Comparing the XF405 & Z90

[@911VideoNews]

I work as a Stringer in the USA, and cover breaking news. My videos are seen from the local TV News to CNN and other national news broadcasters. I upgraded to the Canon XF405 after using the Canon XA30. I thought about Sony, but am glad I stayed with Canon. First, all of my accessories like the batteries, and tele and wide lens attachments for my XA30 work with the XF405. The XF405 is larger than the XA30, but it fits better in my hands and feels well balanced. Now you mentioned the Sony Clear Digital Zoom but failed to mention, that the Canon actually goes to 30x in HD. It is amazing. Since the USA broadcasters use 1080i, I only shoot 1080p, so when I need that 30x, it's there. The low-light is much better with the larger chip than I had with the XA30. The company I work with has a show on Netflix or other needs which requires 4K, and when I'm covering something like a wildfire, then I use the XF405's 4K. Canon did really well with this camera.

[@HMP275]

911 VIDEO NEWS Good Comment!

[@TheTechteam2012]

Ayyy, shot in the dark ;)

[@SheldonCharron]

It's interesting that there are so many Netflix shows using cameras that are NOT on the approved list. I think the MFGs pay Netflix to put them on it! Lol!

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

Here's a 60P4K sampler for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmpiaiXq6aCe80

[@norfilmshetland]

I own a Z90 and am very satisfied with it, however the real revelation of this clip is just how good both these cameras are!

[@joseangel4428]

The dynamic range of the Sony camcorder is clearly better, I think

[@chrisw443]

thanks for the review I needed a video like this! It defiantly makes me want the z90 even more, the slow motion is sharper, the low light is better, its smaller, and it has that nice cal ziess lens with a full size hdmi port and sdi port. This has been very helpful!

[@UnratedAwesomeness]

The lowlight is worse. I believe i saw 0DB on the sony was equal to 6db on the canon

[@bobuk5722]

Hi folks. The December 2020 XF 400/5 firmware update introduced CLog 3. Needs to be enable first in the menu and is then found under the 'P' picture profiles. I expect Sony have had a few enhancements as well! I choose the Canon to match other Canon codecs and colour science that I have. BobUK.

[@rm-pl7gg]

I'm curious since the panasonic he x2000, canon xa 50, and sony hxr nx80 are around the same price range which is best for indoor sports and weddings. I'm also which has best fully auto performance. I'm focus on low light focus and zoom in auto and manual. I could use your expertise. Thanks.

[@domonicwhite]

The Canon does look quite a bit softer when looking at them side by side. I don't think you mentioned this in your review - was there a reason for this? Did you feel the difference was less noticeable pre-youtubing?

[@johnhmaw]

The Sony footage looks quite a bit sharper than the Canon. Not sure if it looks too sharp, but in a lot of ways I like it. Did you try sharpening the Canon footage in post? It would be interesting to know how it sharpens up. Anyway, thanks for the review.

[@UnratedAwesomeness]

Definitely sharpening in the Sony. On contrast edges, you can see digital micro contrasting

[@MichaelRichards983]

The Canon Footage looks better in my opinion; less blown out and better contrast.

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

Both great little pro cameras for ENG. The Sony footage looks like sharpened Canon footage. This test footage doesn't show it, but the highlight roll-off of the Canon is very nice, almost like what you'd see from a C100ii. It's extremely easy to intercut xf400 and C100/200 footage. With Sony equivalents, it takes more TLC.

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

It's painful to look at.

[@Csnumber1]

Looking at the Sony for an extra camera, and for me looking at both, it was not more of an issue of sharpness as it was "DETAIL"!! There is just more detail/information in the Sony's footage.

[@videozone092]

which has better image stabilaziton? u had a video about xf405 where u tested the stabilaziton and it worked very well. How does it working with z90???

[@AmrasNenmacil313]

Good comparison, but the XF405 is able to do slow-motion in HD (up to 120 fps) It's hidden in the Slow & Fast Motion menu.

