Seeking recommendations to upgrade from 5D mark iv camera

[Neil Orman]

For years I’ve used the Canon 5D cameras almost exclusively, and would be grateful for any recommendations on good choices to upgrade. If possible, I’d like to stay in the Canon family, as I’m familiar with them. I work as a video producer for a nonprofit, and do a lot of interview-based and documentary-style videos. I believe virtually all video cameras come with 4K now, but having 4K (and not just 1080) one of the big needs motivating the upgrade. My first thought was a C100 may make the most sense, to meet my video needs and also make audio recording easier.

Thank you for any thoughts!

Neil

[Eric Peterson]

The C100 is only HD. Go for the C200, you won’t be sorry.

[Neil Orman]

Thank you Eric!

[Ryan Holmes]

Neil – Like Eric says, the C100 is gonna max out at 1080p. My recommendation, if you’re sticking with the Canon line, is to take a look at the C70. It’s a very natural progression from a 5DIV.

I’ve got a C70, C200, and C300III and for so many jobs I find myself reaching for the C70 cause it’s just really convenient size, shape, and recording formats (plus the touch screen interface is so much nicer than the C200). The C200 falls in a strange area because its premiere feature was that it shot 12-bit RAW, which was fantastic when it was released in 2017. It’s other working codec leaves a lot to be desired quality-wise (mp4 at 4:2:0 8-bit is really proxy territory but the only other format offered). For the same $$$ I think the C70 is a more versatile camera than the C200, with a wider variety of codec choices and frame rates.

Just my $0.02

[Neil Orman]

I really appreciate the advice, Ryan! Your recommendation of the C70 s a big help. It’s an attractive option for sure, for all the good reasons you mentioned. Seems like it would be an easy migration from the 5D too. I work for a big nonprofit that may balk at the pricetag, as I didn’t initially realize both these cameras cost upwards of $6 K, in case you, Eric, or others know of any less expensive options than the C70 or C200? No problem if there aren’t good ones. Just trying to do my due diligence. But they actually have me on a high priority project right now I know they want to look good, and I’ve been unhappy with the way my mark IV 1080 footage has been looking. So maybe they’ll agree and accept it as a good investment, and cheaper than hiring a freelancer with better tools.

Thanks again, Neil

[Eric Peterson]

Also, just so you are aware. The C70 is RF mount. You will have to get an adapter if you have invested a lot in canon glass.

[Neil Orman]

That’s very helpful, thanks for that note Eric!

[Cliff Elliott]

If you are on a budget you may want to consider the EOS R6 with an Atomos Ninja 5. This will give you a similar camera to the 5D with the ability to record very high quality 4K ProRes files for a lot less money that a C70.

Plus with the lens adapter, only a few hundred dollars and you can use all of your older glass.

I shoot with two C100’s using Ninja 2 recorders plus one EOS R with a Shogun 7 recorder and can mix all ProRes files in post to create very high quality final HD videos. You don’t have to have the latest and greatest to compete.

[Neil Orman]

I really appreciate this note, Cliff, about the EOS R6 with an Atomos Ninja 5. Having a cheaper option will help enormously with my nonprofit employer, as I’m still looking, and it’s very helpful to have all your technical notes too (including on the ability to use old lenses, with an adapter). Just so I understand, is the EOS R6 so much cheaper because it’s mirrorless. I should know but have never understood that mirrored/mirrorless distinction, either, and overall was just wondering what tech aspects account for the savings, if you or others happen to know? And also since it’s a Canon camera too, is the adapter necessary because of the mirrorless aspect?

Many thanks again for chiming in,

Neil

[Cliff Elliott]

Hi Neil the R6 is what is known as a hybrid camera, the same as the original EOS R and the R5. They are designed to be able to do photography and video and as such are built to a price point for a particular market. The fact they are mirrorless is not relevant to the video side of things but is important to the photography use as you can see the end result of your settings in the viewfinder instead of having to rely on experience and metering like with the 5D. The reason there is a large price difference comes down to many factors but foremost is the lack of professional items such as XLR auto recording capabilities, built in ND filters, a multitude of manual control buttons and dials etc. There is no doubt that having a C70 would be fantastic, being able to pick up the camera and just plugging in relevant mics or feeds and manually setting sound levels then dialling in the correct ND setting and manual via the body mounted buttons and dials then recording high quality 4K video all with ease. But you pay a premium for this. With the original R or R6 you can match it up with a Ninja 5 you have the ability to record the same high quality video and have two channel XLR input via a breakout cable into the Ninja all for at least half the price of the C70 but with more mess and having to set up and break down your equipment. You can also have an ND filter on the front of you lens, not as good as an in built unit but it works the same. So to digest this down if you want to match the quality of the C70 or similar but are on a budget the R6 plus Ninja 5 with a lens adapter gives you a good budget alternative.