Director of photography (DoP) Patrick Smith has shot three productions for Netflix with the Canon EOS C500 Mark II, including an upcoming scientific four-parter following the world's leading surgeons. © Patrick Smith
The streaming and production giant has stringent quality control standards, which are much higher than many other broadcasters. Approved cameras must have been used for at least 90% of the final cut's runtime – although there can be more flexibility when it comes to non-fiction.
"We're part of the Netflix Post Technology Alliance, so we're committed to making sure products we make in the future are going to be compatible with Netflix's technical and delivery specifications," explains Paul Atkinson, Pro Video Product Specialist at Canon Europe. "Netflix advises us of its requirements and then Canon, along with the other manufacturers, strives to produce products that meet them."
But what exactly are the camera requirements for Netflix Originals? Here, Paul explores why the Canon EOS C500 Mark II, Canon EOS C300 Mark III and Canon EOS C70 made the cut, while DoP Patrick Smith, whose credits include Tell Me Who I Am (2019) and Captive (2016), explains why these are the cameras he's been using to shoot a variety of Netflix documentary projects.