Recently, three video-centric cameras have emerged within the last two months—the Canon EOS R5, Sony A7S III and the Canon Cinema EOS C70. Each camera has its own unique features that make it the perfect video camera depending on what you're using it for.
Below, we'll explain why all three of these cameras have made a huge impact in the videography and cinematography world. Hopefully, we help you come to your own decision on which camera will be the best suited for your needs.
Camera Specification Chart
|
Camera Feature |
Canon C70 | Canon R5 | Sony A7S III |
| Sensor Resolution | 8.85 MP | 45 MP | 12.1 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 26.2 x 13.8mm | 36 x 24mm | 35.6 x 23.8mm |
| Image Size | 4,096 x 2,160 | 8,192 x 5,464 | 4,240 x 2,832 |
| Sensor Format | Super 35 | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | 100-102,400 | 100-51,200 | 80-102,400 |
| Dynamic Range | 16 stops | 15 stops | 15 stops |
| Mount Type | RF Mount | RF Mount | E Mount |
| Autofocus Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 2 SD (UHS-II) | 1 CFexpress Type B, 1 SD (UHS-II) | 2 Dual Compatible CFexpress Type A or SD (UHS-II) |
| Image File Format | XF-AVC: MXF (OP-1a) MPEG4: MP4 HEVC: MP4 | Stills: JPEG, HEIF, RAW, C-RAW Movies: ALL-I, IPB, RAW | Stills: JPEG, HEIF, ARW (RAW) Movies: XAVC S, XVAVC HS |
| Image Stabilization | Digital Stabilization | 5-axis IBIS | 5-axis IBIS |
| Recording Limit | Unlimited | 30 min. (20 min w/ 8K) | Unlimited |
| Video Max Resolution | 4K/120fps | 8K/30fps | 4K/120fps |
| Slow-Mo Video | 4K/120fps 1080p/180fps |
4K/120fps | 4k/120fps 1080p/240fps |
| Audio Recording | 2 – Mini-XLR inputs (Auto and Manual level settings) External microphone terminal: (3.5 mm diameter) | Built-in stereo microphone, optional external stereo microphone | Built-in stereo microphone, optional external stereo microphone |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Type | Articulating Touch Screen | Articulating Touch Screen | Articulating Touch Screen |
| LCD Size | 3.5" | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 2,760,000 dots | 2,100,000 dots | 1,440,000 dots |
| Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 5,670,000 dots | 9,437,184 dots |
| GPS | GP-E2 with Interface cable IFC-40AB III / IFC-150AB III) Via USB-C | Geo-tagging via phone app | Geo-tagging via phone app |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | TBA | 300 shots | Up to 135 mins with LCD |
| Battery Type | BP-A30, BP-A60 | LP-E6NH | FW-Z100 |
| Weather-Sealed Body | No | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | 2.6lbs | 1.43lbs | 1.35lbs |
| Dimensions | 130.2 x 160 x 115.9mm | 138 x 97.5 x 88 mm | 128.9 x 96.9 x 69.7 mm |
| MSRP Price | $5499 | $3899 | $3498 |
As you can see from the chart above, these cameras contain some of the most advanced video capabilities to date. Keep in mind, we are comparing a cinema Super 35 camera to Full-Frame mirrorless cameras, but each hold its own weight.
Image Resolution and Video Capability
The EOS R5 is really more of a hybrid stills and video camera, hence the 45MP, whereas the EOS C70 and the Sony a7s III were made specifically for video users. However, due to the EOS R5's 8K video capabilities and price range, this comparison is only natural.
The EOS R5 utilizes its impressive 45MP sensor to shoot in a staggering 8k resolution, capturing massive amounts of detail and providing enough flexibility to heavily crop or reframe in post production. However, there are recording limits to consider at the higher resolutions and frame rates due to over heating. Those 8k files sizes themselves are massive and require very powerful computers to edit efficiently.
The Sony a7s III, on the other hand, has a lower resolution but makes up for it with incredible low-light capabilities and an unlimited recording limit. The EOS C70 has a Super 35 dual gain sensor with 8.85MP which allows for 16 stops of dynamic range and practically the same native ISO range as the a7s III from 100-102,400. Both the a7s III and C70 can shoot up to 4K 120p and all three cameras can record in 10-bit 4:2:2 color with flat log profiles suitable for color grading.
The EOS R5 lets you record 12-bit RAW video internally, but RAW is only available at 8K resolution with no compression options. You also won't have the ability to send those raw files to an external recorder. While the Sony A7S III can't record RAW internally, it can output RAW over HDMI, which can be recorded in Apple ProRes RAW with an Atomos Ninja V recorder.
Available Lenses
The C70 utilizes a large cooling fan which allows the camera to maintain optimal temperature performance for long recording sessions, but also compromises some of its weather sealing in return. The R5 and C70 utilize Canon’s new mirrorless RF lens mount, and combining the impressive RF lens line up currently available with the extensive collection of EF full frame lenses and Canon Adapters, both of these cameras will have no shortage of lenses to utilize.
Sony’s universal E-mount allows the user to choose from full-frame, cinema, and even APS-C lenses with full functionality and an increasingly growing lineup of high-quality third-party lenses expands the filmmaker’s options even further. Sony has also included a new gyro metadata feature that dramatically increases the post production stabilization when using Sony's software, eliminating the need for a gimbal or tripod in some cases.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor. For the best results the Canon EOS C70 takes the cake. Although they haven't released the official stats, representatives have claimed this camera will "last for hours." Also, because the battery is located externally, it has the option of using an even higher capacity battery. The Sony comes in a close second with 135 minutes and lastly the EOS R5 with only around 300 shots.
Conclusion
Now assuming that you're not already invested in either the Sony or Canon mirrorless ecosystem any of these options will give you the tools and features to create amazing video content. The R5 takes the lead for hybrid content creators who need to fully utilize the high resolution sensor for stills and want the flexibility for more creative cropping in post when shooting 8k video. Though the video record limits, editing hardware requirements for 8k footage, and potential workflow interruptions from over heating may give video focused content creators pause.
The Sony Alpha a7s III addresses the overheating issues and allows the user to record continuously until the battery is empty or the card is full, all the while managing to make this weather sealed body the smallest of the three. Sony introduced a new articulating touch screen with this camera, but did not add the same robust menu functionality that we've come to expect from Canon's touch screens. The 12 MP sensor gives stills enough resolution for most social and web based purposes but may leave some creators wanting.
The Sony also requires the new media format CFexpress Type A memory cards to record at the cameras highest resolution and frame-rates and so availability and brand options of those storage cards is limited at the time of this writing. However, Sony benefits from being the longest standing in the Full-Frame mirrorless game and so they have the largest line up of superb native lenses and high quality third-party lenses to choose from. Combined with the Sony's lower price and gyro data, makes this a very attractive contender for new high-production film makers looking to be fast and light on set.
The C70's 8.85 MP Dual-Gain Super 35 sensor limits this camera to 4k video but the C70 aims to do 4k better than anyone else. With 16-stops of reported dynamic range at 4k 120 fps, combined with Canon's impressive new RF glass and large BP battery pack, this camera is a video powerhouse and video content creator's gold standard.
The larger build and open cooling vent could dissuade some undecided filmmakers looking for the smallest travel rigs, or those knowing they will be filming in harsher environments. But that certainly doesn't mean the C70 is limited to the studio. Being small enough to mount on one-handed gimbals, the C70 now gives Canon shooters a lighter option to those who were forced to pack in their C300s on long treks.