Since the release of the FX6, the market has been relatively quiet—until now. Canon has introduced the C400, and it’s positioned at a very attractive price point. In this review, we’ll dive into how it performs, where it fits within Canon’s lineup, and why it could be a fantastic option for filmmakers.
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First Impressions and Body Design
The Canon C400 adopts a more boxy design, making it perfect for gimbal or glidecam setups. It’s not as compact as the RED Komodo, but it still packs all the features you’d expect from Canon. One immediate upgrade I loved was the illuminated buttons, which makes handling the camera super convenient—especially if you’re used to models like the C200, C500, or C300.
The monitor now connects via USB-C, which is a nice touch, and the back of the camera has threads that allow for direct attachment of a V-mount plate—an essential feature for me. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the top handle. This is more of a personal preference, but I’d likely replace it with a cage and custom handles. Still, the camera has all the ins and outs you’d need: SDI, timecode, mini-XLR, and more, working seamlessly with great battery life.
Battery Life and Features
With BP60 batteries, you can expect about 150–170 minutes of runtime, which is solid. Personally, I’d recommend using a V-mount battery with this camera, but the standard option holds up well. And as always, Canon delivers 10 stops of ND filters, which are easily adjustable for any shooting scenario.
Recording Options
Now, let’s talk recording. The Canon C400 boasts a 6K sensor, allowing you to shoot up to 60 frames per second in 6K, but only in RAW format. Canon gives you three compression ratios in RAW, which is a great option. For 4K and 2K, the camera uses XF-AVC format and downsamples for you—except when you’re shooting over 60fps. If you’re pushing to 120fps in 4K or 180fps in 2K, the camera will line-skip and pixel-bin. Despite this, the image quality still holds up.
Triple Base ISO: A Cinematographer’s Dream
One of the standout features of the C400 is its triple base ISO system, offering ISO 800, 3200, and 12,800. In my tests, the noise performance was impressive. Even at higher ISOs like 12,800, the noise was minimal and looked organic—perfect for low-light shooting. I’d even feel comfortable pushing the camera to ISO 25,600 in some situations, as the chroma noise remains subtle and natural.
Image Quality and Dynamic Range
Canon is known for its stellar image quality, and the C400 does not disappoint. The colors are beautiful, with excellent highlight retention, and the 4K 120fps footage looks great even at ISO 12,800. Although the Full HD 180fps footage is slightly soft, it’s still usable depending on your project.
Now, when it comes to dynamic range, this camera holds up but doesn’t quite match Canon’s C70 or C300 Mark III. The C400 doesn’t have a dual gain output sensor, which the C70 and C300 do. After testing, I found that the C400 offers about 7 stops of exposure latitude, while the C70 gives you 8 stops. However, the C400 compensates with faster readout speeds and less rolling shutter.
In-the-Field Testing
I tested the C400 alongside the C70 on a project, and the results were fantastic. The footage from both cameras matched seamlessly, especially when paired with DZOFILM Pictor prime lenses. Even in difficult lighting conditions, the C400 performed well, capturing natural skin tones and handling highlights beautifully.
One thing that surprised me was the price. When Canon announced the C400, I expected it to be in the $10,000–$12,000 range, but Canon has priced it aggressively, making it an excellent competitor to the RED Komodo and Sony FX6. For its feature set—especially with the triple base ISO—the C400 is a powerhouse that punches above its weight.
Pros
Exceptional Image Quality
Versatile Recording Options
Advanced Autofocus
Modular Design
Built-in ND Filters
Cons
No Built-in Viewfinder
Size and Weight
Final Thoughts
The Canon C400 is an incredible camera that delivers fantastic image quality, dynamic range, and usability at a competitive price. It’s a perfect fit for filmmakers looking for a versatile and high-performing camera, especially those already in the Canon ecosystem.
If you have any questions about the C400 or anything else, drop them in the comments below.