Canon C80 – Versatile Full-Frame Cinema Camera

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Published on September 9, 2024
Canon EOS C80
Canon EOS C80
Austin James Jackson
Adorama ALC

The future of videography is here. Announcing the brand new Canon EOS C80, Canon’s latest camera in their already impressive cinema camera lineup. This new camera will surely shake up the industry with an incredible 6K sensor, triple (yes, TRIPLE) base ISO, and built-in ND filters. And we’re just scratching the surface with some of the new features on this spectacular new cinema camera. If you’re a professional looking for a camera that allows you to expand your horizons, don’t miss this! Let’s jump in and review some of the critical features of the brand-new Canon EOS C80.

Key Features of the Canon EOS C80

  • 6K full-frame sensor
  • Triple base ISO
  • 6K 30p / 4K 120p internal recording
  • 12G SDI, WiFi, and Ethernet compatible
  • Built-in ND filters
  • Improved ergonomics
  • Dual SD card slots

What’s New About the Canon EOS C80

The Canon EOS C80 brings many fantastic new features to the fingertips of videographers worldwide. First and foremost, a full-frame 6K sensor is future-proof. It offers excellent cinema quality when used to downsize to 4K. Then, for videographers shooting in low light, the EOS C80 has triple base ISO, allowing for incredibly low noise in even the darkest environments. Built-in ND filters are convenient and save both the time you’d spend putting on and removing ND filters and save you some space in your bag. There is so much to love about this new camera; let’s look at some of the best new features.

6K Full Frame Sensor

The EOS C80 utilizes a 6K full-frame back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. This new sensor can deliver quicker read-out speeds than previous EOS sensors. Compared to other front-illuminated CMOS sensors, this back-illuminated sensor has improved sensitivity and low-light performance. Downsampling 6 K footage also improves 4K image quality. This impressive sensor will impress even high-level video shooters by offering incredible image quality and excellent read-out speeds. Additionally, low-light performance will be one of the best in class with this superb new sensor.

Triple Base ISO

When natural or staged light isn’t enough to properly expose your scene, videographers look to the ISO to make up light. This often results in extreme noise, which can be time-consuming and challenging in post-processing. The new EOS C80 aims to tackle this problem in camera by using triple base ISOs of 800, 3200, and 12800 when shooting in Canon Log 2 or 3 or RAW. A base ISO as high as 12800 will give videographers incredible versatility when shooting in low light. This camera will ensure your creativity isn’t limited when the sun goes down.

6K/30p Internal Recording

Recording in 6K can help ensure your footage is future-proof, as it’s only a matter of time until 6K monitors and screens become more readily available to consumers. The EOS C80 allows for 6K/30p internal recording in Cinema RAW Light. If you want to record in the standard XF-AVC codec, you’ll enjoy 10-bit 4:2:2 that oversamples from the 6K sensor to create rich and smooth detail. Shooters can capture fast or slow motion with 4K/120p or 2K/180p. Additionally, when shooting fast or slow motion, the camera will enable Dual Pixel AF II, increasing the frame rate at which the autofocus works to ensure perfect focus at all times.

Built-In ND Filters

Built-in ND filters on the new EOS C80 will save space in your bag and time in the field. With the press of a button, you can get up to ten stops of ND filtration to help you perfectly capture just about any scene. The camera has a button on the side, allowing you to quickly switch between 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10-stop ND filters, conveniently located just in front of the camera’s sensor. No more worrying about having the right size ND filter for all lenses, as the EOS C80 has you covered in neutral density filters.

Improved Ergonomics

The EOS C80 is loaded with subtle changes that will help the camera feel better in your hands. Dual card slots allow simultaneous recording, which allows different formats and resolutions to be recorded simultaneously. Internal WiFi and an Ethernet terminal help you stay connected while shooting. An improved body design keeps the camera lightweight. The new LCD panel has a higher luminance, allowing you to see the screen better on bright, sunny days. A new joystick controller gives you easy control over the menus. Overall, the EOS C80 has received a considerable facelift that should feel great in the hands of any videographer.

Who Should Buy the Canon EOS C80?

The Canon EOS C80 will be a fantastic camera for cinema professionals or prosumers who demand the latest and greatest from their equipment. The 6K sensor is future-proof and performs incredibly well in low light. The camera’s ergonomics have been greatly improved, making this an excellent camera to upgrade from an older Canon cinema camera. Finally, dual card slots that allow simultaneous recording are perfect for anyone who needs to capture multiple formats simultaneously or any videographer capturing moments that need to be immediately backed up. Overall, if you’re a Canon shooter who is serious about capturing great video, the EOS C80 will not disappoint.

Comparable Canon Cameras

The EOS C80 is the successor of Canon’s EOS C70. While the C70 is a powerful super 35 cinema camera, the most immediate difference is the C80’s full-frame sensor. The C70 can shoot 4K/60p with over 16 stops of dynamic range. It also has a mechanical ND filter system with the option of shooting with 2, 4, or 6 stops and 8 or 10 stops in extended mode. Compared to the C70, the new C80 has numerous new features, including built-in WiFi and Ethernet, a multi-function shoe terminal, and many other upgrades to the camera’s body. Finally, while both cameras allow for shooting in Canon Log 2 and 3, the new C80 features a triple base ISO that offers excellent low-light performance.

Final Thoughts on the Canon EOS C80

Whether you are looking for a camera to shoot the next Hollywood blockbuster or just looking to create the highest quality short films and videos, the new EOS C80 should be a clear winner for any Canon shooters. With impressive low-light specs and a 6K sensor, you can expect that this camera will be around for a long time. Canon has been listening to feedback on previous models, and no stone is left unturned on this new beast of a cinema camera. If you’re ready to take your video to the next level, look no further than the brand-new Canon EOS C80.

Austin James Jackson
Austin James Jackson is a landscape photographer and outdoor enthusiast based out of Portland, Oregon. He loves teaching others how to photograph landscapes and leads workshops in the western USA.