I understand the importance of using high quality codec's however why is everyone always going on about if a camera is BBC approved? How many of us will ever get the opportunity to show work on BBC? Seriously. I'm disappointed with Canon the C100 is over priced, the FS700 seems like a better deal.

Andy, excellent write-up in your blog. You've pretty much nailed it as far as the need for the C100.

I an the owner of an FS100, and while this has been a great camera for me, I'm seriously looking at the C100. I was able to handle a C300 a friend of mine rented. I was very impressed with the build quality and ergonomics. It felt so sturdy and solid. And the images were fantastic! As much as I like the images from the FS100, the C300's images blew me away.
If the C100 can come close to the C300's attributes, it should be a winner - provided the price is right. Since it will be smaller and lighter - only a half-pound heavier than the 5D, from what I've read - it should be great for run-and-gun and solo shooting.

And to be honest, I just love the way the C100 looks. It makes me want to grab it, put the viewfinder to my eye, and start shooting. Hardly a logical reason to buy a camera, but oh, well.

I understand the importance of using high quality codec's however why is everyone always going on about if a camera is BBC approved? How many of us will ever get the opportunity to show work on BBC? Seriously. I'm disappointed with Canon the C100 is over priced, the FS700 seems like a better deal.

I guess because the EBU/BBC standards are the guide for what's permissible for broadcast quality video. If your camera is good enough for the EBU, it's good enough for anybody.

Here in the US, I'm not at all concerned with what the EBU demands, but many of our European members might see this as a real objective. Maybe they will get an opportunity to shoot for the BBC, who knows? Having a camera that passes their minimum guidelines sure would help.

The US also has broadcast standards that networks demand. I can tell you that very few will allow programs to be shot entirely on an AVCHD codec. It's possible, and there are shows shot entirely on good ol' HDV, but the usual minimum is a 50mbps codec.

As far as the C100 being overpriced, that depends on each individual, and if they think the camera is worth the asking price. Is the FS700 a better deal? Again, that depends on your needs. For some, it is. But I agree, the FS700 offers a heck of a lot for the price.

I have to admit as someone who just got a C300, there's a lot I find to envy about the C100. Lighter and more compact, less setup to start shooting, LCD is always there. I do like having the XF Codec, but once the C100 is out it will be interesting to see if there truly is a huge advantage to the XF. If I had to choose and they were both available, I might go with the C100 (and the cost doesn't even come out of my pocket). Now if I had to pay for it, I'd definitely get the C100. Heck, I might consider selling the C300 and buying two C100s once available.

Heck, I might consider selling the C300 and buying two C100s once available.That thought has gone through my mind too.

Andy, excellent write-up in your blog. You've pretty much nailed it as far as the need for the C100.

Thanks Glen. Just getting it straight in my head before I break the news to my wife...."What, ANOTHER CAMERA!" ;-)

Ha Ha Andy! Join the club. There's never an easy way to tell them!
Keeping up with the latest technology doesn't seem to mean the same to them somehow...

Canon Europe are exhibiting at IBC in Amsterdam which starts in a few days time.

I wonder if they'll have a C100 (or two...) on the stand? (I would imagine they would, but maybe it's just too recent an announcement). If the C100 is on show and any "DVInfoers" are going please get as many pictures etc. and info as you can, though I doubt that they'll let you stick a SDHC card in one to record AVCHD clips to take away - but you never know!

Cheers!

I have to admit as someone who just got a C300, there's a lot I find to envy about the C100. Lighter and more compact, less setup to start shooting, LCD is always there. I do like having the XF Codec, but once the C100 is out it will be interesting to see if there truly is a huge advantage to the XF. If I had to choose and they were both available, I might go with the C100 (and the cost doesn't even come out of my pocket). Now if I had to pay for it, I'd definitely get the C100. Heck, I might consider selling the C300 and buying two C100s once available.

Beyond the codec, one other thing to keep in mind is that the C100 has a smaller, coarser EVF, and it can't be repositioned ergonomically like the C300's. That could be quite a drawback, as the C300 EVF is a treat to use.

And you lose 720/60p, which is really quite usable on the C300.

