Canon XF300 First Impressions Camcorder Review

Introduction

If you want professional connectivity options like an HD-SDI terminal, Canon also announced the XF350. The XF350 is identical to the XF300, except for the fact that it has an extra set of ports (and it costs $7999).

Product Tour

Lens & Imaging System

The lens on the XF300 (without lens hood)

The lens on the XF300 has an 18x optical zoom and a wide angle adapter can be purchased as an accessory from Canon. The lens is a bit larger than what was featured on Canon's tape-based pro models, but its zoom is a bit smaller (Canon's HDV pro models all have 20x zoom lenses).

Front

The front of the XF300 with lens hood attached.

Right

The right side of the XF300

Back

The battery compartment and CF card slots are both located back here.

Left

The left side has most of the camcorder's controls.

Top

Audio

Audio Features

The XF300 has similar audio features to Canon's pro HDV camcorders, but the company did make one significant alteration—these new models don't include a 3.5mm external microphone jack. Canon includes this port on all of its consumer camcorders, but its new pro models must rely on the dual XLR inputs for audio connection. This lack of a 3.5mm mic jack probably won't bother most professional users (and you can always purchase 3.5mm to XLR conversion cables).

Audio controls on the back of the camcorder

Additional Audio Controls and Ports

The onboard audio adjustment dials are near the back of the camcorder. Two separate dials exist (one for each channel) and audio level control can be set to auto, manual, or locked at a specific level. The XF300 has additional audio switches near the front of the camcorder that allows you to specify mic or line levels for the XLR inputs. A headphone jack is located in the rear collection of ports and two headphone volume adjustment buttons are on the top of the camcorder (under the handlebar).

The camcorder has 2 XLR ports, but no mini mic jack.

Compression & Media

Compression

The camcorder uses an MPEG-2 compression system that is based on a codec recently developed by Canon. There are a variety of record modes available on the camcorder, with the highest quality setting being 50Mbps 1920 x 1080 recording with 4:2:2 sampling.

See our news article for more details on other record modes and frame rates available on the camcorder.

Media

The XF300 records to Compact Flash (CF) memory cards and it is compatible with high-speed UDMA CF cards. CF cards are widely available—especially compared to professional recording media like P2 and SxS memory cards—so if you're in a pinch it shouldn't be too difficult to find a spare card. The camcorder has two CF card slots on the back of the camcorder, both of which are covered by flip-open doors (that open by flicking a small switch).

Dual CF card slots

The memory cards are hot-swappable and the camcorder has a relay record feature that allows you to automatically continue recording onto a second inserted card once the first fills up. According to Canon, you can record 80 minutes of footage at the highest quality setting on a 32GB CF card (a 64GB CF card should get you roughly 160 minutes of record time at highest quality).

Editing

Since the XF300 uses a new MPEG-2 codec developed by Canon, there are bound to be some compatibility issues with non-linear editing systems. Thankfully, Canon includes a plug-in with the XF300 that works with Adobe Premiere and Apple's Final Cut editing systems. With this plug-in installed, you should have no trouble importing video footage shot with the XF300. Canon reports that more plug-ins will be available for other NLE systems (like AVID) shortly.

Manual Controls

Auto Mode

The XF300 does have a dedicated auto mode switch on the left side of the camcorder. This switch puts the camcorder into a fully automated mode, but you can also put most features on automatic control independently (via other switches). This enables you to pick and choose what settings you'd like to control manually if you want to (i.e. shutter and aperture can be automatic, while gain can be set to auto). There is also a face detection feature on the camcorder, but it only sets focus (not exposure).

Zoom

Zoom can be set using three different methods on the XF300: via the large zoom rocker on the right, by using the zoom ring, or by using the small zoom rocker mounted on the camcorder's handlebar. All of these zoom methods have different benefits—the zoom ring is great for zooming on the fly, the large rocker is useful if you're trying to shoot with one hand, and the small rocker is perfect when gripping the camcorder by its handlebar.

Zoom rocker

The camcorder has a ridiculous amount of zoom speed controls (just like Canon's HDV pro models) and zoom speed can also be controlled variably.

You can also control zoom using the zoom ring.

Zoom Ratio

The XF300 is equipped with an 18x optical zoom lens. This is a slightly smaller zoom than what was featured on the Canon XH A1S (all of Canon's pro HDV camcorders had 20x zoom lenses), but an 18x zoom should be enough for most shooting situations.

