This review is written by Levin den Boer, founder of LDB Production. As an experienced filmmaker, he produced two seasons of the television program Binnenvaart Inside (RTL4/Videoland). For this production, he worked exclusively with the Canon EOS C400 and shares his experiences here.
First impression
As a filmmaker, I’m always looking for a camera that combines quality with flexibility. For the production of Binnenvaart Inside, I had the chance to work extensively with the Canon EOS C400. From the very first shoot day, it stood out how compact and well thought-out this cine camera is. Despite its small body, it exudes professionalism and feels reliable enough for large-scale productions.
Compact yet complete
One of the biggest advantages of the C400 is its compact size. During filming, I often found myself in small wheelhouses or busy harbors where quick switching was essential. The camera proved to be light and easy to handle, allowing me to work entirely handheld without a tripod. Thanks to the built-in 5-axis image stabilization, footage remained smooth and stable, even while moving or filming in tight spaces. This not only offered creative freedom but also ensured an efficient workflow.
Reliable autofocus
Where earlier cameras such as the Sony FS7 and FX9 sometimes had me struggling with manual focus, the C400 was a relief. Its autofocus system is fast, accurate, and steady, even in dynamic situations. This allowed me to fully focus on composition and storytelling. It provided peace of mind while shooting and ensured I didn’t miss valuable moments. For me, this is one of the strongest features of the C400.
Image quality and dynamic range
The Canon C400 is equipped with a full-frame sensor and an impressive 16 stops of dynamic range. While filming Binnenvaart Inside, I constantly switched between dark engine rooms and bright sunlight on deck. The camera managed to retain detail in both highlights and shadows. Even in low-light situations, the full-frame sensor performed remarkably well, producing clean, low-noise images that required little to no additional lighting.
I shot in XF-AVC YCC422 10-bit combined with Canon Log 3. This provided not only stunning footage straight out of the camera but also plenty of flexibility in post-production. Editing in Adobe Premiere was smooth, without the files being unnecessarily heavy.
Practical workflow
The Canon C400 is clearly designed with real-world use in mind. Its battery life is more than sufficient for long shooting days, the button layout is logical, and it integrates seamlessly into an existing Canon setup. Having used Canon photo cameras for years, and owning a broad set of Canon lenses, I could immediately put my existing glass to use. For this production, I mainly worked with the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, an all-round lens that perfectly matched the camera’s versatility.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS C400 has pleasantly surprised me. It is a compact yet powerful cine camera that’s perfectly suited for a wide range of productions – from television and documentaries to corporate films. With its full-frame sensor, 16 stops of dynamic range, reliable autofocus, and internal image stabilization, the C400 delivers high-level footage without sacrificing flexibility.
For Binnenvaart Inside, the camera proved to be the ideal partner: fast to deploy, practical to use, and delivering broadcast-quality images. With the C400, Canon shows that they truly understand what filmmakers need in practice. For me, this is not just a camera, but a trusted tool for future productions.
