Canon EOS C100

Nigel Barker · October 24th, 2012, 05:55 AM

I am not an old school camera operator & have never been very keen on using an EVF probably because the ones that I have used have been pretty crappy e.g. XHA-1 so I am usually happier using the LCD monitor. However the EVF on the C300 is lovely & I like using the camera in stripped down mode without the monitor & XLRs. The EVF on the C100 looks like the all but useless one on the XF100. I guess that they have to differentiate between the C300 & C100 ergonomically as the lesser quality AVCHD recording on SD cards can be avoided with an external recorder so that there is no difference in recorded image quality between C300 & C100.

Philip Lipetz · October 24th, 2012, 10:23 AM

The grip connections are identical to the C300. Does anyone know a way to use a rig to remount the grip for left hand use?

Steve Kimmel · October 24th, 2012, 10:39 AM

On the EVF: I used my XF105 yesterday and tried to use the EVF as much as possible. It's about the same size as the C100 (0.24-inch vs. XF105 at 0.24) but much lower resolution (C100 is 1.555 million dots and XF is 260,000 dots). With peaking I could focus pretty well, but it's a small window on the world. It's not really too bad though and the LCD is in the right place to use it handheld

What bothers me about the C100 is that you really need the EVF to use it optimally. The LCD is in the same place as a DSLR. It does swivel, but it still forces you to hold the camera out from your body if you're doing handheld without any additional rig. I can't stand that.

So, I think if I got the C100 I'd use the EVF quite a bit. I'm waiting to get some reviews on the camera (especially image quality) and then decide.

David Ells · October 24th, 2012, 08:31 PM

Steve, I echo your concerns on handheld use. I've scrutinized all the footage of people holding the cam, trying to see how I might get a 3rd point of contact in there while using the LCD.

One thought I had was that with the LCD horizontal, I might be able to press the edge against my chest and still be able to peek at it from there (like I occasionally do with my 60D). I think the design slightly improves upon DSLR's by putting the grip further forward to better accommodate this handheld position.

Steve Kimmel · October 25th, 2012, 10:37 PM

I agree, the grip definitely makes a difference (judging from my very brief C300 experience at least). Will be very curious to try out the C100 before I make any decisions.

Andy Wilkinson · October 26th, 2012, 03:14 AM

The grip, as I sort of mentioned, really is a major factor in the C100's usability. Also, the C100 being quite a bit lighter than the C300 helps a lot more than I had imagined (when I compared the the weight numbers in all the official specs on the Canon website).

Regarding a third point of contact. Well, although not suitable for many shots, pressing the camera to ones upper chest (with the LCD in a horizontal, pointing up, position) could work well - for those type of shots only of course! However, one point that might be worth noting is battery size. I have (already) bought several small Canon BP-955 batteries (same as the one the C100 will ship with) in anticipation of putting it to work as soon as I get my C100. However, I imagine that the larger Canon BP-975 battery (which sticks out at the back when on a C100) might actually be better in this respect as it would allow a "much firmer" bracing point. (From pictures it looks like it sticks out about as much as the LCD would in the flat position).

I really think that the specific Zacuto finder (or similar) will not only solve the poor EVF but also provide some of the extra stability and comfort that comes with more body contact. As always, I'll see how I get on before spending on one of those though as they are not likely to be cheap!

Philip Lipetz · October 26th, 2012, 05:04 AM

If you are using Canon lenses the C100 is only about half a pound lighter than the C300, as exposure control other than AE requires the grip, which adds weight. With manual lenses, sch as ZEiss or Rokinon, you do not need the grip However, with Canon lenses you get peripheral exposure illumination to reduce vignetting,

As for handheld use, it is not optimal without the EVF as a third point of contact. The Zacuto Z Fnder will be an essential piece of gear, more weight. Wish it was at least listed on the Zacuto website; so far, it has appeared only in the C100 video they did,

Tom Roper · October 26th, 2012, 07:16 PM

While there has been some discussion about using the HDMI output with an external recorder, the spec for the C100 on the Canon website says it records to 4:2:0. Is it confirmed the HDMI output is 4:2:2?

