A New Addition

Stephen Mick

Stephen Mick

Totally Usable
A new C300 has finally landed in Austin at the global headquarters of Proof Digital Media. (Also known as my office.) I shot with the C300 a few months back thanks to a test loaner camera from Texas Media Systems. But after adding a host of Canon L lenses to go with my Canon-mount Epic, I figured the C300 was a great way to put those lenses to even more use.

So I'm hoping to get out and shoot some stuff this weekend. I've loaded up the Abel Cine profiles, charged my battery, wiped my memory card, and can't wait.

If anyone's looking for a C300 (or Epic, or both) rental, hit me up. Here's the breakdown of the lenses I've got available:

- Canon 24mm f1.4L II
- Canon 35mm f1.4L
- Canon 50mm f1.2L
- Canon 85mm f1.2L II
- Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II
- Canon 70-200mm f2.8L II IS
- Canon 24-105 f4L IS

Who knows? I might even do some Epic/C300 side-by-side shots at some point. :D


Cheers!
 
Yeah, I'm not as interested in a "this VS. that" kind of deal. More like I'll shoot both Epic and C300 on an upcoming project to see how they cut together.
 
I think you'll find the c300 will become your handy by-your-side everyday cam. Its workflow, speed, versatility and low light are a killer combo. And the Epic is your big gun you bring out for planned setups with crew and/or slow-mo or vfx where u need that resolution. Whatever you cook up I'll check it out
 
Congratulations! Nice combo of Epic and C300. Adding some Canon Cinema lenses in future?

Personally I would like to see a side by side comparision of the sharpness of the Canon CN-E 30-300 T2.95-3.7 L S zoom vs the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS II USM lens. A 44,650 USD lens vs a 2500 USD lens. :) I love the sharpness of my 70-200 f2.8 L IS II USM. Trying to visualise how much better is the Canon cinema 30-300 lens in terms of sharpness alone.
 
So, I was able to get out and shoot a little bit today (had to get out from under some editing madness first). I'll post some footage at some point soon, which, predictably, is all about dogs. But today wasn't really about footage so much as it was about getting acquainted with the C300 (again). I used two lenses, the 16-35L II and the 50mm f1.2L, shooting all handheld.

My first observation was really noticing how amazing the EVF image is. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen an EVF image that looks as good as the C300, including the Bomb EVF that I use with my Epic. (Now, I haven't gotten back my Bomb EVF with the OLED upgrade yet, so that could change.) The sharpness of the EVF, combined with the Peaking and Magnify focus tools, really makes it easy to nail focus using the EVF. And sometimes, all you really want to do is roll as light and stripped-down as you can. The EVF makes that easy.

Now, one little complaint I have is that it would be nice if you could bring up the WFM on the EVF. Sadly, you can't. But…

The WFM functions are hands-down the best I've encountered on any broadcast camera I've used. I especially like the RGB Parade. And combined with the Zebras, locking down solid exposure is really a snap with the C300.

The whole monitor "stalk" is a bit wonky/unwieldy, but I settled into a good handheld "groove" using the monitor attached to the lower hotshoe on the Canon handle. I also picked up a Hoodman monitor shade from Texas Media Systems that works perfectly on the monitor itself.

Those are the highlights from today's adventure. This week I should be getting the Zacuto Studio Baseplate for the C300. When I do, I'll get it setup with my O'Connor mattebox and follow focus for some more "controlled" test shots.
 
Stephen,
I totally agree with the EVF.
I shot in an orchestra hall and focussing between conductors hand, contra-bass and a cello in between and back again without any problems. Nailed the focus each time....handheld.

I also try not to use the Canon handle too much. I hope my cage arrives soon with a handle being lower.

The only thing that i have to gripe about is the missing mic on the camera. a reference audio signal like in an "old" 5D or 7D would have been enough. Then again....as a mute cam it feels more like a film-cam ;-)
 
You asked for it, Matt…

Now, keep a few things in mind. This was footage that was never intended to be shared. It was just a way for me to get acquainted with the controls and to work with the camera in a few different handheld configurations. I'm pretty sure all of this was shot at ISO 1600, for no other reason than I didn't really care to check on the settings before I rolled. I was shooting in the "Cinema" CP setting (C-Log), and the footage has been quickly graded in Premiere.

 
Something a bit more event / run & gun stylie for you. I created a custom profile so that I didn't have to do too much grading on the footage and was so pleased with it that I haven't graded it at all, it's all straight from the camera. There are a few seconds of EX1 footage near the end (riding shots) which stands out a mile as being inferior to the C300 footage.

https://vimeo.com/42633234

 
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