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Canon EOS R5 vs Canon EOS C70 Video Shootout

Video Gear Cinema Eos C70 Firmware Review
The Canon Cinema EOS C70

Here is a somewhat different Canon EOS R5 and EOS C70 review. How do they compare?

Different price, different sensor size, not really in the same market segment. Different in many ways but both cameras deliver great video performance. Parker Walbeck looks at the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS C70 to see how video performance compares and differs.

Canon EOS C70 at a glance:

  • Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor
  • DCI 4K 60p, Hi-Speed UHD 4K 120p/2K 180p
  • Canon Log 2, 3, PQ & HLG HDR Recording
  • RF Lens Mount / EF Mount with Adapter
  • DIG!C DV7 Image Processor
  • 16+ Stops of Total Dynamic Range
  • Built-In ND Filters / Auto ISO & Gain
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF & EOS iTR AF X
  • 1 BNC Timecode / 2 Mini-XLR Audio Inputs
  • Dual SD Card Slots, LUT/Long GOP Support

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon EOS R5 at a glance:

  • 45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC X Image Processor
  • 8K30 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
  • Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
  • 12 fps Mech. Shutter, 20 fps E. Shutter
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 1053 Points
  • 0.5″ 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF
  • 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Subject Tracking with Deep Learning
  • CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots

Canon EOS R5:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Learn more about the Canon EOS C70 after the break.

Incorporating key Cinema EOS video tools in a mirrorless- style body, the Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera features a Super35 DGO (Dual Gain Output) sensor for capturing nuanced images with up to 16+ stops of high dynamic range. The innovative DGO system combines two separate gain readings for each photodiode on the sensor, emphasizing saturation in bright areas of your image and lowering noise in darker areas. Video resolutions include DCI 4K capture at rates ranging from 23.98 to 60 fps, plus high-speed options up to 120 fps in UHD 4K and 180 fps in cropped 2K.

Pro video functions include unlimited video recording, Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus control, a motorized ND filter wheel tucked into the shallower RF-mount flange depth, a BNC timecode input/output connector, and built-in dual mini-XLR audio inputs. The EOS C70 is also the first Cinema EOS camera with an RF mount that enables you to use Canon’s line of fast, reliable RF lenses with advanced coatings and image stabilization.

This lightweight cine camera also incorporates a 3.5″ Direct Touch Control LCD panel for quick, easy setting changes, and both auto-ISO and auto-gain functions for on-the-go adjustments to changing light levels.

The EOS C70 Cinema Camera fits into your C300 Mk III workflow as a B camera, as an upgrade for C200 or C100 users, or as an alternative for EOS R owners who are shooting an increasing amount of video. Its touchscreen LCD panel speeds your workflow by enabling you to turn functions on and off directly from the touchscreen; no need to spend time going into multiple menus via a combination of control buttons and jog wheels. Power the EOS C70 using a BPA-60 or BPA-30 battery or the included AC power adapter.

To provide greater flexibility in lens choices, the EOS C70 camera is also compatible with the separately available EF-EOS R 0.71X EF to RF lens mount adapter. This adapter converts your full-frame lenses to Super35 format while also providing a handy aperture speed boost of around one stop. The EF adapter passes all the EF lens data through the RF mount, providing full Dual-Pixel Auto Focus and metadata information for select lenses. The EOS C70 is also the first Canon EOS cinema camera to feature the EOS iTR AF X autofocus function, which uses a head-tracking algorithm developed with deep-learning technology for improved distance measuring and tracking reliability.

This digital cine camera records up to DCI 4K resolution video to dual slots using widely available and more affordable SD cards. High frame rates can be recorded in 4K up to 120 fps and up to 180 fps in a 2K cropped Super16 mode. Codec options include Canon’s XF-AVC, XF-AVC Intra, and XF-AVC Long GOP, providing up to 10-bit, 4:2:2 DCI 4K images with reduced storage requirements. To boost your post-production workflow, the flexible EOS C70 supports both proxy recording rates and simultaneous recording in different formats, including 4K/HD and XF-AVC/MP4 options. The EOS C70 can also capture still images to SD cart slot B when on standby in select video modes.

For greater flexibility during post-production, this camera also offers Canon’s Log 2 and Log 3 gamma modes, both of which provide an expanded dynamic range with excellent tonal reproduction for highlights and in low-light areas of your images. The EOS C70 also supports .cube 3D LUTs so you can get the most accurate color reproduction on both the LCD and your external viewing monitors.

This cinema camera features one HDMI Type-A output, a BNC timecode input/output, and a USB Type-C port for control or linking to an external Wi-Fi adapter for streaming. It supports up to 4-channel audio using dual mini-XLR ports, an internal stereo mic, and a 3.5mm mic input. The EOS C70 body comes with a detachable handle unit, a mic holder, a shoulder strap, one BPA-30 battery, a battery charger, an AC adapter with a power cord, and a port cap.

Exceptional Image Quality

Canon Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor

Canon’s next-generation Super35 Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor offers a dynamic range of up to 16+ stops and includes Canon’s exclusive Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology. The DGO Sensor generates a high dynamic range and maintains low-noise levels by reading out each pixel with different gains. It combines images using pixels shot with a saturation-prioritizing amplifier for bright areas, and a lower-noise, noise-prioritizing amplifier for darker areas.

DIG!C DV7 Image Processor

Canon’s DIG!C DV7 image processor takes the extensive raw information captured from the imaging sensor and processes it for output. The DiG!C engine is also the driving force behind features such as high frame rate recording, Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor, Dual Pixel Autofocus, HDR (PQ) output, Electronic Image Stabilization, and proxy recording.

