Last Updated on July 17, 2020
Features
- 8.29 MP, 1.0-inch CMOS Image Sensor
- Dual DIGIC DV 6 Image Processors
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at up to 60p
- 15x Optical 4K UHD Zoom Lens
- 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Slow and Fast Motion Recording up to 120fps
- 3.5-inch Touch Panel LCD and 0.24-inch Electronic Viewfinder
Canon XF400 Introduction Video
Canon XF400 Overview
Filming a child walking happily on a grassy field is absolutely fine with just a smartphone camera. However, wanting to get more out of the scene or shooting that particular one for the professional market requires a camera with more advanced features. Straddling the line between consumer model and a professional one is the Canon XF400.
Although labeled as a professional camcorder, the XF400 bears features that make it a not quite daunting device for home users. Canon itself is marketing the product for broadcast, corporate, education, event, and government videography, but there is enough in this camera to satisfy amateur videographers.
The XF400 sports a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor and is equipped with dual DIGIC DV 6 image processors. Such features allow it to record 4K UHD video at 60p and shoot in slow motions up to 120fps in Full HD. It has a 15x optical zoom lens that can maintain 4K UHD quality throughout its entire zoom range. Focusing and tracking subjects is also made easy thanks to a Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
All these features are designed to meet the needs of professional videographers while at the same time allowing amateurs to level up their game.
The XF400 is a compact handheld camcorder. It look similar to the Canon VIXIA GX10 with the difference being the presence of a handle that can be detached. The handle isn’t just there to provide a better grip; it also serves as a mechanism for passing data and power to the hotshoe, allowing more control, input, and lighting options.
Creative options abound no matter where the Canon XF400 is used. It is equipped with a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS sensor that is quite useful in producing footage with minimal noise in low-light situations. The camcorder’s large sensor also allows for a shallower depth of field when shooting with a large aperture, resulting in a more creative output.
Working with the 4K UHD image sensor is a DIGIC DV 6 imaging engine that further improves the camcorder’s high sensitivity and low noise output. Images are also accurately represented as you see it thanks to Wide DR Gamma support.
The kind of lens attached to a camcorder plays a huge factor in what it can do. Thankfully, the XF400 is fitted with a Canon 4K video lens that is packed with proprietary optical technologies. The 15x optical zoom lens can maintain 4K HD quality for the lens’ entire zoom range (25.5 to 283.5mm). Users can even achieve 30x more zoom when shooting in Full HD.
Stabilization is obviously important when it comes to recording footage. The XF400 handles that with a 5-axis optical image stabilization system.
Focusing and tracking a subject is made easy with Dual Pixel CMOS AF but Canon improves on that by allowing touch focus through the camcorder’s 3.5-inch touch panel LCD.
The Canon XF400 records 4K UHD and Full HD video in MP4 format up to 60p. Footage is recorded to SD cards that are housed in dual slots, allowing simultaneous or relay recording.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is comfortable to grip, even without the detachable handle.
- It produces stunning image quality thanks to advanced features and proprietary technologies.
- It strikes a balance between consumer and professional needs.
Cons
- It lacks features for the more advanced professional user.
Final Thoughts
The Canon XF400 combines features that make it ideal for slightly more advanced home users and those in the professional level like wedding videographers. But for all its great features, there are still features lacking in the XF400 to make advanced professionals want to include it in their arsenal.
Sensor | 1.0″ CMOS 8.29 MP |
Zoom Range | 15x optical |
OLED Viewscreen | 3.5″ |
Viewfinder | 0.24″ |
Media Card Slots | 2 x SD |
Connectivity | Input 2 x 3-pin XLR, with level controlOutput 1 x HDMI 2.0 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.9 x 8.5 x 10.5″ / 14.9 x 21.6 x 26.7 cm |
Weight | 2.5 lb / 1.1 kg |
Packaging Info | |
---|---|
Package Weight | 9.0 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.7 x 13.4 x 12.4″ |
Unboxing the Canon XF400
User Reviews
Submit your review | |