The XF305 and XF300 are designed to produce
video files compatible with most production
and broadcast environments. Industry standard
MPEG-2 compression means easy integration
for broadcast, cable or satellite networks.
Canon’s XF Codec is supported by the industry’s
leading manufacturers: Adobe, Apple, Avid and
Grass Valley. This ensures the widest compati-
bility with existing infrastructure and non-linear
editing (NLE) software. The XF305 also offers
terminal support for HD-SDI output, genlock and
time code, ideal for live broadcast applications,
multi-camera shooting and uncompressed
Full HD output. With the XF305 and XF300,
Canon has designed the ideal go-to camera
for professional productions, large or small.
The XF305 and XF300 feature a number of
functions designed specifically to make
complicated shoots easier. Often found as
part of expensive external units, the XF305
and XF300 include a versatile waveform
monitor and vectorscope. The waveform
monitor provides an objective and detailed
analysis of overall image brightness and
RGB components ensuring correct exposure.
The vectorscope shows real-time image hue
and saturation analysis, key to achieving
accurate white balance and for making color
balance changes on the fly.
The XF305 and XF300 feature a bright and
sharp 1.23 Megapixel 4.0-inch LCD monitor
with approximately 100% field of view cover-
age. The LCD flips both ways for viewing
from the left or right side of the camera and
has an extra 35 degrees of movement for
increased operability, even in tight situations.
The XF305 and XF300 also offer a 0.52-inch,
1.55 Megapixel color electronic viewfinder
(EVF), a breakthrough in critical focusing.
Two peaking modes and a magnification
mode are available in standby and record
mode, making it extremely easy for the
camera operator to check and confirm critical
focus. In addition, Canon’s exclusive Edge
Monitor Focus Assist system displays a red
and green waveform monitor at the bottom of
the LCD monitor and three red focus check
areas across the monitor. The green waveform
shows overall focus while the red waveform
shows the status of each focus check box.
With this dynamic focus feedback, the user
can quickly tune focus in a specific area, and
move between focus points in a scene with a
whole new level of accuracy and speed.
No matter the pre-
scribed workflow,
the XF305 and
XF300 can capture
video at just the
right resolution,
speed and bit rate.
These are the first
cameras in their
class to shoot
MPEG-2 4:2:2
files at 50Mbps
(Constant Bit Rate), 35Mbps (Variable Bit
Rate), for longer shooting times and 25Mbps
(Constant Bit Rate) for compatibility with HDV
content. In addition to shooting in Full HD
mode, 720p mode is available at speeds up
to 60 frames per second for capturing sports
and action. For PAL compatible shooting,
an optional upgrade for 50i, 50p and 25p
recording is available through the Canon
Factory Service Center.
For shoots when the action stops and starts,
the XF305 and XF300 have a Pre-Record
feature. With Pre-Record activated, the cam-
corder constantly buffers approximately
three seconds of video into its memory.
When the record button is pressed, recording
begins immediately and the content of the
camera’s buffer memory is added, ensuring
that no important or unexpected action is
missed. The Slow and Fast Motion mode
allows the XF305 and XF300 to record a
different frame rate than the playback
frame rate resulting in either a fast or slow
motion effect during playback. Since the
camera is recording real frames and modi-
fying the playback rate, there is no quality
loss due to interpolation and maximum
image quality is maintained. In 1080p mode,
fast motion is supported up to 2.5x the
normal rate and as slow as 1/2.5x. In 720p
mode, fast motion is supported up to 5x the
normal rate and as slow as 1/1.25x. For
time-lapse applications, the XF305 and
XF300 have an Interval Recording mode
that can be left to shoot a specified number
of frames at pre-defined intervals. For stop-
frame animation, the XF305 and XF300
feature a frame record function allowing the
The XF305 and XF300 are
designed with numerous options
to insure that the camcorders
meet the requirements of profes-
sional workflows by connecting
seamlessly with other production
equipment. They are equipped with
a DC-In terminal, allowing connec-
tion to AC power and the hot swapping of
batteries, XLR audio inputs for connection to
professional audio devices, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed,
HDMI out, AV out, component video out,
headphone jack, dedicated video 2 out and a
remote connection featuring full LANC support
for camera control with third-party controllers.
Additionally, the XF305 adds HD-SDI, genlock
and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals,
essential for live broadcast and multi-camera
setups. A new Intelligent Lithium-Ion battery
system provides detail about the remaining
power level and battery wear. The XF305
and XF300 also maintain compatibility
with legacy Canon BP-900 series batteries
maintaining the value of existing batteries
many professionals already own.
Compatible for use on both Mac and
Windows platforms, Canon XF Utility soft-
ware provides a simplified first step in the
process of managing and playing back clips.