[@mrinalgayali]

Thanks for sharing. Canon crops the sensor for 4K and thus the video is bit dull and not sharp. Sony utilizes almost the entire sensor and video is more sharp or has better-detailed video. Not sure why Canon crops their sensor for a 4K video for all camera. Maybe Canon needs to engineer 4K or learn from Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Nikon or Fuji. Even their latest Canon EOS R has a dull looking 4K video, which has 1.8 crop factor.

[@arthurbrown7501]

Since the new firmware upgrade, we now get 45mps for 1920x1080 in XF-AVC mode on the Canon

[@tiduffield]

And as of firmware 1.0.5.0 (4 December 2020), C-Log3, a load of other upgrades and full control over colour science. Apparently 10 bit 422 at 4k on the way too. Not a perfect camera by any means, but actually... real world really good. Autofocus and assist functions remain the ones to beat.

[@drdimento]

Great review. Thanks. I favor small and lightweight which points to the Z90 although I'm a 100% Canon man and that makes it a difficult decisions. Perhaps, I'll just stick with my Canon DSLR's.

[@viktoriavanleeuwen3459]

New XF400 and XF405 has firmware update came out this month in April/May 2019, for XF AVC for 45mbps in FHD, so quality is now there, compared to Sony at 50mbps in FHD. Other than the 10 bit, the Canon apples to apples looks better and it has the 800 wide dynamic range which helps against highlight blowout. Firmware also available on Canon site, I believe.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I think they are so similar, for most people it will come down to emotional, not rational choice. Which brand they are "fans of". If I MUST make a choice, I'll take the one you say is easier to work with - the Canon. I actually find the Sony picture to be sharper, but it looks almost artificially sharpened. Like when you go too far with sharpening in post production. The "softer" picture of the Canon looks more natural and could be better when shooting people. One doesn't need to see every skin pore.

[@ScarboroughTourist]

There are plenty of various adjustments in the picture profile settings. You're really just commenting on 'out of the box' settings; which is perfectly valid; but a minor tweak may well satisfy your preference.

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

No kidding. The comments about one looking "sharper" and having "better contrast" are kind of silly. It's like saying REC709 looks "better" than log.

[@leeretallic]

Great review again. I would really like to see more from the stabilisation of the xf400, I know you already have done a tutorial I the woods, just be nice to see another video with the stabilisation activated as I'm thinkng of purchasing the xf400 to shoot weddings. And need to see more from walking/reveal shots Thanks on advance Lee

[@Alexplanespotterguy]

Hi. Would you recommend the xa50 or the xf405 to record airplanes? I’m in the process of buying a camera and wanted your input. I had also considered the panasonic cx 10. Thoughts? Thank you

[@town3]

Sony for me on this one. Good review Carl have a great weekend.

[@maestrokimon]

Very nice and clear review and comparison! Thank you! (any experience with the SONY NX80)?

[@fabdelap2971]

Gd morning. I need to find a mini DV camcorder to save all my Dv mini cassettes on a dvd. My old Sony camcorder has broken down and i cannot find a repair shop to fix it. I live in France. What solution would you propose? Thk you.

[@jonathonfrum8084]

2:34 says it all for me. That's the difference in a nutshell. The comments about Sony being "sharper' is just silly. It's not sharpER, it's sharpENED, just like my hideous EX1r footage always was. My xf400 sharpens up beautifully whenever I opt to sharpen, which is seldom. Skin tones and color, especially in wide DR (which he didn't even mention!!!!!) are absolute wins for Canon. Low light is a draw, BTW, because the Canon is cleaner at higher gain levels.

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Good review - thanks....one very important consideration is that in the UK, the Canon is much more expensive than the Sony......but I do like 4K 60 and the built in lens cap on the Canon and on the Sony, I find the “automatic on” feature when the side flap opens, very frustrating I.e. if you only want to take the SD card out.....can this be disabled?

[@errolbreheny2480]

Peter consider media: Sony Z90 can use SanDisk 64gb extreme pro v30 95mb/s u3 at 25fps 4k @ £44.99 uk. How does the Canon make out on media?

[@petertaranscorsese2900]

Errol Breheny thanks for the information, I don’t know what media is suitable for the Canon. Based on the research I’ve done and videos like this, I think I’ll go for the Sony NX80 - cheers - Peter

[@ACSports]

If you were in the market for a similar camcorder, would you still buy either? Are they getting old?

