The Cinemechanics Workshop:

3 min readMar 20, 2015

Canon EOS C100

Tutorial #1

The Canon EOS C100 is the starting cinema camera in Canon’s C-Series. A Super-35mm CMOS sensor makes this camera stand above DSLRs for a price well below its competitors. This cinema camera goes for $3,999 on B&H Photo. The Mark II version has recently come out with upgrade features for $5,499.

First Impressions:

Lightweight body
Articulating LCD Screen
Dual SDXC Card Slots
Long lasting batteries
Multi-purpose Control Grip and Handle

The EOS C100 is light in the hands at a little under 3.0lbs. It has a 3.5" LCD articulating screen along with an EVF. This camera was first announced August 2012 and its successor, the MK II, was recently released late 2014. The now advantage of the Mark I is its price point. Since everyone is flocking to the Mark II that means that everyone is trying to sell their old C100.

Multi-Purpose Control Grip

Video: https://youtu.be/GTBV2ahbxKA?t=2m6s

The control grip found on the side of the Canon C100 has many functions making it almost essential for the camera’s operation. The control grip has the ability for menu selection, start/stop recording, iris control and a custom button. The custom button in default mode is used for focus adjustment by using a digital zoom toggle. The control grip has a strap on the outside and a ergonomic rubber fit making it fit firmly in the hands. The control grip can be removed from the C100 and attached to a shoulder mount (as seen below).

Top Handle/Audio Inputs

Video: https://youtu.be/GTBV2ahbxKA?t=3m43s

Along with the control grip, the C100 includes a top handle that screws into the hot shoe of the camera. This top handle can be used for getting low angles such as skateboarding videos. The top handle is sturdy and has an additional hot shoe mount for monitors or light panels. The handle also has a shotgun mic holder that can secured with a screwing mechanism. The audio cord that connects the top handle to the C100 is a multi-pin input (possibly proprietary to Canon).

The main features of the top handle are for audio inputs. The handle has two channel XLR inputs that can be recorded directly with the video. On the opposite side of the inputs are the volume controls as well as controls for line/mic/48V phantom and channel 1/2 switches.

Stay Tuned for
The Cinemechanics Workshop:
Canon EOS C100 Tutorial #2
Coming Next Week!

If you’re looking for C100 rigging check out Supamods.com for the Canon C100 V Series (Carbon Fiber)- Super light, Super Strong, and Highly customizable features.