(Sorry if this has been answered)

Lee Mullen · October 26th, 2012, 08:35 PM

Why couldnt they have just taken all the features from an XL2/XL H1 and made it into a bigger sensored version? At least the XL series cameras had proper servo controlled lenses with IS and AF. Why have Canon gone backwards?? Even my old Hi8 L2 has a great servo zoom on all lenses that came with it.

Philip Lipetz · October 26th, 2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Roper

While there has been some discussion about using the HDMI output with an external recorder, the spec for the C100 on the Canon website says it records to 4:2:0. Is it confirmed the HDMI output is 4:2:2?

(Sorry if this has been answered)

IT is 4:2:2 out, they checked it for me at the Canon Hollywood presentation. There is one other major issue They are checking for me right now, and I hope to have an answer next week.

Andy Wilkinson · October 26th, 2012, 11:20 PM

OK, now you've got me worried Philip......

Philip Lipetz · October 26th, 2012, 11:24 PM

It could be major or it could just be Canon Pro Support giving another wrong answer, Remeber they said the HDMI out was only 4:2:0 when it is 4:2:2. Let's wait and see.

Andy Wilkinson · October 26th, 2012, 11:38 PM

OK, let us know when you've got the answer.

Nigel Barker · October 27th, 2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jalan Salur

Why couldnt they have just taken all the features from an XL2/XL H1 and made it into a bigger sensored version? At least the XL series cameras had proper servo controlled lenses with IS and AF. Why have Canon gone backwards?? Even my old Hi8 L2 has a great servo zoom on all lenses that came with it.

The problem is designing motor zoom lenses for a large sensor camera. You need an awful lot more expensive optics. There is a good reason why the constant aperture lenses for DSLRs are at best 3X.

Richard Jacobs · October 29th, 2012, 11:40 AM

As soon as you hear anything, please post! Thanks

" There is one other major issue They are checking for me right now, and I hope to have an answer next week."

October 24th, 2012, 05:55 AM	#181
Nigel Barker Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK Posts: 3,531	Re: Canon EOS C100 I am not an old school camera operator & have never been very keen on using an EVF probably because the ones that I have used have been pretty crappy e.g. XHA-1 so I am usually happier using the LCD monitor. However the EVF on the C300 is lovely & I like using the camera in stripped down mode without the monitor & XLRs. The EVF on the C100 looks like the all but useless one on the XF100. I guess that they have to differentiate between the C300 & C100 ergonomically as the lesser quality AVCHD recording on SD cards can be avoided with an external recorder so that there is no difference in recorded image quality between C300 & C100.

October 24th, 2012, 10:23 AM	#182
Philip Lipetz Major Player Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 273	Re: Canon EOS C100 The grip connections are identical to the C300. Does anyone know a way to use a rig to remount the grip for left hand use?

October 24th, 2012, 10:39 AM	#183
Steve Kimmel Major Player Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 256	Re: Canon EOS C100 On the EVF: I used my XF105 yesterday and tried to use the EVF as much as possible. It's about the same size as the C100 (0.24-inch vs. XF105 at 0.24) but much lower resolution (C100 is 1.555 million dots and XF is 260,000 dots). With peaking I could focus pretty well, but it's a small window on the world. It's not really too bad though and the LCD is in the right place to use it handheld What bothers me about the C100 is that you really need the EVF to use it optimally. The LCD is in the same place as a DSLR. It does swivel, but it still forces you to hold the camera out from your body if you're doing handheld without any additional rig. I can't stand that. So, I think if I got the C100 I'd use the EVF quite a bit. I'm waiting to get some reviews on the camera (especially image quality) and then decide.

