Canon introduces XF105 and XF100
 

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.

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.

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.

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

Only a single 1/3" CMOS sensor?

10x lens?

I guess I waited 2 years for nothing.

Grrrrrrr

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

in the scheme of things......very interesting.

Some additional information on the Canon-Europe site
 

The latest additions to Canon’s revolutionary XF series of professional camcorders are the XF105 and XF100 models – the smallest cameras ever to include the broadcast quality MPEG-2 Full HD recording codec (50Mbps, 4:2:2).


The right hand side of the new XF100 palm-sized camcorder.
The XF100-series camcorders have been designed to offer highly portable Full HD recording and provide a market-leading combination of high specifications, mobility and versatility never seen before in their class. These models share many of the elite features already found in Canon’s groundbreaking XF305 and XF300 camcorders, to offer outstanding performance to users who want to shoot with a more compact model.

Terunori Tajiri, EMEA Video Product Manager, Canon Europe, explained: “The XF105 and XF100 are the next step in the expansion of Canon’s file-based professional camcorder line-up. A broadcast-standard MPEG-2 codec in such a compact body makes these new products unique, and will offer a level of HD image quality that was previously out of the reach of many users. The XF105 and XF100 will combine with XF305, XF300 and EOS DSLR cameras to offer a comprehensive range of Canon HD video tools for all sorts of applications.”

Videographers will soon be able to see the XF100-series models for the first time at two major imaging exhibitions in Europe – they’ll be on the Canon stands at the IBC 2010 exhibition at the RAI in Amsterdam (from 10-14 September), and at the Photokina 2010 show in Cologne, Germany, from 21-26 September.

Portable, powerful, packed with features

The XF105 and XF100 are versatile, uniquely adaptable camcorders that offer maximum image quality from a palm-sized, lightweight body. The camcorders feature an advanced ergonomic design to maximise comfort on extended shoots. The much-praised design principles of the XF300-series camcorders have been adapted into the XF100-series models, with easy-to-reach, customisable controls, an outstanding LCD, and XLR inputs built into the handle.

The XF105 and XF100 are perfect for users who need the flexibility to work in a range of field-based situations. Their compact design and advanced image quality makes them ideal for operators who may routinely switch between a variety of projects, such as weddings, corporate videos or documentaries. With their unrivalled range of features and easy-to-carry form factor, each provides the ability to move between assignments with one versatile camcorder.

To reinforce the XF100-series’ exceptional performance across a range of applications the XF105 features an HD-SDI output, and shared Timecode input/output and Genlock input, to deliver enhanced integration into a studio set-up or for multi-camera shoots.

Broadcast codec, seamless workflow

Like Canon’s advanced XF300-series, the XF105 and XF100 camcorders record MPEG-2 Full HD video in industry-standard, open-source Material eXchange Format (MXF) files to Compact Flash (CF) memory cards at transfer rates of up to 50Mbps, with rich 4:2:2 colour sampling – capturing high levels of colour information for post production.

Fast and robust, CF cards are practical, cost-effective and widely available compared to some solid-state media commonly used for professional video recording. Both the XF105 and XF100 offer Relay Recording and new Double Slot Recording – a feature that allows users to record the same footage to two separate CF cards simultaneously. Additionally, during recording, a card that’s not in use can be exchanged or initialised.

Canon has ensured that MPEG-2 MXF video files from the camcorders are fully compatible with major editing and processing software packages from Adobe, Apple, Avid and Grass Valley, so videographers can immediately integrate the XF105 and XF100 into their workflow. Canon XF Utility software and plug-ins for Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer are supplied with the camcorders.

High quality camera system

The XF100-series features one of the most advanced camera systems in its class with outstanding Full HD video quality. Both models have a versatile new 10x zoom, 30.4mm wide angle Canon HD Video Lens, with fast aperture performance up to f/1.8. An eight-blade metal diaphragm also provides a near-circular ‘bokeh’ effect, allowing operators to create more attractive background blur, while an increased number of moveable lens groups helps to reduce chromatic aberration and the overall size of the lens for added flexibility. A three-level digital tele-converter function can also be used to extend the lens’ focal length by 1.5x, 3x or 6x – enabling users to get closer to the action if required.

The XF105 and XF100 benefit from the advanced Canon Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system adopted for XF camcorders, offering three different modes of stabilisation – Standard, Dynamic and Powered.

A new 1/3-type, 2.07 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, adapted from the 3CMOS sensor system employed in XF300-series models, captures Full HD video at native 1920x1080 resolution. The XF100-series sensor is equipped with a Bayer pattern colour filter for high sensitivity and wide dynamic range, whilst high-speed data readout technology minimises the rolling-shutter skew that can occur in conventional CMOS camcorders.

