Camcorders

The XF105 and XF100 camcorders are a benchmark addition to Canon’s professional High Definition camcorder range bringing a broadcast-quality, Full HD 50Mbps MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec to palm-sized camera bodies. In addition, these camcorders offer CompactFlash recording, a professional-grade CMOS sensor and a 10x zoom Canon HD Video Lens to bring outstanding HD video to a huge potential audience of professional filmmakers.

Who are they for?

The XF105 and XF100 camcorders are sure to appeal to a wide audience of potential users – from documentary to action, studio to news, wildlife to sports and more.

Sophisticated Canon camera technologies and an MPEG-2 codec deliver the kind of outstanding imaging performance that’s required by broadcasters and post-production houses, whilst multi-camera connectivity provides straightforward integration into studio environments.

For smaller-scale or mobile productions the XF105 and XF100 offer a unique combination of image quality, affordability and an ultra-compact form factor, allied with extensive customisation options to suit individual users.

New features in the XF100-series allow users to make the most of the possibilities provided by such a small form factor. A variety of functions help to save time during set-up and shooting of 3D movies, whilst an Infrared mode is perfect for shooting at night.

Straightforward workflow integration is key during video production and is catered for thanks to additional 35Mbps and 25Mbps recording modes, use of the industry-standard MXF file format and compatibility with all of the major NLE software packages.

The potent combination of outstanding image quality, mobility, shooting options, connectivity, customisation and straightforward workflow means the XF105 and XF100 set a quality benchmark that will appeal to a broad range of HD movie-makers.

Key features

• MPEG-2 Full HD 4:2:2 recording on CompactFlash cards at up to 50Mbps
• Two CF slots for continuous (relay) or simultaneous recording
• MXF file format for workflow compatibility
• 10x Canon HD Video Lens, f/1.8 max., 30.4mm wideangle (35mm equivalent)
• Optical Image Stabilizer – Standard, Powered or Dynamic
• Single 2.07Mpixel 1/3 type CMOS sensor with Bayer filter
• 8.8cm, 920,000 dot LCD panel; 260,000 dot EVF, both with 100% coverage
• Variable frame rate recording (12-50fps)
• 3D shooting functions - Genlock (XF105 only), OIS Axis Shift, Focal Length Guide and image inversion
• User-activated Infrared mode for night shoots
• 60cm minimum object distance across zoom range
• DIGIC DV III image processor
• Independent audio controls and XLR inputs
• Extensive customisation options, including nine Custom Pictures
• Studio connectivity - HD-SDI, Genlock, Timecode (XF105 only)

 

Please click here to take a tour around the XF105 and XF100 camcorders.

• On the CPN site you can also find out more about XF-series software compatibility, XF-series card compatibility, and XF-series frame rate options.

Cutting edge codec

The MPEG-2 codec utilised by XF105 and XF100 enables not only outstanding imaging performance but also workflow compatibility and versatility.

1. A 50Mbps data rate provides the high image quality that is a minimum requirement for many broadcast productions. 50Mbps MPEG-2 balances image quality with manageable file sizes, reducing storage and archiving costs.
2. 4:2:2 colour sampling enables high quality post-production work that may simply not be possible using a 4:2:0 recording format.
3. MXF wrapper is an industry-standard file format, already widely used throughout the world of professional videography. This enables seamless integration of the Canon XF100-series camcorders into existing workflows.
4. 35Mbps and 25Mbps 4:2:0 recording modes provide simple compatibility with alternative HD workflows and equipment (eg. HDV).
5. Comprehensive metadata can be stored within the MXF video files, simplifying archiving, searching and overall clip management, and saving time.

Solid State recording

Recording to Solid State memory can transform the way you work, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

1. CompactFlash memory cards are widely available and cost much less than other proprietary types of Solid State media.
2. Solid State media is robust, impervious to shocks and vibrations, so your footage will be safe.
3. Archiving video or ingesting for editing is simply a matter of connecting a suitable CF card reader to a computer via USB. No sophisticated additional hardware is required.
4. Faster transfer - no time is wasted due to real-time transfer (as was necessary with tape recording).
5. Up to 160 minutes of 50Mbps HD footage can be stored on one 64GB CF card – more than twice the amount you can fit on one standard HDV tape.
6. Media can be re-used time and again without image degradation, further reducing costs.
7. Footage can easily be browsed and reviewed in-camera via thumbnail images of each scene, saving time on the shoot.
8. Markers can be added to highlight key moments – no more fast-forwarding/rewinding to find the point you want.

Canon lens technology

The XF105 and XF100 feature a newly developed 10x Canon HD Video Lens, designed and built from scratch to produce outstanding image quality.

1. 30.4mm wideangle (35mm equivalent) and 10x optical zoom make this lens extremely versatile, suitable for many different shooting situations.
2. A fast, f/1.8-f/2.8 aperture range increases creative options and supports low light performance.
3. The single lens ring can be assigned to zoom, focus or iris adjustment for easy camera control. Settings are maintained when switching from one function to another. Iris can also be set using the Control Dial for additional flexibility.
4. Select from three Optical Image Stabilizer modes – Dynamic, Standard or Powered – to minimise camera shake throughout the zoom range.
5. New metal eight-blade aperture, for more attractive ‘bokeh’ in out of focus areas, and a built-in gradation ND filter decreases mid-aperture diffraction.
6. A digital extender function offers additional magnification to get you 1.5x, 3x or 6x closer to the subject.

 

Left side view of the XF100 showing the 8.8cm LCD panel, EVF, the two CompactFlash card slots and the array of controls.

