Canon has announced its latest professional broadcast camcorder, the Canon XF605 – a studio and electronic news gathering (ENG) camera that delivers 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video, 1080p 120p video, 5-axis image stabilization and Dual Pixel AF in a portable, compact form factor.
The Canon XF605 will serve as something of a replacement for both the XF405 and XF705 camcorders, and caters not just to the traditional needs of ENG and studio shooting, but the requirements of solo shooters and the smaller, more nimble production environments that have increasingly become the new normal.
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Where the XF405 only captures 4:2:2 in 8-bit, and the XF705 only records 4:2:2 10-bit in H.265, the Canon XF605 boasts 4K 4:2:2 10-bit up to 50/60p in either H.265 or H.264 (including Intra and Long GOP).
Its 1-inch CMOS sensor with 8.29MP (effective, from 13.4MP) features 5-axis Multi-Mode Image Stabilization, offering variations of standard optical IS or combined optical and electronic IS in Dynamic and Powered IS Mode.
It also features Canon's formidable Dual Pixel CMOS AF with EOS iTR AF X (the same Deep Learning autofocus algorithm found in the flagship Canon EOS-1D X Mark III), becoming the manufacturer's first camcorder to support Eye AF and head detection AF – the latter enabling the camera to maintain focus even when the subject's head is turned away or obscured by a helmet or goggles.
Powered by a Digic DV 7 processor – which offers Canon Log 3 / HLG, PQ and Look Files – the new sensor features a High Sensitivity Mode that delivers a 1-stop boost of 6-21db (over the native ISO200-12,800 range), along with a new gain boost that offers an even greater increase of 36db.
The 4K L-series f/2.8-4.5 lens offers a 15x optical zoom (or a 30x zoom in 1080p), with a huge 25.5-382.5mm full-frame equivalent focal range (offering up to 765mm in 1080p).
It also packs an optional 0.8x wide-angle and 1.5x teleconverter for even greater versatility, resulting in a maximum 1,147.5mm reach when shooting in FullHD. In addition, the lens packs built-in glass ND filters in 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64 stops.
Canon continues to offer a menu structure and touchscreen interface familiar to EOS users, along with all the connectivity you could ask for: 12G-SDI, HDMI, USB-A / USB-C, Timecode In / Out, Genlock / Sync, Remote A / B, full-size XLR, and WiFi 2.4 / 5GHz.
This incorporates simultaneous output to the electronic viewfinder (1.77 million dots), LCD screen (3.5-inch, 2.76 million dots), SDI external display / recorder and HDMI external display / recorder all at the same time!
Other key features include IP streaming (up to 1080p in H.264) and full compatibility with the NewsML-G2 metadata standard (for full compliance with the Digital Production Partnership), all in a body that's 10% smaller and 600g lighter than the existing XF705.
The Canon XF605 retails for $4,499 / £4,319 (approximately AU$6,818). Canon Australia hasn't announced a launch price for users Down Under, but has left it to authorized retailers to determine when it becomes available in October.
• Pre-order the Canon XF605 at Adorama (US)
• Pre-order the Canon XF605 at Wex Photo Video (UK)
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