How-To: Canon XF400 and XF405: Setting Up for Shooting Part 2

[@marlowemarlowe4893]

Love your tutorials, Jem. I've learnt a lot from watching them. Do you know if there is a way to reset the counter time whenever you want to. I shoot lots of different clips and what I'd like is that when I start filming a clip the counter timer is at 00:00:00:00. Then I can see how long I'm filming the clip for. When I've filmed that clip it will show how long it was filmed for. But when I film another clip I want to reset the counter timer to 00:00:00:00 again so I can easily see at a glance how long I'm filming the second clip. I've had a good look through the menu but I can't find a way to do this.

[@SimonGeorgeMarak]

I have Canon xf405 but 3.5 mic input is not working. Can you suggest to solve this issue?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi, Simon! If you're encountering a problem with the microphone input jack on your XF405, our US-based support squad will be happy to help you. Give them a call at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666) and we'll find a solution for you. We hope to talk to you soon!

[@ToviaSinger1]

Is the Canon XF400 compatible with an SDXC 256GB card? This is not noted in the instruction manual.

[@CanonUSA]

Hello again! The manual only mentions up to 128GB in the reference charts, but the camcorder supports cards adhering to the SDXC standard, so 256GB cards should work fine. Hope this helps!

[@ToviaSinger1]

@@CanonUSA Thank you.

[@synagoguebaptistchurch4012]

Do these cameras record continuously on sd card or in 24 minute intervals like my current AX11?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi! Per their specifications, the Canon XF400 and XF405 camcorders record continuous video files up to 12 hours in length. If you're referring to the Canon XA11, that camera should also be able to record a single video file for up to 12 hours without interruption. If you're experiencing a problem with your camcorder, our support team will be glad to help you with it. They're available weekdays and Saturdays at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666). Hope this helps!

[@ToviaSinger1]

I just shot a 2 hour video in 4K and the camera recorded one long file which is more than 100 GBs. How do I instruct the camera to record with divided smaller files that are more manageable rather than one giant file? The XF30 does that automatically. Thank you

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Tovia. This likely has to do with the file system your memory card is formatted with. The XF400 uses the exFAT file system, which is often needed for very large capacity cards. With exFAT, the camcorder does not need to break up the files like it does with the older FAT32 system, so it records continuous files. We hope this explanation helps!

[@ToviaSinger1]

@@CanonUSA Thank you for your reply. I uninterrupted for two hours, which in 4K produces a massive file that is difficult to copy onto an external drive. Is there a type of SD card that I can use or a setting in the camera that can be deployed so that the files will be broken into 4GB files?

[@CanonUSA]

@@ToviaSinger1 Hello again. When using the smaller capacity SDHC cards, the camcorder may break recording up into 4GB files. However, the SDHC standard only allows up to 32 GB in card capacity, so they won't allow you to record for 2 hours uninterrupted. A 32GB card will fit approximately 25 minutes of 4K video onto it. We hope this helps clarify things.

[@ToviaSinger1]

@@CanonUSA Thank you. The image quality and dual pixel audio focus on the XF400 is brilliant. I will have to figure how to cut up and render a huge file in Adobe Premier Pro into non-compressed, 4GB segments, so I don't loose quality in the process. You have been very helpful. If you know of a link in how to do this, don't hesitate to share this. I don't want to loose any quality by compressing twice in post.

[@AANasseh]

Do these cameras have waveform or vectorscope for monitoring?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there. The XF400 / XF405 do not have Waveform Monitor or Vectorscope functions. We hope this answers your question.

[@DamianDodd]

You skipped over the Movie Format, should I record in Mp4 or XF-AVC?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Damian You can use the movie format that best meets your workflow needs and the requirements of your editing software. The XF-AVC format is recorded as a .MXF file and contains additional information about the clip (metadata). This can be things like custom information added by the camera operator or assistant, that would aid in managing and tracking the files during production.. If you have additional questions, our video support agents are trained and happy to assist you. Agents can be reached 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.

[@mauimikeable]

Going to be purchasing the XF400 soon. Simple question for shooting 4K what is your recommendation for best SD card 64,128,256 etc ?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi! Since 4K eats a lot of memory pretty quickly, more memory is undoubtedly better, though we recommend spreading it out over multiple smaller cards. Having a couple 64GB cards would be a good start. Professional videographers often use multiple smaller cards instead of packing all their footage onto a single card. Benefits include being able to transfer footage from one card onto a computer while still allowing you to use your camera with another card. Also, while we hope you never lose a card, recording video across multiple cards means you could maybe afford to lose one card with a little bit of your footage instead of losing the entirety of your footage on your only card. Hope this helps!

