the LCD screen, complemented by manual positioning using the rear 8-way multi-controller.
The camera introduces Eye AF/Head Detection AF, driven by deep learning technology to enhance subject tracking. Additionally, it offers human detection for eyes, face, and head, enabling precise subject tracking even without AF control. A range of AF modes accommodates diverse subject movement scenarios, granting flexibility in autofocus shooting.
With these features, users can entrust the camera with focusing tasks, allowing them to focus on their photography or videography work without distractions.
Still Imaging Features of Canon EOS R5 C
High Still-Image Quality Featuring a 45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor & DIGIC X Processor
The still photography capabilities and functionality closely resemble those of Canon’s EOS R5 camera. The EOS R5 C camera boasts the identical Canon-designed CMOS sensor, offering approximately 45 effective megapixels, and features the DIGIC X Image Processor, which significantly boosts overall operational speed. This results in rapid, efficient performance and exceptional image quality suitable for large prints, impressive video content, and more.
DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO Range of 100-51200; Expandable to 102400
The EOS R5 C camera offers an extensive range of ISO settings for still images, providing flexibility to improve shooting in diverse and rapidly changing lighting conditions. It can capture images at expanded ISOs, ranging from ISO 50 (L) to as high as 102400 (H).
High Speed Continuous Shooting
The camera achieves rapid, continuous shooting at 12 fps using the Mechanical Shutter, and up to 20 fps using the Electronic (Silent) Shutter. It maintains high-speed continuous shooting with full AF subject detection and tracking across all image quality settings. The high-precision Dual Pixel CMOS AF system ensures reliable coverage of approximately 100% of the still-image area, compatible with most Canon lenses.
Same Subject Detection and Tracking AF as the Canon EOS R5
The subject detection and tracking autofocus in the Canon EOS R5 Camera remains consistent, even when shooting at rapid speeds of up to 20 fps.
Head and Eye Detection
When you choose “People” as the EOS R5 C’s “subject detection” setting, it operates similarly to the EOS R5, enabling focus on a recognized person’s eyes, face, head (if a face is obscured), or even the entire body if a head cannot be detected.
AF Area Flexibility
You can choose the AF area size, ranging from a single precise AF point to the entire available AF area, and swiftly adjust a user-selected area using the 8-way multi-controller on the camera’s rear. The EOS R5 C offers a similar array of options for selecting the still-image AF method as the EOS R5 camera.
EV -6 Low Light Autofocus
Ideal for night photography or extremely low-light conditions, the EOS R5 C camera’s exceptional autofocus performs admirably. It can function for still images in lighting as dim as EV -6, a level where other autofocus systems might struggle or hunt for focus. This autofocus capability extends to combinations of lenses and Canon RF tele extenders, even with maximum effective apertures as slow as f/22. For instance, autofocus remains functional with setups like the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens and the RF 2x Extender.