The Move Towards Motion – Introducing the Canon EOS C80!
The images that the C80 can capture are unsurprisingly, very similar to those output by the C400, and dynamic range looks really good. Colours are punchy and vibrant and, thanks to the 6K downsampling that’s offered, the images are highly detailed. For the test shoot the camera was paired with the new Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, which suited it perfectly.
Evolving design
Along with the move across to an RF mount and a full frame sensor, the next feature that filmmakers were longing to see included was SDI output (right), and this has now been provided. “An SDI output was one of the biggest things that people asked for the next C70 to have, and it’s great that Canon has listened,” says Jake. “It now means that the C80 can be used by a few different productions that a C70 might not have worked for.
“The rear monitor on the C80 has also seen some change. It’s brighter than the one on the C70 and features a re-worked physical design. The C70 monitor was also known for its hinge becoming loose over time, with some needing to go into service because of how wobbly and unreliable they could get. The C80 has an updated hinge design which feels much more robust, so fingers crossed this issue has now been fixed. It also has a lock for the screen, which should again help with reliability.
“This is a solid change and, overall, the new monitor should be a great improvement. Physically it’s around the same width and depth, but the one on the C80 is a little taller than that on the C70. They are very similar in design, though, so the C80 will work great for handheld operation on a gimbal, or even more rigged up for shoulder or more traditional cinema workflows with the right accessories.
“The top and bottom of the camera have changed quite a bit as well. On the bottom, we now have an improved mounting layout, which means you’ll be able to mount a lot more tripod plates directly onto the camera with two screws, without needing an extra baseplate designed for the weird thread layout the C70 had.
“On the top you find the addition of Canon’s electronic hot shoe and a reworked handle attachment section. The new hot shoe will allow you to use a range of Canon’s existing accessories that are compatible, including their mics and the Tascam XLR adapter, although the latter will clash with the included top handle. We haven’t had a chance just yet to try out any C70 rigging on the C80, and with the slightly increased height and changes in top and bottom design I think most won’t work. So, you’ll need to keep an eye on all the regular rigging manufacturers for their updated C80 accessories.”
Working in the field
The C80 weighs roughly 1310 grams, which is about 120 grams more than the C70, quite impressive considering how many extras have been packed into this larger body. This extra weight, combined with the form factor of the camera, makes it good for handheld operation, and it’s a great size and weight for shooting for long periods while remaining inconspicuous.
“The C80, like the C70, is weather resistant, not weather sealed, which is partly because of the exposed cooling system,” says Jake. “While at the music festival we got caught in a heavy downpour, and the cameras did get pretty wet before we got them into our rain covers. However, once the rain subsided, we gave the camera a wipe down, and it was good to roll again.
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