Canon XF400/XF405 Review - 6 Things That Make it Great And a Whole Lot of Things That Don't

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

I know this is an old video but if you record external with atomos all the features work on the fly on canon camcorder including zoom in focus 3sec then out to adjust focus. I run Canon g30 which is xa20 but I use atomos ninja2 recorder and do not hit record in camera but on atomos and all the features are available while the HDMI sends out a clean output while I'm adjusting the settings. For me I like dnxhd as I use Davinci resolve studio so it's from the camcorder to ssd to editor. Nice workflow. My camcorder has built-in ND but only after fstop 4. So I bought ND2-32 CPL from K+F combo filter. Screwed it on and now I can keep 180 degree shutter and have . Nice to control the light and not have automatic nd. CPL is nice to remove the glare off skin from the sun.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Cool! Thanks for sharing some tips.

[@GodsIn2Love]

This was so helpful for me. Great information. I am widow shopping to get as much info as possible; so that I can make a well informed decision. Thank you.

[@MichaelWTurner]

You're very welcome. Glad I could help.

[@ThisandThatNorthwest]

I've used a y-bracket to use a mic and light at the same time. Can get a little wobbly though.

[@rm-pl7gg]

I've been searching for someone to do a comparison/review between the Canon xa50/55 or the Canon xa70/75 vs the Panasonic hc x2!

[@RedFlyerMedia]

You hit all the highs and lows very well. I got 3 of these as partial payment from a client (total surprise to me, he had zero clue what he had) I’ve shot with a variety of cameras, both pro and prosumer, for 33 years. The battery issue is my one stump since I shoot a lot of long format documentary, interviews & livestream events. I found that I can us the sony bp knock offs with the barrel plug attachment to get close to 3 hours out of the camera - bonus to that is I can also use it to switch out batteries without stopping record.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Not sure what Canon was thinking with the battery choice. So are you using a loose sony battery that has a barrel connection and simply coming out of that battery into the Ac adapter connection on the xf400 or are you using some kind of dummy battery on the xf400 and then connecting the Sony one through that? Would love to see what your setup looks like. Also I am very jealous that you got 3 of them for a partial payment. Wow!

[@RedFlyerMedia]

@@MichaelWTurner I wish I could post a photo. Powerextra makes a NP-f960 style battery that has USB and barrel port on them. I originally got the batteries for lights and hollyland transmitters. I use an adapter with the correct size barrel to plug into the ac port on the xf405 & power the camera with the NP-f960. Because the camera's battery bay is available, I can switch back and forth between the canon battery powering the camera and the other one powering the camera through the ac port. I literally just figured this out a couple days ago. Tomorrow I will shoot a quick video & post it. I know the frustration with the poor battery life for these cameras, so I am happy to share my workaround.

[@peterwilson69]

Appreciate the feedback, thank you.

[@anonymissed3611]

I found decreasing the autofocus frame size beneficial.

[@adipop]

Good honest review 👏! Well done 👍

[@amoledor]

What do you recommend for "run'n'gun" cameras then with excellent video quality?

[@bobuk5722]

Hi Michael, the mosquitoe shenagisms were putting me off but I stayed with you and I'm glad I did. You were covering things not in the spec sheet, several of which are rather concerning. I was on the point of buying one, now I'm tending towards the Sony Z90. BobUK.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Glad it was helpful. What type of video will you be producing with it?

[@martinsinclair55]

If u were buying today would u go for the 705?

[@MichaelWTurner]

I would not because of the size and cost. I love all quick features of the camera, but give me the xf400 in the xf300 body style and 10 bit internal recording. Canon would have a nice camera if they did that. It would also be nice if it could stream directly to social media. The 705 is more camera than I need for my work

[@RedFlyerMedia]

@@MichaelWTurner a

[@eewtoobguy]

I work around most of the problems you've identified, maybe because I shoot less run-and-gun. But one problem you didn't identify is my #1 issue: the manual focus is not a true manual focus. To prep a shot, I'll manual-focus on my subject and then zoom out, to ensure that when I zoom in, the camera will be focussed precisely on my subject. But as soon as I touch the zoom, auto-focus kicks in and the camera tries to guess where I want to focus. Others report the same problem. Also, I can't pull-focus nearly as well as I could with my old 8 mm film cameras. Very disappointing for the price.

