Canon has just announced the release of their new EOS camera, the C300 and Zacuto is equipped with an array of new baseplates and C300 accessories months in the making ready to outfit this exciting new camera. The C300 Camera is the most recent member of the new class of super 35 digital video cameras. Canon will be releasing both PL and EF mount versions of the camera. Other internal features include 1080p/24/25/30 and 720p 60 formats, 10 bit 4:2:2 signal, uncompressed HD-SDI as well as HDMI and simultaneous viewing on all outputs and screens. Simultaneous viewing was one of the major drawbacks of the 5D Mark II. This camera is designed for filmmaking, corporate and event shooting. The C300 Camera looks amazing on the big screen.

The C300 Camera’s physical characteristics are unlike any of its predecessors. It’s not a DSLR, it’s a video camera, but it’s built for making videos not photos. Some key features include:

• Removable top handle
• 4” removable, flippable and rotatable LCD monitor with 2 XLR audio inputs
• HDMI output
• HD-SDI output
• Genlock
• Time Code
• Hot swappable Compact Flash Cards
• SD card for photos
• Headphone jack
• Removable handgrip

Zacuto has designed two completely new baseplates specifically for the Canon C300. We will be offering both a Gorilla style baseplate and a studio style baseplate unlike any of our existing baseplates. The camera’s shape and footprint requires some major changes to existing baseplates to get the camera to a position to be able to use a follow focus and proper lens to rod height for standard sized matte boxes. This is especially true with short lenses that have the focus ring near the camera body and non-height adjustable matte boxes. The Gorilla style baseplate for the C300 features 60mm spaced rod holes in the front of the base plate that allows users to mount a follow focus or other accessories in front of the camera. It also uses our rod hole system on the side of the plate which allows you to mount an EVF or other accessories off the side.

The studio style base plate is very flat and features four sets of 60mm spaced holes, one on each side of the baseplate. This gives users a virtually unlimited amount of mounting options. You also have the option of turning the baseplate into a cage configuration, using the mounting holes on the side of the plate. When not using a cage configuration, the side holes can be used for an EVF, Zacuto articulating arms, rods and more. The rods on the studio baseplate are located near the very bottom of the camera. Because the Canon C300 is tall, the flatness of the studio baseplate helps to keep the center of gravity low for better control over the rig. It is also necessary so that the rods are at the industry standard distance from the center of the lens allowing matte boxes and follow focus units to fit. Plus, the camera has a 1” toe on the bottom of the camera which makes it difficult to get follow focus gears back near the camera body unless the follow focus is touching the toe. The follow focus needs to be able to flip the gear to the right side and reach back. The Zacuto follow focus can achieve this elegantly with our new C300 baseplate.

“This is a revolutionary design. It’s basically an upside down baseplate where the camera just sits on the rods,” says Zacuto Product Designer and Director, Steve Weiss. “We designed it this way for several reasons. First off, the lens height to the bottom of the camera is taller than normal and would require a rod riser and a second set of rods to achieve the proper height to accommodate standard matte boxes and follow focus units. The second reason is that it keeps a tall top heavy camera from getting any taller. Plus, we maintain our original design feature from baseplates that have rods that go all the way through underneath the camera. This makes it simple to adjust rod length for various sized lenses. It’s easy to slide the rods forward or back. No rod extensions are needed for lens changes."

We currently have four kit recommendations for the Canon EOS C300 and of course, like all Zacuto rigs, you can configure your kit in many different ways to suit your needs. We have also developed a few accessories that will really make the rigging of this camera complete.

Canon C300 Target Shooter

Canon C300 Striker

Canon C300 Recoil

Canon C300 Stinger

Other Accessories

Canon C300 Winged Cage - This helpful tool allows users to mount 1/4" 20 & 3/8" 16 accessories on top of the camera. Users can also mount the Zacuto Top Handle, Canon C handle (included with the camera), 6 cold shoe items or a set of 60mm spaced Zacuto quick-release mounts that can hold Zacuto Zamerican arms or traditional articulating arms with a Zacuto Zud. The sides of the Winged Cage can move to a vertical position or all the way down to the sides of the camera. In the vertical position you can mount a horizontal rod for mounting items like a mic or EVF. Attaching a Zacuto Mini Mount to the bottom of the Winged Cage will also give you the ability to have a set of top rods over the lens for mounting motors for remote zoom and focus control. This is an extremely versatile cage system that maintains a smaller lighter profile, yet it has many more features than a traditional cage.

Zicro Cold Shoe - The Zicro Cold Shoe allows users to mount the camera's LCD swivel screen on any 15mm rod, Zacuto Zamerican arm or traditional articulating arm with a Zacuto Zud.

Cold Shoe Zud - This is great for attaching a cold shoe to any Zacuto 15mm locking hole. You can also attach it to any male rod or a Zacuto Zamerican arm with Zacuto Zoupler.

Cold Shoe - Add additional cold shoes to your Winged Cage.

Canon EOS C300 3/8"16  1.4" 20 Double Tap - This is an excellent way to change your camera tap from the standard 1/4" 20 screw that comes with the camera to a 1/4" 20 & 3/8" 16 double screw system that prevents the camera from rotating.

Winged Cage Top Handle - This handle is a moveable handgrip that can be placed in several positions to achieve a balanced rig. The Top Handle has the ability to attach rod extensions to the front or back, allowing any Zacuto accessories to be mounted to it. Because it's a rod, it also has the ability to have items rotated or extended on it. Whether you are using a light, mics, recorders, an EVF, or any other tools, the handle itself acts as a super lightweight mini cage for mounting accessories.

Canon EOS C300 Handgrip Relocator - This camera accessory allows you to move the Canon handgrip (included with the camera) from the side of the camera to a more comfortable position. Users also have the option of articulating the grip as traditional Zacuto handgrips do. The Handgrip Relocator works as a grip for maintaining the ability to control the camera's start/stop function, exposure and menus from your right hand.

Follow Focus Extension - allows you to get your Zacuto Z-Focus, follow focus out (away from the camera) so the operator can see it while using a EVF. It can become difficult to get your hand around the EVF to operate the follow focus. It also creates more room for the EVF to move forward allowing the camera package to become shorter. The operator can now see his marks if pulling his own focus without using an assistant. Works on all existing Zacuto follow focus units.