Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Canon fires up 422 file-based camcorders

Canon has launched its first full HD MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps camcorders. The XF305 and XF300 will record MXF files to Compact Flash cards, making them very easily compatible with broadcast post, writes David Fox. Most rival cameras record 4:2:0, offering half the colour information.

Canon has launched its first full HD MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps camcorders. The XF305 and XF300 will record MXF files to Compact Flash cards, making them very easily compatible with broadcast post, writes David Fox. Most rival cameras record 4:2:0, which offers half the colour information.

The new cameras were launched at NAB and will have 18x L-series HD lenses, three 1/3-inch CMOS sensors and DIGIC DV III processors. They have two CF card slots, for continuous recording.

The sensors are claimed to offer “exceptional colour accuracy, wide dynamic range and low noise” and use high-speed data readout (2x speed) to minimise the rolling shutter skew common to most CMOS camcorders.

The 29.3mm “wide angle” F1.6 lens has zoom and focus rings with physical end stops, for more accurate control, plus an independent iris ring, and uses high-end optics and coatings.

The cameras have a 1.55 million dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and a high-resolution (1.23 million dots) LCD that can be positioned on either the left or right side and, at 4-inches (10cm), is probably the largest of any LCD in this class of camcorder.

The cameras will also offer slow and fast motion recording, with 20 speeds to choose from in 720p mode and nine in 1080p (normal recording speeds are 1080 50i or 25p, 720 50/25p (in the European versions).

Both models record 16-bit linear PCM audio at 48kHz, from either the integrated stereo microphone or via two XLR connectors. Power consumption is an admirably low 9W, and the cameras weigh about 2.7kg.

The only difference between them is for studio or multi-camera use, for which the XF305 adds HD-SDI output, genlock input and timecode i/o. The XF305 should cost about $8,000, while the XF300 will be $1,300 less (list), with availability from June.

www.canon-europe.com