It appears that the specs of the Canon Cinema EOS 8K camera (“8K professional camera” as Canon defines it), have been quietly published by Canon Japan a few months ago. Although no clue on when it will be officially announced, this camera works pretty intensively within the Canon 8K ecosystem. Let’s dive into its specs.

The Development of Canon 8K professional camera

Although Canon already owns a compact 8K solution (EOS R5), the professional alternative is being developed for about 5 years. Back then, the presented Cinema EOS 8K looked like a cumbersome and bulky camera. Since then, Canon has managed to dramatically improve the form factor to make it look almost identical to the C300. Nevertheless, Canon has utilized this 8K system to produce 8K content to its channels, focusing on the Japanese market.

Here’re some examples of 8K videos shot on Canon’s 8K camera system, inducing the mysterious “8K professional camera”:

Roots of Japan-The source of myths Miyazaki

Goto Islands” World Cultural Heritage Prayer Island

World Cultural Heritage Village of Hisaka Island

World Cultural Heritage Egami Village on Naru Island

World Heritage” / “World Heritage” TV commercial

Cinema EOS 8K popped-out

In October 2020 we’ve reported about the “8K professional camera” (that’s how Canon defines its Cinema EOS 8K) filming ultra high definition content for the Japanese TV channels that can output 8K. In December 2020, the camera was actually demonstrated by DPs explaining its capabilities, and for the first time, the compact design was revealed. However, that video was uploaded to the Canon Japan YouTube channel and got deleted after we wrote the article. That video was a big deal since for the first time the Cinema EOS 8K was shown, plus Japanese cinematographers elaborating on it.

8K trailer

A few days ago, Canon has released the trailer of the Japanese Air-Force Aerobatic team, emphasizing that it was shot on the “8K professional camera” aka Cinema EOS 8K. Here’s the description by Canon (Google translated from Japanese): “For this shooting, we used the ‘8K professional camera’ and the mirrorless camera ‘EOS R5’ that can shoot high-definition 8K images. Taking advantage of the compact and lightweight ‘EOS R5’, we are also taking on the challenge of shooting 8K in the cockpit”. That means Canon used the EOS R5 as a compact 8K action camera, and the Cinema OES 8K as the main camera. Watch the trailer below:

Cinema EOS 8K: Full specs

After a bit of an investigation by digging into Canon Japan resources, we’ve found the full specs of the Canon Cinema EOS 8K.  Explore them below (Note that the text is Google translated since all materials are in Japanese).

• Sensor: 35.39MP, Super 35 in-house developed 8K CMOS that can output 8K RAW at 60FPS
• Focus: Manual, AF, face detection
• Lens mount: EF and PL
• RAW: It says that the camera uses the same RAW as Cinema EOS 4K RAW (not Canon RAW which is the most recent RAW flavor developed by Canon). Furthermore, the RAW is recorded externally to a dedicated recorder (see slides below)
• Design: According to Canon, the body design follows the EOS C300 Mark II, as well as the menu and user interface.
• Mobility: The body weighs 1.9Kg in order to maintain compactness and to elevate compatibility regarding rigs and stabilizers.

View the slides below that show more specs of the Canon Cinema EOS 8K camera, including its external recorder (again, be aware that this text is Google translated from Japanese).

Final thoughts

The Canon Cinema EOS 8K is a strange camera. The development process has (and still is) being continuing for more than 5 years. Meanwhile, much more advanced technologies were implemented by Canon to develop more advanced cameras. For instance, the C500 Mark II is not an 8K but still, capable of shooting 5.9K RAW internally and out of its full-frame sensor, and on the other hand, there is the EOS R5 that can shoot 8K RAW, again, internally. The justification for the unreleased Cinema EOS 8K is unclear. It’s hard to imagine Canon selling this camera with its external recorder just to shoot 8K RAW, whereas much more solid solutions exist from Canon itself, and are offered by other camera manufacturers as well. 

What are your insights about the Canon Cinema EOS 8K camera? Do you see yourself using it in your production when 8K resolution is needed? Or would you prefer other options? Let’s know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II Camcorder Body with Dual Pixel CMOS AF (EF Lens Mount)
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Canon EOS C500 Mark II 5.9K Full-Frame Camera Body
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA