Canon unveils next-generation broadcast camcorder and lens

The new XF605 professional 4K camcorder. (Source: Canon.)

The XF605 represents the next generation of Canon’s XF series, a feature-packed camcorder that weighs approximately two kilograms and is roughly 10% smaller and 600 grams lighter than its predecessor, the XF705.  Offering 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit image quality and FHD up to 120p high frame rate, it features a 1.0 TYPE CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 7 processor, to meet the demands of today’s professionals. The XF605 provides same 5-Axis image stabilisation system found in Canon’s XF and XA series and includes a variety of custom picture options – among them HDR (HLG/PQ), Canon Log3 and user-created Look Files –which can be adjusted to suit different needs and provide greater flexibility in post-production or in the field. There are four IS options available by combining different settings in Standard, Dynamic and Powered IS, allowing users to match IS operation to their shooting environment. With a high magnification 4K L-series lens, the XF605 achieves a 15x optical zoom in 4K and 30x advanced zoom in FHD for capturing distant subjects.

Canon’s fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus System brings Eye Detection AF and Canon’s EOS iTR AF X intelligent head detection and tracking functionality to the XF series for the first time. This advanced focusing system maintains sharp focus on an individual even if they turn away from the camera. A new Direct Touch user interface allows users to quickly and select subjects to focus on, and also supports control of on-screen settings, menu navigation and playback control.

Designed with single operators in mind, a handy new multi-function accessory shoe is designed to expand the capabilities of the XF605 through future accessories, the first being the CA-XLR2d-C high definition XLR microphone adapter from TEAC. The adapter makes it possible to assign XLR inputs to all four audio channels that the XF605 offers, providing greater flexibility for capturing audio. The camcorder also supports IP streaming capability that supports multiple protocols, remote control for multi-camera operation alongside Canon’s range of PTZ cameras and the addition of the UVC for simple webcam use via USB-C. With dual SD card slots and multiple recording options, it can record different file formats, resolutions, colour sampling and proxies simultaneously to separate cards. It is also possible for the image to be simultaneously output to both 12G-SDI and HDMI connections, which can be fed into any combination of monitors, broadcast and recording systems to support both live and pre-recorded workflows. Canon’s new Content Transfer Mobile (CTM) app allows users to edit news metadata pre- and post-capture and import the footage from the camera to the phone, enabling instant transfer to broadcast station servers.

The 10×16 KAS S high-resolution broadcast lens. (Source: Canon.)

The 10×16 KAS S lens expands Canon’s line-up of ultra-high-resolution 1.25-inch 8K broadcast camera lenses, offering superior optical performance in a compact form factor. It features special glass elements, such as fluorite, Hi-UD lenses and wide-diameter aspherical lenses, which reduce chromatic aberrations, spherical aberrations and other effects that diminish image quality. Weighing just 2.94 kilograms, the 10×16 KAS S encompasses a 10x optical zoom range from 16mm to 160mm with a constant f/2.8 aperture from wide to telephoto shots.

Pricing for the XF605 professional 4K camcorder and 10×16 KAS S 8K BCTV zoom lens will be available through authorised dealers from October 2021. Click on the links for more information about each product.