Yet another significant price drop of the Canon EOS C300 Mark II, which is one of the best EOS Cinemas ever made. Now, this beast can be purchased for just $5,000. However, the price reduction is only valid for its PL lens mount version.
Canon C300 Mark II
The Canon EOS C300 Mark II was introduced in 2015, as Canon’s big update to its first-generation cinema camera (Mark I). Notable new features compared to the previous model are the implementation of a sensor capable of a 15-stops of dynamic range, 4K XFAVC and 12-bit internal recording, color matrices, and the ability to record raw motion video via an external recorder. The C300 Mark II is a broadcasting beast, utilizing a high-bitrate codec XF-AVC which is one of Canon’s greatest codecs. This cinema camera is rugged, durable, and super reliable that can be used in harsh environments and productions. The C300 mark II stands as one of the best cinema cameras made by Canon. Back then, Canon stated that the Canon C300 Mark II camera is a second-generation Cinema EOS System model that’s been reworked, redesigned, and re-engineered with the valued input of thousands of users worldwide.
Approved by Netflix
The camera was one of the very first EOS cinemas approved by Netflix. Indeed, many Netflix productions, mainly documentaries and inducing Hollywood, have been using the Camera. Furthermore, the Camera was the most notable in Sundance Film Festival documentaries. As a case study, make sure to read our article about the award-winning documentary, “Free Solo”, which was shot mostly on the C300 MK II and URSA Mini. The film was screened in an IMAX theater. If I’m not mistaken, the Canon EOS C300 Mark II is the only EOS Cinema that has made to be screened on the huge canvas (IMAX theater).
From $16,000 to $5,000
The initial price of the Cinema EOS C300 Mark II was $16,000 (in 2015). Since then, the price was reduced several times. Now, the price is just $5,000. This is one of the most significant price reductions regarding cinema cameras ever. Nevertheless, this low price is relevant only for the PL version, probably because of its low demand. Interestingly, this price drop is mentioned on the B&H website and not by other dealers. For example, on the Adorama website, the price of the PL version remained the same $7,500.
Final thoughts
For that price, the Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II PL is a bargain. If you’d like the electronic mount you can replace it at the authorized Canon service center for some decent cost. Canon can supply and fit either an EF Mount with Cinema Lock or a PL Mount for your Cinema EOS camera. Your original mount parts are shipped back with the camera if you need to switch back later. The cost is approximately $1,700, which is still a bit cheaper compared to the original EF version. To sum it up, if PL is your bread and butter, and all you need is a solid and reliable camera to work with, you should consider purchasing the $5,000 C300 Mark II PL.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II Body (PL Lens Mount)
- Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II Body(EF Lens Mount)
