USER REVI EW | CANON EOS C70
tools, such as adjustable zebras and focus peaking. You can change shutter speed to shutter angle, and ISO for gain. There is also anamorphic de-squeeze support, though the range is limited. The body itself has no SDI output, but there’s full-size HDMI and lots of input/output options, including two mini XLR terminals for audio, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack. The audio controls are hidden behind the screen, but are easy to use. Audio quality and control are where cinema cameras really excel over mirrorless or hybrid cameras – and the C70 does not break from that tradition. The built-in ND filters are a useful addition, displaying virtually no colour shift when adjusted. It also shares the same large Canon BP-A cinema batteries – and we shot for about an hour in 4K with power remaining, using one of the smaller BP-A30 batteries. The EOS C70 comes with a bolt-on-top handle that has no electronic contacts with the cameras. It’s useful for low-angle work or fitting accessories, such as an external mic or screen. The unique body style has a standard tripod thread behind the hand strap, so you can mount the camera on a tripod for vertical shooting, as used by some social media platforms. Welcome to the brave new world!
“A GENIUS TOUCH IS THE SCREEN – IT INSTANTLY BRINGS UP ANYTHING YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHANGE”
IMAGES Sitting nicely handheld, there are 13 assignable buttons. The bolt-on-top handle (below) is ideal for attaching fitments, such as an external mic or screen
the right-hand controls initially seem odd, because the C70 has no viewfinder at all. A genius touch is the screen – it instantly brings up pretty much anything you might want to change on a shoot. From frame rate to codecs, white balance, ISO and lots more, simply touching the screen’s corner beckons a mini menu containing the most common settings. It’s a great way to work, unless you’re outside on a bright day when it can be difficult to read. For filmmakers who need spectacles for close-up work, the settings are quite small. If there is an EVF, you can always put your eye to it to navigate settings, but that’s not an option on the C70. The screen also has waveforms, vectorscope and false colour warnings, as well as obvious pro
Optical IS in RF lenses and Digital IS in the camera body, As a result, this creates a slight crop. The system works fine, but it’s no match for proper on-sensor IBIS systems. It’s difficult to have a moving IBIS-style sensor and built-in ND filters on a camera body that’s so compact. On a larger video camera, like the C300 Mark III, it’s not a problem. That’s one of the few minor niggles. Overall, the new-style camera is a joy to use, sitting nicely handheld. The fully articulated screen is bright and has lots of information. Plus, there are 13 assignable buttons, a multi-function hand grip – like the DSLR cameras – and a fan ventilation system to prevent overheating. DSLR-type controls were always ideal with the camera to your face, using the viewfinder. In this respect,
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
34 DEF I N I T ION | MAY 202 1
Powered by FlippingBook