The biggest difference with the Canon EOS C80 is the new sensor, which is a stacked CMOS sensor that makes 6K full-frame shots possible with a dynamic range of 16 exposure levels.
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There are also refresh rates of 30 frames per second at 6K (6,000 x 3,164 pixels), 120 frames per second at 4K (4,096 x 2,160 pixels) and 180 frames per second at 2K resolution (2,048 x 1,080 pixels). Triple base ISO (basic sensitivity) is also part of the EOS C80’s new sensor. It is at ISO 800, ISO 3,200 and ISO 12,800 and is aimed at ensuring better noise behaviour.
At the so-called nominal sensitivity of the sensor (native ISO or base ISO), there is neither amplification nor attenuation of the read voltage output by the sensor. This “cleanest signal”, as the American landscape photographer Rich Selling calls it, generally provides optimal image quality with the largest possible dynamic range and lowest noise. Technically, this corresponds to the best use of the photodiode until shortly before saturation, i.e. the largest possible storage capacity for electrons.
Sensors with “dual conversion gain” (DCG), often called dual gain sensors, have two separate amplifier stages for the electrical signal, i.e. practically two different basic sensitivities. At high ISO numbers, a transistor switches from large to small charge storage – if you only collect small charges anyway, the voltage can be increased. This gives you the best of both worlds. With a lot of light and a low ISO value you get low photon noise and a high contrast range, with low light and a high ISO value you get low readout noise due to the increased voltage value.
(Image: Canon)
Connection and handling
As standard, the EOS C80 comes with an RF bayonet for Canon’s own lenses from the mirrorless R camera system. But lenses from other manufacturers should also be usable with the PL-RF adapter, which will especially please professional filmmakers and content creators.
The form factor has not changed compared to the older model, only the joystick for navigating through the menus is positioned slightly differently. New features include a removable handle on the top of the camera and a multifunctional accessory shoe for audio equipment.
(Image: Canon)
More Updates
Autofocus has also been further developed, offering face, eye and head tracking, just like Canon’s mirrorless system cameras. According to Canon, new features in the EOS C80 are body and animal tracking. All of this is based on the Japanese camera maker’s renowned Dual Pixel sensor technology.
The 12-bit Cinema RAW Lite video format up to 6K 30p, which was also introduced on other brand cinema cameras via firmware updates earlier in the year, is supported, as well as two MP4 video formats, XF-AVC S and XF-HEVC, which are now also available from Canon.
Canon has given the EOS C80 a Virtual Reality (VR) function, which is optimised for Canon’s own RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens and can be used, for example, for virtual tours or VR movies.
(Image: Canon)
Price and availability
Canon is asking 5900 euros for the EOS C80, which is 680 euros more than the previous model, the EOS C70. It should be available from November 2024. If you want to hold the camera in your hands already, you can try your luck at IBC in Amsterdam from September 13 to 16, 2024, where Canon says it will demonstrate the camera to visitors.
(TLZ)
