Canon’s EOS R5C is a hybrid cinema camera with 8K video and 45 megapixel photos

Canon has unveiled the EOS R5C, a new member of its line of cinema cameras that looks like a good choice for photos as well. Very reminiscent Canon EOS R5 a mirrorless camera but has a large protrusion at the rear to accommodate an active cooling system. As such, it offers most of the benefits of the EOS R5 without any overheating issues when shooting 8K or 4K video at high frame rates.

In terms of video, the EOS R5C can shoot 8K at up to 60 fps in Canon’s 12-bit RAW LT format using the full width of the sensor, which is a big step up from the 8K 30p RAW available on the R5. Better yet, it can run at that setting “unlimited” while the R5 is limited to just 20 minutes at 8K 30p due to overheating issues. It can also withstand RAW 6K / 60p with Super 35mm cropping and shoot 4K at speeds up to 120 fps without cropping and full AF capability. The latter, however, could use skipping lines like the EOS R5.

It also supports ProRes RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI port up to 8K / 30P. “Proxy data can also be simultaneously recorded to an SD card in the camera, helping to provide efficient post-production operations,” Canon said. Unfortunately, it uses micro HDMI, not a full-size port – which is not ideal for a dedicated cinema camera.

However, unlike the R5, the R5C has no stabilization in the body – so any reduction in optical image flicker for photos or videos will only be available through supported lenses. However, optical lens stabilization can work in conjunction with Canon’s Electronic Stabilization, with a 1.1x image crop.

As for photography, the 45-megapixel full-format sensor is a big plus, as is the 20 fps shooting speed in electronic shutter mode (12 fps with mechanical shutter). It uses Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus system for both photos and video, along with eye / face detection and subject tracking, so it should offer the same great AF performance as the R5. When you turn the camera to photo mode, all menus and button settings change accordingly.

It comes with a 3.2-inch variable-angle LCD monitor and a 5.76-megapixel viewfinder, just like the EOS R5. Although you get the Canon Log 3 for enhanced dynamic range, the Log 2 option found on other Canon cinemas is not available. Other features include dual card slots (one CFexpress and one SD UHS-II), animal eye detection (cats, dogs or birds), vehicle detection, multi-purpose microphone shoe and other accessories, multi-camera time code terminal and DC connector for continuous power supply.

The EOS R5C arrives in March for $ 4,499, $ 600 more than the R5. It’s a pretty interesting model because it can do more than some Canon movie camera models for a lot less money and is a lot smaller to run. At the same time, this could seriously stop photo / video hybrid cameramen from buying Sony’s 6,500 USD A1 hybrid.