New Battery Plate Brings Added Functionality to C500 Mark II and C300 Mark III Cameras

As any videographer will tell you, with the rate of technological advancement a new camera can become outdated within a year or two of its initial release, but good glass is a lifetime investment. One other long-term investment that gets its due much less frequently are batteries. 

A career’s worth of batteries can represent thousands of dollars. Thousands of dollars that can become valueless if you decide to switch to a different camera system. Because of this, many shooters turn to V-mount or Gold Mount batteries for a truly brand agnostic power solution. However powering off these batteries can sometimes entail kludge-y rigs with wires hanging every which way and nothing but Velcro and hope holding 3lbs battery bricks in place. 

Enter the Full Frame Camera Co V-mount Plate for C500 Mark II and C300 Mark III. A high quality way to bring your old collection of batteries to your brand new Cinema EOS camera. 

Our story begins with the founder of UK based Full Frame Camera Corporation: Alex Stone. Upon receiving his Canon C500 Mark II and realizing that the OEM solution to power the camera from V-Mounts, the EU-V2 Expansion Unit, was on back order he simply decided to make his own instead of waiting around.  

The V-mount plate is manufactured in small batches and is compatible with Canon C500 Mark II and C300 Mark III cameras. A Gold-mount option has been introduced as well, if that’s more your flavor. 

The Compact V-Mount plate is machined from aluminium (Ah-loo-mini-um if wish to pronounce it in the manufacture’s native tongue), attaches to the camera via two captive M4 bolts and powers the camera via a low profile right angle xlr connector. 

The plate features one D-tap port for supplying 10A to any other accessories on your rig. The port is located on the side of the plate at an angle so that all the rear buttons and SDI outputs are still accessible. 

An additional feature of the plate is that in its default mounting position the Canon A60 battery slot is unobstructed, which allows you to hot swap batteries. 

The plate is compatible with any V-mount battery and can be mounted in a lower position for a more streamlined setup (if you are using taller V-mount batteries). One drawback of this though is that in this position, the plate blocks the A60 slot making the aforementioned hot swapping impossible. 

If you are looking for robust and relatively inexpensive way to take all your old V-Mount batteries to your brand new Cinema EOS camera the Full Frame Camera Co. Compact V-Mount plate is the solution for you!

The plate has dimensions of 60 x 95.3 x 29.3mm (2.36″ x 3.75″ x  1.15″) and weighs 256g

Related Items

Compact V-Mount Plate

Canon C500 Mark II Camera

Canon C300 Mark III Camera

Update! If C500 MarkII bundled CFexpress has issues

Some SanDisk CFexpress card readers bundled with C500 MarkII kits have been experiencing issues properly seating cards, making transferring data impossible. Canon and SanDisk are aware of this problem and are working towards a solution.

Read this notice for more information from Canon

Read this notice for more information from SanDisk

If you are experiencing issues with your own card reader contact SanDisk customer support

Wrapping rubber bands around the reader to hold the card in the reader has been found to work in a pinch.

Canon C300 Mark II Firmware Update: LM-V1 LCD Now Supported

Firmware Version 1.1.0.1.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
1. Support for LCD monitor LM-V1*1,2 (separately sold) has been added.
2. Peripheral illumination/chromatic aberration correction has been added for the following lenses:
- EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
- EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
- EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

*1 The LA-V1 LCD Attachment Unit cannot be used to attach the LM-V1 to the EOS C300 Mark II / EOS C300 Mark II PL cameras. 3rd party mounting options are required to use the monitor on this model camera.
*2 When using the LM-V1 with the separately-sold WFT-E6 or WFT-E8 Wireless File Transmitter and GP-E1 GPS Receiver, please be sure to maintain space between the two accessories.

DOWNLOAD THE NEW FIRMWARE

The Canon C300 Mark II qualifies for a promotional 24 month 0% financing from Canon.

Canon C300 Mark II Cinema Camera In Stock

Canon LM-V1 LCD Monitor for C200 / C200B / C300 Mark II In Stock 

Canon UN-10 100cm Unit Cable In Stock 

Caution:
– You cannot perform the firmware update using CFast 2.0 cards. Please use a commercially available SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card that is 64MB or more for the firmware update.
– Firmware version 1.1.0.1.00 is for updating Cinema EOS C300 Mark II cameras running firmware version 1.0.0.1.00 – 1.0.9.1.00. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.0.1.00, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camera is updated to the latest version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.
– Please note that after updating the camera to Firmware Version 1.0.6.1.00 or later, if you wish to continue using CFast (VPG130) cards that were used before the firmware update, you will need to format the CFast cards with the camera. After the firmware update, and before formatting the CFast cards with the camera, make sure to back up the clips saved to the CFast cards.
– For further information, please refer to the latest version of the unit’s Instruction Manual that is released with the firmware update.

