At the beginning of this year, Canon launched what aimed to be the ultimate hybrid camera for the small production and solo run-and-gun videographer—the Canon EOS R5 C. The cinema revamp of the Canon EOS R5, the R5 C comes equipped with a cooling fan, a full cinema menu UI and a whole new set of video features.
Despite complaints about overheating and limited record times in 8K, the Canon EOS R5 has been a shining star compared to its counterparts. Canon's solution to remedy these issues and maintain a compact camera is the Canon EOS R5 C. The "C" indicates the camera's inclusion into the cinema lineup, and as the most recent camera to join the cinema line, we decided to compare it to the previous RF mirrorless cinema camera—the Canon C70.
When it comes down to it, each camera has its own advantages and depending on your filmmaking needs, either could be a viable option. So, what are these advantages and why would you want one over the other? Let's dive into the specifications below.
Canon EOS R5 C vs. C70 Specification Chart
|
Camera Feature |
Canon EOS R5 C | Canon C70 |
| Release Date | January 19th 2022 | September 24th 2020 |
| Mount Type | RF Mount | RF Mount |
| Sensor Resolution | 45 MP | 8.85 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS - Full Frame | (DGO) Super 35mm |
| Sensor Size | 36 x 24mm | 26.2 x 13.8mm |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | No |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 6.56µ | 4.40µ |
| Image Size | 8,192 x 5,464 | 4,206 x 2,280 |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified | 16+ stops |
| In-body Image Stabilization | Digital stabilization | Digital stabilization |
| Image Processor | DIGIC X | DiG!C DV 7 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | 100-51,200 | 100-102,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | 50-102,400 | N/A |
| Dust Reduction/Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Calibrations | No | No |
| Viewfinder Type | (Electronic) EVF | N/A |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 5.76 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| LCD Screen | 3.2" | 3.5" |
| LCD Articulating Screen | Full Articulating | Full Articulating |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Storage | SD (UHS-II), CFexpress Type B | 2x SD (UHS-II) |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Auto Focusing System | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with EOSxITR | Dual Pixel CMOS AF with EOSxITR |
| Built in ND filters | No | Yes |
| AF Detection Range | -6 to +20 EV | -4 to +20 EV |
| Time code port | Yes | Yes |
| Video Max Resolution | 8K 60 FPS | 4K 120 FPS |
| 1080p Video Max Frame Rate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Internal Recording | 4:2:2, 10-bit | 4:2:2 10-bit |
| Video Crop | 0 (full-frame) | 1.5x (super 35mm) |
| Max Recording Time | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| External Audio Inputs | Optional external microphones with multifunction hot shoe | 2 – Mini-XLR inputs, external microphone terminal |
| Recording Chanel Selection | Yes | Up to 4 channel audio recording |
| LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.76 million dots |
| Pixel Shift | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Type | LP-E6NH | BP-A series |
| Weather-Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs | 2.58lbs |
| Dimensions | 5.6 x 4 x 4.4 in | 6.3 x 5.1 x 4.6 in |
| Price | $4,499 | $5,499 |
Although both have cinematic capabilities, there are some major differences between the two. Between sensor size, resolution, battery capacity, and more, we'll dive into why filmmakers might be leaning one way or the other. First, let's take a look at the new Canon EOS R5 C.
Advantages of the Canon EOS R5C
Full Frame vs. Super 35mm
One major benefit of the EOS R5 C compared to the C70 is the sensor size. Its full frame sensor has a wider field of view than the Super 35mm format and can allow for a shallower depth of field while gathering more light in dim conditions. The last cinema camera with a full frame sensor option was the EOS C500 Mark II which is quite a bit larger setup than the EOS R5 C.
Stills and Video Hybrid
Another benefit is the ability to shoot both stills and video. For a working professional who primarily works in video but still needs to capture high-quality images for proofing, location scouting to BTS, the Canon EOS R5 C is the perfect companion. The EOS R5 C features a switch for stills or video mode, giving users the option to toggle between Canon's stills menu, like that on the EOS R5, and Canon's cinema exclusive menu.
Portable Compact Body
Since it's so portable, the R5 C can make the most out of small spaces and is easy to work with on location. Although it lacks In-body image stabilization, its compact size allows it to be paired with plenty of affordable and lightweight gimbals. The R5 C also has the newer multi-function shoe, the same one found in the Canon EOS R3 for additional accessories like external microphone options.
8K Resolution Capabilities
The EOS R5 C has some insane resolution capabilities with recording format options up to 8K 60P in Canon's Cinema RAW Light. Despite the fact that 8K video files can be hard to deal with, recording in Cinema RAW light can potentially save storage and reduce taxation on your post-processing workflow with more ‘scrub friendly’ codecs.
For example, on the R5, 8k 30 fps RAW is roughly 2600 mbps and in Cinema RAW light, the R5 C now gets numbers at approximately 1300 – 1500 mbps.
Storage and Dual Base ISO
In terms of storage, the EOS R5 C has a CFexpress Type B card slot option allowing users to shoot with higher storage capacity options compared to the UHS-II options available to the Canon C70.
Although Canon hasn’t officially stated that it comes with “Dual Base ISO”, the Canon EOS R5 C does have the ability to select between two base ISO options in video. Plus, it has an electronic viewfinder for those situations with bright sunlight glare on a rear LCD screen or external monitor.
Advantages of the Canon EOS C70
When the C70 came out in September 2020, at the time it was the smallest entry-level Cinema camera. Now, the C70 is older, weighs twice as much as the R5 C, doesn't take stills and is more expensive. So why would you choose the C70 over the Canon EOS R5C? Let's go over its advantages.
Built-in XLR Ports
First, let's talk audio. The Canon EOS C70 comes with two XLR terminals which is a huge convenience for filmmakers. The R5 C’s multi-function hot shoe supports external audio options, although, when using it for additional XLR units, you lose the ability to add-on an external monitor like the Ninja V.
Built-in ND Filter System
Another essential tool that comes with the C70 is the built-in ND filter system which allows filmmakers to adapt to changing light conditions immediately with a push of a button without the need to carry or install extra glass filters on the camera rig. These speeds up the workflow on the job site, and reduces the chances that optimal lighting scenes are missed while filters are being fiddled with and installed.
A Dual Gain Output Sensor
The Canon EOS C70 has a Dual Gain Output sensor (DGO) providing subtle details in the shadows, reducing noise, and retaining information in the highlights. It also helps produce 16+ stops of dynamic range when shooting in Canon Log 2. Not to mention, a new firmware update that launched at the same time as the EOS R5 C, brought Cinema Raw Light LT 4K to the EOS C70, further speeding up the post production 4k workflow.
Higher Battery Capacity
The C70 takes a step ahead of the R5 C when it comes to battery power since it's compatible with the higher-capacity BP-A series batteries. When using high resolution modes on the Canon R5 C, certain lenses with electronic AF drivers will need more power than what the LP-E6NH can produce.
To utilize those resolutions in the R5 C, users will need the USB power adapter PD-E1 or the DC Coupler DR-E6C with the Canon CA-946 Compact Power Adapter. The camera will let you know if the power is insufficient for that resolution to work with the specifically chosen RF or EF lenses for AF.
Ultimately, the EOS C70 is a dedicated filmmaking camera with outstanding battery life, dynamic range and built-in options such as XLR inputs and ND filters. The EOS R5 C is an exceptionally powerful and compact hybrid camera that combines professional filmmaking and photography in a single solution. Based on your individual filmmaking needs, hopefully we’ve narrowed down which would make the most sense for you.