An updated version of the C100, the C100 Mark II, was announced by Canon this week. The new camera will feature the same sensor, but Canon has addressed some complaints the C100 has received over the past couple of years, like its lack of ability to shoot slow motion and the less than desirable EVF and LCD.
One of the most significant new features of the C100 Mark II is its ability to shoot slow motion. The previous C100 runs at 30 fps, but the Mark II will give shooters the 60 fps they’ve been asking for. Also, while the new C100 Mark II has the same sensor as the C100, the camera does have a new image processor: the Canon DIGIC DV4. The primary difference with the new processor is the way it manages RGB, which should improve image quality. In addition to improved RGB video processing, the camera’s dual codec capability supports simultaneous AVCHD and MP4 recording, including 59.94P capture along with slow and fast motion recording.
The C100 Mark II’s new EVF does look promising. It has a tiltable large rubber eyecup and looks similar, if not identical, to the one found on C300s. Hopefully, the EVF will also have an improved image, but that has not yet been confirmed. The LCD screen has been redesigned to rotate out from the side as opposed to the top. They have also added a joystick and other menu buttons directly to the menu so that you don’t have to use the side handle to control the camera. The screen is the same size as the C100 (3.5″), but it has been upgraded from LCD to OLED.
Canon’s C100 Mark II will ship standard with Canon’s Dual Pixel AF Technology. Canon released that technology almost two years and has offered shooters the option of sending their original C100 cameras in for the upgrade at the owner’s cost ($500). Recently, the company released several DSLRs with the technology (including the 7D Mark II). It appears that the Dual AF Technology will be a standard feature on Canon cameras moving forward.
Another update to the C100 that shooters will love is the ability to add a Rec709 LUT to the HDMI output while recording in C-log. Finally, the camera will have the ability to be controlled wirelessly via smartphone or computer as well as wirelessly transfer files.
At the time of writing, the Canon C100 Mark II will retail for $5499 and is expected to begin shipping this December.
*With the camera officially released, if you’re interested in more information on how to rent the Canon C100 Mark II, email [email protected], give us a call or stop in for a demo. We’d love to see you!
Seth Miranda covers what’s new in this video:
