Canon cinema EOS C500 PL User Manual

							Instruction Manual
Digital Cinema Camera
PUB. DIE-0441-001B 
						

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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.
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
Digital Cinema Camera, EOS C500 / EOS C500 
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 C500 / EOS C500 PL / CA-940N / CG-940 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 Digital Cinema Camera 
EOS C500 / EOS C500 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 C500/C500 PL
The Canon Digital Cinema Camera EOS C500/C500 PL has been designed with the discerning professional in 
mind. It is truly a cinematographer’s camera. The following are just some of the many features that will help turn 
your creative vision into reality.
4K Recording System with Cinema Quality 
Advanced 4K-compatible Super 35mm CMOS 
sensor 
The camera is equipped wi th a Super 35mm CMOS 
sensor that captures video at an effective pixel count 
of 8.85 megapixels (4096x2160) and offers a center 
resolution of 1,800 TV lines
1. Furthermore, thanks to 
Canon’s high-sensitivity and low-noise technology, 
the camera can record at an ISO level of 20,000
2 - a 
level of sensitivity that must be seen to be believed!
1Varies depending on the lens used. 2You can extend the ISO level to 80,000.
Interchangeable lenses
Enjoy the freedom of using interchangeable lenses 
to achieve exactly the look you want. The EOS C500 
features an EF lens mount allowing you to use over 
60 high-quality lenses from the Canon Cinema Lens 
series and EF Lens series. The EOS C500 PL 
features a PL lens mount, allowing you to use a vast 
array of cinematography lenses compatible with a 
Canon PL lens mount and other lenses commonly 
used in motion picture production.
4K, 2K and MXF modes
In 4K and 2K modes, the camera outputs image 
data for recording with an external recorder. In 4K 
mode, the camera outputs Canon RAW image data, 
which is free of compression noise. In 2K mode, the 
camera outputs up to an RGB 4:4:4 12-bit signal. In 
MXF mode, the camera records HD audio and video 
to CompactFlash (CF) cards. HD recordings are 
saved as Material eXchange Format (MXF) files and 
are compatible with major non-linear editing (NLE) 
software. For example, you can use these MXF files 
as proxy video for your NLE software. Furthermore, 
even in 4K and 2K modes, the camera can record 
MXF files on a CF card.
Multitude of recording options
The camera offers you numerous options when it 
comes to the video configuration of your recordings. 
When recording in 4K or  2K mode, you can select 
the recording mode (RAW, HRAW, 4K1K RAW, RGB 
4:4:4 12-bit, RGB 4:4:4 10-bit or YCC 4:2:2 10-bit), 
system frequency (59.94 Hz, 50.00 Hz, 24.00 Hz), 
resolution (various settings from 1920x1080 to 
4096x2160) and frame rate (various settings from 
23.98P up to 59.94P). This allows you to select a 
video configuration to suit your needs from a total of  46 different combinations. When recording in MXF 
mode, you can select the system frequency, bit rate, 
resolution and frame rate 
of your recordings. These 
options allow you to choose from a total of 27 
different combinations.
Recording media
Because there are two CF  card slots, when one CF 
card slot 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.
3G-SDI and MON. terminals 
The camera features dual 3G-SDI terminals ( A41) 
that can output 4K or 2K image data to an external 
recorder. The dual MON. terminals ( A41) are 
HD-SDI terminals that can output YCC 4:2:2 10-bit 
2K or full HD video, allowing external live monitoring 
during shoots. You can even apply a LUT and use it 
for on-set color grading ( A22). Of course, both 
sets of terminals also output audio, SMPTE time 
code (LTC) and user bit sign als. In addition, you can 
output the signal from the 3G-SDI terminal with an 
extended color space ( A 144).
Canon Log gamma for spectacular dynamic range
The Canon Log gamma ( A58) makes full use of 
the sensor to give your recordings amazing dynamic 
range. In 4K and 2K modes, the camera will always 
use Canon Log gamma. In MXF mode, you may 
want to use CINEMA preset ( A58) to set the 
camera easily and quickly for shooting with Canon 
Log gamma.
Operability and Adaptability
Freely customizable compact design
The modular components,  including the supplied 
handle unit and monitor unit will let you expand and 
adapt the configuration to match your shooting 
conditions ( A32). The articulated monitor unit can 
be rotated 270° for maximum convenience. The 
10.1-cm (4-in.) LCD screen with 100% coverage 
ensures that you can compose your shots with 
ease. 
						

