Product review: Canon C100 Mark II

The Canon C100 Mark II is an upgraded cinema camera that comes as a feature-packed solution for enthusiast filmmakers.

While it doesn’t compare to the Blackmagic peers, it can certainly bring some quality stills and videos. Explore our review of the C100 Mark II - check out key features, who the camera is for, and our verdict.

To choose the camera that suits your needs, you might want to explore the main characteristics in depth. Give a read to our guide on camera equipment to get the hang of cameras out there.

Canon C100 Mark II: Is it worth it?

Yes (If)

If you’re shooting content for the web and only need a camera with an HD recording capability, then C100 Mark II is the way to go. The camera is aimed at “run and gun” users and event filmmakers, for whom 4K is not a critical advantage.

No (if)

If you’re a professional filmmaker looking for 4K and up footage quality, then it’s better to search for another camera. Additionally, if you like to place your camera on the shoulder, the advice is the same - the C100 Mark II is designed for handhold only.

Quick C100 Mark II review

The Canon C100 Mark II is a cinema camera designed for event videographers, documentarians, and independent filmmakers. It features a Dual Pixel CMOS AF, continuous autofocus that is faster and more accurate than the one of its predecessor. It adds a variety of upgraded features like face detection, MP4 recording, additional frame rates, and fast motion options.

The Mark II comes with an additional microphone on the body for sound recording when the top handle is removed. The 3.5 inches OLED display now features an increased resolution, and the EVF is also bigger in size, almost twice as large as on the original C100. The camera supports GPS and has an in-built wireless connection. TImecode is supported through the HDMI output, as well as Canon Log LUT.

Canon C100 Mark II pros and cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight battery system
• Elegant and ergonomic build
• Intuitive menu
• New OLED adjustable screen
• Improved signal processing
• Built-in ND filters
  

Cons

• Magnification button is limited to one-step enlargement
• Limited flipping up of the EVF arm
• No 4K recording
• No broadcast-friendly codec
  
  

Canon C100 Mark II vs. Sony a6400

Sensor: 35mm 8.3MP CMOS vs. 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS
Card slots: Dual vs. Single
ISO range: 320 to 102’400 vs. 100 to 102’400
AF system: Dual Pixel CMOS AF vs.
Max photo resolution: 4206 x 2340 vs. 6000 x 4000
Max video resolution: 1920 x 1080 vs. 3840x2160
Wi-fi: Built-In vs. Built-in
Battery life: Up to 275 minutes vs. Up to 125 minutes
Price: $2359 vs. $849

Complete Canon C100 Mark II review

Design and handling

Instead of the usual boxy shoulder-mounted body of traditional cinema cameras, with C100 Mark II Canon went with a more compact body which makes holding the camera in front of you easier. With the help of the removable top and side handle customizing, your camera setup is also seamless. The C100 Mark II finally has a rugged flip-out screen that flips all the way out and has an improved display.

The addition of the joystick and the buttons below the monitor is also worth pointing out. You'll find two SD card slots with the usual dual record or relay modes on the back as well as the battery port which can be powered all day with just one or two batteries. The C100 Mark II also includes a new eyecup that can be paired with the unit's 1.23-megapixel color EVF. The body features red trigger buttons and a built-in mono microphone that enable basic capture when the top handle isn’t attached.

Image quality

The Canon C100 Mark II comes with an entirely new image-processing platform, the DIGIC DV 4, which offers enhanced image quality and reduced occurrence of false colors. It also limits the noise levels when you’re using high ISO speeds. An ISO of up t 102’400 is possible with this camera thanks to the new signal processing method that also enables outstanding low-light performance.

Performance and functionality

The EOS C100 Mark II’s new OLED display is higher in contrast, producing more vivid colors and working with faster response times. It can be flipped out to the side for greater monitoring possibilities, like framing shots from the front of the camera.

Other features include a built-in LUT which allows users to view what the camera is capturing in Wide DR. The unit’s dual integrated 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz transceivers allow the camera to easily transfer video files via FTP. The unit can also be remotely controlled via any compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC.

Dual Pixel AF system

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF was first introduced with the EOS 70D and comes as a standard feature with the C100 Mark II. Dual Pixel CMOS AF delivers super smooth and consistent autofocus, enabling natural focus transitions where subjects remain tracked as they move. Just make sure to keep the subject in the center of the frame.

One Shot AF, a quick ‘focus check’ button on the front of the body, is faster and more responsive than with previous models. With C100 Mark II, there is no need to do unnecessary searching or hunting.

The face AF feature allows tracking more than one face at a time - you can switch from one face in the frame to another. This feature brings the result of detecting and focusing on faces in the entire image frame. With no faces present and the Meny set to Face Only mode, the camera will automatically switch back to manual focus.

Final verdict

The Canon C100 Mark II  is a feature-rich camera and a good upgrade from the previous similar models. It is fully compatible with the EF mount lenses by Canon, and even specialty lenses like the 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift lens or the ultra-wide fisheye lens.

The body allows for additional accessories to be attached. You can complement the camera with a full range of additional gear or leave it the "run-and-gun" style.

The Canon Log LUT is a powerful feature able to record images with subdued contrast and sharpness. The face detection mode, the increased resolution OLED, larger EVF, and decent HD video performance make this camera a nice choice for videographers and enthusiast filmmakers. However, those expecting a more high-class performance might want to explore other options by Canon or other brands.

Canon C100 Mark II alternatives

Sony a6400

The Sony a6400 is a great choice for bloggers and content creators - it delivers superb image quality, 4K video footage, a 180-degree screen, and eye-detect autofocus. It’s perfect for single-handed use and will serve many photographers, from documentarians and filmmakers.

Canon 5D Mark III

The Canon 5D Mark III is a top-notch camera that comes with impressive capabilities for stills and video. A powerful, fast, and accurate AF system, great frame coverage, and superb video quality will suit the needs of both amateurs and professionals.

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro

This Blackmagic beast offers stellar quality with a 14-stop dynamic range and cinematic colors. Choose between 4K, 8K, ad 12K of video capabilities, and shoot at a faster frame rate than most other cameras. It’s a camera for experienced filmmakers and VFX specialists.

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