IBC 2012: Canon has launched the EOS C100, a compact video camera based on the firm’s C300 device.

Canon said the C100, which is 15% smaller than the C300, has a range of automatic features that make it suited to documentary makers, news shooters and videographers.

The camera has an interchangeable EF mount lens system and Canon’s Super 35mm 8.3MP Bayer-filtered CMOS sensor.

It shoots AVCHD, with the CMOS sensor recording 1920 x 1080 resolution at 24Mbps with 4:2:0 colour sampling.

It shoots 24/25/30p and 50/60i frame rates and has an ISO range of 320-20,000.

The camera can record to two SD card slots simultaneously or separately, switching cards when one becomes full.

In-camera down-conversion allows operators to convert HD footage stored on one card to SD resolution on the other.

An HDMI output allows uncompressed video to be captured on external recorders.

A stereo microphone is built into the camera’s detachable handle, alongside audio control dials and two XLR outputs.

An auto focus button enables users to check focus, with the central image area automatically checked before recording.

‘Push Auto Iris’ evaluates exposure and makes any required adjustments before shooting, while ‘Auto White Balance’ uses Canon’s Digic DV III image processor to detect and balance colour information.

A new graphical user interface allows videographers to adjust standard camera settings using the LCD screen.

Operators can fine-tune Gamma settings, with the camera displaying ‘before’ and ‘after’ curves on-screen, while white balance settings can be altered using the camera’s joystick lever, with a colour/plane graphic displaying the amount of compensation being applied in real time.

A firmware update in 2013 will add support for continuous, automatic focus and iris adjustment.

Canon said the camera would be available in late November for £4,799.

Hall 11 Stand D55