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Canon powers the future of podcasting

Posted on Apr 30, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker

Whether you’re creating long-form interviews, solo commentary or panel discussions, you need the EOS cinematic edge

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Now that content really is king and creators are building empires from living rooms and studios alike, one thing has become clear: video podcasts are not just the next big thing, they are here right now. Whether it’s a solo deep dive from a clued-up influencer, a more traditional two-person interview or a multicam round table with celebrities, audiences are tuning in with their eyes and ears. And when it comes to capturing that experience in crisp, cinematic quality, Canon is leading the way.

Using its long-standing expertise in videography and cinema, Canon has confidently positioned itself as the go-to brand for video podcasters of every level. From budget-conscious beginners looking to move up from a smartphone to professional studio set-ups, Canon offers a flexible and scalable ecosystem that makes high-quality video production accessible and intuitive.

The blend of incredible image quality, reliable autofocus and outstanding colour science is crucial, as Canon understands podcasters want far better quality than a phone or webcam but don’t want to be high-level camera, audio and post-production experts. They want to plug in, hit record and focus on the conversation, knowing the subjects will be sharp, the look very cinematic and the workflow fast and simple.

“Video-first podcasts have really taken off, and quality has quickly become important,” says Graham Payne from Canon UK. “Large-screen TVs are now the most popular way for viewers to watch podcasts on YouTube, so the quality must be high. The people making them don’t really think of their work as podcasts but simply as shows.

“Last year, Canon was the first manufacturer to exhibit at The Podcast Show in London. We had a simple set-up of one light and a Canon EOS C70 comprising an 85mm lens with the picture being shown on a screen. Many people came up to us and asked how they could get an image to look as good as that – including the crew from That Peter Crouch Podcast. It’s all about choosing and using the right equipment.” And of course, the Crouch team has made the full-scale switch to Canon cameras and lenses.

Podcasting started as an audio-only medium, so there is lots of know-how around capturing sound. But now that video is king, podcasters have found the transition difficult, as the majority started with a mirrorless camera, which is not ideal. That’s because most are built for high-resolution stills, some models have a 29-minute video recording limit, they can overheat, it’s difficult to power them for long shoots and some don’t even have effective autofocus.

While anyone can talk into a mic, not everyone can look great doing it. That’s where Canon comes in, with a range of cameras and lenses for podcasters of all levels, helped by its famed true-to-life colours and skin tones. At the higher end, the Cinema EOS range makes sense, with the EOS C70 – and now the new full-frame EOS C80 – being ideal choices.

A dark filming studio with professional cameras and lights set up. Someone sits to the side of the room
Podlab elevates visual podcasting

One of the world’s biggest podcasts is The Diary of a CEO, run by the youngest-ever Dragons’ Den TV presenter Steven Bartlett. His podcast features interviews with some of the world’s most influential people in business, culture and science, has ten million subscribers and was named International Podcast of the Year. Bartlett’s team uses a total of nine EOS C70s and RF lenses, with the young entrepreneur loving the look of the footage while his crew appreciate its ease of use.

In a statement video for Canon, Bartlett said: “If you’re going to succeed in the new world of media, video is at the very heart. If you are trying to reach people for growth, you must be a video-first podcast. The growth comes from the video components when your show is cut into lots of clips, and this goes out to the wider internet. It pulls audiences into your podcasting.

“Canon keeps us at the forefront of production quality, as some of the features are perfect – like the autofocus. Canon is the brand which has created the blueprint for the future of video podcasting.”

The benefits of a camera system like the C70 are that it’s designed as a video camera, with a sensor and processor built to provide a slightly more flattering, cinematic look straight out of camera – especially when used in conjunction with Canon’s famed Wide DR colour science. Podcasters don’t need to employ grading professionals just to make the images look wonderful – it’s easier than ever now.

As video tools, the Cinema EOS range is designed to prevent overheating and can run off mains power, eliminating the need to swap batteries mid-take. It accepts a wide range of professional audio equipment for pristine sound, and includes built-in ND filters to control exposure and help achieve the shallow depth-of-field many pro podcasters strive for.

However, one of the biggest benefits is the Dual Pixel AF system, which can track faces and eyes of talking heads – even when using very fast lenses wide open. This single feature has completely transformed podcast shoots, taking away the worry of subjects drifting out of focus during interviews.

With platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Patreon pushing visual-first experiences, video podcasting isn’t just an option, it’s the new normal. Canon, with its combination of innovation, quality and accessibility, is ensuring creators aren’t just keeping up –they’re at the forefront, leading the charge.

So, whether you’re launching your very first podcast or expanding an entire production empire, Canon has the perfect camera and lens tailored to your needs. Be sure to explore the full range at The Podcast Show on 21-22 May at London’s Business Design Centre.

A solution for every budget

With a camera line-up that grows with you from entry-level to studio-grade, Canon is the creative partner for the next generation of storytellers.

For broadcast-quality visuals with a plug-and-play feel at a huge range of price points, here are some of the best choices.

Entry level: Canon EOS R50 V

This mirrorless is part of the new V series, designed to excel at video. It is compact, affordable and easy to set up, with 4K/60p recording and Dual Pixel CMOS AF – all in a body that fits on a small tripod beside a mic. It accepts RF lenses and has features like C-Log3 and custom colour profiles.

Hybrid option: Canon EOS R5 C

Equally at home in a podcast studio or producing premium branded content, the EOS R5 C is a true hybrid that flips between stills and cinema video modes with ease. It offers full-frame flexibility and quality with up to 8K Raw recording and timecode sync for multicam workflows.

Pro level: Canon EOS C80

The full-frame powerhouse is an RF mount cinema camera and perfect for filmmaking, live production and podcasting. It features the revolutionary back-side illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, enabling 6K capture with 16 stops of dynamic range for exceptional sensitivity and minimal noise.

canon.co.uk/video-podcast

This article was first published in the May/June 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker

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