Canon XF300 Review

Canon’s first foray into the realm of professional solid-state video acquisition was accomplished with the production of the XF300 Professional Camcorder. The XF300 is the latest addition to Canon’s well-regarded XH family of tape-based camcorders. It records Full HD footage on more cost-effective Compact Flash cards by utilizing the most recent HD technology and Canon’s recently created MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec.

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Canon XF300 High Definition Professional Camcorder

Last update was on: January 18, 2024 7:36 pm
$3,898.00

There are three 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensors, multiple bit rates (up to 50Mbps), variable resolution and frame rates, industry-standard MXF file wrappers, a newly developed L-Series 18x zoom lens, HDMI/Component/Composite outputs, and full image customization. All of these features are contained within a sleek and compact body.

The XF300 is the ideal instrument for applications such as ENG, documentaries, independent features, and event videography because of its high levels of picture quality, ergonomics, and control.

MPEG-2 50Mbps Codec

The Canon XF Codec, which is an adaption of MPEG-2 for the Canon XF300 Professional Camcorder, offers the widest possible compatibility with the current industry infrastructure and nonlinear editing (NLE) systems.

And by using an MXF file wrapper, audio, and video can be bundled into a single file, and essential information may be included. In addition, the continuous bit rate of 50 Mbps that the codec delivers is the bandwidth required to capture the better resolution and color of the XF300 in breathtaking detail.

Detail.

A sampling of colors in a 4:2:2 ratio

The XF300 is capable of supporting the maximum possible HD quality, with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 in Full HD, a bit rate of up to 50Mbps, and 4:2:2 color sampling. Compared to HDV and other codecs that employ 4:2:0 color sampling, the color resolution that may be achieved with 4:2:2 color sampling is twice as high. 4:2:2 retains the most excellent image in post-production procedures like chroma keying, color grading, sophisticated compositing, and effects. It also allows ultra-fine transitions in tone and color.

Compact Flash cards are used for recording.

  • The XF300 differs from other camcorders because it does not use a proprietary memory system.
  • Recordings onto Compact Flash (CF) cards, which are convenient, affordable, and widely accessible. The
  • CF card slots on both sides of the camera, in addition to a wide variety of recording options
  • providing file copying and backup, hot swapping, relay recording, and pre-recording capabilities.

The use of file-based recording makes workflow more efficient by reducing the time spent transferring video to nonlinear editing (NLE) systems. In addition, information may be added throughout the process of acquiring a picture, and imagery can be inspected immediately after recording to guarantee that each shot is appropriately caught and registered.

CMOS image sensors with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 from Canon three in total

The XF300 camcorder, which was newly designed and is manufactured solely by Canon, includes three native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, which allow for exceptional Full HD video recording with very little noise. In addition, these 1/3-inch sensors make it possible to construct a lens and body that are more compact, which results in more mobility and faster shooting.

Multiple options for frame rate, resolution, and bit rate

The XF300 Professional Camcorder has various recording modes, resolutions, and frame rates, making it a versatile piece of equipment that can function in any production setting. Users will discover that the camcorder can handle any task, as it can record at resolutions ranging from the best quality 50Mbps Full HD to the HDV-compliant 25Mbps. In addition, the XF300 Professional Camcorder provides users with a broad selection of frame rates from which to choose. You may customize the appearance of your video by selecting the appropriate option from 60i, 60p, 30p, and 24p.

Image Processor with DIGIC DV III Technology from Canon

The XF300 is equipped with Canon’s powerful DIGIC DV III Image Processor, resulting in improved shading, more lifelike tonal gradations, more customizable image settings, and reduced battery consumption. In addition, genuine Canon Face Detection is also powered by DIGIC DV III, which serves as the high-speed engine for the feature. As a result, mobile videographers will find the ability to zero down on a single person of interest among a larger group of people quite helpful.
Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series Lens

A genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series lens with a broad and fantastic zoom range of 29.3 – 527.4mm is included in the Canon XF300 Professional Camcorder. This lens was designed with the same high degree of optical accuracy as Canon broadcast and photography lenses (35mm equivalent). The lens uses High Index – Ultra-low Dispersion (HI-UD), Ultra-low Dispersion (UD), and aspherical components to eliminate chromatic aberration while giving a resolution of 1,000 TV lines.

