What Filmmakers Need to Know

Netflix has officially approved the Canon EOS C50, Canon’s latest hybrid cinema camera, for productions intended for distribution on its platform. This approval positions the EOS C50 as a serious tool for professional filmmakers, cinematographers, and content creators targeting high-end streaming deliverables.

In this article, we break down what makes the Canon EOS C50 Netflix-approved and the recommended shooting settings to help you get the best possible image quality for Netflix-compliant productions.

Overview: Canon EOS C50 at a Glance

Released in September 2025, the Canon EOS C50 is built around a powerful 7K full-frame CMOS sensor, offering a strong balance between resolution, dynamic range, and workflow flexibility.

Key Specifications

• 7K Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
• Internal 7K up to 60p in 12-bit Cinema RAW Light
• 4K up to 120p and 2K up to 180p for high-frame-rate shooting
• Dual Base ISO: 800 / 6400
• Canon Log 2, Canon Log 3, and RAW recording
• Open Gate 3:2 recording using the full sensor area (6960 × 4640)
• Internal recording in Cinema RAW Light, XF-AVC, and XF-HEVC S

These specifications make the EOS C50 highly versatile for narrative films, documentaries, commercials, and high-end digital content.

What Netflix Approval Means

When Netflix approves a camera, it means the camera meets the platform’s technical and image quality standards for original productions. Netflix also publishes a camera production guide, detailing best practices and recommended settings to ensure optimal results.

For filmmakers, this approval:

• Removes uncertainty during post-production delivery
• Ensures compliance with Netflix technical specifications
• Makes the EOS C50 a viable primary camera on Netflix Originals

Netflix-Recommended Settings for the Canon EOS C50

Netflix has outlined specific settings to help filmmakers extract maximum performance from the EOS C50’s sensor and recording formats.

1. Picture Profile

• Recommended: Canon Log 2
• Alternative: Canon Log 3

Canon Log 2 is preferred because it delivers the widest dynamic range, allowing you to fully leverage the sensor’s highlight and shadow detail. Canon Log 3 can be used if required, but filmmakers should be aware of a 1–2 stop reduction in shadow latitude compared to Log 2.

2. ISO Settings

• Use the camera’s Dual Base ISO values only:
  • ISO 800
  • ISO 6400

Sticking to the base ISOs ensures the cleanest signal, optimal noise performance, and maximum dynamic range—critical for high-end productions.

3. Black Balance

• Perform Auto Black Balance:
  • At the start of the shooting day
  • After any significant change in operating temperature

This helps maintain sensor consistency and avoids fixed-pattern noise, especially during long shoots or temperature shifts.

4. RAW Recording (Preferred)

Netflix recommends shooting in Cinema RAW Light for the highest image fidelity.

Approved RAW configurations:

• Full-frame 3:2 Open Gate or Full-frame sensor mode
• Cinema RAW Light HQ / ST

RAW recording provides the most flexibility in post-production, particularly for color grading and exposure recovery.

5. Compressed Recording (Alternative)

When RAW workflows are not practical, Netflix allows high-quality compressed recording:

• Recording format: XF-AVC YCC422 10-bit
• Sensor mode: Full-frame
• Resolution: DCI 4K or 4K UHD

This option is ideal for productions balancing quality, storage efficiency, and turnaround time.

Open Gate Recording: A Powerful Advantage

One standout feature of the EOS C50 is its Open Gate 3:2 recording mode, which uses the entire full-frame sensor area.

• Resolution: 6960 × 4640
• Maximum frame rate: 30p
• Available in Cinema RAW Light and XF HEVC S

Open Gate recording is especially valuable for:

• Reframing for multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
• Visual effects and stabilization
• High-end documentary and cinematic workflows

Final Thoughts

With Netflix approval, the Canon EOS C50 firmly establishes itself as a professional cinema camera capable of meeting the demands of top-tier streaming platforms. Its combination of 7K RAW recording, dual base ISO, Canon Log profiles, and Open Gate capabilities makes it an excellent choice for filmmakers seeking both creative flexibility and technical compliance.

If you’re planning a Netflix-bound production—or simply want a future-proof cinema camera—the Canon EOS C50 is now officially a safe and powerful option.