Canon USA Announces Second-Generation EOS C100 Mark II at DV Info Net (http://www.dvinfo.net/news/canon-usa-announces-second-generation-eos-c100-mark-ii.html)

I will be placing my pre-order for the C100 Mark II tomorrow at B&H. I have a $3,500 credit there, from my return of an XF200.

No 4K (which might be in an update for the C300, to coincide with NAB 2015), but that is OK with me.

Curious why you returned the XF200?

Some experts in Belgium said the c100 would not be upgraded to 4K and the mark 2 still records to a handicam codec, others might say, get a external recorder for a better codec but by the time you get that you are very close in price to what a Sony fs7 offers and I don't have to spell out what this camera can do.

This is just a update to a already excellent camera and I"m sure it will find many new buyers but compared to the competition Canon is not exactly breaking new ground.

Well, I'm kind of upset, seeing how I saved money for three years and bought a C100 21 days ago. Haven't even had it on a shoot yet.

If this thing is due in 5 weeks why wasn't it news?

I think it's normal that they try to wait as long as they can to announce it, if they would have announced it 2 or more months ago that would have put a hold on c100 sales instantly, just like now, you can be sure no store will be selling the old c100 in the following 5 weeks, unless there is a significant enough price difference.

I'm in the same boat, I got my C100 about a month or two ago. I am annoyed, 50/60p and a better viewfinder are my only 2 gripes about my C100.. but other than that, I'm pretty happy with it.

Canon would have left the announcement as long as possible so not to affect the sales of the current model.

Can't wait for the C300 Mark II...

Everyone has a different situation.

For me, this camera is close enough to what I want that I pre-ordered mine this morning. I pre-ordered from B&H, as I had a large credit balance there.

It will be interesting to see what Canon announces at NAB 2015.

I will be happy with my C100 Mark II, and will rent a C100 as needed until the Mark II ships.

To be clear, the MK II is typical for Canon....this is an evolutionary camera. Canon fixed/addressed/improved on everything people have been asking for on the C100...better viewfinder, better movement on the now OLED, and with the DIVIC 4 engine, 60p and slow & fast motion....along with a few more items, nice improvements on a popular camera. I do think it is unfair to try to compare or hold this camera up against the FS7....that camera is aimed at the C300 and I do expect Canon to address this whenever they put out the next C300...I am hoping to see some kind of program announced that would address the need for a lower price on the older C100 to move them out before the new one arrives in the later part of December.

Jim martin
EVSonline.com

Anyone care to speculate on the new recording formats? Specifically the MP4 at 35 Mbits. Now, MP2 at 35Mbits (XDCAM) is pretty close to AVCHD as makes no odds. But MP4 at 35 Mbits sounds like it could be close to MP2 at 50 Mbits. I'm sure Canon don't want to hurt sales of the C300 but the Mk2 seems to closing the gap?

Not much to speculate about Matt.

The XA20 & 25 and HF G30 have MP4 at 35mbps recording capability. On these cameras both 28mbps AVCHD and 35mbps MP4 are 50p only, 25p is 24mbps and lower. Audio is AAC in MP4 mode, but there is a choice of LPCM or Dolby Digital in AVCHD.

I have the HF G30. Comparing 50p MTS files with 50p MP4 files in MadiaInfo, both are High Profile @ L4.2 and CABAC, so 35mbps is a true improvement.

I prefer 35mbps MP4 to 28mbps AVCHD. To my eye, AVCHD looks sharper, MP4 looks smoother.

I will not be buying a C100 mk.II just to see if they allow user selection of the bit rate with whichever frame rate is chosen.

Dave

Speculate. Hmm! Sorry it’s long but it has to be said I think plus the file info takes up some space.

Sony and Panasonic developed the Consumer AVHD format from the original H.264 distribution codec which is commonly seen in the MP4 wrapper. H.264 MP4 was originally designed as a distribution format. MP4 was not really designed with editing in mind as the distribution version in most cases had a highly compressed very lossy 256kbps AAC audio implementation. If you have ever tried to do serious post audio noise reduction and sweetening on AAC audio you will know well enough to leave it alone.