Instant AF

When capturing video in high definition, achieving and maintaining perfect focus is more critical than ever. Instant AF is a proprietary method developed by Canon that combines an external autofocus sensor with the company’s famous autofocus system to achieve rapid and precise focusing.
Combining the two sensors shortens the time needed to focus—even in conditions with low light, poor contrast, or high brightness—and improves the camera’s ability to concentrate on challenging scenes.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer

In addition, the XF300 comes equipped with a newly developed SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization technology (lens shift) that features three different modes: Standard, Dynamic, and Powered.

A Comparison between Slow Motion and Fast Motion

The XF300’s Slow Motion Mode and Fast Motion Mode allow users to record at a frame rate different from the playback frame rate, giving the impression of either fast or slow motion during playback. Because the camera captures actual frames and alters the playback rate, there is no loss in picture quality, and the camera can retain the highest possible image quality.

Recording at Regular Intervals

Users can use this capability to set the camera to capture a predetermined number of frames at predetermined intervals. Because the method may be used to study natural events over lengthy periods, it is appropriate for use in applications that include time-lapse photography. The gap may be between one second and ten minutes over 25 different levels. In addition, frame recording is allowed, enabling a set number of frames to be captured simultaneously. This feature is perfect for applications such as clay animation projects.

Brilliant Ergonomics

The XF300 establishes a brand-new benchmark for the ergonomic design of tiny professional camcorders. It has been developed from the ground up to provide the highest use and comfort levels when shooting handheld. The controls are perfectly positioned, giving the impression that the camera is an organic extension of the operator’s body. The revised architecture of the XF300 makes it very easy to understand how to use the camcorder, which is another benefit of this model. The button layout, camera menu system, and camera controls will feel instantly intuitive to consumers new to the product and those switching from other products.

4″ 1.23MP LCD Monitor

LCD monitors with 4″ displays and 1.23 megapixels give users a broad, precise region for vital focus confirmation and an almost entirely usable field of vision. The display may be opened on either the right or left side of the camera; it rotates freely around the device’s body. In addition to this, the display has an extra forward mobility of 35 degrees beyond its specific position.

Viewfinder with a High Resolution of 1.55 Megapixels

Because of its 0.52-inch, 1.55-megapixel color electronic viewfinder (EVF), the XF300 allows for easy viewing and accurate judgment of composition, focus, and color. The field of view coverage is nearly 100%. Adjusting the angle of the viewfinder provides an extra level of user comfort and is necessary when utilizing the LCD as a monitoring tool. When you are hand-holding the camera, you may use the EVF as a cheek pad to give yourself three points of contact and increase your stability. During longer recording sessions and long days of filming, this makes it much simpler to control and operate the camcorder.

System for Edge Monitors to Assist with Focus

When using Canon’s new Edge Monitor Focus Assist technology, a red and green monitor appears at the bottom of the LCD. Additionally, the display depicts three red focus check regions spread out throughout the screen. The red waveform displays the focus state of the focus check boxes the green waveform shows the overall focus of the picture. The user can intuitively tune the guide within a scene and swiftly alter the stress zone thanks to this dynamic focus feedback.

Peaking/Magnify

In standby and record mode (on both the LCD panel and the EVF), the XF300 operator can access two peaking methods and a magnify focus help feature. This makes it very simple for the operator to verify and confirm the camera’s intense focus.

Exceptional Customization

Users of the XF300 have complete manual control over all of the camera’s features, allowing them to adjust their shooting to various creative and technical obstacles. In addition, users can access a wide range of customizable options, including Custom Picture Settings, Custom Functions, and Custom Display Options, allowing them to adapt the camera to their creative work and production requirements. When using several XF305 and XF300 camcorders, storing any combination of these elements to an SD memory card for a simple and streamlined setup and matching process is possible.

Personalized Options for the Photograph

You can manually configure various image quality improvements and save those settings as one of nine presets. These are the parameters that may be altered: gamma, black level, black gamma, low critical saturation, knee, sharpness, noise reduction, skin detail, selective noise reduction, color matrix, white balance, color correction, and setup level.

Individualized Workflows

The operation of the XF300 may be further fine-tuned by using the available custom functions. This makes it possible for the camcorder to reflect how you shoot accurately. Adjustments may be made to elements such as the Shockless Gain, the Shockless White Balance, the AE Response, the Iris Limit, the Iris Ring Direction, the Focus Ring Control, and the Character Record. In addition, the XF300 is equipped with 13 control buttons that may be programmed to perform various purposes.

Personalized Presentation

Utilizing the Custom Display option, you can use up to 32 display components to generate an LCD/EVF to your precise requirements. Various options are available for selection, such as Zoom Position, Audio Level, Remaining Record Time, Exposure, Object Distance, and Time Code.