Canon Log 2 and 3; PQ and HLG Recording

The EOS C70 supports both the full dynamic range Canon Log 2 and the more workflow-friendly Canon Log 3 gamma. Canon Log formats are designed to reproduce the entire tonal range of its CMOS image sensor. Turn to a log post-production workflow when you’re seeking a higher dynamic range, improved highlights and shadow retention, and increased grading flexibility. Note that while Canon Log 2 offers the largest dynamic range and image detail, the most post-production flexibility, and the full dynamic range of the sensor, it typically will require more time spent in color correction.

For users seeking most of the benefits of a log workflow but with reduced turnaround times, choose the Canon Log 3 alternative with only a slightly reduced dynamic range of 14 stops.

Highly Adaptable Shooting Style

RF Lens Mount

A built-in RF lens mount lends the EOS C70 compatibility with Canon’s expanding line of high-performance RF-mount lenses. With a short flange distance, the RF mount helps to noticeably reduce the camera body’s depth, resulting in a more compact design.

EF Lens Compatibility with Optional Adapter

The optional EF-EOS R 0.71X EF to RF lens adapter converts a full-frame lens to Super35 format while boosting the aperture speed by an average of one stop. The EF adapter passes EF lens data through the RF mount, providing full Dual-Pixel Autofocus and metadata information for select lenses.

Additional compatible adapters include the EF-EOS R Canon Mount, Canon Control Ring Mount, Drop-In Circular Polarizer Filter Mount, and Drop-In Variable ND Filter Mount adapters.

Direct Touch Control

The EOS C70 features Direct Touch Control, enabling you to quickly and easily access your favorite menu settings through the fully rotatable LCD screen. Simply touch the 3.5″ screen to start/stop recording, set ISO/Gain, color temperature, and iris, and to access other critical settings. Recording settings that are located in different menus can now be controlled with one hand, enabling on-the-spot changes even while operating the camera with one hand.

9 x 16 Vertical Capture

Use the 1/4″-20 tripod thread built into the grip to position the EOS C70 for vertical use when capturing images for digital signage or mobile device use. For easier viewing, the user interface can also be switched for vertical use.

Professional Design Features

Compact Design

The compact EOS C70 features a lightweight design with a built-in ergonomic grip. This smallest of the EOS bodies has two top shoe mounts and comes with a detachable handle and a mic holder.

Mini-XLR Audio Inputs

Two mini-XLR inputs with phantom power and manual control dials provide professional audio recording options for the EOS C70.

Built-In ND Filters

Designed specifically for the EOS C70’s short flange distance, a thin motorized ND filter unit enables users to quickly select up to 10 stops of neutral density – an especially handy feature for ENG shooters or when shooting in quickly changing lighting conditions.

Timecode Input/Output

A BNC connector on the front of the EOS C70 enables users to input and output timecode, making synching on multicamera shoots easier.

Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus with Touch AF and Face Detection

Another innovative EOS C70 feature is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology, which uses each pixel on the CMOS sensor for both focus detection and image information, resulting in precision focusing and optimal image quality. The EOS C70 is also the first Cinema EOS camera to feature the EOS iTR AF X autofocus function featuring a head-detection algorithm developed using deep-learning technology. In Face Detection mode, this algorithm helps to improve distance measuring and tracking reliability, even when a subject turns their head to the side or back.

The EOS C70 also features the innovative Dual Pixel Focus Guide, which provides both front- and back-focus information to let users know where to set the focus during manual pulls.

EIS with Coordinated Control

To smooth out handheld shots, EOS C70 is the first Cinema EOS camera to offer enhanced image stabilization with coordinated control. When used with an RF-mount lens and the EOS C70’s electronic IS, coordinated control optimizes hand-shake correction for even greater vibration reduction than that obtained with an EF-mount lens and electronic IS.

When working in the 2K format, the EOS C70’s Super16 Digital IS improves performance by using the peripheral area around the center of the 4K sensor to stabilize the image.

Auto ISO/Gain Control

In another first for the Cinema EOS line, the EOS C70 can automatically adjust ISO and Gain Control using the DGO (dual gain output) to change gain smoothly, enabling users to concentrate on their framing instead of their aperture control when moving between locations with notable changes in light levels.

RC-V100 Support and LANC Compatible

The EOS C70 body’s remote LANC terminal enables remote control using the optional Canon RC-V100 unit. The RC-V100 provides full access to key functions like start/stop, shutter/gain adjustments, focus/iris/zoom settings, display settings, white balance, black gamma, and more.

Advanced Workflow Optimization

Dual SD Card Slots / Multiple Recording Options

Dual SD card slots on the EOS C70 enable simultaneous recording in different formats including 4K/HD and XF-AVC/MP4 options. The EOS C70 can also capture still photos when on standby in select video modes.

Standard and High Frame Rate to 4K 120p

With its new chip design and DIG!C DV7 processor, the EOS C70 is capable of both standard rates ranging from 23.98 to 60pfs and ultra-high frame rates. Capture video at frame rates up to 120 fps in 4K and up to 180 fps in the 2K crop mode. Dual Pixel AF is supported by the EOS C70 even at high frame rates, keeping your focus even when used on a gimbal or drone.Note:V90 SD cards are recommended for slow- and fast-motion recording.

Cube LUT Support

A Look File option enables users to import .cube-type 3D LUTs, improving the flexibility of the EOS C70 in professional workflows.

4K/2K Long GOP Support

The EOS C70 supports the higher-compression Long GOP for longer recording times at rates up to 4K60p. The inter-frame Long GOP compression detects differences between frames by referring to preceding and subsequent frames.

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