The Go-anywhere Cine-camera
The birth of the EOS C300 Cinema Camera revolutionized the world of moviemaking. Here, we introduce you to the equally compelling backstory.
In the days of traditional cinematography, several crewmembers would be required to painstakingly manage each film camera — typically a large, heavy piece of equipment — to ensure optimal image capture. At the same time, moviemakers were always on the lookout for new approaches to visual expression that went beyond the capabilities of conventional equipment.
This search led filmmakers to develop an interest in the EOS 5D Mark II, Canon's digital SLR camera.
The Birth of the Cinema EOS System
The EOS 5D Mark II triggered a boom among moviemakers thanks to its compact body, full-sized 35mm CMOS sensors, and EF lenses with the ability to create the evocative out-of-focus blur known as "bokeh." In their quest for novel approaches to cinematic expression, camera operators began taking advantage of the expressiveness and convenient maneuverability of the EOS 5D Mark II. Canon lost no time building on this enthusiasm by developing the EOS C300 Cinema EOS System featuring digital technology and compatibility with more than 60 types of EF lenses.
This innovative system resulted when the imaginative designers of this product — Manabu Inoue, Hiroyuki Kimura, Hiroaki Ohashi, Masaaki Igarashi and Tomoyuki Shigeta — decided to take up the development challenge.
Designer Profile
Design Center
Manabu Inoue
Since joining Canon in 1991, I have been involved in designing printers, notebook PCs, displays, and video cameras. I am currently responsible for designing professional video cameras. My goal is to create practical, uncompromising designs with serviceable functions that truly respond to the needs of users.
Design Center
Hiroyuki Kimura
I have long been involved in designing single-lens reflex and professional video cameras. In recent years, I have designed interchangeable lenses for television broadcasters as well as single-lens reflex cameras and various accessories. I am very fond of camera accessories, and my own intuition is the inspiration behind my ideas. My aim is to create designs that instil pride of ownership and give their owners many years of pleasure.
Design Center
Hiroaki Ohashi
Before I was given responsibility for designing consumer video cameras and wireless microphones, I gained a lot of experience designing copiers, laser printers, and other business machines. My current duties involve the design of professional video cameras and lenses for cinema cameras. Because my name can be translated as "big bridge," my product design goal is to serve as the link connecting our customers to our technologies by designing innovative, user-friendly products.
Design Center
Masaaki Igarashi
My strengths lie in my varied experience developing production designs for inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines, digital cameras, video cameras, and so on. Currently, my responsibilities cover the design of video cameras, cinema cameras, and lenses. My goal is to create a classic camera that will stand the test of time.
Design Center
Tomoyuki Shigeta
I am responsible for designing the graphical user interface for software, mostly in new product areas such as network cameras and "mixed reality" systems. Every day I try to develop smart designs that succeed at meeting customer needs down to the smallest detail.