I think you've hit the nail on the head here, Mike. When I look at the general size, shape and configuration of the XF100, I agree with your argument that Canon is going after the market niche that the HMC40/HM100 fit into. It seems we're witnessing the rise of the small, inexpensive prosumer camcorder here, as opposed to high-end consumer-grade camcorders that have some manual controls.

If Canon can keep the price relatively low (say $2295 - $2495), they'll have a seriously competitive product on their hands. I find the camera is very good-looking in terms of style - it looks like a mini XH-A1. It beats the Panasonic in the cosmetics department, and looks a bit more professional than the JVC.

I wouldn't compare the chips off of consumer HDV and AVCHD cameras to a CMOS chip off of the XF300. I'm sure the XF300 chips - hence, the XF100 chip - are vastly superior. All things being equal, 3 chips will always beat one, but you have to figure in the size of the chips. Are three 1/4" chips better than one 1/3" 2.2 megapixel chip? We'll soon see.

Here's an interesting video of chroma key tests between the XF305 and the XH G1. I'm not sure if both cameras are outputting 50 mbps 4:2:2 through their HD/SDI ports (it's in Japanese), or even if they're using their HD/SDI ports. The G1 might output 4:2:2 color through the HD/SDI, can anyone confirm this? Regardless, the superior 1920x1080 chip image is readily apparent:

YouTube - canon422-305.mov

My belief is to always, always start with the best image you can get. The better it is at the start, the better it will look through post. If a 2.2 megapixel chip, 50mbps, 4:2:2 camera will help get that better image, then by all means use it.

With the little bit of testing I've done with my little HDC TM700K, I've been favorably impressed with what the three 1/4" CMOS sensors can do. Granted, it's the 1080 60p footage that really shines, but I'd love to do a comparison with the TM700K and the new Canon XF105/100... It won't replace a higher-end camera, but it shows what can be done with three small chips and a higher bitrate. Now if we could just get monitors and hardware to deal more effectively with 1080 60p...

If it was the same price of the HMC40 or close, I'd be undersided but if by the time this thing is released, Panasonic releases a successor to the HMC40 with 1080 60p, the choice would be extremely easy for me. Canon would be forced to think twice about releasing the low model for anywhere close to $3,000. A street price of $2,000 would be perfect although $2,300 probably wouldn't be that bad.

I can't believe Sony is able to get away with selling the V1u for so much. They are very lucky.
They really need to release an AVCHD version of it.

Perhaps, but I will still be intensely interested in any and all HF-S21 / 20 / 200 vs. XF100 comparisons.

Back when the V1 was released it was the first Sony prosumer HD camcorder with 24p on the market at that price. The other HD camcorder was the HVX200 which was quite expensive once you added in the P2 cards. They were able to charge what they did. Now I agree with you that they need to release a avchd version of it. It was a nice little camera back in the day.

Back then was one thing, but the current price is around $3,300 at B&H. That's a little over $1,000 more than the current price of the HMC40 with the XLR adapter.

I know, but that's kind of my point. Sony sold enough of the V1's that they probably feel no need to drop the price. Kind of like Canon and the Gl2 which is still selling new just under $2,000 at some places. They figure someone will buy it at that price no need to drop it.

Actually, the XH-A1 w/ 24p/f came out before the V1 by about six months.....

Jim Martin
FilmTools.com

Yes you are correct. Ooops. :)

released for sale
 

Any news or speculation, when this cam is released for sale?

According to the official press release from Canon, the release date is targeted for January 2011.

Being a fan of Canon's cameras I am excited to see this model. I held off on the HFS20 or equivalent model. In on sense its a no brainer for me to pick one up, but I feel that its a HFS20 one step up. While it has many pro features it should be priced at $2K or less sharing the same price point as the old GL 1 and 2s.

Since we have a XF300 and a XF100 model line up it raises the question, is there a XF200?

Chad

Will there be an XL F? That's what I want to know...

Ditto....Ditto...Ditto............Chris, You are supposed to be in Amsterdam....or Deutchland.....telling us all about whats a comin'.......

Jim Martin
FilmTools.com