A camcorder's image quality is only as good as its lens, and Canon claims XF605's L-series lens is inspired by the optics of their broadcast and photography lenses.
The image quality of Canon's XF705 4K camcorder has earned it many fans in the last few years, thanks to its large sensor, 15x lens and nine-bladed iris. Canon's new XF605 camcorder promises to deliver capabilities similar to that of the XF705 in a smaller, lighter and less-expensive package ($4,499). XF605 captures 4K UHD video at 60p with 4:2:2 10-bit recording, and will also record slow-motion video up to 120fps in full HD. The camcorder records both XF-AVC and MP4 formats to dual SD cards.
All of these features should contribute to a more "film-like" look...
Larger sensors collect more light, which translates to richer colors and less noise in low-light conditions. XF605's large (1-inch) CMOS sensor should deliver better low-light images, as well as shallower depth of field for creative background effects. As with the XF705, XF605 uses a nine-bladed iris for smooth "bokeh" (out-of-focus areas) of the image. The camcorder also has a three-stage neutral density (ND) filter, which creates shallower depth of field effects in bright conditions by forcing the iris to open up further. All of these factors should contribute to a more "film-like" look, and we're eager to see how XF605 performs in this area.
A camcorder's image quality is only as good as its lens, and Canon claims XF605's L-series lens is inspired by the optics of their broadcast and photography lenses. In addition to delivering 4K image quality throughout the full zoom range, the XF605 lens offers 5-axis stabilization with three different modes. When its 15x optical zoom isn't enough, XF605 will use the inner area of the 4K sensor to achieve 30x digital zoom at standard HD resolution.
In addition to HDMI, XF605 has a 12G-SDI terminal to carry full 4K video over a single SDI cable.
One of the biggest challenges of shooting video is maintaining focus on a moving subject. XF605 uses a dual-pixel autofocus system that uses the full sensor to maintain focus. The camcorder also boasts the XF line's first eye detection and head detection algorithms to complement its face-tracking autofocus. Sometimes, only manual focus will do. XF605's manual focus mode has indicators to show whether the in-focus area is in front or in back of the subject, which is a helpful in manual focus pulls. We look forward to testing XF605's suite of focus-related features.
XF605 has a number of features to help ensure your final video looks its best, starting with Canon's latest-generation DIG!C DV7 image processor. The camcorder supports HDR recording in Hybrid Log Gamma and Perceptual Quantization formats, and also offers Canon Log 3 and wide DR gamma options. Finally, XF605 will import '.Cube' type LUTs (look-up tables) for use while recording. We look forward to finding out how well XF605's raw video responds to post-processing and color grading in software.
Experienced video makers know that good audio is crucial to a good production, and Canon clearly understands this as well.
Generous connectivity and workflow features will be of interest to many churches. In addition to HDMI, XF605 has a 12G-SDI terminal to carry full 4K video over a single SDI cable. XF605 will stream live over IP in the H.264/AVC format, and will also transfer metadata and proxy (low-resolution) video files over a wired or wireless connection. FTP client capabilities allow XF605 to transfer files in the background for editing or streaming. Connect to XF605 with a web browser, and you can control record start/stop, focus and zoom, white balance and more. Finally, XF605 is the first professional camcorder with a USB Video Class (UVC) output, essentially making it an incredibly capable webcam.
Experienced video makers know that good audio is crucial to a good production, and Canon clearly understands this as well. XF605 offers 4-channel linear PCM audio recording of its two XLR mic inputs, stereo mini-jack input and the built-in stereo microphone. Add the TEAC-designed XLR microphone adapter option to XF605's multi-accessory shoe, and the camcorder will record four microphone sources.
XF605 seems well-poised to handle a variety of videography and cinematography roles in a church setting: interviews, dramas, special events, even capturing the service itself. Watch the pages of Church Production Magazine for our full review of Canon's XF605. For more information, click here.