MXF Wrapper

Information Exchange Format (MXF) is a container format that has been defined globally for the transfer of video and audio material. The XF300 employs MXF as its file structure since it is compatible with it. When using the MXF file format, it is possible to combine audio and video into a single file and include essential information. Not only will the XF300 benefit from the maximum degree of compatibility with NLE systems thanks to MXF, but it will also benefit from compatibility with high-end network systems utilized by many networks and production studios.

Connectivity

Aside from giving the professional user complete control over the image, the Canon XF300 provides the user with complete creative freedom regarding the camera’s inputs and outputs. The camera has an HDMI Output, a Component Video Output (using the included DTC-1500 cable), a Composite Video Output (BNC and 3.5mm), a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal, and a Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol).

Audio Equipment

In addition to a stereo microphone and two XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power, the XF300 features a built-in headphone amplifier. While the XLR connections allow for interconnection to external microphones and other professional audio devices, the built-in microphone delivers superb audio quality even in high-stakes scenarios. In addition, you have the option to use both the XLR input and the built-in microphone at the same time if you so want.

Audio is captured using the 16-bit PCM format at a 48kHz sampling rate to ensure the highest possible quality and fidelity. In addition, users may choose between automatic and complete manual gain control for the built-in microphone and the XLR inputs. It is also possible to lock the dial, preventing any alterations in the recorded audio level.

The Waveform Monitor, as well as the Vectorscope

During the recording process, videographers rely on these capabilities to validate the exposure and color levels that have been captured accurately. The Canon XF300 camcorder contains a waveform monitor, and Vectorscope incorporated into the camera, a feature often only available on pricey external equipment. The waveform monitor provides a comprehensive analysis of the overall brightness of the image as well as its RGB components. Because the onboard Vectorscope allows real-time picture hue and saturation analysis, evaluating the color balance and observing how the white balance modifications have affected the image is simple.

Bars of Color with a Tone of Reference

Two options are available for the color bars: Type 1 (by SMPTE) or Type 2 (by ARIB); 1 kHz Note on the tone of reference: -12dB, -18dB, 20dB, or OFF.

Workflow

The manufacturing process is not complete without a flow of work that is unobstructed and effective. The XF Codec is supported by some of the most prominent brands in the industry, including Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley. This offers the most significant compatibility with the existing nonlinear editing software and hardware.

Intelligent Battery System

The XF300 can use Canon’s newest Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries, the BP-955 and BP-975, without issues. These batteries provide feedback to the camcorder on the remaining run time (down to the minute) and data regarding wear, allowing the user to stay fully aware at all times. When out in the field, the remaining battery life may be immediately assessed thanks to four LEDs on the exterior of the battery. Additionally, current Canon BP-900 series batteries may be utilized with the camcorder without modification. Additionally, batteries can be added and withdrawn even when the AC power cord that was given is attached.

Taking Photographs

The XF300 can capture still images at a resolution of 1920 by 1080, making it suitable for applications such as storyboarding, continuity, and publicity shots. While still photographs may be saved to an SD memory card during the recording process and playback, individual frames can be “grabbed” for later viewing.

Software for Canon XF Cameras That Comes Bundled

The XF Utility program offered by Canon provides a streamlined initial step in organizing and playing back your clips. It is compatible with usage on platforms provided by both Mac and Windows. In addition, the program creates metadata and manages pins that may be shown invariousfvarioussion; it is an effective method of backing up many types of media.

Canon XF300 specifications

Imaging

Built-In ND FilterMechanical Filter Wheel with 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters
Minimum Illumination0.8 Lux

Lens

Optical Zoom Ratio18x
Maximum Aperturef/1.6 to 2.8
Filter Size82 mm
Video I/O1 x BNC (Composite) Output
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRRS A/V (Composite) Output
1 x HDMI Output
Audio I/O2 x 3-Pin XLR Mic/Line Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Other I/O1 x Mini-USB
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control
Size4.0″

Environmental

Operating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C

Packaging Info

Package Weight13.4 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)18 x 12 x 10″

Canon XF300 Price

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Canon XF300 High Definition Professional Camcorder

Last update was on: January 18, 2024 7:36 pm
$3,898.00

Canon XF300 FAQs

How many megapixels is the Canon XF300?

2.37 megapixels is the amount of resolution that the Canon XF300 possesses.

What is the size of the Canon XF300?

The Canon XF300 camcorder has measurements of approximately 153 x 216 x 359 mm (6.0 x 8.5 x 14.1 in), weighing about 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) when the battery and lens hood are included in the calculation.

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