Additionally, the software can manage lists
of clips in a number of display formats, add
and edit metadata, and backup media.
The XF305 and XF300 are designed from the
ground up to maximize shooting comfort
and usability. The camcorders feature a
redesigned layout making them more intuitive
than any that came before them. New users
and users switching from other products
will find the button layout, camera menu
system and camera controls familiar and easy
to use out of the box. The well balanced
design allows the operator to comfortably
control the
camera and
easily maintain
a steady shot
while minimizing
arm fatigue.
6
7
5
4
Phenomenal Integration from Location to Studio
Gamma
Normal 1
Normal 2
Normal 3
Normal 4
Cine 1
Cine 2
Black
Master Pedestal
-50 –> +50
Master
Black
Red
-50 –> +50
Green
-50 –> +50
Blue
-50 –> +50
Black
Gamma
Level
-50 –> +50
Range
-5 –> +50
Point
-1 –> +50
Low Key
Saturation
Enable
On
Off
Level
-50 –> +50
Knee
Enable
On
Off
Auto
On
Off
Slope
-35 –> +50
Point
50 –> 109
Saturation
-10 –> +10
Sharpness
Level
-10 –> +50
H. Detail Frequency
-8 –> +8
HV Detail Balance
-8 –> +8
Limit
-50 –> +50
Select
0 –> +15
Knee Aperture
Gain 0 –> 9
Slope 0 –> 3
Detail Sharp
Level 0 –> 50
Slope 0 –> 3
Offset 0 –> 50
Color
Matrix
G-R
-50 –> +50
G-B
-50 –> +50
B-R
-50 –> +50
B-G
-50 –> +50
White
Balance
R Gain
-50 –> +50
G Gain
-50 –> +50
B Gain
-50 –> +50
Color
Correction
Select Area
Off
A
B
A&B
A Area Select
Phase 0 –> 31
Chroma 0 –> 31
Area 0 –> 31
Y Level 0 –> 31
A Area Revision
Level -50 –> +50
Phase -18 –> +18
B Area Select
Phase 0 –> 31
Chroma 0 –> 31
Area 0 –> 31
Y Level 0 –> 31
B Area Revision
Level -50 –> +50
Phase -18 –> +18
Setup
Level
Level
-50 –> +50
Press
On
Off
100% Clip
On
Off
Selective
NR
Effect Level
Off
Low
Middle
High
Hue
0 –> 31
Chroma
0 –> 31
Area
0 –> 31
Y Level
0 –> 31
Color
Matrix
Select
Normal 1
Normal 2
Normal 3
Normal 4
Cine 1
Cine 2
Gain
-50 –> +50
Phase
-18 –> +18
R-G
-50 –> +50
R-B
-50 –> +50
Sharpness
Coring
Level -30 –> +50
D-Ofst 0 –> +50
D-Curve 0 –> +8
D-Depth -4 –> +4
Noise Reduction
Auto
Off
1 –> 8
Skin
Detail
Effect Level
Off
Low
Middle
High
Hue
-16 –> +16
Chroma
0 –> 31
Area
0 –> 31
Y Level
0 –> 31
Custom Picture Settings
Interval Recording
Smooth Integration With
Production Infrastructure
4.0-inch LCD Monitor,
High Resolution EVF and
Advanced Focusing Features
Recording Modes and Frame Rates
Extensive Connectivity
Canon XF Utility
Refined Ergonomics and
Durability for Easier Operation
Advanced Features
Recording Mode
Frame rate
50Mbps
4:2:2
1920
x
1080
60i
30p
24p
1280
x
720
60p
30p
24p
35Mbps
4:2:0
1920
x
1080
60i
30p
24p
1280
x
720
60p
30p
24p
25Mbps
4:2:0
1440
x
1080
60i
30p
24p
Recording Mode
Optional 50i/50p/25p upgrade
through Canon Factory Service Center
camcorder to be programmed to record a
specified number of frames each time the
camera is triggered.
With extensive custom settings, the XF305
and XF300 enable the professional user to
control and customize every facet of shooting.
A vast range of image quality, control and
display options ensure camera operation
that is intuitive, speedy and comfortable, no
matter the style of the shooter.
• For just the right look, the XF305 and XF300
camcorder’s Custom Picture Settings make it
simple to define the Gamma, Knee, Color
Matrix Adjustment, Saturation, Sharpness,
Master Black, Skin Tone and more.
• To customize the
operation of the
XF305 and XF300
to the tastes and
particulars of the
user, 28 different
functions are
assignable to 13
buttons located on the camera. All custom
menus and settings can be saved onto an SD
card, making it easy to share settings among
cameras or users, saving significant setup time
when matching multiple cameras to a pre-set
style or moving between cameras.
Customization
High Definition Camcorders
