Canon pro cams record 4:2:2 1080p to flash
updated 10:45 am EDT, Wed April 7, 2010
Canon XF305 and XF300 write 50Mbps to CF
Canon's turn at NAB launches was headlined today by two pro-grade camcorders. The XF300 and XF305 both use Canon's XF Codec to capture 50Mbps, 4:2:2 1080p video and store it directly on dual CompactFlash cards. The output gives it twice as much color resolution compared to regular HDV and should also be a widespread standard with Apple's Final Cut Studio, Adobe Premiere, Avid and other editing suites.
Either campera carries an 18X (29-527mm film equivalent) lens and gets a new optical image stabilization system designed for very long range shots in addition to up close. They carry typical pro features including HD-SDI output, genlock, timecode input and output, and dual XLR inputs alongside the regular stereo mic jack. A 4-inch preview display provides complete coverage of the camera's picture.
Canon isn't specific about what differences exist between the XF300 and XF305, but both arrive in June with prices of $6,799 for the XF300 and $7,999 for the XF305.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2008
MPEG2?
The XF Codec is MPEG2. A bit, shall we say, archaic. Interesting, but I think that the smart money will be on scaling down Panasonic's AVC Intra to this price point, rather than scaling up MPEG2 to this sort of money. I'd be happy enough replacing my Sony HDV cameras with the Sony NX5U model though.