Canon introduces XF105 and XF100

[Chris Hurd]

CANON INTRODUCES TWO NEW COMPACT XF-SERIES
PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDERS: XF105 AND XF100

Both Models Feature MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps Recording, Built-In 3-D and Infrared Shooting Options

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 31, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the new Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders for mobile HD video capture in a compact form factor. Canon’s smallest professional camcorders, the new XF105 and XF100 utilize the same Canon XF Codec featured in the Canon XF305 and XF300, introduced earlier this year. The Canon XF Codec is an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec used for exceptional high-definition image quality, full non-linear editing (NLE) systems compatibility and efficient, robust workflow. These camcorders include in-camera features enabling the easy set-up and capture of high-definition 3-D video when two XF105 or XF100 camcorders are paired, as well as Canon’s built-in infrared low-light feature enabling the capture of HD video in complete darkness. Both models record to Compact Flash (CF) cards and feature hot-swappable card slots for maximum performance. Differentiating the two models are industry-standard HD-SDI output and genlock in/SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals available on the Canon XF105. The XF105 and XF100 camcorders are ideal for Electronic News Gathering, documentary and independent filmmaking and event videography.

"Whether used as a companion to the XF305 or XF300, or as a stand-alone camcorder, the XF105 and XF100 are geared for a wide range of applications where high image quality, extreme portability and efficient workflow are of the utmost importance. And with true stereoscopic 3-D production and infrared recording capabilities, they allow users to expand into new markets," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., “This week we will be exhibiting both the Canon XF105 and XF100 at Canon EXPO 2010 in New York and demonstrate the versatile low-cost capabilities.”

The Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom lens which provides the mobility and optical performance required by the most demanding professionals. Each model includes a Canon developed and designed native Full HD 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensor and the new Canon XF Codec for extreme color detail required for accurate chroma-keying, color-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. For finer transitions in tone and color, 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the color resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 formats. And to maximize compatability with existing industry infrastructure, video, audio and metadata are combined in an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format. The Canon XF Codec is currently compatible with leading software programs widely used within the video production and broadcast industries including those available from Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley.

To maximize the camcorders’ adaptability across various production environments, Canon has equipped each model with the ability to record at multiple bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates for slow and fast motion.

50Mbps (CBR) -- 4:2:2 -- 1920 x1080 at 60i/30p/24p -- 1280 x 720 at 60p/30p/24p
35Mbps (VBR) -- 4:2:0 -- 1920 x1080 at 60i/30p/24p -- 1280 x 720 at 60p/30p/24p
25Mbps (CBR) -- 4:2:0 -- 1440 x1080 at 60i/30p/24p

CBR = Continuous Bit Rate
VBR = Variable Bit Rate

Additional professional features include variable-interval (for time-lapse) and frame-record for stop-motion animation, and a photo feature for frame-grabs.

Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom Lens
The Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 30.4mm – 304mm. For professional looking results, both models offer an eight-blade iris which yields natural, smooth background blur with reduced lens diffraction. The lens also features a SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system featuring Dynamic and Powered IS modes for optimal performance in the greatest variety of situations.

DIGIC DV III Image Processor
The proprietary Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor and Canon Full HD CMOS Image Sensor render native 1920 x 1080 HD video, capturing natural, lifelike colors with remarkable tonal gradations and detail. The DIGIC DV III Image Processor also powers Canon’s innovative Face Detection Technology, an autofocus option that can significantly reduce the effort required when camera operators work alone, such as in news gathering applications.

Compact, Comfortable Ergonomics and Operation
Weighing less than 3lbs, these models are designed to maximize comfort while shooting and enable fast on-the-go recording with both a top and side grip option. Eachcamcorder also features a convenient, freely rotating 3.5-inch, 920,000 dot LCD monitor and .24-inch 260,000 electronic viewfinder with approximately 100 percent field of coverage. The LCD monitor provides a display of the camcorders’ built-in waveform monitor to aid in achieving accurate exposure while shooting. Additionally, the LCD can show peaking, edge-monitor-focus and magnify the image, enabling users to confirm critical focus, an essential objective in all HD production.

Affordable 3-D Shooting
Canon offers built-in features to assist with 3-D production, including OIS Lens Shift to aid in optically aligning two XF105 or XF100 camcorders and a Focal length Guide for displaying the zoom position of each camera in relation to each other and calibrating the zoom distance. This adjustment can be done through the menu system while the camcorder is mounted to a rig or tripod. Once aligned, the amount of the angle-of-view change is displayed after zoom adjustment, preventing camera misalignment and simplifying adjustment.

Infrared Shooting
The Canon XF105 and XF100 include an infrared feature enabling the capture of HD video shooting in conditions with little tozero ambient light, which is ideal for Military and Law Enforcement markets, as well as Nature and Wildlife videographers. The XF105 and XF100 also feature an infrared emitter with a diffuser as well as a Green or White color option to shoot pleasing infrared imagery even in complete darkness.

