10 Tips For The Best C100 mark ii Footage

The Canon C100 mark ii has been my main camera for around 3 years, in that time I've use it on countless projects and I've learnt how to get the best possible footage out of it.
So here are 10 tips of getting cinematic footage with the Canon C100 mark ii. To be honest these tips will apply to nearly every camera in the Canon Cinema range (except perhaps the external recorder one) such as the C200 and C300. TBH some of these tips will apply to almost every camera, so even if you don't have a Canon C100 it's still worth watching :)
Apart from the B-roll of the C100 and the lenses, all the footage in the video was shot using the C100. It's a mixture of projects that I've worked on in the past couple of years. The colour correction and grading has been done in both Davinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro X.
I hope this video helps you to get better footage with your C100. If it did, let me know which tips you found most helpful in the comments :D
Instagram: / always_cinematic
Website: gradedblue.com
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[@jaegermah]

Fek, you’re a genius! Great video! I love your ‘to-the-point’ practical delivery, screen recordings, live footage and visuals! Commentary is pitch perfect. Best in class!!

[@MrAdamChristopher]

Great video. To the point and informative. Well done!!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Sutterjack]

Really, really great information. Things I never knew - I love my C100M2 and always look for ways of squeezing more quality out of it. This is some of the best practical tips I've ever heard -thanks!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you, I’m glad the video was useful to you!

[@gtamediaproductions1]

This camera is still a beast in 2021. Love the c100mii. One of the best I have ever owned.

[@realgemzbond]

I just got one, super exited with first tests

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I’m sure you’ll get some great footage with it!

[@spydercorpsefilms]

Thank you so much for this information!! Currently using for my first year at uni, and this helped sooooo much!!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I'm glad the video was helpful! 😀

[@jaijacobphoto316]

This answered and gave me clarity on so many questions I had about this camera. Thank you.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I'm glad you found the video helpful! :D

[@joelsmolenaers1783]

Great job mate!!

[@garywilliams267]

Thank you for this video, much appreciated! Subscribed and should be receiving mine in another week. Can't wait

[@AdventuresThings]

These are just great filmmaking tips, not just for the c100. Great work.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! 👍

[@hakooon]

Amazingly informative video with great delivery! Well done sir! You earned yourself a new subscriber! :)

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! :D

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

wonderfully informative vid. as we all seem to long for 4k, the C100mk2 demonstrates that a good 1080p image is more important than tech specs. thanks for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! Yes the C100 ii does have a lovely 1080p image. Not that I'd turn down a C300 mark iii or a C500 mark ii 😂

[@DeepBluesphere]

Thanks a lot for this video!!! Great Tips!!! I'm excited at the idea to test them on my C100Mk II! Great job. Please post more video like this!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you, I'm glad you found the video useful! :D There are more videos planned!

[@sighlus]

It's an extension of my limbs, man! I love this camera. Even to this day.

[@noostuffhospitality3768]

i like your video,very helpful,i am thinking of getting a c100 to start with and then upgrade to a c300 hopefully but first i want to learn them first

[@Musicaadorecchio]

talking about lenses for the C100 mk2, my favorite is the Canon 35mm f/2 because it is fast and stabilised. EVF is great for manual focus on run and gun situations. I help myself with focus peaking. I find some slight blurred image is more acceptable than footage shot with an erratic autofocus. LOG is the only profile I shoot in, I hate the others. FCPX is my editing program of choice. It's easy to grade and export C100mk2 footage with it. I always export in 4k with a bit of sharpening. I have been using the camera from 2015 and I have never thought of upgrading.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Glad you're getting on well with you C100 👍

[@tanuki2k]

As someone still shooting on a c100 mark ii in 2022 I agree with everything in this video. Most importantly the external recorder. I've shot a full year of content big and small with my ninja v and it breathed new life into the camera. I wish every camera just shoot ProRes to a NVMe drive.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Glad you liked the video!

