Canon XF100 Professional HD Video Camera

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 XF100 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 XF100 supports the highest HD quality with Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, up to a 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 XF100's superior resolution and color in spectacular detail.

Recording to dual Compact Flash Memory Cards

Unlike other camcorders which use proprietary memory systems, the XF100 Professional Camcorder records to cost-effective 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.

Double Slot Recording:

For safety and convenience, the Double Slot Recording feature allows you to record simultaneously to each of the two CF cards, providing an instant BACKUP for your footage.

Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens

Canon's optical expertise is clearly seen in the XF100's Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens. It delivers flexibility in image capture with a zoom range of 30.4 – 304mm (35mm equivalent).

Power zoom is available in Constant and Variable settings in 3 modes, Fast (approx. 1.9 – 60 seconds), Normal (approx. 3.0 – 180 seconds) and SLOW (approx. 4.0 – 285 seconds). To provide added control, there are 16 predefined STEPS in Constant mode and rocker switch pressure sensitive or control ring speed management in Variable mode.

For enhanced versatility the XF100 offers a built-in gradation type neutral density (ND) filter (approximately 1/8), as well as an eight blade metal aperture iris.

A customizable manual control ring allows users to assign focus, zoom, or iris. These functions are easily selected through a switch on the lens barrel.

Additionally, a custom dial is available which allows the iris to be controlled.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer

The XF100 also incorporates a SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization system (lens shift) with four modes: Standard, Powered, Dynamic and Off.

Standard:

Lens shift is controlled so that the maximum compensation angle is constant from wide angle through telephoto.

Powered:

Vibration is suppressed at the telephoto end of the range, where shake is most apparent due to high magnification.

Dynamic:

Stabilization changes throughout the zoom range to minimize more pronounced shaking. This is especially useful at wide-angle focal lengths when walking.

Instant AF:

When shooting high definition video, sharp focus becomes more critical than ever. Canon's proprietary Instant AF system combines an external AF sensor with Canon's legendary auto focus system for fast and accurate focus. Together, the two sensors reduce focusing time - even in low-light, low contrast, or high brightness situations - and improve focusing performance on difficult subjects.

The XF100 gives you a choice of five AF modes for different shooting applications:

• Instant AF changes focus as rapidly as possible, for those applications in which quick focus is more important than other considerations - for example, in news gathering or documentary work.
• Medium AF changes focus at a speed which is softer and smoother than Instant AF, but faster than would likely be possible manually.
• Normal AF changes focus at a speed that appears natural and doesn't distract the viewer.
• Face AF tracks focus on faces when present. The user selects the face to be tracked. Face AF has the ability to track even if the subject face is in profile. If the chosen tracked face is not present in a shot, the subject in the center of the screen will automatically be brought into focus.
• Face Only AF automatically tracks the chosen tracked face in focus but, should that face leave the scene, will reset focus to manual mode.

Minimum Object Distance

When shooting with the XF100, the minimum focus distance is 20mm (0.78 inches) at Macro and maintains 60cm (1.97 feet) throughout the entire zoom range. This allows excellent versatility in a wide range of shooting situations.

8-Blade Iris

In contrast to a typical 6-blade iris, the XF100's 8-blade iris captures extraordinarily smooth out-of-focus ‘bokeh' for a more attractive image effect. The additional blades also reduce diffraction of light passing through the iris, allowing for the use of smaller apertures while maintaining image quality.

The Digital Teleconverter extends the reach of the optical zoom, and is selectable by 1.5x, 3x and 6x. This feature is ideal when extreme telephoto shooting is needed such as in sports and wildlife, as well as surveillance applications for law enforcement and the military.

Canon Native 1920x1080 CMOS Image Sensor

Newly designed and manufactured exclusively by Canon, the XF100 Professional Camcorder incorporates a native 1/3-inch, 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor, delivering superb Full HD video recording with minimal noise. The high sensitivity and wide dynamic range of this sensor are what demanding users expect from Canon. Slow and fast motion shooting is supported for greater flexibility in creative choice and its compactness contributes greatly to the small, super handy size of the XF100 and its outstanding usability in the field.

Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor

The XF100 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.

Built-in 3D Assist Features

• The XF100 has the ability to be paired with another XF100 or XF100 camcorder to provide true stereoscopic 3-D recording. It offers several features to ASSIST with 3-D production including: genlock* for syncing the camcorders.
• OIS Lens Shift aids in optically aligning the two camcorders.
• A focal length guide displays the zoom position of each camera in relation to each other and calibrates the zoom distance.
• The XF100's compact size provides an alternative to large 3-D rigs allowing 3-D crews to work more quickly and efficiently, while providing the needed features to capture exceptional 3-D imagery.

Infrared Recording

The XF100 Professional Camcorder features an Infrared Mode allowing users to capture video in conditions with little to no ambient light, a situation which would make other camcorders useless. During infrared capture, the infrared cutoff filter is removed from the optical path. Combined with a specially designed lens coating, infrared light is able to pass through to THE IMAGE sensor. Additionally, the XF100 features an infrared emitter with a diffuser to shoot pleasing infrared imagery even in complete darkness. For the nature videographers or law enforcement users, the benefits of a compact, high performance camcorder for shooting in such conditions is obvious. Without the need to add lights, the shooter may remain hidden from their subjects. Also, the XF100 gives the option of recording in green or white light mode.

Large 3.5-inch, 920,000 Dot LCD Monitor and EVF

3.5-inch, 920,000 Dot LCD Monitor

A 3.5-inch, 920,000 Dot LCD monitor provides an ample, accurate area for critical focus CONFIRMATION and approximately 100% field of view. The display opens on the left side of the camera body.

EVF

The XF100 Professional Camcorder features a 0.24-inch, 260,000 Dot Color EVF and approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and accurate judgment of composition. Brightness, contrast, color and backlight are adjustable. The angle of the viewfinder is adjustable up and down through 68º for additional user comfort and when using the LCD display for monitoring.

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 XF100 operator to check and CONFIRM critical focus.

Workflow

Smooth and efficient workflow is an essential part of the production process. Canon’s XF Codec is supported by the industry’s leading manufacturers: Adobe, Apple, Avid and Grass Valley. This ensures the widest compatibility with existing infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) software.

Compact Flash Cards

Understanding that accessibility to media is an important part of any file-based workflow, the Canon XF100 Professional Camcorder records to cost-effective Compact Flash (CF) cards, not proprietary media.

MXF Wrapper

The XF100 uses Material Exchange Format (MXF) for its file structure -an internationally standardized container format for the exchange of video and audio material. Using the MXF format, video and audio can be wrapped into a single file along with important metadata. With MXF, the XF100 will not only benefit from the highest level of compatibility with NLE systems, but also with high-end network systems used by many networks and production studios.

Bundled Canon XF Utility Software

Compatible for use on both Mac and Windows platforms, Canon’s XF Utility software provides a simplified first step in the process of managing and playing back your clips.

Additionally, the software can manage lists of clips in a number of display formats, as well as tag, add and edit metadata. It also serves as an efficient means of backing up media.

Audio System

The utmost in flexibility has been built into the XF100 Professional Camcorder. It has an incorporated stereo microphone, as well as two XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power and a 3.5mm microphone input terminal. The built-in microphone provides exceptional audio in fast-paced situations while the XLR inputs and microphone input terminal provide connectivity to external microphones. In addition the XLR inputs allow the use of other professional audio devices. If you choose, the built-in microphone and an external microphone 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 dials can be locked by closing the audio panel cover.

Connectivity

Not only does the XF100 Professional Camcorder provide the professional user with complete control over THE IMAGE, it also provides complete creative freedom when it comes to inputs and outputs including:

• HDMI Output
• Component Video Output
• Composite Video Output (3.5mm Terminal)
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal
• Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol)