Canon XF705 Review

The XF series of cameras from Canon has always been an excellent choice for workhorse cameras because of its form factor, which consists of a fixed lens and many buttons. In addition, they compressed the footage at high rates with open-source codecs and then saved the resulting MXF files on excellent, publicly available, and reasonably inexpensive media — SD cards, in this case as opposed to CompactFlash – was something that we appreciated.

Key Specs

  • Sensor: 1.0-type CMOS, 13.4 megapixels, Dual DIGIC DV6 processor
  • Formats: 4K and HD, XF-HEVC 4:2:2 10-bit H.265, XF-AVC 4:2:0 8-bit H.264
  • Picture settings:
  • Normal, BT. 709, BT. 2020, Canon Log 3, HLG, Wide DR.
  • Frame rates: 60/ 50/ 30/ 25p depending on region
  • Storage: 2x SDXC slots
  • Lens: 15x optical, 30x digital zoom. 8.3-124.5mm/f/2.8-4.5 (equivalent to 25.5-382.5mm) 
  • Focus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Image stabilization: Optical and in-body
  • ND: 3-stage optical ND
  • Output: HDMI, 12G-SDI
  • Shutter range:
  • 1/2-1/2000sec (50p)
  • Dynamic Range: 12 stops in Canon Log 3 or Wide DR
  • Screen: 10.1cm/4-inch LCD capacitive touch panel
  • Audio: Integrated microphones, 2x XLR inputs with phantom power support
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 191x258x433mm/7.5×10.2x17in
  • Weight: 2660g/5.86lb

The most recent version is the XF705, which comes with enhancements that are entirely foreseeable but are, all the same, astounding. For example, you may now record UHD content to SD cards in 4:2:2 10-bit and 3840 by 2160 at 50 frames per second if you use the XF-HEVC codec.

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Canon XF705 Professional Camcorder

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 18, 2024 10:48 pm
$6,999.00

We succeeded with Lexar 1000x SD cards, which have a maximum recording speed of 150 MB/s, although the XF705 has a full recording speed of 160 Mbps. High-Efficiency Video Coding, often known as HEVC, is how 4K content is compressed to be sent to residential areas.

Using the two SD card ports on the side of the body and the 160Mbps setting, our 64GB Lexar cards provided us with around 110 minutes of 4K recording time.

If you are not yet ready for 4K Ultra High Definition, you may still shoot with Canon’s XF-AVC codec; however, the resolution and quality will be reduced to HD with a 4:2:0 8-bit output. Furthermore, it is unlikely that you will use XF-AVC, given that the HEVC option supports 1920 by 1080. The only possible explanation for this would be if your NLE could not work with the latest HEVC codec, which might initially present some difficulties.

Canon employs a 1.0-type CMOS sensor and a DIGIC DV6 processor to handle the additional processing required for the significant increase in resolution as well as any other data-intensive processing. The body also contains many massive air vents to keep things cool, although because the model we tested was a pre-production version, this feature may or may not be available when you get yours.

It might be argued that with this new 1.0-type sensor, you can begin playing with depth-of-field to some degree. This is especially true when you utilize the touchscreen on display to focus on another item that can be checked off the list. You may also consider using the XF705 as a potential backup camera for some of the cameras with bigger sensors.

In front of the sensor is a fixed Canon lens from the L-series. This lens has an optical zoom range of 15x and a maximum aperture of f/2.8; at more extended zoom settings, the gap reduces to f/4.5. The wide-angle lens has a focal length comparable to 25.5 millimeters, while the telephoto lens has a focal length equivalent to 382.5 millimeters.

In addition, there is five-axis image stabilization, including the well-known Powered IS mode, which attempts to replicate a tripod mode and does a reasonably excellent job. This perfect L lens possesses three separate control rings, each equipped with end stops, which enables the camcorder to have a respectable amount of manual control.

