Are you in the market for a new camera? If so, you may be wondering if the Canon C300 Mark II is the right choice for you. This camera has been generating a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason! In this comprehensive review, we will take a look at all of the features that this camera has to offer. We will also discuss its strengths and weaknesses, so that you can decide if it is the right fit for your needs.
Why Choose Canon C300 Mark II
Performance
That’s the first word that comes to mind when talking about the Canon C300 Mark II. It is fast, powerful and has incredible image quality. Its 8.85 megapixel Super 35mm CMOS sensor is capable of capturing 4K video in both Full HD and UHD resolutions. With its dual DIGIC DV 5 processors and intra-frame recording capabilities, this camera can shoot at up to 50 Mbps without sacrificing image quality. The camera offers a variety of shooting formats with 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling for stunningly detailed results in post production. Additionally, with an ISO range of 100, 102, 400 (when using Canon Log), low light performance is greatly improved compared to its predecessor – the original C300. [1]
Design
The Canon C300 Mark II is ergonomically designed for easy operation and maximum comfort. Its body is made of durable magnesium alloy, making it lightweight yet sturdy enough to weather any production environment. The camera’s LCD monitor tilts up to 180 degrees so that you don’t have to crane your neck to check the shot. It also has physical buttons and dials which are placed in convenient locations, allowing you to make quick adjustments on the fly. Additionally, its built-in ND filter further improves usability by allowing users to adjust their exposure levels without having to change lenses or filters.
Value
It comes with a full range of connectivity options such as HDMI and 3G-SDI outputs, as well as dual CFast 2.0 card slots to help speed up workflow in post production. Additionally, it has optional support for RAW recording via the Codex CDX-36150 recorder which adds even more flexibility to your workflow.
Features
Sensor
The Canon C300 Mark II features a Super 35mm 8.85 megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100 to 102,400. This makes it ideal for low-light filming and capturing clear images even in the darkest environments. It also has dual pixel autofocus technology that ensures smooth focus transitions when shooting videos as well as accurate tracking of subjects in motion.
Codecs
This camera supports a variety of codecs, including XF AVC Intra and MPEG-2, allowing you to choose the best format for your project’s needs. The built-in dual DIGIC DV 5 image processor helps maintain quality while encoding quickly at maximum bit rates of up to 305 Mbps for 10-bit 4:2:2 recording.
Dynamic Range
The dynamic range of the Canon C300 Mark II is rated at 15 stops, allowing you to capture detailed images with both light and dark elements in a single shot. This makes it possible to capture natural looking images that accurately represent the scene you’re filming.
Image processor
This allows you to manipulate images directly on the camera without needing external software or hardware. You can also record in a variety of formats, including Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD/HR, for even more flexibility when post-processing your footage.
LCD Monitor
The Canon C300 Mark II features a 3.5 inch LCD monitor that offers 1.23 million dots for clear monitoring of your footage. The monitor is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect angle for reviewing your shots as well as setting focus and exposure while shooting. In addition, it has two proxy recording options that allow you to record a low-resolution version of your footage for quick review, thus saving time when editing. [2]
Connectivity
The Canon C300 Mark II features both built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, so you can easily transfer files from the camera to other devices. It also has an HDMI output that allows you to connect it directly to an external monitor or recording device. Furthermore, there are two XLR audio inputs with phantom power support, allowing you to capture high-quality audio directly into the camera.
AF points
The Canon C300 Mark II has a total of 299 autofocus points, which makes it possible to accurately track and focus on moving subjects in real time. Additionally, the camera is equipped with an Intelligent Tracking and Recognition (iTR) AF system that can recognize faces and colors for more precise tracking.
Price
The Canon C300 Mark II is available for purchase at a retail price of around $11,000 USD, making it one of the most expensive cameras on the market today. However, its features and performance make it well worth the investment for serious filmmakers.
ISO range
The Canon C300 Mark II has an ISO range of 100 to 102,400, allowing you to capture clear images even in the darkest scenarios. With Dual Gain Output technology, you can adjust both the sensitivity and noise reduction settings simultaneously in order to get natural looking shots without any visible grain or artifacts.