[@ausdoug974]

I really enjoyed this. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Glad the video was useful! 👍

[@kisherefilm]

I am a 2020 Mk ii user and this was really helpful. I am having an issue with blur when using a wide lens 10-18mm . I am trying to get everything in focus so I go to f16-22 but keep the shutter at 1/48 as I am shooting outside at 24fps. My Image comes out blurred and the quality looks poor. I keep my iOS at native the whole time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated cheers Scott

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hi there, I find that when I go to f16 or higher I get lens diffraction which means that the video looks blurred and loses quality...happens with all lenses when using high fstops...It won't be possible to use the lens af f16-maybe f9 and then you will need to engage the neutral density filters available on the C100 mk2-so that you can keep the ISO at 800 and the correct shutter speed. I think most lenses have problem with diffraction over f9...google it. Don't take my word for it.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

I am wondering if you had any insight as to why I'm getting colored bars on the HDMI output. Can't seem to get it to show the camera's view instead.

[@GritandGrace]

Excellent video. I’m picking one up today. Tested a Sony fs100 and it was meh. I’m excited to experience the c100 m2

[@thefutureapocalypse]

Outstanding! Thank You.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! :D

[@WaelSalaheldien]

great work thank you,

[@orangebetsy]

Yep I love my ole c100. Gonna get a pro mist too.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

It’s a great filter!

[@roblindsay101]

I was hping you'd discuss Face Detection AF when using the STM lenses, whether it works and how well it works. And how much does the "variable" maximum aperture on STM's bother you when zooming or changing focal lengths?

[@BehindTheKitOfficial]

Great video!

[@gustavocesargodoi]

Man! You gave me a boost of confidence to keep my C100 MKII. I always think of selling it because there's no 4k and here in Brazil, I lost a lot of job oportunities just because I don't have a sony a6500 (yes...the trend here is sony now...). But you showed that this camera is still a good camera today. I hope you do a color correction tutorial soon, so I can learn how to grade and get rid of some noise on the videos (i really struggle with that...). Thank you!!!!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I'm glad I restored your faith in the C100 mark ii! I think in a few years 4k will be more necessary but for now you can get away with 1080p. The C100 also has the advantage of being much easier to shoot with, which should also make your footage better. It's in my list of future videos!

[@pilsplease7561]

@@AlwaysCinematic yeah, i always shoot in 1080p for everything regardless of if i can shoot 4k because I just prefer the workflow and I dont really care about higher res as most people still dont have gear to properly play it back.

[@naormeningher]

AMAZING video!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you!

[@francisjtuk]

Ok well you seem to know your onions so I’d like to ask a couple of questions : for corporate video work is this a good unit given that it doesn’t have 4K ? Is the 8 bit codec limiting if you need to grade ? I mainly do corporate videos. Used to use a 5dmkiii (I know, I know but it’s still a great little workhorse) but would like to consign that to b cam duties and get a stronger cam A that matches it well enough. Question is - gh5s or c100 used ?

[@Inspiration-ITV]

Thank you for this detail. I'm still a very, very long way from liking this camera (it was recommended by a pro so I just foolishly bought it) but now I'll give it a 5th chance!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I'm glad you found it useful! Yes it is getting a bit dated now, but if you play to its strengths it's still possible to get good footage out of it.

[@coffeygrinds]

I bought this camera right before the lock down so I haven't had it out much. I love the tips. I will use them. Im looking for a monitor for better framing..any suggestions? 5 inch or 7. I like the filter idea a lot cheaper then a matte box that are fun to look at but Ill never attach it, perhaps to look cool or have the polarizer..Thanks Ive watched some of your other videos. Andrew Chicago

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Yes lockdown has made getting test footage harder! I have an Atomos Ninja Inferno (7 inch) and I much prefer it over the 5 inch monitors I've used. I think matte boxes only work well when you have a complete camera rig which I don't have right now due to size and price. Thank you, I hope you enjoyed them!

