The Canon XF100 HD is an amazingly compact professional camcorder that delivers nearly all the features of the 3-sensor XF300 in a smaller, single-sensor form factor. Using HD technology and a robust MPEG-2 codec, the device is capable of recording Full HD video on affordable Compact Flash cards for maximum versatility. Canon's Genuine 10x HD lens focuses images onto a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution CMOS sensor, which is saved as an MXF file at user-defined quality (up to 50 Mbps), resolution and frame rate. Picture setup and output to HDMI, component and composite ports fully match the capabilities of the XF300.
Not content with just "little brother" status, the camera offers its own unique features. These include IR video and (with another XF100 or XF105) 3D image recording. The perfect combination of portability and multiple controls makes it ideal for video journalism, travel documentaries, independent filmmaking andvideography.
Codec
For the XF100, Canon has adapted MPEG-2, calling it XF Codec. This provided broad compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing systems. Thanks to the MXF wrapper, video and audio can be stored in the same file along with important metadata. The XF100 supports Full HD 1080p, bit rates up to 50Mbps, and 4:2:2 chroma subsampling.
The latter provides twice the color resolution of HDV and supports other codecs using the 4:2:0 format.
Record
Unlike other models that use non-standard memory systems, the Canon XF100 stores video on inexpensive and readily available Compact Flash (CF) cards. The camcorder is equipped with two CF card slots and offers versatile functions, including pre-recording, relay recording, hot-swapping, file copying and backup.
Saving data as files facilitates workflow by reducing transfer time when moving video to non-linear editing systems. In addition, metadata can be entered when capturing an image, and snapshots can be viewed immediately after capturing, ensuring each file is correctly registered.
The Canon XF Codec is supported by leading manufacturers such as Adobe, Apple, Avid and Grass Valley. This guarantees a widecompatible with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing software.
The XF100 file structure uses the MXF Material Interchange Format. It is an international container standard for the exchange of video and audio content. Using MXF, video and audio can be combined into one file along with important metadata. In doing so, the camera not only benefits from a high level of compatibility with non-linear editing systems, but also with systems used by many television networks and film studios.
Record options
Multiple recording modes, resolutions and frame rates make the XF100 creatively flexible and capable of working in virtually any production environment. The camcorder is capable of everything from Full HD 1080p at 50Mbps to HDV-compatible 25Mbps.
Lens
Canon expertise is clearly visible in the Genuine Canon 10x HD Video lens. It provides the flexibility to capture images with a zoom range of 30.4-304mm (35mm equivalent). You can set the zoom speed in fixed and variable settings in 3 modes: fast (2-60s), normal (3-180s) and slow (4-285s).
Image sensor
Canon XF100's sensor type is 1/3 CMOS. It provides high-definition video recording with minimal noise. Canon XF100's maximum video resolution is 1080p. However, the image quality, according to user reviews, leaves much to be desired. sensorcorresponds to the resolution of the camera. This is fine as it avoids scaling distortion, but the critical point here is that monochromatic data is captured.
While the XF300 camera used separate sensors for each of the 3 colors and the result met commercial television standards, the XF100 sensor determines colors using Bayer interpolation.
Slow and fast motion support provides great creative flexibility, while the compact size greatly contributes to superior performance in the field.
Processor
The XF100 is equipped with a powerful DIGIC DV III graphics processor that delivers advanced shading, realistic tonal gradation, comprehensive picture settings and low power consumption. The GPU has a high performance, thanks to which the face detection function is supported. Videographers will love being able to track one face in a large crowd.
3D support
The camera can be paired with another XF100 or XF105 for true stereoscopic 3D recording. Several functions dedicated to stereo shooting are supported. For example, OIS Lens Shift is used to optically align two cameras. For each one, the relative focal length is displayed and the software helps to calibrate it.
The Canon XF100's compact size contrasts well with large 3D setups, allowing the crew to work fasterand more efficient while providing the necessary features to capture exceptional 3D images.
Night vision
The XF100 professional camcorder features a mode that allows users to shoot video in total darkness where other models are useless. To do this, the IR filter is removed from the optical path during capture. Combined with a specially designed lens coating, this allows infrared light to reach the image sensor. In addition, the XF100 is equipped with an IR emitter with a diffuser that provides sufficient illumination even in total darkness.
Brilliant ergonomics
The Canon XF100 camcorder is ultra-compact without sacrificing functionality or usability. Its small size is ideal in situations where every centimeter and gram counts: for example, when flying to a shooting location or on an expedition. The camera can be easily placed in the trunk of a car or in a backpack. Thus, it allows you to go anywhere, anytime.
Great versatility with a built-in gradation-type ND filter (approx. 1/8) and an 8-bladed metal diaphragm.
Unlike a typical 6-blade aperture, the Canon XF100's aperture is reported by users to produce an unusually smooth out-of-focus "bokeh" effect. The extra lobes also reduce light diffraction, allowing smaller apertures to be used while maintaining image quality.
CanonThe XF100 is equipped with SuperRange lens-shift image stabilization that works in standard, dynamic and boost modes.
Autofocus
When shooting HD video, high sharpness is the most critical. The camera combines an external sensor with a built-in autofocus system. These 2 sensors reduce focusing time even in low light, low contrast or high brightness conditions, and improve autofocus performance when aiming at difficult subjects.