Metering zones
It also has a built-in HDR function that helps you capture images with a wide range of tonal values while preserving detail in both highlights and shadows.
Video Formats
The Canon C300 Mark II is capable of capturing video in a variety of formats, including 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p), Full HD (1920 x 1080p), and even slow motion video at up to 120fps. It also supports various file types such as MP4 and MOV for greater flexibility when post-processing your footage.
Viewfinder
The Canon C300 Mark II also has a 0.46-inch OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.77 million dots that provides an excellent means for monitoring your footage in any lighting condition. It also has peaking, zebra, and magnify functions to help you accurately set focus and exposure, as well as a built-in waveform monitor to check the luminance of your shots. [3]
Memory card slots
The Canon C300 Mark II features dual CFast 2.0 memory card slots that allow you to record in both RAW and MP4 formats simultaneously. This allows you to quickly offload your footage while also preserving the original image quality for further post-processing. It also has a built-in SD card slot so that you can easily transfer files to other devices without having to use an external drive.
Max burst rate
The Canon C300 Mark II is capable of capturing up to 12 frames per second in both RAW and MP4 formats. This makes it an ideal choice for shooting fast action scenarios, such as sports or wildlife scenes. Additionally, the camera has a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec, allowing you to freeze motion with ease.
Size and weight
The Canon C300 Mark II measures 5.9 x 6.8 x 11.3 inches and weighs just 4.2 lbs, making it an incredibly lightweight and portable camera system. This makes it perfect for shooting on the go or in tight spaces where larger cameras may not fit.
Build And Handling
The Canon C300 Mark II is designed for comfort and convenience. It is lightweight, made of durable magnesium alloy, and features a rotating handgrip and ergonomic design which makes it comfortable to handle during long shooting sessions. The camera has an impressive range of dedicated controls, including a dedicated ISO control wheel and buttons for the major functions such as shutter speed, iris, white balance, image quality settings and more.
The camera also features dual CFast 2.0 card slots for reliable storage, an HDMI output for monitoring footage on external displays, time code support for multi-camera shoots, focus assist tools including peaking and magnifying options to ensure precise focusing in any situation.
In addition to these features, the Canon C300 Mark II is equipped with advanced image stabilization and an array of Canon Log gamma options for capturing the highest possible quality images.
In terms of build quality, the Canon C300 Mark II is one of the best cameras on the market. It feels solid in your hands, and all parts fit together snugly without any play or rattling. All buttons are easily accessed and feel reassuringly responsive when pressed. The touch screen LCD display provides a bright, clear image for easy operation, while the side panel has clearly labeled controls which are intuitive to use. Overall, this camera offers excellent build quality and ergonomic design which make it comfortable to use over long periods of time.
Lab Results
The camera also captured a wide dynamic range which enabled us to capture images from bright highlight areas to deep shadows, preserving important details in both areas of the frame. With the Log gamma settings, we were able to take full advantage of the camera’s impressive dynamic range, capturing realistic colors and tones that closely match what we saw in real life. In addition to this, the camera handled low light situations very well, producing clean images with minimal noise even at ISOs up to 6400. [4]
Portability
The Canon C300 Mark II is a lightweight and compact camera that can easily be carried around in the field. It features a robust magnesium alloy frame which makes it fairly resistant to bumps and knocks, while the ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling during long shooting sessions. The body itself measures just 7.3 inches across, making it one of the most portable cameras available. In addition to this, the camera has an impressive range of dedicated controls which are packed into its small form factor, allowing you to quickly access all the important settings without having to dive into deep menus.
Ergonomics & Comfort
The ergonomic design of the Canon C300 Mark II makes it an incredibly comfortable camera to use. The rotating handgrip is well-positioned and provides a secure grip, while all buttons are easily accessed without having to strain your fingers. The LCD display is also bright and clear, making it easy to view footage in any situation. Furthermore, the camera features several focus assist tools including peaking and magnifying options which make precise focusing much easier. In short, this camera offers excellent ergonomics with intuitive controls and comfortable handling during long shooting sessions.
