From Nick:

"I have just completed a set of tests of gain settings for XF305, XHG1s and EOS5D Mark II - all of a GretagMacbeth / XRite SG Color chart. The XF305 gain settings were tested from -6 to +33db. +21dB looked very clean while I was shooting it. All files from this camera are pre-production and subject to change."

The download links:

Gain -6dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/min6/AA008501.MXF

Gain +0dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/zero/AA008601.MXF

Gain +3dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/plus3/AA009101.MXF

Gain +6dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/plus6/AA009201.MXF

Gain +12dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/plus12/AA008701.MXF

Gain +18dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/plus18/AA008801.MXF

Gain +21dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/plus21/AA008901.MXF

Gain +33dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/plus33/AA009001.MXF

HDV samples from Canon XH series camcorder (XH G1S) -- the same GretagMacbeth / XRite SG Color chart as above:

Gain -6dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/canonxh/XH_minus3.mov

Gain +0dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/canonxh/XH_zero.mov

Gain +6dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/canonxh/XH_plus6.mov

Gain +12dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/canonxh/XH_plus12.mov

Gain +18dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/canonxh/XH_plus18.mov

Gain +36dB: http://files.dvinfo.net/samples/CANONXF/CONTENTS/gaintest/canonxh/XH_plus36.mov

See this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xf-series-hd-camcorders/477394-how-view-native-mxf-files.html for viewing tips -- the VLC
player is inferior to the free Sony XDCAM Player and other free options.

When commenting about a specific clip, please refer to its file name (8601.MXF, etc.). Thanks,

Very interesting. Chroma noise is filtered out but Luma noise is left in.

Can we match "gain" to an EV (exposure value)?

Very interesting. Chroma noise is filtered out but Luma noise is left in.

Can we match "gain" to an EV (exposure value)?

+21dB is 1000 ISO or very close to it according to my meter. +33 is around 1600, but very noisy. The camera can be customised in 1dB steps.

Very interesting. The only setting I would never use is +33 (blue noise), the other settings look really good. I would like to see them compared to the Canon HDV models.

Glad this was helpful Floris. I have the matching XH (G-1s) files here (also EOS 5D MkII) and will upload them shortly.

For the XH, I have used the default Canon settings as opposed to my favourite preset.

I am sure that Chris will kindly put them on a similar link when he has a moment.

+21dB is 1000 ISO or very close to it according to my meter. +33 is around 1600, but very noisy. The camera can be customised in 1dB steps.

That seems to put gain 0 at about iso 100. It also suggests the highest acceptable iso is close to the 5DII in video mode. The 5DII having the potential advantage of faster glass.

Is there a higher noise reduction setting?

I have the matching XH (G-1s) files here and will upload them shortly. Added to the second post, above. Direct link:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xf-series-hd-camcorders/478498-gain-test-xf-305-native-mxf-files-nick-wilcox-brown.html#post1525917

Is there a higher noise reduction setting?

Don, there are a lot of options, but the lack of a manual is not ideal + really busy shooting stills and video, so not enough time to experiment.

Nick.

Nick, Chris:

Thank you for sharing these samples.

Nick and Chris, thanks for your effort!

Compared to the XH-Series noise is very fine grain (higher bitrate and 4:2:2 sampling might help the XF) and the registered trademark sign on the Macbeth chart is still readable even at high gain settings. Blue noise seems to start kicking in at around +18dB. I ran your previous clips through some CC tests in FCP and what can I say? I like what I saw!