Outstanding imaging performance

The XF105 and XF100 utilise a single CMOS sensor configuration of the newly developed 3CMOS sensor array seen on the XF305 and XF300 models.

1. CMOS sensors use less power than CCDs, increasing battery life and reducing the amount of kit necessary on a shoot.
2. High-speed data readout developed by Canon reduces the skew effects caused by rolling shutter, resulting in realistic reproduction of moving subjects.
3. Native 1920x1080 Full HD image capture helps maintain image quality by retaining the same resolution from capture to recording.
4. Integrated Canon noise reduction technology reduces overall chip size versus CCD and provides clean, sharp images.
5. High dynamic range ensures detail is retained in dark areas and over-exposure is reduced.
6. CMOS sensors don’t suffer from ‘smear’ caused by bright points of light when using CCDs.

3D shooting

Set-up and shooting in 3D is easier than ever with the XF105 and XF100 thanks to new 3D Assist Functions: Genlock (XF105 only), OIS Axis Shift, Focal Length Guide and image inversion.

1. Genlock allows precise synching of images from two cameras to ensure that the two recordings don't get out of step.
2. OIS Axis Shift re-purposes the lens-shift Image Stabilizer system to allow the user to individually select and maintain an image centre point for each camera. Small changes in convergence during 3D shooting can be achieved without physically moving the cameras.
3. The Focal Length Guide provides a precise numerical indication of the current zoom position, helping the operator manually match the two cameras.
4. Left-right, up-down and left-right-up-down image inversions are all possible, combining with the small size of these products to make them suitable for many different kinds of 3D rig.

Creative possibilities

The XF105 and XF100 aren’t simply about amazing image quality and easy workflow. An array of shooting options gives you the freedom to create.

1. Choose from 1920x1080/50i, 1920x1080/25p, 1280x720/50p, or 1280x720/25p recording modes to provide the image that you (or your client) needs.
2. Fast and Slow motion modes let you reproduce the over- and under-cranking options found in traditional film cameras. Frame rates from 12fps to 50fps can be selected (720/25p and 720/50p modes) and footage can immediately be reviewed on set at the correct speed.
3. A new Infrared shooting mode can be user activated for recording at night. This is especially useful for wildlife shoots for example, with green and white light options available according to your creative requirements.
4. Interval and Frame recording modes give further creative scope for time-lapse and animation sequences.
5. The Pre-Rec function ensures the crucial moment won’t be missed by continuously caching three seconds of footage, appended to the start of your video when recording begins.
6. The image inversion functions that allow the captured image to be ‘flipped’ horizontally or vertically are ideal for creating filmic footage using 35mm lens adaptors.
7. A variety of gamma curves provide even more options for a cinematic style.

Customised operation

The XF105 and XF100 can be customised in all sorts of ways to suit the needs of different users.

1. Nine Custom Picture functions give complete control over the image. You can customise the end result to suit your creative vision, or simply match other camcorders on a shoot. Settings can be saved to an SD card and loaded into other XF camcorders.
2. Any one of 34 functions can be assigned to 10 different buttons on the camcorders to give easy access to the functions you use most. Store your favourite button configurations to SD card to transfer to another XF camcorder.
3. Camcorder operation can be fine-tuned using 15 Custom Functions. Configure functions, such as shockless white balance or iris ring direction, to operate the camcorder the way you want.

Canon Professional Services Video

Purchasers of the XF105 and XF100 can benefit from Canon Europe’s CPS Video service. CPS Video membership offers priority repair service with a six-day turnaround, free loan equipment for repairs that will take longer than six days (subject to availability) and e-mail and phone support from a dedicated local representative. For more information, click here.

• MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec

  Like the larger XF305 and XF300 models the palm-sized XF105 and XF100 professional Canon camcorders utilise an MPEG-2, 4:2:2, 50Mbps codec, recording in MXF format. 4:2:2 colour sampling provides twice the vertical colour resolution of 4:2:0 (used in HDV and other codecs), enabling better gradation, finer detail, and smoother diagonals as well as helping to eliminate the threat of jagged edges, fringing and unwanted artefacts during chroma keying.

• New 10x Canon HD Video Lens

  Canon’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field of lens development has been fully utilised to create a brand new 10x L-series HD Video Lens for the XF105 and XF100. Offering a 30.4mm wideangle (35mm equivalent) and f/1.8 maximum aperture, this new lens includes a variety of sophisticated technologies to help to provide the very best image quality.

  Three lens shift groups have been included for the first time in the Optical Image Stabilizer system used in the XF105 and XF100. The increased precision of this new configuration helps to reduce chromatic aberration and maintain resolution, even in wideangle shots. Two lenses with double aspherical surfaces are deployed to offer enhanced resolution performance.

• CMOS Sensors

  Canon develops and manufactures its own sensors for HD camcorders and has incorporated a single 1/3 type, 2.07Mpixel (effective) CMOS chip in both the XF105 and XF100. This sensor configuration captures native Full HD video and combines with the newly developed HD Video Lens and DIGIC DV III processor to produce low noise, high dynamic range footage with more than 900 TV lines of horizontal resolution.

  This new sensor features high-speed readout (twice the speed of some other camcorders) to minimise ‘skew’ of fast moving images caused by the rolling shutter technology employed by most CMOS sensors. Canon noise reduction technology is also incorporated to help to deliver clean, detailed pictures.

• DIGIC DV III processor

  The DIGIC DV III processor is the latest iteration in the DIGIC DV family, replacing the DIGIC DV II chip that featured in previous generations of Canon’s professional HD camcorder range. Greater processing power provides enhanced colour gradation and wide dynamic range, in addition to supporting new features such as Face Detection AF and enhanced image customisation.