Canon XF100 HD Professional Camcorder

Description

Canon's XF100 HD Professional Camcorder is an amazingly compact, fully featured pro video camera that imports nearly all the features and functionality of the 3-chip XF300 into a smaller, single sensor form factor. Taking advantage of the latest HD technology--along with Canon's robust MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec--the XF100 records full HD video to affordable Compact Flash cards, making it as versatile as it is powerful. A newly developed Genuine Canon 10x HD video lens resolves images onto a native 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensor, which are captured in industry-standard MXF file wrappers using your choice of bit rate (up to 50Mbps), resolution, and frame rate. Full image customisation and HDMI/Component/Composite outputs are equally on par with the camera's big brother XF300.

But not content with simple "junior partner" status, the XF100 brings some of its own muscle to the table in the form of infrared recording and--when used in combination with another XF100 or XF105--3-D stereoscopic capability. This fusion of exceptional image quality with portability and pinpoint control makes the XF100 the perfect low-profile tool for a range of applications, including ENG, travel documentaries, indie features, and event videography.

Features

MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps Codec (Canon XF Codec)
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. And 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 colour sampling.

4:2:2 Colour Sampling
4:2:2 colour sampling provides twice the colour resolution of HDV and other codecs that use 4:2:0 colour sampling. 4:2:2 provides ultra-fine transitions in tone and colour and maintains the highest quality image for use in post production processes such as chroma keying, colour grading, advanced compositing and effects.

Record to Compact Flash Cards
Unlike other camcorders using proprietary memory systems, the XF100 records to cost effective and readily available Compact Flash (CF) cards. The camcorder features two CF card slots and offers versatile recording functions including relay recording, hot swapping, file copy & backup, and pre-record.

File-based recording facilitates workflow by reducing transfer times when moving video to nonlinear editing (NLE) systems. Additionally, metadata can be input at image acquisition, and imagery may be reviewed immediately after recording to ensure every shot is captured and logged correctly.

Major NLE Software Compatibility
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.

MXF Wrapper
The XF100 uses Material Exchange Format (MXF) for its file structure--an internationally standardised 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.

Genuine Canon 10x HD 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).

Canon Native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor
Newly designed and manufactured exclusively by Canon, the XF100 incorporates a native 1/3", 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 are supported for greater flexibility in creative choice and the compactness contributes greatly to the small, super handy size of the XF100 and its outstanding usability in the field.

Multiple Bit Rates, Resolution, & Frame Rates
Multiple recording modes, resolutions and frame rates make the XF100 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.

Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor
The XF100 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 3-D Assist Features
The XF100 has the ability to be paired with another XF100 or XF105 camcorder to provide true stereoscopic 3-D recording. It offers several features to assist with 3-D production including OIS Lens Shift to aid 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.

Brilliant Ergonomics
The XF100 is designed as an ultra-compact camcorder without compromising on features and usability. Its small size makes this camcorder ideal in situations where every inch and ounce count, such as flying to location or going on expedition. It offers amazing image quality yet can easily be placed in the back of a car or carried in a backpack making the XF100 the perfect camera to go anywhere, anytime on a moment's notice.

Neutral Density Filter
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.

SuperRange Optical Image Stabiliser
The XF100 also incorporates a newly designed SuperRange Optical Image Stabilisation system (lens shift) with three modes: Standard, Dynamic and Powered.

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.

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.

Digital Teleconverter
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.

Slow Motion & Fast Motion
Slow and Fast Motion Modes allow the XF100 to record a different frame rate than the playback frame rate, resulting in either a fast or slow motion effect during playback. Since the camera is recording real frames and modifying the playback rate, there is no quality loss and maximum image quality is maintained.1Please Note:Delkin Devices CompactFlash Cards and Transcend 600x CompactFlash Cards are not operational when using camera in slow motion modes

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Interval Recording
With this feature, users can programme the camera to record a specified number of frames at specified intervals. The technique can be used to observe natural phenomena over extended periods, making it ideal for time-lapse applications. The interval can be set in 25 levels ranging from 1 second to 10 minutes. Frame recording is also possible, allowing a specified number of frames to be recorded--ideal for projects such as clay animation.

3.5" 920K Dot LCD Monitor
A 3.5", 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.

260K Dot Electronic Viewfinder
The XF100 features a 0.24", 260,000 Dot Colour EVF and approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and accurate judgement of composition. Brightness, contrast, colour and backlight are adjustable. The angle of the viewfinder is adjustable up and down through 68° for additional user comfort and when using the LCD display for monitoring.

Focus Assist Functions
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 cheque 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 cheque 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 cheque and confirm critical focus.

Exceptional Customisation
Users of the XF100 Professional Camcorder have full manual control of all camera functions to adapt to both technical and artistic challenges when shooting. For maximum customisation, users have access to Custom Picture Settings, Custom Functions and Custom Display Options to tailor the camera to 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 XF100 and XF105 camcorders.

Custom Picture Settings
You can manually set an extensive variety of image quality adjustments and store them as 9 different presets in the camera. Up to 20 may be saved to an SD card. The adjustments include: Gamma, Black Level, Black Gamma, Low Key Saturation, Knee, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Skin Detail, Selective Noise Reduction, Colour Matrix, White Balance, Colour Correction and Setup Level.

Custom Functions
The XF100's operation can be further fine-tuned through the use of Custom Functions. This allows the camcorder to truly match your shooting style. A total of 15 unique items can be adjusted including: Shockless Gain, Shockless White Balance, AE Response, Iris Limit, Iris Ring Direction, Focus Ring Control and Character Record. And for quick access to commonly used functions, the XF100 features 10 customisable control buttons.

Custom Display
The Custom Display function lets you set 32 display items to create a custom LCD/EVF to suit your specific needs. Items that can be selected include: Zoom Position, Audio Level, Remaining Record Time, Exposure, Object Distance, Time Code and more.

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.

Audio System
A stereo microphone is incorporated into the XF100, as are 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. The built-in microphone and an external microphone can be used simultaneously.

Audio is recorded in 16-bit PCM format at 48kHz 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.

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)

Waveform Monitor
Videographers depend on this feature to confirm accurate exposure and colour levels during the capture process. Typically only found on expensive external units, the Canon XF100 has a waveform monitor built right into the camera. The waveform monitor shows a detailed view of overall image brightness and RGB components.

Intelligent Battery System
The XF100 is compatible with Canon's new BP-925, as well as the BP-955 and BP-975 Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries communicate remaining running time (down to the minute) and send 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. The camcorder is also compatible with existing Canon BP-900 series batteries--which can be inserted and removed while the supplied AC power cable is connected.

Colour Bars with Reference Tone
Two types of colour bars can be selected: Type 1 (SMPTE compliant) or Type 2 (ARIB compliant); 1 kHz Reference Tone: -12dB, -18dB, 20dB or OFF

Photo Capture
For applications such as storyboarding, continuity and publicity shots, the XF100 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.

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.