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 XF305 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 XF305 supports the highest HD quality with Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, up to 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 XF305’s superior resolution and color in spectacular detail.

Unlike other camcorders which use proprietary memory systems, the XF305 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.

Inspired by the same high level of optical precision used in Canon broadcast and photographic lenses, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder incorporates a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series lens that features a wide and impressive zoom range of 29.3 – 527.4mm (35mm equivalent). The lens incorporates High Index – Ultra-low Dispersion (HI-UD), Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration while delivering a resolution of 1,000 TV lines.

In Full Manual Mode, the lens features mechanical stops for both the zoom and focus systems. Mechanical (Hard) end stops ensure that repeatable and dependable focus and zoom can be achieved when manually turning the lens barrel. These mechanical stops also allow for compatibility with many third-party remote camera controllers that require end stops in order to calibrate themselves. Additionally, display distance indicators on the lens barrel allow the operator to easily set the desired focus distance and move between focus points while recording.

For enhanced versatility and durability, the lens is equipped with three built-in glass, neutral density (ND) filters (¼, 1/16 and 1/64) and a six-blade metal aperture iris.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
The XF305 also incorporates a newly designed SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization system (lens shift) with three modes: Standard, Dynamic and Powered.

Standard:

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

Normal AF changes focus at a speed that appears natural and doesn't distract the viewer.

Instant AF changes focus as rapidly as possible and is designed for applications in which quick focus is more important than other considerations - for example, in news gathering or documentary work.

Optional Canon WA-H82 Wide Attachment (0.8X)
Optically matched for the XF305’s HD lens, the WA-H82 Wide Attachment increases wide angle capability to approximately 24mm (35mm equivalent), while maintaining the versatility of a 4X zoom range.

* Instant AF is not possible with the WA-H82.

Aside from providing the professional user with complete control over THE IMAGE, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder also provides complete creative freedom when it comes to inputs and outputs. It features industry standard HD-SDI output, genlock input and time code input/output terminals (BNC style), making it ideally suited for multi-camera or 3-D productions.

HD-SDI & SD-SDI Output
The HD-SDI output provides an uncompressed, 1.485 Gbps signal at 1920x1080 resolution with 4:2:2 color sampling and embedded audio and time code.

HD-SDI
Video Standard: SMPTE 292M (1080i) SMPTE 296M (720p)
Embedded Audio Standard: SMPTE 299M
Time code Standard: SMPTE 12M

SD-SDI
Video Standard: SMPTE 259M (480i)
Embedded Audio Standard: SMPTE 272M
Time code Standard: SMPTE 12M

Multiple recording modes, resolutions and frame rates make the XF305 Professional Camcorder creatively flexible and able to work in virtually any production environment. From the highest quality 50Mbps Full HD, to the HDV compatible 25Mbps, users will find the camcorder capable of taking on any JOB.

The XF305 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.

The XF305 Professional Camcorder has set a new standard for ergonomic design in compact pro camcorders. It is designed from the ground up to maximize handheld shooting comfort and usability. Users will find the camera well BALANCED with the handgrip positioned closer to the optical access near the camera’s center of gravity. This allows the operator to easily maintain a steady shot while minimizing arm fatigue. Controls are ideally placed making the camera feel like a natural extension of the operator’s body.

4.0-inch, 1.23-megapixel LCD Monitor
A 4.0-inch, 1.23-megapixel LCD monitor provides a large, accurate area for critical focus confirmation and approximately 100% field of view. The display is freely rotating, able to open on both the right and left side of the camera body. The display also features an additional 35º of forward movement past normal position. The large range of movement makes the display adjustable for easy viewing even in the most difficult shooting positions. The flexibility and fluidity of movement also makes the display less susceptible to accidental damage, compared to a more rigid design, if bumped during recording.

The XF305 Professional Camcorder features a 0.52-inch, 1.55 Megapixel Color EVF and approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and accurate judgment of composition, focus and color. The angle of the viewfinder is adjustable for additional user comfort and when using the LCD display for monitoring, the EVF can be used as a cheek pad to ensure three points of contact when hand holding and maximizing stability. This makes the camcorder much easier to manage during extended recording periods and long days of shooting.

Users of the XF305 Professional Camcorder have full manual control of all camera functions to adapt to both technical and artistic challenges when shooting. For maximum customization, users have access to Custom Picture Settings, Custom Functions and Custom Display Options to tailor the camera to match their creative and production needs. Any combination of these items can be saved to an SD memory card for easy SETUP and matching of multiple XF305 and XF300 camcorders.

Compact Flash Cards
Understanding that accessibility to media is an important part of any file-based workflow, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder records to cost-effective Compact Flash (CF) cards, not proprietary media.

MXF Wrapper
The XF305 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 XF305 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.

A stereo microphone is incorporated into the XF305 Professional Camcorder, as are two XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power. The built in microphone provides exceptional audio in fast-paced situations while the XLR inputs provide connectivity to external microphones, and other professional audio devices. If you choose, the built-in microphone and XLR input 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 dial can also be locked.

The XF305 also includes a 3.5mm headphone terminal with 16 volume settings for accurate audio monitoring.

Waveform Monitor and Vectorscope

Videographers depend on these features to confirm accurate exposure and color levels during the capture process. Typically only found on expensive external units, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder has a waveform monitor and vectorscope built right into the camera. The waveform monitor shows a detailed view of overall image brightness and RGB components. The onboard vectorscope provides real-time image hue and saturation analysis, making it easy to check color balance and see the result of white balance adjustments.

Intelligent Battery System

The XF305 Professional Camcorder is compatible with Canon’s new BP-955 and BP-975 Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries communicate remaining running time (down to the minute) and wear data back to the camcorder, so the user is well-informed at all times. On the outside of the battery, four LED lamps allow battery life to be viewed quickly when in the field.

Additionally, the camcorder is compatible with existing Canon BP-900 series batteries. Batteries can also be inserted and removed while the supplied AC power cable is connected.

Photo Capture

For applications such as storyboarding, CONTINUITY and publicity shots, the XF305 offers the ability to capture 1920 x 1080 still images. Photos may be captured to an SD memory card during the time of recording, as well as “frame grabbed” during playback.