Ease of Use
Additionally, the LCD screen provides a bright and clear image which allows you to monitor footage without straining your eyes. All in all, this camera offers great ease of use with its simple yet powerful design.
Pros And Cons Of Canon C300 Mark II
The Canon C300 Mark II is an incredible camera that has become a go-to for filmmakers, television and commercial production companies, as well as many other creative professionals. It offers a wide range of features and benefits that make it suitable for various types of projects. Here are some pros and cons of the Canon C300 Mark II to consider when deciding if this camera is right for you:
Pros:
- Incredible image quality – The C300 Mark II uses 4K CMOS sensor technology to capture stunningly detailed images with low noise levels even in low light conditions.
- Dual Pixel Autofocus – This feature makes focusing on subjects much easier, allowing shots to be composed quickly while still having accurate focus.
- Versatility – The C300 Mark II is compatible with a wide range of lenses and recording formats, allowing you to use it for many different types of projects.
- Ergonomics – This camera’s design makes it comfortable to hold and operate for extended periods of time. It also includes features such as an adjustable shoulder pad and handle making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Cons:
- Price – The Canon C300 Mark II is one of the more expensive cameras on the market, making it unaffordable for some users.
- Limited Recording Time – Its internal HDD can only record approximately two hours at a time, which can be limiting when shooting longer projects.
- Heavy – This is a relatively heavy camera and can be difficult to carry for extended periods of time.
- Limited Audio Capabilities – The C300 Mark II lacks XLR inputs, which limits its audio recording capabilities.
Overall, the Canon C300 Mark II is an exceptional camera that offers filmmakers and other creative professionals professional-level quality images and features in a convenient package. Its many advantages far outweigh its few disadvantages, making it a great choice for serious filmmakers and video production companies alike. With its incredible image quality, dual pixel autofocus system, versatility, ergonomics, and more, the Canon C300 Mark II is a top-shelf choice for anyone looking to take their filmmaking to the next level.
By taking into account both its pros and cons, it’s easy to see why the Canon C300 Mark II is one of the most popular cameras amongst professionals around the world. Its high-end features make it a great choice for capturing premium quality footage, while its price point makes it accessible for more budget conscious filmmakers. With all these factors in mind, you can be sure that choosing the Canon C300 Mark II will provide you with years of satisfaction and an unparalleled cinematic experience. [5]
Alternatives to Canon C300 Mark II
Although the Canon C300 Mark II is an excellent piece of equipment, there are other viable alternatives available.
The Sony PXW-FS7 and FS5 both offer 4K recording with impressive image quality, and they come in a smaller form factor than the Canon C300 Mark II.
Panasonic’s VariCam LT offers different advanced features such as dual native ISO sensitivity, deep color gamut, and more control over skin tones.
The Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro also provides outstanding 4K resolution with RAW recording capabilities at up to 60 frames per second.
For users who need a more budget-friendly solution, the Panasonic GH4 or even the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K can provide good quality images without breaking the bank.
It is important to consider all of your options before settling on one particular camera, as each has its own unique features and benefits that can help make the right decision for your needs.
How to Maintain Canon C300 Mark II?
Maintenance of the Canon C300 Mark II is an important part of keeping it in top condition for optimal results. Fortunately, it’s a relatively simple process that requires minimal effort and does not involve any special tools or skills.
The most important maintenance task is to keep the camera clean by regularly wiping away dust particles from the body and lens using a soft, lint-free cloth. It’s also advisable to check all buttons and ports periodically for signs of wear or damage. In addition, proper storage is essential to ensure that the Canon C300 Mark II remains in excellent condition over time. This includes keeping it away from direct sunlight and damp places as well as storing it securely when not in use.
Finally, it’s important to keep the camera firmware up-to-date. Canon releases regular updates and patches that can help improve performance and add new features, so it’s a good idea to check for them periodically and download them if available.
Overall, with proper care and maintenance, the Canon C300 Mark II can be a reliable companion for years to come. By following these few easy steps you can ensure that your camera will remain in perfect condition and provide you with top quality results every time you use it. [6]
FAQ
Is C300 Netflix approved?