October 24th, 2012, 08:31 PM	#184
David Ells Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Beverly, MA Posts: 87	Re: Canon EOS C100 Steve, I echo your concerns on handheld use. I've scrutinized all the footage of people holding the cam, trying to see how I might get a 3rd point of contact in there while using the LCD. One thought I had was that with the LCD horizontal, I might be able to press the edge against my chest and still be able to peek at it from there (like I occasionally do with my 60D). I think the design slightly improves upon DSLR's by putting the grip further forward to better accommodate this handheld position. __________________ inthecarmedia.com

October 25th, 2012, 10:37 PM	#185
Steve Kimmel Major Player Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 256	Re: Canon EOS C100 I agree, the grip definitely makes a difference (judging from my very brief C300 experience at least). Will be very curious to try out the C100 before I make any decisions.

October 26th, 2012, 03:14 AM	#186
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: Canon EOS C100 The grip, as I sort of mentioned, really is a major factor in the C100's usability. Also, the C100 being quite a bit lighter than the C300 helps a lot more than I had imagined (when I compared the the weight numbers in all the official specs on the Canon website). Regarding a third point of contact. Well, although not suitable for many shots, pressing the camera to ones upper chest (with the LCD in a horizontal, pointing up, position) could work well - for those type of shots only of course! However, one point that might be worth noting is battery size. I have (already) bought several small Canon BP-955 batteries (same as the one the C100 will ship with) in anticipation of putting it to work as soon as I get my C100. However, I imagine that the larger Canon BP-975 battery (which sticks out at the back when on a C100) might actually be better in this respect as it would allow a "much firmer" bracing point. (From pictures it looks like it sticks out about as much as the LCD would in the flat position). I really think that the specific Zacuto finder (or similar) will not only solve the poor EVF but also provide some of the extra stability and comfort that comes with more body contact. As always, I'll see how I get on before spending on one of those though as they are not likely to be cheap! __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

October 26th, 2012, 05:04 AM	#187
Philip Lipetz Major Player Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 273	Re: Canon EOS C100 If you are using Canon lenses the C100 is only about half a pound lighter than the C300, as exposure control other than AE requires the grip, which adds weight. With manual lenses, sch as ZEiss or Rokinon, you do not need the grip However, with Canon lenses you get peripheral exposure illumination to reduce vignetting, As for handheld use, it is not optimal without the EVF as a third point of contact. The Zacuto Z Fnder will be an essential piece of gear, more weight. Wish it was at least listed on the Zacuto website; so far, it has appeared only in the C100 video they did, Last edited by Philip Lipetz; October 26th, 2012 at 08:29 AM.

October 26th, 2012, 07:16 PM	#188
Tom Roper Trustee Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 1,891	Re: Canon EOS C100 While there has been some discussion about using the HDMI output with an external recorder, the spec for the C100 on the Canon website says it records to 4:2:0. Is it confirmed the HDMI output is 4:2:2? (Sorry if this has been answered)

October 26th, 2012, 08:35 PM	#189
Lee Mullen Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Western Australia Posts: 576	Re: Canon EOS C100 Why couldnt they have just taken all the features from an XL2/XL H1 and made it into a bigger sensored version? At least the XL series cameras had proper servo controlled lenses with IS and AF. Why have Canon gone backwards?? Even my old Hi8 L2 has a great servo zoom on all lenses that came with it.

October 26th, 2012, 11:20 PM	#191
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: Canon EOS C100 OK, now you've got me worried Philip...... __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

October 26th, 2012, 11:24 PM	#192
Philip Lipetz Major Player Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 273	Re: Canon EOS C100 It could be major or it could just be Canon Pro Support giving another wrong answer, Remeber they said the HDMI out was only 4:2:0 when it is 4:2:2. Let's wait and see.

October 26th, 2012, 11:38 PM	#193
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: Canon EOS C100 OK, let us know when you've got the answer. __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

October 29th, 2012, 11:40 AM	#195
Richard Jacobs New Boot Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Madison WI USA Posts: 16	Re: Canon EOS C100 As soon as you hear anything, please post! Thanks " There is one other major issue They are checking for me right now, and I hope to have an answer next week."