Pro Moviemaker Spring 2018PMM_SPRING 2018

CAMCORDER COMPARISON

THE VERDICT

HOW IT RATES: CANON XF405 Features: 9 4K at 60p, Dual Pixel AF but no super slow-motion, HDR, C-Log or 10-bit internal recording Performance: 9 The 4K footage at 60p is incredibly sharp and detailed, the autofocus F works well Handling: 9 Lightweight and compact size is good, but touchscreen-only operationmight put some off Value for money: 8 It’s not far off the price of some Super35 cameras, but offers lots in such a small package OVERALL RATING: 8/10 For fast-paced ENG or documentary work it’s a winner, with fantastic autofocus Pros: Lots of spec, lightweight and small size Cons: No fast frame rates or C-log HOW IT RATES: SONY Z90 Features: 9 It’s the first palm-sized 4K camcorder with HDR– but it’s let down by lack of 4K 60p Performance: 9 Excels in every way thanks to its 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, but alas no 60p at 4K Handling: 8 If you are used to Sony’s button set- up you’ll love it, but themenus are still confusing Value for money: 8 It’s cheaper than the Canon – but unfortunately you can’t have 4K 60p at any cost OVERALL RATING: 8/10 A fantastic performer with loads of video spec at a great price, but no 4K 60p Pros: Image quality, HDR and live broadcast options Cons: No slowmotion in 4K could be a deal breaker

Two very similar camcorders offering incredibly similar spec coming onto the market at the same time means there is still life left in the palm-sized camcorder. For those who don’t want the hassle of interchangeable lenses yet want a super-compact camera with the benefits of a larger- sized chip, 4K recording and all the handling of a proper video camera, it’s good news. For run-and-gun and travel documentaries, corporate work or ENG, both the Canon and Sony are stunners. Both provide great low-light performance thanks to the larger sensors, and autofocus that’s more advanced than on many of the latest professional Super35 cameras. You can’t go wrong with either camera, although the differences in spec might push you towards one or the other. Simply put, if you demand 60p at 4K, then the slightly bigger Canon is the only choice. And many people do now demand 60p in 4K for a bit of slow-motion. The Canon may be more expensive at £3186/$3499 versus the Sony at £2757/$2798, but if you don’t need the SDI output, Canon sells the XF400 (which is exactly the same camera but without the SDI connection) for £2758/$2999. Canon also says a higher-spec XF-AVC codec is coming soon as a firmware upgrade, which could be at a higher bitrate – so the performance might take a leap up soon. If you want 10-bit internal 4:2:2 signal right now, along with higher frame rates in HD, Log shooting and instant HDR along with more live streaming options, then the Sony is the only choice. This test has certainly highlighted the very real differences that could make choosing either the Canon or Sony an obvious decision, depending on your needs.

which provides more dynamic range and is very easy to grade afterwards if you want more contrast or saturation. It’s a bit like a half-way house to Log shooting, and it is very easy to use and to understand in terms of getting exposure nailed, and post processing sorted. Canon says it’s around 12 stops of dynamic range. The Sony is HDR-ready with four Hybrid Log Gamma settings, as well as S-Log. Shooting in Log takes more knowledge and skills in terms of exposure and post processing., but when shot in 30p, the higher 10-bit footage does show its advantage over the 8-bit of the Canon – there is slightly more detail and smoother colours. For the size of the cameras, and considering the massive range of the zoom lenses means compromises in optical design, the 4K footage fromboth is very impressive. The Canon has a tadmore saturation while the Sony shows typical Sony colours, with slightly off representations of reds, but it’s easy to fix in post. There’s hardly anything between them in 25/30p 4K, but of course you can’t make that comparison in 60p 4K as the Sony doesn’t do it. Both cameras control rolling shutter well and are very good at low-light performance thanks to their 1.0- type sensors. That, along with the autofocus performance, means they set a new standard for palm-sized 4K cameras.

ABOVE The Sony and Canon produce very similar footage. The Canon (top) has punchier colours, the Sony an edge in resolution.

“Both provide great low-light performance thanks to large sensors and they have advanced autofocus”

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SPRING 2018 PRO MOVIEMAKER

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