[@drdimento]

The Canon definitely has the edge. Thanks for the review. I purchased the XF400 version.

[@Stonely1974]

Sony ofcourse, great low light scene, sharper image quality and slow mo!

[@ProAVTV]

The Sony definitely wins on the tick list of features. That’s for sure Carl

[@robinmc123]

Wow Sony seems to beat out canon clearly.

[@solarisphotography6314]

I love your videos! Can you record on the internal microphone on 1 channel & external microphone on the other channel for either or both of the cameras?

[@comperius]

Can you please compare Canon XF405 and Panasonic UX180 next?

[@coccvideo]

Nice review, thank you. Colors on Sony are more natural, clarity is better and dynamic range is at least on 0.5 is higher. I use different cameras for my work and always prefer Sony to other manufacturers.

[@danieldougan269]

Most people would say that opposite, but I tend to agree with you.

[@jametkudasi8425]

Sony PXW-Z90 4K VS Panasonic AG-CX10 4K. In your opinion, which one is better graphic quality 🙏😁

[@markb191]

Great review. Before you posted this video, I deliberated for weeks over the GX10 and AX700 (essentially the same without some of the professional connections). I spent days researching online and hours comparing the two in the shop. I ended up going for the Canon. As Carl said, the Canon is easier to handle (the Sony has important functions buried in the menus which is a shame as the AX100 had programmable, on screen, soft buttons), its more comfortable to hold and the image looks more natural (I felt the Sony was a bit over sharpened). The screen is much better on the Canon, but the EVF is better on the Sony; and while I loved the joystick under the thumb on the Sony, it was too close to the hand and was uncomfortable to use for any longer than a short period. Also, the screen on the Sony is only used for touch focusing, everything else is joystick driven (see comment on soft buttons above). The AF tracking is superior on the Canon, the Sony did not hold onto subjects particularly well. Speed of focus were similar on both though. One major issue on the Canon is that it does not record audio on HD at 100p!!! Why???? Anyway, there are ways around this but crazy not to include it. I am hoping a firmware update will fix this. The canon build also felt slightly better quality. The IS was superior on the Canon, with powered IS doing a good job of keeping things still at the long end of the lens. The Canon only has wide DR whereas the Sony has logs. Neither is a perfect package and compromises have to be made, that is why it took me so long to decide. Both are very good and, for me, it took using them until I felt I could make a well considered decision. It was very close (at one point I had chosen the Sony), but having used the GX10 for the past few days, I do not regret getting the Canon. The best thing is to go out, get your hands on them, and try them.

[@uncledoey]

was the added half-pound and bulk of the gx10 vs ax700 an issue with you?

[@JimmyVargasOnline]

Thanks for showcasing a comparison between these two cameras. I'm interested in what wifi functionalities these two cameras have. I seen a video online that Sony PXW-Z90v can timecode sync multiple camera setups through wifi communication. Can Canon XF-405 do the same? And can either of these cameras do IP streaming? I'm curious in knowing if either of these two cameras can send a video stream wirelessly to you computer via WiFi for online streaming using switching softwares like OBS or Wirecast. And can either of their image controls be adjusted remotely with a phone app?

[@clifftotten7609]

Is it just me or does the Z90 seem to show considerably more detail in every shot? Even with a simple 1080 playblack, I'm seeing the Sony showing better fabric textures and foliage detail and so forth. I don't think it's just common sharpening either. It just seems to me that its actually resolving more. The Canon just looks very very "soft". This was not a topic you mentioned in the video. Did you also notice this too?

[@tdcattech]

Cliff Totten I spotted that too. Particularly around the shot of the swan. If these are both straight out of camera and I can see a difference on a phone screen, it does make me wonder why the Sony looks far superior.