[@mauimikeable]

@@CanonUSA thank you so much for your answer! 64 is the way I'll go. Cant wait to get my hands on it. Have a great day

[@ReliabilityX]

Have HDMI out to blackmagic intensity pro capture card. Setting on camera is external only. Getting picture but no audio. Any advice?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello: A number of settings can affect the audio output of your camcorder. We suggest that you follow the instructions for connecting to an external recorder noted on pages 111-112 of the manual. Here is a link: Canon.us/8fbd3. You will then want to check the audio settings listed on page 114 and confirm that they meet the requirements of your capture card. If you continue to have a problem, you may wish to check with the capture card maker and verify you have set the camcorder as they recommend for their card. If you are unable to resolve the issue our video support agents are happy to assist you. You can reach them by log into your My Canon Account and register your product. Here is a link: Canon.us/mcahy Once registered click on your product and then select [Product Support] in the Product Details window You can then choose your preferred method of support. We hope you find this useful.

[@cristhiamfelipegarciabetan3969]

hello ...Is it possible to stream (live) and record into an SD card simultaneously? and How?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello: You can send a video signal out the HDMI while recording to the SD cards. Any streaming will require third-party capture device to capture and encode the video signal. You can contact our friendly video agents for more details, 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 information is helpful.

[@cristhiamgarcia1966]

@@CanonUSAthanks for texting back, I am using LiveU for streaming via HDMI but i am not able to record into the camera simultaneously, do i need an external recorded?... or there is another solution?

[@CanonUSA]

@@cristhiamgarcia1966 We recommend giving our support team a call at the number above. They can figure out the best solution for you based on your setup. Hope to talk to you soon!

[@yeowkeongoh8486]

Hi, what is the maximum gain I can increase to for broadcast quality before it gets grainy?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello Yeow! The selected gain setting will depend on your individual shooting situation. In general, this camera can capture high quality video with minimal noise up to about 18dB. Please refer to our other tutorial video on the XF400 for additional information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amK2nqljZ8-hqsU If you have additional questions our support agents would be happy to answer you questions at 1-800-OK-CANON (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 you find this useful.

[@kesteron]

Regarding the external recording priority. Will the output be clean from user interface etc but still show them on the camera?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Kristoffer! For external recording, the video output signal will indeed be clean, while still allowing you to see the interface on the camcorder. We hope this helps!

[@robertgoydas4092]

Is it possible to record with a timestamp on the xf405?

[@robertgoydas4092]

If it cannot, can the xf205 produce a timestamp?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello, On-screen Display (OSD) Time Stamp recording is a feature on the XF605. Visit our website our website for details - canon.us/4ffAzUK. It is not an option on the older XF 200 and 400 series cameras. If you have questions our video support team can help. You can reach them at 1-800-652-2666 Monday-Friday.

[@garysmith4864]

Can I use a Canon Tele-converter TL-H58? I have one from a Vixia camera.

[@CanonUSA]

Hi, Gary! Canon XF400 and XF405 camcorders are specifically designed to use Tele Converter TL-U58. Learn more about it at canon.us/r3kwa Hope this helps!

[@ninjacaptor]

Do you have anything on the Sony z90

[@jcolwill]

Can you transfer to computer and edit on Windows Movie Maker via USB cable? As is done with a standard home camcorder.

[@CanonUSA]

Hello Jimmy, You can use the Pixela Data Import Utility to save MP4 files to your computer. XF-AVC clips can be saved using the Canon XF Utility. Details can be found on page 123 of the camera manual. Here is a shortcut: Canon.us/23xqz. We hope this helps.

[@synagoguebaptistchurch4012]

Is there a reason that when I switch from Mp4 to AVCHD I can't load it to my external HD. It goes directly to FCPX. It also disappears completely off of my SD card. I want to edit from External HD, not internal memory. I also went to preferences in FCPX and told it to leave files in place with no success. Please Help Me!

[@CanonUSA]

Hello: Our video support team would be happy to help you with importing movie clips. You can contact 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

[@DJCENTIF1]

Where is the first and all of the other videos you mentioned?

[@CanonUSA]

Hello David, You can find the first video in the XF400/XF405 training series at the link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maK0Ynqod8l1nsU. The other videos in the playlist follow the end of this video. We hope you find this useful.

[@Doctor180185]

I only have 2 options in frame rates - 25p and 50p. How come you have 3 options?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi! It sounds like you might be using a Canon camcorder intended for use in a part of the world that uses the PAL television standard. As that uses rates of 25 and 50 frames per second, those will be the only options available on your PAL-model camcorder. Canon camcorders sold in North America conform to NTSC standard frame rates which run at approximately 30 and 60 frames per second. As motion picture film typically runs at a frame rate of 24 frames per second, that's also offered as an option on NTSC-model camcorders. The 24 fps option is typically not used in PAL regions as it is so close to 25 fps that the latter is typically used instead. Hope this helps!