I would agree though, that the C100 is a much better value proposition, and if I hadn't already bought the C300 it would be tough to justify the additional cost.

Beyond the codec, one other thing to keep in mind is that the C100 has a smaller, coarser EVF, and it can't be repositioned ergonomically like the C300's. That could be quite a drawback, as the C300 EVF is a treat to use.
.

This does concern me. I'm spoiled by the FS100 and EX3's large viewfinder. The C100's looks pretty small.

Checking the stats, the C100's EVF is only .24"! Wow, that's tiny. I've been working with an NX5U and it has a .45" EVF. I thought that was pretty small.
I mostly shoot using the EVF.

Canon Europe are exhibiting at IBC in Amsterdam which starts in a few days time.

I wonder if they'll have a C100 (or two...) on the stand? (I would imagine they would, but maybe it's just too recent an announcement). If the C100 is on show and any "DVInfoers" are going please get as many pictures etc. and info as you can, though I doubt that they'll let you stick a SDHC card in one to record AVCHD clips to take away - but you never know!

Cheers!
Yes, Canon will be showing the C100s.........

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

Thanks Jim.

I also found this 4 page article on the Canon website - gives a good overview of the C100.

Canon DLC: Article: An Introduction to the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera (http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2012/eos_c100_whatsnew.shtml?categoryId=221)

Welcome news. Atomos have announced that they are adding Canon C100 support to their Ninja-2. Me thinks this will be a common combo...;-)

Press Release below:

http://www.atomos.com/press/articles/press014-Ninja2CanonEOSC100-20120906.xml

... As will be the C100/Nanoflash combo that gives you C300 identical MPEG2 output to CF cards with the additional of higher bit rates as well as the identical bit rate.

I just got the Call....the C100 will sell for $6499.00

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

Welcome news. Atomos have announced that they are adding Canon C100 support to their Ninja-2. Me thinks this will be a common combo...;-)

Press Release below:

Press Release - 6 Sept 2012 (http://www.atomos.com/press/articles/press014-Ninja2CanonEOSC100-20120906.xml)

Which is better, the Atomos Ninja with ProRes and a simple monitor screen, or a Nanoflash that converts the C100 to exactly the same 4:2:2 CF card system as teh C300 with additional higher bit rates and HDMI conversion to SDI? The cost of media on the Ninja is about $15 per hour with HDDs and on the Nanoflash about $30 per hour.

I just got the Call....the C100 will sell for $6499.00

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

Woohoo! Why does your site list it for $7999 then?

Our web dept. should have the new pricing up for both the C100 & C500 on Monday.......patience please...

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

Oh! I didn't realize it had been listed as $7,999 on your site for awhile now. I was just wondering if you were going to list it for $6499 or not. Question answered.

Thanks! I didn't mean to seem impatient.

Official sample video.

JUST C IT ! (EOS C100) on Vimeo

Shot to hide, not reveal, camera characteristics. Grading makes it seem like a contrasty, but highly detailed, consumer cam. Hope that was iPad, and not the camera,

I agree it was a very poor (potential) demo of this cams (hoped for) capabilities. Watching it left me feeling frustrated.

There were few moments in that film that made me feel I'd made the right choice to pre-order. Thank god there is the uncompressed HDMI out available (in case they really needed to hide the AVCHD 4.2.0 picture quality rather than it being "an artistic decision"). Only because I've seen some truly beautiful stuff shot on the C300 did I keep watching.

Ah well, let's see something MUCH better from the C100 please Canon, and SOON....

OK, I've calmed down a little bit .....Some interesting shots in the 'making of/behind the scenes' type video which can be found on this Canon website link:

Canon: CINEMA EOS SYSTEM Sample Movie?EOS C100 (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/samples/cinemaeos/c100/)

I thought it looked pretty sweet but you guys know a hell of a lot more about it than me.

I noticed a couple of really quick time lapses in there. Wasn't the camera not supposed to be able to do them? Or were they just done in post.

I thought it looked pretty sweet but you guys know a hell of a lot more about it than me.

No, we don't. The camera isn't out yet, no one has had a chance to do a review.