[@jsvisionsphotovideo5926]

Great information! Any suggestions on CP for wedding events?

[@BenMorgan1988]

This video was super helpful. I’m having issues with constant strobing and flickering on the c100 when filming inside with LED and artificial light, tried lots of different things with shutter speed and changing settings but still no luck. Any advice?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! Unfortunately the best way is to use your own film lights when possible. Maybe try some sort of deflicker plugin

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

I never had a client request a 4k delivery and in most real life working situations slapping a LUT on the footage is 90% of the color grading I'm doing. This camera sounds like a good option for me

[@daedaebrown]

Thank you for this video

[@willnewnham3557]

Some great information there. It's worth noting that in the US youtube's 1080p compression is horrendous; users can get a lot more out of the camera by upscaling footage to 4K. All of that hard work is wasted when youtube squashes the bitrate.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! That's a good point, KZbin upload settings might make a good video...

[@Sutterjack]

Good point! I used to think it was something wrong that I was doing that my C100 footage looked like crap on KZbin - I'm using Vimeo more because of that-

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Yes the videos always look so much nicer on Vimeo, but sadly there isn’t enough traffic there to make it worth while for most projects.

[@rithhouroudom]

Do you have glitching when editing MTS file in resolve? Is there anyway to avoid that without using external recorder?

[@sergeantcrow]

Just discovered channel.. Thoroughly enjoyed.. Subbed... Thank you.. I'm guessing these tips apply to other cams too...

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! Yes they do, although other cameras have their own quirks which makes a few of the tips less relevant.

[@TheManOfTheeYear]

You just sold me on this camera in 2022!

[@bramskilove]

Thank you! Would you recommend using an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja V ?

[@messyfilms6325]

I THINK you can get 10 bit on external recording so I’d say go for it.

[@ragkong]

You my friend deserve many more subscribers.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you :D

[@karsten24]

Hello - I just got a C100 MKII and found in the manual this note: When the aperture value used is F11 or higher, Dual Pixel CMOS AF will not work and the camera will focus using contrast-detection autofocus. - that was really surprising. Do you know why DPAF is aputure dependend?

[@AlexLopez-iy4by]

Thank you for helpful video.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I’m glad you found it useful!

[@RagedContinuum]

Thanks - maybe I should unbox my c100 and start using it

[@Dijah]

what lens do u use ?

[@Frank290578]

I use the c100 mk1. But I don.t like to use c-log. I use a tweaked c-log preset so it does not look flat. Then I only have to do little grading in final cut. I use CinemaEx and NTclog2 . And it looks super. I record on the ninja blade

[@mikesabey7663]

Great video mate, I’ve got the RP but there’s tons in there useful for me 👍🏻 I do wish I had c log though

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful! Have you tried any of the 3rd party log options like the EOSHD log profile or Cinestyle?

[@mikesabey7663]

@@AlwaysCinematic Oh yes, highly useful, I had the cinestyle on my M50, but ive only just got the RP and have not installed it yet! that's on my to do list this week ha ha

[@Jonalexher]

Awesome content man, these were all really great tips. Subbed, can't wait to see new stuff! Thinking of getting the C100 mark ii or the C300 which are in a similar price range, still looking at both and this helped a lot, thinking of getting the C100 mark ii for documentary stuff and narrative as well. Thanks 🍻

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! :D I'd go for the C100 ii if only for the dual pixel autofocus. Yes it's a very good documentary camera. I'm interested to see what will happen when the R5 comes out as even though it's a completely different camera I recon it's going to be incredibly popular for video!

[@UdayDutt]

Great video👍👍

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you 👍

[@marcusjayallen]

thanks so much for this video

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@isahtl]

Hey, thank you for this video! I am trying to figure out what camera to get for handheld shooting. I will need to move after the talents a lot, shoot when walking etc. just like you did at 5:36. Did you use gimbal? Is there any chance to shoot handheld without any gimbal/steadicam/tripod? How shaky is the image? Thank you so much again!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Yes I used a gimbal for that shot, handheld is fine but once you start moving a gimbal will make your shots look perfect!

