Canon cinema EOS C500 PL User Manual

							41
Connecting to a 4K- or 2K-Compatible External Recorder
Connecting to a 4K- or 2K-Compatible External Recorder
When you use this camera to make 4K or 2K recordings, you must connect the camera to an external recorder* 
using the 3G-SDI terminals. In addition  to a video signal, the 3G-SDI terminals output an audio signal, time code 
signal, metadata and clip name information. Output from  the 3G-SDI terminal is enabled by default but if it has 
been disabled, you must enable it after you connect the camera to the external recorder. 
Refer also to the external recorder’s instruction manual for details on how to record.
* To make 4K recordings, the external recorder must be compatible with Canon RAW files. Refer to Canon’s Web site for the latest  
information on compatible recorders. 
1 Unscrew the screw on the MON./3G-SDI terminal cover and pull 
the cover out.
2 Connect two commercially available BNC cables to the camera’s  3G-SDI terminals and the external recorder.
• Refer to the external recorder’s instruction manual for details.
3 Open the [3G-SDI Output] submenu.
[ 4K/2K/MXF Setup] >  [3G-SDI Output]
4 Select [On] and then press SET.
IMPORTANT
• After you connect the camera to the external recorder, make  a test recording first to check if they are operating 
correctly.
NOTES
• You can also remove the MON./3G-SDI terminal cover by  sliding the screw toward the back of the camera and 
then pulling it outward along with the cover.
• If you do not intend to use the 3G-SDI terminals in other situations, set the camera to MXF mode ( A 64 ) and 
then close the MON./3G-SDI terminal cover in order to  conserve the camera’s power. When you do so, the 
camera can record only in MXF mode.
• You can use the [ ~ Camera Setup] >  [Color Space] setting to configure the color space of the video output 
from the 3G-SDI terminal and MON. terminals to DC I-P3+, Cinema Gamut or BT. 2020. When checking the 
output, you will need a display device th at is compatible with each color space.
Operating modes:
[
 4K/2K/MXF Setup]
[3G-SDI Output] [On] 
						

							Connecting to a 4K- or 2K-Compatible External Recorder
42
Video signal output from the 3G-SDI terminalsThe following summarizes the video signal output from the 3G-SDI terminals for general shooting situations. The 
figures in parentheses apply to 2K mode.
1Both 3G-SDI 1 terminal and 3G-SDI 2 terminal are required . The output from each terminal differs by one frame. 2The signals output from 3G-SDI 1 terminal and 3G-SDI 2 terminal are the same.
The following summarizes the video signal output from the 3G-SDI terminals for slow & fast motion mode.
1When the shooting frame rate is enclosed by brackets on the screen, this indicates that both 3G-SDI terminals are necessary to 
record the 3G-SDI output signal using an external recorder. 
2The signals output from 3G-SDI 1 terminal and 3G-SDI 2 terminal are the same.3Both 3G-SDI terminals combine to output this signal.
NOTES
• Depending on the external recorder, you may not be  able to record at the desired video configuration.
Video configuration (A60)Output signal
System priority /
Recording modeFrame rate3G-SDI 1  terminal3G-SDI 2 terminal
4K / RAW
2K /   12-bit
2K /   10-bit
59.94P29.97P129.97P1
29.97P29.97P229.97P2
23.98P23.98P223.98P2
50.00P25.00P1 25.00P1
25.00P25.00P225.00P2
24.00P24.00P224.00P2
4K / HRAW
4K / 4K1K RAW
2K /   10-bit59.94P29.97PsF2 (59.94P2)29.97PsF2 (59.94P2)
50.00P25.00PsF2 (50.00P2)25.00PsF2 (50.00P2)
Video configurationOutput signal
System priority /
Recording modeSystem
frequencyFrame rate
(slow & fast motion)3G-SDI 1  terminal3G-SDI 2 terminal
4K / RAW
2K /   12-bit
2K /   10-bit59.94 Hz
24.00 Hz1 to 301 to 30P21 to 30P2
32 to 60132 to 60P3
50.00 Hz1 to 251 to 25P21 to 25P2
26 to 50126 to 50P3
4K / HRAW
4K / 4K1K RAW
2K /   10-bit59.94 Hz
24.00 Hz1 to 601 to 60P21 to 60P2
62 to 120162 to 120P3
50.00 Hz1 to 501 to 50P21 to 50P2
52 to 100152 to 100P3 
						

