Canon cinema EOS C300 PL User Manual

							PUB. DIE-0440-002
Instruction Manual
HD Camcorder
nual 
						

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Important Usage Instructions
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR 
MOISTURE.
Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, 
shall be placed on the apparatus.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO DRIPPING OR 
SPLASHING. 
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK AND TO REDUCE ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE 
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.
COPYRIGHT WARNING
Unauthorized recording of copyrighted materials may infringe on the rights of copyright owners and be 
contrary to copyright laws.
FCC NOTICE
HD Camcorder, EOS C300 / EOS C300 PL 
Systems.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions: (1) This device may not cause 
harmful interference, and (2) this device must 
accept any interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired 
operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and 
found to comply with the limits for class B digital 
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 
These limits are designed to provide reasonable 
protection against harmful interference in a 
residential installation. This equipment 
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency 
energy and, if not installed and use in 
accordance with the instructions, may cause 
harmful interference to radio communications. 
However, there is no guarantee that interference 
will not occur in a particular installation. If this 
equipment does cause harmful interference to 
radio or television reception, which can be 
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is 
encouraged to try to correct the interference by 
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the 
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a 
circuit different from that to which the receiver 
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV 
technician for help.
Use of shielded cable is required to comply with 
class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC 
Rules.
Do not make any changes or modifications to 
the equipment unless otherwise specified in the 
manual.
If such changes or modifications should be 
made, you could be required to stop operation 
of the equipment.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Park, Melville, NY 11747, USA
Tel No. 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666)
The Mains plug is used as the disconnect device. The Mains plug shall remain readily operable to 
disconnect the plug in case of an accident.
CAUTION
• Danger of explosion if the wrong type of batteries are attached. Use only the same type of batteries.
• Do not expose batteries or product to excessive heat such as the inside of a car under direct sunlight, fire, etc.
EOS C300 / EOS C300 PL / CA-945 / CG-945 identification plate is located on the bottom. 
						

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Only for European Union and EEA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)These symbols indicate that this product is  not to be disposed of with your household 
waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU), the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) 
and/or national legislation implementing those Directives. 
If a chemical symbol is printed beneath the symbol shown above, in accordance with the 
Battery Directive, this indicates that a heavy metal (Hg = Mercury, Cd = Cadmium, Pb = Lead) is present in 
this battery or accumulator at a concentration above an applicable threshold specified in the Battery 
Directive.
This product should be handed over to a designated collection point, e.g., on an authorized one-for-one 
basis when you buy a new similar product or to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical 
and electronic equipment (EEE) and batteries and accumulators. Improper handling of this type of waste 
could have a possible impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous 
substances that are generally associated with EEE. Your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product 
will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. 
For more information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, waste 
authority, approved scheme or your household waste disposal service or 
visit www.canon-europe.com/weee
, or www.canon-europe.com/battery.
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR 
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE 
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO 
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTIONRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to 
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” 
within the product’s enclosure, that may be of 
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric 
shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is 
intended to alert the user to the presence of important 
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in 
the literature accompanying the product. 
						

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Important Safety Instructions
CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
In these safety instructions the word “apparatus” 
refers to the Canon HD Camcorder EOS C300 / EOS 
C300 PL and all its accessories.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manuf acturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near an y heat sources such as 
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other 
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce 
heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized  or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two 
blades with one wider than the other.  A grounding type plug has two blades and a third 
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third 
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided 
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an 
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord  from being walked on or 
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience 
receptacles, and the point where they exit from 
the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by  the manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or  when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  Servicing is required when the apparatus has 
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply 
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled 
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the 
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, 
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Trademark Acknowledgements
• SD and SDHC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
• CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
• The CF Logo is a trademark of CompactFlash Association.
• Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered  trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United 
States and/or other countries.
• Apple, Mac OS, Final Cut Pro are trademarks of Appl e Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• Avid, Media Composer and NewsCutter are trademarks or  registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or 
its subsidiaries in the United  States and/or other countries.
• Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia  Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of 
HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.
• Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their  respective companies.
• This device incorporates exFAT t echnology licensed from Microsoft.
• ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY MANNER THAT  COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED 
MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 
PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250 STEELE STREET, 
SUITE 300, DENVER, COLORADO 80206. 
						