To make the format more robust as an acquisition format and to have the capability of carrying robust Linear PCM audio tracks in excess of 1500kbps and to carry SMPTE time code and have it meet ITU-T H.264 standards recognition Sony and Panasonic adopted the Part 10 subset of the MPEG-4 standard. It became known as 'Advanced Video Coding,' AVC for short.

Vision wise between the AVCHD and the MP4 offerings there should be little difference. Where there is a considerable difference is in NLE handling. Most NLE software is configured to handle the AVC .MTS file format smoothly with modern CPU / GPU configurations. Some will handle the .MP4 wrapper reasonably well. Some NLEs absolutely hate trying to cope with handling the MP4 / AAC combination.

One can’t get away from the fact that AVCHD was designed as the high end consumer acquisition format. On the other hand the base MP4 implementation of H.264 is at the very bottom end of the spectrum. If Canon really felt that this MP4 offering in the C100 MkII was a great step forward they would be shouting it from the rooftops I think. Even Canon’s own literature on the MkII states the camera now has a ‘Web Friendly’ format. If you just want to shoot and upload rushes straight from the camera then sure these web friendly MP4s, especially the lower bit rate versions will slot straight into the YouTube, Vimeo, Hulu world. Time will tell but I really don’t think, especially with the lossy AAC audio that this MP4 implementation will be very popular with editors. What little you gain in video bit rate is thrown out the window with the lossy audio downgrade compared to the AVCHD Linear PCM audio.

Compare for example the media information files from a couple of different formats below. The first one is the consumer AVCHD 24-mbit 420 format from a C100. It could just as easily be from a Panasonic or Sony AVCHD camera. The second media info file comes from an XAVC-L 50-mbit 422 clip out of a Sony sub $2,500 camera. This is a professional media format.

AVCHD 24-mbit 420 8-bit

General
ID : 0 (0x0)
Complete name : 00065.MTS
Format : BDAV
Format/Info : Blu-ray Video
File size : 64.7 MiB
Duration : 22s 500ms
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 24.1 Mbps
Maximum Overall bit rate : 24.0 Mbps

Video
ID : 4113 (0x1011)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L4.0
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Format settings, GOP : M=3, N=12
Codec ID : 27
Duration : 22s 480ms
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 21.6 Mbps
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate : 25.000 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Interlaced
NOTE: Even thought this was shot 25p it is PSF in an interlace container
Scan order : Top Field First
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.417
Stream size : 57.9 MiB (90%)

Audio
ID : 4352 (0x1100)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : PCM
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Format settings, Sign : Signed
Muxing mode : Blu-ray
Codec ID : 128
Duration : 22s 555ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 1 536 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Delay relative to video : -80ms
Stream size : 4.13 MiB (6%)

Why Canon is persisting in this day and age with this AVCHD offering while Panasonic and Sony are offering much higher quality acquisition formats on their lower end cameras is somewhat beyond me. They must really trust in the loyalty of their Canon faithful.

I believe that the likely reason is that unlike Panasonic and Sony Canon does not have a mature software video codec development team in-house. Previously they have used the Sony MXF codec which I would imagine is under some kind of licensing deal. Now contrast the above info with a sample of what their competition is now offering. Remember this is available on a sub $2.5K camera.

XVC-L 50-mbit 422 10-bit. Make note of the four 24-bit audio channels plus the thee ancillary channels. Two for time code and one for acquisition data.

