Canon EU-V3 Modular Expansion Unit and Firmware Update for C500 Mark II & C300 Mark III Released

Accessory NewsIBC 2022

by Jeff LochSeptember 7^th, 2022

Along with the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 cine-servo lens launch, Canon released a new modular expansion unit and firmware update for the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III. The EU-V3 is a module that expands and supports the camera’s functionality for multi-camera and live productions with an SDI return port, Tally support via Ethernet, a 12-pin communication port for lenses, and much more. Let’s take a closer look at the new live broadcast possibilities for C500 Mark II and C300 Mark III users!

The full-frame Canon EOS C500 Mark II was released in September 2019 (article here) and the Super35 EOS C300 Mark III a couple of months later in April 2020 (article here). Both cameras have been very popular among independent filmmakers and production companies worldwide.

Also, they share some features such as internal Cinema RAW Light recording, Dual Pixel autofocus, and a similar modular design. This modular design allows you to attach an expansion unit at the back of the camera, so it fits your needs and shooting style.

To further expand its camera capabilities, Canon has launched a new modular expansion unit: the EU-V3.

Canon EU-V3 features

Many large format sensor cameras have recently been used for broadcasts, events, and live sports production. However, most cinema cameras are not meant/designed for these purposes, and they might lack specific input/output ports or crucial features for such uses. Therefore, to support particular functionality for multi-camera and live production shoots, Canon released the EU-V3 expansion module for the EOS C500 Mark II and C300 Mark III.

The expansion module screws at the back of the camera and gives you access to:

• One SDI return output port. The return output destination can be selected from the VIDEO, EVF-V50, MON/HDMI, and SDI-OUT terminals.
• One remote B (RS-422) port.
• An Ethernet RJ-45 port with Tally support using the XC protocol. When the extension unit receives a Tally signal, lights on the camera body can be utilized, a Tally On-Screen display is shown, and it can relay the signal to an external device via Hirose 4-pin.
• A built-in V-mount battery plate (with D-TAP output).
• One 12-pin lens terminal. With compatible lenses, the lens focus position can be displayed on-screen.
• A DC OUT 12V-2A port.

As you can tell, all these additional features and ports are broadcast/live-oriented. In addition, the Canon EU-V3 is compatible with the recently launched CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1 cine-servo lens.

Canon EOS C500 Mark II and C300 Mark III – firmware update

Along with the new EU-V3 expansion module, Canon released two firmware updates for the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III. These firmware updates are introduced to strengthen the cameras’ Live and mid-to-low-end broadcast market capabilities.

Here are all the updates:

• XC protocol support, which supports direct control via RC-IP100 and ethernet connections.
• Improved Autofocus features with 120p / 100p AF support, alongside face detection during Slow and Fast Shooting Mode.
• Audio 4ch display: the audio level display will show all four audio channels when this mode is selected.
• Support for Frame.IO’s C2C (Camera to Cloud) service. We already reported about this upgrade in April this year; check our in-depth article here to learn more about it. (https://www.cined.com/canon-camera-to-cloud-for-eos-c300-mark-iii-and-c500-mark-ii- via-firmware-upgrade/)
• New accessory and lens support: allowing the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III to work with the CN8x15 IAS S E1/P1, EU-V3 expansion module, and support for the Flex Zoom series of lenses.

As you can tell, even if you’re not shooting broadcast/live production a lot, the slow-motion autofocus improvements and Frame.IO C2C support might be well worth the upgrade!

Price and availability

The Canon EU-V3 expansion module is soon for $2,999. In addition, the firmware updates for the EOS C500 Mark II and EOS C300 Mark III are available now for free.

For more information, please visit Canon’s website here.

What do you think about this new expansion module? What is your go-to expansion module for the C500 Mark II or C300 Mark III? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!