Audio Flexibility
The Canon XF105 and XF100 Professional Camcorders feature dual XLR inputs for external audio sources as well as a built-in stereo microphone. The new camcorders support 16-bit PCM audio at 48 kHz with automatic and manual audio level adjustment

Both the Canon XF105 and XF100 are scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2011.

[Bill Koehler]

I'm confused.

The Press Release lists CompactFlash for recording media, but if you look at the first picture (20100831_loRes_xf100_frontR.jpg), the camera has an SDHC logo on its side, just above the handgrip strap.

[Michael Galvan]

that is probably for stills or for custom preset saves like with the other Canon camcorders.

The CF card slots are on the left side of the body.

[Brad Owens]

I'm guessing you would have posted if there was anything listed but no MSRP included with that?

[David Rice]

Only a single 1/3" CMOS sensor?

10x lens?

I guess I waited 2 years for nothing.

Grrrrrrr

[Zach Love]

Depending on the MSRP, this could be one killer little camera.

I don't see any ND on the camera, but if the other switches are user friendly (gain, iris, shutter) it might not be that big of a difference. Something to watch.

While there are things I don't think are perfect with this series or the XF300 series cameras, I do think Canon is making some very wise moves. I really hope & assume that they're also working on something between their video & still departments to release a large sensor video camera that takes SLR lenses, much like the ones the Panasonic & Sony have teased.

Even still, I think there is a large market of people who don't need a shallow DOF & these XF cameras will probably fill that gap, but probably only for people who haven't already jumped on P2 or SxS.

[Brad Owens]

Maybe they see it as a Tapeless XH-A1? Around the $4,000 mark? I think that'd be about right. Maybe a bit less because of the lack of 3 sensors when the Sony NX5U has it at the 4K mark. I'd love to see it at $2500 since they are advertising the 3D aspect and expect you to buy two.

but I dream...

[Michael Murie]

Makes for an interesting comparison to the NX5U. The NX5U has 3 1/3" sensors (vs the XF100/105's one) and the NX5U lens is 20x (about the same as the XF300/305) vs the 10x for the XF100/105.

But then the XF100/105 has support for 4:2:2....will be interesting to see how people compare/trade-off these differences.

[David Rice]

I could be wrong about the one sensor:

TOKYO, August 31, 2010-Canon Inc. announced today that it has successfully developed the world’s largest*1 CMOS image sensor, with a chip size measuring 202 x 205 mm. Because its expanded size enables greater light-gathering capability, the sensor is capable of capturing images in one one-hundredth the amount of light required by a professional-model digital SLR camera.

At 202 x 205 mm, the newly developed CMOS sensor is among the largest chips that can be produced from a 12-inch (300 mm) wafer, and is approximately 40 times the size of Canon’s largest commercial CMOS sensor.*2

I sure wish it had a higher zoom lens though.

[Jason Lowe]

Originally Posted by Brad Owens

Maybe they see it as a Tapeless XH-A1? Around the $4,000 mark? I think that'd be about right. Maybe a bit less because of the lack of 3 sensors when the Sony NX5U has it at the 4K mark. I'd love to see it at $2500 since they are advertising the 3D aspect and expect you to buy two.

but I dream...

For $4000 it should be a three-chip camera. Hopefully it will be priced to compete with the Panasonic HMC40, but I kinda doubt it will be that cheap. I'm guessing around $3000 for the XF100 and an extra $800 to $1000 for the XF105.

I'm really glad to see a mid range option for tapeless HD recording.

[Pete Bauer]

I could be wrong about the one sensor:

It certainly won't be that sensor; the huge sensor discussed in this thread is larger than this little camera will be!

The other sensor announcement from Canon in the past week is discussed here (and I'd wager this won't be the sensor in this camera either): http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/digital-...egapixels.html

[Michael Murie]

It's a 1/3" sensor. Not sure if it's the exact same one as in the XF300/305, though it has the same total number of pixels

[Jim Schuchmann]

Looks like an HV40 on steroids. Interested to see the price point.

[Bill Koehler]

It's labeled a Professional Camcorder and given the feature set, I accept that. Given that it's being announced by Canon's Consumer Imaging Group however, it is likely the sensor and lens is the same as found in the HF-S21 / 20 / 200. Indeed, I note the lens has the same 58mm filter thread size as found on the HF-S21 / 20 / 200. If this is Canons idea of what it takes to turn one of their consumer cameras into a pro model, it is a far more convincing effort than the Sony HDR-CX550 --> HXR-MC50E derivation. In Canons case they actually added a whole bunch of pro features.

[Michael Murie]

Originally Posted by Bill Koehler

Given that it's being announced by Canon's Consumer Imaging Group however, it is very possible the sensor is the same as found in the HF-S21 / 20 / 200.

Unlikely, if Canon's specs are correct. The HF-S21/20 has a 1/2.6-inch CMOS with approx. 8.02 Megapixels (3264 x 2456). The XF105 is 1/3-inch with total pixels of approx. 2.37 megapixels (2044 x 1160 pixels)

Given it's low resolution (only slightly larger than the 1920 x 1080 it actually uses) the CMOS in the XF10X was probably developed primarily for video, while the CMOS in the HF-S21 is a hybrid intended for both stills and video.