Canon XF400 Review from an OWNER !

[@brianhoward9217]

I just bought an XF400 in Sydney here - fun times ahead exploring 4K and possibilities. Thank you very much for a great Aussie review of this wonderful device! Cheers from The Hills area.

[@gearjunkie8681]

Excellent video Derek, a honest Review......I was able to fully enjoy your short video right to the end, I'm sure since this video was aired, you may have upgraded since.......as Technology progresses, we always want a newer model, with newer features. A Very interesting and informative video, look forward to viewing more of your work Atb Adrian

[@RaymondToms]

Great review Derek. A large part of my work is documentary, and you covered many of the issues that I face. Such a shame that you can only review your own kit. There are many reviewers out there that are able to review many brands and models, but don’t do as good a job as you. Especially with so many real-world tests. Thank you.

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Raynond Thanks for your Awesome Comments Much Appreciated Cheers Derek

[@RaymondToms]

Oh, and I live in the Bega Valley NSW. I have the luxury of being able to see New Holland Honeyeaters, Pardelots, Eastern Spinebills, Silver Eyes, Yellow Tail Black Cockatoos, Wattle Birds, Friar Birds, Straw Necked Ibis, Herons, Black Ducks, Red Brow Finches, Australian Grebe, Crimson Rosellas, Eastern Rosellas, and more, directly outside my dining room window! Eagles, Nankeen Kestrels, Hawks and several other Raptors frequent the hills behind the house. A lake nearby also has Pelicans, Black Swans, Egrets, Coots, Moorhens, Darters and so on. Of course, I love to go off into the bush too.

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Raymond Your office sounds Awesome . I have been to Merimbula many times when i was a younger man scuba diving and exploring. It is a Awesome places . Cheers Derek

[@RaymondToms]

Funnily enough, although I am a videographer by trade, all my wildlife shots are stills. You have inspired my to start taking video. BTW We used to have antechinus’ get into our old house at Berowra, north of Sydney.

[@StuHaightVideo]

You could have benefited more from a xf405 with the SDI port! Easily run a 50ft cable to a monitor. As for whether the remote control would reach that's a different issue.

[@sglivetv]

Thanks, Derek, for your detailed and no-holds barred review. Very entertaining and informative at the same time. Looking forward to your future videos! P.S. the Zifon YT3000 wireless remote control pan-tilt head might be very useful for your purpose.

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

attach atomos ninja v recorder and get 422 10bit 1080p for color grading and ssd recording. I own canon g30 love it. has really nice lens. remote, wifi control , excellent preamps and all the same features but no widedr. I record in 422 8bit into ninja2 recorder. works great for croma key.

[@anonymissed3611]

10:30 A specific hdr profile?

[@joelbastian5741]

The natural background sounds are amazing.

[@PromoMoviescomau]

Great real world use review - thanks Derek.

[@worldmaidens999]

You are simply the best. Good illustration and review at the same time. Showing off your skills too, well done. We admire our time with you as you made our day! Thank you for all the fun manner of lecture really. You will make a goot lecturer!

[@Donvek]

Hi Derek, I film pigeons flying 50 metres away circling my home.Currently using a Nex vg 900 I am finding it difficult to capture the birds with such high speed movements...can you suggest a camcorder that will be suitable for me?

[@LucyShepherd]

Great video. How would you say this camera compares with the canon XA50?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Lucy Their dues not seem to be any difference that I can see . I am quite surprised I thought that it was a consumer camcorder but no! Cheers Derek

[@DerekHilton]

love your channel I have subscribed cheers .

[@LucyShepherd]

@@DerekHilton thank you for the info and the subscribe! Love your videos. The Xa50 looks pretty attractive.. Deciding what camera to take on my next jungle expedition that can do it all and XA50 is leading so far

[@mambiproductions8960]

Thanks for your Canon Vixia GX10 UHD 4k camcorder videos. There is not much info out there on this wonderful camcorder.

[@snells-window]

I like how this review was focused on use as a wildlife camera. I arrived on your channel through a comment on a review of another camera...the Panasonic HX-C100 which I am looking at getting in a month or so once it becomes available herein Australia. It's been a long time since I've had a decent video camera apart from gopros. My last camera was the Canon XH A1 which was tape based and is now 15 years old, but look forward to getting back into terrestrial wildlife with the new camera which has an impressive 24x optical zoom together with great stabilistation, good specs, and the same engine that drives the GH5.

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Pseudechis Thanks for your comments much appreciated. I had the Panasonic UX 180 I hated it. loud fan no face detection image quality was bad and the colors where unnatural slow motion unusable. Sold it as quick as could . I m Happy with XF 400 Cheers Derek

[@vassilykoloskov8707]

Hi Derek! Is there a crop in 4K vs 1080p on the XF400? From your footage in this video it looks like there is not and both 4K and 1080p have the same exact field of view (assuming that comparative shots were taken at same focal distances in both modes) but I wanted to have a confirmation from someone with firsthand experience :) Thank you for the infomative series on this camcorder, it's still really helpful to this day!

