Canon EOS R5 C: “unlimited” 8K recording for video pros

Canon has been at the forefront of on-camera video with landmark bodies like the EOS 5D Mark II. Since then, with the development of hybrids, the moving image sector has become a big vein that manufacturers do not fail to exploit, and Canon is playing its part.

A device dedicated to video

Among 24×36 sensor cameras, Sony with the Alpha 7S series (the latest being the Alpha 7S III) or Panasonic with the Lumix S1H have devices specially dedicated to video. These boxes are real small cinema cameras that can be used when shooting documentaries, films or series. Canon was not left out with its EOS R5, the first device capable of filming in 8K, but the firm intends to go even further by presenting the EOS R5 C.

An R5 with fan

On paper, the R5 C (“C” for “cinema”) borrows a lot from the “classic” R5. For the photo part, we find exactly the same basis. A 24×36 sensor of 45 Mpx, a burst at 20 fps or the same viewfinder of 5.76 Mpts and a reactive autofocus with detection of eyes and faces (in photo as in video). The new entrant just loses the mechanical stabilization of the sensor, Canon considering (rightly or wrongly) that videographers using tripods or other gimbals can do without it. The withdrawal of this system does not lead to the lightening of the machine.

Indeed, like the Lumix S1H – which, for its part, retains mechanical stabilization – the EOS R5 C has a fan to ensure better heat dissipation during recordings. Thus, although in a contained way for a camera, the R5 C gains in thickness and weighs approximately 800 g, with cards and battery (and 680 g empty), against 740 g for the R5 (650 g bare) in the same conditions.

An “unlimited” recording

This fan makes it possible to overcome the main handicap of the R5 in terms of video recording: heating. Where the latter couldn’t capture 8K footage for too long without overheating, the EOS R5 C can, in theory, record 8K indefinitely, or until your memory cards run out.

For video therefore, the R5 C can still film, without cropping, in 8K DCI RAW and at 30 fps. It can now reach 60 fps in 8K, with an external power supply, and 30 fps in Apple ProRes RAW, via an Atomos Ninja V recorder.

A new type of lightweight RAW

Canon has also integrated another type of RAW, called Cinema RAW Light. The latter has three settings (high quality, standard and light) and allows an optimized and internal 12-bit recording. Thus, in the lightest mode, it is possible to capture sequences in 8K 60p in RAW, directly on a CFexpress type B card.

Upsampling from 8K provides access to high quality 4K, 10-bit 4:2:2. We had already been able to observe the advantages of such a mechanism during our test of the EOS R5. Another novelty, the recording of slow motion sequences in 4K (DCI or UHD) and 120 fps is now done with sound recording.

Electronic stabilization and cropping

Recording in Canon Log 3, HLG or HDR is also included, as are a large number of other formats for color grading enthusiasts of all kinds. We recalled that the R5 C does not have mechanical stabilization of the sensor. To compensate, Canon has integrated electronic stabilization. There are two modes, the first operating a crop of 10%, the second, more advanced, but at the cost of a cropped by 30%.

On the interface side, the menus have been slightly revised to recall those of the EOS C70 camera. A timecode input/output has also been installed to facilitate editing. In addition, the R5 C is equipped with the new flash shoe found on the EOS R3. The latter allows digital audio capture when using a specific microphone or an XLR adapter. We also note the presence of 13 configurable keys, recording indicators (tally lights) or the trigger which turns red for the occasion.

A hybrid also designed for VR

The R5 C has also been designed for VR use with the RF 5.2 mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye lens. Stitching is done in-house, and for editing Canon offers a specific application as well as a plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro.

Price and availability

The EOS R5 C will be available from March 2022. Regarding the price, Canon positions its hybrid between the EOS R5 (4500 €) and the EOS C70 camera (5100 €). Thus, the EOS R5 C will be sold for €4999. This is still superior to the Panasonic Lumix S1H (€3600) and the Sony A7S III (€4200), its main competitors, but the latter do not have 8K.