[@MichaelWTurner]

I don't remember that exact problem, but I believe you. It definitely wasn't my cup of tea.

[@CarlosTorres-hi6si]

Very interesting data on CANON XF400 and XF405. I have SONY HXR NX80 and I decided on it for the ease of use and battery life. Although the ease of use when changing the temperature is relative. I will change it in March for a PXW Z90 or CANON XF405, ballet, theater and social record. I also see Panasonic AG CX350 or CANON XF705 but the latter already has a higher price. Well congratulations on your channel.

[@flavioformigonipiano2799]

What kind of camera do you recommend I buy for top of the line image quality? I need crystal clear, gorgeous quality to shoot videos of piano playing from fairly up close.

[@crazybaker1]

Thanks for sharing your review yes I will cross this off my list, god Canon has so many video cameras, I am not sure why, I have a M50 and I want an upgrade to video camera, now think going to the bottom end at Canon legria HFG60, less work thinking about cameras and getting on with making video. Thanks mate laters Steve

[@MichaelWTurner]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@laframe1016]

Thank you for sharing I have the same camera and I really hate the battery issue and takes forever to turn on do you still have yours or did you get rid of it I don't like this one I'm gonna get rid of it

[@MichaelWTurner]

Got rid of it years ago. I use an fx30 now. At a wedding right now with it. It's much better but also has crappy battery life

[@laframe1016]

@@MichaelWTurner yes i have to connect to a led acid battery to keep it a live LOL tank you for replay

[@CaesarDarias]

Regarding the battery life, were you commenting about the Canon BP-828? Thank you.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Yes

[@CaesarDarias]

@@MichaelWTurner Thank you.

[@shaarlahat6364]

Peace King. I was curious. How much difference is there in "obvious" picture quality between the XA40-50 and XF-400?

[@MichaelWTurner]

The xf400 and xa50 look pretty much the same, but there is a difference between the those two and the xa40. That's my opinion though. It just seems like there is more dynamic range as the sensors get bigger. At least as far as the Canon cameras are concerned. Overall to my eye I prefer their 1 inch cameras over their 1/2 inch

[@shaarlahat6364]

@@MichaelWTurner I appreciate it.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

Thanks for the video, I gave it a thumbs up! Question please: What Rode shotgun mic model are you using on the Canon XF400? Is it the mic you're still using now or a different one? Also, are you using any wireless lav mics for filming weddings? If so, which make and model? Thank you!

[@MichaelWTurner]

Thanks. It's a Rode NTG1, and I still use it. I use a Tascam DR10l for shooting weddings, but I might purchase a Rode Wireless GO II

[@caseyonlocation8257]

@@MichaelWTurner Thanks Michael! The Rode NTG1 looks like the perfect fit for the top handle mic holder on the Canon XF400. Are you still preferring the XF400 for filming weddings? Or do you prefer another camcorder? Might you have an opinion on the Sony PXW-Z90 camcorder which is currently on sale for about same price as the Canon XF400? I've been using the original Rode Wireless Go which I find very useful. The new Go II looks totally amazing with all its upgrades. I also use dual wireless lav mics from Saramonic and Comica.

