SHANGA MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 2 EPISODE 3 THURSDAY APRIL 24TH 2025 FULL EPISODE

Canon EOS C300 Mark III: A Super 35mm Cinema Camera for Professional Filmmakers

The Canon EOS C300 Mark III is a versatile, professional-grade cinema camera that builds on the legacy of Canon’s Cinema EOS lineup. Launched in 2020, it combines a cutting-edge Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor with modular design and advanced autofocus, delivering cinematic quality for filmmakers and broadcasters. This article explores its key features, pricing in the Kenyan market, where to purchase it (new and refurbished), and who this camera is best suited for.


Key Features of the Canon EOS C300 Mark III

The C300 Mark III is designed for flexibility, offering exceptional image quality and workflow efficiency. Here are its standout features:

  1. Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor:
    • The 4K Super 35mm DGO sensor (4096 x 2160, 26.2 x 13.8mm) delivers 16+ stops of dynamic range, capturing detailed highlights and shadows with low noise, even at high ISOs (up to 102,400). The DGO system reads each pixel at two gain levels (high for dark areas, low for bright areas), combining them for superior HDR and clean low-light performance.
  2. High Frame Rates and Recording Options:
    • Records 4K 120fps in Cinema RAW Light (12-bit LT/ST/HQ) or XF-AVC 4:2:2 10-bit, and 2K cropped Super 16 mode at 180fps for slow-motion. Dual CFexpress Type B slots support simultaneous or relay recording, while an SD card slot captures 2K proxy files. The camera is Netflix-approved, meeting industry standards for high-end productions.
  3. Interchangeable Lens Mounts:
    • Ships with an EF mount, compatible with Canon’s DSLR and EF-mount cinema lenses (including 2.0x/1.33x anamorphic lenses). A user-swappable PL mount (sold separately) supports professional PL lenses with Cooke /i Technology metadata. The modular design allows end-user mount changes, enhancing versatility.
  4. Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (DPAF):
    • Features phase-difference autofocus with Face Detection, Eye AF, and touch tracking across 80% of the frame, effective up to 120fps. The Dual Pixel Focus Guide displays a green rectangle for precise manual focus, ideal for critical 4K focusing. Autofocus speed and tracking are customizable.
  5. DIGIC DV7 Image Processor:
    • The DIGIC DV7 processor powers high frame rates, internal RAW recording, HDR-PQ/HLG output, electronic image stabilization (EIS), and proxy recording. It processes raw sensor data for vibrant colors and sharp details, supporting Canon Log 2 (16+ stops) and Log 3 (14 stops) for flexible grading.
  6. Modular Design with Expansion Units:
    • Weighing 1.75 kg (body only), the modular body supports three expansion units (EU-V1, EU-V2, EU-V3) for added functionality, including Genlock/SYNC, RS-422, Ethernet, V-mount battery plates, 4 XLR inputs, and 12-pin lens control. The design is ideal for handheld, gimbal, drone, or studio rigs.
  7. Internal ND Filters:
    • Built-in electronically controlled ND filters (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 stops) enable precise exposure control, maintaining shallow depth of field in bright conditions, perfect for outdoor shoots.
  8. Professional Audio and Connectivity:
    • Supports 4-channel 24-bit 48 kHz audio via two XLR inputs, a 3.5mm mic input, and internal mic, expandable to four XLRs with the EU-V2 unit. Connectivity includes 12G-SDI, HDMI, timecode I/O, genlock, Wi-Fi (for XC protocol control of up to four cameras), and Ethernet. The LANC and RS-422 ports enable remote operation.
  9. 4.3-Inch LM-V2 Touchscreen LCD:
    • The 4.3-inch LM-V2 LCD (2.76M dots) offers touch focus, menu navigation, and visual confirmation of settings. It rotates for flexible viewing and displays tools like Waveform Monitor, Vectorscope, and anamorphic de-squeeze (2.0x/1.33x).
  10. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS):
    • Features 5-axis EIS, effective with lenses supporting data transmission (e.g., EF lenses) or manual focal length input. EIS supports anamorphic lenses but applies a slight crop and skips RAW recording, ensuring stable handheld or gimbal footage.

Pricing in the Kenyan Market

The price of the Canon EOS C300 Mark III in Kenya varies based on whether it’s new or refurbished and the retailer. Below are approximate prices based on available data:

  • New Canon EOS C300 Mark III:
    • International Retailers (shipped to Kenya):
      • B&H Photo Video: ~KSh 1,104,000 (converted from $8,499, body only, excluding shipping and import duties).
      • Amazon: ~KSh 1,104,000 (body only, excluding shipping and duties).
      • CVP: ~KSh 1,104,000 (body only, excluding shipping and duties).
    • Local Retailers:
      • Cellular Kenya: KSh 116,500 (discounted from KSh 148,999, potentially promotional or outdated).
      • Cameras Africa: ~KSh 1,200,000 (body only, contact for stock).
      • Jiji.co.ke: Prices range from KSh 1,100,000–1,400,000, depending on seller and accessories (e.g., EU-V2, PL mount).
  • Refurbished Canon EOS C300 Mark III:
    • Local Market:
      • Jiji.co.ke: Used/refurbished units start at KSh 700,000–1,000,000, depending on condition, hours (e.g., 100–500 hours), and accessories (e.g., CFexpress cards, LM-V2 monitor). Verify seller credibility.
    • International Retailers:
      • eBay: Used units range from KSh 649,000–908,000 (converted from $5,000–$7,000, excluding shipping and duties), often including EVF-V50 or EU-V1.
      • ShareGrid: ~KSh 779,000 (converted from $6,000, used with accessories, excluding shipping and duties).
      • Hot Rod Cameras (Open Box, Zero Hours): ~KSh 1,039,000 (converted from $8,000, full warranty, excluding shipping and duties).

Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change due to currency fluctuations, import duties (16% VAT + 25% customs duty), and promotions. International purchases may add 30–40% in shipping and customs fees. Local prices may not reflect recent international fluctuations, so verify with sellers and factor in additional costs.


Where to Buy the Canon EOS C300 Mark III in Kenya

New Cameras

The C300 Mark III is a professional camera with limited local availability in Kenya. Below are top options for purchasing new units:

  1. Cellular Kenya:
  2. Cameras Africa:
  3. Jiji.co.ke:
    • Location: Nationwide (online marketplace)
    • Price: ~KSh 1,100,000–1,400,000
    • Link: Jiji.co.ke – Canon Cameras
    • Offers: Multiple sellers; verify ratings and condition.
  4. B&H Photo Video:
  5. Amazon:
    • Location: International (ships to Kenya)
    • Price: ~KSh 1,104,000 (body only, excluding shipping/duties)
    • Link: Amazon – Canon EOS C300 Mark III
    • Offers: Wide selection; verify shipping eligibility.

Refurbished Cameras

Refurbished or used C300 Mark III units are available through local and international platforms, offering savings:

  1. Jiji.co.ke:
    • Price: ~KSh 700,000–1,000,000
    • Link: Jiji.co.ke – Canon Cameras
    • Notes: Verify seller reviews, request photos, and confirm hours and accessories (e.g., CFexpress cards).
  2. eBay:
    • Price: ~KSh 649,000–908,000
    • Link: eBay – Canon EOS C300 Mark III
    • Notes: Offers used/refurbished units with accessories; check seller ratings and shipping.
  3. ShareGrid:
  4. Hot Rod Cameras (Open Box):
  5. Amazon Renewed:

Tip: For refurbished units, ensure the camera is tested, includes essential accessories (e.g., LM-V2 monitor, CFexpress cards), and has low operating hours (ideally <500). International retailers like Hot Rod Cameras or eBay offer reliable options, while Jiji.co.ke reduces import complexities but requires careful vetting.


Who the Canon EOS C300 Mark III Is Best For

The Canon EOS C300 Mark III is a professional cinema camera tailored for filmmakers and broadcasters who need high-quality imaging and adaptable workflows. It’s best suited for:

  1. Documentary Filmmakers:
    • The 16+ stops of dynamic range, internal ND filters, and DPAF excel in unpredictable lighting, ideal for documentaries in Kenya’s diverse environments, from urban Nairobi to rural landscapes. Its modular design suits single-operator shoots.
  2. Commercial and Corporate Videographers:
    • 4K 120fps, Cinema RAW Light, and accurate color reproduction (especially skin tones and greens) deliver polished visuals for commercials, PSAs, or branded content, with Frame.io proxy support streamlining client workflows.
  3. Multicamera Production Teams:
    • Genlock, timecode, 12G-SDI, and XC protocol (controlling up to four cameras via smartphone) support live events, music videos, or broadcasts, enhanced by EU-V1/EU-V2 units for studio setups.
  4. Indie Filmmakers:
    • The Netflix-approved codecs, 16-bit RAW, and anamorphic lens support offer cinematic quality for indie films or festival entries, with a lower price point than full-frame options like the C500 Mark II.
  5. Run-and-Gun Shooters:
    • The lightweight modular body, touchscreen controls, and Slow & Fast button enable rapid setup for news, reality TV, or music videos, with EIS ensuring stable handheld footage.

Not Ideal For:

  • Beginners or casual users, as it requires rigging (e.g., monitors, batteries) and technical expertise.
  • Budget-conscious filmmakers, as accessories (e.g., CFexpress cards, PL mounts) add to costs.
  • Photographers, as it’s exclusively video-focused with no stills capabilities.
  • Ultra-high frame rate shooters, as 180fps is limited to 2K cropped mode, trailing cameras like the Sony FX9.

Considerations:

  • Users praise the C300 Mark III’s dynamic range, color science, and autofocus but note the EIS crop skips RAW recording, and the EF mount lacks RF lens compatibility, limiting future-proofing. Compared to the Sony FX9 (variable ND, better autofocus) or RED Komodo-X (global shutter, 6K), it offers superior HDR and modularity at a competitive price.

Conclusion

The Canon EOS C300 Mark III is a Super 35mm cinema camera that delivers professional-grade performance for dynamic video production. Its 4K DGO sensor, 16+ stops of dynamic range, internal ND filters, and modular design make it a versatile tool for cinematic storytelling. In Kenya, new units are available through international retailers like B&H Photo Video or local stores like Cameras Africa for ~KSh 1,104,000–1,400,000 (plus import costs), while refurbished units can be found on Jiji.co.ke or eBay starting at ~KSh 649,000–1,000,000. Its compact design and advanced features make it ideal for Kenyan documentary filmmakers, commercial videographers, and multicamera teams.

Whether shooting documentaries in the Maasai Mara, commercials in Nairobi, or live broadcasts, the C300 Mark III empowers creators to produce high-quality content with flexibility and precision. While it demands technical expertise and additional accessories, its cinematic output and competitive pricing make it a smart investment for serious filmmakers. Choose the Canon EOS C300 Mark III, and you’re equipping yourself with a camera that meets the demands of modern filmmaking.

SHANGA MAISHA MAGIC PLUS SEASON 2 EPISODE 3 THURSDAY APRIL 24TH 2025 FULL EPISODE


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