Canon EOS C80 RF Mount Cinema Camera

Canon EOS C80 RF Mount Cinema Camera Summary

The Canon EOS C80 RF Mount Cinema Camera marks the launch of Canon’s second next-generation Cinema camera, which builds on the successes of the C70 while inheriting cutting-edge technology from the EOS C400, which launched earlier in 2024.

The EOS C80 features the same 6K BSI stacked sensor as the C400, offering 16 stops of dynamic range and fast readout speeds. The body has been redesigned to be lighter and more streamlined, weighing around 1310g, and includes updated connectivity with SDI and Ethernet terminals.

The camera supports dual UHS-II SD memory cards, allowing high-frame-rate and numerous recording formats such as 4K 120p, 6K 30p internal RAW, and oversampled 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video. This meets the needs of filmmaking professionals across various industries, including TV drama, commercial and corporate productions, as well as news, live events and more.

With the rise of VR content creation, Canon has integrated VR compatibility into the EOS C80, which is also light and well-balanced enough in order to mount onto a gimbal, stabiliser rig or professional drone.

Other notable upgrades include significantly improved Autofocus with Canon’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which features EOS iTR AF X. This system provides full sensor coverage, human and animal detection and tracking, with overall faster and more accurate performance than its predecessor.

Key Canon EOS C80 Features

• Next-generation 6K full-frame RF mount cinema camera
• Stacked sensor with 16 stops DR and fast readout speeds
• Builds on the C70 while inheriting from the C400
• RF lens mount
• Triple Base ISO
• Vastly improved Autofocus
• Compact and lightweight body design
• Expanded connectivity with SDI and ethernet terminals
• Improved ergonomics and usability
• Better Live Production support
• VR compatibility built-in
• Weighs approx. 1310g

Canon EOS C80 RF Mount Cinema Camera in More Detail

6K Full-Frame BSI Stacked CMOS Sensor

With the addition of the same 6K Full-Frame BSI Stacked CMOS Sensor found in the EOS C400, Canon is bringing the latest sensor technology to the Cinema EOS line, offering high image quality for professional filmmaking. This new sensor provides 16 stops of dynamic range, triple base ISO, faster readout speeds, and improved low-light performance.

Additionally, the sensor features advanced EOS iTR AF X, which recognises faces, identifies subject colours, and tracks subjects around the frame more quickly and accurately than before. In summary benefits of the sensor include:

• 16 stops dynamic range
• Triple Base ISO (800 / 3200 / 12,800)
• Improved rolling shutter performance from faster readout speeds
• Internal RAW 6K 30p recording
• oversampled 4K 4:2:2 10-bit video from 6K
• HFR support at up to 2K 180p and 4K 120p
• Improved low light and Autofocus performance

Triple Base ISO

Three Base ISO levels are support by the C80, enabling filmmakers the flexibility to achieve optimal signal to noise performance in even very low lighting conditions. Triple Base ISO includes an Automatic switching mode depending in the environment, right down to ISO 12,800.

Familiar compact and lightweight design

With a nimble design measuring 160 x 137.4 x 116mm (W x H x D), the Canon EOS C80 Cinema camera is well suited to a wide range of shooting styles. The lightweight 1310g approx. adds to its versatility, enabling handheld shooting or gimbal mounting with ease.

Improved usability and ergonomics

Canon has redesigned the body of the latest cinema camera to include numerous improvements for usability. These include:

• A new daylight viewable LCD panel with touch control
• Updated joystick design, which is also positioned closer to the thumb
• A new panel lock mechanism
• The newly designed handle includes multi-function shoe attachment for video microphones and more
• Additional 1/4-inch thread hole in the base

Multi-function shoe

A multifunction shoe has been adopted from EOS-R cameras, which provides direct power and communication to accessories like the Tascam CA-XLR2d XLR Microphone Adapter and Canon DM-E1D Stereo Microphone and Canon OC-E4A Off Camera Shoe Cord.

These expand audio capabilities through cable-free connectivity, with enhanced sound quality through less noise as well as providing additional XLR inputs and a power supply.