[@clifftotten7609]

The Sony uses a large over sampling readout technique. They take in 1.5 or 1.7 times the minimum resolution need for a 4k image and then down sample it in a special way. So far to date, Canon has only been able to muster a simple 1:1 sensor readout on any of it's cameras. So using a 1:1 Bayer pattern readout yields a green channel that is only 50% 4k resolution and has red and blue channels that are only 25% 4k resolution each. Those are pretty lousy number when you think about it. The best channel you have (green) is only 1/2 4k resolution! Yet somehow Canon (and other 1:1 readout cameras) still markets these things as "4k"??? The red and blue channels are only 1080 HD!!!

[@uncledoey]

i agree. it's quite noticeable and no, i didn't think it was over-sharpened. would've liked to have seen a comparison of the ois and auto focusing since the canon supposedly should be better at each.

[@GurmeetSingh-fr8uo]

Cliff Totten Sony has better Zeiss lens

[@stevestruthers6180]

I agree, the Canon does look softer. It also offers slightly less detail and I think the colours are a bit muted.

[@arthurbrown7501]

I presume you have shot both cameras in Rec709? I don't own the Sony but I did purchase the XF405 based on your last review of this camera. What might have been worth a mention is that the Canon has WD mode which gives you tons more dynamic range. The Sony image in your example does seem to yield a sharper image which actually gives me a little remorse over my Canon. Canon have stated that a firmware upgrade adding XF-AVC is pending for 2018 but as of yet, this has not appeared. I don't know if having XF-AVC may yield a sharper image? If anyone can answer that question I would appreciate it? I hope they don't charge for this XF-AVC upgrade when it finally appears. The other thing about the Canon, if I want to have region switching, they want £399 and a visit to the service centre to achieve this. From memory, Sony Camera's have this option already enabled for free.

[@ProAVTV]

XF-AVC doesn’t normally give a sharper image. It’s mainly for smooth playback in post production. They are both cameras. I really like the image of the XF-405 personally Carl

[@FiftyFiftyFilm]

XF405 shoots 45mb/s HD in XF-AVC, its slightly better than mp4, maybe because of 4:2:2 ? or 10 bit?

[@meloag]

Canon is very soft and highlights clip faster than the Sony, I think Ill pick the Sony

[@ProAVTV]

Nice, glad we helped you make your decision Carl

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

Sony highlight roll-off is not good. Canon is giving the option to sharpen and add contrast. Sony is just baking in fake detail.

[@arthurbrown7501]

NEW FIRMWARE RELEASED. Yay we have XF-AVC at last. Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 incorporates the following enhancements: 1. XF-AVC format recording has been added *1* 2* 3* 4. 2. The flicker reduction function has been added 3. Enhances menu operations so that the Browser Remote setting options are retained after switching off the camera. *1Please use the following Software Applications. Canon XF Utility 3.3 for macOS Canon XF Plugin 3.3 for Avid Media Access[macOS] *2 You will need to format the SD cards completely with the camera before recording. *3 For detailed information about SD cards that have been verified to work with this camera, please visit Canon's Web site. *4 Canon has verified that clips shot with this firmware version can be imported directly into Apple's Final Cut Pro X version 10.4.1 UPDATE 9th April 2018: It's only available on the Canon UK site currently and not on the US site. I believe Canons support have advised US owners to wait for US version to appear on Canon US site.

[@kardelfotografia]

I have Sony AX100, is the older Handcam with the almost same body of Z90. In AX100 when I record in 4k (60 or 100mbit) the HDMI out is turned off. I Think the image processor does not have power enought to record in 4k and deliver video output in 1080. Does Z90 can deliver 1080p hdmi/sdi output during 4K recording?

[@hectorfernandez743]

nice review but what's the difference between the nx80 & the z90 in image quality.. i bought the nx80 for filming music video do u think i made the right choice?

[@jeannettemasialasungu9051]

Hi, I saw in other video that the only differences is: The NX80 has only an HDMI OUT. The Z90 has besides HDMI also the benefit to use SDI OUT for transfer audio etc. It is for me also strange that this seem to be the only differences of both camcorders, why has made Sony two type of camcorders with this differences, it has no sense.

[@michaelpoczynek]

As a very amateur videographer, I have always found that I have been disappointed when I compare Sony to Canon. I have never been disappointed by Sony Video cams. I think they make an excellent product. Regardless, watching your video - the sony video seems superior Thanks for making this video.

