Canon XF300 MPEG2 50Mbps Professional Camcorder

Overview

Canon continues to innovate and develop image acquisition products for the most demanding professional. The Canon XF300 Professional Camcorder features 50Mbps MPEG-2 4:2:2 recording to universally available Compact Flash (CF) Cards for unsurpassed image quality and efficient, robust workflow at an affordable price. It is ideally suited to match the requirements of electronic newsgathering (ENG) crews, independent filmmakers, documentary producers, event videographers and military agencies.

Utilizing file-based MPEG-2 compression with an MXF File Wrapper ensures the widest compatibility with existing industry infrastructure, metadata and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. And 4:2:2 color sampling provides ultra-fine transitions in tone and color for maintaining the highest quality image for use in advanced post production.

A newly developed Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series Lens along with three Canon native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensors delivers pristine image quality.

The XF300 also offers multiple recording bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates to expand your creative flexibility, and allow you to work in virtually any production environment. And complete customization over the image, display and operation makes the XF300 a camcorder that can be tailored to fit your individual needs.

Features

MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps Codec (Canon XF Codec)

MPEG-2 compression is both highly reliable and versatile. Developed by the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG), it is one of the most widely used compression schemes in the industry for camera acquisition, over the air broadcast, cable and satellite TV. Canon’s adaptation of MPEG-2 for the XF305 Professional Camcorder, named the Canon XF Codec, ensures the widest compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. As well, by using an MXF file wrapper, video and audio can be wrapped in a single file along with important metadata.

The XF305 supports the highest HD quality with Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, up to 50Mbps bit rate and 4:2:2 color sampling.

4:2:2 color sampling provides twice the color resolution of HDV and other codecs that use 4:2:0 color sampling. 4:2:2 provides ultra-fine transitions in tone and color and maintains the highest quality image for use in post production processes such as chroma keying, color grading, advanced compositing and effects.

The codec’s 50Mbps constant bit rate provides the bandwidth needed to capture the XF305’s superior resolution and color in spectacular detail.

Record to easily accessible and affordable Compact Flash Cards

Unlike other camcorders which use proprietary memory systems, the XF305 Professional Camcorder records to cost effective and readily available Compact Flash (CF) cards.* The camcorder features two CF card slots and offers versatile recording functions including:

• Relay recording:
  When one CF card becomes full, the camcorder automatically switches video recording to the other CF card.
• Hot swapping:
  Media can be replaced without turning off the camcorder. And while recording, the other card can be removed without interruption.
• File copy and backup:
  Files may be copied from one card to the next – ideal for backing up when on location.
• Pre Record:
  Perfect for news crews and live event shooters, the camcorder continuously buffers approximately three seconds of video in memory. When the Record button is pressed, recording begins and the contents of buffer memory are added, so you never miss an important shot.

Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series Lens

Inspired by the same high level of optical precision used in Canon broadcast and photographic lenses, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder incorporates a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series lens that features a wide and impressive zoom range of 29.3 – 527.4mm (35mm equivalent). The lens incorporates High Index – Ultra-low Dispersion (HI-UD), Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration while delivering a resolution of 1,000 TV lines.

In Full Manual Mode, the lens features mechanical stops for both the zoom and focus systems. Mechanical (Hard) end stops ensure that repeatable and dependable focus and zoom can be achieved when manually turning the lens barrel. These mechanical stops also allow for compatibility with many third-party remote camera controllers that require end stops in order to calibrate themselves. Additionally, display distance indicators on the lens barrel allow the operator to easily set the desired focus distance and move between focus points while recording.

18x Optical ZoomFor enhanced versatility and durability, the lens is equipped with three built-in glass, neutral density (ND) filters (¼, 1/16 and 1/64) and a six-blade metal aperture iris.

Three Canon Native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensors

Newly designed and manufactured exclusively by Canon, the XF305 Professional Camcorder incorporates three native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensors, which deliver outstanding Full HD video recording with minimal noise. These 1/3-inch sensors enable a compact lens and body design, for greater mobility and quick shooting.

Multiple Recording Bit Rates, Resolutions, and Variable Frame Rates

Multiple recording modes, resolutions and frame rates make the XF305 Professional Camcorder creatively flexible and able to work in virtually any production environment. From the highest quality 50Mbps Full HD, to the HDV compatible 25Mbps, users will find the camcorder capable of taking on any job.

Variable Frame Rates

The XF305 Professional Camcorder offers a full range of selectable frame rates. You can choose between 60i, 60p, 30p and 24p settings to achieve just the look you want.

• 60p Frame Rate (Available in 720p Mode Only)
  In addition to the standard interlaced frame rate of 60i, the XF305 is able to capture at 60p. 60p is rapidly becoming the standard for fast-action sports.
  
• 30p Frame Rate
  30p is the ideal frame rate for video viewed on the Internet. It is also an excellent choice for frame grabbing during playback.
  
• 24p Frame Rate
  24p matches the frame rate of a traditional film camera giving the same cadence and temporal motion needed for a "film look."

