Canon XF105 and XF100 professional camcorders
Canon expands its revolutionary XF series of professional camcorders with the launch of the XF105 and XF100 – the smallest models ever to include the broadcast-quality MPEG-2 Full HD recording codec (50Mbps, 4:2:2).
Designed to offer highly-portable Full HD recording, these new camcorders provide a market-leading combination of high specifications, mobility and versatility not seen before in their class. Both models share many of the elite features found in the recently-announced XF300-series, offering outstanding performance to users who require a more compact form factor. The XF100-series models can be seen for the first time in Europe on the Canon stand at IBC 2010 in Amsterdam (10-14 September), and will also be on show at Photokina 2010 in Cologne (21-26 September).
Portable, powerful, packed with features
The XF105 and XF100 are uniquely adaptable camcorders that offer maximum image quality from a small, lightweight body. Weighing just over 1kg, with advanced ergonomics designed to be comfortable for extended shooting, they benefit from a series of features adopted from the XF300-series. The much-praised design principles of the existing XF camcorders have also inspired the build of both models, with easy-to-reach, customisable controls, an outstanding LCD and XLR inputs built into the handle.
Perfect for users who need the flexibility to work in a range of field-based situations, the XF105 and XF100 fit into a new palm-sized category within Canon’s XF family. Their compact design and advanced image quality makes them ideal for operators who may routinely switch between a variety of projects, such as weddings, corporate videos or documentaries. With their unrivalled range of features and easy-to-carry form factor, each provides the ability to move between assignments with one versatile camcorder.
Emphasising that the XF100-series offers exceptional performance to suit a range of applications, the XF105 offers enhanced integration into a studio set-up or multi-camera shoots thanks to an HD-SDI output, and shared Timecode input/output and Genlock input.
Broadcast codec, seamless workflow
Like the advanced XF300-series, the XF105 and XF100 record MPEG-2 Full HD video in industry-standard, open-source MXF (Material eXchange Format) files to Compact Flash (CF) memory cards at transfer rates of up to 50Mbps, with rich 4:2:2 colour sampling – capturing high levels of colour information for post production.
Fast and robust, CF cards are practical, cost-effective and widely available compared to some solid state media commonly used for professional video recording. Both models offer Relay Recording and new Double Slot Recording – a feature that allows users to record the same footage to two separate CF cards simultaneously. Additionally, during recording a card not in use can be exchanged or initialised.
Canon MPEG-2 MXF video files are fully compatible with major editing and processing software packages from Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology Inc. and Grass Valley, ensuring videographers can immediately integrate XF105 and XF100 into their workflow. Canon XF Utility software and plug-ins for Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer are supplied as standard.
High-quality Canon camera system
The XF100-series features one of the most advanced camera systems in its class, resulting in outstanding Full HD video quality. Both models feature a versatile new 10x zoom, 30.4mm wide-angle Canon HD Video Lens, with fast aperture performance up to f/1.8. An eight-blade metal diaphragm also provides a near-circular ‘bokeh’ effect, allowing operators to create more attractive background blur, while an increased number of moveable lens groups helps to reduce chromatic aberration and the overall size of the lens for added flexibility. A three-level digital tele-converter function can also be used to extend the lens’ focal length by 1.5x, 3x or 6x – enabling users to get closer to the action if required.
The XF105 and XF100 also benefit from the advanced Canon Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system adopted for XF camcorders, offering three different modes of stabilisation – Standard, Dynamic and Powered.
A new 1/3-type, 2.07 Megapixel (MP) Canon CMOS sensor captures Full HD video at native 1920x1080 resolution. Adapted from the 3CMOS sensor system employed in XF300-series models, the XF100-series sensor is equipped with a Bayer pattern colour filter for high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. High-speed data readout technology also minimises rolling-shutter skew that can occur in conventional CMOS camcorders.
Creative options, with 3D Shooting Assist
Like the larger XF300-series models, XF105 and XF100 provide a wealth of creative shooting options. 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 720/50p and 720/25p modes are all available, as are different recording bitrates to complement existing workflows. Fast and Slow Motion, Interval Recording (time lapse) and Frame Recording (for stop-motion animation) are all possible, as is a 3-second Pre Record, or cache, option.
The XF100-series provides even more choices in the shape of new Infrared and 3D Shooting Assist functions. Infrared (IR) shooting mode can be activated using a switch on the front of the camcorder, beneath the lens. With a built-in IR lamp and both green and white light shooting options available, XF105 and XF100 can capture genuinely dramatic night-time footage – perfect for assignments like wildlife or documentary shooting.
Two new 3D Shooting Assist functions are also available on both models. OIS Axis Shift uses the lens-shift Image Stabilizer system to allow users to correctly align two connected camcorders during stereoscopic 3D video recording. A Focal Length Guide helps to precisely synchronise adjustments to zoom.
Designed with users in mind
Building on the benchmark set by XF300 and XF305, XF100-series models are designed with a broad range of different operators in mind. Despite their compact size, a wealth of manual controls are provided for experienced users, while automatic and assist functions also make shooting straightforward for beginners.
For monitoring during shooting, both camcorders feature a large, side-mounted LCD. This 8.8cm (3.5”) screen has a sharp, 920k dot resolution, delivering incredible clarity. A built-in waveform monitor and Edge Focus function help to perfectly set up the shot, with menu selections performed using a joystick interface. A 0.61cm, 260k dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage is also available.
A manual lens ring provides control over focus, zoom and iris, and a side-mounted switch allows the user to switch instantly between each mode. A number of settings, including iris control, can also be adjusted using a custom key /control dial combination.
A dedicated button enables on-demand switching between manual focus and auto focus (AF). In addition to Canon’s Face Detection AF and unique Instant AF modes, a new Face-Only AF mode is included, which limits auto-focusing to detected faces only – a feature particularly useful for ‘single shooters’ such as on-location news reporters.
Extensive customisation
Like many larger camcorders intended for broadcast use, the XF105 and XF100 offer a huge array of customisation options, providing unmatched versatility and flexibility. Users can configure more than 90 individual, image-related variables using the Custom Picture function; including selecting one of six preset gamma curves. Operators can also assign one of 34 individual functions to 10 customisable buttons, allowing them to optimise the camcorder for their personal shooting preferences or stylistic considerations.
Up to 9 ‘customised pictures’ can be stored to each body, with CINE.V and CINE.F gamma settings among three presets supplied as standard. Preferred settings can be saved and transferred from one camcorder to another via SDHC cards – particularly useful for maintaining a creative style across camcorder bodies, or for organisations that may want to ensure uniform set-up across multiple camcorder units.
Advanced audio
Each camera’s high-quality images are complemented by professional-quality audio capture. Independent audio can be recorded by connecting external microphones to the two XLR inputs, while a front-mounted integrated microphone captures stereo sound. Both models are capable of recording 16-bit linear PCM audio at 48 kHz, providing sound quality fit for professional or broadcast use.
Canon Professional Services
XF100-series owners qualify for membership of Canon Professional Services (CPS) Video. The CPS Video service offers professional users of Canon products exclusive, free access to a range of benefits, such as a priority repair service and direct support from Canon Professional Representatives across Europe. Information regarding the benefits of CPS membership can be found by visiting: cpn.canon-europe.com/content/services.do.
