Canon introduces the industry's first professional Digital Video Camera that records directly to Compact Flash cards

Sydney, 7 April 2010: Canon Australia, a leader in digital imaging, today announces the Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras. Both new models employ an MPEG-2 FULL HD 4:2:2 50Mbps Codec for capturing and recording native 1920 x 1080 video onto affordable, universally available Compact Flash (CF) cards. Uniting video, audio and metadata into a single file, the Canon XF305 and XF300 use an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format, to maximise compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. The Canon XF305 and XF300 are engineered for multiple production applications including broadcast news, documentaries and independent filmmaking and event videography.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras include a Genuine Canon 18x Optical Zoom HD L-series lens providing documentary filmmakers and news camera operators with the focal-range versatility required in the field. Designed with input from professional users, each model includes three Canon developed and designed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, and the new Canon MPEG-2 Codec for extreme colour detail required for accurate chroma-keying, colour-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. For finer transitions in tone and colour, 4:2:2 colour sampling offers twice the colour resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 formats. In addition, Canon’s XF305 model features industry-standard HD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals for multi-camera or 3-D productions.

Further adding to the low total-cost-of-ownership of the Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras is their use of CF cards. In addition to rugged, solid-state construction and the speed and ease of file transfer to computers, CF cards are cost effective and widely available, unlike proprietary memory systems. The new professional camcorders feature hot-swappable dual card slots and support UDMA CF cards for maximum performance.

To support the swift adoption of the Canon MPEG-2 Codec, Canon has worked in cooperation with major editing and post-production software developers, including Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley, to ensure compatibility with leading software programs widely used within the video production and broadcast industries.

Genuine Canon Optics with Image Stabilization

Leveraging the Company’s expertise as a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance optics, the Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras feature a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens with a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 29.3 – 527mm and a Full Manual Focus mode with mechanical “hard” end stops and distance markers for professional operability and repeatable manual focus. Canon utilised HI-UD (high-index, ultra low dispersion), UD and aspherical lens elements to minimise chromatic aberrations and provide a compact size and weight to the lens – while also delivering a resolution of approximately 1,000 TV lines. The lens also features a new SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system featuring Dynamic and Powered modes for optimal performance in the greatest variety of situations.

DIGIC DV III Image Processor

At the heart of Canon’s XF305 and XF300 models is Canon’s proprietary DiG!C DV III Image Processor, which ensures natural, lifelike colours and captures tonal gradations and shadow detail with remarkable accuracy. The DiG!C DV III Image Processor also powers Canon’s innovative Face Detection Technology, an autofocus option that can significantly reduce the effort required when camera operators work alone, such as in news applications.

To maximise the adaptability across various production environments, Canon equipped each model with the ability to record at multiple bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates for slow and fast motion. Additional professional features include variable-interval (for time-lapse) and frame-record for stop-motion animation, and a photo feature for frame-grabs.

Mode	Resolution	Frame Rate
50Mbps (CBR) 4:2:2	1920 x1080	50i/25P
	1280 x 720	50P/25P
35Mbps (VBR) 4:2:0	1920 x1080	50i/25P
	1280 x 720	50P/25P
25Mbps (CBR) 4:2:0	1440 x1080	50i/25P

CBR = Continuous Bit Rate
VBR = Variable Bit Rate

Refined Ergonomics and Operation

The Canon XF305 and XF300 are designed to maximise shooting comfort and usability. The well-balanced design allows the operator to comfortably control the camera and easily maintain a steady shot while minimising arm fatigue. Each camera also features a convenient, freely rotating 4.0-inch, 1.23-megapixel LCD monitor that can be positioned at either the right or left side of the camera body, allowing for easy viewing even in the most difficult shooting positions.

The LCD monitor also provides a display of the camera’s built-in waveform monitor and vectorscope to aid in achieving accurate exposure and colour levels while shooting. Additionally, the LCD can show peaking, edge-monitor-focus and magnify the image, enabling users to confirm critical focus, an essential objective in all HD production.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 models also come equipped with a 0.52-inch, 1.55-megapixel colour electronic viewfinder, providing ample resolution for critical focus and approximately 100 percent field-of-view coverage for accurate judgment of composition.

Audio Flexibility

The Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras feature a built-in stereo microphone as well as dual XLR inputs for external audio sources. The new cameras support 16-bit PCM audio at 48 kHz with automatic and manual audio level adjustment.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon XF305 and XF300 professional digital video cameras will be available from late June 2010 through Canon dealers nationally. For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au.

Related Links

* Learn more about Canon's digital video camera range range