Canon EOS C400 : an all-in-one camera with a cinematic edge

The Canon EOS C400 delivers uncompromising performance in cinema, live broadcast, and virtual production, complementing the wide range of cameras in Canon’s Cinema EOS lineup.

Coming in at 200 grams lighter than the Canon C500 Mark II, the Canon EOS C400 still delivers big benefits. Capable of capturing footage in 6K with a full-frame BSI sensor and 16 stops of dynamic range, the Canon EOS C400 redefines versatility by excelling in cinematic shooting, live broadcast and virtual production.

Read on for a run-down of its lead features.

The Canon EOS C400 is the first Cinema EOS camera to incorporate Canon's cutting-edge and in-house developed Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor technology. This features an all-new architecture where stacked circuity is re-positioned below the sensor plane, maximising light efficiency and sensor read-out speed. This next-generation technology provides a host of benefits, including:

16 stops dynamic range: Enhances detail in both highlights and shadows, and capable of capturing immersive cinematic footage.
Triple base ISO: Three distinct Base ISO options (800/3200/12800) deliver optimal signal-to-noise performance, regardless of the shooting environment.
Faster sensor readout & reduced rolling shutter: Improves image quality during fast motion. Especially during rapid camera pans by ensuring the image remains accurate and natural.
Enhanced Auto Focus (AF) Performance: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II ensures swift and precise focus even in the most challenging conditions.

The 6K full-frame BSI sensor on the Canon EOS C400 shoots in up to 6000x3164 resolution in 17:9 aspect ratio. The camera can also operate in crop mode, allowing the use of Super35 or Super16 lenses. This flexibility further broadens the range of creative options made available by the Canon EOS C400.

The Canon EOS C400’s compact design offers unparalleled flexibility. The modular and familiar design can be built up and down for a range of shooting styles such as handheld, shoulder mount, or even mounted on gimbals and drones.

But its adaptability goes beyond the camerawork. The Canon EOS C400 also provides extensive in-camera connectivity options. Unlike existing models such as the Canon EOS C500 Mark II and Canon EOS C300 Mark III, which required expansion units for additional features, the Canon EOS C400 provides all the advanced connectivity required for filmmaking and broadcasting in a single compact camera body.

Moreover, as the first Cinema EOS camera with a back-illuminated sensor, the Canon EOS C400 significantly enhances dynamic range, reduces rolling shutter speed, and improving low-light and Autofocus (AF) performance. It also features an improved LCD Monitor bracket, offering a variety of mount positions, a robust top handle with Multi-Function Shoe for connecting external accessories and a customisable hand grip for more ergonomic design.

The Canon EOS C400 introduces the next generation of autofocus technology with Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus II. This offers faster, more responsive autofocus performance for smoother and more accurate focusing – so that you can concentrate on your creative vision without technical distractions.
Other new features include:

Full sensor area AF coverage: Ensures sharp focus across the entire frame.
People and animal detection: Recognises and tracks dogs and cats as well as people.
Eye, face, head, and body tracking: Maintains focus on subjects even when they look away from the camera or from a long distance.
Faster, more accurate performance: Delivers reliable and responsive focus in dynamic scenes.
Face Only/Face Priority modes: Prioritises faces only and refrains from focusing on unwanted background elements.

The Canon EOS C400 is a game-changer in the world of filmmaking, combining advanced technology with a user-friendly, ergonomic, and lightweight design.

"The new Cinema EOS camera is an all-in-one solution offering a broad range of professional connectivity without the need for additional modules or adapters," says Ram Sarup, Canon’s European Product Marketing Specialist.

The camera is at home on cinematic film productions thanks to its 12G-SDI, Timecode, MON, HDMI and mini-XLR terminals. While it is also fully capable of live broadcasting workflows with a dedicated Return Input, Genlock, IP Streaming, Tally Input and 12-pin Lens Terminal for broadcast and Cine Servo lenses.

Finally, the addition of Canon’s new Multi-Function Shoe terminal allows for direct power and communication to external accessories, such as the Canon DM E1D microphone or Tascam CAXLR2d.

For virtual production , the Canon EOS C400 provides real-time lens metadata and distortion correction output from the camera to the Unreal Engine thanks to Canon's Live Link plug-in.

Efficiency is provided on-set by not having to manually calibrate individual lenses (compatible with select Canon RF and EF Cinema Lenses). And for VFX, the camera provides rich lens metadata such as iris, focus and zoom information embedded in all recording formats, essential for merging real-world and virtual elements together in professional productions. This data is accessible via Cinema RAW Development, XF-Utility and Canon's new CV Metadata plug-in for Adobe After Effects.

The Canon EOS C400 can also capture 180-degree stereoscopic content in 6K with the RF 5.2mm Dual Fisheye lens, providing an exceptionally wide field of view covering 180 degrees. This is essential for creating immersive video experiences, especially in virtual reality (VR) or spatial computing. Its stereoscopic function captures two images in 3K resolution simultaneously with the Canon EOS C400, one for each eye, to create a sense of depth when viewed through the correct equipment.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring filmmaker, the Canon EOS C400 provides the tools you need to bring your creative vision to life. All its new features are to meet the diverse needs of today’s content creators.