[@MichaelWTurner]

@@caseyonlocation8257 I think these two videos will answer your questions kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ-8gqWXnMensLM kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIu1gH6sjppre7s And I haven't used the z90, but from what I've seen in reviews I think it is better than the xf400.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

@@MichaelWTurner Thank you Michael! I will check out the videos. I just today ordered a new Canon XF400 camcorder from B&H. I had the B&H sales rep match the same kit pricing that Adorama Cameras is offering which includes 2 free Canon BP-828 batteries, so that means a total of 3 batteries which includes the 1 in the box. So having 2 extra free batteries that normally cost $145 each is great! Plus I have a B&H Payboo account which means I save on not paying taxes which equals over $200. So I saved something like just over $500 total on today's new Canon XF400 order!

[@MichaelWTurner]

@@caseyonlocation8257 That's a good a deal. Let me know how it goes

[@SheltonDCruz]

Excellent review - thanks!

[@MichaelWTurner]

You're welcome

[@SuperRaven79]

Thank you for this. I was considering this camera because i wanted to upgrade my Sony PXW X70 and was dissappointed that the Z90/NX80 cannot record UHD with 50p/60p. Im happy that i stayed with the X70, its still my workhorse camera after five years.

[@MichaelWTurner]

I've never used the x70, but if you have the 4k upgrade, I imagine the cameras are similar. The nx80 has excellent auto focus and streaming capability. I find it hard to use the streaming for KZbin though. Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@deermeatfordinner]

I have 3 nx80’s and all of them have helped create some incredibly popular videos, but on my next big trip, I need 4K 60p... I just bought the xf400 just to test out... will see. The long boot up process is a huge issue for us!!!

[@Critical311]

Hello Michael! Im a stringer in las vegas nevada. I film emergency vehicles and emergency events! I was wondering if this would be a good camera for that? Thanks, Giovanni.

[@MichaelWTurner]

A stringer for news stations? Do you have to get soundbites too?

[@vo639]

Thank you! Yea "glitchy" is not good. The shorter battery life I could deal with. Not being able to white balance while shooting is a non issue for me.

[@MichaelWTurner]

I updated the firmware on it. I'm hoping that remedies the glitchy issue. We'll see. I'll be posting more videos about this camera and the nx80 so stay tuned

[@mfkhometheater7742]

I had been looking at the NX80 but was starting to lean toward the XF400... you've talked me back into the NX80! Thanks for posting this!

[@MichaelWTurner]

No prob. Happy to help.

[@erickperdomo277]

hey Michael...I'm still looking for the perfect camcorder! I'm looking at the Canon XF605 but it's too much money for me...I know you had the XF400 and didn't like it much! did the panny did better for you? The XF400 second hand is cheap in my city-I've seen one or two-I have the feeling that the actual video quality will be about the same as the vide quality from the Canon XF605-if you could buy the XF400 for 1/4 the price of the XF05 and meant to use it for live events, would you buy it? I know it's not a real XF camera but the video quality would be better than a small sensor camcorder right? in low light too? thanks

[@MichaelWTurner]

I wouldn't buy it, but that's me.

[@erickperdomo277]

@@MichaelWTurner Darn Michael! No sugar coating! LOL...thanks...too many compromises I see...I shoot weddings and other live events. Ok...I can wait a bit longer. I'm just looking for the last pro-camcorder style camera I will ever buy...I think a 1" sensor is the right balance. I don't want a small sensor camcorder.Someone mentioned the upcoming Canon XA70. Thanks- which camcorder did you decide to use for your weddings? for the preps and other fun parts I'm using a Sony A6400 or a Canon 90D but I see there is new sony the FX30...so many choices. I cannot afford too many cameras! Thanks

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@MichaelWTurner wow...ok...just give it to me straight! LOL...too many compromises I guess...so which camcorder are you using for your weddings? for prep and other moments I use a Sony a6400 or a Canon 90D but sometimes a camcorder is just what I need. I will read about upcoming 1" camcorders . thanks

[@MichaelWTurner]

