Canon announces three compact 4K camcorders and a new 4K reference display
posted Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 4:00 AM EDT
Canon has announced four new products today, three of which are compact 4K camcorders and the fourth a new 4K HDR reference display. The new camcorders are the XF400 and XF405, which have a minor difference, and the VIXIA HF GX10. The new 24-inch reference display is called the Canon DP-V2411 4K HDR1 and is designed spcifically for on-set monitoring.
Starting with the camcorders, Canon's new XF400/405 are 4K UHD cameras capable of up to 60p in ultra-high definition (recording at 4:2:0) and full HD at up to 120 frames per second. The only difference between the two models is that the XF405 includes both HDMI and SDI connection, meaning the 405 is aimed more for broadcast television use while the 400 is for a less-specific professional audience.
The XF400/405 is much smaller than the XF-305 and slightly larger than the XF-100 series. Both cameras use dual SD cards, and can be set to backup or relay recording. For the first time in any ENG style camera, Canon rolled out their Dual Pixel autofocus into both cameras' newly-developed one inch CMOS sensor. Those who have used the XF series in the past will recognize that sensor size is significantly larger than those in the past, meaning you can expect better dynamic range and low light performance out of the XF400 and 405 than in any other camera from the series.
The XF400 features a new15x 4K optimized optical lens built with multiple aspheric elements, in multiple lens groups. Zoom range is 25.5-382mm f/2.0-4.5 (4K shooting). HD shooting offers what Canon described as “Advanced Zoom” and it gives 30x advanced zoom with “virtually no image degradation". We asked for more information on what they specifically are doing here, and will update you when we hear more.
The XF400 has a touch screen and Canon says it also features a greatly-improved user interface, speaking of the menus. They say it has a much better layout and should make navigating the options far easier.
Other notable features:
- 3-density ND filter, rotating turret style, accessible via external buttons
- 5-axis image stabilization, optical and electronic not on sensor
- The difference between two models: one difference, and that is that the 405 includes SDI connection, and XF-400 is only HDMI
- 0.24 inch EVF and LCD touch panel
- 5 assignable buttons, including one on the lower left corner of the touch screen (touch assignable button)
- Detachable handle that has two XLR terminals that record two channel AAC or 4 channel 16 bit
- Output via HDMI 4K is 4:2:0 8 bit, in full HD 4:2:2 10 bit
- Built-in mic, and a 3.5 inch stereo terminal
- Built in wifi for browser remote operation
- Comes with a small wireless remote that operates several features (start, stop, zoom)
- Slated for firmware update that will support XF-AVC recording
Canon says that the XF400/405 is ideal for applications like broadcast interviews, documentaries and weddings.
The VIXIA HF GX10 is a slightly more consumer-friendly take on the XF400, offering the same newly developed 15x optical zoom lens to support 4K 60p recording, alongside a 1.0-inch CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC DV 6 image-processing platform but in a smaller form factor. It also includes the same Dual Pixel sensor technology as the XF400, meaning autofocus should be fast and accurate.
The Canon XF405 4K UHD video camcorder, the XF400 4K UHD video camcorder and the VIXIA HF GX10 4K UHD video camcorder are scheduled to be available in November 2017 for estimated retail prices of $3499, $2999 and $2499 respectively.
Finally, Canon announced the DP-V2411 4K HDR1 Reference Display, a 24-inch LCD monitor (IPS RGB backlit) set monitor featuring a 12G SDI terminal (4 in, 4 out) and XLR terminal. It can connect to both AC and DC power (wall and battery). The DP-V2411 Display reaches peak luminance and full-screen white luminance of 600 cd/m, helping to prevent changes in luminance that can occur depending on the video images being viewed. These video images feature stable high-luminance performance for even more precise luminance and color review confirmation of 4K HDR video when shooting on location or in a studio.
Compared to a 4K reference display equipped with 3G-SDI that would require four cables to transmit 4K 60p footage, the Canon DP-V2411 Display features 12G-SDI terminals requiring a user to only use a single cable. By reducing the number of necessary cables, the display supports more cost-efficient, less time-consuming installation, while reducing weight and saving space.
Alongside the current lineup of Canon 4K HDR reference display, the Canon DP-V2411 supports Electro-Optical Transfer Functions (EOTF) such as Hybrid Log-Gamma, a broadcasting HDR standard; Perceptual Quantizer (PQ), an HDR standard for film production and transfer; and Canon’s proprietary log gammas—Canon Log, Canon Log 2 and Canon Log 3. In addition, the new display features convenient shooting assist functions for all HDR standards as a waveform monitor. This displays the luminance level of input signals and a false color function, which overlays different areas of input images with colors depending on their luminance allowing for convenient review and confirmation of HDR images.
The DP-V2411 is scheduled to be available in early December 2017 for an estimated retail price of $20,000.