The new Canon XF305 and XF300 camcorders incorporate an upgraded lens, image sensor, and image processor, and feature a new file-based recording codec to achieve high-definition video output across a wide range of industry applications such as newsgathering and program production. Designed with professional users in mind, the new models realize enhanced ease-of-use and operability, while the XF305 features an increased range of connection terminals for increased expandability during video production.

The XF305 and XF300 incorporate a wide-angle 29.3 mm^* f/1.6 Canon HD Video L Lens with 18x optical zoom to deliver over 1,000 TV lines of resolution. The lens utilizes UD, UA, and Hi-UD elements, which correct a variety of aberrations while contributing to the lens’s compact design, as well as enhanced optical image stabilization for improved camera shake correction.

Utilizing newly developed Full HD CMOS sensors, the new XF305 and XF300 feature a three-CMOS sensor system, one for each primary color, delivering faithful color reproduction. Each 1/3-inch CMOS sensor incorporates approximately 2.07-million effective pixels for 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD recording, and realizes reduced noise and rolling shutter distortion (a phenomenon where subjects are distorted at an angle during high-speed movement).Additionally, the sensors also achieve faster signal readout, and make possible slow- and fast-motion recording. The models incorporate the DIGIC DV III Image Processor, which delivers enhanced performance through such capabilities as high-precision gamma processing, new image adaptive processing for smooth gradation expression, face detection technology, and an enhanced Custom Picture function supporting a diverse range of image adjustments.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 feature an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec, enabling the management and storage of video and audio data in a similar fashion to PC data. MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 422P@HL compliant) compression makes possible 1,920 x 1,080-pixel Full HD video recording, while 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the volume of color data and provides double the level of color resolution for enhanced color-related editing accuracy and quality when compared to the 4:2:0 profile format used in HDV. The codec realizes a maximum 50 Mbps data recording,approximately twice the data volume of HDV, and supports the MXF (Material eXchange Format) file format, making the camcorders ideally suited for non-linear editing systems.

The new camcorders record to lightweight, easily accessible and highly reliable flash memory CF cards, which allow for random access to recorded media, and incorporate two memory card slots enabling continuous relay recording.

* 35 mm film equivalent