Canon has quietly launched a major price drop for its flagship full-frame cinema camera, the EOS C500 Mark II, bringing it down to $4,999 from its original retail price of $10,999 — a massive $6,000 discount. This surprising deal is available exclusively through B&H Photo and is valid for 24 hours only (April 8, 2025). Link to deal This is a substantial cut for a camera that was, and arguably still is, a top-tier choice for professional cinematographers. The EOS C500 Mark II has played a prominent role in the world of digital cinema since its release, thanks to its 5.9K full-frame CMOS sensor, modular design, and internal 12-bit Cinema RAW Light recording.
A Proven Cinematic Workhorse
Despite being a few years old, the C500 Mark II remains a serious tool for serious productions. Canon designed it to be as flexible as it is powerful, positioning it for use across high-end commercial work, indie features, documentaries, and even streaming platform content. The camera gained wide recognition and was included on the Netflix Approved camera list, qualifying it for Netflix Original productions. Its full-frame sensor delivers stunning dynamic range and shallow depth of field, making it especially attractive for narrative storytelling. In a real-world execution test, the camera was praised for its clean image and color science — qualities that have become synonymous with Canon’s cinema line. When paired with high-end lenses like the Cooke S4/i or Canon’s Sumire Primes, the results are cinematic and nuanced. As noted in YM Cinema’s coverage of Sundance 2023, and Sundance 2025, the camera was selected by cinematographers looking for a reliable full-frame solution that could match the unique look of Cooke lenses. The article, Sundance 2023 Cinematography: Canon C500 Mark II and the Cooke Look, highlights the camera’s continued relevance in premium productions — even several years after its launch.
Built for Versatility and Rigging
Beyond its sensor and image quality, the C500 Mark II offers modularity that makes it well-suited for a variety of rigging scenarios. Canon designed the body to be compact, yet expandable, with interchangeable lens mounts (EF, PL, and locking EF options) and compatibility with a wide array of third-party accessories. Companies like SHAPE developed complete cage systems and shoulder rigs for the camera, as featured in this coverage. That rigging flexibility makes the camera a favorite on sets where speed, mobility, or custom configurations are essential — from Steadicam and handheld to studio tripod setups. In another case study, the C500 Mark II was used for shooting cinematic interviews, leveraging its shallow depth of field and natural skin tones for emotionally impactful visuals.
A Strategic Price Move?
While the price cut appears abrupt, it aligns with a broader trend in the cinema camera space. Recently, RED slashed the price of its Komodo 6K, prompting discussions about whether a shift is underway in the pro camera market. Read more on that here: RED Komodo’s Drastic Price Drop. There’s increasing pressure on camera manufacturers to compete not just on features, but on value — especially as full-frame mirrorless cameras from Canon, Sony, Panasonic, and others become more capable of delivering cinematic results for a fraction of the cost. This evolving market dynamic could be one reason why Canon decided to slash the price of the C500 Mark II so dramatically, even if only temporarily. Whether this signals a clearance of remaining stock or a repositioning of the C500 Mark II for a more competitive tier, it’s hard to ignore how significant this discount is.
Final Thoughts
At $4,999, the Canon EOS C500 Mark II represents incredible value for filmmakers looking to step into a professional cinema camera without breaking the bank. While newer models may exist, few offer the full-frame image, Netflix approval, and production-proven quality of the C500 Mark II. Just be aware — this offer is exclusive to B&H and ends today (April 8, 2025). If you’ve been on the fence about investing in a cinema camera, this could be a rare opportunity to grab a true workhorse for nearly half its original price.
The Kommodo and C500 are just old. I think Canon is coming out with an updated version soon. Now it’s back to $5999, where is was before. 11K was a long time ago.