OK, I've calmed down a little bit .....Some interesting shots in the 'making of/behind the scenes' type video which can be found on this Canon website link:

Canon: CINEMA EOS SYSTEM Sample Movie?EOS C100 (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/samples/cinemaeos/c100/)

There's a lot to like about this camera, although our biggest issue with it and the C300 is finding the best match for it when we need 60p 1080 (which is a lot).

The one thing that's really obvious from the behind the scenes is that they didn't consider the EVF to be quite up to par, as they had a Zacuto gaffer taped to the LCD.

A first rate VF is pretty important for the one person/doc market they say C100 is aimed at.
The push button AF and exposure could be pretty cool, in a pinch, for the one take action sports we do a lot of, but a great VF is more so.

The C300 is looking more and more like the best option here.

I thought it looked pretty sweet but you guys know a hell of a lot more about it than me.

There's a lot to like about this camera, although our biggest issue with it and the C300 is finding the best match for it when we need 60p 1080 (which is a lot).

The one thing that's really obvious from the behind the scenes is that they didn't consider the EVF to be quite up to par, as they had a Zacuto gaffer taped to the LCD.

A first rate VF is pretty important for the one person/doc market they say C100 is aimed at.
The push button AF and exposure could be pretty cool, in a pinch, for the one take action sports we do a lot of, but a great VF is more so.

The C300 is looking more and more like the best option here.

Of course, the C300 is a better option. Now, can you afford the $16,000 price tag? For those of us that can't, the C100 is an affordable option. In my case, the best option, since there's no way I can economically justify the C300.
If you need 1080/60P, neither camera is for you. Perhaps the FS100/700?

The film was shot in Wide DR Gamma, which adds range into blacks and then the blacks were delibrately crushed by the director who wanted it to look like a 5d, so it did. This test shows nothing except that Canon marketing has no idea of what consumers want to see and what directors did to their camera during shooting,

OK, I've got an hour while I render out a wedding video - don't normally do them but I got asked - so there you go!

Here are my personal concerns when I watched that first official Canon C100 video. OK, the story was very crass/naff but we can all see beyond that. It was designed to be a film that gave many locations, activities and opportunities to show off the strengths of the C100, right?

Well, that's why I was so disappointed!

1. Heavy grading and lots of quick shot cuts, almost deliberate slow pans/slight movements - to kill detail - they trying to hide something? Certainly, I saw some blown out highlights (faces/planes etc.). We all know it's impossible to fully judge quality on a Vimeo encoded 720p viewed on the web - but web viewing is how most of my clients view my work and I have seen stunning C300 footage via this medium.
2. Very DSLR look with crushed blacks - I can imagine someone could produce a similar looking video with a Canon DSLR like a 5DMkIII (albeit lacking some sharpness in a few of the plane etc. shots). We now know he did this look deliberately....seems many people like the look (and Philip Bloom liked it on Vimeo...) so maybe it's just me. Seems to me, you'd need to convince DSLR shooters that this is a big step up from "that look", not just a very expensive way of producing more of same? But what do I know! Canon marketing and the DoP must have had a reason for this approach but it eludes me.
3. As mentioned, there is a quick timelapse or two in there, where we all know it was done in post, not camera! Or maybe we really are getting more frame rate options, and especially the much needed 720p50/60 for slo mo etc. (which is a major oversight in the currently announced specs and will kill this camera for some, probably many, of its intended target buyers).
4. Sound syncing (and sound in general) was awful in some parts, e.g. footsteps - I'm amazed that got past the approval stage for worldwide launch of such an important product for Canon. After all, isn't one of the benefits of the C100 over DSLRs supposed to be the provision of professional XLR capture and sound controls etc?
5. Much more importantly, many times the focus was not "nailed" - I saw quite a few focus errors. Now is that because the fixed EVF and LCD (and focussing tools provided, peaking and expanded focus) are not up to the task? As already mentioned, in the "behind the scenes" video you can see them using a makeshift tape hood for the LCD, and sometimes a Zacutto viewer (or similar) gaffer taped to the LCD (Note to makers of those things - maybe you've got a market opportunity here...). This worries me as it does really tend to imply that the non-adjustable EVF and perhaps that LCD are weak areas for nailing focus - not good for a sole operator like me/many others that the camera is targeted at.

Now some positives (which come almost entirely from the behind the scenes video)

1. This is (as I hoped) going to be a documentary/run-n-gun camera well suited to my personal needs. Small footprint, light, highly configureable, e.g. in stripped down format for steadicam work, tight space work, should (on paper) be excellent in low light work (it's blummin dim in some of the factories I film in!) etc. etc.
2. Impression I got was that the camera is as rugged as my 7D from the environments that were showcased - good news for the work I do! Saw lots of scenarios where I'd struggle with my EX3.

I'm still hoping C100 plus external recorder = C300 look at a price I can afford. I cannot justify a C300 price tag so I'm not cancelling my pre-order just yet - but I hope to see more informative video(s) soon.

Obviously, the above are my own opinions based on this first C100 demo film and I hope I'm proved wrong on some of my points as more video material becomes available.

I'd be very interested to read what others think.

EDIT: I also just found this video from IBC on YouTube. Now my German's not what it used to be... but there are some interesting menu operation etc. shots of the C100 as he describes its various functions:

IBC2012: Canon EOS C100 - YouTube

I found the official sample video a bit ehm... weird, look at 01:25 and again at 04:26 in the background, there's something strange going on with all verticle lines which looks like aliasing. I also noticed the very heavy grading in the first part of the image and several out of focus stuff, and there seem to be some gopro footage trown in as well. That sample video would not make me running to the stores to get one.

I had read that the C100 is 15% smaller than the C300 but hadn't quite realised how much smaller it is because unless Dieter Kuepperbusch (Product Intelligence Consultant) has hands like shovels it really is a lot smaller than the C300. Like a 60D compared to the 5D2 or 5D3 rather than a 7D.

The lens is the newish 24mm F/2.8 with IS which is an EF lens but as it is the same price as the 17-55mm F/2.8 IS EF-S lens would not be my first choice of a lens for the C100.

The menu looks the same as the C300 which is the same as the XF105/305 series.

Another IBC Video of the C100, this time mostly in English and with the C100 sporting an aftermarket finder (Zacutto?) attached - without gaffer tape - plus a brace.

Intro + Canon C100 - YouTube

2. Very DSLR look with crushed blacks - I can imagine someone could produce a similar looking video with a Canon DSLR like a 5DMkIII (albeit lacking some sharpness in a few of the plane etc. shots). We now know he did this look deliberately....seems many people like the look (and Philip Bloom liked it on Vimeo...) so maybe it's just me. Seems to me, you'd need to convince DSLR shooters that this is a big step up from "that look", not just a very expensive way of producing more of same? But what do I know! Canon marketing and the DoP must have had a reason for this approach but it eludes me.


It's a pretty crap video, agreed. But it's mostly run-n gun looking stuff and for that it's ok I guess. I think the 'upgrade' people are most interested in for the money would be less rolling shutter and moire etc (I forget how much better the 5DIII was in this regard) and virtually unlimited clip length and keep all your lenses etc.
I am only guessing but I think people either like that look or know already it's a bit more flexible than just that look, if you know what I mean (people would expect the same latitude or more presumably, without looking at stats). We wouldn't assume it's worse than a DSLR, would we? I mean, I dunno. Maybe I'm too optimistic.
Plenty of people never touched the likes of XFs and so on, is all I'm saying. So, for them the upgrade from their 7D is more obvious. It's crisper than APSC 1080, that's for sure, and handles quick movement and hand holding miles better (and focus; it's not a focus sort of film really).
But, yeah, not that great a film. Canon are weird like that though too, let's not forget. They disowned the best C300 demo of the lot for its irreverent tone (which they presumably paid for).

Noa's observation is interesting. Nothing like that happens anywhere else, even in the same scene from a different set up. I'm going to assume they've done something to the shot or screwed up somehow. Not sure how though; zoomed it in? Shot at the wrong format? A strange effect.