Focus

Focus is adjusted using the lens ring on the XF300. The ring is well designed and it has a new hard-stop feature that allows you to set the range in which the ring may rotate while you adjust focus. There are also plenty of peaking and focus assist features on the camcorder.

Exposure

Auto exposure shift is an option on the XF300 with values ranging from -2.0 to +2.0 (in EV steps). You can go into the camcorder's menu to set this feature.

Aperture

Aperture (or Iris) can be set manually on the camcorder with a range from f/1.6 to f/22. The smallest lens ring on the camcorder is set to adjust aperture by default, but it can also be programmed to set shutter speed.

Shutter Speed

The shutter speed range on the camcorder goes from 1/4 of a second to 1/2000 of a second. Various shutter speed values are available depending on what frame rate is being used for recording. The default shutter speed adjustment is a bit confusing on the camcorder. You slide a small switch to set the adjustment to manual, then you must slide the switch again to cycle through different shutter speed options (clear scan, slow shutter speeds, regular shutter speeds). You can then use the rear-mounted dial or joystick (located on the handlebar) to set the shutter speed (you can also set one of the lens rings to control shutter speed as well).

In 1080/60i record mode the following shutter speeds are available: 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/75, 1/90, 1/100, 1/120, 1/150, 1/180, 1/210, 1/250, 1/300, 1/360, 1/420, 1/500, 1/600, 1/720, 1/840,  1/1000, 1/1200, 1/1400, 1/1700, and 1/2000.

White Balance

The camcorder has two white balance presets (Daylight and Tungsten), a Kelvin Control mode, a manual white balance setting, and a WB shift option. A convenient switch is located on the side of the camcorder that allows you to go between various white balance presets with ease.

Gain

Like white balance, the XF300 has a gain switch on the side of the camcorder. This lets you quickly switch between three preset gain settings (low, medium, and high). In the camcorder's menu you can set the gain levels for each switch from the following decibel values:  -6dB, -3dB, 0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 12dB, 18dB, 21dB, 33dB.

Color & Image Controls

The XF300 has a similar custom preset setup as Canon's previous pro models. The design of the custom preset page is different, but the camcorder has most (if not more) of the same features.

Handling & Use

Ease of Use

Our first impression of the XF300 is that it is easier to use than Canon's previous pro models. Its design is more streamlined and the buttons are simpler and easier to access. Canon did away with the large mode dial that you'll find on models like the XH A1S, and this gives the camcorder a simpler appearance. The dedicated auto mode is also a splendid sight to see (although the switch is a bit small, so it may be difficult to find at first). We applaud Canon for including simple things like easy-access switches, and features like the LCD panel that can be positioned on either side of the camcorder.

Of course, some users may be wary of switching from tape over to flash memory recording. This is probably the biggest concern about the XF300 as far as 'ease of use' goes. This is a concern with all new camcorder equipment, however, and since flash memory is clearly the direction the industry is heading, this will have to be something most professional videographers get used to at some point in their career.

Handling

The XF300 felt very similar in our hand to Canon's previous hand-held pro models like the XH A1S. The hand strap was padded and comfortable and the rings and dials were all very easy to access on the fly. The intriguing updates like the larger LCD, the fact that the LCD can be positioned on either side of the camcorder, and the addition of more assignable buttons definitely makes the XF300 a more versatile device. Yes, the camcorder is a bit heavy, but its weight feels balanced and it isn't much different in weight than other hand-held professional models.

The XF300 being held by its handlebar

The handlebar on the XF300 felt strong and durable, as did most of the camcorder's construction. Perhaps our biggest objection—though a small one—was the flimsy port covers. Once you figure you way around the XF300, the camcorder should be very simple to control. The abundance of dials and switches on the left side make most controls available on the fly. We also like that Canon added a joystick on the handlebar and redesigned its rear-mounted dial to make scrolling through menus (and selecting menu options) a better experience.

The camcorder is fairly large, but it still works well as a hand-held model

Stabilization

The XF300 has three optical image stabilization settings: standard, dynamic, and powered. These are the same options available on Canon's consumer models, but they function a bit differently on the XF300. We can't really judge how well the stabilization system works on the XF300 until we get the camcorder into our lab, but we're happy to see Canon offer three different IS modes.