[@animus5975]

Doesn’t the canon xf400 have slow motion? Why did he mention the Sony has an advantage in slow mo ?

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

Canon has 60P 4k, which is where I often set mine as a default. It's beautiful. The Sony has a far better 120fps mode in 1080, if that's your thing. The XF400 120fps is not very good. Here's some of my 4K60 footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmpiaiXq6aCe80

[@331slash]

Do you have any experience between the nx80 and the canon xa40? If so which would you choose?

[@ThomazMartinez]

Do you guys put your AV TV stickers everywhere?

[@aiofilms]

The wider angel lens on the Canon should weight a lot more in this camcorder category, very handy, very useful and cannot be made up by other means.

[@DavidFedele]

Thanks so much for this very informative video! I am a one-person, documentary film-maker. My first ever camcorder was the Sony HVR-A1E, which I absolutely love(d), but stopped using it as it uses mini DV tapes. I "upgraded" to a Canon XF100, but ..... there was one feature of this camera which made it "unusable" after working with the Sony HVR-A1E for so long ... which was the speed of the Zoom. Even at its fastest speed, it is way too slow for me ..... as I work in a "run and gun" style, and need things to happen quickly. I am imagining that this is exactly the same with the XF405? I wonder if you/anyone can comment on the SPEED of the Zoom of the Z90 at its fastest speed? It may sound strange, but this is actually a potential deal-breaker for me! Many thanks

[@bobuk5722]

Like most decisions I guess it depends on what it is going to be used for. They are sort of the same but a bit different! The choices seem to be getting harder, not easier. Bob.

[@videblender]

Carl, nice job! Do you know which camera has a better image when connected via the SDI port? 1080p at 8-bit 4:2:0 or 1O-bit 4:2:2. This is important for those folks looking to purchase a camcorder for multi-camera live switching production work where most cameras will be set on tripods. Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks again.

[@davidbaldwin3407]

What about image stabilization? Both at 4K and 1080p? Example: I owned the Sony AX100 and at 4K if the camera was perfectly still, the video was breathtaking. Try to film a basketball or volleyball game from the bleachers on a tripod, and I saw every vibration. It was so distracting it made the camera unuseable at 4K. The image stabilization was better at 1080p, but I already had a camera that could shoot 1080p.

[@tptrsn]

Thank you for this Carl! I already bought the AX700, and this comparison made me glad I did. The image quality is incredible, and beside it the Canon's looks super mushy. I keep wondering if the Sony image is over-sharpened, but I really don't see it. Maybe the lens is just better? I agree that I would love to see how well the Canon footage sharpens up. Also I would like to know if there is a way to adjust the gamma "knee point" or whatever it is called in the Canon to brighten up the mids a bit without blowing out the highlights so early..

[@uncledoey]

are you happy with the OIS of the ax700 and the touch screen responsiveness? they seem to be the only two things that the canon might have an edge (maybe the dual pixel AF too)

[@tptrsn]

To be honest I haven't played with the touch screen much, but part of that is because I feel like it doesn't work very well. :) The OIS is acceptable to me, I don't have any problem with it. It's not nearly as good in some circumstances as the Sony AX53 camcorder's OIS, which is fantastic, but I accept that it really can't be as good as that one because of the bigger sensor and bigger lens elements needed to work with the bigger sensor.

[@johnburns5424]

Carl. Can either live stream to a laptop into WireCast wirelessly without using UStream or XDCAM Air? Called your HQ and they told me to talk to Sony (I prefer that camera) but they in turn could not tell me.

[@victoredwards5714]

It appears that the XF405 is blurry in every shot. To me why pay for 4K if you don't get enhanced detail. I wonder if it was user error. I'll look at other video reviews.

[@idahofallsmagazine3691]

Here's my sample reel from 6 months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmpiaiXq6aCe80

[@laughatstoners]

Does the Z90 shoot 10 bit 4K & 1080?

[@danieldougan269]

I prefer the image from the Sony, but not by a lot. I think it probably has a sharper and brighter lens, and having a log profile does help, and you don't have to turn up the gain as far. That's not to say the Canon is bad at all. It's quite good as well, but the Sony is just that little bit better.