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Highlights of the EOS C300/C300 PL
The Canon HD Camcorder EOS C300/C300 PL has been designed to meet the demanding needs and highest 
expectations of industry professionals. The following are just some of the many features that will help turn your 
creative vision into reality.
HD Recording
Large Super 35mm CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 
III image processor
The camcorder is equipped with a large Super 
35mm CMOS sensor that  captures video at an 
effective pixel count of 8.29 megapixels 
(3840x2160). Combined with the DIGIC DV III image 
processor, the camcorder offers a center resolution 
of 1,000 TV lines*. Furthermore, thanks to its fast 
scanning speed, the camcorder produces 
spectacular video with true-t o-life color reproduction 
while reducing noise and “rolling shutter” artifacts.
* Varies depending on the lens used.
Interchangeable Lenses
Enjoy the freedom and creative versatility of using 
interchangeable lenses to achieve exactly the look 
you want. The EOS C300 features an EF lens 
mount, allowing you to use a huge variety of high-
quality Canon EF lenses, including the new high-end 
Cinema lenses, as well as other lenses. The EOS 
C300 PL features a PL lens mount, allowing you to 
use a vast array of Super 35mm cinematography 
lenses commonly used in motion picture production.
Superb HD video
The camcorder uses the MPEG-2 Long GOP codec. 
Your recordings are saved as Material eXchange 
Format (MXF) files, which are compatible with major 
non-linear editing (NLE) software.
Moreover, the camcorder offers you a whole array of 
options when it comes to the video configuration of 
your recordings. By controlling the type of recording 
(NTSC-compatible, PAL-compatible or true 24.00P), 
bit rate, resolution and frame rate of your recordings 
you can select a video configuration to suit your 
needs from a total of 29 different combinations.
Operability and Adaptability
Freely customizable compact design
At its most compact configuration, the camcorder 
offers convenient and hassle-free hand-held 
operation. Modular components, including the 
supplied handle unit, monitor unit and grip unit will 
let you expand and adapt th e configuration to match 
your shooting conditions ( A32). Improved displays
The articulated monitor unit can be rotated 270º, 
allowing for easy monitoring and operation from the 
side of the camcorder. When
 using the viewfinder, its 
improved ergonomic design will ensure a tight and 
comfortable fit. Both the 10.1 cm (4 in.) LCD screen 
and the viewfinder have 100% coverage so you can 
always perfectly frame your  shots. Additionally, the 
rear panel will provide a quick and convenient 
overview of the main shooting functions currently in 
use.
Recording media
The camcorder records video and audio to 
CompactFlash (CF) cards. You can even make 
lengthy recordings without worry because the 
camcorder features two CF  card slots. When one 
CF card becomes full, the recording will 
automatically continue on  the other one without 
interruption when you use relay recording ( A46). In 
addition, using double slot recording ( A47) lets 
you record the same clip simultaneously to both CF 
cards.
Canon XF Utility software
Managing your recordings is as simple as using the 
Canon XF Utility  software. You can transfer your 
recordings to your computer, where you can view 
and manage them. Using the associated plugins, 
you can then use the reco rdings with major NLE 
software*.
*Refer to Saving Clips to a Computer ( A 143) for details 
on compatible software.
Versatile Artistic Expression
Special recording modes
The special recording modes ( A106) give you 
more creative control over your recordings. You can 
create a slow motion or fast motion effect in your 
recordings, record a certain number of frames at a 
set interval (ideal for nature shots and other subjects 
with little movement) or record a certain number of 
frames every time you press a button (ideal for stop 
motion animation). 
						

