A cinema camera is a huge investment, but necessary to take your filmmaking to the next level. Choosing one that is Netflix-approved ensures the best reliability and flexibility to give voice to your creative needs. Learn about the different Netflix-approved Cinema EOS cameras in this article.

 

First things first: What does “Netflix-approved camera” mean?

A “Netflix-approved” camera is one that Netflix has authorised to be used as a primary camera for its Netflix Originals. 90% of a programme’s final total runtime must be captured on such cameras.

Such cameras must pass stringent internal evaluation by Netflix’s technical experts before they can be included on the “approved” list, so you can expect a high level of performance and reliability to support your creative needs. So even if you don’t foresee shooting a Netflix Original production anytime soon, choosing a Netflix-approved camera still has its advantages. And you'll be well-equipped if and when the Netflix Original opportunity calls!

 

The minimum specifications for Netflix approval

While meeting the minimum specifications does not guarantee that a camera will be approved by Netflix, all approved cameras have at least the following attributes:
- A true 4K UHD image sensor (during non-anamorphic shooting), with at least 3840 photosites along the width
- At least 10-bit colour depth
- Uncompressed/lightly compressed RAW video recording OR intraframe compressed codec with subsampling of 4:2:2 or greater.
- Minimum data rate of 240Mbps at 24 fps
- Scene-referred colour space
- Scene-referred transfer function (Log recording)
- Dedicated timecode output

Cameras with these specifications are capable of recording in formats that retain an immense amount of colour detail with minimal quality loss even with extensive post-production work. They also enable a colour-managed workflow, where colours look accurate across various displays and delivery formats throughout post-production.

In addition, Netflix also evaluates the cameras for attributes such as:
- Dynamic range
- Form factor
- Workflow compatibility
- Stability

Find out more about how Netflix evaluates cameras in:
Approved Cameras – Behind the Scenes

 

Which Netflix-approved Cinema EOS camera to choose?

There are currently 8 Canon Cinema EOS cameras on Netflix’s approved list:
- EOS R5 C
- EOS C70
- EOS C300 Mark II
- EOS C300 Mark III
- EOS C500
- EOS C500 Mark II
- EOS C700
- EOS C700 FF

The cameras vary in terms of form factor, functionality, output capabilities, and budget.  You should be able to find something that works for you, whether you are looking for a smaller DSLR-like body for run-and-gun shoots or a modular system that can be expanded for large-scale productions.

Comparison of key features

	R5 C	C70	C300 Mark III	C500 Mark II
Maximum resolution	8K 60p 4K 120P	4K DCI 60p 4K UHD 120p	4K DCI 4K 120p	5.9K 60p
Sensor type	Full-frame	Super 35mm DGO	Super 35mm DGO	Full-frame
Dynamic range	14+ stops	16+ stops	16+ stops	15+ stops
Processor	DIGIC X	DIGIC X	DIGIC DG 7	DIGIC DG 7
Internal recording formats	Cinema RAW light XF-AVC MP4	Cinema RAW Light XF-AVC MP4	Cinema RAW Light XF-AVC	Cinema RAW Light XF-AVC
Lens mount	RF	RF	EF/PL	EF/PL
Canon Log modes	Canon Log 3	Canon Log 2 & 3	Canon Log 2 & 3	Canon Log 2 & 3
HDR	PQ, HLG	PQ, HLG	PQ, HLG	PQ, HLG
High Frame Rate	120p (4K)	120p (4K) 180p (2K)	120p (4K) 180p (2K)	120p (2K, cropped)
Slow frame rate	1p	12p	12p	1p (2K, cropped)
Anamorphic lens support	2x / 1.8x / 1.3x	2x / 1.3x	2x / 1.8x / 1.3x	2x / 1.8x / 1.3x
Form factor	DSLR-like	DSLR-like	Modular	Modular
ND filter	-	10 stops	10 stops	10 stops
Image stabilisation	5-axis (electronic)	5-axis (electronic)	5-axis (electronic)	5-axis (electronic)
Built-in EVF	Yes	-	-	-
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Card slots	CFexpress Type B x 1 SD x 1	SD x 2	CFexpress Type B x 2 SD x 1	CFexpress Type B x 2 SD x 1
Audio	4-channel	4-channel	4-channel	4-channel

Here are more details about four of the latest cameras.

 

1. The hybrid powerhouse: EOS R5 C

Considered Canon’s first true hybrid camera, the EOS R5 C is the most compact and lightweight in the Cinema EOS lineup and also its smallest cinema camera with a full-frame sensor. It shoots up to 8K 60p RAW internally, which provides future-proofing as well as extra post-production flexibility. On top of all that, it is also a powerful, 45-megapixel still photography camera, boasting the same performance as the EOS R5.

 

2. Compact versatility: EOS C70

The EOS C70 has many similarities with the EOS R5 C, including a DSLR-like form factor, the new RF lens mount and Eye Detection AF and EOS iTR AF X subject tracking. However, it has a larger 16+-stop dynamic range due to the Dual Gain Output (DGO) technology used in its 4K Super 35mm image sensor, thus generating cleaner HDR output. It offers extensive options for simultaneous recording to its two SD cards. Audio recording at normal frame rates is possible during high frame rate 4K 120p recording.

 

3. Taking filmmaking to a higher level: EOS C300 Mark III

Cinema cameras with a modular body system like the EOS C300 Mark III allow greater flexibility to configure the camera to your needs, scaling up or down as necessary. In its most basic configuration, the EOS C300 Mark III is compact enough for handheld shooting and can be easily rigged to a gimbal or drone. Optional extension units can be purchased for various production requirements such as live productions and multi-camera broadcasts.

 

4. Full frame, full flexibility: EOS C500 Mark II

The EOS C500 Mark II’s 5.9K full-frame sensor is the key difference that sets it apart from the EOS C300 Mark III. Enjoy the detail of higher-resolution RAW capture, as well as high-quality oversampled 4K footage! The larger sensor also lets you take fuller advantage of anamorphic lenses with a higher squeeze factor. Fast-motion recording capabilities go down to 1p in 2K (crop) mode.

Get in touch to find out more about these cameras!