Canon EOS C500 Mark II: 5.9K full-frame with DIGIC DV 7 processor

Canon EOS C500 Mark II is the latest addition to the portfolio of video cameras of the Japanese manufacturer. Many technical innovations start from the 5.9K full-frame sensor that allows you to meet the needs of ever-increasing visual quality.

Many possibilities for videomakers

The new Canon EOS C500 Mark II has within it the DIGIC DV 7 processor while the Cinema RAW Light 5.9K formats are supported (recording on CFexpress and there is also a double slot) and XF-AVC 4K 4:2:2 10 bit even with simultaneous recordings to proxy files. The first allows you to have image quality on one side without generating excessively bulky files. The files can then be transferred using the 12G-SDI interface, so that a single cable can also be used for the 4K 50/60p.

One aspect that the manufacturer has focused on is the versatility and compactness (weight of 1.75 kg) of the Canon EOS C500 Mark II, thus allowing the filmmakers to better manage the shooting. In addition, two modules are provided that add some features and allow to optimize the functions according to the users needs.

Among the novelties of this model, we find the interchangeable graft directly manageable by the user compatible with EF Cinema Lock or PL, and it is also the first model of Cinema with Electronic IS function.

To ensure better image quality, there is also the possibility of exploiting demosaicing (or debayering) for oversampling from 5.9K resolution to 4K. This allows to obtain some advantages such as the elimination of the moiré effect and the reduction of noise.

Also in the case of the dynamic range we find options that should meet the needs of professionals thanks to the possibility of arriving at 15 stops while there is also the possibility of making HDR movies (compatible with HDR PQ/HLG and Canon Log 2/3). There is support for ND filter filters of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 stops (the last two activating the extended ND range).

Expandability and flexibility for the C500 Mk II

As written above the new Canon EOS C500 Mark II allows you to use some units for feature expansion. For example: we find two viewfinders EVF-V70 and EVF-V50 (optional). Then there are two expansion units (EU-V1 and EU-V2) that allow you to better adapt to the user’s needs.

EU-V1 allows Genlock/Sync BNC, Remote B for the RC-V100 remote control (optional) and Ethernet for IP streaming or Browser Remote command. As for EU-V2, in addition to the previous interfaces, it also has XLR inputs and one for 12-pin lens control. In addition, there is a V-Lock battery connection with D-tap and 24V DC OUT output.

The first with 5-axis electronic stabilization

Canon EOS C500 Mark II has another record for this series. It is the first model with 5-axis electronic stabilization. If the objective supports the transmission of information on the focal point, it is possible to use an automatic setting, but if it is not supported it is possible to enter the value manually and take advantage of electronic stabilization.

The sensor supports Dual Pixel CMOS AF with continuous autofocus and high-speed One-Push. This should allow you to have an image that is always in focus. Among the possibilities provided for the AF, there is also the touch option thanks to the LM-V2 LCD monitor.

The Dual Pixel Focus Guide feature instead allows you to better manage the manual focus by guiding the user in proper image management. Then, Face Detection AF and Tracking AF could not be missing, which are now an essential feature in cameras and could not be present in a video camera of this level. The new Canon EOS C500 Mark II will be available from December 2019.