							43
Preparing Recording Media
Preparing Recording Media
The camera records MXF clips to 1 CompactFlash (CF) cards and photos* to . SD and / SDHC memory 
cards. The camera is equipped with two CF  card slots. Initialize recording media (A45) when you use them 
with this camera for the first time.
* The camera can record custom picture files and a camera settings file onto the SD card as well. The SD card serves also to sto re 
user memo files created with the Canon XF Utility  software (A154) that you can then read and embed in the clips’ metadata.
Compatible CF cards
You can use UDMA-compatible* Type I CF cards with a cap acity of at least 512 MB with the camera. For more 
details on cards that can be used, visit your local Canon Web site.
* The Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) specification allows data to be transferred between the CF card and device at high  transfer speeds (measured in MB/s). Depending on the CF card, you may not be able to record even when using a UDMA-
compatible CF card.
IMPORTANT
• About high capacity CF cards   You can use CF cards with a capacit y of 128 GB or larger with this 
camcorder but such CF car ds are initialized using the exFAT file system.
- When using exFAT-formatted CF cards with other devices  (digital recorders, card readers, etc.), make sure 
that the external device is compatib le with exFAT. For more information on compatibility, contact the 
computer, operating system or memory card manufacturer.
- If you use exFAT-formatted CF cards with a computer OS that is not exFAT-compatible, you may be  prompted to format the CF card. In such case,  cancel the operation to prevent data loss.
NOTES
• Proper operation cannot be gu aranteed for all CF cards.
Inserting a CF Card
You can insert a CF card into CF card slot A or slot B. If you have two 
CF cards, you can use both slots.
1 Slide the CF card slot cover switch in the direction of the 
arrow.
• The CF card slot cover will open upward (slot A) or downward 
(slot B).
2 Insert the CF card straight, with the label facing up, all the way into the slot.
3 Close the CF card slot cover.
• Do not force the cover closed if the CF card is not correctly  inserted. 
						

							Preparing Recording Media
44
Checking the Status of the CF Card Slots
You can check the status of the CF card slots immediately by looking 
at the CF 2/CF 3 access indicator. Refer to the following table.
Removing a CF card
1 Wait until the access indicator for the card slot with the CF 
card to be removed is off.
2 Slide the CF card slot cover switch in the direction of the arrow.
• The CF card slot cover will open upward (slot A) or downward  (slot B).
3 Push the CF card release button.
• The release button partially pops out.
4 Push in the CF card release button to release the CF card.
5 Pull the CF card all the way out and close the CF card slot 
cover.
IMPORTANT
• Observe the following precautions while the CF 2 or CF 3 access 
indicator is illuminated in red. Failure to do so may result in 
permanent data loss.
- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camera.
- Do not open the cover of the CF card slot being accessed.
NOTES
• If you set the [ wOther Functions]  > [Media Access LED] function to [Off], the access indicators will not 
illuminate.
Inserting and Removing an SD Card
1 Turn off the camera.
2 Open the SD card slot cover.
3 Insert the SD card all the way into the SD card slot until it clicks.
• The SD card slot is positioned at an angle. Align the SD card straight 
in relation to the SD card slot, with the label facing the lens.
4 Close the SD card slot cover.
• Do not force the cover closed if the SD card is not correctly inserted.
Access indicator colorCF card slot status
RedAccessing CF card.
GreenRecording/playback is possible and the CF card slot is 
selected for recording/playback.
Indicator offA CF card is not inserted, the CF card slot is not currently 
selected, or the CF card is not being accessed.
,
,
SD card access 
indicator 
						

							45
Preparing Recording Media
IMPORTANT
• Observe the following precautions while the SD card access  indicator is flashing. Failure to do so may result in 
permanent data loss.
- Do not disconnect the power source or turn off the camera.
- Do not remove the SD card.
• Turn off the camera before inserting or removing an  SD card. Inserting or removing the SD card with the 
camera on may result in permanent data loss.
• SD cards have front and back sides that are not in terchangeable. Inserting an SD card facing the wrong 
direction can cause a malfunction of the camera. Be su re to insert the SD card as described in step 3.
NOTES
• To remove the SD card:  Push the SD card once to release it. When  the SD card springs out, pull it all the way 
out.
• If you set the [ wOther Functions]  > [Media Access LED] function to [Off], the access indicators will not 
illuminate.
Initializing the Recording Media
The first time you use any recording media with this camera,  initialize it first. You can also initialize a recording 
media to permanently delete all the data it contains.
When initializing an SD card, you can select quick initialization, which clears the file allocation table but does not 
physically erase the stored data, or complete initialization, which deletes all data completely.
1 Open the [Initialize Media] submenu.
[ w Other Functions]  > [Initialize Media]
2 Select [CF A], [CF B] or [SD Card] and then press SET.
To initialize a CF card
3 Select [OK] and then press SET.
4 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
• The CF card is initialized and all  the data it contains is erased.
To initialize an SD card
3 Select [Complete] (complete initialization) or [Quick] (quick initialization) and then press SET.
4 Select [OK] and then press SET.
• If you are using the [Complete] initialization option, pr ess SET twice to cancel the operation while it is in 
progress. You can use the SD card but all data will be erased.
5 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
• The SD card is initialized and all the data it contains is erased.
IMPORTANT
• Initializing a recording media will permanently erase all data, including clips with an  $ mark, protected photos, 
and custom picture files. Lost data cannot be recove red. Make sure you save important recordings in 
advance.
• Depending on the SD card, the complete in itialization may take up to a few minutes.
Operating modes:
[
w Other Functions]
[Initialize Media] 
						