[@biggusbestus551]

Curious how the view finders compare ...I have heard the Sony has the edge there.

[@bitspacemusic]

As you can see from this example, the 12x and 15x zoom by itself doesn't say anything without knowing the focal lengths. A Canon EF100-400mm is only 4x zoom.

[@cornbobrimlove7892]

Sony was still sharper and with more detail than the Canon even with the Sony extending into it's digital zoom

[@HusseinKefel]

Nice comparison video. In my opinion here, the Sony wins in terms of image sharpness and clarity

[@WupperVideo]

I really hope, that Sony and Canon will release just an newer model of their camcorders, that support 4:2:2 10 bit in 1080p/50, 1080i/25 and 2160p/50. These are the most important broadcast production formats, and I cannot understand, that there is no available camcorder in this size, that supports this.

[@WupperVideo]

Yeah and yesterday Canon released the XF605, that does exactly that for a reasonably price point. We already ordered one 😄

[@APFILMSPRODUCTION]

sony Z-90 looking good....both sharpness and color...and 422 recording....slow motion also great....i chooos sony for me....also a re sale value ...great..LOVE SONY

[@avarmadillo]

Nice review, Carl. I do have a question. I note the XF400 is pretty good using TV mode. The camera controls the exposure almost as well as the XC15. In run and gun this is a tremendous advantage. How does the Z90 handle exposure when shooting in other modes other than fully manual?

[@af5222]

canon for day, sony for night

[@BMRStudio]

Hmmmmmm Sony :) 10 bit... Mpeg HD option, Log... HDR, better low light performance and so on..... No contest in this price-size-features category. Great successor to the X70, especially in broadcast applications!

[@magicstudiodzibice]

Excellent coparing movie, thanks!!!! Could you tell me or record movie comparing low light Sony/Canon 1" vs 3x1/3' camcoders (Sony NX3, NX5). I recorded in low light, now I have NX3 but I thinking about change to Z90 or Xf400.

[@brianhoward9217]

Both equal - no risk there.

[@rodneykoh2258]

Thanks so much for the shoot-out! Really helped me to decide on my next purchase. The XF400 has better color science and handles highlights much better.

[@ProAVTV]

Glad it helped! Carl

[@RELATECASTS]

great REVIEW! wE HAD BOTH AND SOLD THE nx80. tHE sONY WAS GOOD BUT IT WAS ALL-AROUND BETTER WORKING WITH THE cANON. also, FINDING VIDEO SHOOTERS IS WAY EASIER WITH THE cANON SINCE THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE cINEMA LINE AND IS OFTEN A b CAMERA FOR THOSE GUYS. sONY HAD WEIRD NITS LIKE WHERE THE HECK ARE THE VIDEOS ON THE sdxc CARDS? lol focus WAS GOOD ON BOTHH. tHE PICTURE QUALITY JUST LOOKS MORE NATURAL ON cANON. wE SINCE PURCHASED ANOTHER xf400 TO PAIR WITH THE xf405. wE SHOT RECENTLY FOR 2 FULL DAYS WITH BOTH xf CAMERAS AND THE cANON PERFORMED BEAUTIFULLY WITH EXCCELLENT END RESULTS. very HAPPY AND MUCH BETTER AUDIO CAPABILITIES VVS THE sNY. wE PAIRED THEM WITH A sOUND dEVICES mIXpRE 6 AND AUDIO RESULTS WERE STELLAR... very HAPPY./

[@markshirley01]

Can anyone recommend a good used model for stage event work with a full hdmi out. I don't need 4k but want descent AF and mid range zoom with descent battery. It's literally for providing a live feed only and not recording.

[@66Vogelsang]

Go for the consumer brother of the Z90, the fdr ax700!

[@MichaelWTurner]

I still haven't bought either one of these cameras. I've always preferred the canon menu system over sony. Canon just seems to be more user friendly, but i think this particular sony is higher quality. I'm looking more at the nx80 and xf400. I don't need the extra broadcast features of the higher models. Anyway, really good review

[@SportFlow]

You make the best camera reviews out there. Thanks for explaining us the real world experience beyond the specs. The Canon really needs to incorporate a XF-AVC professional codec like the XC15. Meanwhile, for me, it's a consumer camera.