[@Fernandomcp]

Great video! Could you please suggest a STM lense? Is the one featured a 17-55 F2.8? Thanks you!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

The one I used is the 18-55 STM, I'd recommend that or maybe the 18-135 STM if you want an all in one lens and don't mind having a slower aperture.

[@potvoramedia]

Hi, just finished watching this C100 video and since I have one C100 ordered and on the way, I would like to know your opinion on what's the best affordable lens to use. I intend to buy 24-105 f/4 L IS USM, but is it a good choice not only in terms of the picture quality (you've mentioned this lens in the video, so I assume it's better than going for Sigma), but also in terms of the compatibility, stabilization and especially the range? I am kinda newbie in the area and even though I used to do a lot of photoshooting back in the days, filming is rather new to me. Is the lower end (24) sufficient or going to 16-35 would make more sense? Anyway, your video was one of those with the highest information value, I enjoyed every bit of it and I want to say thank you for it. You've assured me that going for C100 instead of the mirrorless (was consideting R6 for a while) is a rock-solid decision, not just some infatuation, which was the case of R6. Thank you and bye!

[@professionalpotato4764]

I don't have a C100, but the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 is probably the best lens I've used so far. Really good buy. Since the C100 is a Super35 sensor, there's not much need to get FF lenses, and if they aren't L lenses, chances are it's not going to be as sharp as APS-C lenses. If you need reach, the Sigma 50-100 is nice.

[@CaravanMovies]

Does it shoot 4k ?

[@stephenbrouillette4541]

Sitting here on my phone, the examples you gave recorded with the external recorder looked SO much better. Maybe KZbin did something which gave an edge to one of them?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Interesting, maybe you’ve just got better eyesight than me 😂

[@rickraub5448]

How do you get to the picture profile selection menu? I just bought a used c100 mark2 with no user manual. I'm new and want to start out with wide DR ( I'm still using imovie with no color correction options). Can't figure out how to select the different profile options. Thanks.

[@AlwaysCinematic]

If you find the cinema lock in one of the menus that should force the camera into Clog (I don’t have my C100 anymore)

[@jonnylakewood7767]

Really good info for new C100 MII owners, like me! Especially the info on native ISO and exposure characteristics that were confusing to me. Nicely done video. Maybe you can help with a tech problem with the Oled screen. When I flip it out and turn it forward so talent can see themselves, the image is upside down; even if I turn when I turn the ‘mirror image’ setting to on. Also, when close the Oled back into the body,with the screen facing out, it turns off. Do I have an some option setting overriding these issues. If so, I can’t find info anywhere. I hope you can shed some light. I am looking forward to more videos!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you, I'm glad you found the video helpful! Unfortunately if does rather sound like you have a fault with your oled screen, in particular the orientation sensors. The mirror image setting will only flip your image horizontally when it's turned to face forwards (towards the talent). If it's still new might be worth getting it fixed as Canon is generally pretty good with repairs, especially with pro products. More videos are defintly coming up!

[@jonnylakewood7767]

Thanks AC. I was afraid of that. I'll get it checked out, thank you for your input. Your channel is great!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I hope it gets resolved quickly! Thanks! :)

[@isahtl]

Perhaps a silly question, but do you know if macbook pro mid 2012 (8gb memory, i7) would be enough to edit videos shot with canon c100 mkii?

[@swaygfx]

Nice video man, can you say which is better, the mp4 or ac?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you, I prefer MP4

[@Strangelovefilms]

Great content! I'm still having a hard time in grading clog using fop X... any tips? lots etc? thank you

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! Ensuring your image is properly balanced is one of the most important tips, one that I wish I paid more attention to earlier! I find it's easiest to start with the master exposure wheel, increase it until your image is a bit overexposed then drag each wheel down until your image is properly exposed. Have you watched colour grading central's videos? I find they are very helpful.