This lens is one of the genuinely striking characteristics of the XF705, and Canon, as it has done in the past, solicited the input of broadcasters and cinematographers throughout the design process for this camera. The handling of the lens is where this is most readily apparent. The focus ring features a calibrated scale and end stops, allowing it to be a simple manual control.

However, if you push a button and spin the lens barrel behind the focusing ring, the calibrated scale will vanish, and the focusing ring will change into an ‘endless encoder,’ allowing you to focus and use the auto-focus feature manually. A straightforward slider control is located just beneath the lens ring, which may be utilized in its place if you choose to use it as a zoom ring.

While we’re on the topic of autofocus, I should point out that the XF705 has Canon’s incredible, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind Dual Pixel autofocus. This approach is so unique that it has convinced many photographers opposed to using autofocus to adopt it.

This allows regular, precise, quick autofocus on the XF705, face-detection AF, and object-tracking capabilities. Touch focus control is also available. When you manually modify, you get guidance and a visual guide to support precise focusing.

Not even the lens adjustments are the only things that have been meticulously examined. There is a generous supply of specialized buttons for zebra, peaking, picture stabilization, and other such functions, all conveniently located and making sense. In addition, you will receive a motor-driven neutral density (ND) filter with three different thicknesses: ND 1/4, ND 1/16, and ND 1/64.

Because Canon has so many years of experience with this form factor, the hands-on control is exactly as you would expect it to be, with everything being where it should be: at your fingers. On the top, near the display, and on the fixed grip are a few record controls that are similar to one another.

It is possible to mount the monitor on either the left or the right side of the camera, and it features a tilt-and-slide action that allows you to change it around or even put it away, similar to the Panasonic AG-DVX200.

A magnification button is next to the rocker switch, and the media controls and the built-in microphones are on the top of the device. There are two XLRs accessible, with Input 1 located closer to the lens and Input 2 situated further toward the back. This may be caused by all of the additional connections crammed onto the camera’s rear.

The package includes the 12G-SDI, which has four times more bandwidth than the 3G-SDI and will enable 4K IP streaming over a single cable due to a convenient onboard ethernet connection. This type of camera is highly new on the market. The camera also comes equipped with Wi-Fi for streaming video at a lesser resolution.

The XF705 can Livestream video throughnsmission, and the video may be encoded using either the H.265/HEVC or the H.264/AVC codec. Data in either 4K Ultra High Definition or Full HD may be effectively sent to various systems using live H.265 streams operating at 16 Mbps and 59.94 frames per second. In addition, there are ports for HDMI, timecode, and headphones on the rear of the device.

However, how Canon incorporated HDR into the shooting settings is arguably the aspect of the XF705 that stands out the most. You now have the option of using anything from BT. 709 up to HLG, PQ, and Canon Log 3 as presets.

It’s also important to note that the XF705 is the first camera in the XF series to support Canon Log 3, which it does for the first time. This function gives a dynamic range of 13 stops, which helps smooth out the mid-tones and keep the details in the shadows intact.

“Many a manual focus purist has been converted into an autofocus enthusiast as a direct result of the Dual Pixel AF.”

Canon XF705 Specifications

Imaging

Sensor ResolutionActual: 13.4 Megapixel (4268 x 3148)
Effective: 8.29 Megapixel (3840 x 2160)
Sensor Type1″-Type CMOS Sensor
Image StabilizationOptical in Integrated Lens
Digital
Built-In ND FilterMechanical Filter Wheel with 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters
Capture TypeStills & Video

Exposure Control

Shutter Speed1/2000 to 1/4 Second
Gain-6 to 33 dB
Shutter Angle11 to 360°
Precise Scan Rate ControlYes
Minimum Illumination3 Lux at 1/30 Shutter Speed
2.5 Lux at 1/25 Shutter Speed
White Balance2000 to 15,000K

Lens

Focal Length8.3 to 124.5mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 25.5 to 382.5mm)
Optical Zoom Ratio15x
Max Digital Zoom15x
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/4.5
Optical Design18 Elements in 14 Groups
Minimum Focus DistanceEntire Zoom Range: 2.0′ / 60.0 cm
Wide: 0.4″ / 1.0 cm
Filter Size58 mm
Control RingsFocus
Zoom
Iris
Focus ControlAutofocus
Manual Focus

