Canon Camcorders get Firmware Updates – Canon Log 3 Support

Firmware Update

by Jeff LochDecember 18^th, 2020

Canon recently released a collection of firmware updates for several of its camcorders, including the XF405/XF400 (Firmware 1.0.5.0), XA55/XA50 (Firmware 1.0.1.0), XA40 (Firmware 1.0.1.0), Canon 4K Legria HF G60 and HF G50 (Firmware 1.0.1.0). For XA40 users, you’ll now be able to record in XF-AVC format. Even more interesting is the update for the XF405/XF400, XA55/XA50 that enables Canons Log 3 picture profile.

As they say, better late than never! Three years after its release, Canon released several firmware updates for its camcorders, including one for the Canon XF405/XF400 that we reviewed here. Let’s take a closer look at all these firmware updates!

XF-AVC for the Canon XA40

First of all, Canon XA40 users –a camera released in 2019, you can read our in-depth article here– will now have the ability to record footage in XF-AVC format via this firmware 1.0.1.0 update. Previously, the camera was only able to record in MP4 format with a 150Mbs bitrate. After the update, here are all the resolution/framerates available:

• 4K UHD – 3840×2160 – 29.97P / 23.98P / 25P.
• FHD – 1920×1080 – 59.94i / 59.94P / 50i / 50P / 29.97P / 25P / 23.98P.

Custom Picture and new features

For all camcorders – XF405/XF400, XA55/XA50/XA40, HF G60/G50 – you will be able to access a new feature called Custom Picture. This function allows you to adjust image settings such as sharpness, saturation, skin detail, and noise reduction.

In addition to this, for improved customization, the camcorders will now be able to allocate additional features to assignable buttons, such as zebra, peaking, and markers.

C-Log3 for the Canon XF405/XF400 and XA55/XA50

For the Canon XF405/XF400 and XA55/XA50 only, these firmware updates add EOS Standard and Production Camera colour matrix to the custom picture parameter. Also, Canon Log 3 has been added to get the maximum dynamic range out of these sensors.

I have no idea why it took three years to Canon to implement C-Log3 to these camcorders. However, it is a much welcomed addition to match the image coming out of the XF/XA cameras and the Canon Cinema line

Improved autofocus performances

Last but not least, the XF405/XF400, XA55/XA50, and HF G50/HF G60 all receive improved autofocus accuracy when using zoom.

The XF405 / XF400 updates will also bring improved image quality when using Digital Zoom Advanced 30X mode – a positive enhancement for those that use FHD extended zoom.

Price and availability

All these Canon camcorders firmware updates are available now, free of charge.

For more information and download them, please visit Canon’s website here.

What do you think about these Canon camcorders firmware updates? Do you still use ENG-style cameras? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!