@@TheFandangovideoguy My go to cameras are my a6600 and a6400. I've been been experimenting with the Canon R7 and that one is pretty good too. The new Panasonic X20/X2 looks interesting but too big for my liking. The Panasonic X1500 was the right size but wrong sensor. The image quality indoors was terrible.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@MichaelWTurner I guess you are moving away from using a camcorder for some sections of weddings? I find it hard to shoot a ceremony with the A6400...I see that the Panasonic X20/X2 have a 1" sensor, but you think they are too big...I find my old Canon XF300 too big for a monopod and I only use it on a tripod. My XF100 is the right size. Ok...The upcoming Canon XA70/75 look like a repackaged XF400 but lack 4k 60fps...so not better than the XF400. I can't rent the XF605 locally to give it a try but I borrowed a friend's XF605 for 1 hr and got some shots and the footage looked just ok...nothing exciting...maybe I just got used to the look of large sensor cameras! Of course, I would use the camcorder for different purposess-live events-dances etc..ah...maybe I will borrow my friends' XF605 again and test it more in depth. Thanks

[@SaberWolf94]

Thanks for the review man, this sort of style makes it easy to understand what type of shotting it's good for. Since I don't need the 4K 60FPS or extra buttons for fast control the xa40 seems to be the best fit for me but I dislike that the sensor is smaller than the xa50. Does it make that big of a difference? I just need something to shoot unboxings for trading card products and other product reviews up close with the best video quality possible without tampering too much with settings. xa50 is a lot more expensive and I don't care about features like SDI, it's just that bigger sensor.

[@MichaelWTurner]

I think in your situation the xa40 will most likely be fine. Just be mindful of your lighting

[@SaberWolf94]

@@MichaelWTurner Thanks for responding, looking forward to more comparisons and reviews :)

[@agenericaccount3935]

Go inside jfc 😄 Suffering for the art. You have probably saved me a little bit of cash today. I will look into whether the firmware revisions since have solved some of the issues but not hopeful.

[@MichaelWTurner]

It's a struggle sometimes 😄 I do believe there was a firmware update to help the focusing issues and some others. I can't even remember all things I mentioned.

[@anonymissed3611]

7:07 I don't think adjusting white balance during recording is commonly available or..helpful. Might as well stop and deal with it.

[@MichaelWTurner]

When you record live events and you have multiple cameras recording that need to be synced later on while editing, I find it easier to not have stop my recording.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

I found the perfect video! I want to upgrade from a Canon XF300 that I use for live events and wedding ceremonies (but I use a Canon 90D for the more cinematic moments) and I don't know what to get that would give me XLR inputs etc etc...I thought about the Panny 180 but some reviews are not good at all...this Canon XF400 is nice but IT'S NOT in the same league in built as the XF300...if I had money I would get a Canon XF705 and stop looking! but alas...so much money...did you give up on this Canon XF400? did you get something else that is better in low light etc? I use a Canon C100 mk2 with a Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 for some sections in weddings but nothing like a reliable camcorder that could do 4k etc. Thanks for posting!

[@MichaelWTurner]

Actually, I currently still have it, but it is for sale. The image quality is very impressive and so is the low light performance, but it's too menu driven. When i buy a pro camcorder, I'm looking for more buttons and customization. This camera lacks that. For weddings, right now, I'm using my JVC Ls300 and the Sony A6400

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

Michael Turner damn!! Ok then!! I will stick to my xf300 and or xf 100 and my Canon 90D for now. The XF 400 is not in the same family as the rest of the XF line. All the best

[@ShaneHintze]

I know I'm late to the party, but thanks for this review! Well done!

[@MichaelWTurner]

No problem. Thanks for watching

[@thepurplegar]

I'd like to know what settings you're using to get the great low light performance. So far, what I've observed is that my XA25 is far better in low light and I'm quite disappointed because I bought it to film live musical events. I'm going to try the new C-Log custom picture mode and hope that it does better because I'm very disappointed in this camera so far.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Keep in mind the xa25 is a completely different sensor and processor. The sensor is 1/2 inch as opposed to 1 inch.