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Custom picture settings
With custom picture settings (A114), you can enjoy 
unparalleled image control to deliver the “look” you 
want by adjusting parameters, such as gamma and 
sharpness. The custom pi cture settings can be 
recorded onto an SD card, which allows multiple 
camcorders to use the same settings, or embedded 
in the recording itself.
Canon Log gamma for spectacular dynamic range
You can easily apply the [ / CINEMA Locked] preset 
settings, especially designed with professional 
cinematography in mind ( A58). Using the Canon 
Log gamma, you can get r ecordings with amazing 
dynamic range, allowing you to realize in post-
production the artistic vision you desire.
Advanced Professional Features and 
Flexibility
Pro-level connectivity
An industry-standard HD/SD SDI terminal ( A141) 
for uncompressed HD signal output, embedded 
audio and SMPTE time code (LTC) give the 
camcorder the functionality of professional broadcast 
cameras. Genlock synchronization (A 88), the TIME 
CODE terminal ( A89, 90) and SYNC OUT terminal 
allow the camcorder to be part of any multi-camera 
shooting setup.
Customization
The camcorder features several customization 
options. You can assign often-used functions to 
assignable buttons ( A111) so that you can call up 
those functions with the press of a single button. You 
can also register frequently-used menu settings in an 
easy-to-access personal menu (My Menu,  A30). 
Custom functions (A 123) and custom onscreen 
displays ( A123) give you even more freedom to 
control many aspects of the camcorder’s operation. 
Save custom picture and menu settings to an SD 
card so that you can transfer your setting preferences 
to other C300 / C300 PL camcorders in order to use 
them in the same way.
Other Functions
# Automatic Functions (AF/AE)
With compatible EF lenses, you can automatically 
adjust the aperture or focu s once with the press of a 
single button ( A71, 80) and even use continuous 
autofocus (A 81), making it easier to support a 
simple one-person operation.
Remote operation via Wi-Fi 
You can attach the optional WFT-E6 Wireless File 
Transmitter to the camcorder and operate it remotely 
via Wi-Fi using the Wi-Fi Remote application ( A49). 
The Wi-Fi Remote application lets you monitor the 
image through live view and remotely control the 
focus, shutter speed, ISO speed/gain and other 
settings.
Audio
Sound is recorded as 2-channel linear PCM audio 
(16-bit/48 kHz). You can use the MIC terminal for 
microphones with a Ø 3.5 mm mini-stereo plug or the
two XLR audio input terminals (with phantom power 
supply) when recording.
Video scopes
Check the brightness of the image using the 
waveform monitor ( A99), the color of the image 
using the vectorscope ( A100), or the focus using 
the edge monitor ( A100).
Added and improved functionality
Other functions include the option to add metadata 
( A 96) and, using the optional GP-E1 GPS 
Receiver, even geotagging data ( A103) to your 
recordings, and the Intelligent System-compatible 
battery pack ( A184). 
						

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1. Introduction 11
About this Manual 11Conventions Used in this Manual 11
Supplied Accessories 13
Names of Parts 14 Monitor Unit 19
Grip Unit 21
Handle Unit 21
2. Preparations 23
Preparing the Power Supply 23Using a Battery Pack 23
Using a Power Outlet 25
Turning the Camcorder On and Off 26
Date, Time and Language Settings 27 Setting the Date and Time 27
Changing the Time Zone 27
Displaying the Date and Time while Recording 28
Changing the Language 28
Using the Menus 29 Selecting an Option from the Menu 29
Using the Customized Submenu (My Menu) 30
Preparing the Camcorder 32 Preparing the Lens 32
Attaching and Removing  the Monitor Unit 36
Using the Viewfinder 37
Using the LCD Panel 38
Adjusting the Viewfinder/LCD Screen 39
Using a Tripod 40
Removing and Attach ing the Grip Unit 40
Attaching the Handle Unit 41
Attaching a Shou lder Strap 41
Removing and Attaching  the Terminal Covers 42
Preparing Recording Media 43 Inserting a CF Card 43
Checking the Status of the CF Card Slots 44
Removing a CF card 44
Inserting and Removing an SD Card 44
Initializing the Recording Media 45
Switching Between the CF Card Slots 46
Selecting the CF Card Recording Method 46
Checking the Available Recording Time for CF  Cards 47
Recovering Data on the CF Card 47 Adjusting the Black Balance 48
Operating the Camcorder Remotely 49
Using the RC-V100 Remote Controller 49
Using the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter 50
3. Recording 51
Recording Video 51Preparing to Record 51
Recording 51
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 54
Onscreen Displays 55
Rear Panel Displays 57
Canon Log Gamma and CINEMA Preset 58
Using the Fan 58
Video Configuration: Type of Recording, Bit Rate,  Resolution and Frame Rate 59
Changing Main Camera Functions with the FUNC.  Button 61
Using the Direct Setting Mode 61
Shutter Speed 62 Changing the Shutter Speed Mode and Value 63
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 63
Flicker Reduction 64
ISO Speed/Gain 65 Changing the ISO Speed  or Gain Value 65
Using the Control Dial 66
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 67
ND Filter 68 Using the ND Filter 68
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 68
#  Adjusting the Aperture 69
Manual Aperture 69
Momentary Automatic Aperture - Push Auto  Iris 71
Automatic Aperture 72
Exposure Compensation - AE Shift 72
Light Metering Mode 73
White Balance 74 Setting the White Balance 74
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 75
Adjusting the Focus 77 Manual Focus 77
#  One-Shot AF 80
#  Continuous AF 81
Ta b l e  o f  C o n t e n t s 
						