General
Format : MXF
Format profile : OP-1a
Format settings : Closed / Complete
File size : 136 MiB
Duration : 21s 120ms
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 54.2 Mbps
Encoded date : 2014-10-19 04:34:20.000
Writing application : Sony Mem 2.00
Writing library : Sony Mem 2.00

Video
ID : 2
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High 4:2:2@L4.2
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Format settings, GOP : M=3, N=12
Format settings, wrapping mode : Frame
Codec ID : 0D01030102106001-0401020201316001
Duration : 21s 120ms
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 50.0 Mbps
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate : 50.000 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:2
Bit depth : 10 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.482
Stream size : 125 MiB (91%)
Color primaries : BT.709
Transfer characteristics : IEC 61966-2-4
Matrix coefficients : BT.709

Audio #1
ID : 3
Format : PCM
Format settings, Endianness : Little
Format settings, wrapping mode : Frame (AES)
Codec ID : 0D01030102060300-0402020101000000
Duration : 21s 120ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 1 152 Kbps
Channel(s) : 1 channel
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 24 bits
Stream size : 2.90 MiB (2%)

Audio #2
ID : 4
Format : PCM
Format settings, Endianness : Little
Format settings, wrapping mode : Frame (AES)
Codec ID : 0D01030102060300-0402020101000000
Duration : 21s 120ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 1 152 Kbps
Channel(s) : 1 channel
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 24 bits
Stream size : 2.90 MiB (2%)

Audio #3
ID : 5
Format : PCM
Format settings, Endianness : Little
Format settings, wrapping mode : Frame (AES)
Codec ID : 0D01030102060300-0402020101000000
Duration : 21s 120ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 1 152 Kbps
Channel(s) : 1 channel
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 24 bits
Stream size : 2.90 MiB (2%)

Audio #4
ID : 6
Format : PCM
Format settings, Endianness : Little
Format settings, wrapping mode : Frame (AES)
Codec ID : 0D01030102060300-0402020101000000
Duration : 21s 120ms
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 1 152 Kbps
Channel(s) : 1 channel
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 24 bits
Stream size : 2.90 MiB (2%)

Other #1
ID : 1
Type : Time code
Format : MXF TC
Time code of first frame : 00:02:19:34
Time code settings : Striped

Other #2
ID : 7
Format : Acquisition Metadata
Muxing mode : Ancillary data / RDD 18
Duration : 21s 120ms
Frame rate : 50.000 fps

Other #3
Type : Time code
Format : SMPTE TC
Muxing mode : SDTI
Time code of first frame : 00:02:19:17

If I was in the Canon market I would bide mine time a while. The new engine in the MkII has an incredible spec. 8K RGB channels! This gives the camera a full 4k internal with 444 color science capability if I’m not mistaken. I can see no way in the world that all Canon is going to offer on that engine is AVCHD and low end MP4. No way. That engine is destined for far greater things. Possibly an XAVC-L 4K offering on SDXC cards in a new model, C200 maybe? And an even higher bit rate XAVC-I Frame on possibly CFast 2.0 Cards a-la-ARRI Amira in a new C300 / 500 line-up. Why do I say XAVC? Because Canon are smart and can see that XAVC has been ratified by the broadcast authorities and is rapidly being accepted as a broadcast industry standard by many other manufactures and last but not least they have been in bed with Sony before with their MXF relationship and that worked well for them.

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

Excellent info and insights. I think your last paragraph is right on the button too. Thanks Chris!

Thanks Christopher Young,
that was a very useful and interesting post.
Other than that, 1080 50p and a LCD that you can actually use sound great. As much as I love the C100, focusing is not easy even with peaking. The lcd screen is awful. The C-cup is good but cannot improve a poor viewfinder.
Hmmm!

I'm sure this is 'obvious' to someone somewhere, but I haven't seen it in any photos..

Can that screen open up, flip and be closed again so it's a digital / viewfinder back? Or does it have to be used 'wide open' to see it? I put my C100 on a Movi m10 an hour ago and the screen has to stick out a bit.. I wouldn't have clearence if it doesn't close on itself whilst operating.

I'm a big fan of my C100 and it seems every drawback I've had with it is fixed in this update, so come January / Feb the MKII will be the A camera and the mark I can be the B Cam.. unless Canon really are making a c200, either way I'll wait till 2015.

Interesting observation Philip. In all the official pictures I have so far found not one shows the LCD in that position, i.e. flipped upside down and then on the back of the cam with the LCD face outwards.