Dual Pixel Cmos AF II With EOS ITR AF X

The C80 EOS cinema camera includes the excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which provides filmmakers with advanced AF features:

• Full sensor coverage
• People and Animal subject detection (Dogs/Cats)
• Human Face/Eye/Head and Body tracking
• Faster and more accurate performance
• Face priority and face-only modes
• Detailed AF speed (10) and response (7) settings

Canon’s Renowned RF mount

The RF mount with its shorter flange distance is integrated into the C80 camera, enabling a smaller and lighter design, plus several additional benefits. These include advanced metadata functionality, which offers realtime frame-by-frame data capture, lens Distortion Correction for Virtual Production / VFX workflows.

RF mount lenses deliver the latest optical technology, fast communication and stress-free versatility. On top of this, the mount provides compatibility with a wide range of EF mount DSLR lenses and EF mount Cine lenses via an adapter such as the Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.

The recently released Canon PL-RF mount adapter also offers support for PL mount lenses, including Canon’s Sumire line.

The cutting-edge RF mount provides versatility whether you want to harness the latest hybrid RF 24-105mm F/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens for a solo documentary, or a compact prime such as the Canon RF 50mm Lens F/1.2 L USM for talking head shots.

Pro-level recording versatility

SD memory cards are affordable and versatile media, and the EOS C80 supports dual UHS-II V90 cards, which are up to 3x faster than UHS-I. This enables high bit-rate recording across numerous modes as well as the ability to utilise both SD cards simultaneously.

Recording options include:

• Simultaneous recording of proxy files
• Double slot recording
• Simultaneous recording of different formats
• Relay recording for extended recording sessions

Simultaneous recording of different formats

Examples of simultaneous recording formats include:

File Format

Resolution

Progressive + interlaced

Proxy recording

All-I / L-GOP

Professional Recording Formats With High Frame Rate Recording

Canon’s XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC S enhance MP4 recording capabilities with professional filenames, folder structure and metadata capture, which is compliant with DCF four digit numeric filenames. This helps with managing multiple clips and reels across various projects and scenes.

XF-AVC S / XF-HEVC S benefits:

• Filenames include information such as Camera index, Reel no. Clip no. Codec etc.
• Frame metadata is retained, including position can be utilised for post production
• More manageable folder structure
• For consistency across video formats it’s possible to use a similar folder structure as Cinema RAW Light when recording in XF-AVC S / XF-HEVC S.

Professional recording formats

Capture pro-quality video formats including Cinema RAW Light which offers 12-bit sampling with a 6000 x 3164 resolution and a maximum 639Mbps at 30p.

When recording in XF-AVC the EOS C80 captures H.264/AVC intra-frame at 4:2:2 10-bit with a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 600Mbps in 60p.

A wider range of options are further available, including HFR up to 2K 180p, ensuring you have access to every format needed for virtually any production.

IP Streaming

Real-time IP streaming support (MPEG-2 TS) enables video transmission over the internet with simultaneous recording. This provides support for streaming for news programs, video websites or within existing productions and editing workflow at broadcaster sites.

EOS VR System Support

The Canon RF 5.2mm F/2.8L Dual Fisheye VR Lens is supported, enabling VR recording with a single sensor for a simplified VR workflow without the need for post-shoot stitching. Canon assists  with the EOS VR Utility with a plugin available for Adobe Premier Pro.

Remote control support

An ethernet port and WiFi provide both wired and wireless remote control options for the EOS C80, for greater efficiency on set, and for remote control of multiple cameras during broadcasting, sports or music events etc.

1. XC Protocol over Ethernet enables support for accessories such as the Canon RC-IP1000 PTZ Control Deck, which is able to control up to 200 cameras in 20 groups over IP..
2. XC Protocol over Ethernet also allows use of the Canon RC-IP100 remote controller, which is able to control up to 100 cameras over IP with a multi-function joystick and intuitive touchscreen.
3. XC Protocol over Ethernet / WiFi enables use of the Canon Remote Capture Controller App for computers to control up to 20 cameras.
4. XC Protocol over WiFi enables use of the Canon Remote Capture Controller App for mobile devices, with multi-camera control of 4 cameras,
5. Over WiFir or Ethernet browser remote allows you to control a single camera. 

What’s in the box

• Canon EOS C80 Full-Frame RF Mount Cinema Camera
• Shoulder strap SS-1200
• Handle unit
• Mic holder / screws
• Battery pack BP-A30N
• Battery charger CG-A20
• Compact power adapter CA-CP300B