Filmmaker Carolina Nunes puts the Canon EOS C80 film camera to the test

Three different projects, a documentary, an advertisement and a short film with a custom-made set with a visual effects workflow, allow filmmaker Carolina Nunes to test the camera in different filming conditions. Canon EOS C80.

To Carolina, one of the outstanding features of the EOS C80 was his Basic ISO triple, which he found very valuable when recording his documentary in low lighting. “We were filming at dusk, and there came a time when it was so dark we needed a flashlight,” he recalls. "But we adjusted the ISO and suddenly everything was clear. The image was clean, bright and noise-free."

The triple base ISO system offers values ​​of ISO 800, ISO 3200 and ISO 12800 (when shooting in Canon Log or RAW), allowing you to seamlessly switch between the three to optimize performance in any lighting condition. “The ISO setting is a fantastic feature for situations where you can't use additional lights, but you need a clear image,” he adds. The camera also includes built-in ND filters, giving it flexibility for both low-light and powerful high-key lighting situations.

With a similar size and weight to its previous camera, the EOS C70, the EOS C80 Full Frame is sufficiently compact how to enter small spaces, but more powerful, capable of recording shots RAW Full Frame en 6K. Nunes, known for her preference for precise framing and her penchant for hand-held recording, was particularly impressed with the camera's versatility: "It's super lightweight and easy to set up. I love that you can put it almost anywhere. It's small, but still has the features you need in a film camera."

Taking advantage of the 6K Full Frame BSI sensor

The sensor Full Frame 6K Backlit Stacked CMOS of the EOS C80 is another of the features that convinced Carolina: "Full Frame gives you more creative control over the depth of field. It helped us immerse ourselves in the character's world, making the visual effects seem more unreal and less traditional." The combination of the Full Frame sensor and the EOS C80's ability to record in 6K allowed Carolina to capture the immensity of the Welsh landscapes with clarity.

The sensors BSI, compared to traditional CMOS sensors according to Canon, represent a “major advance” by offering better low light capabilities and better effect of rolling shutter. This is due to the sensor circuitry located below the image plane, which achieves more efficient light collection.

Connectivity and control of the EOS C80

The advanced connectivity of the EOS C80, especially the output 12G-SDI, typically only found on larger, higher-end film cameras, allowed for the smooth distribution of 4K signals to various crew members, which improved collaboration during filming. "We rely on the connectivity features for both the short film and the spec ads. Through the Multi-Camera Control app, you can connect it wirelessly to your tablet or phone, see the frame, adjust the settings and press the record button, all without needing a monitor," explains Nunes.

Carolina found it especially useful in situations where the camera was mounted in hard-to-reach places, or when recording alone. Despite its compact size, the EOS C80 offers professional connectivity such as inputs mini XLR for audio, timecode input to sync with other devices, output HDMI, a multifunction shoe y Wi-Fi/Ethernet integrated for remote control and IP relay.

He balance final of Nunes of the EOS C80 of Canon could not be more positive: "The EOS C80 is compact, powerful and versatile. It's the kind of camera that can adapt to whatever you throw at it, making it the perfect tool for those looking to create cinematic content. Our VFX supervisor was very pleased, because the EOS C80 saves all the information we need, such as lens settings and distortion data, which is crucial for shots to come together in post-production. This capability makes the EOS C80 an excellent choice for filmmakers looking to seamlessly integrate live action content and digital effects.”