Camcorders

The XF305 and XF300 camcorders are a landmark addition to Canon's professional High Definition camcorder range. Featuring a new Full HD 50Mbps MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec, CompactFlash recording and a totally new camera system - including a 3CMOS sensor array and 18x zoom L-series HD Video Lens - these revolutionary camcorders bring broadcast-quality HD video within reach of all professional filmmakers.

Who are they for?

The XF305 and XF300 camcorders will appeal to a wider spectrum of users – from documentary to action, studio to news, sports and more – than any existing Canon professional camcorder.

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

For smaller-scale or mobile productions the XF305 and XF300 offer a unique combination of image quality, affordability and compact form factor, allied with extensive customisation options to suit individual users.

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

The potent combination of outstanding image quality, connectivity options, user customisation, straightforward workflow and wide-ranging editing compatibility means the XF305 and XF300 set a quality benchmark that will appeal to a wide range of users. These include freelance camera operators, broadcast professionals, filmmakers, electronic news gatherers, high-end enthusiasts and creative industry professionals who will appreciate an affordable, forward thinking solution to their film-making needs.

 

Front right side view of the XF305 showing the audio inputs (centre, bottom), ergonomic body design, and HD-SDI, Genlock, Timecode and Video 2 connections (left).

Key features

• MPEG-2 Full HD 4:2:2 recording on CompactFlash at up to 50Mbps.
• Two CF slots for continuous (relay) recording.
• MXF file format for workflow compatibility.
• 18x L-series HD Video Lens, f/1.6 max., 29.3mm wideangle (35mm equivalent).
• Optical Image Stabilizer – Standard, Powered or Dynamic.
• Three 2.07Mpixel 1/3 type CMOS sensors.
• 10.1cm, 1.23 Mdot LCD panel; 1.55 Mdot EVF, both with 100% coverage.
• Variable frame rate recording (12-50fps).
• DIGIC DV III image processor.
• Independent audio controls and XLR inputs.
• Extensive customisation options, including 26 Custom Pictures.
• Studio connectivity - HD-SDI, Genlock, Timecode (XF305 only).

• 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 XF305 and XF300 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 XF 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 XF305 and XF300 feature a completely new Canon L-series HD Video Lens, designed and built from scratch to produce image quality suitable for broadcast use.

1. 29.3mm wideangle (35mm equivalent) and 18x optical zoom make this lens extremely versatile, suitable for many different shooting situations.
2. An f/1.6-f/22 aperture range increases creative options and improves low light performance.
3. Hi-UD glass technology - never seen before in a professional camcorder - combines with UD and UA elements to minimise chromatic aberration and resolve superb levels of detail.
4. Full manual mode for Focus and Zoom rings provides physical end stops for predictable, repeatable operation.
5. Select from three Optical Image Stabilizer modes to minimise camera shake throughout the zoom range.
6. New metal six-blade aperture and glass ND filters increase overall robustness.

 

Left side view of the XF300 showing the 10.1cm 1.23Mdot LCD panel (front), 100% coverage 1.55Mdot Electronic Viewfinder, control layout, CF card slots (at back) and 18x L-series HD Video Lens.

Outstanding imaging performance

The XF305 and XF300 are the first Canon camcorders to feature a 3CMOS array, consisting of three newly developed CMOS sensors.

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. CMOS sensors don't suffer from ‘smear' caused by bright points of light when using CCDs.

Creative possibilities

The XF305 and XF300 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 (720/50p mode) and footage can immediately be reviewed on set at the correct speed.
3. Interval and Frame recording modes give further creative scope for animation and time-lapse sequences.
4. 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.
5. An image inversion function allows the captured image to be ‘flipped' horizontally or vertically - ideal for creating filmic footage using 35mm lens adaptors.
6. A variety of gamma curves provide even more options for a cinematic style.
7. 26 Custom Picture functions give complete control over the image. Customise the end result to suit your creative vision, or simply to match other camcorders on a shoot. Settings can be saved to SD card and loaded into other XF camcorders.

Customised operation

In addition to customising the end result, the operation of XF305 and XF300 can be customised in all sorts of ways to suit the needs of different users.

1. The revolutionary new 10.1cm, 1.23Mdot LCD can be opened on either the left or right side of the camcorder and extended forward 35 degrees. This makes shooting easier in all sorts of situations such as one-to-one interviews, or in-car, and improves visibility for other members of the crew.
2. Any one of 30 functions can be assigned to 13 different buttons on the camcorder 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 12 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 XF305 and XF300 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.

 

The XF305 and XF3000 models use three 1/3 type 2.07Mpixel CMOS sensors to capture native Full HD video.

• MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec

  The XF305 and XF300 are the first professional Canon camcorders to 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 18x L-series HD Video Lens

  Canon's extensive knowledge and experience in the field of lens development has been fully utilised to create a brand new 18x L-series HD Video Lens for the XF305 and XF300. Offering a 29.3mm wideangle (35mm equivalent) and f/1.6 maximum aperture, this new lens includes a variety of sophisticated technologies to help to provide the very best image quality.

  A Hi-UD (high-index, ultra low dispersion) lens - previously only available in Canon broadcast TV lenses - suppresses chromatic aberration and combines with UA (ultra high refractive index aspherical) glass to reduce overall size and weight. UD (ultra low dispersion) glass helps to further suppress chromatic aberration at the telephoto end of the zoom. In addition two lenses with double aspherical surfaces are deployed to offer enhanced resolution performance. The lens' Image Stabilization system has a new structure for steadier shooting and a metal iris diaphragm and glass ND filters add increase durability.

• CMOS Sensors

  Canon also develops and manufactures its own sensors and has incorporated three 1/3 type, 2.07Mpixel (effective) CMOS sensors in both the XF305 and XF300. This sensor array captures native Full HD video and combines with the new L-series lens to produce video with more than 1,000 TV lines of horizontal resolution.

  These new sensors feature 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.