Canon EOS C70 vs EOS C80 vs EOS C400: which is right for you?

In Canon's acclaimed Cinema EOS camera range, the EOS C70, EOS C80 and EOS C400 are three cutting-edge RF mount cinema cameras, each providing a unique offering for professional content creation.

The EOS C70 has an innovative DGO (Dual Gain Output) sensor and professional video features in the most compact body of the three. The EOS C400 is a professional workhorse, with a next-generation full frame BSI sensor, modular design and uncompromised connectivity. The EOS C80 shares characteristics with both the other two models, with the full frame 6K BSI sensor of the EOS C400 and expanded connectivity in the compact and lightweight design of the EOS C70.

All three cameras feature Canon's advanced RF mount technology and intelligent autofocus, but which is right for your production needs? Let's look at a range of shooting scenarios, with expert insights from Aron Randhawa, Senior Product Specialist at Canon Europe.

When you're recording a cinematic production, image quality a first consideration. The same applies in related fields such as TV drama, documentary, commercial and corporate video.

For cinema, the affordable EOS C70 is a great option: its Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor technology reads out the image with two different amplification levels – one optimised for shadow detail and reduced noise, the other for detail in bright areas – and combines these two signals to deliver a higher dynamic range of more than 16 stops in Canon Log 2.

"This is ideal for cinematic shooting, particularly where high-contrast scenes are involved," says Aron.

The EOS C400 and EOS C80 will also serve you well with their full frame 6K BSI CMOS sensors. "The BSI (Back-Side-Illuminated) sensor design increases the light gathering efficiency of the sensor to deliver higher sensitivity, with 16 stops of dynamic range, less noise, and reduced rolling shutter," Aron explains. Plus, the full frame sensor gives you the characteristic cinematic look from your lenses, with an expansive field of view and shallow depth of field.

On both the EOS C400 and EOS C80, 4K footage is oversampled from the 6K sensor, delivering superior quality compared to native 4K. All three cameras offer a range of professional recording formats, including 12-bit Cinema RAW Light. "This means they provide full colour and pixel information to give you maximum flexibility in post-production," Aron says.

Live broadcast scenarios often entail unpredictable lighting conditions. The EOS C400 and EOS C80 both offer triple base ISO in all recording modes – for example, 800, 3,200 and 12,800 ISO when shooting in Canon Log or RAW. This means you can set a different amplification level for the best signal-to-noise ratio, or use auto-switching and let the camera select the optimal setting for the conditions.

"This is an absolute game changer for live events and low light shooting," says Aron.

In a live broadcast setup, connectivity is also a key requirement. The EOS C70 offers a wide range of I/O options including HDMI Output, 2x mini-XLR, Mic In, Remote, and Timecode. The EOS C80 has all of these plus 12G-SDI, which Aron notes "is particularly useful when transmitting 4K signals across long distances in live events." In addition, the EOS C400 also includes Genlock and Return Input. "These are both invaluable features for live broadcast, with Return Input ensuring camera operators can view the live feed from the production switcher, as well as Genlock synchronising all the cameras in a multi-camera workflow."

What's more, the EOS C80 and EOS C400 have built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet, allowing for either wired or wireless operation and enabling real-time IP streaming (SRT / RTSP) and remote control via Canon's XC Protocol using Canon's Multi-Camera Control app or compatible devices such as the Canon RC-IP1000 controller. These options allow for the easy control of multiple cameras for broadcast, sports and other events.

Both cameras' capabilities can also be expanded via various accessories in their Multi-Function Shoe, such as an XLR adapter or shotgun microphone.

When you're filming fast-moving action, a high frame rate can be a big benefit. All three cameras can shoot at up to 120fps in 4K or, if you need it, up to 180fps in 2K/Full HD.

Just as useful is the powerful autofocus capability in all three cameras. The EOS C70 features Canon's renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which delivers accurate and reliable autofocus with face and eye detection plus powerful EOS iTR AF X subject tracking.

The EOS C400 and EOS C80 both incorporate a newer iteration of this, Dual Pixel CMOS AF II,¹ including evolved EOS iTR AF X subject tracking. This provides improved autofocus acquisition and tracking across 100% of the sensor, as compared to approximately 80% horizontally and vertically in the EOS C70. It also offers animal as well as people detection, plus enhanced eye, face, head and body tracking, which can keep subjects in focus, once acquired, even if they happen to turn away briefly. Face Only / Face Priority modes can ensure that the autofocus doesn't shift, for example, if the subject leaves the frame for a moment.

For news gathering, interviews, live events or even weddings, a lightweight and nimble camera is ideal. The same applies if you need to film inconspicuously or simply have to carry your kit to remote locations. The EOS C70 is the smallest and lightest of the three, weighing approximately 1,190g. The EOS C80 is only about 100g heavier, and the EOS C400 is still relatively light at approximately 1,540g.

All three cameras are designed to be easy to build up or build down, and all three have a removable handle unit. The EOS C400 comes with a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD monitor with a secure locking USB-C connection, which can be attached direct to the camera body or using a three-axis adjustable mount. "Having a modular design and detachable LCD, handle and grip makes the EOS C400 the most flexible camera for rigging for various shooting styles," Aron comments. In the EOS C70 and EOS C80, the fully-articulated 3.5-inch LCD touch panel is built-in, with an all-in-one design making it ideal for solo shooters, Aron says.

When filming handheld or on the move, image stabilisation can be vital. All three cameras offer in-body five-axis Electronic IS; combining this with optically stabilised IS lenses will ensure the most stable cinematic footage.

All three cameras, Aron adds, are also compatible with Canon's Content Transfer Professional (CTP) app for journalists to upload footage with detailed metadata straight to the newsroom. "This can make the difference in the competitive field of news reporting," he notes.

Canon Cinema EOS cameras are also well-suited to emerging, cutting-edge industry workflows such as virtual production and VR content capture. With compatible Cinema/RF lenses, both the EOS C400 and EOS C80 support high-speed lens metadata output to Canon's Live Link plug-in for Unreal Engine, meaning that real-world footage and virtual elements can be effortlessly merged together in virtual production studios. Aron adds that the EOS C400 has Genlock, making it ideal for virtual productions using large LED walls because it can synchronise precisely with the LED refresh rate.

"Both cameras also support frame-by-frame metadata capture with CV Protocol when recording internally," he notes, "which is key for VFX and post-production workflows."

In addition, the EOS C400 and EOS C80 are compatible with Canon's breakthrough RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens, meaning that breathtaking 180° stereoscopic VR content can be captured in 3K per eye using a single camera setup, with Canon's EOS VR System making it more straightforward than ever to create immersive VR video experiences.

Summing up, Aron notes that the compact and affordable EOS C70 delivers the greatest dynamic range, making it a great choice for capturing cinematic footage.

The EOS C80 is almost equally compact, with full frame versatility, improved connectivity and autofocus, plus outstanding low-light performance.

The EOS C400 has the most versatile form factor for a range of professional workflows, including live broadcast and virtual production.

"Canon's Cinema EOS range is constantly evolving with cutting-edge imaging performance and intuitive design," Aron concludes, "offering a range of unique solutions that cater for cinematic, live broadcast and even virtual productions."