Canon EOS C50 is its smallest and lightest cinema camera ever
Canon EOS C50: compact cinema camera with a full-frame 7K sensor
Canon describes the EOS C50 as the smallest and lightest cinema camera ever made within its Cinema EOS lineup. Despite its compact size, it delivers many of the features you’d expect from a professional cine camera, including internal RAW recording, a full-size HDMI port, and an active cooling system.
To keep size and weight down, Canon has removed some elements found on higher-end models, such as an electronic viewfinder, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and internal ND filters. The EOS C50 therefore positions itself as a compact professional solution designed for lightweight cinema workflows.
Key specifications
- 32MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 7K recording up to 60p (Cinema RAW Light)
- Oversampled 4K up to 60p
- 4K up to 120p
- Open Gate 3:2 recording up to 30p
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with human and animal detection
- Dual base ISO
- Canon Log 2 / Canon Log 3
- Included top handle with 2 XLR inputs
- 3" rear display – 1.62M dots
Based on features and positioning, the EOS C50 is aimed at small to mid-sized production studios and professionals, rather than consumer creators or vloggers.
A completely new sensor
Canon says the EOS C50’s 32MP full-frame sensor is a brand-new design and does not derive from previous models. While it is likely not a stacked sensor, the camera is fast enough to handle full-resolution 7K recording up to 60p.
The sensor uses a dual-gain architecture, with ISO 800 as the low-gain base and ISO 6400 as the high-gain base when shooting Log, offering solid flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.
Video capabilities and recording formats
As you’d expect from a modern cinema camera, the EOS C50 supports a wide range of codecs and resolutions, including three quality levels of Cinema RAW Light. Heavier formats are recorded to CFexpress Type B cards, while the SD slot is intended for proxies and recordings up to 4K.
The camera supports oversampled 4K up to 60p and is the first Canon Cinema EOS model to offer Open Gate 3:2 recording, using the sensor’s full height. This mode provides greater flexibility in post-production and is also ideal for anamorphic lenses.
Extra features and real-world use
The removable top handle includes two full-size XLR inputs, a zoom control, an accessory shoe, and a dedicated REC button. The body integrates multiple 1/4"-20 mounting points and supports reinforced adapters for PL-mount lenses.
Canon has also introduced an LCD Luminance Boost mode to improve outdoor visibility, while recommending exposure tools like waveform and false color for accurate monitoring.
Ports and power
The EOS C50 offers a full set of connections: USB-C, full-size HDMI, 3.5mm mic input and headphone output, an E3 remote terminal, and a DIN connector for timecode.
It uses the LP-E6P battery (the same as the EOS R5 II), with a claimed runtime of up to around 90 minutes in Cinema RAW Light. It also supports battery grips for longer shooting sessions.
Press release
Canon introduces the new EOS C50 cinema camera
Canon announces the EOS C50, a compact full-frame cinema camera featuring a new 7K CMOS sensor, internal RAW recording, and hybrid photo/video capabilities.
At approximately 750 grams, the EOS C50 is Canon’s most compact Cinema EOS camera to date, designed for documentaries, field production, and high-mobility professional content creation.
The EOS C50 supports 12-bit Cinema RAW Light up to 7K 60p, Open Gate 3:2 recording, XF-AVC and XF-HEVC codecs, plus native integration with Frame.io Camera to Cloud.
Availability
The Canon EOS C50 is expected to ship by the end of 2025. Specifications and availability may vary by market.
Final thoughts
The Canon EOS C50 isn’t simply a mirrorless camera adapted for video, but a ground-up design aimed at the mid-range cinema segment. With a new sensor, Open Gate recording, Cinema RAW Light, and an extremely compact body, Canon is clearly positioning the C50 to compete directly with Sony and Blackmagic solutions in professional production.