Canon EOS C300 Mk II Camera Body - PL Mount

The improved Canon EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera with PL lens mount features a dynamic range of 15 stops, CFast recording technology, 4K/2K/Full HD internal and external recording with 4K RAW output, plus a new 10-bit Canon Log 2 Gamma. This camera was remodeled with user input to enhance the user experience of studio motion picture applications, broadcast, indie productions, sports, and many more.

The Sensor

The redesigned camera boasts an 8.85 Megapixel Canon Super 35mm 16:9 CMOS image sensor. It supports up to 4K DCI recording with a maximum resolution of 4096x2160 pixels. Data from the 4K sensor, working with its dual Canon DIGIC DV5 image processors, delivers Over-Sampling HD Processing for reduced-moiré 2K (DCI)/Full 1080-60p HD recording and Dual-Pixel CMOS Autofocus.

The dual DIGIC DV5 image processors also help to reduce visual noise and enable high-sensitivity shooting at a maximum speed of ISO 102,400 (+54dB) for sharp, clear image capture using only ambient lighting. The EOS C300 Mark II camera also incorporates a trio of XF-AVC H.264 codecs to enable in-camera 4K (DCI) recording to dual CFast card slots and 2K/Full HD recording to an SD card slot. For external recording and monitoring, twin 3G-SDI outputs capable of 4K RAW output are included on the rear of the camera body. You can choose among multiple recording modes, resolutions, and frame rates to meet your individual production needs.

Each pixel in this CMOS imaging sensor also maintains a wide pixel pitch to maximize the amount of light which falls on each photo site. This enhances the sensitivity while also minimizing noise. It also supports ISO speeds of up to 102,400 for low-light imaging. This sensor reduces data-readout time to about half of what it was in the original EOS C300 Camera, which results in a significant reduction in rolling-shutter artifacts.

Improvements

The Canon EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera facilitates operation and creative freedoms, such as full manual control, an Ultra-High Resolution 1.77 Megapixel color OLED EVF with adjustable 60° tilting angle, a built in internal mono reference microphone, a removable hand grip, an improved camera handle extension with additional attachment points, plus both a removable LCD Monitor and a control panel with XLR inputs. The modular design of the EOS C300 Mark II camera accommodates many third-party accessories.

A new log gamma designated as Canon Log Gamma 2 was designed explicitly for the camera's 10-bit recording capabilities. The files produced using Log format are ideal for color correction and grading in post-production. Canon did this to produce a high level of creative freedom while minimizing degradation of image quality. When using Canon Log 2, the Cinema EOS C300 Mark II can provide a dynamic range up to 1600%.

Be sure to check out the images where a chart on Slow and Fast Motion recording has been provided for your reference.

Recording

The Canon EOS C300 Mark II employs CFast™ (CompactFast) 2.0 cards for in-camera 4K video recording. The camera features two CFast™ card slots. Each slot is protected by a convenient hinged cover. The camera also includes an SD card slot for HD and Proxy recording. The camera can simultaneously record 4K on two CFast™ (2.0) cards along with 2K proxy images on its SD card for off-line editing. Canon provided a chart to show the memory cards verified for the EOS C300 Mark II.

Ergonomics

This camera builds on the efficient ergonomic design of the original, while adding new advantages. Redesigned to maximize shooting comfort and the usability improvements asked for by users, the EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera's modular design allows different components to be added or removed as needed to meet both the demands of a particular shooting environment and the comfort of the camera operator. In addition to the core body, the EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera comes with a removable hand grip, improved low-angle camera handle extension with additional attachment points, and removable LCD monitor and control panel with XLR audio inputs.

Ultra-High Resolution OLED EVF

The EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera features a 0.46 Inch 1.77 Megapixel color OLED EVF (Organic Light Emitting Diode Electronic ViewFinder). OLED technology increases the color reproducibility, contrast and response of the viewfinder, making camera operation and the judging of image characteristics seen in the viewfinder much easier. The EVF also offers 60º of tilt for more comfortable operation in a variety of positions.

Connectivity & Control

The C300 MK II arrives equipped with (2) 3G-SDI, a gunlock input, a timecode input/output, and an HDMI output. It also includes a remote terminal, a standard headphone jack, and both an audio and a video terminal to connect exclusively to a monitor.

The camera supports the Canon RC-V100 remote controller (sold separately) to enable adjustments to camera controls and image quality from a distance. It supports a variety of third-party LANC accessories.

You do not need a remote to achieve remove control though. Use a standard web browser on a WiFi capable device (your smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) to take dynamic control of your camera functionality. Canon added focus control functions. You can adjust – by touch – the focus area.

And if you prefer the manual life and wish to toss aside all this WiFi mumbo jumbo you can do that, too. The EOS C300 Mark II camera offers a fully manual yet still digital camera. You have full manual control of functions such as iris, shutter speed, gain, zoom, focus, and audio. You will also have access to Custom Picture Settings, Custom Functions, and Custom Display Options to tailor your camera to your precise needs.

Firmware Update: 

Canon has updated their firmware on the Canon C300 MK II Camera. Please be sure to read the step-by-step instructions Canon has conveniently included inside their C300 MK II Firmware Update.

Firmware Version 1.1.0.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:

1.  Support for LCD monitor LM-V1 1,2 (separately sold) has been added. 

2.  Peripheral illumination/chromatic aberration correction has been added for the following lenses: 

• EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM 
• EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
• EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM 

NOTE 1: Your LA-V1 LCD Attachment Unit cannot be used to attach the LM-V1 to your EOS C300 MK II / EOS C300 Mark II PL cameras. 3rd party mounting options are required to use the monitor on this model camera. 

NOTE 2: When using the LM-V1 with the separately-sold WFT-E6 or WFT-E8 Wireless File Transmitter and GP-E1 GPS Receiver, please be sure to maintain space between the two accessories. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the Important Notes from Canon in their PDF when you download the firmware update in order to correctly perform the update correctly and maintain your working camera.