FILMMAKING

Canon EOS C70 vs EOS R5 C vs EOS R5: video specs head-to-head

Three compact and powerful RF-mount cameras for video, but which is right for you?
Filmmaker Kevin Clerc stares intently at the back of a Canon EOS R5 C camera set up on a tripod.

Travel filmmaker Kevin Clerc on the first shoot with the Canon EOS R5 C. "The EOS R5 C is a pro cinema camera that goes the extra mile in every regard when it comes to quality, long-duration recording, pro file formats and fantastic photo capabilities," says Aron Randhawa, Cinema EOS Product Specialist at Canon Europe.

Today's content creators need versatile tools and the Canon EOS C70, EOS R5 C and EOS R5 are three compact but incredibly powerful cameras for filmmakers.

The groundbreaking EOS C70 ushered in a new era for pro video as the first model in Canon's Cinema EOS System to feature the advanced RF mount. The EOS R5, capable of cinematic 12-bit 8K RAW video using the entire width of the camera’s sensor, set new standards for filmmakers as well as for still photographers. The hybrid EOS R5 C cinema camera shares many of the same features as the EOS R5, including its full-frame, high-resolution sensor, but adds a raft of pro video capabilities, most notably incredible 8K long-duration recording.

All three cameras feature Canon's revolutionary RF mount technology and intelligent autofocus, but how do their video specifications compare, and which is right for your production needs? Here, we examine some of the shared technologies and key differences between the Canon EOS C70, EOS R5 C and EOS R5, with expert insight from Canon Europe product specialists Mike Burnhill and Aron Randhawa.

Hands attaching an EOS R adapter to a Canon EOS R5 C camera.

The Canon EOS R5 C, EOS R5 and EOS C70 use Canon's RF mount system, but are compatible with EF and EF-S lenses via a range of EF to RF mount adapters. © Martin Bissig

A Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x being attached to a Canon EOS C70 camera.

The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x employs an optical magnification, so that the lens's full-frame angle of view is maintained on the EOS C70's Super 35mm sensor.

1. Lens mount: the RF mount system

The Canon EOS C70, EOS R5 C and EOS R5 all use the revolutionary RF mount system. "The wide mount and the short flange back mean that we can essentially go back to the drawing board and design lenses with video in mind as well as stills," says Mike.

The 12-pin lens communication of the RF mount has enabled the development of features including electronic focus breathing correction and an improved level of image stabilisation. The aperture system has also been redesigned to transition in smaller increments, meaning there is no distracting shift in brightness levels when you adjust the aperture while recording video, compared with conventional lenses.

In order to provide a seamless integration with the extensive range of EF lenses, a series of EF to RF mount adapters are available – including the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x, which enhances the performance of EF lenses on the EOS C70 in two distinct ways. "Not only does it retain the full angle of view of a full-frame EF lens on the Canon EOS C70's Super 35mm sensor, its optical conversion allows an increased light transmission of approximately one stop," says Aron. This means that an EF 24-105mm f/4 lens effectively becomes an EF 24-105mm f/2.8 lens, offering significant advantages when shooting in low light.

The RF mount is a truly flexible and innovative optical system that leaves no EF mount lens behind, while regular firmware updates to the EOS C70 are continuously expanding the range of lenses compatible with the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x. The Canon EOS R5 C can also be used with third-party anamorphic lenses and, like the EOS R5, is compatible with Canon's EOS VR SYSTEM with the RF 5.2mm F2.8L Dual Fisheye lens.

A technician wearing white gloves cleans the sensor of a Canon camera.

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Holding the EOS C70 in one hand, a filmmaker stares intently at the display screen, his subject in the foreground.

If you're shooting handheld with the Canon EOS C70, the Super 16 Digital IS mode can make a big difference to the stability of the footage. "It's designed for solo shooters," says Aron. "And not necessarily just for independent film and cinema: it could be for vlogging, documentary work, or in less controlled environments."

2. Performance: stabilisation, power, record times

All three cameras' image stabilisation systems offer coordinated control with IS-enabled RF lenses to reduce the effects of unstable handheld movement. Where the Canon EOS C70 and EOS R5 C differ from the EOS R5 is in their implementation of in-body image stabilisation – the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C use an advanced 5-axis Electronic IS (EIS) system, whereas the EOS R5 also offers a sensor-shifting In-body Image Stabilizer (IBIS).

The IBIS in the EOS R5 is an industry-leading technology for still photo capture and is also beneficial for handheld video, whereas the EIS in the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C achieves fantastic smooth and stable video performance in a variety of situations, including walking and panning. Both sophisticated systems coordinate seamlessly with the optical IS found in Canon lenses, but you get a noticeable improvement when using an IS-equipped RF lens thanks to the faster communication made possible by the RF mount.