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Pro-level connectivity
In addition to the 3G-SDI terminals mentioned 
previously, the HD/SD SDI terminal can output YCC 
4:2:2 10-bit (8-bit effectiv e) HD/SD video as well as 
audio and time code signals. Genlock 
synchronization ( A88), the TIME CODE terminal 
( A 89, 91) and SYNC OUT terminal allow the 
camera to be part of  any multi-camera shooting 
setup.
Customization
The camera features severa l 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 ( A123) and custom onscreen 
displays ( A124) give you even more freedom to 
control many aspects of the camera’s operation. 
During MXF mode, with custom picture settings 
( A 114), you can enjoy unparalleled image control 
to deliver the “look” you want by adjusting 
parameters, such as ga mma and sharpness. The 
custom picture settings can be recorded onto an SD 
card, which allows multiple C500 / C500 PL cameras 
to use the same settings, or embedded in the 
recording itself ( A116, 136, 164).
Remote operation via Wi-Fi
You can attach the optional WFT-E6 Wireless File 
Transmitter to the camera and operate it remotely via 
Wi-Fi using the Wi-Fi Remote application ( A50). 
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.Other Features
Special recording modes
The special recording modes ( A105) 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). 
Software for aiding the production workflow
The  Cinema RAW Development  software, which 
can be downloaded from your local Canon Web site, 
can develop the 4K RAW data recorded with an 
external recorder and export it as a standard file type 
such as DPX. This helps make a smooth transition to 
the color grading process. 
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 ( A100), the color of the image 
using the vectorscope ( A101), or the focus using 
the edge monitor ( A101).  
						

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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
Handle Unit 19
4K Workflow Overview 21 Color Grading with the ACES Workflow 22
2. Preparations 23
Preparing the Power Supply 23Using a Battery Pack 23
Using a Household Power Outlet 25
Turning the Camera 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 Camera 32 Preparing the Lens 32
Attaching and Removing  the Monitor Unit 35
Using the Viewfinder 36
Using the LCD Panel 37
Adjusting the Viewfinder/LCD Screen 38
Using a Tripod 38
Attaching the Handle Unit 39
Attaching a Shou lder Strap 39
Removing and Attaching  the Terminal Covers 40
Connecting to a 4K- or 2K-Compatible External  Recorder 41 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 th e CF Card Slots 46
Selecting the CF Card Recording Method 46
Checking the Available R ecording Time for CF 
Cards 47
Recovering Data on the CF Card 47
Adjusting the Black Balance 48
Operating the Camera Remotely 49 Using the RC-V100 Remote Controller 49
Remote Operation Via the Wi-Fi Remote  Application 50
Preparing the System for Wi-Fi Remote 50
3. Recording 51
Recording Video 51 Preparing 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
Checking Clips Recorded with Canon Log Gamma  (View Assistance) 58
Using the Internal Cooling Fan 59
Video Configuration: Type of Recording,  Resolution and Frame Rate 60
Selecting the Video Configuration for 4K and 2K 
Modes 60
Selecting the Video Configuration for MXF  Mode 64
Changing Main Camera Functions with the FUNC.  Button 66
Using the Direct Setting Mode 66
Shutter Speed 67 Changing the Shutter Speed Mode and Value 68
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 68
Ta b l e  o f  C o n t e n t s 
						