 

Preparations for the Firmware Update:
After the Firmware update has been performed, the camera’s menu and custom picture settings will be reset. It is recommended that users save their menu and custom picture settings as settings data to an SD card, separate from the one that will be used to carry out the update, before starting update operations. This saved data can be loaded into the camera and the settings can be changed after the update has been completed. For further information on this, please refer to the section in the unit’s Instruction Manual titled “Saving and Loading Camera Settings”.

The downloaded folder contains the firmware (file name: VLB1.FIM / file size: 43,843,616 bytes), and instructions on the firmware update procedures (a PDF file in five languages: Japanese, English, French, Spanish and Simplified Chinese). Before starting the firmware update operations, please be sure to carefully confirm your understanding of these instructions.

The following things are required to perform this firmware update:
1. A Cinema EOS C300 Mark II / EOS C300 Mark II PL camera body
2. A computer (OS Requirements: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 SP1)
3. A 64 MB or higher-capacity SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card (both commercially available)
4. An SD card reader/writer (commercially available) or an SD card slot built into the computer
5. A fully charged battery pack for the camera
6. Compact power adapter bundled with the camera
7. The firmware (the downloaded file)

Canon Announces Compact-Servo 18-80mm Zoom Lens

Canon Compact-Servo CN-E18-80mm T4.4

Canon has pulled the curtain on its newest lens, one that will bridge the gap between traditional Canon EF Photography Lenses and CN-E Cinema Lenses. The Compact-Servo 18-80mm T4.4 EF lens (Preorder here) combines the benefits of compact size and light weight (only 2.7 lbs.) for outstanding mobility. Designed to shoot video, this lens can be ideal for the cinematographer moving up from EF lenses, combining the functionality of Canon’s EF lenses with the video shooting features of Cinema lenses.

Compact-Servo 18-80mm T4.4 EF Lens

The Compact-Servo 18-80mm T4.4 Zoom Lens is a cinema-style lens that includes a newly developed servo drive unit and incorporates Image Stabilization and Autofocus functionality. The lens also supports 4K image productions and was designed to be able to be utilized in a variety of shooting styles, including both large and small productions. Canon seems to be targeting C100, C300, C500 users who aren’t able to justify the $20,000-$60,000 for a Cine-Servo Lens.

The Compact-Servo 18-80mm Zoom Lens is compatible with EF- mount Super 35mm large-format cameras, and maintains brightness across the entire focal range at T4.4 (equivalent to F4.0). The lens even possesses optical image stabilization, something not normally found on cine lenses. Filmmakers can control many of the features of the lens through the EF-mount communication, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF, push auto iris, record start and stop and remote lens control via the camera with an optional remote control, compensation for chromatic aberration (when paired with the EOS C300 Mark II Cinema Camera), metadata acquisition, and selection of T-number display. The nine-blade iris aperture diaphragm will give footage a “cinematic” look and feel, while providing a “bokeh” effect in out-of-focus areas.

An optional servo grip is available (ZGC-C10), which adds ENG-style control and operation. It can even be mounted to the end of a shoulder rig for more versatility and comfort. The Compact-Servo 18-80 is also compatible with other servo grips, such as the ZSD-300D and FPD-400D.

Canon Compact-Servo 18-80mm T4.4 EF lens

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:

Mount Type – EF
Focal Length – 18 to 80 mm
Zoom Ratio – 4.4x
Image Circle – 31.4 mm
Coverage – Super 35 / APS-C
Maximum Relative Aperture – T4.4 (f/4)
Number of Aperture Blades – 9
Angle of View – 24.6 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio):
68.7° x 41.9° at 18mm
17.5° x 9.9° at 80mm

26.2 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.9:1 Aspect Ratio):
72.1° x 41.9° at 18 mm
18.6° x 9.9° at 80 mm

Minimum Object Distance – 1.7′ (0.5 m)
Object Dimensions at M.O.D. – 24.6 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio):
17.1 x 9.6″ (43.4 x 24.3 cm) at 18mm
3.7 x 2.1″ (9.5 x 5.3 cm) at 80mm

26.2 x 13.8mm Imaging Area (1.9:1 Aspect Ratio):
18.2 x 9.6″ (46.2 x 24.3 cm) at 18 mm
4.0 x 2.1″ (10.1 x 5.3 cm) at 80 mm
Front Lens Diameter – 84 mm
Filter Thread – 77 mm
Dimensions – 3.7 x 4.2 x 7.2″ (9.34 x 10.72 x 18.23 cm)
Weight – 2.65 lb (1.2 kg)

Pre-Order the Canon Compact-Servo CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S Lens

 

Canon C300 Mark II Tutorial Series

Check out the Canon C300 Mark II Tutorial Series with Jem Schofield below to help you get oriented to your new camera.

After you watch the videos, head over to the C300 Mark II Menu Simulator to practice setting up your camera.

