It’s been a hell of a week for camera releases. Just a few days ago, Canon announced the new C200, and today Panasonic finally launched its new budget movie camera – the EVA1. Both cameras are clearly aimed at the same market (they both cost around $8,000, have similar features/ergonomics), and are both great value for money… but there are also some very obvious differences between the two cameras difference.
I haven’t had a chance to shoot with either camera yet (I wasn’t involved in any beta testing of these models), so the thoughts I outline here are mostly based on specs. So I’ll be sure to review both cameras more fully in the future once I’ve tested both cameras in the real world.
Let’s start with Canon’s C200 –
After years of seemingly ignoring video customers’ demands for better features and a more competitive price point, Canon finally takes a step in the right direction with this camera. In fact, if I were to buy a C-series camera today, I would choose the C200 over the C300 II without hesitation, as it offers more value in some aspects at a lower price.
Here are the specs –
- Super 35mm CMOS sensor
- Dual pixel CMOS autofocus technology
- Dual DIGIC DV 6 processor
- 4K DCI and Ultra HD, 1920 x 1080
- 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p
- Canon RAW Light, MP4, MP4 Agent
- Integrated EVF, 2 XLR audio inputs
- Rotatable 4-inch LCD monitor, camera handle
- 1 CFast card, 2 SD card slots
- 1 x SDI output, 1 x Ethernet connector
- $7500
I have no doubt that the C200 will produce beautiful images as it combines Canon’s excellent color science with the new RAW codec. Although the 128GB CFast card is only expected to record about 15 minutes of content, the fact that RAW can be recorded internally will be a huge selling point for narrative filmmakers.
Coupled with the fact that the camera only has one C-Fast slot, it can make data management on set trickier than with the C300 II or other non-Canon cinema cameras. Even so, this won’t be a big issue for me personally as CFast card prices will only continue to drop over the next year, making this less of an issue over time.
This camera also has some great features like Dual Pixel autofocus, which is ideal for one-man band operations as well as shooters who need to focus themselves. It’s not a feature I’d use particularly often myself, but I know a lot of other people who do!
The camera’s ergonomics also look excellent and are exactly in line with other Canon C-series cameras I’ve enjoyed using in the past.
In short, Canon seems to have finally gotten it right. An affordable cinema camera that can record RAW internally and is actually competitive on the market…
Meanwhile, it’s already starting to feel like Panasonic’s new EVA1 is raining down on Canon’s parade.
Panasonic EVA1
We’ve been waiting for years for Panasonic to release an AF100 replacement. Panasonic once led the ultra-low-budget independent film industry with the DVX100, but eventually lost its foothold as the large-sensor camera market took off and was left behind.
Since then, they’ve offered some great options on the low end (GH2/3/4/5) and high end (Varicam), but there’s a gap in their lineup where the AF100 once was. It looks like it’s been ages, but they’ve finally launched a new camera to fill that gap, and it looks like it could really disrupt the market.
We don’t have all the details on the EVA1 yet, as it was just released today. But here’s what we know –
- Super 35 5.7K sensor
- 5.7K raw output (with firmware update)
- 400mbps / 10bit / 4:2:2 internal recording
- Canon EF mount
- Dual native ISO
- V-Log picture introduction
- 4K resolution up to 60p
- Up to 240fps in 2K format
- Dual SD card slots
- Available this fall
- Approximate price: $8,000
It may have taken Panasonic a long time to finally release this beast, but it looks like it was worth the wait!
Everything about the camera looks incredible on paper. It seems to offer many of the same features as its bigger brothers (Varicam/Varicam LT), but in a smaller package and at a lower price.
For example, much like the Varicam, the EVA1 will have dual native ISO, which will make it an excellent choice for low-light shooters. It also includes V-Log out of the box, along with the same excellent color science Panasonic offers in its high-end Varicam.
I recently posted this short film shot with Varicam LT, I really love the photos that come out of the camera. Exposing and grading was so easy, I can only imagine getting similar quality and results with the EVA1.
I particularly like the fact that the EVA1 records oversampled 4K internally. This means the footage it records will benefit from the increased resolution of the 5.7K sensor, producing footage that is likely to be superior to many cameras shooting directly at 4K DCI. As a bonus, in a future firmware update, the EVA1 will be able to output 5.7K RAW, which is pretty incredible if you need higher-resolution capture.
I’m also happy to see Panasonic opting for a full Super 35mm sensor instead of an MFT sensor. I have nothing against MFT sensors, but for many of us who shoot narrative material, Super 35mm is the way to go for a number of reasons… and the Panny really seems to have it across the board.
Canon C200 VS Panasonic EVA1
There is no doubt in my mind that the Canon C200 will be a great camera, but I can’t help but wonder how on earth it will compete with the Panasonic EVA1…
Almost every great feature the Canon offers, the Panasonic can match or beat. These include: color science, built-in 4K, native EF mount, Super 35mm sensor, etc.
Panasonic clearly has more pro features, such as 240fps recording, dual native ISO, and 5.7K RAW capabilities, just to name a few. Although Canon also offers some advantages of its own, such as internal RAW and Dual Pixel autofocus, which may appeal to some users…
Personally, I would choose EVA1 over C200 without hesitation. The EVA1 has far more features for the same price, and any special features of the C200 that the EVA1 lacks are not a deal-breaker for me. This includes internal RAW – I understand how flexible Pansonic’s 400mbps codec is in post-production.
More importantly, I like investing in products from companies that are moving in a direction I believe in. But at the same time, they still face an uphill battle given their recent track record, and I just believe in the Panasonic brand more wholeheartedly at the moment.
What do you think? Are there any factors that would make you choose C200 over EVA1? Or do you feel the same as me?
Please leave a comment below.
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