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ISO Speed/Gain 70Changing the ISO Speed  or Gain Value 70
Using the Control Dial 71
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 71
ND Filter 73 Using the ND Filter 73
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 73
2  Adjusting the Aperture 74
Using the Control Dial 74
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 75
White Balance 76 Setting the White Balance 76
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 77
Adjusting the Focus 79 Adjusting the Focus Manually 79
2  Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 79
Using the Focus Assistance Functions 80
Onscreen Markers and Zebra Patterns 82 Displaying 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 85
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 91
Recording Audio 92 Connecting an External Mi crophone or External 
Audio Input Source to the Camera 92
Selecting the Audio Input from the XLR  Terminals 93
Adjusting the Audio Level from the XLR  Terminals 94
Adjusting the Audio Level from the MIC  Terminal 95
Monitoring the Audio with Headphones 96 Using Metadata 97
Setting a User Memo Created with Canon XF  Utility 97
Setting a User Memo Using Wi-Fi Remote 98
Color Bars/Audio Reference Signal 99 Recording Color Bars 99
Recording an Audio Reference Signal 99
Video Scopes 100 Displaying a Video Scope 100
Configuring the Waveform Monitor 100
Configuring the Vectorscope 101
Configuring the Edge Monitor 101
Adding Marks while Recording MXF Clips 102 Adding Shot Marks while Recording 102
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 102
Adding an  $ Mark or  % Mark to the Last Clip 
Recorded 103
Remote Operation Using Wi-Fi Remote 103
Reviewing an MXF Clip 104
Special Recording Modes 105 Interval Recording Mode 105
Frame Recording Mode 106
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 115
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 124 
						

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Saving and Loading Camera Settings 125Saving Camera Settings to an SD Card 125
Loading Camera Settings from an SD Card 125
5. Playback 127
Playing Back MXF Clips 127Clip Index Screen 127
Playing Back Clips 128
Onscreen Displays 129
Playback Controls 130
Audio Output 131
MXF Clip Operations 132 Using the Clip Menu 132
Displaying Clip Information 133
Adding  $ Marks or  % Marks 134
Deleting  $ Marks or  % Marks 134
Copying Clips 135
Deleting Clips 136
Deleting the User Memo 136
Copying a Custom Picture File Embedded in a  Clip 136
Displaying an Index Screen of Shot Marks 137
Displaying a Frame Index Screen of a Single  Clip 138
Adding Shot Marks 138
Deleting Shot Marks 139
Changing a Clip’s Thumbnail 139
6. External Connections 141
Video Output Configuration 141 Video Configuration and Video Output  Configuration for 4K and 2K Modes 141
Video Output Configuration for MXF Mode 143
Selecting the Color Space 144 Connecting to an External Monitor 146
Connection Diagram 146
Using the MON. 1 and MON. 2 Terminals 147
Video Output Using ACESproxy10 (for On-set  Color Grading) 148
Using the HD/SD SDI Terminal 149
Using the HDMI OUT Terminal 149
Using the SYNC OUT Terminal 150
Selecting the Resizing Method for SD Video 150
Superimposing Onscreen Di splays to Appear on 
an External Monitor 151
Developing RAW Clips 152 Installing and Uninstalling Cinema RAW  Development (Windows) 152
Installing and Uninstalling Cinema RAW  Development (Mac OS) 152
Viewing the Software Instruction Manual 153
Saving MXF Clips to a Computer 154 Installing Canon XF Utility (Windows) 154
Installing Canon XF Utility (Mac OS) 155
Viewing the Software Instruction Manuals 156
7. Photos 159
Taking Photos 159Taking Photos in CAMERA Mode 159
Capturing Photos in MEDIA Mode 159
Photo Playback 161 Displaying the [Photos] Index Screen 161
Viewing Photos 161
Photo Operations 162 Using the Photo Menu 162
Deleting Photos 162
Protecting Photos 163
Copying Custom Picture Files 164
Photo Numbering 165
8. Additional Information 167
Menu Options 167
Displaying the Status Screens 178
Troubleshooting 185List of Messages 188
Handling Precautions 192
Maintenance/Others 196
Optional Accessories 199 
						

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Specifications 202
Index 207