Canon Unveils the EOS C50: A New Benchmark for Compact, Full-Frame Cinematic Production

Canon has expanded its professional Cinema EOS lineup with the official announcement of the EOS C50, a compact, full-frame camera poised to redefine versatility for filmmakers and hybrid shooters. Positioned as the most diminutive camera in the Cinema EOS family, this powerhouse does not compromise on performance, featuring a new 7K full-frame CMOS sensor capable of recording 7K 60P RAW footage internally onto SD or CFexpress cards. It also supports high frame rate capture at 4K 120P and 2K 180P, in addition to capturing high-resolution 32MP still images. Notably, the EOS C50 marks a first for the Cinema EOS range by introducing 3:2 open gate recording, which leverages the full width and height of the sensor for maximum image area.

This launch follows the release of the EOS C80 one year prior, which itself was an evolution of the highly successful EOS C70, incorporating a full-frame sensor, triple base ISO, and the much-requested 12G-SDI output port. For many professionals who rely on the Cinema EOS system, such as those who have already transitioned one of their C70 bodies to the robust, all-scenario C80, the brand’s commitment to providing workhorse cameras is clear.

The EOS C50 steps in as a compelling successor to the EOS R5 C for Canon users who require seamless switching between still and motion capture, offering the advantages of the Cinema EOS line, including freedom from overheating constraints. At the core of the camera is a 7K full-frame CMOS sensor, paired with the DIGIC DV 7 image processor—the same sophisticated unit driving the EOS C70, C80, and C500 MK II. This synergistic combination enables internal 12-bit Cinema RAW Light recording at resolutions up to 7K at 60 frames per second, alongside the aforementioned 4K 120P and 2K 180P options. A significant technical detail is that all 4K recording modes are oversampled from the entire 7K image, guaranteeing exceptional quality without any sensor cropping. For photographers, the 32MP still image capability is more than sufficient for the majority of professional applications.

The C50 offers an impressive suite of professional recording formats, including 12-bit Cinema RAW Light using Canon Log 2/Canon Log 3 profiles, as well as XF-AVC, XF-AVC S, and XF-HEVC S 10-bit 4:2:2 formats tailored for efficient post-production workflows. It features a Dual Base ISO of 800/6400 when shooting in Canon Log 2/Canon Log 3/RAW modes, with values of 400 and 3200 available in PQ/HLG/Canon 709/BT.709 and Wide DR picture profiles. The camera’s dynamic range is stated to be over 15 stops, a performance metric that will undoubtedly be scrutinized in forthcoming laboratory tests.

The camera is equipped with two memory card slots: one CFexpress Type B and one SD card slot. Certain RAW and XF-AVC recording modes necessitate the use of the faster CFexpress card. This dual-slot configuration allows for crucial simultaneous recording of different file formats, resolutions, and proxy files, or for backup recording. The highly anticipated open gate recording feature makes its debut here, utilizing the sensor’s full 3:2 area, resulting in an image resolution of 6960×4640. This mode, available for Cinema RAW Light and XF HEVC S recording up to 30P, offers two major creative benefits: maximizing the full image circle of full-frame lenses for flexible reframing and editing into horizontal or vertical deliverables, and preserving maximum pixel information when shooting with anamorphic lenses.

To address the modern demand for content creation across multiple platforms, Canon has introduced the Simultaneous Crop Recording feature. This function enables the capture of a full-angle 4K DCI or 4K UHD image concurrently with a cropped 2K vertical (9:17, 9:16) or square (1:1) version, perfectly suited for social media and advertising. The position of this cropped area is horizontally adjustable to ensure optimal composition.

The EOS C50 is an undeniably hybrid camera, weighing approximately 1.5 lbs (665g) and measuring 14.3×8.8×9.5 cm (5.6×3.5×3.7 in). It features a physical switch to toggle between Photo and Video modes, mirroring its predecessor. In video mode, the camera utilizes the Cinema EOS interface, while in stills mode, it adopts the standard Canon EOS R menu system. The 3.0-inch LCD monitor at the rear automatically adjusts its display and menu orientation to accommodate vertical shooting. Power is supplied by Canon LP-E6P batteries, or with limitations, LP-E6NH batteries. The body offers multiple 1/4”−20 mounting points on the top, bottom, and right side for rigging flexibility.

The camera is built around the Canon RF lens mount, ensuring native compatibility with RF lenses and adaptability to EF/PL lenses via mount adapters, including the secure Canon PL-RF Mount Adapter. Utilizing RF or EF glass unlocks Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which is identical to the system in the EOS C80/C400. This state-of-the-art autofocus system provides 100% sensor coverage, features enhanced subject recognition for people, animals, and vehicles, and is lauded for its precision, including the ability to prioritize a specific eye on human, canine, feline, and avian subjects, with granular controls for adjusting speed and response.

Regarding input and output, the EOS C50 is equipped with a full-size HDMI output port, a USB-C port, a timecode terminal, and 3.5mm ports for both microphone input and headphone output, plus a multi-function shoe. A compact, detachable top handle unit, which comes with the camera, expands its professional audio capabilities by adding two full-size XLR audio inputs, along with control dials, a start-stop button, and a zoom rocker. The camera supports XC protocol for remote IP control via Wi-Fi or an optional USB-C Ethernet adapter, and offers UVC/UAC support for live-streaming up to 60P/50P over a single USB cable. For modern cloud-based workflows, the C50 integrates natively with Frame.io Camera to Cloud and is compatible with Canon’s Content Transfer Professional (CTP) app for fast media sharing over Wi-Fi or USB. Wireless control is also facilitated through the Canon Multi Camera Control app.