[@ProAVTV]

Thanks! The XF405 has just received Xf-AVC in its latest update Carl

[@UnratedAwesomeness]

I'll give my two cents. These cameras are built for speed on site and easy workflows. If I want to get the best possible image, sure I'll shoot Log, but I'll also shoot on a C100 (or like) with sharp prime lenses, stylistic filters etc. It's really only in those cinematic environments that clipped highlights are unacceptable, but these cameras aren't built for that. XF405 has the edge in AF, zoom, lowlight, and 4k data-rate. Wide DR is great for this kind of shooting because it's got better DR without much need for grading. Usability is probably more vital in the field than anything else though, so the more easily usable a camera is, the better.

[@ProAVTV]

Very good points! Carl

[@pierluigidinardodimaio3708]

im starting to live streaming switching and internal reocrding. can you tips some camera in the range of 3k ? i was looking for z90 / x405 or bmpc6kk/mirrorless. for classical events in the theathre/auditorium/medium hall/church. its hard becuase the budget is max 20k. and i need min. 3 cam.

[@agostonberko]

colors canon. sharpness sony. overall canon is still waay behind.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Data rate is not a pure measure of quality. The tech doing the compression makes a HUGE difference as does the codec. Using Mb/s as the end all be all of quality is doing your audience a disservice.

[@SportFlow]

Please, could anyone tell me why I would need 4k60p instead of 30p? We don't like the video-ish look of 60p footage...

[@viktoriavanleeuwen3459]

You should be able to set the Canon to 4k at 30P in the options as both choices should be possible. Ask a Canon rep to verify that. 60P is great for slow motion in 4K when playing back, or for capturing very fast action - sports, dancing etc.

[@Fygas_V_Tanke]

Спасибо. Но, интересуют такие эксплуатационные характеристики, как перегрев и возможности по трансляции, что вытекает одно из другого.

[@BryWorYT]

Was the XF405 recording in Standard or Wide DR mode in those shots ? Important to know because Wide DR reduces local contrast producing a softer image than in Standard mode. You can see the difference in another Pro AV TV review of the XF405: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4LFd59on72Fprs Edit: Why don't Pro AV TV respond to any of the questions in these comments ?

[@MrHartnSoul]

KZbin do not notify PROAV TV or any YT Channel should a question be posted so they would have to look at all the video comments to see your question which gets difficult when you have hundreds of uploaded video's.

[@MrClaudio28649]

In my opinion, the Sony, thanks to the Zaiss, has a significantly superior image resolution in all situations, I dare say almost embarrassing! compared to the Canon as well as better autofocus. Advantage of the Canon only the 50 P in 4K and the ease of handling but I would have no doubts if I had to choose... Sony Z90

[@tomrhardwick]

Both cameras use the same sized chip? 1'' I'm guessing. And the NDs? Built-in and automatic I'll wager.

[@dkirk335]

Built in but not automatic

[@amantesdopagodao9415]

What cam did you record this video?

[@ProAVTV]

We used the C300 MKII Carl

[@ElderMike]

Good review Carl. I was gearing towards the Canon because of 4k 60fps but I ended up getting the Sony because of the extra features such as HLG/HDR and also the Canon is $700 more expensive than the Sony in the US.

[@EVRevolution]

And the Sony can livestream wirelessly with the last free software update.

[@cnrmoose]

The Canon can only do 4:2:2 10 bit externally, the Sony can do XAVC L in 4:2:2 10 bit internally

[@WupperVideo]

The codecs and all in all the internal recording of those Canon camcorders were just unprofessional. They recorded in formats like consumer camcorders for a price point, no consumer would ever buy. The XF705 was a first step into the right direction, but with >7.000 € it was just too expensive and too large for normal ENG. But now, the new XF605 with its smaller body and smaller price but improved features sounds great.

[@claytonmoore2091]

The most glaring advantage with the SONY is that its $700 cheaper then the Canon.