Like the EOS C70, the EOS R5 C is a cinema camera offering long-duration recording. "The internal fan means it can record for long durations no matter what mode you are in – 8K 60p, 4K 120p, whatever you like," explains Aron. "The EOS R5 is an ultra-compact hybrid camera with a time limit of 29 minutes per clip. Although some high-end recording modes are limited because of heat, the EOS R5 can continuously record outstanding 4K up to 30p with no thermal limitations."

A Canon EOS R5 with a rectangular filter on front of the lens set up for filming on a tripod.

Canon Log 3 has been introduced to the Canon EOS R5 via a firmware update, further expanding its dynamic range. "Canon Log 3 is very popular with Cinema EOS users, so it makes sense to expand the integration between the two camera systems," says Mike. © Ivan D'Antonio

A Canon EOS C70 video camera mounted on a tripod.

The Canon EOS C70 harnesses the same Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor technology as the Canon EOS C300 Mark III to give an exceptionally clean 4K HDR image.

3. Sensors: Super 35 vs full-frame

One of the key differences between the Canon EOS C70 and the EOS R5 C and EOS R5 is their imaging sensors. The EOS C70 uses a Super 35mm sensor, while the EOS R5 C and EOS R5 feature a full-frame sensor – but the underlying technology is distinctly different too.

The EOS C70 features Canon's innovative Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor technology and DIGIC DV7 image processor. This is the same sensor found in the Canon EOS C300 Mark III, delivering incredible performance with over 16-stops of dynamic range when shooting in Canon Log 2.

"This works at the sensor level, before any processing is applied to the image," says Aron. "Two separate images are produced at different amplification levels: one at a lower gain that retains details in the highlights, and the other at a higher gain to increase details in the shadows while diminishing noise. This all happens in real-time and is active up to 60fps."

The state-of-the-art full-frame sensor in the Canon EOS R5 C and EOS R5 has been designed from a different starting point, explains Mike. "Made for high-resolution photo and video capture, it delivers 45MP stills for photographers, plus 8K recording for video. But it also has an amazingly low rolling shutter even at high resolution."

The Canon EOS R5 C can record full-frame 8K 12-bit video footage at up to 30p internally (or 60p with an external power source). It also offers XF-AVC format in 4:2:2 10-bit up to 810Mbps, plus three new flavours of 12-bit Cinema RAW Light for ultimate flexibility when it comes to quality and file sizes. The EOS R5 can capture DCI 8K 30p 12-bit RAW internally at approximately 2,600Mbps as well as recording 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 in HEVC MP4 up to 120p.

"The EOS C70 also offers a wealth of recording formats," adds Aron. "A firmware update has added 4K Cinema RAW Light recording up to 645Mbps, and as well as being able to shoot in Canon's robust and well-known XF-AVC format in 4:2:2 10-bit up to 410Mbps, you also have the option of HEVC in 4:2:2 10-bit. Additionally, you can record High Frame Rate 4K up to 120fps, and for the first time you're able to record audio simultaneously."

A man wearing a winter hat and holding a Canon EOS R5 C looks out over a bay as the sun breaks through the clouds.

Shooting a cinematic travel film with the EOS R5 C

How filmmaker Kevin Clerc captured a unique view of Madeira with Canon's full-featured hybrid camera.
The CFexpress slot and SD card slot on the Canon EOS R5 camera.

All three cameras have dual memory card slots. The EOS R5 has one CFexpress slot and one for SD cards, while the EOS C70 supports dual UHS-II SD media for versatile simultaneous recording options such as proxy recording and relay recording.

A hand opening a panel to reveal the card slots on a Canon EOS R5 C camera.

The EOS R5 C also supports simultaneous recording. "You can alternate the format, resolution and bit depth for each card, which provides a flexible range of options when it comes to finding the professional workflow that suits your needs," says Aron.

4. Design: compact body and professional video features

Form factor varies between the three cameras. The Canon EOS C70 bridges the world of Cinema EOS and Canon's DSLR and mirrorless cameras, offering a high degree of mobility, as well as all of the professional features that you would expect from a Cinema EOS camera, including mini XLR inputs to record audio internally, built-in ND filters and unlimited recording.

"If you're a dedicated filmmaker who shoots a range of productions, from corporate work to weddings to independent film, these are three essential camera features that you're going to need," says Aron. "They are simple functions for a video camera, but the EOS C70 is the first camera to incorporate these features in such a compact body."

Despite its small form factor, the EOS C70 has 13 customisable buttons, an eight-way joystick and a 3.5-inch 16:9 articulated screen. "In previous models, the touchscreen only controlled the Dual Pixel CMOS AF," says Aron. "However, the EOS C70 introduced a whole new direct touch user interface, for even further intuitive control."

Hands holding an EOS R5 C camera, moving the three-way power switch to select video mode.

