The C100 is fully compatible with Canon's renowned EF mount lenses. Even specialty lenses, such as Canon's 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift lens or the 8-15mm f/4L Ultra-Wide Zoom fisheye lens, are available on the C100. When shooting with EF lenses, C100 features peripheral illumination correction, which automatically compensates for light fall-off in the corners of the image. Furthermore, continuous AF will be available via a firmware update for compatibility with Canon EF Lenses with STM focusing.

The C100 outputs an uncompressed signal via HDMI. This signal superimposes timecode and the 2:3 pulldown marker, which means an external recorder and converter can process the HDMI output as an SDI signal. External recorders provide an instant back-up and help to streamline post-production workflows.

A maximum ISO of 80,000 allows the C100 to record in low light environments. This is ideal for working with available light. Although higher ISOs always translate into a noisier image, the C100 utilizes the same signal processing as 3-chip RGB systems, which produces a superior image quality.

Secure Digital memory cards offer professional grade read/write speeds and reliability at ever more affordable prices. Dual SDHC/SDXC memory card slots allow the C100 to record simultaneously to two memory cards, creating an instant back-up. What's more, C100 can record HD footage to Slot A while simultaneously recording down-converted SD footage to Slot B.

Canon Log records an image with subdued contrast and sharpness, which preserves a high dynamic range and presupposes color grading in post production. Wide DR is a new gamma setting based on Rec. 709, which offers a wide dynamic range and smooth gradations in highlights and shadow, without requiring processing in post-production.

Traditional CMOS sensors scan one line at a time and sometimes produce a rolling shutter skew when shooting fast moving objects or executing a quick pan. The C100's CMOS sensor features the same signal processing as 3-chip RGB systems, which reduces the angle of distortion compared to cameras with regular CMOS sensors of the same size.

In excessively bright environments neutral density filters are often required to avoid over exposure, without compromising desirable shutter and aperture settings. The C100 features built-in ND filters in three densities, which make for four ND configurations (OFF, 2 stops, 4 stops, 6 stops). The built-in ND filters are deployed via a manual dial.

The C100 includes a top mounted handle unit, which features two XLR connectors and a microphone shock mount. XLR connections offer a high-quality audio input for professional grade microphones and facilitate 2 channel 48 kHz linear PCM (24 Mbps) audio recordings.

One-Shot AF executes focus adjustments with a dedicated button, and the Push Auto Iris button automatically adjusts the aperture of the lens to quickly and easily maintain proper exposure. Both of these functions can be accessed even when operating in manual mode.

The EOS C100 offers complete manual control of each aspect of the recording process. Create and recall custom picture settings, camera functions, and display options. The camera also features several powerful and intuitive focusing aids in both the EVF and LCD monitor that make it easy to confirm critical focus distance; Peaking Modes and Magnify Focus Modes are available while in standby or while recording. Additionally, the LCD features Edge Monitor Display; green waveforms display the overall focus of the scene and red waveforms provide focus feedback of the three focus check boxes visible on the LCD monitor.