Canon XF400

The Canon XF400 4K Camcorder is a high-performance compact camcorder. It features abilities such as IR and wi-fi.

Contents

The XF400 kit will include:

  • MDR-7502 Headphones

  • Rode NTG-2 Microphone

  • XLR Cable

  • Stereo ⅛” to ¼” Adapter

  • Porta Brace Storage Bag

  • 8.4V AC Adapter

  • 3000mAh Battery

  • XF400 Video Camera

Setting up the Camera

Hardware Configuration

  1. Connect battery if not already connected. The battery port is in the back of the camera, simply slide the battery into place.

    1. To swap batteries, slide the switch labelled BATTERY RELEASE forward beneath the battery and gently slide the current battery downwards and out.

  2. Check for at least one SD card. To do this, locate the spring-loaded switch above the right hand side hand strap. Push the switch left, opening up the two SD card slots.

    1. To remove an SD card simply gently press down on the card and then release, letting the card pop up to above its resting position. Then you may pull it out.

    2. To insert a new SD card simply place an SD card into the slot gently with the orientation shown in the diagram on the camera. The card should click into place.

  3. Next, to operate the camera you may gently open the display on the left hand side of the camera and slide the switch above it from OFF to the CAMERA or MEDIA positions depending on your preference.

  4. Next you must open the lens cap. To do this, simply flip the switch on the left hand side of the from the CLOSED position to the OPEN position.

  5. To actually record simply press one of the red RECORD buttons located around the camera

  6. To zoom press one of the W/T Toggles or alternatively rotate the ZOOM RING at the front of the camera (when in Autofocus mode).

  7. The handle grip (on camera right side) can be adjusted for both rotation and strap tightness.

  8. If using a tripod, there are screw mounts underneath the camera which work with larger tripod plates, such as the Manfrotto tripods.

Settings

The settings listed here are a very limited list of what is available within the camera. For more information, see the Additional References section below. Run test shots with the camera, and if footage doesn't look or feel right, ask us for help.

  1. Ensure that the ND filter is set properly. This darkens the image, and can be useful when filming outside. Find ND FILTER towards the front left of the camera and press + or - to get the desired setting. If unsure, turn it off by default.

  2. To fiddle with how your video looks, find the M/AUTO switch on the right hand side of the camera next to the W/T toggle.

    1. Then switch the switch to M

    2. In the top left of the display there should be a rectangle with symbols/letters. Tap it.

    3. Now you have reached a menu to select your specific settings.

Audio Setup

Native Audio

  1. On the left hand side of the handle, open up the audio control cover. Within, set the middle left switch (middle switch on INPUT1 column) left (that is, to the “INT.MIC/MIC” setting). Set all other switches to the right.

  2. Then when recording you can change the amount of audio picked up with the CH1 AUDIO dial located above.

External Audio Recording

  1. Remove the camera, Rode mic, and XLR cable from the bag

  2. On the right hand side of the handle there is a mount extending above the rest of the camera body. On this mount there is a screw. Undo this screw.

  3. Place Rode mic into the mount, foam facing forward.

  4. Screw down the mount to keep the Rode mic secure.

  5. Plug XLR cable into the Rode mic, and into either INPUT 1 or INPUT 2 on the handle (directly below the mount)

  6. On the opposite side of the panel is the audio control panel. Depending on the INPUT you chose set the associated channel to that input (middle switch, set to the right)

Listening to your audio while recording.

  1. Locate the headphone jack between the battery and the record button underneath the silicon flap.

  2. Plug in your headphones.

  3. Depending on your audio settings the audio may just be coming into your left/right ear. You can adjust this by setting what audio is on which channel and which channel is in each ear.

    1. To figure out which audio is on which channel (and the respective volumes) look for what INPUT your XLR cable is connected to. Furthermore check to see if native audio is playing on either channel.

    2. To set which channel is in each ear, open up the LCD display and press the physical MENU button, located to the left of the battery. Within the menu, navigate (either with the touchscreen or the joystick located above the MENU button) to the audio tab (music note icon). From there click on the “Monitor Channels” button and select your preference.Note that for some older headphones it will be impossible to obtain single-ear audio. The headphones in the kit however are compatible with this feature.

Additional References

Please visit the following resources to learn more about how to use the Canon XF400. You are also encouraged to email acit_video@colby.edu, and our team would be happy to assist you!

How to Request

Log in to equip.colby.edu to visit the Equipment Checkout portal. More details may be found at How to Request Equipment in Reftab.

Print Article