The EOS R5 C features a three-way power switch to choose photo or video mode. "Select the video mode and there are a host of options not usually available with other mirrorless cameras, including waveform monitors, false colour and the option to import your own LUTs," explains Aron.

The bodies of the Canon EOS R5 C and EOS R5 are based on the EOS 5D DSLR series and are approximately 60% the size and weight of the EOS C70. The EOS R5 C is only 30g heavier than the Canon EOS R5, despite the addition of the fan. While the cinema-focused EOS R5 C is similar in appearance to the EOS R5, it features additional tools for filmmakers, including a front tally lamp to indicate recording and a timecode in/out terminal, which is particularly useful for synchronising multiple cameras at once.

The EOS R5 C can switch between video and photo mode, allowing the unique features of both Cinema EOS and EOS R systems to combine in a single camera. Each mode provides users with a streamlined menu system for either professional filmmaking or photography, with the video mode unleashing exclusive tools such as waveform monitor and false colour for accurate exposure analysis.

In comparison, the EOS R5 has a Movie Shooting button that enables you to start recording video when in stills mode. "This button gives you direct access to all your preassigned favourite video settings, so you can just tap it to start recording without having to take the camera away from your eye," explains Mike. "You know what video settings have been assigned to it, so there's no need to check menus, which means you can concentrate on filming and never miss the crucial moment."

A Canon EOS R5 mounted on a tripod with the touchscreen flipped out.

The Canon EOS R5 features deep-learning AF tracking for people, animals and vehicles, which can recognise all kinds of situations and works in all AF modes, including all 8K video modes. © Ivan D'Antonio

A woman's face displayed on the touchscreen of a Canon EOS C70.

"There are so many ways of fine-tuning AF, but the big step up in performance with the Canon EOS C70 and EOS R5 C is the intelligent tracking and recognition," says Aron. "The way in which they can detect a person's face and stay locked-on, even when they turn away from the camera, is incredible."

5. Autofocus: shared Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology

All three cameras offer Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and reassuringly accurate tracking when the situation demands, particularly useful for solo and run-and-gun shooters. The Canon EOS R5 and EOS R5 C (in photo mode) feature Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which covers a wider area of the image and features integrated animal detection.

All three cameras benefit from EOS iTR AF X, an advanced deep-learning autofocus technology first introduced in the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. "This enables the exceptional face-tracking capabilities, and the EOS R5 takes that a bit further with its animal tracking abilities," explains Mike. "We anticipate that the EOS C70 will be used more for drama and documentary work focusing on people rather than animals, but there's always someone out there who will surprise you and show you what the camera can really do."

An autofocus feature not offered by the EOS R5 is the Face Only mode available on the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C. "This smart AF tracking feature only focuses when a face has been detected in the frame," explains Aron. "Once that person leaves the scene, rather than refocusing on the background, it waits for someone to re-enter the frame before refocusing, delivering a much more professional result."

A man in a tan jacket and grey jeans filming in a woodland setting with a Canon EOS R5 C camera.

The Canon EOS R5 C is a hybrid cinema camera aimed at videographers who also want to shoot stills.

6. Which is right for you?

Beyond the headline specifications, the Canon EOS C70, EOS R5 C and EOS R5 all present filmmakers with a similar proposition: a highly mobile camera that delivers exceptional image quality. So, which camera is right for you and your video production?

The EOS C70 is a dedicated filmmaking tool with exceptional battery life, dynamic range and in-built capabilities such as XLR terminals and ND filters. It's ready for professionals to simply pick up and shoot a range of productions, such as weddings, corporate videos, documentaries and cinematic filmmaking.

The EOS R5 C is an exceptionally powerful and compact hybrid camera that combines professional filmmaking and photography in a single solution. It's a camera that's ready for anything and designed for a new wave of creatives who shoot a wide variety of content and need a camera that can quickly adapt to their ever-changing requirements.

The EOS R5 is primarily designed for professional photography with its high-resolution image capture, industry-leading IBIS system and ultra-compact design. However, it also features fantastic video capabilities for those who occasionally or regularly shoot video but do not require the high-end features of a cinema camera.

If shooting video is your sole purpose, then the EOS C70 or EOS R5 C should be top of your list. "Ultimately they are video cameras, whereas the EOS R5 was designed from the start with great video functionality but is focused towards stills," says Mike.

"The EOS C70 or EOS R5 C would make a great companion for the Canon EOS C300 Mark III on cinematic productions where a small-format camera may be required for action setups or drone sequences," adds Aron. "The EOS R5 C or EOS R5 can also come into the mix as a B-cam to the EOS C70 or when higher resolution is required for particular shots. They all share the same colour matrix, so it's easier to combine footage from different bodies."

Marcus Hawkins and Tim Coleman

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