[@DerekHilton]

Hi V K NO CROP! they are identical field of view . I just flick from one model to the other. it looks like canon have upscale 1080p to 4k that's why I couldn't see the difference between the to with quality. The XF 400 will be around for a log time is a handy fall tool to have . Thank you so much for your comments much appreciated . Cheers Derek

[@DerekHilton]

link to my video on the XF400-405 firmware update .kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHOZeaGvfMikrpo

[@leeretallic]

Very interested in the stabilisation on this. I don't like gimbals. Have you any walking test shots apart from the selfie one which you did? As I'm thinking of buying the xf400 and Interested in walking run and gun style.

[@paramountx]

I never understand when people say something doesn't look "wow" because for example like you said it's only mp4. I mean can you point me to something that you would consider wow and then also what file format.

[@NickDe3]

I mean, the footage from the Black Magic Pocket Cinema camera looks "wow". It records in Prores as well as Black Magic Raw instead of mp4.

[@NorthNarra]

Hi Derek WTF did you buy it for ? The Pana must have been bad this thing does not seem to be such a great deal for what you want apart from 4 K ?

[@MichaelWTurner]

Cool vid. I just picked up one of these used. Only had it for a day so far. I like it, but I also have the Sony Nx80 and I think I may like that one a little more. I only plan on keeping one or the other. I have some more testing to do, but I feel the Sony allows you to customize things a little more. I also think the peaking on this isn't very good. It's a little better on the Sony.The AF is also spot on the Sony too. Have you looked at that one?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Michael Yes I have . There is good and bad with both cameras . But the XF400 is filling the gap for me at the minute until i can afford a much better high end camera that suits my needs . Cheers Derek

[@amcrae1]

Great work with your review and life!!!

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Great review, Derek. Have you used the Focus Assist Function as described on Page 50-51 of the manual? This may help with manual focusing. Just wondering if it works as advertised. Thanks!

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Craig New video out to night on XF400 my thoughts after 14 months of use. I mention Focus Assist Function in the video + a lot of other stuff Cheers Derek

[@Wingman115]

Great review on the camera.

[@martinsinclair55]

Thanks for the info. I am considering an XF400 this week. Have u ever shot any low light with a C100 Mr2?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Martin Thanks for your comments on my video Much appreciated No i have not used the C100 You might like My last video it's about XF400 my Thoughts after 14 Months of Use from an owner link below. Cheers Derek kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5mWl3iMoJJ1oNU

[@TheBluesine]

You cant expect too have bigger than 3.5 inch monitor size mate , the cam's too small for anything bigger.. other than that , you did a great review, awesome. Huge Thumbs Up mate!!

[@syntax2357]

best review of this camera by far!

[@dbsbob7925]

Very nice video Derek. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks

[@lightninginabottleuk]

Did you decide to go for the XF705 or did you stick with the XF400? I'm curious to know. I used to have the XF305, the XF705 is almost identical but so future proof, almost too much as it's H265 rather than H264 MXF files which editing programmes really struggled with to start with... but it's quite heavy and big. Really enjoyed this review and it reminded me of the all the good and bad things. I'm impressed with the handstands too!

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Heather Thanks for your Awesome Comments Much Appreciated Yes stuck with the XF400 at the minute. Money is an issue of courts. The XF 705 is still on my radar . The XF705 has vanished since its release nobody is talking about it anymore and there are no Reel Reviews on it anywhere. H265 is a worry for premiere pro cs6 I love the XF300 for it's versatility and wood like to test the XF705 but I can not hire it anywhere Cheers Derek

[@lightninginabottleuk]

@@DerekHilton I know, I think you probably did the right thing going for the XF400, it just looks such a nice size. I basically have to choose just to take the one camera, whereas you can take both the DSLR and the SF400. I am really disappointed about the fact that the XF705 has vanished, I guess everyone is just so excited about the EOS R5 and R6 and the new ones coming out. It was good to see your video though as it confirmed what I'd just discovered via trial and error, just nice to see it spoken!

[@DerekHilton]

Here is a link to a video with my thoughts on the xf400 14 Months on kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5mWl3iMoJJ1oNU

[@lightninginabottleuk]

@@DerekHilton Thanks, I will take a look later on today. The control layout on the XF400 and the XF705 are almost identical from what I can see, so I'd be interested to see what you use for fast moving animals and birds - I'm currently working with wild bunny rabbits (a local Watership Down) in my lockdown ...! But would love to capture magpies, not really working well so far...