Andy-
I understand your concerns, but as I've told Philip, we really don't know how much Canon-Europe was involved and certainly, Canon USA was not. I'm good friends with the key Canon people that would be involved with any promo video being shot here with the C100 and I have some calls into them to try and clear some things up. Philip did discover that the Vimeo upload was bad so that just re-affirms what I always say....you can't really judge videos posted on the internet, you need to properly view the footage on a good monitor.
That being said, I really believe that this camera, using the HDMI out to a recorder is going to be the same as a C300.....same "magic" chip, log, etc.
Most of all, let's take a breath and have some patience.....

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

Thanks Jim. I'm hanging on in there with the preorder (with CVP here in the UK - If I was in the USA you'd get the order for sure).

I REALLY want this to be my next camera. It hits so many of the right buttons on my personal wish list for ergonomics, build quality, C300 magic chip etc. (as I explained in detail on my website) so this official launch video came as a bit of a shock.

I'm a scientist/engineer by previous career so I'll revert to type and "await more data" before making any firm conclusions!

Yes....it's getting late over there so go out, get a bite "und Bier"

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

You read my mind - just walking out to the pub now!

Of course, the C300 is a better option. Now, can you afford the $16,000 price tag? For those of us that can't, the C100 is an affordable option. In my case, the best option, since there's no way I can economically justify the C300.
If you need 1080/60P, neither camera is for you. Perhaps the FS100/700?

As I said Glen, the question is which 60p camera to GO with the C100/C300

Of course we all know there's no 60p on either. But as a shop that's been shooting with Canons for years, has sets of L glass and is very integrated with the Canon systems and look, we're very interested in the new C series as new cameras.

Obviously the cost of the C100 is attractive compared to the C300. As a director who does a lot of docs, narrative and sports, the all in one nature of the C100 is nice. I was just making an observation about the Zacuto gaffer taped to the screen and that a quality VF was important for the targeted market.

I'm allowed right?

I won't get into the FS100/700 thing other than to say we have an FS100 and I don't see the 60p of that camera as an ideal match for the C300 or C100 images which is why I made the comment.

Excuse my ignorance, but why is 60p so important for slow mo? And are people really using slow mo that much that it's a make or break deal for a camera? I'm really excited about this release as I am looking to upgrade from my XHA1s. I have been hesitant to buy anything because the technology is changing so fast and finally, they came out with the c300 but it was way out of my budget. I always liked the look of DSLR video but was never quite sold on the idea of shooting on a still camera because of all the extra stuff you need for them to work like a proper video camera. This thing would be killer if the EVF wasn't fixed. They might as well have not put one on there at all.

I wounding what UW housing they was using ('caz all shoots was from the C100, right?). Is the gates housing supporting C100 too !?!

I imagine they just adapted the one for the 300/500

Excuse my ignorance, but why is 60p so important for slow mo? And are people really using slow mo that much that it's a make or break deal for a camera?.....
It depends on your line of work. For my line of work I've been very happy to have slow-motion at my disposal. Real slow-motion has such a different look then post slow mo. I'm not happy this cam doesn't have 60P but the resolution for me, nd filters, sensor size, and price is worth sacrificing slow-mo. It may not be for others. It's a tough call. My AF100 does not meet the resolution nor sensor size I can with the C100. No win for this next season for me. Oh well. In the end it's a tool. Others have specific needs then others.

my main line of questioning is why 60p is better than 60i for slow mo.

60i isn't slow motion, it's interlaced.

Also I believe all LCD/Plasma displays are progressive not interlaced. So to use 60i as slow mo you're using 1920X540 once interpolated instead of getting a full 1920X1080 with 60P. You're losing resolution with 60i once using it for slowmo.

60i isn't slow motion, it's interlaced.

60p isn't slow motion either until it's played back at a different speed. You can watch 60p video all day long played back at 60 frames a second and it won't be slow motion.

I liked the last line best!

IBC 2012 - Canon EOS C100 is in love with the Ninja on Vimeo

The one thing that's really obvious from the behind the scenes is that they didn't consider the EVF to be quite up to par, as they had a Zacuto gaffer taped to the LCD.


Where do you see this, btw? They look like loupes to me. Or is that what you mean? (doesn't seem particularly significant if it is). Maybe I missed something.

Looks like Zacuto have all their add ons already covered/tuned for the C100.

Zacuto's First Look at the Canon EOS C100 Camera on Vimeo