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Dueling Canon C300 and Arri Alexa

April 6, 2012

When it comes to using a new Camera like the Canon C300, I don’t do camera tests to see how it performs. I prefer to battle test it on location. When HBO asked me to shoot a promo for their TV series Game of Thrones, it was the a perfect opportunity to see how the C300 compared in an interview setting alongside the benchmark for digital cinema capture: the Arri Alexa. I shot with two Arri Alexas as my A and B cam and two Canon C300’s as my C and D cam. The A and C camera were on a fisher dolly. The B cam was on a Dana Dolly to the side, and I had the D cam shooting profile long lens shot.

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Dueling Alexa and C300

Arri Alexa and Canon C300 on a Fisher dolly

Chris Moseley operating on B Camera

It goes without saying that the two cameras are at two very different price points and classifications, but right out of the gate, the Canon C300 looked great side by side with the Alexas. I’m speaking strictly about how the footage looked at Video Village before any color correction and grading. Ultimately, the choice is determined by your time, budget, color space and compression preferences and final deliverable required.

I wanted to point out that the C300 cut together well with the Alexa. I love where this new technology is taking us. But a word to the wise. There are many exciting new products coming out this year, but you don’t need to jump early. The C300 is just another arrow in the quiver. Take a look at some screen grabs and sample footage and decide for yourself. Thanks to Derek Johnson for the BTS photos in the post.

Alexa
Pros:
Filmic roll off into highlights and shadows
More latitude
Creamier skin tones
12bit Pro res 4444
1-120 FPS @ 1080P

Cons:
More expensive
Larger form factor
More color correction needed
1.9 GB per minute file size

C300
Pros:
Cost
More accurate colors
Less color correction
Decent dynamic range
Great skin tones
Smaller form factor
Cheaper lens package
0.4 GB per minute

Cons:
Less dynamic range
8Bit 4:2:2
Looks more video
Doesn’t have as smooth of a roll off into the highlights and the blacks
1-30fps @ 1080p
1-60fps @ 720P

Tech Specs:

Cameras:

Arri Alexa
SxS Pro cards
Rec 709
Pro Res 4444

Canon C300
Hoodman Raw 16gb X675 CF cards
Cine 2 Gamma curve

Lenses:
Panavision Primo 11-1 Zoom
Panavision Zeiss Ultra Primes
Leica R Zooms