How-To: Canon XF400 and XF405: Introduction to the XF400/XF405 Camera Systems

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Wow! 8:02 Valley Commissary in Mac! About 1 mile from where I live. Great burgers. :)

[@model3life]

Thanks for making the time to produce these videos, they are very helpful and confirm that the 400 is going to be a great purchase!

[@kipling1957]

Hi Jem. Great overview as always. I’m torn between this and the XF705. A big step up but it seems to tick every imaginable box for a do-everything location/documentary camera. I hope you’ll be running through the features of that at some point.

[@lfeickert]

Great instructional and overview video. As this is the first of a series (I've watched several in order on my smart TV), what is the name of the playlist that contains this video and the rest in the series? I'm going blind trying to find it in the hundreds of videos on Canon's "channel". Please advise. Thank you!

[@CanonUSA]

Hi, Larry! You can find all of our videos pertaining to the XF400 and XF405 at canon.us/q3keu Hope this helps!

[@lfeickert]

@@CanonUSA Yes, it is an immense help! Thank you.

[@charbax]

How long is the battery life on Canon BP-828 Battery when shooting 4K60 mirror recording to two SD Cards, with full brightness on the LCD? Is it only just 1 hour? I might get 2-3 extra batteries then and one or two extra chargers cause I need to be able to film at least 3-4 hours per day.

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there! Maximum recording time with the BP-828 recording at 4K 60p is 115 minutes. Typical and more realistic recording times averaged around 60 minutes. We hope this helps!

[@charbax]

Thanks, do you sell compatible higher capacity batteries? Seems that I may need 4 of these if it can only record 60min per battery so that I can be shooting interviews at a tradeshow during the whole day.

[@CanonUSA]

Currently, the BP-828 is the highest capacity available that is compatible. The BP-820 is also compatible, though it is lower in capacity.

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Can you power the camera from a USB powerbank battery?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello Miklos! Power can only be supplied from the battery pack or the optional CA-946 AC Adapter. We hope this answers your question!

[@WupperVideo]

I didn’t expect, they were discontinued 4 years later without a replacement.

[@stevengao8345]

were you using xf400/405 to shoot this video ? thanks

[@billybastar4022]

Great video series. Couple of questions. First, I intend on using a Atomos for both monitoring and secondary recording because I use a elevated boom and remote controlling pan and tilt for long shoots in the sports industry. I tend to use a belt and suspenders approach in every situation. I was hoping to record via sdi and in the internal cards, but you mentioned if I wanted to record in the highest field output quality, the internal record to the cards are disabled. Is that true? Or is there a work around? Second, will you be releasing a streaming video as it relates to the 405’s capabilities? Thank you again

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Bill. In order to record to an external recorder via the SDI OUT terminal, the camcorder must be set in external recording mode only. There isn't a way around this. Also, this video is part of a series of videos about the XF400 / XF405 we posted in our channel. Check out the others at kzbin.infosearch?query=405 We hope all this helps!

[@thesunshiner]

What gimbal system is there that will work with a video camera like this? Thank you

[@CanonUSA]

Hi! You may be able to get some recommendations from your fellow Canon users on the forum at the Canon Community. Sign up and post today at canon.us/forum Hope this helps!

[@tractortherapy42]

What plate are you using for that video head. I have similar head and all the plates I've found are too long and block access to the battery release. I've figured out a workaround, but I'd like to get a plate for this that works well.

[@avarmadillo]

