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Canon EOS C70 Specs Comparison

Canon has long produced high end pro video cameras and the release of the EOS C70 marks a new era for their EOS Cinema range. The adoption of the mirrorless RF mount will not come as a surprise to some, as the latest lens mount presents several distinct advantages for light gathering. The C70 doesn’t stop there though and has several tricks up its’ sleeve to entice a range of users from documentary makers to corporate video and social media production companies.

Our post looks at the specifications of the C70 compared with similar EOS Cinema models in the range, which use existing EF or PL mount lenses. We also provide a video review from Gareth Evans, our own video expert who has been shooting with the C70.

CANON EOS C70 SPECS COMPARISON TABLE

Our table comparison between four Canon EOS Cinema cameras shows the lengths Canon has gone to ensure the new model rewards users with a great degree of pro level features coupled with flexibility.

We also see that the C70 does reduce size and weight as well as cost when compared to other models in the range, only beaten in size by the EOS C100 Mk II. This is not the closest camera in the pro video range though, as the C70 shares a number of features with the higher end EOS C300 Mk III. The C70 particularly shines over the C300 with its’ advanced audio capabilities together with versatile dual card slot recording, although to slightly slower SD cards.

Watch Our Video Review - Canon EOS C70 First Look Compact Cinema Camera with RF Mount

EOS C70 Lens flexibility

The EOS C70 lens mount accepts RF lenses directly, but users with existing EF lenses will be able to buy an RF to EF adapter and use their existing optics. Doing so provides a 1 stop light advantage as well as excellent integration with the camera body. Stabilisation is best with RF lenses as the cinema camera fully integrates with that mount, however optical stabilisation from EF lenses will still be available when present in the lens. At the time of release the EF 24-70 f/2.8, EF 24-105 f/4, and EF16-35 f/2.8lenses allow for complete optimum electronic communication between lens and body, although Canon will be adding further models over time.

Other noteworthy features

Class leading 16+ stops of dynamic range will be most welcome from the Super 35mm DGO CMOS sensor which matches the higher priced EOS C300 Mk III. This comes from Canon Log2 although Log3 is also available and provides 14+ EV stops of dynamic range. Movie makers who record slow motion gain 120p in 4K. This allows for beautifully smooth high resolution action to be slowed without any loss of quality.

Video recording times

There’s been some noise around recording times of the mirrorless R5 camera with unheard of 8K video capabilities. With the C70 being a video-only body we expect recording time to an SD card of approximately 156 minutes with XF-AVC / MXF: 4096 x 2160 at 410 Mbps. Recording longer than well over two hours seems unlikely in the majority of circumstances so this is more than enough for almost any application at full bit rate. Reaching this duration will require a 512gb SD memory card which is virtually at the current limit for that format. For those who do need to record for longer a lower 150Mbps can be selected in MP4 which enables 428 minutes of recording.

Audio capabilities

Good quality audio is essential for any production, whether it comes in the form of ambient sounds or voice in interviews, pieces to camera and so on. The C70 excels with audio capabilities allowing for 2x pro audio XLR inputs, both of which sport audio controls. The XF-AVC format delivers 24-bit / 48 kHz for some seriously pleasing audio.

AF Capabilities

The introduction of a redeveloped Super 35mm DGO CMOS sensor has allowed Canon to utilise their highly acclaimed DUAL PIXEL CMOS AF throughout 80% of the sensor area. This keeps pace with other models in the range and ensures any AF will be quickly acquired and tracked with Canon’s latest AF technology.

New RF to EF lens mount adapter

The release of the C70 warranted the production of the new Mount Adaptor EF-EOS R 0.71x. This allows users with existing EF lenses to utilise them on the new video camera with its’ RF mount. The adapter itself weighs in at just 200g and is extremely compact at only 20.7mm deep. It can be locked into place enabling the use of heavier lenses and retains key electronic contacts through 12-pin communication.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the C70 Canon is sending a clear signal that it will be supporting and expanding its’ new RF lens line-up throughout mirrorless and pro video cameras. The development of a short mount provides advantages with light collection, lens size as well as aperture possibilities. Read more about newer RF lenses here in our blog;

• RF 70-200 f/2.8 L
• RF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS Lens and RF 85mm f/1.2 DS Lenses
• Full RF line-up

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By Nick Dautlich on 24/09/2020