Game on! Canon is taking on Sony’s hugely successful FX3 compact cinema camera , today announcing the EOS C50. This is a major redesign by Canon engineers but one that was needed. Let there be no doubt, this IS a direct competitor to the FX3.
But while this is Canon’s version of the FX3, the specs blow the Sony camera out of the water. There are some battles lost along the way but overall it’s a resounding victory to Canon. Not only that … it’s cheaper than the FX3 A now available. At the heart of the EOS C50’s unique design is a new 7K full-frame CMOS sensor which, together with an advanced DIGIC DV 7 processor, delivers outstanding image quality for both video and stills – including internal RAW video recording at up to 7K 60P.
EOS C50 KEY FEATURES
- High-resolution hybrid capability: 7K 60p internal RAW video recording, 32MP still photos
- Advanced 7K full-frame CMOS sensor with open gate video recording
- 7K oversampling for higher resolution 4K movies
- Dual Base ISO support (ISO 800/64007), with up to 15+ stops of dynamic range
- Flexible range of professional recording formats, including 12-bit Cinema RAW Light, Canon Log 2, Canon Log 3 and XF-AVC S / XF-HEVC S
- Versatile, compact design with detachable handle unit and extensive rigging capability
- Native RF mount, compatible with mount adapter attachment for EF/PL lenses
- Two XLR audio inputs, Timecode terminal, HDMI OUT (Type-A), USB (Type-C), Multi-function shoe
- Dual slots for CFexpress Type B and SD cards, enabling simultaneous recording of different formats to each card
The big feature is open gate. The EOS C50 is the first Cinema EOS camera to offer open gate recording, which uses the entire area of the sensor for maximum resolution and flexibility. Capturing the full width and height of the sensor using the new Full Frame 3:2 sensor mode provides a larger image that utilises the entire image circle of full-frame lenses. Unfortunately open gate has been repurposed for 9:16 social media use. As horrendous as I find this, that’s what the young people want and there a too many of them to fight.
That makes this feature very handy. A full-angle image and a cropped vertical or square version – ideal for social media and advertising – can be captured at the same time using the EOS C50’s Simultaneous Crop Recording function. The cropped area can be shifted horizontally for optimum framing and recorded in a different format to meet delivery requirements.
When it comes to photography, unlike the 12MP images you’ll get on the FX3, the C50 snaps 32MP stills. The display is optimised based on whether the camera is in Video or Photo mode – featuring the familiar Cinema EOS interface for video and classic Canon EOS R menu system for stills.
Videographers and photographers alike can take advantage of Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, offering high-speed, high-accuracy subject detection and tracking. This precision extends to selecting which eye to prioritise in people, dogs, cats and birds – with additional controls for tuning autofocus speed and tracking response to suit the subject.
Built for agility, the EOS C50’s lightweight, modular design enables intuitive operation, whether shooting handheld or on a gimbal. With its linear, low-profile body and multiple accessory mounting points, it integrates seamlessly into modern rigging setups. The camera can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, with the display and menu settings automatically adjusting to support vertical orientation.
The EOS C50’s detachable handle unit improves control and comfort. It features two full-size 3-pin XLR audio terminals and control dials which facilitate professional-quality audio recording, plus a REC button and zoom rocker for convenient, camcorder-style control during fast-paced shoots.
In addition to native support of the diverse range of RF lenses, EF/PL lenses can be attached to the EOS C50 via the optional Canon PL-RF Mount Adapter2, which can be securely fastened to the camera body, as well as a selection of Canon EF-EOS R mount adapters.
An extensive selection of connectivity options ensures that the EOS C50 meets the demands of modern professional productions. In addition to XLR inputs, the camera features a MIC terminal, Timecode terminal, HDMI OUT (Type-A) and USB (Type-C). Dual card slots for CFexpress and SD cards provide a wealth of simultaneous recording options, including different file formats, resolutions and proxy setups.
The EOS C50 includes UVC/UAC support for high-resolution livestreaming at up to 60P/50P via a single USB cable3, plus XC Protocol for remote operation of the camera using compatible smartphone applications or hardware accessories such as Canon’s RC-IP1000 Remote Controller. Video clips and still images can be transmitted to clients in real time over Wi-Fi or USB4 with Canon’s professional Content Transfer Professional (CTP) app5.
Canon’s collaboration with Adobe6 has been extended to the EOS C50 by making the camera compatible with Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud connectivity. Along with the EOS C400 and the EOS C80, this compatibility allows proxy files to be sent directly from the camera to the Frame.io platform, enabling a seamless and reliable path from production to post.
Canon will also provide free updates for existing Cinema EOS cameras coming later this year. This includes the addition of 3:2 Open Gate RAW Recording at 6000×4000 resolution to the EOS C400, and View Assist during Playback on the EOS C80, among other improvements to core features such as focus peaking on both cameras, as well as the EOS R5 C and EOS C70.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The EOS C50 is scheduled to be available in Australia from November 2025 and is supported by Canon Australia’s 5-year warranty when purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller.
The EOS C50 has an RRP of A$5,899.
The Sony FX3 A is currently selling for A$6,299.