[@DerekHilton]

you're welcome to browse my channel it's on stuff like my passion the Agile Antechinus it's fast moving Cheers Derek

[@mindthreatx]

Great video, still unsure about this particular camera. What are you using for post? Also, was image stabilization on at the end when you're holding the camera?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Clint Adobe premiere pro cs6 is what I us for editing my videos .Stabilizing done by the camera not in post. Cheers Derek

[@Amaraljos]

hi! Compared to the Panasonic UX180 which one is better in your opinion?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Jose Definitely the xf400. Because it has a quiet fan and a off button for it when recording. True to live colors . and good face detection. And remote control sensor on the monitor that in itself is a winner for me. Were the ux180 has weird colors. no face detection And that noisy fan Etcetera . sold it after 12 months of use . Very happy with the XF400. Thank you so much for your comments much appreciated . Cheers Derek

[@Amaraljos]

@@DerekHilton Thanks :)

[@Amaraljos]

@@DerekHilton Thanks :)

[@Farmerwal]

Did you get the 705? What would you go for now?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Farmewal No not yet. XF705 is still on my Radar Cheers Derek

[@Klausjp.ontheroadagain]

get a tablet and use the wifi mode, I use it on my hf-g40 , works

[@BirdingNerd]

Awesome review!!! very clear in truly reviewing functionality!!!

[@billybastar4022]

I am considering adding this camera into my workflow or the Sony N90. Did you consider anything from the Sony lineup?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Bill sony cameras don't have what I need in a camera Cheers Derek

[@billybastar4022]

18 year Canon man agrees with you. However, I wish they would bring to market a XHA1 home run. They have been poking around the edges of greatness for 12 years or more, only just coming up short.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hi there! I'm still looking for the "perfect" 4k camera for events/docs etc to replace my aging Canon XF300 and XF100...I never cared for the XF200 and the XF705 is just too much for me... I have dlsrs like the Canon 90D and even a lovely Canon C100 mk2 but for events such as concerts/dance performances I require a good reliable 4K camcorder. This XF400 is not really in the same league as the XF300...is the video quality once downrez to 108p better than what the XF300 can do? I wish I could afford the XF705...! looks like a great 4k camcorder. Did you end up buying it? Thanks for the video!

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Erick No xf705 for me yet but maybe in the near future The XF400 will do for now it is a BIG step up from the XF300 in the HDR area. Very happy with it canon have upscale 1080p to 4k so there is no difference between in image quality if you where to ask me to choose one i wood pick the XF400 I wood lose a lot of good features but gain HDR and a much better AF system i still have the xf300 BUT i have stop using it.I proffer the xf400 i am going to do a 12 month update video on the xf400 soon so watch out for that Cheers Derek

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

Derek Hilton thanks. I will keep looking around. I will “survive” for now. Thanks so much for your videos. You love the wilderness.

[@TaurusPresents]

The FX 400 is a pleasant and handy camcorder that is easy and quick to use with good image quality. The camera is also widely used as a reporter camera. The only minus is the battery life. So always on the road with enough spare batteries.

[@darrenedmunds3494]

Hi Derek, I hope you and your family had a great Christmas. I’m delight to see you have a new toy. Great acrobatic moves, are there any limits to your talents????

[@ninjacaptor]

Have you checked out the Sony

[@DerekHilton]

Hi S F N T I check out every camera that comes onto the market place DSLR Mirrorless Cinema . So yes i have checked out the Sony .Thanks for your comments Much appreciated Cheers Derek

[@ninjacaptor]

@@DerekHilton cool I would like to know what you thought of that camera cuz I'm thinking about getting it I was also thinking about maybe the Canon 405 something like that

[@JeffSpeers]

When using Wide DR, do have the camera set to do auto exposure and it protects the highlights?

[@zleepyjan]

Thank you great review on this camera, i subscribed :)

[@pignachannel]

it seems to me that when I set dynamic stabilization, the camera crops the video. it's possible?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Pigna Thanks for the comments much appreciated Not something i have taken notes of sorry i will look in that so time Cheers Derek

[@onscreenonlineproductions1467]

Enjoyed the video. I own the XF400 and enjoy using it. I have run into it's limitations but overall I am happy with the camera. Cheers

[@onscreenonlineproductions1467]

@Jay D I never use the built in mic for anything unless its for a scratch track to match audio.

[@raipe76]

i saw the difference, uhd was a littlebit sharper and color was also littlebit better !!!

[@BryWorYT]

Yes, looking at the side by side FHD vs UHD shots of the parrot I'd say that UHD (downsized in post) has the edge there. A lot depends on the resizer used though.

[@kenross6028]

The video is in HD, so of course there will be little to no difference. If the video was uploaded in 4K, you'd see a significant difference on a 4K monitor or TV.