New Features of the C300 Mark II:

Custom Picture Menu for C300 Mark II 

Internal Recording Options for the Canon C300 Mark II

External Recording Options for the Canon C300 Mark II

This video in the tutorial series shows how to set the EOS C300 Mark II menu up for external recording. He goes over the menu options found in the Recording/Media Setup, Picture/Terminals Setup menus as well as relevant menus in the Odyssey 7Q+ that he is using.

Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q+

Now Only $1495

Focus Assistance Features for the Canon C300 Mark II

Browser Remote with the WFT-E6A with the C300 Mark II

4K Monitoring with the DP-V2410 from the C300 Mark II

The Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II is available in an EF Mount, a PL Mount, and in ENG Package with a Zacuto rig and the Canon Cine-Servo 17-120mm lens.

Batteries, Chargers & Cables for the C300 Mark II:
Canon BP-A30 Battery – $299
Canon BP-A60 Battery – $499
Canon 50CM LCD Unit Cable UN-5 – $299
Canon 100CM LCD Unit Cable UN-10 – $349
Canon CA-A10 Power Supply AC Adapter – $399
Canon CG-A10 Battery Charger for BP-A Series Batteries – $599

Canon C300 $2000 Instant Rebates & New C300 + 24-70mm F2.8 Kit

Canon has made several significant changes to the Canon C300 line effective today.

Canon C300 EF Mount Camera $13999 – $2000 Instant Rebate = $11999

Canon C300 PL Mount Camera $13999 – $2000 Instant Rebate = $11999

Canon C300 EF Auto Focus Camera $14499 – $2000 Instant Rebate = $12499

Canon C300 EF Auto Focus Camera Kit with 24-70mm F2.8 Lens $15999 – $2000 = $13999

Lease Promos:

1.99% 36 Month Lease Promo, $345 Per Month with $0 Down

2.99% 24 Month Lease Promo, $516 Per Month with $0 Down

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0044C006, 0044C002, Canon C300, C300, C300 AF, C300 Auto Focus, C300 Kit, C300 AF Kit, C300 Auto Focus Kit, #C300, Cinema EOS, Canon Cinema EOS, Texas Media Systems, TMSAV, @txmedia,

Canon C300 Auto Focus Feature Upgrade Announced

Canon announced today that the Canon C300 will get the same Auto Focus Feature Upgrade that was previously announced for the Canon C100.

The C300 Auto Focus Upgrade is scheduled to be available late May 2014 for a fee of $500 directly through Canon.

Canon C300 Auto Focus Feature Upgrade Announced Texas Media Systems tagged

EOS C300 Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade

Originally introduced in the Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR camera, Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology is designed to provide continuous autofocus when shooting in single operator, or run-and-gun set-ups like documentaries, weddings, events, or electronic news gathering (ENG). When used in combination with an STM lens, this technology allows for the capture of high quality video without the interruption of noise by the focusing motor.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF is an innovative image-plane phase-detection AF technology that employs a CMOS sensor on which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-detection AF simultaneously. Although camera operators can still focus manually, this new optional feature upgrade can enable smooth continuous AF with phase detection, a particularly useful feature when shooting with a small crew or single-operator run-and-gun filming and cinéma vérité style shoots.

The optional Dual Pixel CMOS AF feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera supports continuous AF with all compatible Canon EF series lenses when shooting subjects positioned in the center of the imaging area. The technology involves complementary use of a contrast signal to achieve advanced autofocus stability that helps reduce the occurrence of loss of focus on a subject. Also included is an AF Lock which allows users to lock a focus point once AF is achieved and recompose the shot. Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF also nearly doubles the speed of the EOS C300 Cinema camera’s One-Shot AF function, which enables a DP to focus on a subject located at the center of the screen with the push of a button, a feature that is currently supported on 104 Canon EF lens models.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera will be made available to users through an authorized Canon service center. For more information please visit the Canon U.S.A. website at http://pro.usa.canon.com/EOSC300FeatureUpgrade.

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Canon C300 Lease Rates at Texas Media Systems

 

Canon C300 is UK’s most rented camera of the year

Televisual just announced the results of  their 2013 survey of UK based rental houses.

The Canon C300 came in at #1 with the Arri Alexa coming at at #2.

At Texas Media Systems, we are not surprised at the survey results. Rental houses are often early buyers of the latest and greatest cameras. The C300 continues to be a strong seller to the rental house market, proving growing demand by rental customers.

Check out the full article in the March issue of Televisual.

Canon C300 $13999 In Stock at Texas Media Systems

0% $1 Buyout $0 Down Lease available for 24 Month term available through Canon Financial Services.  

Canon Financial Services application Canon Financial Services

Lease Term Pre-Payments Monthly Payments
24 Months (0%) $0 $584

Canon C300 Cameras