SHAPE introduces a complete rigging solution for the Canon C500 Mark II, which includes both a follow focus unit and a rod-mounted matte box. The rig allows the operator to shoot handheld and shoulder style. Also, dedicated Handheld and Shoulder Rig Options were announced. Read on.

Rigging the C500 Mark II

Rigging your cinema camera can be a tricky task since the rig has to be fully adapted to the camera and sits accurately on it, and the other hand, being flexible enough to allow the privilege of adding stuff and making changes in the whole apparatus. The SHAPE Complete Solution for Canon C500 Mark II outfits the C500 Mark II camera compact and challenging size, with a full production package that allows you to add accessories and improve handheld functionality. It includes both a follow focus unit and a rod-mounted matte box.

What’s included?

Technically speaking, the kit includes the SHAPE C500 cage, REVOLT baseplate, top plate, left-side handgrip, push-button viewfinder mount, Follow Focus Pro, 4 x 5.6″ rod-mounted matte box, and a long top handle. This setup protects your Canon EOS C500 Mark II and allows you to add accessories without stressing your camera’s body. The components are made out of anodized CNC-machined aluminum, and they feature multiple 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threaded holes. Head to the B&H website to explore the full details of the fig. Although the Complete Solution rig is not cheap (price: $2,815), there are other more affordable options as well that Shape has designed, like modular handheld and shoulder rig alternatives. We are talking about price starting at $500. Press this link for the entire list of rigging options.

Buy the complete rig on B&H

Buy the offset rig on B&H

Canon C500 Mark II: Real-world execution

In case you have been searching for C500 Mark II footage, most probably, you came back empty-handed. For some reason, there are not so many sample footage and/or projects shot with it. However, we’ve written this in-depth article that demonstrated the C500 Mark II capabilities. The article contains sample footage by Korro-Films so you can examine it accurately here. Furthermore, this new cinema flagship by Canon was approved by Netflix to be used in its original productions. Nevertheless, let me emphasize that Canon hasn’t released even one commercial video shot on the C500 Mark II. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. But it’s a bit strange not to release at least one video by Canon USA, that demonstrates the capabilities of the C500 Mark II, which is (as explained) Canon’s cinema flagship. For comparison, the new 1D X Mark III has enormous test footage and videos on Canon’s YouTube channel. Something to think about.