Just before the start of NAB, Canon's announced two broadcast-quality HD cameras with a wider zoom range and 50 Mbit/s recording: the XF200 and the XF205
Clearly closely related to Canon's XF105 and XF100 cameras, Canon says it has taken onboard feedback from customers when designing these new cameras. With a built-in 26.8mm wide-angle lens, there's an optical 20x zoom that is double the range of the new camera's prececessors.
50Mbit/s is pretty much the accepted standard now for Long GOP broadcast quality and both of these cameras now support this bitrage. They also sport a DIGIC DV 4 processor and 4:2:2 colour sampling.
There's a better viewfinder, a 3.5 inch OLED display, and a new rotating grip which helps with control and stability.
What's the difference between the cameras?
The XF205 has additional 3G-SDI/HD-SDI, Timecode and Genlock connectors.
The price is
XF205 – £3,799.99/€4,599.99
XF200 – £3,299.99/€3,999.99
and Canon says the cameras will be available in July 2014
Canon today expands its professional video range with the launch of the XF205 and XF200 - a duo of compact video cameras that deliver powerful features, professional functionality and high levels of image quality for a wide range of camera operators.
Building on the blueprint of Canon’s highly successful XF105 and XF100 cameras, the new models have been enhanced to reflect feedback received from professionals working in a variety of fields. Further extending the XF range, both offer even greater versatility, with a more powerful Canon HD Video System, numerous recording modes, wireless connectivity and an enhanced operational design – providing operators with greater freedom to shoot, view and distribute their footage during assignments.
Designed for versatility
The new cameras have been designed to enable users to achieve more than ever with a compact camcorder. By combining outstanding image quality and new professional features, they deliver flexibility that allows camera operators to take their work to the next level.
Both models are powered by the Canon HD Video System and include significant enhancements. Each features a 26.8mm wide-angle Canon HD lens with an optical zoom that has been doubled to 20x, and works alongside Canon’s latest HD CMOS PRO imaging sensor and a powerful DIGIC DV 4 processor. Combined with 50Mbps MPEG recording and 4:2:2 colour sampling, the result is video quality suitable for broadcast, with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range that delivers excellent results, even in low light situations.
Optimised for professionals; accessible to all
The XF205 and XF200 have been designed to support the growing and diverse requirements of camera operators – enabling them to shoot for numerous platforms at once. A range of recording options provide the flexibility to simultaneously record high definition MXF files to CF cards and MP4 files to an SD card, in HD or lower resolutions – ideal for capturing footage intended for both broadcast and web channels.
The cameras’ design has been optimised to offer operators a tool that is intuitive to use. The new rotating grip provides additional control and stability, reducing strain and offering greater comfort during longer shoots. Three individual lens rings for focus, zoom and iris provide a configuration that is familiar to experienced camera operators, allowing a much quicker response in dynamic shooting environments.
Significant enhancements have also been made to ensure easier framing and monitoring of shots. An optimised viewfinder features a resolution of 1.23m-dots, enabling much greater accuracy when checking focus. An upgraded 3.5-inch OLED display also offers higher contrast, more vivid colours and faster response times, making it far superior in operation, especially in bright conditions.
The XF205 and XF200 are also ideal tools for the less experienced operator. As well as offering the control and precision expected by professional users, an intuitive control layout, fully automatic shooting mode and variety of assist functions, including Face Detection, mean that even amateur users can capture great-looking footage.
Professional audio and connectivity
Upgraded audio capture also ensures professional quality sound fit for broadcast use. Both models support four-channel linear PCM recording, with two XLR inputs allowing the option to use professional-grade microphones. Additionally, with built-in stereo microphones and a 3.5mm microphone jack, the new cameras provide users with a wealth of audio options.
Each model also features Wi-Fi and Ethernet LAN connectivity, allowing direct or wireless connection to a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. Wireless connectivity offers the freedom to control the camera from a distance, view footage remotely and conveniently transfer files via FTP without the need for any additional software. In addition, a new CameraAccess function allows lower-quality proxy files to be streamed to another device via Wi-Fi, improving the speed in which content, such as news flashes, can be shared.
In addition, the XF205 expands connectivity options further with the inclusion of selectable 3G-SDI/HD-SDI, Timecode and Genlock terminals for easy integration on multi-camera shoots or with other broadcast equipment.
Kieran Magee, Director of Professional Marketing, Canon Europe said: “The new XF205 and XF200 are a natural next step in the evolution of our XF range, providing enhanced functionality, alongside another step up in terms of the quality of the visual and audio output. Historically, the versatility of our XF series cameras has seen them widely adopted by a range of different users, and the new features we’ve added into these products provide our customers with greater choice and creative freedom than previously available from such a compact camcorder.”
Pricing and availability
The XF205 and XF200 will be available in the UK and Ireland from July 2014 with the following SRPs:
· XF205 – £3,799.99/€4,599.99
· XF200 – £3,299.99/€3,999.99
Both cameras will be on display at NAB 2014.