Video Capture

Internal Recording ModesH.265/MXF/XF-HEVC 4:2:2 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [110 to 160 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94/119.88 fps [45 to 180 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps [45 to 160 Mb/s]
H.264/MXF/XF-AVC 4:2:0 8-Bit
1920 x 1080p at 24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [45 Mb/s]
Gamma CurveCanon Log 3, Wide DR
Built-In Microphone TypeStereo
Audio Recording4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio
IP StreamingMPEG2
1920 x 1080 to 3840 x 2160 at 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p (4.0 to 16.00 Mb/s)
1920 x 1080 at 50i, 50p (4.0 to 9.0 Mb/s)

Still Image Capture

Image Sizes16:9 JPEG
2 MP (1920 x 1080)
Image File FormatJPEG

Interface

Video I/O1 x HDMI 2.0 Output
1 x BNC (12G-SDI) Output
Audio I/O2 x XLR 3-Pin Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Power I/O1 x Barrel (24 VDC) Input
Other I/O1 x Mini-USB Output
1 x BNC (Genlock, Sync) Input/Output
1 x BNC (Timecode) Input/Output
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Control
1 x D-Sub 8-Pin Control
1 x RJ45 (LAN) Input/Output
Wireless2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) Video Output, Audio Output, Control
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)None

Monitor

Size4.0″
Resolution1,560,000 Dot
Display TypeArticulating Touchscreen LCD

Viewfinder

TypeBuilt-In Electronic (OLED)
Size0.46″
Resolution1,770,000 Dot

Focus

Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeAutomatic, Manual Focus

Environmental

Operating Temperature32 to 72°F / 0 to 40°C
Operating Humidity0 to 85%

General

Battery TypeCanon BP-A Series
Power Consumption21.5 W
Tripod Mounting Thread1/4″-20 Female
3/8″-16 Female
Accessory Mount1 x Cold Shoe Mount
Built-In Video LightYes (Infrared)
Dimensions (W x H x D)17 x 10.2 x 7.5″ / 433 x 258 x 191 mm (With Protrusions)
14.9 x 8.3 x 6.4″ / 378 x 210 x 162 mm (Without Protrusions)
Weight5.96 lb / 2710 g

Packaging Info

Package Weight14.6 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)21.7 x 13.2 x 12.8″

Conclusion

A camera that can do everything, with the added benefits of a long and quick zoom, high bitrate 4K output, streaming technology that is simple to use, and immediate HDR film.

You won’t be able to get a depth-of-field as shallow as a wafer with a 1.0-type sensor. Still, you will be able to achieve nice bokeh and a very contemporary and high-resolution camcorder that is excellent for shooting run-and-gun footage, documentaries, or event coverage.

The Dual Pixel AF will blow your mind when utilized for the first time. This is especially true if you’ve never tried it before. It has converted a good number of traditionalists who were advocates of manual focus into advocates of autofocus.

It is not inexpensive, coming in at £6999, but it is a sturdy workhorse that is packed with the most recent technologies and ought to offer excellent service for many years. One minor drawback is the frame rate, which only provides half the average pace at 50 or 60 frames per second when several competitors offer 100 or 120 frames per second.

However, it is one of the first professional cameras to provide the H.265 codec, reducing the space required for 4K recordings. Additionally, it has HDR choices built in, which means that you will be somewhat protected from technological change as these formats gain popularity.

Canon XF705 Price

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Canon XF705 Professional Camcorder

& Free shipping
Last update was on: January 18, 2024 10:48 pm
$6,999.00

Canon XF705 FAQs

When was the Canon XF705 released?

The Canon XF705 was introduced to the public in the year 2018.

What is the focal length of Canon XF705?

The Canon XF705 has a fixed lens with a 15-times magnification and a focal length range from 8.3 millimeters to 124.5 millimeters.

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