With the new XF705 camcorder, which offers 4K UHD 60P 4:2:2 10-bit recording to SD cards, Canon has one goal: revolutionise broadcast workflows, through the use of a newer encoding technology.
The newest addition to Canon’s XF range of camcorders, the XF705, features a 1.0 type CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV6 processing, allowing the camcorder to deliver vastly improved noise performance, sensitivity and cinematic depth of field. With a host of enhanced HDR capabilities, including an advanced 12G-SDI interface and IP streaming, the XF705 is, says Canon, “poised to revolutionise UHD HDR production workflows for the better”.
Despite the “revolution” Canon suggests, those who were expecting a new XC model or a cinema camera with a small footprint, will have to wait a bit longer, maybe to next the 2019 edition of NAB. Broadcast professionals, though, will probably adopt the XF705 as their next camera when it is released, and the new specifications may even attract others to check Canon’s offer.
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Equipped with the next-generation XF-HEVC format, XF705 offers 4K UHD 60P 4:2:2 10-bit recording to SD cards, with, promises Canon, “impressive image quality and superior levels of detail”. Underpinned by High Efficiency Video Codec (HEVC) video compression, and leveraging the industry standard Material eXchange Format (MXF) as the container, Canon has developed the XF-HEVC file format. HEVC offers a newer encoding technology that is about twice as efficient as mainstream H.264/AVC. By using XF-HEVC the XF705 streamlines the handling of 4K UHD data, offering the ability to record high-quality 4K UHD 60P 4:2:2 10-bit files directly to widely available SD cards.
The XF705 is capable of recording HDR files internally using both the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and Perceptual Quantisation (PQ) HDR formats. The camcorder also features extensive HDR assist functions to support the user when controlling exposure. The XF705 can also output a SDR signal at the same time as recording a HDR file internally to a SD card, enabling simultaneous HDR/SDR production.
Canon says that the new camcorder is equipped with an advanced 12G-SDI interface, which sends a high-quality and uncompressed UHD 60P signal over a single SDI cable; the XF705 also has the ability to stream 4K UHD HDR using the HEVC format via the network. Ideal for broadcast and video production applications, the XF705 meets the requirements of any user who needs to capture 4K UHD HDR video with a streamlined production workflow.
To make critical focus easier with the larger 1.0-type CMOS sensor, the XF705 also has Canon’s unique Dual Pixel CMOS AF. This provides accurate and fast autofocus with touch focus control, Face Detection AF and object tracking. The Dual Pixel Focus Guide also provides a graphical guide to support accurate focusing when manually adjusting the focus.
Image capture starts with excellent optical systems and the XF705 offers incredible versatility combined with ease of use. It offers a 4K L-series quality lens which has a 15x optical zoom range, a maximum aperture of f/2.8, a wide angle of 25.5mm and effective IS to ensure maximum control for stable 4K UHD footage. This is combined with three independent control rings with end stops to ensure that the camcorder has the level of manual control that professionals expect.
The Canon XF705 professional camcorder is scheduled to be available in December 2018 with a suggested retail price of $6,999.00*. Additional CA-CP200 L power adapters are available for purchase as well with a suggested retail price of $285.00.