Canon EOS C100: price and features for professional videomakers

Canon has just announced the arrival of a new camcorder dedicated to videomakers seeking high-level performance. It’s called the Canon EOS C100 and falls within the “Canon EOS Cinema” system range.
Its sensor is an 8.3 MP Canon Super 35mm CMOS with Bayer filter that captures colors making them very realistic, thanks to the fact that it uses the same video signal processing system as RGB systems.
The video resolution is 1920×1080 (Full HD) on SD1 cards at 24 Mbps with 4:2:0 color sampling.
As for the advanced imaging system, the Canon EOS C100 uses AVCHD codec.
However, everything can also be stored uncompressed, directly to an external recorder, utilizing the built-in HDMI terminal.
It is possible to use more than 60 different lenses, since the Canon EF mount is present.
Minimal post-production is possibly required on the footage: The ISO range from 320 – 20,000 allows capturing images even in difficult situations; furthermore, this is complemented by the Wide Dynamic Gamma setting, a novelty: it is indeed possible to record even in high contrast.
Focus and exposure are automatic, aided by the new One Shot AF button and “Push Auto Iris”.

Images are then processed by the powerful Canon DIGIC DV III processor.
Interesting is the in-camera function for converting Full HD footage to SD resolution.
Regarding data saving operations, you can choose to use both SD cards housed simultaneously or, with the Relay Recording function, you can decide to switch smoothly and continuously from the full card to the free one.
Everything can be controlled via the 3.5-inch tiltable LCD screen, thus 8.8 centimeters diagonally.
As for the purely audio section, note the presence of a stereo microphone integrated into the removable handle of the camcorder but naturally it is also possible to connect external microphones or other audio sources.
Recording will be in Dolby Digital AC3 or linear PCM at 16 bit and 48 kHz.
Regarding the release date, this camcorder is expected in stores from the end of November. The price of the Canon EOS C100 will be 5,650 euros + VAT, as suggested by Canon itself.