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Onscreen Markers and Zebra Patterns 82Displaying Onscreen Markers 82
Displaying Zebra Patterns 83
Setting the Time Code 84 Selecting the Running Mode 84
Selecting Drop or Non-Drop Frame 85
Putting the Time Code Display on Hold 86
Setting the User Bit 87
Synchronizing with an External Device 88 Connecting an External Device 88
Reference Video Signal Input (Genlock  Synchronization) 88
Time Code Signal Input 89
Reference Video Signal Output 90
Time Code Signal Output 90
Recording Audio 91 Connecting an External Mi crophone or External 
Audio Input Source to the Camcorder 91
Selecting the Audio Input from the XLR  Terminals 92
Adjusting the Audio Level from the XLR  Terminals 93
Adjusting the Audio Level from the MIC  Terminal 94
Monitoring the Audio with Headphones 95
Selecting the Audio Channel 95
Using Metadata 96 Setting a User Memo Created with Canon XF  Utility 96
Setting a User Memo Using Wi-Fi Remote 97
Colors Bars/Audio Reference Signal 98 Recording Color Bars 98
Recording an Audio Reference Signal 98
Video Scopes 99 Displaying a Video Scope 99
Configuring the Waveform Monitor 99
Configuring the Vectorscope 100
Configuring the Edge Monitor 100
Adding Marks while Recording 101 Adding Shot Marks while Recording 101
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 101
Adding an  $ Mark or %  Mark to the Last Clip 
Recorded 102
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 102 Recording GPS Information (Geotagging) 103
Reviewing a Recording 105
Special Recording Modes 106
Interval Recording Mode 106
Frame Recording Mode 107
Slow & Fast Motion Mode 108
Pre-recording Mode 110
4. Customization 111
Assignable Buttons 111Changing the Assigned Function 111
Using an Assignable Button 112
Custom Picture Settings 114 Selecting Custom Picture Files 114
Editing a Custom Picture File’s Settings 115
Renaming Custom Picture Files 115
Protecting Custom Picture Files 116
Transferring Custom Picture Files 116
Embedding Custom Picture Settings in a  Recording 117
Available Custom Picture Settings 117
Customizing Functions and Onscreen  Displays 123
Customizing Functions 123
Customizing Onscreen Displays 123
Saving and Loading Camera Settings 124 Saving Camera Settings to an SD Card 124
Loading Camera Settings from an SD Card 124
5. Playback 125
Playback 125Clip Index Screen 125
Playing Back Clips 127
Onscreen Displays 128
Playback Controls 129
Adjusting the Volume 129 
						

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Clip Operations 130Using the Clip Menu 131
Displaying Clip Information 131
Adding  $ Marks or %  Marks 132
Deleting  $ Marks or  % Marks 133
Copying Clips 133
Deleting Clips 134
Deleting the User Memo and GPS  Information 134
Copying a Custom Picture File Embedded in a  Clip 135
Displaying an Index Screen of Shot Marks 135
Displaying a Frame Index Screen of a Single  Clip 136
Adding Shot Marks 137
Deleting Shot Marks 137
Changing a Clip’s Thumbnail 138
6. External Connections 139
Video Output Configuration 139 Video Output Configuration by Terminal 139
Connecting to an External Monitor 140 Connection Diagram 140
Using the HD/SD SDI Terminal 141
Using the HDMI OUT Terminal 141
Using the SYNC OUT Terminal 141
SD Output 142
Superimposing Onscreen Di splays to Appear on 
an External Monitor 142
Saving Clips to a Computer 143 Saving MXF Clips 143
Installing Canon XF Utility (Windows) 143
Installing Canon XF Utility (Mac OS) 144
Viewing the Software  Instruction Manuals 146
7. Photos 147
Taking Photos 147
Taking Photos in CAMERA Mode 147
Capturing Photos in MEDIA Mode 147
Photo Playback 149 Displaying the [Photos] Index Screen 149
Viewing Photos 149 Photo Operations 150
Using the Photo Menu 150
Deleting Photos 150
Protecting Photos 151
Copying Custom Picture Files 152
Photo Numbering 153
8. Additional Information 155
Menu Options 155
Displaying the Status Screens 165
Troubleshooting 172List of Messages 175
Handling Precautions 178
Maintenance/Others 181
Optional Accessories 183
Specifications 187
Index 191 
						

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