Canon announces EOS C400 6K full-frame RF Mount Cinema Camera, RF-Mount CINE-SERVO Lens

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Canon U.S.A. Inc. announced the  Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, with a native RF-mount and full-frame, back-illuminated stacked CMOS 6K sensor, designed for the film and live production markets. Canon also announced the company’s first MOUNT ADAPTER PL-RF, and an RF-mount version of the popular and award-winning CINE-SERVO 17-120mm cinema lens. The Canon Cinema EOS C400 Full-Frame RF Mount Camera is scheduled to be available in September 2024 for an estimated retail price of $7,999.

“Canon is proud to provide filmmakers and videographers with a variety of tools to capture high-quality and visually stunning images,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new camera and lens strengthen Canon’s already impressive lineup of cinema products.”

EOS C400 Camera Back-Illuminated Stacked Sensor

For the first time in the cinema EOS system, the Canon EOS C400 camera features a newly developed 6K full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, with triple-base ISO, allowing the camera to deliver stunning imagery in a wide range of lighting conditions. The base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12,800 maximize the full dynamic range of the camera. An additional benefit of the EOS C400 camera’s sensor is the support for the next generation of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, Dual Pixel AF II. The back-illuminated stacked positioning offers better light-capturing efficiency, which widens the area of the sensor that can be used for autofocusing. The sensor also empowers faster readout speed, as well as better 4K image quality from 6K oversampling.

The EOS C400 camera records in 6K full frame up to 60p in 12-bit Cinema RAW Light. By changing the sensor mode, the camera can record 4K RAW up to 120fps and 2K RAW up to 180fps. This is all recorded in Canon’s latest iteration of Cinema RAW Light, which provides three different recording modes to choose from depending on your file size preference and workflow.

Other recording options include the Canon-developed, industry-standard XF-AVC codec which can be recorded in 10-bit 4:2:2 with oversampling from the 6K sensor, helping to create rich detail and smooth imagery, at frame rates up to 120P, without the need for cropping the image from the sensor. Canon is also introducing two new recording codecs into the EOS C400 camera, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S. These formats feature an easy-to-manage naming system and folder structure while recording in the familiar MP4 format and preserving metadata. Ready for 180-degree VR shooting, the EOS C400 camera has built-in compatibility with the Canon RF5.2mm F2.8 L dual fisheye lens.

CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Cinema Lens

This latest cinema lens from Canon builds upon the legacy of the company’s CINE-SERVO line, with the added benefit of a native RF mount. The additional pins of the RF mount increase communication with RF-mount cameras such as the EOS C400, enabling autofocus, distortion correction, and metadata output for virtual productions. The lens comes in either RF or PL mount configurations, with the PL mount version supporting ZEISS eXtended Data and ARIA (Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation).

The lens’ new e-Xs V servo drive unit helps to improve its focus and iris speed, enables focus breathing compensation, and includes a USB-C connector for copying drive unit configurations, the company claims. The CINE-SERVO 17-120mm will be available in October 2024 for an estimated retail price of $23,850.00

PL to RF Mount Adaptor

Canon is also introducing the MOUNT ADAPTER PL-RF. This adapter opens up a broad range of PL mount lenses to the EOS C400 camera. The adapter maintains compatibility for Cooke i/Technology metadata communication between camera and lens and includes locking plates to help achieve maximum mount strength.  The MOUNT ADAPTER PL-RF will be available in September 2024 for an estimated retail price of $1,599.00.

RF35mm F1.4 L VCM1 lens

Canon also announced the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM1 lens and Speedlite EL-10 flash. The new RF35mm lens is the first in a series of fixed focal length RF lenses with hybrid video and still design, and the Speedlite EL-10 integrates with Canon’s new multi-function shoe design, for users of recent Canon EOS cameras.

The new RF35m F1.4 L VCM lens can be looked upon as a standard lens for video and still users — for example, those who use the EOS R5 and EOS C70 cameras. This lens is the beginning of a new hybrid lens series and with its fixed focal length, fills a gap as there is not a fixed focal length lens wider than 50mm in the L-series — until now. Ideal for low light, the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens features a manual iris (aperture) ring which helps provide better control when shooting movies, the company said.

RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $1,499.00

Speedlite EL-10 flash

The Speedlite EL-10 flash is designed for the amateur photographer who is stepping into the mirrorless world, and the veteran user who is looking to get reacquainted with flash photography. The multi-function shoe helps the still imagery storyteller by providing immediate access to the flash control menu, and either an on-camera EL-10 or the optional super-compact Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 assists with triggering from one through up to fifteen off-camera flashes.

The Speedlite EL-10 is a radio-based wireless flash with second-curtain sync capabilities, and leverages four AA batteries instead of a separate battery that requires charging — making operation more streamlined for some users. In addition, it features a Custom Flash Mode function, allowing the end-user to register and store up to three sets of flash settings, and is approximately the same size and weight as its predecessor the Speedlite 430EX-III RT — while also pushing out the same amount of power. Automatic balanced fill flash is a key benefit to using flash photography, whether during daytime or low light with slow shutter speed, and the Speedlite EL-10 is an excellent gear bag addition to achieve that creative look in one’s photos.

RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $1,499.00 and the Speedlite EL-10 is also expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $249.99.