							Preparing Recording Media
46
NOTES
• While recording on a CF card, you can initialize another CF  card in the other CF card slot.
• If you set an assignable button to [Initialize Media] ( A111), you can press the button to open the initialization 
submenu.
Switching Between the CF Card Slots
The camera features two CF card slots, CF 2 (CF card slot A) and CF 3 
(CF card slot B). If both slots contai n a CF card, you can switch between 
them as necessary.
Press the SLOT SELECT button.
• The access indicator of the selected CF card slot will illuminate in green. On the screen, the CF card selected 
is indicated with a  Ð mark next to the CF card icon  and in the rear panel, with a Î mark on top of the CF 
card icon.
NOTES
• If both CF card slots contain a CF card  and you open the cover of the selected 
slot, the camera will automatically  switch to the other slot.
• You cannot use the SLOT SELECT butto n to switch between CF card slots 
while recording.
• When using an optional WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter, you can also switch  between CF card slots remotely by pr essing [SLOT SELECT] on the Wi-Fi 
Remote screen.
Selecting the CF Card Recording Method
The camera features two useful CF card recording me thods, relay recording and double slot recording.
Relay recording: This function allows you to continue recording on another CF card without interruption if the CF 
card you are using becomes full. Relay recording is availa ble from CF card slot A to CF card slot B, and vice 
versa.
Double slot recording: This function records the same  clip simultaneously to both CF cards, which is a 
convenient way to make a backup copy of your recording while you record.
To use relay recording
By default, this function is activated . If it has been deactivated, follow the 
procedure below to activate it.
1 Open the [Relay Rec] submenu.
[ 4K/2K/MXF Setup] >  [Set CF Card Slot] > [Relay Rec]
2 Select [On] and then press SET. Operating modes:
Operating modes:
[  4K/2K/MXF Setup]
[Set CF Card Slot] [Relay Rec] [On] 
						

							47
Preparing Recording Media
To use double slot recording
1 Open the [Double Slot Rec] submenu.[ 4K/2K/MXF Setup] >  [Set CF Card Slot] > [Double Slot Rec]
2 Select [On] and then press SET.
NOTES
• When the bit rate is set to 50 Mbps ( A60), relay recording is not 
available during slow motion recording.
• If a CF card becomes full during double slot recording, recording on both cards will stop. On the other hand, if  an error occurs with one of the cards, recording will continue on the other card.
• Double slot recording cannot be used with rela y recording or slow & fast motion recording.
Checking the Available Recording Time for CF Cards
When the camera is in   mode, the display on the upper left of the screen indicates which CF card slot is in 
use and the available recording time (in minutes*) that  remains on each CF card. The same information is 
displayed in the rear panel. When the camera is in   mode, the available r ecording time is displayed only in 
the rear panel.
On the [Media] status screen ( A181), you can check the total space and  used space of each recording media, 
as well as the available recording time* on each CF car d and the available number of photos on the SD card.
* The approximate available recording time is based on the current bit rate ( A60).
Recovering Data on the CF Card
Some actions, such as suddenly turnin g off the camera or removing the CF card while data is being recorded, 
can cause data errors on the CF card.  In such case, you may be able to recover the data on the CF card. 
1 Insert the CF card with the data to be recovered into the camera.
2 When the screen prompts you to recover the data, select [OK] and then press SET.
3 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
NOTES
• This procedure will delete clips shorter than 10 seconds in length. Additionally, up to 10 seconds will be  deleted from the end of clips on the CF card.
• In some cases, data may not be recovered, such as when  the FAT32 file system is corrupted or the CF card is 
physically damaged.
• While recording on a CF card, you can recover data from another CF card  by inserting it into the other CF card 
slot.
Operating modes: [
 4K/2K/MXF Setup]
[Set CF Card Slot] [Double Slot Rec] [Off] 
						

