The Canon XF Series camcorders generate .MXF files when recording video. The camcorders will ship with a software application called Canon XF Utility (compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms), which can be used for managing and playing back video clips.

Meanwhile, the question of how to play back native .MXF files remains for those who, like me, do not yet have the Canon XF Utility software and would like to play .MXF files on a computer that's not set up for NLE applications. I've solved this problem by downloading a free program from Sony called XDCAM Viewer (while the Canon camcorders aren't using the XDCAM format, the .MXF file extension is common between XDCAM, P2 HD and other video formats).

XDCAM Viewer works like a charm, and it's free. However, you'll need to register an account with Sony ServicesPLUS (also free), and you should be aware that the PC installer requires the MicroSoft iNET framework, which will be installed when you approve the prompt -- and it takes a few minutes to download and automatically configure. That said, here are the links:

Sony ServicesPLUS: https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/

XDCAM Viewer: https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-software-model-PDZVX10.aspx

-- use the link at the bottom of that list, which is the 3.49 MB download.

Chris,

Does VLC play those files natively? It does for the Sony cameras, and I have my suspicions that it will work just fine for the Canon ones as well.

Hmm... I have VLC on my laptop, but not on this machine. Stand by.

Sure enough, VLC works fine -- supports metadata as well. And free.

Download VLC from http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

BAM! There you go. I figured it would work.

I am a MXF4mac customer, are there anywhere test files to check compatibility with them?

MT

Just found this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xf-series-hd-camcorders/478494-native-xf-305-mxf-files-nick-wilcox-brown.html

I a glad I found this thread, before starting a redundant one. :)
I can play the MXF files from my XF-100 in VLC, but the audio is choppy or non-existant...
The video plays without a hitch. But no audio.

Any fixes for this problem, or am I the only one? :)

Thank you.

... I can play the MXF files from my XF-100 in VLC, but the audio is choppy or non-existant... The video plays without a hitch. But no audio.

Any fixes for this problem, or am I the only one? :)

I agree with the VLC sound problem. I use the Canon XF Utility to view MXF files, or just load them into Premiere Pro.

(while the Canon camcorders aren't using the XDCAM format, the .MXF file extension is common between XDCAM, P2 HD and other video formats).
AFAIK, the XDCAM codec is indeed the codec the XF seriers uses. The MXF is just a wrapper so it's not the MXF extension per se that triggers the Sony XDCAM Viever to being able to preview the footage.

If not, what codec does the camera use?

Can anyone upload the XDCAM Viewer? I can't register at the Sony site because it's broken and technical support hasn't assisted with me at all.

Try this.

Sony | Micro Site XDCAM (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcam/resource.downloads.bbsccms-assets-micro-xdcam-downloads-XDCAMSoftwareDownload.shtml#apps)

Yes its a very nice Program,
but i can not see my Files..
Seriosly

What is the problem Markus?
80% of a video is audio right? :)

I am kidding, of course....

The more I use it, I find that VLC has intermittant problems playing back audio. Some clips play audio all the way thru. Others only play in the beginning.
All the videos are from the same card, same settings, same shoot, same day.

VLC is open source, and a constant work in progress, so I am sure that fixing .mxf playback is on the list, but you get what you pay for, and since it is free..... :)
It is a fantastic player in every other respect, and when .mxf is fixed, all the more so.

"Does VLC play those files natively?"

VLC playes mxf-files without any problems on my system

"What is the problem Markus?"

so there is no Problem with the vlc.

I only got the problem to use the "XDCAM Viewer", that do not work, or i make a mistake ?

Markus, I have the same issue using XDCAM Browser (XDCAM Viewer seems no longer available as a stand alone app). The media window will show your clip folders on your hard drive, but not the contents of the folders. No idea why. However, if you drag the MXF file from your hard drive directory to the viewer pane of XDCAM Browser, the clip will appear in the viewer and you can play it back with video and audio.
Len