The Canon EOS R5C is a new model that enhances the existing Canon EOS R5. For the advanced videographer, the R5C provides a plethora of additional options. The R5C also addresses some of the R5’s video-related flaws. At the same time, the EOS R5C is still a true hybrid camera, capable of taking photos at the same high resolution as the EOS R5. The line between filmable photographic cameras and pure cinematic cameras is becoming increasingly blurred. And the Canon EOS R5C is a prime example.
Until now, there has been a fairly clear distinction between the cameras that can be used to film, such as the EOS 5D models, and the pure cinematic cameras, such as the C100, C300, and C500. Canon has recently narrowed that gap in two ways. On the one hand, the EOS R5 already has significantly more film capabilities than SLR cameras, and on the other, the Canon C70 has narrowed the gap between cinematic cameras and Canon’s mirrorless R models. The EOS R5C could close the gap completely.
Cooler
The EOS R5C is essentially an EOS R5 with a fan attached. One of the most common complaints about the EOS R5 is that it gets too hot when filming in the highest video quality. This is effectively handled by the EOS R5C. Canon, on the other hand, has gone above and beyond simply adding more cooling. The camera now has an on/off switch as well as separate photo and video settings. When you start the camera in video mode, you get an EOS camera with all of the features you’d expect.
While the EOS R5 could only display a histogram that vanished during recording, the EOS R5C includes waveform and vectorscope tools. The EOS R5C can now record in 8K/60p, up from 30p on the EOS R5. Slow motion in 8K is now possible as well. Canon’s 12-bit Cinema Raw-Light format is also an option. Even in this quality, the recording time is not limited due to the cooling.
IBIS and HDMI
In many ways, the EOS R5C is a better video camera than the EOS R5. However, the camera is more than just an improved R5, and it is far from perfect as a cinematic camera. The absence of built-in image stabilisation is a significant difference between the R5 and the R5. According to Canon, this is because most professional videographers will use a gimbal or tripod to stabilise the images. In some cases, image stabilisation can be problematic. For instance, when the camera is mounted on a moving vehicle. Another advantage is that the sensor can be easily cooled if it is connected to the heatsink. It does, however, imply that the camera is significantly less suitable for shooting, both stills and video, by hand.
The EOS R5C has electronic stabilisation, which can be combined with image stabilisation in EOS lenses. This eliminates the camera’s lack of image stabilisation, but not all EOS lenses have stabilisation. The electronic stabilisation also results in a 1.1x crop. There is still something to be said about the camera’s lack of image stabilisation. This is not the case with the micro-HDMI port. A large HDMI type-A connection should be present on a camera of this calibre. Canon now provides a block with which you can connect the cable to the camera and record everything internally.
Build and Operation
From the front, the Canon EOS R5C is certainly an EOS R5, with only a red release button indicating that this is a different model. When looking at the camera from above, you’ll notice the extended viewfinder and the large extension on the back. The video position has been added to the on/off switch. Some of the buttons have two texts that indicate what function they serve in photo mode and video mode. The extension at the back also has an additional time code connection. Otherwise, the camera is identical to the EOS R5.
As a hybrid, the Canon EOS R5C could be described as a dual camera or a split personality (in a good way). This is because the menu changes depending on which side of the on/off switch you move it to. The menus from the EOS R5 are available in “photo” mode. The menus of a cinema camera appear when you select “video” mode. The camera will no longer display a histogram but a waveform, and shutter speeds will be replaced by shutter angle. There are now large cooling slots on the side of the extension where the air for the fan can move in and out. Although it appears that the camera is no longer waterproof, Canon claims that it is still resistant to (splash) water and dust.
Video
The Canon EOS R5C has the same camera capabilities as the EOS R5. Up to 20 frames per second at 45 megapixels. In the video realm, new capabilities have emerged. The R5C can now record 8K HDR footage in Hybrid Log Gamma. The R5C can also shoot 8K video at 60 frames per second in Canon’s Cinema Raw Light. Another new feature is that Cinema raw is now available in three different quality levels: raw HQ (High Quality), raw ST (Standard Quality), and raw LT (Low Quality) (Light Quality). The raw versions are all 12 bit.
For those who require more, the EOS R5C supports Canon’s 10-bit XF-AVC format. The XF-AVC format is also supported by other Canon film cameras. This simplifies file processing.
Autofocus
The Canon EOS R5C has the same video autofocus capabilities as the R5. And this is unique because there are features that Canon’s Cinema models do not yet have. The EOS R5C, for example, can focus not only on human faces and eyes, but also on animal eyes. Cars can also be recognised by the camera. This also applies to the R5, but not to the film models, for example.
Verdict
The Canon EOS R5C bridges the gap between Canon’s mirrorless system cameras and its cinematic line. Despite the lack of image stabilisation, the EOS R5C is a formidable full-frame camera with a high resolution sensor, high shooting speed of up to 20 frames per second, and an excellent autofocus system. At the same time, the EOS R5C is Canon’s entry into the cinema market. The camera could have simply been renamed as C50.