							Adjusting the Black Balance
48
Adjusting the Black Balance
You can have the camera adjust the black balance automatically when ambient temperature changes 
considerably or if there is a noticeable  change in a true black video signal.
1 Open the [ABB] screen.
[~  Camera Setup]  > [ABB]
2 Attach the body cap to the lens mount.
• If a lens was attached, remove the lens and replace the body cap.
3 Select [OK] and then press SET.
• The automatic black balance procedure will start.
4 When the confirmation message appears, press SET.
• If the body cap is not correctly attached, [Error]  will appear on the screen. Press SET and repeat the 
procedure from the beginning.
NOTES
• Adjusting the black balance may be necessary in the following cases: - When using the camera for the very first time or after a long period of not using it.
- After sudden or extreme chan ges in ambient temperature.
- After changing the ISO speed/gain settings.
• The automatic black balance procedure will take approximately 40 seconds when the frame rate is set to  23.98P or 24.00P.
• During the adjustment of the black ba lance, you may notice some irregular displays appear on the screen. This 
is not a malfunction.
• Resetting the camera’s settings using the [ w Other Functions]  > [Reset]  > [All Settings] or [Camera 
Settings] menu option will reset also the black balance adjustment. In such case, perform the procedure again.
Operating modes:
[
~  Camera Setup]
[ABB] 
						

							49
Operating the Camera Remotely
Operating the Camera Remotely
There are two methods in which the camera can be operated remotely. The first is to connect the optional 
RC-V100 Remote Controller to the camera’s REMOTE term inal. The second is to attach the optional WFT-E6 
Wireless File Transmitter to the camera’s WFT te rminal to use the Wi-Fi Remote application.
Using the RC-V100 Remote Controller
You can connect the optional RC-V100 Remote Contro ller to control the camera (including the advanced 
recording functions) from a distance. The remote controller lets you turn the camera on, navigate the menus and 
remotely control the aperture ( 2) and shutter speed, change pictur e-related settings like the knee and 
sharpness, and more.
Use the cable supplied with the remote controller to conn ect it to the camera. For details on how to connect and 
use the remote controller, re fer to its instruction manual.
1 Turn off the camera and connect the optional RC-V100 Remote 
Controller to the camera.
2 Turn on the camera and open the [REMOTE Term.] submenu.
   [ w Other Functions]  > [REMOTE Term.]
3 Select [RC-V100] and then press SET.
Options
NOTES
• The camera’s ND filter cannot be changed using the ND button on the remote controller.
• The following controls on the remote controller will not operate the camera: AGC button, AUTO KNEE button,  AWB button, AF button and AUTO IRIS button.
• The ZOOM button on the remote controller will operate the lens only when a CINE-SERVO CN7x17 KAS S/E1  lens is attached to the camera.
• Depending on when you purchased the lens, to be ab le to control a CINE-SERVO CN7x17 KAS S/E1 lens 
using Browser Remote you may need to update the le ns’s firmware. For details, consult a Canon Service 
Center.
• Adjusting picture-related setti ngs with the remote controller can be perfor med only after a custom picture file is 
selected ( A114).
Operating modes:
[RC-V100]: Select this option to use the optional RC-V100 Remote Controller.
[Standard]: Select this option to use commercially available remote controls.
Connection cable
(supplied with the RC-V100) REMOTE A terminal
[
w Other Functions]
[REMOTE Term.] [Standard] 
						

							Operating the Camera Remotely
50
Remote Operation Via the Wi-Fi Remote Application
You can attach an optional WFT-E6 Wireless F ile Transmitter to the camera and operate the 
camera remotely via Wi-Fi Remote, a Web browser application that can be accessed using 
the Web browser on any device compatible  with Wi-Fi networks*. The Wi-Fi Remote 
application lets you monitor the image throug h live view, start and stop recording and 
remotely control the shutter speed, ISO speed/g ain and other settings. You can also create, 
edit and transfer a metadata profile, set various shot marks and check  the recording media, 
remaining recording time, time code, etc.
* For details about compatible devices, operating systems, Web browsers, etc. please visit your local Canon  Web site.
Preparing the System for Wi-Fi Remote
To be able to operate the camera remotely via the Wi-Fi Re mote application you will need to attach an optional 
WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter to the camera’s WFT  terminal and complete the wireless network setup. 
Download ‘WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter - Guide for Canon Camcorders’ (PDF file) from your local Canon 
Web site and follow the instructions to complete the necessary setup. Operating modes: