Last Tuesday, the 9th, we at Review Camera attended the launch event of Canon’s new EOS C50. The presentation lasted about one hour, and here are our impressions plus a detailed summary of what this camera delivers.
First impressions
At first glance, the Canon C50 is one of Canon’s first serious attempts at bridging cinema and hybrid shooting. Its Filmmaker-style design is compact and ergonomic, with a standout three-grille cooling system that efficiently vents heat. In hand, the weight feels well balanced, and the screen is comfortably sized and responsive to touch.
Key specifications
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Full-frame sensor with 7K Open Gate (3:2, 6960 × 4640 pixels).
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Internal 12-bit Cinema RAW Light recording, up to 7K at 60fps.
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High-speed modes: 4K up to 120fps and 2K up to 180fps.
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Still photos at 32 megapixels, 40 fps bursts, with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and advanced subject detection.
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Dual base ISO: 800 / 6400, with over 15 stops of dynamic range.
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Native RF mount, with official adapters for EF and PL lenses.
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Recording formats: Cinema RAW Light, XF-AVC, XF-HEVC S (MP4), Canon Log 2, Canon Log 3.
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Dual card slots: CFexpress Type-B and SD UHS-II, supporting simultaneous and proxy recording.
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Pro connections: XLR inputs on top handle, full-size HDMI Type-A, DIN Timecode port, USB-C, and multifunction shoe for accessories.
Limitations
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No mechanical shutter, meaning no flash sync.
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No built-in ND filters and no SDI output, which may matter for broadcast-oriented setups.
Price and comparisons
The camera is priced around €3,900 including VAT in Europe. It directly competes with the Sony FX3, offering strengths in dynamic range, internal RAW workflow, and framing flexibility with Open Gate. Still, RF lenses and Canon’s relatively closed ecosystem may add costs for those not already in the system.
Is it worth switching?
For current Canon users, especially independent filmmakers, the C50 could be a very powerful upgrade. With Canon’s color science, internal RAW, and Open Gate versatility, it stands out. For those outside the Canon ecosystem, it’s an appealing entry point, but lens costs and compatibility need to be factored in.