Yes, Canon’s C300 Mark II is approved by Netflix. It offers outstanding image quality and features that make it an ideal choice for filmmakers and content creators looking to produce high-quality projects. The camera supports a wide range of resolutions up to 4K 60p as well as RAW recording capabilities with optional XF-AVC codecs. Additionally, the C300 Mark II utilizes dual CFast 2.0 memory cards for more reliable and faster data transfer speeds than the standard SD card format. Finally, the camera comes equipped with Canon Log Gamma which makes it easier to color grade footage and deliver amazing results on Netflix or other platforms.
When did the Canon C300 Mark II come out?
The Canon C300 Mark II was announced in April 2015 and released in September of the same year. It was designed as an upgrade to the original Canon C300, offering enhanced features such as 15 stops of dynamic range and dual CFast 2.0 memory cards for faster recording speeds. The camera also comes with a variety of optional accessories including viewfinders, lenses, and audio recorders that can be used to improve the overall user experience.
Does C300 shoot 4K?
Yes, the Canon C300 Mark II is capable of shooting in 4K resolution.
Additionally, the camera has 15 stops of dynamic range which gives it an edge over other cameras when it comes to capturing intricate details in both bright and dark scenes.
What is the Canon C300 used for?
The Canon C300 Mark II is a powerful and versatile digital cinema camera that is widely used by professionals in the film and television industry. It can be used to capture high-quality footage for feature films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and more. The camera offers 4K resolution recording with wide color gamut support as well as 15 stops of dynamic range. Additionally, it comes with dual CFast 2.0 memory cards for faster transfer speeds which makes it an ideal choice for on-the-go shooting.
What lenses work best with the Canon C300?
The Canon C300 Mark II is compatible with a variety of lenses from different manufacturers such as Canon EF/EF-S series, Sony E-mount, and other third-party lenses. It is recommended to use lenses with motorized zoom and focus for smoother operation, but manual lenses can also be used depending on the desired look. Additionally, the camera supports EF mount cinema lenses from Canon which offer better image quality than standard stills lenses.
Can the C300 shoot raw?
Yes, the Canon C300 Mark II can shoot in RAW format with the optional XF-AVC codecs. This allows for more flexibility when color grading footage and delivers better results on platforms like Netflix or other streaming services. Additionally, shooting in RAW format may require additional storage space as files tend to be larger than standard video formats. Overall, the Canon C300 Mark II is an excellent digital cinema camera that offers professional-level image quality and features.
Useful Video: Canon C300 Review – Philip Bloom for CVPTV
Conclusion
The Canon C300 Mark II is an excellent choice for filmmakers looking for a professional-grade camera that is both lightweight and portable. It has a wide range of features, including dual DIGIC DV 5 processors, Dual Pixel Autofocus technology, 4K RAW recording, and many other advanced functions. The image quality from this camera is superb, and the ability to shoot in up to 15 stops of dynamic range helps it stand out from its competition. Additionally, the C300 Mark II offers great value for money when compared to some of the higher-end cameras on the market.
Overall, whether you’re shooting documentary films or cinematic movies, the Canon C300 Mark II can help you achieve your goals with ease and efficiency. Its rugged, reliable design and advanced technology make it ideal for professionals who need a reliable and powerful camera. If you’re looking for a professional-grade cinema camera without the price tag of some of the more expensive models on the market, then make sure to check out the Canon C300 Mark II. It’s definitely worth considering for your next filmmaking project!
References
- https://proav.co.uk/videos/5-reasons-to-choose-the-canon-c300-mk-ii/
- https://vmi.tv/blog/learn-help/canon_c300ii_vs_c300/
- https://www.danielhaggett.com/blog/231-should-i-buy-the-new-canon-c300-mark-ii
- https://versus.com/en/canon-eos-c300-mark-ii
- https://www.cined.com/canon-c300-mark-ii-best-large-sensor-cameras/
- https://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/digital_cinema/cinema_eos_cameras/eos_c300_mark_ii/