[@alloneword154]

Is c log the cinema profile?

[@ATreeForFive]

Is the C100 mk II a good camera for real estate video work in 2021 ?

[@LampeProductions_nl]

Hey man, great tips! If got a question, is there any IQ loss when shooting 60p vs 30p? If I see correctly there is no higher bitrate when you shoot 60p. And, would you still buy it today?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you! It's pretty minimal, theoretically there should be some as you're using a 50% higher bitrate but for double (at least) the number of frames). In reality I don't consider it an issue, the slow mo footage looks equally as good as the 24fps and they're both pretty compressed anyway. Potentially. Ideally if at all possible I'd get the C200 as it's so much better, but if you want a cinema camera form factor for around £2500 and don't need 4k then it's still worth considering.

[@CGP_Films92]

Could these tips be theoretically used for the C100 mk1 as well? I’d like to be able to upgrade to the mkll but I’ve just got the mk1 at the moment.

[@WhenWillILearn]

Yeah, I’ve used the c100 for years and all this applies

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Yes they do, all except the slow motion tip. Slow motion is a much more complicated affair with the mark I and involves forcing your NLE to deinterlace footage in a certain way. In your position I probably wouldn't upgrade to a mk ii as they're quite similar overall. Putting the money towards a C200 or C300 iii would be a better investment.

[@CGP_Films92]

Always Cinematic In the week I made this comment I’ve actually purchased a Sony Fs100 as a second camera lol But I will for sure still use and love my c100 as I always have. Thanks for the reply and for making this video!

[@markthompsonmedia]

I'm still using my C100 mk ii's and nearly all way on tripods these days so (re: video at 10:40) I have 2 Zacuto grip locators for sale if anyone is interested. As I'm running my cameras as B cameras I am also shooting at 59.94fps x 360° shutter angle. This allows me to capture sound, a good looking 29.97 with equivalent 180° shutter angle in the time line but also gives me the option for slow motion.

[@TylerBerry]

Still recommend to buy it now? Does it have clog?

[@Troy_Sent_A_Message]

Is there any way to remap buttons from slowmo to normal mode? If so what buttons did you sacrifice? I saw one video you mention remapping slowmo but didn't go into details

[@AlwaysCinematic]

I use the AF lock button on the C100 body to bring up the slow/fast menu recording. From that menu I can either select slow motion or normal speed using the joy stick. Sadly it's an extra step but it appears to be the best solution.

[@Troy_Sent_A_Message]

@@AlwaysCinematic Okay got it. So do you use MP4 24mps frame rate 23.98 (normal mode shooting), and AVCHD 28mps frame rate 59.94 for slow mo so you can get sound?

[@b1llmoo]

My biggest issue is a reflection on sunny days, I bought a hood, and put non-reflective tape on the screen. Is there anything else I can do

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Are you using an external monitor? Whilst they can be a bit expensive, my Atomos Ninja Inferno has helped so much when it comes to seeing my image clearly. In really bright conditions I will sometimes use the viewfinder.

[@hariswami4827]

Great video. I wish you would consider cutting down the 5 sec title which really is boring and could save over 2 mins in overall length. Learned a lot 🙏🏼

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Yes, I’ve seen people clock off in the analytics, won’t be putting them in anymore!

[@denverplaatjies619]

Hi what is the best format to shoot Mp4 or AVCHD

[@AlwaysCinematic]

It makes very little difference to the image, ADCHD can record at 28mbps as opposed to mp4 which only goes up to 24mbps, so AVCHD files will be very very slightly higher quality. But I find the mp4 files are more convenient to work with so I always use them.

[@denverplaatjies619]

Ok Thans The new C100 mark 2 can record AVCHD highest 28mbps where the MP4 highest is 35mbps .so the higher the bitrate the better the quality.