[@Doctor180185]

CanonUSA Well I understand, but that does make tutorials a bit difficult to follow. Any PAL tutorials out there?

[@meiwinspoi5080]

how to get a clean HDMI out for livestreaming. I am getting the onscreen info onto my monitor.

[@CanonUSA]

Hi! While the XF400 and the XF405 are not designed to provide a clean HDMI feed, we do offer other cameras with that feature. Check out the complete list at canon.us/cleanhdmi Hope this helps!

[@TroyShaw]

I've noticed with this camera that you have to really gain up when shooting inside. I'm not even talking low light, just normal inside light. Also, why does it automatically switch to gain 9db when you're in Wide DR?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Troy. Our team of experts is happy to discuss these concerns with you, providing one-on-one real-time feedback to your questions. Please give them a call at 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666) weekdays between 10 AM and 10 PM, or on Saturdays between 10 AM and 8 PM ET. We look forward to hearing from you.

[@thecriticaleye6334]

Switching to 9db is probably related to the fact that Wide DR is a log-like curve and balanced more for middle gray (as opposed to a luma signal using reference white as a measure). The XF405 sensor at +9db more than likely produces the best balance of dynamic range and/or the most stops above middle gray at that setting.

[@NomadicNative]

I’m a bit confused on the outputs. Does the hdmi output 10 bit 422??

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there. When set to [External Rec Only (HDMI)], the camcorder can output 1920 x 1080 4:2:2 10-bit or 3840 x 2160 4:2:0 8-bit. For all other settings, the HDMI output is 4:2:2 8-bit. We hope this helps!

[@NomadicNative]

CanonUSA thanks so much for the reply! Upgrading from a G40.

[@satyajitbanerjee7947]

Sir make tutorial for xa50

[@belongsocial6487]

I only have 50p and 25p frame rates?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Yannick. 50p and 25p frame rates indicate you have PAL version of the XF400 /XF405. The system frequency / frame rates available will depend on what region of the world it is purchased. There is a version that has PAL, just like there is a version that has NTSC. Here in the US, you are not limited to having only one available to use, as you can send it to a Canon Service Center to have NTSC added later as a pay-for upgrade. We hope this answers your question.​

[@FredHoffman]

I just got my xf400 and I have no audio... can you help me with a note of settings or send me to one of your videos?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Fred. Our support team can help determine why there is no audio. Please reach out to them at Canon.us/ContactYT We look forward to hearing from you.

[@Hippmedia]

Did I hear right? You can´t simultaneously use the sdi port and record internally?

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there. This is correct. With the SDI port selected in the menu for external recording, you can still see the image and settings on the camera, but the signal is output for external recording only. To record internally, you would need to set it back to Internal Rec Priority. We hope this helps.

[@Hippmedia]

Thanks for fast response! This is a dealbreaker for me. I use my cameras in many situations with videomixers on gimbals etc. But I always want to backup-record internally.

[@thecriticaleye6334]

@@Hippmedia That response from Canon was a little misleading. I own the camera and can tell you that if the camera is set to External Record Only (as the name suggests) you cannot record internally. However, with the camera set in Internal Record Priority, it is possible to record internally and monitor or record the SDI (1920x1080) or HDMI (3840x2160) output of the image on an external device. The main reason to set the camera to External Record Only is to acquire a 422 10-bit signal from the SDI (otherwise all the output signals are 8-bit).

[@timfritz7367]

@@thecriticaleye6334 That was just what I needed to know. I want to record internally but monitor on an external SDI equipped monitor. Thank you!

[@tomdixon8415]

I can't record externally with the XF400 ? please help. im using a black magic mini studio mini recorder

[@CanonUSA]

Hi Tom. In order to record to an external recorder, you must set the camcorder to external recording-only mode. Simply select [Internal/External Rec.] under [Recording Setup] under the menu, then choose [External Rec. Only (HDMI)]. You'll also need to set the configuration of the output signal. We hope this helps.

[@cfldriven]

Annoying that you just skip over menu items and that you don't mention if cam should be in Auto or M or where the Auto and M switch is.

[@KillingMrFusion]

Hello, I have the XF400 and for the life of me can't figure out how to record at 120fps. Thanks in advance for the assistance!

[@CanonUSA]

Hi there. 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.. We hope this helps.​

[@KillingMrFusion]

Thanks! I had the Dual/Relay Recording on so my Slow/Fast Motion rate options were greyed out!