[@zogozogy98]

would you say this camera is good for shooting cinematic films?

[@NickDe3]

It all depends on your workflow and how you like to work. The XF and XA models are not marketed for people who make narrative films but they are just tools to help you tell your story. The EOS C models are Canon's Cinema cameras. I worked with professional camcorders similar to the XF 400 in body type at my school. You can get some great images from a camera like this if you know how to use it. You're limited in some ways using a camcorder but there are advantages. While you don't get Raw codecs you get Wide DR that is a little closer to a final image. You are limited to the lens in the body but you do have a filter thread for lens converters in a pinch.

[@paramountx]

I like how you had the bird scene transition into uhd. Nice cut

[@kipling1957]

Thanks, Derek. New subscriber here!

[@martineldridge6448]

Hi Derek, I love watching your interesting, informative videos. I’ve been a semi pro wildlife photographer for over 30 years. I’m just about to buy a video as I would like to start a new phase in Videography. I was just about to buy a Panasonic UX 180 or HC X1, it ticks all the right boxes for my Wildlife Camcorder needs. After seeing your review on the UX 180, it’s made me think. I tried the Canon XF400 a few weeks ago and found it very basic, with hardly any customisation. The tiny battery the was mounted on the back of the camera, seemed very vulnerable, without anything round it, to protect it from small knocks..Are you really happy with the XF400? Keep up the good work.

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Martin Thanks for the comments much appreciated The Canon XF400 excellent face detection HDR is excellent. It's not the perfect camera but it's good enough for me at the minute and it is a lot better than the UX180 now face detection HDR IS SHIT. The only thing i miss is the infrared mode it's clean and sharp not like the xf400 it's a little soft The XF 705 wood be more like what i'm after but to expensive for me at this time I keep putting of doing a re look at the XF400 so not this week but the following week i think ? Cheers Derek

[@martineldridge6448]

Hi Derek, Thank you for your super speedy reply. Yes you’re right about the Face detection on the XF400, it works really well, I will probably never need that for wildlife film making. The issues you had with the lens drive motors on the UX180 effecting the audio, I’m not too worried about that either. Also with the Canon, I wasn’t impressed by the tiny battery attached to the back face of the Camera compared to the UX180 battery, and the Power Button was too low for my thumb. It would be a dream for me to have the wilderness on my doorstep as you have, keep making your great videos, you have so much genuine passion in whatever you’re talking about. Martin

[@AvtomobilTV]

Nice machine !

[@RebeccaMeyer]

How do you like it in low light? Are you still using it?

[@DerekHilton]

Hi Rebeca It's not bad in low light in a forest investment. Yes every day in the forest Cheers Derek

[@paramountx]

What did you say at 4:34?

[@paramountx]

Maybe saying the word magnification instead of zoom

[@UKArtlover]

Chromatic aberration I think , fringing ...

[@MovilOne]

En el minuto 17:26 me he reído mucho :) Buen video.

[@SurfAddictionUK]

Really enjoyed this video 👍🏻

[@olsnetwork]

this review was wonderful

[@DerekHilton]

Hi O TV Thanks for your Awesome Comments Much Appreciated Cheers Derek

[@JandRmedia]

God bless you

[@JamesMatthewGallagher]

Quite a bit of noise in your shirt around the 18-20 minute section when you're in the shadows. Worries me for low light.

[@DerekHilton]

Hi James Low Light is good up to 24db of gain no noise which is a step up from my other cameras XF300 - UX180 couldn't go over 12 db. Your Questions on the 18-20 minute section . Camera was in HDR mode with 1/4 ND on. Walking in the forest with harsh sunlight then into the shadow is to big a stretch for that mode .I now you stranded mode which works better . Cheers Derek

[@BryWorYT]

​@@DerekHilton I did a fair bit of testing with Wide DR on a Canon HF-G40. Compared to 'Normal' mode there was appreciably more noise in the shadows. Also the flatter gamma curve reduced local contrast resulting in loss of definition/fine detail which could not be recovered by sharpening in post - attempting to do do only amplified the noise. Enhancing local contrast using the 'Midtone Detail' tool in DaVinci Resolve ('Clarity' in Premiere Pro) helped to some degree, but I could get a better looking 'pseudo WDR' image shooting in Normal mode and 'pulling-down' near-blown highlights and enhancing shadow detail in post. I don't think Wide DR is intended to be graded. It's a 'look' that has it's pros and cons.

[@dr.bernie5262]

Great presentation. Too bad it's not in English.

[@QuesoSlam]

He sounds like Ben Kingsley

[@TheXaelem]

Forget about the tools and get on with the documentary... Going on like this all your channel will ever be about is the next great camera you wish you had...