My guess (and that is all it is) is that the new hinge arrangement won't allow this....pity as in every other respect this looks so much better. Happy to be proved wrong!

Philip,

Update on what I guessed at yesterday. If you watch this video, near the 3m 30s mark there is a shot of the LCD in the upside down position. Whilst it's not shown flat against the back of the C100 MkII in this position there seems to be no reason why it could not be, looking at that hinge. So I THINK you might be in luck...

Newsshooter at PhotoPlus Expo 2014: First look at Canon C100 Mark II on Vimeo

That's wonderful - thank you. I can also see where they have put new physical division around the buttons so you get a better feel for what button you are on. Did he say 'the same viewer as the c500' ? re the eye cup? Sounded like it to me.. quality. Seems they took high quality and addressed every mediocre bit of it. Sign me up:)

I gather a few people have had their hands on the camera in the last couple of days at Dealer Demo events. Can anyone who has handled the cam confirm the answer to Philip's LCD question?

Philip,

This new C100 MkII video is in Japanese and French. At 2 min 39 sec and at just after the 11 minute mark (for example) you can see the LCD put in the position you desire :-)

EOS C100 Mark II?????????????? - YouTube

Very nice video of the Canon C100 Mk II.
Ebby road-Canon C100 Mark II (beta quality) exclusive footage on Vimeo

Did you get the C100 in the end Michael, or still debating about the GH4

Did you get the C100 in the end Michael, or still debating about the GH4

Hi Vincent, Yes, I ended up getting the C100. I'm very happy with it! Although still struggling with trying to match up the C100 and the 5D3, it's not as easy as I thought..... but I'm getting there.

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/MichaelThames/7Y2B5697_zpse6ec7585.jpg (http://s1192.photobucket.com/user/MichaelThames/media/7Y2B5697_zpse6ec7585.jpg.html)

Doesn't look like the standard hood for the 70-200 f/4. What's the story on that, Michael?

Doesn't look like the standard hood for the 70-200 f/4. What's the story on that, Michael?

Hi Chris, yea, I bought the lens used without a hood, so I started looking around for one. I think it looks nicer than the Canon black hood..... and it's way less expensive.

Amazon.com : JJC Professional LH74T White Tulip Flower Lens Hood For canon 70-200mm F 4 Lens Replaces canon ET-74 ET74 : Camera Lens Hoods : Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097CZH1O/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687522&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00013MSV0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1XSM2TWN7BJ67HVXTC46)

Well Michael you did seem very keen on the C100, I am glad you made up your mind, hope you get some great results with it, I am sure you will.

Having done a couple of big jobs over the last two weeks I am finding all the camera gear far too bulky and heavy (SONY EX3 and Canon F305) so I have decided to go the GH4 route for documentary work, i.e. short duration capture as opposed to Theatre productions which will still need the heavier stuff.

Hi Vincent, yes I'm still ecstatic about the C100. I take it with me to lunch, and have it with me at all times! I did that too when I got the 5D3. I remain in awe with both of these cameras!

I've thought of selling the 5D3 and getting another C100, but then, I wouldn't have a good photo camera which is very important to me, and I like the image of the 5D3 for close ups as it's a tad softer. The problem I have run into a couple of times now is, I forget to change the pictures style from say portrait, or landscape, to neutral when I shoot video with the 5D3. As the C100 seems to have a bit more neutral picture style in Wide Dynamic setting it's been hard to match them up together. I also had some problems with the Waveform monitor and the exposure meter matching up until I realized that in WD setting the exposure seems to like it best in the middle of the WF monitor...... I'm getting my bearings straight every time I shoot with it, but still not 100% confident yet.

The size of the GH4 was a real turn off for me. Call me superficial, but size does matter when it comes to impressing people, in addition, I like handling a larger camera, and the buttons and controls are much more accessible on the C100 than the 5D3 or the GH4. Another concern for me was the low light issue with the GH4 compared to the C100, I constantly shoot in low light conditions and it's just one more thing I don't have to worry about. I think I'm done with DSLR's!

