Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder

 Along with the XF300, the XF305 Professional Camcorder represents Canon's entry into professional solid state video acquisition. Following on the heels of its widely respected XH line of tape-based camcorders, the XF305 takes advantage of the latest HD technology--along with Canon's newly developed MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec--to record Full HD video to widely available Compact Flash cards.

Everything you could want in a handheld, professional camcorder is here in one sleek, affordable package: three 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensors, multiple bit rates (up to 50Mbps), variable resolution and frame rates, industry-standard MXF file wrappers, a newly developed L-Series 18x zoom lens, and full image customization.

In addition to the HDMI/Component/Composite outputs found on the XF300, the XF305 includes HD/SD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code terminals--widening its range of applications to live and multi-camera shooting. With such exceptional levels of image quality, ergonomics, and control, the XF305 is also the perfect camera for ENG, documentaries, independent features, and event videographers.

MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps Codec (Canon XF Codec)
MPEG-2 compression is both highly reliable and versatile. Developed by the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG), it is one of the most widely used compression schemes in the industry for camera acquisition, over the air broadcast, cable and satellite TV. Canon's adaptation of MPEG-2 for the XF305 Professional Camcorder, named the Canon XF Codec, ensures the widest compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. As well, by using an MXF file wrapper, video and audio can be wrapped in a single file along with important metadata.

Record to affordable Compact Flash Cards
Unlike other camcorders which use proprietary memory systems, the XF305 Professional Camcorder records to cost effective Compact Flash (CF) cards. The camcorder features two CF card slots and offers versatile recording functions including:

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.

Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series Lens
Inspired by the same high level of optical precision used in Canon broadcast and photographic lenses, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder incorporates a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-Series lens that features a wide and impressive zoom range of 29.3 - 527.4mm (35mm equivalent). The lens incorporates High Index - Ultra-low Dispersion (HI-UD), Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration while delivering a resolution of 1,000 TV lines.

Three Canon Native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensors
Newly designed and manufactured exclusively by Canon, the XF305 Professional Camcorder incorporates three native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensors, which deliver outstanding Full HD video recording with minimal noise. These 1/3-inch sensors enable a compact lens and body design, for greater mobility and quick shooting.

Industry Standard HD-SDI Output, Genlock & SMPTE Time Code and Other Terminals
Aside from providing the professional user with complete control over the image, the Canon XF305 Professional Camcorder also provides complete creative freedom when it comes to inputs and outputs. It features industry standard HD-SDI output, genlock input and time code input/output terminals (BNC style), making it ideally suited for multi-camera or 3-D productions.

Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor
The XF305 Professional Camcorder 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.

Brilliant Ergonomics
The XF305 Professional Camcorder has set a new standard for ergonomic design in compact pro camcorders. It is designed from the ground up to maximize handheld shooting comfort and usability. Users will find the camera well balanced with the handgrip positioned closer to the optical access near the camera's center of gravity. This allows the operator to easily maintain a steady shot while minimizing arm fatigue. Controls are ideally placed making the camera feel like a natural extension of the operator's body.