Many nice features on this camera...but I have a few questions, if you don't mind. 1. why did you put the joy stick on the left side? It's on the right side for the xc15 and it works great. On the left side you're constantly having to switch from the left hand supporting and balancing the camera to operating the back with all the weight falling on the right side. IMO that TOTALLY sucks. 2. Why did you make the LCD HIGHLY reflective, making it virtually impossible to use outside on a bright day. I look into it and all I see is my squinting face looking back at me. LCD run and gun; TOTALLY USELESS. 3. Why did you put the toggle button for power IS on the LCD? If you're shooting run and gun using the EVF you want the button on the outside of the camera so you can toggle without losing your framing and your shot. This seems totally out to lunch.I mean, you're shooting hand held, you need the power IS, and you have to stop and open the damned LCD to find the power IS--in the meantime you lose your framing and your shot. 4. Why did you put the start/stop button so low on the right side? It's really awkward to hold the camera like that. Why did you recess the "mag" button and place it so far from the start/stop button. It's awkward and hard to access. 5. Why do features, like zebra, keep appearing and disappearing as you scroll through the menu? Why isn't zebras in the standard menu like it is on the XC15? Confusing and dumb. 6. Canon got it ergonomically right on the XC15---fantastic camera for what it is. THIS camera is an ergonomic disaster IMO---awkward, difficult, forcing hand switching and shifting from LCD to EVF in the midst of shooting---among other things. 7. Why are we asked to pay three thousand bucks only to have Canon give us a crappy, postage-stamp EVF, and only three looks---one of which is gray? The XC15 costs a LOT less, has higher bit rates, and equivalent zoom, and EIGHT, count them, EIGHT looks plus the ability to create two custom looks. 8. Why is Canon CONSTANTLY disappointing by crippling cameras and being horribly stingy and niggardly in providing so few features and options while asking TOP PRICE for them? 9. Was the camera never field tested before it was marketed? It seems to me the ergonomics were put together by some geek engineer who never shot so much as an iPhone photo staring at a computer screen and deciding to be cleaver and change the ergonomic arrangement to make it different from the XC15 ergonomics--even though the XC15 ergonomics is virtually perfect. What's the use!!! Can someone please riddle me some of the questions? If I could pick just one I'd like answered, how about telling me how I am able to shoot outdoors with the massively reflective LCD?? Any bright ideas?

[@AlecSchreck]

Heh, Jem, XF400 firmware update from 1.0.0 to 1.0.5 with C-log and EOS profiles failed. Lots of functionality missing from the camera/menu /settings. It shows as having updated in my settings menu but the CP settings thing in the menu settings is blacked out (wrench icon p5). Please-any suggestions on how to rectify that sort of thing? Thank you.

[@CanonUSA]

Hi, Alec! Our support team will be glad to go over your settings with you. You can reach them weekdays and Saturdays at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666). Hope to help you soon!

[@Video-Connects]

Just purchased my XF-400 - but a problem - how do I get the XF-AVC format videos off my camera into my Win10 PC for editing? Spent several days to no avail. DIU utility does NOT recognize my camera, when xf400 connected to my PC with a USB cable - it does only when camera in MP4 mode, but not in XF-AVC mode - and the Data Import Utility (DIU)? - does not recognize the connection - says not connected, regardless of MP4 or XF-AVC mode on camera - Canon - you got to be kidding me / - does anyone have any ideas, cuz this well is dry ;)

[@videozone092]

hi! when i tap on my screen all the infos come up and 2 sec later all info goes off from screen. i have to retap all the time for the infos. is there an option for the infos to stay on screen nonstop? i couldnt find it

[@CanonUSA]

Hello Kimi: You may want to press the DISP button until the screen displays the desired information. Pressing the button, in succession, cycles through different display modes. [All displays on -> Only onscreen markers -> Minimal displays]. If you have more questions, our video support agents are happy to help. You can reach them at 1-800-652-2666 Monday-Friday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm ET, Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm ET, excluding holidays. We hope this helps.

[@videozone092]

@@CanonUSA it did help. Thank you!

[@WheatSupreme]

Can you use three audio sources simultaneously with the two XLR and one 1/8th" mic in?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Tim! Audio can be recorded from both XLRs as well as the MIC terminal as long as the camcorder is setup to record 4-channel audio. We hope this helps!

[@WheatSupreme]

CanonUSA yep thanks for the reply. What shotgun mic is used in this video series? I'm trying to figure out what fits in the mount.

[@HEALINGTHEWOUNDS]

@@CanonUSA Hi, can Jem make a tutorial for the XF705 please, there is hardly any info on using The XF705.

[@jonztube]

Please could you give me some idea of which gimbals would work with the XF400 (using it without the handle)... Thanks!

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there! While we don't make gimbals of our own or test the various systems available with our camcorders, you might try reaching out to your preferred equipment dealer directly for advice on what is available that may work. You can also try asking the many working professionals in the Canon Community on our forum at community.usa.canon.com/ We hope this helps.

