Content creators looking to get serious about their craft could do worse than the newly announced Canon EOS C50 cinema camera. The Japanese company has launched its newest video specialist with at least one feature intended to set it apart from the rest — the ability to shoot vertical and widescreen video at the same time.
That’s probably just to grab your attention so you’ll look at the rest of the weapon loadout. The EOS C50 stuffs serious video smarts into a relatively compact 670-gram frame. If you must capture stills with it, those will happen at 32MP (6,960 x 4,640) in 40 fps bursts, but that’s really not this one’s stated purpose.
EOS C50 Closeup
Canon barely mentions its stills skills beyond that passing detail about megapixel size. Instead, it’s all about the DIGIC DV7 image processor, the 7K 3:2 full-frame CMOS sensor, and the video quality you can expect from this handheld. It’ll capture widescreen, vertical, or anamorphic video in 12-bit RAW, with the former two possible with something Canon calls simultaneous crop recording. That lets users grab 4K video while simultaneously outputting vertical 2K 9:17, 9:16, or 1:1 formats.
If you’re creating longer-form video but also need a presence on Reels or TikTok, the feature could be used to cut down on recording and editing time. This, in turn, shortens project turnaround, helping you keep those numbers up.
Users can use the EOS C50 to shoot 7K or oversampled 4K video, switching between Open Gate, Full Frame, Super 35mm, and Super 16mm to suit their needs. The C50 uses Canon’s RF mount lenses, so whatever’s lying about for other modern models can be slotted in, or you could wait for Canon’s RF 85mm F/1.4 L VCM lens to drop closer to the camera’s launch this year.
Dual XLR audio inputs, via an added peripheral, Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus, and human/animal tracking smarts make the EOS C50 an even more versatile beast. A collection of dedicated controls enhances this impression further, and Canon also supports its XC Protocol accessories and apps for better multi-camera control.
Local pricing for the C50 hasn’t been announced, though it does have a presence on Canon’s local website. Expect it to retail for somewhere north of the R70,000 ($3,900) the Americans are being asked to pay at the end of this year. If that’s too rich for your blood, or your ambitions are somewhat less lofty, Canon’s EOS R50 could prove a more affordable, if less feature-rich, option.
