C100: C100: Worth it now?

R Hudson

R Hudson

Well-known member
I'm looking for opinions here. I realize that this is the Cinema EOS Cameras thread so there may be some bias but I'm looking for opinions anyway. I am seriously considering a C100 (despite some of the shortcomings) now that the price seems quite reasonable. I'm a long-time ENG guy so I like the idea of having built-in NDs, XLR audio, etc, but I like the larger sensor (shallow DOF) look. I currently have a GH4 and a 14-140mm lens but I have been considering ditching it since I don't need 4K and am looking for a more "cinematic" or film-like image. I'f like to do landscape stuff but also would like to be able to do doc work or a marketing/advertising spot if needed. My GH4 is super sharp in 4K but almost too sharp and it feels like, although sharp, some detail is missing at times.

I know, this has probably been covered before but since 4K is really not needed (I jumped on the bandwagon like many others) I am just looking for opinions. I have minimal investment in glass so lenses aren't a concern. I'd just like to be able to shoot a "cinematic" image (sorry for using that again), good ergonomics, work with existing light, and work easily as opposed to the standard DSLR rigs, etc.

ANY opinions most welcome!
 
I'll just relate my experience. I came over to C100 from a BMCC and I couldn't be happier. Rigging out the cinema camera for anything handheld (and having to lug around a battery brick even for locked down shots) was such a PITA. Also, not being reliant on a ext audio recorder is great, not to mention no toting around various ND filters. It's very freeing to just be able to grab your cam from the bag and start shooting... The only thing I do miss about the BMCC is the dynamic range -- that was awesome...
 
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The C100 is a workhorse and it has earned my trust and respect over the years. Paired with the DPAF upgrade (absolutely worth it) and an external recorder (in my case, an Atomos Ninja Blade), it's a compact, reliable package and it helps me capture some really beautiful images with minimal headaches. At one point, I was running a Sony FS100, and the Canon is just so much more usable. As others have said on these boards before, it stays out of my way and lets me shoot.
 
At its current price, I think the C100 is the best all-around, large sensor camera on the market. I use a set of two of them for my day job every single day. As QuickHitRecord said above, the camera stays out of the way and lets you shoot. Tiny things like having the XLR ports on the handle annoyed me at first but overall the camera is nearly perfect.
 
I found the mkI a PITA to shoot with because of the tiny fixed viewfinder and limited LCD screen. Especially in direct sunlight. The price is certainly right for it though given the results it gives you, if you can work around that. The mkII is much better. I've been shooting with it for a little over a year now. Big improvement on the viewfinder and LCD screen and I like that it can record MP4 files and 60p.

I don't know if I would call the image cinematic. I've heard people with an untrained eye (aka my co-workers) say "wow that looks like a movie" when first seeing footage from it. Personally I wouldn't go that far but my standards are higher. Alexa, Epic and some BM footage looks cinematic to me. The C100 still looks like video to me, just highly acceptable video. But it's also in how you shoot and treat the footage and I've only ever done talking head interviews and b-roll with it.

Sometimes I get weirded out that it's not 4K. But I think that at least for the next few years it will be a viable camera. Maybe even longer than that. Mostly because it is a 4k image off the sensor, it's just saved as a 1080p file. So if you don't ever need to deliver anything more than 1080p I think you're good. 95% of what I shoot is for youtube which is why I think it suits me fine.
 
I second just about everything mentioned above. If you don't need 4k and you slap on an external recorder/monitor, the C100 is a great little camera. I plan on using mine until 4k becomes an absolute necessity, but so far I've had zero requests or needs for it. I've mentioned it before on these threads, but when you're moving up to clients or projects that legitimately need 4K, then you're likely moving into a game where you need probably need a different camera anyway.
 
Thanks for all the great opinions, guys. I liked the C100 design when it first came out but the price always put me off. Now that you can get a MK1 for $2500 brand new it's hard to pass up. Even after you add a Ninja 2 and some glass the investment is still pretty reasonable.
 
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