[@thepurplegar]

Please help me with this camera. I can't seem to record in 4K but output 1080i out to the SDI output for live streaming.

[@CanonUSA]

Hello: You can find all the output resolutions by output terminal in the chart on pages 117-118 of the camcorder manual. Here is a shortcut: Canon.us/23xqz. The maximum resolution for the SDI OUTPUT terminal is 1920x1080. You will want to use the HDMI terminal to output 3840x2160. If you have other questions our Pro Video agents are happy to assist. You'll find your personalized support options in your My Canon Account at canon.us/account We hope this information is useful.

[@itstonycia]

this is the camera my school lends out to undergrad students

[@seragram]

Can you run with external Battery like V mount?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi, Sergio! The Canon XF400 and XF405 are designed to be powered by genuine Canon batteries or through an AC power adapter. Hope this helps!

[@seragram]

Thanks

[@ppiddy9862]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@videozone092]

so my xf 400's 1080p resolution has 35mb/s. i saw a review in youtube where the customer had a upgraded version of this cam with higher mb/s in 1080 and 4k. If this thing is real can i uprgrade my xf 400 to better numbers?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi kimi. What you are seeing on your XF400 are the correct values. The XF400 can record up to 1080p at 35 Mbps and 4K up to 150 Mbps. We hope this information helps clarify things.

[@907channel]

Is it only 35 mbps for 120p?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there. If you're referring to using a Slow/Fast Motion rate of x120, the bit rate will depend on the resolution you're shooting at. At 3840 x 2160, the bit rate is 150 Mbps. However, at 1920 x 1080 it is 35 Mbps. We hope this answers your question.

[@907channel]

What is the bitrate for 1920x1080 at 120 fps? Thanks

[@CanonUSA]

120 fps is achieved by choosing the native frame rate of 59.94p / 29.97p / 23.98p, then setting a Slow/Fast Motion rate of x0.5 / x0.25 / x0.2 to match. With either native frame rate, the maximum bit rate is 35 Mbps. We hope this helps clarify things.

[@907channel]

The gx10 doesn’t get the same 45 mbps 1080 hd as the xf400?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello there! The VIXIA GX10 records 1920 x 1080 at up to 35 Mbps, which the XF400 also does. We hope this helps!

[@907channel]

I thought the xf400 got the update of 45 1080 and 160 4k? XF-AVC fromat

[@CanonUSA]

Hello again. 45 Mbps is possible on the XF400, but only in the AF-AVC format. The VIXIA GX10 only supports MP4, which is at the same bitrate of 35 Mbps as the XF400. We hope this helps clarify things.

[@esotericmee]

What is the file size for 1 minute of 4k/60?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there. 1 minute of 4K/60 video will have a file size somewhere around 1.6 GB. 8 GB of card space can get about 5 minutes of recording. We hope this helps.

[@WeddingsRecord]

Canon not responding my problem. I live in poland. I reported the defect of the seller, knowing that it was a design defect. I wanted to return the camera, but the seller refused. I met with representative of Canon Poland Robert Woźniak at the representative of the BEIKS dealer. The defect was confirmed in my camera and in the others that were in the store. My case is not isolated. OIS disables spontaneously when working on the shoulder or the operator is leaning against a stationary object, and the picture begins to jump while taking important shots. This is confirmed by Mr. Woźniak. He refused to write down the appropriate protocol, which would be the basis for returning the camera and recovering the money. The camera in my incident is not suitable for working with an anesthetic OIS during photos. The seller does not want to give me money, which I can understand, because it's not his fault, but in the end he represents Canon and should take responsibility for the product. Dnia 8 grudnia 2018 00:28 Canon Support napisał(a): Dear Piotr Diszer , Thank you for contacting Canon support regarding your XF 400 and IS design question. I will be glad to assist you. I would not thinks so based upon your report. You may have your camera examined. Where do you live? Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thank you for contacting Canon. Sincerely, James Technical Support Representative Email is not a secure form of communication. Please do not send us your credit card number or other personal or account information via email.

[@CanonUSA]

As you do not reside in the United States we at Canon USA are unable to assist with this matter. Please contact Canon in your region for assistance. global.canon/en/support/

Looks more like a XA40 than a XF

[@thepurplegar]

It does, and the controls are a lot like the XA series too. I like it because you can mount in on a gimbal.