[@ZenGeekDad]

I am confused. Your side-by-side images of the two cameras consistently looked sharper on the Sony, and often dramatically sharper. Perhaps that's just the different default settings of the camera (levels curves, contrast, etc.)? But it's hard to shake the impression of bad optics / bad focusing for the 405. Yet I've seen other 405 footage that looked excellent, like it was shot on a C200/C300 or better (e.g., kzbin.info/www/bejne/q37ZXqhrhdiViaM). *** Please Comment. *** I was all set to buy an XF405, then I saw your horrifying focus examples.

[@mrkumaran]

Sony looks blown out in highlights, but is much sharper than the Canon

[@rb5235]

I know these cam's are a little old but the Sony picture is so much better.

[@yellowleafproduction7221]

Very nice review, but made the choice no clearer!

[@ProAVTV]

Sorry! They are tough cameras to choose between! Carl

[@AlexTabachnyy]

Great review! I love Sony, However for me stepped gain/ISO, slowest zoom speed, and frame rate on the Sony is a deal breaker. Those things got skipped on Quality control ;-)

[@ProdigyXAKEP]

Sony has better picture quality, but Cannon is more convenient to use. I still waiting for best picture quality from Canon to buy the best camera (by price/quality/functions).

[@ProAVTV]

The XF705 is pretty good, personally I think that has the best IQ from any camcorder I have used so far. It’s very subjective though of course. Carl

[@ProdigyXAKEP]

@@ProAVTV I agreed. Thank you for your opinion. But XF705 is huge for me ) I'm looking for something handy _(just for personal use, professionally I use everything)_ . P.S. Currently I have both Sony (4К) and Canon (FullHD), but I used to use Canon... _(in FullHD pictures are very similar)_ and I might sell Sony...

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@ProAVTV I am so late to this discussion...I want to replace my Canon XF300 but I can't afford the XF705...my XF100 is good but the pic is not the best-nice size for sure...I was looking at the Z90 and the XF400 but now I see that there will be new cameras from Panasonic HC-X2000 (but this one is only 1/2 inch sensor)...so many choices...which one will be the best for weddings?

[@vadim845]

This video camera SONY - CANON is my dream, which will improve the quality of video content. Please tell me what your price is on the secondary market, as my budget is very limited. Although there is a war in Ukraine now and the priorities for life and help are completely different, there is still a desire to do something, and I want to improve the quality of video content. Ця відео камера SONY - CANON моя мрія, яка підвищить якість відео контенту. Скажіть будь ласка яка ціна у вас на вторинному ринку, оскільки у мене бюджет дуже обмежений. Хоча в Україні зараз війна і пріоритети для життя та допомоги зовсім інші, все ж бажання щось робити є, і хочеться підвищити якість відео контенту.

[@viktoriavanleeuwen3459]

Dynamic range much better on the Canon, the Sony has lots of blown out highlights. Outdoors, i would prefer that, and good shadow detail.

[@N9524Q]

One feature you missed is the canon does 4k at 60. Only someone with both Camera can answer this Question. Is the Sony really sharper from your point of view of both cameras in hand? Over KZbin the Sony looks sharper

[@dkirk335]

he did mention it

[@Krystianissimus]

SONY has a nice focus tracking (lock on) system, but awful light sensor on viewfinder, which can turn off your main LCD display. In that comparison test SONY has better colours than Canon, except colour of the sky which is not quite natural for me.

[@gadgetphilosophy8290]

Much cleaner image on the Sony.

[@jeffharder3269]

Actually, to my eyes, the Sony footage looks better, sharper.

[@jerryinman3044]

Maybe it’s just me, but the Sony seems to have little better color.

[@hjavier9683]

Sony Z90 the best !

[@nightdonutstudio]

These camcorder image looks so dull. Can not compare to mirroless camera.

[@블레빈스]

Sony Win

[@HMP275]

For me, the look of the AF405 looks more natural and a little bit smother than the Sony. Its sujectiv, but I like the Canon look more in this video.

[@amoledor]

My suggestion for your video is turn your speaking audio up and your music down, can't really hear what you're saying.

[@dr.bernie5262]

Canon is pure crap. Sony is the champion.

[@VespasianoNevio]

sony menues are very bad.