C500: A "Cinema" Module

R

rexbron

Member
Hey DVX folks,

While waiting for my production C500 MkII to arrive, I had the opportunity to check out a pre-pro body and EU-V2. I think they're really onto something good with the modules but the EU-V2 is targeted at a different market than me and also the rental market, at least in Toronto.

I was also dismayed to confirm what was stated via email to the rep, the 3P Fisher 24v Out doesn't have run stop. Sigh. LANC R/S again...

Also, the 24v DC out only functions while a battery is attached, so no hot swap to the 4p XLR DC in.

I communicated to my dealer and the Canon rep what I would like to see on a module to adapt it for commercial and narrative work, where you have a full camera department.

I'd like to see the following:

  • 12-24v DC in via 3 pin xlr or a Lemo connection in addition to a battery plate. Arri does it, Red Ranger does it. Covers all the bases. 4 channels of audio might look good to some, but I have a sound department and I'd rather be able to use VCLXs
    Hot swap power for camera and accessory power. It really sucks to have all your monitors and wireless power down when you battery swap.​
  • 2x 2p 0B lemo 12v regulated power with 3 amps each port
  • 2x 3p Fisher 24v run stop, 2.5 amps each port
  • 1x dtap power connector
  • Mon out 2: independent monitor SDI
    As the SDI out on the body follows the recorded resolution and framerate, it is incompatible with much of the on set monitoring in use right now when recording 5.9k raw!
    Given that the evf uses the module port, and that it is a completely independent monitoring path @ 1080, this better be possible​

If you agree or have your own idea's, hit your dealer or Canon rep up and let's try and make it happen.
 
Good input from the trenches. Sounds like you'll be shooting features and commercials with yours?

After dealing with all of this gak on my C200, the C500 MKII and the EU-V2 sound like paradise to me
but different use case and way that we shoot.

IMG_2410.jpg
 
MON Output 2 is number 1 on my list. Having to loop through a monitor to hook up my video transmitter isn’t the most elegant solution.
 
Do Canon generally do much in the way of firmware updates/upgrades to fix issues like Monitoring output?
 
4 pin XLR’s are industry standard for DC power connections. Nobody wants to fry an audio preamp accidentally plugging into a power port.
 
Grug said:
Do Canon generally do much in the way of firmware updates/upgrades to fix issues like Monitoring output?
Click to expand...

My understanding is that they don't upgrade at all, with the sole exception of the EOS R getting an AI/Deep Learning type auto focus (which is available on 1D XMKIII from the outset).
 
puredrifting said:
Good input from the trenches. Sounds like you'll be shooting features and commercials with yours?


After dealing with all of this gak on my C200, the C500 MKII and the EU-V2 sound like paradise to me
but different use case and way that we shoot.
Click to expand...

The EU-V2 is definitely a great move on Canon's part to be able to address the form factors and use cases for different markets. It may be helpful to some (heck, I bought one too, just not to need rails for V-Locks)

Liam Hall said:
MON Output 2 is number 1 on my list. Having to loop through a monitor to hook up my video transmitter isn’t the most elegant solution.
Click to expand...

I'm hopeful that isn't a big ask, as the EVF-V50 doesn't disable any other outputs on the body to my knowledge and is completely customizable with regards to overlays, luts etc.

Grug said:
Do Canon generally do much in the way of firmware updates/upgrades to fix issues like Monitoring output?
Click to expand...

What they've labled as "SDI OUT" on this body is really a "REC OUT" on most other cameras, meant to be recorded, not really monitored. That's hardware and that isn't going to change.


You can of course always hook that up to a monitor but without many of the assistance functions and you need a wide range of signal input support. Not many monitors in the field or rental inventories that can take a 12G DCI4k60P input. I know cause we tried at the rental house :)

Razz16mm said:
4 pin XLR’s are industry standard for DC power connections. Nobody wants to fry an audio preamp accidentally plugging into a power port.
Click to expand...

For 12v DC sure but have you ever tried to run 12V DC down the length of a 50' Techno? Most devices don't like 8v input. It ends up being easier to bypass the cranes wiring and just run your own AC power to the head and strap a 12v power supply.

Have you visited Panavison or used VCLX block batteries? All the 24v power goes over 3p XLR. Kino LED balasts, 24v 3p XLR. The list goes on.

I don't do my own audio, so different strokes for different folks. Different market's have different needs. Industry standard isn't the same everywhere. Toronto is a 15mm Studio town, Germany is 19mm :beer:
 
rexbron said:
Have you visited Panavison or used VCLX block batteries? All the 24v power goes over 3p XLR. Kino LED balasts, 24v 3p XLR. The list goes on.

I don't do my own audio, so different strokes for different folks. Different market's have different needs. Industry standard isn't the same everywhere. Toronto is a 15mm Studio town, Germany is 19mm :beer:
Click to expand...

Audio on a 100 mil budget blockbuster, run & gun ENG news shoot or micro budget doc, doesn’t matter, XLR cables for audio are still 3-pin. To me, it’s one of the dumber things LitePanels has ever done, too, making the DC power on their lights 3-pin XLR.
 
Liam Hall said:
MON Output 2 is number 1 on my list. Having to loop through a monitor to hook up my video transmitter isn’t the most elegant solution.
Click to expand...

You need an SMM box :)

Hdmi is to an Amazon £10 HDMI splitter which feeds the transmitter and has HDMI out for onboard monitor.

It has a BPU plate which can power it and with a two Dtap out could power and the camera and moinitor too.
Unfortuanately the HDMI splitter is USB 5v power.. so the casing has to also include a voltage transformer.

Seen here on my steadicam, the pic is the wrong way round, its drilled out to reduce mass on movi and gimbal.

IMG_2966.jpg

during construction! https://www.instagram.com/p/BubJ79MAbmV/
 
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I am surprised that it does not have a second monitor output. If memory serves correct my original C500 had several outputs for monitoring and external recording ( but maybe that was because the only way to record 4K was with an external recorder… )
 
chris f said:
I am surprised that it does not have a second monitor output. If memory serves correct my original C500 had several outputs for monitoring and external recording ( but maybe that was because the only way to record 4K was with an external recorder… )
Click to expand...

It does have 2 SDI outs, however just like the C300 mk2 one of them requires full SDI format support (HFR, 12bits, RGB encoding etc). If anything bug SmallHD why they only support YCbCr signals, even though their recent generations of monitors support 60FPS.

Teradeks are bad there too, supporting RGB 444 over HDMI but not sdi...

Run&Gun said:
Audio on a 100 mil budget blockbuster, run & gun ENG news shoot or micro budget doc, doesn’t matter, XLR cables for audio are still 3-pin. To me, it’s one of the dumber things LitePanels has ever done, too, making the DC power on their lights 3-pin XLR.
Click to expand...

Absoultely 3p XLR is used for audio, however is also has a parallel history as 24v DC power for cameras.

VCLX block Batteries have always had 24v 3p XLR. Panavision film cameras power cables terminate in 3p XLR Male.

Manufacture's do some times put different connectors on one side of the cable, but the exts are always 3p XLR on both ends.
 
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