[@ElyJrTheatre]

Is there a link to watch the shorts you filmed with the C100?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Have a look at Gap Year In Blandston

[@ElyJrTheatre]

@@AlwaysCinematic ok cool, just found it!! So all these episodes were shot on the C100 Mark II? Looks good!!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Yes, I shot them all with a C100 ii going into an Atomos recorder. Thank you!

[@jessraymer968]

Just purchased a c 100 what starter lenses would you recommend

[@AlwaysCinematic]

The sigma 18-35 f1.8 is great if you don’t need autofocus, otherwise a 24-105 is extremely useful

[@marcomarcolini6494]

I second the 24-105 with IS

[@alloneword154]

This or a 5d mark iv?

[@VeranoDulce]

👍🎥

[@burniemaurins2382]

Can I ask what software you use for post editing to grade your images?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Always use DaVinci Resolve, and the Dehancer Plugin for some film emulation

[@burniemaurins2382]

@@AlwaysCinematic Thanks, got the hang of the camera, next step is to tidy up the work now.

[@burniemaurins2382]

I tried to download the free version and it doesn't work, oh well I will carry on just down loading straight from the camera then, guess there's no such thing as a free lunch then.

[@burniemaurins2382]

Looks like my computer is too old, it doesn't like my video card

[@joe55514]

Now imagine someone on a safari stops down until all zebras in the viewfinder are gone and leaves with pitch black footage 😂

[@AlwaysCinematic]

😂😂😂

[@zachjohnson9859]

What software is best for color grading?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Davinci Resolve

[@zachjohnson9859]

@@AlwaysCinematic ok thanks!

[@Troy_Sent_A_Message]

Right at 5:00 you mention keep skin tones at 70%? 70% zebra's on the face? Asking as another heavy C100mkii user mentions he just exposes 70% zebra's on the face, checking to see if that's what has been working best for you as well?

[@lovefirst6157]

Yeah 65-70 ire is what you want to aim for Caucasian skin

[@mrsnoo86]

but but but... what is exactly Cinematic? i see everybody now on KZbin that making a stylized vlog, wedding, travel vlog, etc they call it and claim it Cinematic. what is exactly the word Cinematic means? me learning editing and capturing videos from the Windows XP era with Cyberlink PowerDirector and Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5, i NEVER heard a word named CINEMATIC. do i missing something?

[@sydneyvillacortabuer9748]

Anyone know what lenses he used?

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Sigma, 24-105, Sigma 18-35, Canon 35mm f1.4 ii, Canon 85mm f1.4 IS, Canon 18-55 STM, EOS R with the RF 24-105 f4

[@mkflavvideo]

wow i didnt know c100 native iso was 800 wow

[@DuffTV]

The c70 has amazing roll off built in. BUT it dont have the c100 form factor! Rrrr

[@wajikay]

C I N E M A T I C

[@AlwaysCinematic]

CiNeMaTiC

[@wajikay]

Always Cinematic *takes a shot* but seriously great video, you provided some really good insight!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thanks, I'm glad it was useful!

[@dudedavid522]

wheres that external recorder video? come back!

[@AlwaysCinematic]

It's been uploaded to my channel!

[@luk7n]

How to get cinematic footig from cinema camera, really?

[@avinashrawal7928]

Piece of shit camera for $2600.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Terrible advice. Exposing to the right is a hipsterism that really doesn’t work. Unlike film, digital is quick to blow heights, even a stop over. Digital is better at shadow recovery than highlight recovery

[@AlwaysCinematic]

"without over exposing"

[@Winegretta_Bloomberg]

Dude, you you talk so much about log-gamma, color correction, etc. But the color of your videos is just awful. Much worse than the color in the standard camera profile. Sorry :D

[@AlwaysCinematic]

Thank you Greta

[@colepena5629]

someone is having a bad day

[@Vrayanderson6018]

what do you think this cam is now selling for £550? good deal right

[@orangebetsy]

The DJI RONIN has motorized rack focus work great with the pocket 4K but no way to fly the c100