Creative options, with 3D Shooting Assist

Like the larger XF300-series models, XF105 and XF100 provide a wealth of creative shooting options. 1080/50i, 1080/25p, 720/50p and 720/25p modes are all available, as are different recording bit rates to complement existing workflows. Fast and Slow Motion, Interval Recording (time lapse) and Frame Recording (for stop-motion animation) are all possible, as is a three-second Pre Record (cache) option.

The XF100-series has a new Infrared (IR) shooting mode that’s activated via a switch on the front of the camcorder, beneath the lens. With a built-in IR lamp, and both green and white light shooting options available, the XF105 and XF100 can capture genuinely dramatic night-time footage – perfect for wildlife or documentary shooting.

Two new 3D Shooting Assist functions also feature on both models. OIS Axis Shift uses the lens-shift Image Stabilizer system to allow users to correctly align two connected camcorders during stereoscopic 3D video recording. A Focal Length Guide helps to precisely synchronise adjustments to zoom.

Designed with users in mind

Building on the benchmark set by XF300 and XF305, the XF100-series models are designed with a broad range of different operators – from experienced videographers to beginners – in mind. Despite their compact size, a wealth of manual controls is provided for experienced users, while automatic and assist functions make shooting straightforward for beginners.

For monitoring during shooting, both camcorders have an 8.8cm (3.5”), side-mounted LCD screen with a sharp, 920k dot resolution, to deliver incredible clarity. A built-in waveform monitor and Edge Focus function help to perfectly set up the shot, with menu selections performed using a joystick interface. A 0.61cm, 260k dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage is also available.

A manual lens ring provides control over focus, zoom and iris, with a side-mounted switch allowing the user to switch instantly between modes. A number of settings, including iris control, can also be adjusted using a custom key and control dial combination.

A dedicated button enables on-demand switching between manual focus and autofocus. In addition to Canon’s Face Detection AF and unique Instant AF modes, a new Face-Only AF mode is included – this limits autofocusing to detected faces only and is particularly useful for ‘single shooters’, such as on-location news reporters.

Extensive customisation options

Like many larger camcorders intended for broadcast use, the XF105 and XF100 offer a huge array of customisation options, for unmatched versatility and flexibility. Users can configure more than 90 individual, image-related variables using the Custom Picture function; including selecting one of six preset gamma curves. Operators can also assign one of 34 individual functions to 10 customisable buttons, allowing them to optimise the camcorder for their personal shooting preferences or stylistic considerations.

Up to nine ‘customised pictures’ can be stored to each body, with CINE.V and CINE.F gamma settings among three presets supplied as standard. Preferred settings can be saved and transferred from one XF100-series camcorder to another via SDHC cards – this is particularly useful for maintaining a creative style across camcorder bodies, or for organisations that may want to ensure uniform set-up across multiple camcorder units.

Advanced audio capabilities

The high quality images produced by the cameras are complemented by professional-quality audio capture. Independent audio can be recorded by connecting external microphones to the two XLR inputs, while a front-mounted integrated microphone captures stereo sound. Both models are capable of recording 16-bit linear PCM audio at 48 kHz, providing sound quality fit for professional or broadcast use.

Canon Professional Services

Owners of the XF100-series camcorders will qualify for membership of Canon Professional Services (CPS) Video. The CPS Video service offers professional users of Canon products exclusive, free access to a range of benefits, such as a priority repair service and direct support from Canon Professional Representatives across Europe. For more information about CPS membership and its key benefits please click here.

XF105 & XF100 – key features

MPEG-2 Full HD 4:2:2 recording on CompactFlash at up to 50Mbps.
Two CF slots for continuous (relay) recording.
SD card slot for stills.
MXF file format for workflow compatibility.
10x L-series HD Video Lens, f/1.8 max., 30.4mm wide angle (35mm equivalent).
Three mode Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) – Standard, Powered or Dynamic.
2.07 Megapixel 1/3 type CMOS sensor.
8.8cm, 920k dot LCD monitor;
0.61cm, 260k dot EVF with 100% coverage.
Variable frame rate recording (12-50fps).
DIGIC DV III image processor.
Independent audio controls and XLR inputs; front-mounted integrated mic.
16-bit linear PCM audio at 48kHz.
Extensive customisation options, including 90 variables via Custom Picture function.
Studio connectivity – HD-SDI, Genlock, Timecode (XF105 only).