Optional 50i/50p/25p Frame Rate Upgrade

For added versatility, XF305 can be customized to record in both 60i/50i, 60p/50p, and 24p/25p (this optional upgrade must be performed by a Canon Factory Service Center).

Slow Motion & Fast Motion

Slow and Fast Motion Modes allow the XF305 to record a different frame rate than the playback frame rate, resulting in either a fast or slow motion effect during playback. Since the camera is recording real frames and modifying the playback rate, there is no quality loss and maximum image quality is maintained.

In 1080 mode, fast motion is supported up to 2.5x the normal rate and as slow as 1/2.5x. In 720 mode, fast motion is supported up to 5x the normal rate and as slow as 1/1.25x.

Interval Recording

With this feature, users can program the camera to record a specified number of frames at specified intervals. The technique can be used to observe natural phenomena over extended periods, making it ideal for time-lapse applications. The interval can be set in 25 levels ranging from 1 second to 10 minutes.
60i/30p: Selectable between 1, 3, 6 and 9 frames
24p/60p: Selectable between 2, 6 and 12 frames

Frame Recording

This setting allows a specified number of frames to be recorded – ideal for projects such as clay animation.
60i/30p: Selectable between 1, 3, 6 and 9 frames
24p/60p: Selectable between 2, 6 and 12 frames

Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor

The XF305 Professional Camcorder features Canon's powerful DIGIC DV III Image Processor, which provides enhanced shading, lifelike tonal gradations, new custom picture settings and lower power consumption. DIGIC DV III is also the high-speed engine which powers Genuine Canon Face Detection. On-the-go videographers will appreciate the ability to track one subject in a crowd of people.

Brilliant Ergonomics

The XF305 Professional Camcorder has set a new standard for ergonomic design in compact pro camcorders. It is designed from the ground up to maximize handheld shooting comfort and usability. Users will find the camera well balanced with the handgrip positioned closer to the optical access near the camera’s center of gravity. This allows the operator to easily maintain a steady shot while minimizing arm fatigue. Controls are ideally placed making the camera feel like a natural extension of the operator’s body.

Additionally, the XF305 features a redesigned layout to make using the camcorder highly intuitive. New users and users switching from other products will find the button layout, camera menu system and camera controls immediately familiar and easy to use out of the box with operational and control organization that conform to industry standards.

4.0-inch, 1.23-megapixel LCD Monitor

A 4.0-inch, 1.23-megapixel LCD monitor provides a large, accurate area for critical focus confirmation and approximately 100% field of view. The display is freely rotating, able to open on both the right and left side of the camera body. The display also features an additional 35º of forward movement past normal position. The large range of movement makes the display adjustable for easy viewing even in the most difficult shooting positions. The flexibility and fluidity of movement also makes the display less susceptible to accidental damage, compared to a more rigid design, if bumped during recording.

High Resolution, 1.55-megapixel EVF

The XF305 Professional Camcorder features a 0.52-inch, 1.55 Megapixel Color EVF and approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and accurate judgment of composition, focus and color. The angle of the viewfinder is adjustable for additional user comfort and when using the LCD display for monitoring, the EVF can be used as a cheek pad to ensure three points of contact when hand holding and maximizing stability. This makes the camcorder much easier to manage during extended recording periods and long days of shooting.

Focus Assist Functions

Edge Monitor Focus Assist System
With Canon’s new Edge Monitor Focus Assist system, a red and green monitor is shown at the bottom of the LCD Display and three red focus check areas are shown across the display. The green waveform shows overall focus of the image, while the red waveform shows the focus status of the focus check boxes. Through this dynamic focus feedback, the user can intuitively tune focus in a scene and quickly change the zone of focus.

Peaking/Magnify

Two peaking modes and a magnify focus assist function are available in standby and record mode (LCD monitor and EVF), making it extremely easy for the XF305 operator to check and confirm critical focus.

Audio System

A stereo microphone is incorporated into the XF305 Professional Camcorder, as are two XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power. The built in microphone provides exceptional audio in fast-paced situations while the XLR inputs provide connectivity to external microphones, and other professional audio devices. If you choose, the built-in microphone and XLR input can be used simultaneously.

Audio is recorded in 16-bit PCM format at 48 kHz for amazing quality and fidelity. And both the built in microphone and XLR inputs have the option for automatic or full manual gain control. To prevent variations in the recorded audio level, the dial can also be locked.

The XF305 also includes a 3.5mm headphone terminal with 16 volume settings for accurate audio monitoring.

Waveform Monitor and Vectorscope

Videographers depend on these features to confirm accurate exposure and color levels during the capture process. Typically only found on expensive external units, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder has a waveform monitor and vectorscope built right into the camera. The waveform monitor shows a detailed view of overall image brightness and RGB components. The onboard vectorscope provides real-time image hue and saturation analysis, making it easy to check color balance and see the result of white balance adjustments.

Specifications

What's in the Box

• XF300 Body
• Lens Hood
• Eyecup
• Battery Pack BP-955
• Compact Power Adapter CA-930
• DC Cable DC-930
• Wireless Controller WL-D6000
• Shoulder Strap SS-1200
• Component Cable DTC-1500
• Canon XF Utilities Disc