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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Canon announces new XF305 and XF300 camcorders

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Chuck Z

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http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20100407_xf_procamcorders.html

Shooting modes include 50Mbps MPEG-2 sampled at 4:2:2 for 1080i60, 1080p30 and 1080p24 among others. All recorded content is wrapped into a MXF file and saved to CF cards.

The camera has three 1080p CMOS sensors (presumably 1/3") for true 1080p sampling as opposed to their 1080f24 gimmickry.

Both models come with a Canon 18x HD L-lens.

Pricing for the XF305 is $7,999. Pricing for the XF300 is $6,799. The XF305 has the standard step-up features like HD-SDI, genlock and SMPTE time code terminals.
 
I'm sure the Canon will be a very efficient little camera for event videography and quick turn industrial work. Not everyone wants or needs a Scarlet.

That doesn't include me though. Waiting patiently for my digital Bolex (Scarlet Cinema).
 
Sony had the wrong idea at the right price with the NXCAM, but canon has somehow been able to create a product that is simultaneously a bad concept and overpriced.
 
These cameras don't appeal to me at all. I'd rather shoot video on a DSLR with all of the res problems, but with that great shallow DOF. Shallow DOF hides a lot of crap, including to some extent, res issues.

However, I'l always have a soft spot in my heart for Canon's original GL1. That was the 'little camera that could". Amazing image quality. Beautiful lens. Simple to use. And the 'frame' mode was ahead of its time. The GL1 along with the early Sony PD & VX series paved the way for MiniDV adoption. Even ahead of the game changing DVX with its 24p.

Ah... those were the days.
 
Good thing they're raising the compression bar in the compact broadcast/videography segment. This should be a nice camera for that purpose, but the price is not realistic, IMO. The way I see it, for $2k more than EX 100 Mb/s bit rate would make a much more interesting difference.

Sony's EX refreshment consisted of DVCAM SD. Maybe this will make them rethink the picture quality tactic in this segment. 4" high res LCD is also a nice refreshment. I can't believe that in 2010 we are still looking at those tiny screens.
 
very 2005...who will buy this thing? A dslr beats the PANTS off the look of a 1/3 chip...ugghhh

I see ZERO forward movement from this camera announcement.

look around vimeo for 2 sec and you will see folks shooting "films" not video. thanks to the DSLR...it's so much better then "video" ever dreamed of being. sure not a RED but c'mon
 
he he 2005 ... so true :smile:
 
The only thing a DSLR will give you is shallow DOF. 1/3" or not, In every other respect, these video cameras will be superior: image quality, convenience, recording time, handling rapid motion of either camera or subject, audio recording, EVF, image stabilization, auto-focus. In this case they are moving to a pro broadcast grade 4:2:2 codec too. There is a lot of day to day educational/ industrial/eng type production that this kind of video camera is ideal for. Not the kind of stuff you would ever see on Vimeo, and definitely not shot by people who make "films".
 
People, don't rag on Canon so much. These cameras have their uses. They will be great for event videography and similar situations. The Red system is frankly not practical for everyone but we are getting there. For many, HD is all they need. Sure, it's not 2 or 3k but the image quality is quite good. Keep in mind the Crank 2 was filmed of this cameras predecessor and while everyone remembers District 9 as the film shot on Red, we must remember that the first 30 min was filmed on an EX1 which this camera was obviously designed to compete with. I have an XHA1 and frankly, it is fun to shoot with, very spontaneous as opposed to the very methodical way Red is shot. Sometimes I want to go out and shoot with aids such as autoexposure and focus and frankly the 7D, while more Red like, is a pain at times. Red has its place, so does this cam. I hope the 2/3 fixed is like this Canon but with more resolution. All in one systems can bee very convenient at times. Is this overpriced? Yes and it is something I would rent but never own.
 
yeah but Sony and Panasonic already make far more impressive cameras that have had these specs for years now. Where's the innovation?

Noah
 
The innovation is in compact, broadcast equipped, 4:2:2 1080p camera with a non-proprietary solid state recording media and a more decent screen.

I haven't noticed any cameras in 2005. or in March 2010. which offered these specs. It is way past overdue, though.

Based on published specs - advantages over:
EX - codec, recording media, screen
HVX - sensor, recording media, screen
 
I buy the argument that a half decent codec and off the shelf CF media married to a full raster 3-chip rig is a good choice for a particular (and not insignificant) segment of the market. IMHO the problem is the price point. Just sayin'

Cheers - #19
 
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