All this said, I'm not a professional in the sense I work for others, so you guys who do this for a living day in and day out have different needs, and I could see where you would need to stream line your gear. Also, if you have a reputation and established history of great film making you don't need to impress clients with big cameras I would imagine.

Here is a video I did with both the 5D3 and the C100..... a couple of guys playing my guitars.

The 5D3 was the wide angle and I used a 50mm f1.4. I'm not crazy about the Canon 50mm 1.4 for some reason I don't know why.

The image of the C100 blows me away.

The lighting of course isn't ideal. I bought a cheap hair light of of ebay and once during a shoot with a guitarist the damn thing got loose and crashed down of his head and the florescent bulb explode on top of his head....... I thought he was dead! However he survived........ long of the short is I'm looking for a good reliable hair light.

Of course most of you guys are professionals and any criticism I wouldn't take personally so feel free to suggest some improvements if you care too!

J. P. Rameau "Gigue and Rondeau" - YouTube

I take it with me to lunch, and have it with me at all times!
Not in that configuration as in that photo you posted I hope, you will need an extra chair just for the camera :)

Call me superficial, but size does matter when it comes to impressing people

I have had a sony nex-ea50 which is a pretty big camera compared to a dslr and a big size camera can be a blessing and a curse, in terms of handling it's much better because dials and knobs can be positioned in a better way to have quick and easy access, much like your c100 has but I like small camera's like dslr's much more for my type of work, first because they allow me to shoot without being noticed and second because I can carry much more in my backpack. And trust me, size is all between the ears, if you work for large corporate clients with very big budgets I can imagine they expect big camera's without having any clue what camera's are capable of these days. I have been shooting company videos with my gh4, a tiny 12mm f2.0 olympus lens, my slider and tripod, I even use a gopro and a mini handheld stabiliser, it's the end results that counts and the confidence you can deliver, if I would think I needed a big camera to impress that would only mean I was insecure and had to compensate with the size of my camera.

Of course most of you guys are professionals and any criticism I wouldn't take personally so feel free to suggest some improvements if you care too!

There is definitely a noticeable difference between both cameras, the camera that had the wide shot appeared to be softer in detail, seems a bit more saturated and more contrasty then the camera that did the close ups, is there no flatter profile in the 5DIII?

I understand if you are a professional with a reputation such as yours, you can use an iPhone if you'd like. I on the other hand only have to impress myself, and a few guys who want to do some videos. Lately however I have had a few guitarists wanting me to do their videos. I tell them I will do it ONLY if they play my guitars.

I bought an XH-A1 back in 2007 without knowing anything. I made a video of me playing a guitar of mine and probably made $100,000 from that one video alone over the years. The pay off was incredible for my business.... so I guess in some strange way I'm a professional..... ha ha!

I just think for me at least people who I record are much more impressed and confident with my talent or lack there of if they see a foot long lens on a large camera, that something close to what they have in their pocket.

There is definitely a noticeable difference between both cameras, the camera that had the wide shot appeared to be softer in detail, seems a bit more saturated and more contrasty then the camera that did the close ups, is there no flatter profile in the 5DIII?

Well yes, that is what i was saying...... I shot the video with the 5D3 on "standard" picture profile instead of
"neutral" with the contrast turned down etc. The contrast in standard was jacked up. I guess I could have worked on it longer, but after a while your eyes start to deceive you.... and you say "good enough" for jazz.

I need a damn check list to go over every time I turn on the 5D3 to shoot video...... you forget one thing and yer screwed! With the C100 its almost fool proof.

I need to stop this foolishness of music videos and go do something simple like film flowers going in and out of focus. I live in New Mexico and the landscapes here are amazing..... I would love to take a day off and just go film some landscapes etc. with a nice soundtrack...... how easy is that? shooting live performances are rather nerve racking and quite limited.

Well yes, that is what i was saying......

Didn't see that comment with the video you posted? You just said which camera where used and asked for criticism.

Didn't see that comment with the video you posted? You just said which camera where used and asked for criticism.

