Canon EOS-1D C

Announced April 12, 2012

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83

PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.

Reviewer Consensus

Strong

The Canon EOS-1D C produces exceptionally sharp and cinematic 4K footage that remains highly regarded for its color grading potential and organic quality. Yet, the camera is hampered by a high price point and a design that lacks specialized video ergonomics, making it a challenging tool for those who need to switch quickly between stills and motion.

Weighted from 7 reviewer scores

Pros

  • Cinematic and sharp 4K image quality
  • Excellent low-light performance and color flexibility
  • Sturdy build and reliable battery life
  • Capable stills performance

Cons

  • Lack of dedicated video features like autofocus, focus peaking, and exposure tools
  • Inconvenient form factor and handling for video production
  • Significant rolling shutter and codec limitations
  • High price and potential for rapid depreciation
  • Launch price $15,000 (USD)
  • Sensor 18.1MP Full-Frame CMOS
  • Video 4K 24p
  • Stabilization None
  • Burst 20 fps electronic 16 fps mechanical

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What the Reviewers Say

All 7 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • Adorama

    As a one man production company the price point right now puts it out of reach, but this is similar to owning a versatile RED/Markii hybrid.

    Read full review

  • RedShark

    I strongly believe that the 1DC is the first of a new class of cameras that will become the staple kit that photographers worldwide will want to take with them.

    Read full review

  • Armando Ferreira

    So I recently had the opportunity to play with the Canon EOS-1D C, which in my opinion is actually one of Canon's best cameras that they have ever made, that and also the Canon 5D Mark II and also the C300.

    Watch video review

  • DVInfo.net

    The Canon 1D C is an amazing piece of work. It’s built atop the 1D X, Canon’s best-ever professional DSLR, and arguably the best DSLR from any manufacturer (whether it tops the Nikon D4 and/or D3X, or vice versa, is a religious debate well beyond the scope of this article).

    Read full review

Specifications

General

Announcement date April 12, 2012
Launch MSRP $15,000
Medium Digital
Lens mount Canon EF
Body type Cinema

Sensor & Processing

Effective resolution 18.1MP
Sensor format Full-Frame
Sensor technology CMOS
Sensor dimensions 36 x 24 mm
Color filter array Bayer
Image processor DIGIC X
Native ISO range 100-25,600
Expanded ISO range 50-204,800
Aspect ratio options 3:2

Still Capture

Burst speed (mechanical) 16fps
Burst speed (electronic) 20fps
RAW formats RAW, CRAW
Other still formats JPEG, RAW
Still bit depth 14-Bit

Autofocus

AF architecture Phase detect
AF points 61 phase-detect points
Autofocus modes Contrast Detect (sensor), Phase Detect, Multi-area, Selective single-point, Tracking, Single, Continuous, Face Detection, Live View

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter types Mechanical, Electronic
Shutter speed range 1/8000 to 30 sec
Flash sync speed 1/250 sec
Exposure compensation +/- 5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
Metering modes Evaluative, Partial, Spot, Center weighted average

Display & Viewfinder

EVF magnification 0.76x
Rear LCD size 3.2-inch
Rear LCD resolution 1.04M dots
Rear LCD articulation Fixed

Video

Internal Recording
  • 4K (4096 x 2160), Full HD (1920 x 1080)
External Recording
  • 4096 x 2160
  • 3840 x 2160
  • 1920 x 1080
Max video resolution 4K
Max frame rate at max resolution 24p
Max frame rate at UHD 24p
Codecs MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Bit depth and chroma 8-bit 4:2:2
Max bitrate 800Mbps
Gamma / log profiles Canon Log 1, Canon Log 3
Recording limit 29 min
Audio recording Internal recording and silent control, using built-in or external microphones

Storage

Card slots 2
Card types 2x CFexpress Type B
Internal storage No

Stabilization

In-body stabilization (IBIS) No

Connectivity

USB USB-C 3.1 Gen 2
HDMI output Mini Type-C
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth Yes
3.5mm mic input Yes
3.5mm headphone output Yes
Flash sync terminal Yes
Hot shoe 1x Hot Shoe

Power

Battery LP-E4N
CIPA battery life (LCD) 610 shots
CIPA video recording time 140 min
USB charging Yes

Body

Weight (body only) 1340g (2 lb 15.3 oz)
Dimensions 160 x 160 x 80 mm (6.30 x 6.30 x 3.15 in)
Weight (with battery and recording media) 1500g (3 lb 4.9 oz)
Weather sealing Full weather sealing
Chassis material Magnesium Alloy
Tripod thread 1/4"-20