Canon announces new free firmware upgrade for the compact XF205 professional camcorder aimed at broadcast news and wedding videographers.
The new firmware update adds a new image-quality setting to the camcorder and another one enables the streaming of video over an IP network.
The new firmware will also enable XF205 users to take advantage of two new recording features. See details below.
Canon Improves XF205 Functionality with Free Firmware Update
London, UK, 21 April 2015 – Canon today announces new firmware for its popular XF205 Full HD camcorder, which improves the camera’s noise ratio in low light conditions¹ and enables live streaming of content over IP networks. Developed following feedback from a variety of XF205 users – from broadcasters to wedding videographers – the new firmware also enhances the XF205’s standard of performance and recording modes.
Improved low light performance, reduced noise – a new image quality setting
The first firmware update, available now, will enable a new image-quality setting, allowing users to record footage with reduced noise, even in low-light conditions. The new update gives operators the freedom to choose their preferred image quality based on their shooting requirements. Users can select from the current default setting, which prioritises the camera’s high-resolution shooting, or the new setting, which gives priority to capturing video footage with reduced noise.
Support for live IP streaming
An additional firmware update, available from late June 2015, will enable the XF205 to steam video footage over IP networks, a practice widely used by the broadcasting industry. By enabling this feature, users will be able to transfer live footage to news programmes and video-sharing websites. Additionally, the new firmware will allow the XF205 to work with Fujitsu’s video transmission equipment – the Fujitsu Network IP-900IID and IP-920D HD/SD Compact Video Decoders² – as well as software³ supporting IP streaming. With this new feature, users will be able to stream video over an IP network without having to alter existing video-capture and editing workflows, such as those employed at broadcasting stations.
Enhancing XF205 functionality
In addition to the IP video streaming functionality, the new firmware will also enable XF205 users to take advantage of two new recording features. Firstly, when recording in MP4 format, videographers will be able to use slow and fast motion recording – slowing down action up to 40 percent, or speed up video by up to 250 percent. Additionally, when choosing Wi-Fi settings on the XF205, the selection menu will feature an improved user interface, delivering intuitive and easy to understand operability.
¹The new image quality setting results in a slight decrease in resolution compared to the image quality setting originally employed in the XF205
²The Fujitsu Network IP-900IID and IP-920D are trademarks of Fujitsu Limited, registered in Japan and other countries. The Fujitsu Network IP-900IID and IP-920D are scheduled to support the XF205 from April 2015. The Fujitsu Network IP-900IID and IP-920D HD/SD Compact Video Decoders may not be available/sold in all regions
³Details regarding tested software are scheduled to be made available in late June 2015 on Canon’s Japanese-language professional digital video camcorder homepage: canon.jp/prodv