Well I did kinda mentioned that when I said, sometimes I forget to turn the picture profile from "portrait" or "landscape" back to "neutral" when I shoot video. I think anyone familiar with the 5D3 adjusts the neutral settings..... contrast, sharpening etc. down, at least that what everyone seems to suggest.

In this case I shot in "standard" with the contrast, saturation and sharpness on default.

Sometimes If I just shoot with the 5D3 only, I kinda like the Standard picture settings because I don't have to do too much in post. However, as you pointed out it's too much along side the C100.

I shot one video for a friend used both cameras, but adjusted the exposure using the blade's waveform monitor in Wide Dynamic range. The waveform looked good but the exposure meter in the viewfinder told me the shot was under exposed. So we couldn't use any footage from the C100. Since I've figured out the waveform/exposure settings a bit more.

Gorgeous piece of music, by the way.
Gotta love Rameau.

Thanks Tim, glad you enjoyed it.

Well..... I cancelled my pre-order.

I am leaving the Canon ecosystem, for both stills and video, which is a huge move for me. I have had Canon camcorders since the GL2, Canon small digital cameras since the G3 and Canon DSLR's since the 30D.

Ultimately, I was not comfortable with the native CODEC, and was not crazy about using an external recorder with an HDMI cable for hand-held "run and gun" situations.

Also, unlike Michael (no offense meant), having a big, honking rig is not desirable. I do not need to impress anyone, and smaller, lighter and less awkward is better for me. Others "mileage may vary"

I'm shocked!

The C100 is actually quite small, I just dressed her up and decked her out for a photo op. What are you going to get a GH4?

For stills and video:

Sony A7s body (full frame, with good codec)
Sony FE 16-35 f/4 ZA OSS (optically stabilized) A critical lens for me.
Sony FE 24-70 f/4 ZA OSS
Sony FE 70-200 f/4 G OSS
Sony FE 55 f/1.8 ZA prime

(Sony's updated FE lens "road map" indicates several key primes coming out in 2015, including a Zeiss FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA and a Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS. I will also look at Zeiss Loxia manual focus primes for Sony E-mount)

Sony XLR-K2M XLR adapter (pre-order)

Sony X70 camcorder (with good codec)

Sony RX10 (with the upgraded codec)

Sony RX100

Sony Catalyst Prepare software (the paid version, not the free version). Will probably get the boxed version.

I will also consider a second full-frame body in 2015, based on what gets announced in the first half of 2015.

It also appears that rental rates for the FS7, when the camera ships, will be tolerable, if I need it, and all the E and FE lenses will work.

I have used and loved Canon gear for a really long time. This is bittersweet.

The size of the GH4 was a real turn off for me. Call me superficial, but size does matter when it comes to impressing people,

Size matters when you show it for the first time. :D

When people know you and are acquainted with the work, they don't need to see the size of the camera. Having said that, I am not sure if I can land up with my Go Pro 4 and ask them to pay my normal rate.

At times working with a small camera means, not many people crowd around me (in documentary situations). It can also be a bad thing, if I am in a place looking for permissions and the authorities feel that this is another wannabe cinematographer with a DSLR.

I know of people moving to Sony A7s. However, that camera has got its share of issues. When we are earning money, we can't simply buy on the basis of specs. Every camera has got limitation. We have to understand the limitation and decide if we are able to exploit the strengths of the camera and whether that would be fine for our work.

PS: The C100 Mark II has got something that my C300 doesn't have ( 1080 60p)

PS: The C100 Mark II has got something that my C300 doesn't have ( 1080 60p)

That should change soon when they bring out the MII of the c300, probably the reason why they upgraded the c100 first is because they sell a boatload of these.

I have used and loved Canon gear for a really long time. This is bittersweet.

Richard, just curious what Canon gear have you been working with? I ask simply because if you've got a 5D and make the move to a C100, it's like a spiritual revelation, that no amount of preconception prepares you for.

One other thing not being a professional as far as knowing the business side of it, I do have eyes, and I think the codec of the C100 gets a bad rap, by pixel peepers, most all of the footage I've seen from the C100 looks incredible!