[@adrianpocea2287]

Awesome camera. Well done. Canon realizes that competition pushed everything forward this year and they are closing the gap in sales. They are not holding back anything in this. I mean, 4k60p and fullhd 120p, full sensor readout??? Are you kidding? Yes!!! That means that the new Canon 5ds mark II and 7d mark III next year are going to destroy the competition

[@WeddingsRecord]

XF400 not working Sony Vegas !!!

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there! Our team of experts may be able to help determine why. Please reach out to them from Canon.us/ContactYT We look forward to hearing from you.

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

I am extremely disappointed Jem in this camcorder. The images that come out of the camera are soft and not sharp in 4K mode. I decided to go for a Panasonic DVX200, which offered a much better lens, much sharper video. I had the XF300 and waited year after year for you guys to come out with a * full size * camcorder with all the ports, three independent rings. What I really hoped was a XF400 which was a real true upgrade from the 300. Batteries are way too short. I can't swap batteries when I film concerts with no intermission and no power ports.

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

Also, I found the camera to be very dark indoors, having pump the gain to 18 dB constantly.

[@kipling1957]

asafblasberg I agree. The real successor to the XF300/5 appears to be the XF705. It has gone the route of single 1” sensor, 4K and advanced 10-bit 422 codecs. The price point is a bit steep but it ticks many boxes if you are a dedicated Canon guy (I am). I’m waiting for some hands-on reviews to come out.

[@sammorganmoore]

Auto focus needs no ring because it is doing it auto. zoom needs no ring because there is a rocker switch, this leaves iris which needs a ring but you cant assign the ring to that. Genius. 842. TV AV M - what does this mean (i did study photography and have been pro for 25 years but never heard TV AV M) This video doesnt really show if you can simply adjust iris and gain without going in the menu. Why cant these camera be setup to shoot with access to the manual functions. (FIZ, gain. degrees kelvin, FPS) Shooting a black camera against a black shirt is not wise. Any log or 10bit ness?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello Sam: You can find a description of the shooting modes in the XF400 manual on pages 68-69: TV - Sutter Priority - AV- Aperture Priority M - Manual mode The available settings for these options are listed on page 70. Kelvin is an option under the Custom White Balance (WB) menu options described on page 76. Here is a shortcut to the manual: canon.us/36OOccK While most of the features you mention can be set through the menus, custom settings and assignable buttons on this camcorder, it sounds like our Cinema line of cameras would better meet your needs. The Cinema series of cameras are designed for professional production and have the option to customize the many external buttons to have 1-push access to your settings. You can find information on the Cinema line at pro.usa.canon.com. Our Cinema support agents would be happy to discuss the features with you are available at 855-246-3367, 24 hours, 7 days a week, excluding holidays. Our agents could also discuss how to access available features on the XF 400 We hope this helps.

[@sammorganmoore]

@@CanonUSA Hi. I have a C200 and an R6 being a recent convert to Canon. Im just looking at this cam for situations were a built up C200 is too heavy and the R6/24-105 with no long lens, No ND and no XLR, is just not 'run and gun' enough. Shooters like me would put good manual controls (and AF) in front of needing anything else on the camera. Although I might consider auto on 1 in 100 shoots. It would defo be good to map the iris to the big ring. It is the best control.. but with AF and zoom rocker it will never be used!

[@sammorganmoore]

Coming to three new cameras (Id prefer 300mkiii but cant afford) one is looking for consistency in both physical function and ideally also picture appearance. Maybe im missing a point about struggling to get 'all manual' and someone like Jem should be doing a video.. 'auto you can trust it'

[@rumorscameras]

finger nail size sensor and you keep calling it 1 inchm very misleading, one inch is big 9 mm is very small

[@TroyShaw]

Raise your hand if you like touch screen. I don't. I prefer toggle.

[@Klausjp.ontheroadagain]

if you do not have a link to the next in your series all is useless and wasting my time

[@CanonUSA]

If you click the "Next" button, it's the next video. It also shows as the "Up Next" video. But, since you asked so nicely, here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amK2nqljZ8-hqsU