Budget Cine Setup - Canon EOS-M & Sirui Anamorphic Lens

There are countless videos online about getting the most cinema-like footage for the smallest budget. We are going to throw something new into the mix that we haven't really seen much online. We are in the process of hiring the gear and setting things up in order to get some footage with this particular combination of equipment, so subscribe and follow us for more updates.

The Camera: Canon EOS-M With Magic Lantern

In this particular setup, the camera is actually the cheapest part of all. The reason why is this is an extremely old camera that is no longer produced by Canon, however because of the work completed by the Magic Lantern team, you can extract RAW footage out of this camera by using their modifications. We will do a separate post at a later date specifically about Magic Lantern, but head over to the Magic Lantern website and follow the steps to install the software. We have also embedded a few videos here below that you can learn more about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qphptV9XuAc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0ald2KHLU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4J41OIoXtQ

For those that need to know the specific specs, the Canon EOS-M is a compact mirrorless camera that is equipped with an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor (or super 35mm in the film world), which provides a good enough image quality and ok low-light performance. Although the EOS-M is not primarily marketed as a cinema camera, it's capable of capturing Full HD video at 24 frames per second, which is perfect for achieving a filmic look.

If you want a bit more detail about Magic Lantern, it is third-party firmware add-on that enhances the capabilities to give you these features that do not exist on the camera without it:

  • RAW video recording: This feature allows you to record uncompressed video, providing more detail and dynamic range compared to the standard H.264 codec.
  • Custom crop marks: Add custom aspect ratio guides, such as 2.35:1, to frame your shots accurately for a cinematic look.
  • Advanced exposure controls: Gain access to advanced exposure aids like zebras, histograms, and waveform monitors, allowing you to nail your exposure every time.
  • Focus peaking: This feature highlights in-focus areas, making it easier to achieve perfect focus manually.

Remember that installing third-party firmware may void your camera's warranty, so proceed with caution and research the risks involved before installation.

Sirui 24mm f/2.8 1.33x Anamorphic lens for Canon EF-M Mount

We are being very specific here because it is important that you pick the widest possible lens (which this is at 24mm) and also with this specific EF-M mount (the -M part is the most important).

The reason is Canon has both an EF mount and an EF-M Mount. Due to the size of the cameras sensor in the EOS-M and the small body, Canon chose to put this mount on this specific camera. Sirui is one of the few lens makers that is actually producing a modern lens that fits natively onto this very specific and rarely used mount option.

The reason why you need to pick the widest possible lens is due to the amount of cropping in on the sensor Magic Lantern and the native Canon firmware does, your 24mm will not necessarily appear as wide as you think. In fact, you might be shocked how close up it can appear in some settings.

Being an anamorphic lens resolves this because when you desqueeze the image you naturally will get a wider field of view. When paired with the Canon EOS-M, it effectively stretches the image by 1.33 times, resulting in a wider 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

You also get the distinct look that everybody loves when you shoot with anamorphic lenses, such as the wide aspect ratio, oval-shaped bokeh, and horizontal lens flares. The Sirui 24mm 1.33x anamorphic lens for EF-M mount (affiliate link) is one of the cheaper anamorphic lenses that you can buy right now, which is why it is a great choice for those on a budget.

Tips for Shooting with the EOS-M and Sirui Anamorphic Lens

  • Set your camera to 24 fps and use the 180-degree shutter rule (1/50th shutter speed) for natural motion blur.
  • Use a flat or neutral picture profile (such as Technicolor Cinestyle) to maximize dynamic range and allow for better color grading in post-production.
  • Utilize Magic Lantern's focus peaking and exposure aids to ensure sharp focus and proper exposure.
  • Embrace the anamorphic lens's characteristics, such as the oval bokeh and horizontal flares, to enhance your story and create a more cinematic look.

So if you are interested in this particular option, or you have already shot with this option, please share some links with us and we will promote you on our channels!