There are a lot of reasons why we at Aperturent love the new Canon C400. The 6K full-frame sensor, triple native ISO and the compatibility with Canon’s incredible line of RF lenses stand at the forefront! Pairing it with a gimbal and follow focus makes it the perfect setup for highly mobile cinematic footage.
The C400 is Canon’s first full-frame, mirrorless, cinema-body camera. Canon shooters have been waiting a long time for this body, and the wait has certainly paid off. Canon has packed every new feature they could design into this camera. The sensor is a massive full-frame 6K sensor, it has TRIPLE native ISO, and includes a USB-C-based monitor and grip handle. The body is reasonably sized considering all the features it offers, yet it is still a sizable camera. It definitely needs the best that DJI has to offer.
The DJI RS 4 Pro gimbal might seem like only a slight upgrade from the RS 3 Pro, but the differences are critical in this use case. The weight capacity is the same between the two models, but the RS 4 Pro arms are physically longer and larger, allowing it to hold and balance larger or non-traditionally sized camera setups. The C400 with monitor, EF to RF adapter, and a Canon CN-E 50mm/T1.3 lens with Tilta Nucleus Nano II follow focus all mount with no additional counterweights or compromises. There is plenty of clearance on the back, which means you can do underslung mode, vertical shooting, or 360 degree rotations without having to do anything more than balance it like a normal camera package.
Since we installed a manual-focus cinema lens, we needed a way to pull focus remotely. Using the Tilta Nucleus Nano II, we mounted the focus motor on the RS 4 Pro’s updated 15mm focus rod. The Nucleus Nano II, being USB-C-based, is powered directly from one of the USB-C ports on the RS 4 Pro. With its improved torque, the Nucleus Nano II can easily and quickly pull focus on the large CN-E lens. This setup is extremely lightweight and compact, with minimal cables and batteries, yet it doesn’t compromise on features or performance.
While each piece of this kit is impressive in its own category, seeing it all work together is very exciting. The versatility and simplicity allow the equipment to get out of the way so you can focus on creating your content the way you want it.
If you have any questions about compatibility or any of the equipment mentioned in this article, please don't hesitate to reach out via email to info@aperturent.com.
Would you like to try it out? find all the items below!
Based around a new 6K full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, the C400 allows creators to capture rich cinematic footage.
A redesigned gimbal with a carbon fiber body weighing only 2.74 lb and a payload of up to 10 lb, able to support midsize cameras (FX6/C70).
A focus/iris/zoom control system designed for both freelance cinematographers and experienced DPs alike.
An EF-mount standard-width lens for cinema cameras, video-capable DSLR and for any video-capable cameras that accept EF-mount lenses.