[@thepurplegar]

@@MichaelWTurner Right. So how is it that the XA25 has way, way better low light response? I don't get it.

[@MichaelWTurner]

@@thepurplegar I'm sorry, I misread your question. That's very surprising to me. I can't answer because I haven't used the XA25, but i wonder if you have a dud. I always found the low light performance to be pretty good on the xf400. Do you have shutter and aperture set properly? What are you pushing your db to?

[@thepurplegar]

@@MichaelWTurner I have to use 100 shutter most of the time because I film live shows in bars with cheap lights that flicker at 60. I've also been using the XFAVC instead of their standard MP4.

[@JeffSpeers]

When in AWB will it change while recording?

[@MichaelWTurner]

Yes

[@user-Ryan-E-Day]

Hi Michael, thank you for making these videos. I realize how much of your own time you are donating to share your experience. I am looking for my first pro/semi pro camcorder and I am very concerned about the usability of the viewfinder and screen visibility in bright daylight. My Canon 90D screen is absolutely useless at mid-day and the viewfinder doesn't turn on for video! How is the viewfinder on the xf400?

[@MichaelWTurner]

I found that the viewfinder was fine, but the LCD wasn't the brightest. It wasn't totally unusable but it wasn't that good. I no longer own the camera though, so I'm going off memory.

[@user-Ryan-E-Day]

@@MichaelWTurner Thanks for your input Michael, I appreciate it.

[@bertihanna]

Hello ! Very nice video, very helpful. Does the image of this camcorder matchs well with canon dslr like 70D/80D or EOS R ? It would be for 2 cameras interview, the camcorder for the wide shot and the dslr the close shot. Thank's

[@MichaelWTurner]

Yes it does. I can't speak about the R because I haven't used it, but I used to own the 70d and in my opinion, they look similar

[@bertihanna]

@@MichaelWTurner Thank's a lot. What settings do you use for the camcorder (WDR or normal) and the 70D ? (standard ou neutral ?)

[@MichaelWTurner]

@@bertihanna wdr and i typically used standard on the 70d. Believe -2 for saturation, contrast, and sharpness. 0 for color tone

[@bertihanna]

Michael Turner thanks :-)

[@drwyoutube7296]

Mostly accurate overview... there’s an option of customisation for programable white balance. Does that help? It’s my go to button everytime I record. The screen turns off when you close it, does that help your power issue.

[@MichaelWTurner]

No it doesn't. I've tried it and from what i recall it still does not allow you to change wb while shooting. Also i don't walk around with the screen on when I'm not recording and the battery life is still poor compared to any other camcorder I've used. None of this takes away from the fact that the image quality is still the best I've seen in a camcorder. I'm guessing you have one?

[@drwyoutube7296]

I use the quick preset for white balance before recording, assigning it to button 5. If it’s a Long take with shifting white balance, isn’t it easier to adjust in post. Or do multi cams.

[@megavideopro8548]

Please i use panasonic AG/AC30 ,can any one on this platform tell me the best setting or video link .

[@MichaelWTurner]

Wish i could help, but I personally have never used that camera. Hopefully one of the viewers has experience with it. Maybe try dvinfo.net. They have a pretty good camcorder forum.

[@megavideopro8548]

@@MichaelWTurner Thanks

[@matteo_oz3557]

i used few times xf105 and i really liked the form factor of that camera. I could use my c100 battery and it could shoot for long time, even 3 or 4 hours. The handle is not removeble but it isn't a problem with me, becouse i use ever the top handle. What i don't like of xf 100 was the 1/3 sensor and the resolution. So i hoped that canon make an new xf 105 but with 4k cabacity and streaming capacity, but here we now, xf 400

[@reyesvisuals8533]

I own a xf100 and I agree. In auto settings in bright daylight produced grainy video. Low light is crappy but if you know how to push its limits and give it light it does ok.

