Canon shows EOS C80 cinema camera with 6K resolution and stacked sensor

With up to 180 frames per second and triple base ISO for better noise performance, the new Canon EOS C80 cinema camera is aimed primarily at video professionals

(Image: Canon)

Sep 10, 2024 at 10:25 pm CEST

3 min. read

c't Fotografie

By

Tom Leon Zacharek

Canon shows EOS C80 cinema camera with 6K resolution and stacked sensor

The most significant difference with the Canon EOS C80 is the new sensor, which is a stacked CMOS sensor that is said to enable 6K full-frame shots with a dynamic range of 16 exposure levels.

In addition, there are refresh rates of 30 frames per second at 6K (6,000 x 3,164 pixels), 120 frames per second at 4K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) and 180 frames per second at 2K resolution (2,048 x 1,080 pixels). A triple base ISO (basic sensitivity) is also part of the new sensor of the EOS C80. This is set at ISO 800, ISO 3,200 and ISO 12,800 and is intended to ensure better noise behavior.

At the so-called nominal sensitivity of the sensor (Native ISO or Base ISO), there is neither an amplification of the voltage read out by the sensor nor an attenuation. This "cleanest signal", as the American landscape photographer Rich Seiling calls it, generally provides the optimum image quality with the greatest possible dynamic range and the lowest noise. Technically, it correlates with the best utilization of the photodiode until shortly before saturation, i.e. the largest possible storage capacity for electrons.

Sensors with "Dual Conversion Gain" (DCG), often called dual-gain sensors, have two different amplifier stages for the electrical signal, i.e. practically two different basic sensitivities. At higher ISO numbers, a transistor switches from a large to a smaller charge store – if only small charges are collected anyway, the voltage can be increased in this way. This gives you the best of both worlds. With plenty of light and a low ISO value, you get low photon noise and a high contrast range; with low light and a high ISO value, you get low readout noise thanks to an increased voltage value.

You can find more on this topic in the h+ article by Sandra Petrowitz – Camera sensors explained: How light becomes an image

Connections and handling

As standard, the EOS C80 comes with an RF bayonet for Canon's own mirrorless R camera system lenses. However, lenses from other manufacturers can also be used with a PL-RF adapter, which should please professional filmmakers and content producers in particular.

The form factor has not changed compared to the old model, only the joystick for navigating through the menus has been assigned a slightly different position. New features include a detachable handle on top of the camera and a multifunctional accessory shoe for audio equipment.

Further updates

The autofocus has also been further developed and, as with Canon's mirrorless system cameras, offers face, eye and head tracking. According to Canon, body and animal tracking are new features of the EOS C80. All of this is based on the Japanese camera manufacturer's well-known dual-pixel sensor technology.

Videos by heise

The 12-bit Cinema RAW Light video format with up to 6K 30p is supported, which was also introduced on other Cinema cameras from the brand at the beginning of the year via a firmware update, as well as two MP4 video formats, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC, which are now also available from Canon.

Canon has given the EOS C80 a virtual reality (VR) function that has been optimized for Canon's own RF 5.2mm F2.8 L dual fisheye lens and can be used for virtual tours or VR films, for example.

Price and availability

Canon is asking 5900 euros for the EOS C80, 680 euros more than its predecessor, the EOS C70. It should be available from November 2024. If you want to hold the camera in your hands in advance, you can try your luck at IBC in Amsterdam from September 13 to 16, 2024, where Canon says it will be exhibiting the camera for visitors.

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