I've seen the many comparisons between the ninja and AVCHD 24 bit codec and don't see that big a difference..... Just sayin.

Michael:

5D3
6D
XF100
XA20
XF200 (for three weeks)

C100 rental

EF 16-35 f/2.8L II
EF 24-70 f/4L IS
EF 70-200 f/4L IS
EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II
EF 50 f/1.4
EF 100 f/2.8L Macro IS

EF-S 15-85 (not a kit lens)
Tokina 11-16 f/2.8

Well then Richard, it seems you are well acquainted with Canon gear, and your decision is based on solid experience, so happy hunting!

Looks like some nice lenses will soon be on the market.

Size matters when you show it for the first time. :D

Absolutely, then of course after that, it's all about how you use it!

I can't imagine someone showing up for the first time to do a wedding with a BMPCC, even though it is an amazing camera. However yes, as you say you if you have a well established reputation you can use a Barbie cam if you'd like.

Perhaps I'm way off base but, if yer not Steven Spillberg, and you are trying to establish yourself as a serious film maker, having some professional looking equipment certainly doesn't hurt. Probably 90% of people don't know the difference between an iPhone or a 5D3...... but their eyes light up when you pull out a C-X00, at least that's been my limited experience.

Yea, I tend to think people get a little nervy even if you point an iPhone at them, they think you are trying to go undercover and pull a fast one on them. If you have a larger camera like a C100 all rigged out they might raise to the occasion thinking they might be on the nightly news..... they might dig it. The only real advantage of a small camera is they might not see you pointing it at them.

Yea the A7s. I've looked at some comparison footage and other than "Night Vision" capabilities was not that impressed...... good yes, but am I going to sell all my stuff and switch over to Sony..... no!

If I needed to go undercover I'd get the Panasonic LX100, same image as the GH4 but half the price plus you get a great lens! Why mess around with something else ..... ha ha!

BTW Sabyasachi, I love Delhi...... I've gone to India every year for the past 6 years and have many good friends there!

That should change soon when they bring out the MII of the c300, probably the reason why they upgraded the c100 first is because they sell a boatload of these.

It begs the question why anyone in their right mind would buy a C300 over a C100 mk II/Blade, for twice as much. Everyone is expecting 4K in the new C300, I doubt it. That would mean they would basically have to discontinue the C500...... perhaps not a bad idea? Who knows what Canon is thinking.

Everyone is biting their nails in anticipation of the new C300, it pretty much has to be revolutionary at this point.

An after thought: The DSLR world has been thriving in the last few years. Do you guys think that the market is now shifting towards cameras like the Canon C100 and C300, the Sony FS7's, or is the DSLR thing pretty much over?

Personally, I and probably everyone here else has a good DSLR or two or three. After using DSLR's are you into collecting more of them, or does the thought cross your mind to move up to a more functional video camera.

With these, I feel I can "cover the entire waterfront" for both stills and video:

Sony RX100 iii
Sony RX10
Sony A7s (with E and FE mount lenses)
Sony ____ (FE mount full frame camera, name yet to be revealed. Pro mirrorless. 2015 release)
Sony X70 camcorder

Sony FS7 (which I should be able to rent for around $420 for 5 days, once the units start shipping, and I will be able to use all my E and FE mount lenses on it)

All at SUBSTANTIALLY less weight and bulk as the Canon gear I am trading in, except for the FS7.
All with very-good-to-great codecs.

Well forgive me but that seems like an awful lot of gear to haul around when one C100 mk II/Blade would basically cover everything.

Michael:

You have missed a few key points:

1) I shoot stills more than video, and need that capability (usually) simultaneously.

2) At any given time (project), there would only be a PORTION of the gear listed in use. It will depend on the project.

3) For any given time (project), my new gear at that time (project) will weigh less and be less bulky than my existing Canon gear would have been, save when I might be renting an FS7.

You seem intent on convincing me that I am headed off in the wrong direction. I will be fine.

Good luck on your projects. I have always liked Santa Fe.