Canon Professional Network - Canon launches palm-sized XF105 and XF100 pro camcorders

Patrick

From Canon's Technical Support Rep:

Thank you for your inquiry. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you. I am very sorry you are
having trouble finding the suggested retail price of the XF100 and the
XF105.

The Estimated Street Price for the XF100 is $2999 and the Estimated
Street Price for the XF105 is $3999. However, Canon has made a
corporate decision to allow the dealers to establish pricing. If we
were to offer the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price on our Canon USA
web sites, this could be misleading to a potential consumer if a dealer
is selling the product for less than or more than the Manufacturers
Suggested Retail Price. Ultimately, the dealers will establish the
prices based upon competitive marketing.

For assistance, please call our Canon Presales Department at
1(800)828-4040 between 8:00 am and midnight ET, seven days a week. The
presales agents will assist you with product information and dealer
locations. Again, pricing for the products on the Canon U.S.A., Inc.
website will be determined by the Authorized Canon dealers in your area.

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your
future purchase.

Thank you for choosing Canon.



Sincerely,

James
Technical Support Representative

I'd like to see the images it produces and the low-light capabilities but that price point does put it as an XH-A1 replacement.

Oh boy! If that's correct, the cat's among the pigeons now.

Cheers.

Does anyone else think this resembles the HPX170 or HVX200? They look pretty similar.

The biggest problem I see with this camera is that it's going to create a glut of used XH-A1's.

One thing I noticed is that it only has one ring for either focus, aperture. So it looks as if though you can only do one or the other. The is the barrel knobby thing on the side.

I think you can toggle the ring for focus, shutter, or aperture.

Quote: Variable frame rate recording (12-50fps)

Really? Really????? If so that's freakin' awesome!

Another interesting thing I noticed is Canon did not label the lens as an "L series" lens like the rest of their pro camcorders. I wonder what the quality of the optics will be like...

Love having this smaller camera option, but yes, lens controls look like they will suffer here.

I would like to see the quality of the three-level digital tele-converter function can also be used to extend the lens’ focal length by 1.5x, 3x or 6x

The lens is a real concern for me.

Any info on the lens filter size?

On Canon's website, they mention an optional WD-H58W Wide Converter. Would that indicate a 58mm filter size?

If you look closely at the pictures Chris Hurd posted, that's what you see (58mm) on the lens. It was also part of the basis for my originally thinking this camera might share the lens+sensor from the HF-S21 / 20 / 200. Look at picture 5 /5 (20100831_loRes_xf105_ports.jpg). You can see the writing immediatly to the right of the HD-SDI ports.

If it is 58mm that means I could use my 58mm 2.2x teleconverter, WD-58, and filters.

On the close-up pic of the lens, you can see "58" written on it. That might be the filter size.

edit - oops, that was already pointed out.

It does say it's an L series lens.

10x L-series HD Video Lens, f/1.8 max., 30.4mm wide angle (35mm equivalent).

I see this as a successor to the GL2 after all these years of waiting. They finally decided to release a small HD camcorder with pro features. Better late than never and it's a competitor to the HM100 and the HMC40. It seams like a nice camcorder but 3 and 4 grand would really be pushing it but then again the release price at places such as B&H can be much less.

Hmm, the Canon Europe site says it's an L-series lens, while the Canon USA site appears to lack that information. It could be a simple omission by the USA site, though I note that the red line that Canon puts on it's L lenses, and on the front of the XF 300 lens, is missing from the XF 100


http://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/...xf100_side.jpg

If you look at the above photo, you'll also see that the switch for switching between focus, zoom and iris has (ND) after iris.

This looks like a really solid work-horse of a camcorder. The mix of features and performance packs a pretty hefty punch in it's price range. My gut is telling me this is going to be one of those "classics". Thank you Canon.

nice entry by Canon

I think that the CANON XF200 will come later next year to coplete the line of the XF Series...

Very exciting news. This looks like a fantastic travel camera, and 2nd back up for the 300/305. I want one.

That's a mistake. I have confirmed directly via Canon USA that it is *not* an L-series lens.

Hope this helps,

Whats with the 10X zoom? Why are these prosumer cams reducing their zooms? Myself, I love my FX7 with its 20X zoom. Why can't Canon (and Panasonic, and now Sony) continue to offer 20X on their newer prosumer cams? To get what I want, I will have to buy an additional lens to add to the cam. Bummer.

Mike

I think the companies found that the bulk of the US$2,000-$4,000 customers had different priorities and didn't really need or want to shoulder the cost, complexity & weight of a 20x zoom. And for those people who do need +20x zoom, the companies will make money selling more telephoto adapters.