[@Nordbiene]

Great video, thank You. Best regards from Germay ;)

[@MichaelWTurner]

You're very welcome!

[@ShutTheMuckUp]

You made it easy for me to decide that I'm buying a Panasonic.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Glad it was helpful.

[@renodigitalservice]

Would you Consider Donate the Camara?

[@MichaelWTurner]

No, but it's for sale on www.mediahammock.com/used/

[@robsmith8589]

I've used this camera for paid work for over a year now. The autofocus isn't as good as the 80d. Not as responsive nor as smooth when pulling focus. The image quality is great if your work is viewed on phones/laptops. For TV not so good. Love the 100fps slo mo and IS. Poor quality image at wide angle. Very easy to use for a busy day shoot where the client expects a lot in 8 hours.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

hi there. I want to upgrade my old Canon XF100 to a 4k capable camcorder that also does 1080p well...will this XF400 be an upgrade in 1080p? Thanks so much

[@robsmith8589]

Erick Perdomo yes. It’s mostly a great camcorder and for a camcorder the image quality is good. It’s not cinema camera quality but I’ve never had a client complain about imagine quality. I think we get caught up in specs sometimes when the client doesn’t to actually care or understand. The 1080 120fps is good and comes with autofocus. Cheers

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@robsmith8589 Thanks so much...hard to find the "perfect" camcorder these days!! I like the size and form of the XF100 and along with the XF300 I have used them for many years for live events and concerts and as long as there is ok light I get ok results but nothing as good as using my C100 mk2 with a SIgma 18-35mm f1.8! but for some events I shoot, the C100 mk2 is not the right tool...I have tried using a Canon 90D and it's ok but sometimes a camcorder will be the right tool...I got discouraged about the XF400 because after looking at it I felt it was more like the lower consumer cameras AND NOT a true XF camera so to speak...the XF705 is a beast but too expensive and too heavy for monopod work. Anyway...I was looking at the Panasonic AG-CX350 with also a 1inch sensor and I'm curious about the newly released Panasonic HC-X2000 but this one has a tiny sensor...oh...I got curious about the Canon XF400 because I found a used one but in good shape for about $1300 US...sounds affordable...I would shoot mostly in 1080p but 4k is always good to have. Thanks!

[@tonitee2201]

I don't even use camcorders, but I like watching your reviews :)

[@MichaelWTurner]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@renodigitalservice]

Let your Hair Grow Man! so won't have problem with Mosquitos!!!!

[@MichaelWTurner]

I would if I could

[@SOCIOLOGICAL]

treat the camera with respect for god's sake

[@IcnAmens]

😂 тоже была такая мысль.

[@inmy30s]

Your unit is definitely faulty.

[@MichaelWTurner]

Which part makes you say that?

[@inmy30s]

​@@MichaelWTurner i have one myself and a few of the problems you describe do not exists on mine. I can change the color temp without freezing up. I never encountered that. The only freezing i have is when I press record and stop recording and start it again too fast, like a triple click, that i think is due to the SD card and how the camera handles writing of data to it. The audio level on my handle turns well, not as bad as you described. The DPAF on XF400 is definitely better than the M50 and/or 80D (i have them both too), it snaps to the face really quickly. I normally have 2 people in the frame and the sqaure box snaps to them. I don't have hunting issues as well. Pre firmware updates and post firmware update, I never had DPAF issues. I am on firm 1.0.3 I have about the same length as you with the battery. 3rd party or original canon, same result. About the same time but at fraction of the cost. I have my XF400 for a year now. And i have dropped it before (monopod was not locked!) and everything is still working, except a crack on the hood. For my workflow, i don't really need to change things much. Once i set it up, i normally only need to adjust the Db or ND. The other settings is really set and forget until the scene really needs to call for a big change. There are some things you can change on the fly while you are recording, but ya not everything. Join us in facebook, we got a XF400/405 group , search under " Canon XF400/405 shooter " ,