Digital zoom
Digital zoom complements optical zoom and can be selected from 1, 5x, 3x and 6x. This feature is essential when extreme telephotography is required, whether it be sports or wildlife, or for law enforcement or military surveillance applications.
Slow motion and fast motion
In these modes, the XF100 records video at a different frame rate than the playback rate, resulting in faster or slower motion. Since the camera saves real footage and changes the playback speed, there is no quality loss and the maximum image quality is maintained.
Interval recording
Using this function, users can program the camera to capture a certain number of frames at set intervals. This technique can be used for long-term observation of natural phenomena. You can set 25 frame interval values ranging from 1 s to 10 minutes. It is also possible to record a certain number of frames, which is ideal for projects such as cut animation.
LCD monitor and viewfinder
The Canon XF100 camcorder is equipped with a 3.5” LCD monitor. Its 920,000 dots provide enough detail to confirm focus and 100% field of view. The display opens from the left side of the case.
The camera is equipped with a 0.24 260K-dot color electronic viewfinder, providing a 100% field of view. This allows you to accurately compose the frame and makes it easier for the operator. The brightness, contrast, color and backlight of the viewfinder are adjustable. Viewfinder angle Tilt adjustable up to 68°.
Focus functions
With Focus Assist, a red and green monitor is displayed at the bottom of the LCD, and the Canon XF100's 3 focus check areas are displayed on the display. The green wave represents the overall sharpness of the image, while the red wave represents the focal points. With this dynamic feedback, the user can intuitively focus and quickly change the focus area.
Peak modes and a focus assist function are available in the LCD monitor and EVF during standby and recording, allowing the operator to easily check and confirm critical focus.
Settings
Users can control all camera functions. This allows you to fully adapt it to the technical and artisticshooting problems. For maximum convenience, owners have access to picture settings, user functions, and display options. All interface settings can be saved to a memory card to quickly set up multiple XF100 and XF105 cameras.
The owner can manually set the image quality and save the settings in 9 configurations in the internal memory and up to 20 on the SD card. You can adjust the color gamut, black level, black gamma, saturation, sharpness, noise reduction, skin detail, selective noise reduction, color matrix, white balance, color correction, and more.
Custom functions allow you to set 15 unique settings, including stepless gain level adjustment, white balance fine adjustment, AE response, maximum aperture value, aperture ring setting direction, and OSD recording. And for quick access to frequently used functions, the XF100 features 10 customizable control buttons.
Custom display allows you to set 32 display items on the display and viewfinder, including zoom position, volume level, remaining recording time, exposure, subject distance, current time, etc.
Ease of handling
A seamless and efficient post-production process is very important. The Canon XF codec is supported by leading manufacturers including Adobe, Apple, Avid and Grass Valley. This ensures broad compatibility with existing infrastructure and non-linear editing software.
Audio system
The XF100 has a built-in stereo microphone, plus 2 XLR audio inputs with +48V phantom power and a 3.5mm jack. The built-in microphone provides exceptional recording quality in fast-paced situations, and ports allow you to connect external audio recording devices. You can also connect other professional audio equipment to the XLR inputs. The built-in and external microphones can be used simultaneously.
Audio is recorded in 16-bit PCM format at 48 kHz. The amplification of all input signals can be automatic or manual. To prevent volume changes, the knob can be locked.
According to reports, audio controls become loose over time as they are made of plastic and create feedback or unwanted noise.
Connectivity
The camera not only gives the professional user complete control over the image, but also provides complete freedom of action thanks to the HDMI port, component and composite video output (3.5 mm), USB 2.0, remote control port (compatible with the LANC protocol).
Signal Monitor
Operators use this function to confirm accurate exposure and color levels during image capture. As a rule, only expensive external devices have it. The Canon XF100 has a signal monitor built in. It details the overall brightness of the image and RGB components.
The camera is capable of generating 2 types of color bars (SMPTE or ARIB compatible) and 1 kHz audio.
Food
XF100 is compatible with Battery Pack BP-925 and Lithium Ion Batteries BP-955 and BP-975. They report the remaining run time (accurate to the minute) and send the data to the video camera, so the user is always well informed. On the outside of the battery, 4 LED lamps allow you to quickly assess the charge level in the field. The camcorder is also compatible with BP-900 batteries, which can be inserted and removed while the power cable is connected.
Photography
For storyboarding and promotional shots, the XF100 offers the ability to capture still images in 1920 x 1080 resolution. Photos can be saved to an SD memory card during recording and playback.
Software
The camera comes with Mac and Windows compatible software. The Canon XF Utility provides simple clip management and playback functions. In addition, it allows you to work with clip lists in several formats, as well as add and edit metadata. The program is an effective backup tool.
In conclusion
Do the excellent controls and functionality of the XF100 make up for the mediocre picture quality? Perhaps for some owners this is enough. DSLR video has its drawbacks (such as lack of sharpness and aliasing), but digital cameras provide something valuable in return: superior optical quality, shallow depth of field, and the ability to work in extremely low light conditions.
This model works well innarrow range of lighting conditions, but the image will still be noisy even in bright daylight, and the image quality becomes unacceptable when the light level drops.
If you add the high price of the Canon XF100, which at the time of release was 124 thousand rubles, then the user soon begins to feel that a compact camera should be more versatile, lighter and even less professional. Without a good sensor, professional controls and codecs just don't make sense.