Portability

The XF300 feels a bit heavy, but it is no worse than Canon's tape-based pro models. The camcorder weighs roughly six and a half pounds fully loaded, which can put a burden on your arm during a long day of hand-held shooting. The camcorder does not have a shoulder mount design, but there are definitely plenty of shoulder-braces or various mounts that are available (or will be available) for the camcorder.

Battery

The XF300 uses a 7.4V DC battery pack that loads into the back of the camcorder. The camcorder can accommodate larger battery packs if you need to get more record time out of the camcorder. One pleasant change to the XF300 is the fact that there is a dedicated DC-input on the camcorder itself. This means you don't have to load a wired battery pack into the camcorder to run it off of wall power. You can simply plug in the power cable to the DC-input and to run off of an electrical outlet (this way you can also insert or remove the battery without having to turn off the camcorder).

LCD & Viewfinder

The LCD on the XF300 is a whopping 4-inches in size. The screen also has an impressive 1.23 megapixel resolution. Interestingly, the LCD can be positioned on either the left or right side of the camcorder—a feature that is unique to these new Canon models. We found the screen stuck a little bit when we tucked it under the handlebar (its resting position), but we like the idea of being able to position the LCD on either side of the camcorder.

The viewfinder on the XF300 is equally impressive with its 1.555 megapixel resolution. The EVF is 0.52-inches in size and it can be used independently from or simultaneously with the LCD. We like the provided eyepiece that comes with the XF300—it was comfortable and blocked light from interfering with the use of the EVF. There's also a large diopter adjustment slider located beneath the angled EVF arm. Unfortunately, the viewfinder cannot extend out from the camcorder, but it does have a very good pivot range.

The LCD can be positioned on the left...

... or on the right side of the camcorder.

The viewfinder on the XF300 is equally impressive with its 1.555 megapixel resolution. The EVF is 0.52-inches in size and it can be used independently from or simultaneously with the LCD. We like the provided eyepiece that comes with the XF300—it was comfortable and blocked light from interfering with the use of the EVF. There's also a large diopter adjustment slider located beneath the angled EVF arm. Unfortunately, the viewfinder cannot extend out from the camcorder, but it does have a very good pivot range.

The EVF eye-piece is quite comfortable.

Menus

The menus have been spruced up on the XF300 and they look a lot fancier than on Canon's previous pro camcorders. The text is much easier to read and the menus are simpler to navigate thanks to the joystick on the handlebar. You can also scroll through the menus using the dial on the back of the camcorder.

The new menu design is much sleeker than on Canon's previous pro models.

In addition to the main menu, the XF300 has 13 customizable buttons that populate the surface of the camcorder. Many of these buttons have default settings, but any button that has a number printed on it can be assigned to control a different feature. The most obvious programmable buttons are the VCR controls, which have no use in shooting mode anyway (thus, they are perfect for customizing).

The only confusing aspect about this new menu design is the fact that custom preset data cannot be viewed on one single page like it could on the XH A1S. This makes the custom preset menu more difficult to set, as you must scroll through each setting to see how each function has been altered.

Playback & Connectivity

Playback

Since the XF300 is a tapeless camcorder, the playback system is file-based (just like you'd see on Canon's consumer camcorders). Video clips are arranged as thumbnails and you can use the joystick to cycle through and select a specific clip for playback. The dedicated VCR controls on the handlebar are excellent for controlling your clips during playback.

The dedicated VCR controls are used in playback mode.

Connectivity

The connectivity options on the XF300 are fairly basic for a pro camcorder. Near the back is a large collection of ports including: AV-out, USB, Headphone, LANC (wired remote), HDMI, and Component-out. Moving around to the side from these ports you'll find the video-out BNC connector and a DC-input.

AV, USB, headphone, and wired remote ports.

USB, HDMI, and Component-output

Two XLR ports are located on the front-right of the camcorder, but the XF300 has no 3.5mm external mic jack. If you want more professional connectivity options you can go with the Canon XF300, which offers a TC connector, GENLOCK, and HD-SDI terminal. This jack pack is the only difference between the XF300 and XF350 (besides price).

BNC connector

XLR ports

Other Features

PAL Upgrade

Canon offers an upgrade option for the XF300 to make it PAL compatible. With the upgrade you get the additional option of 50i and 25p frame rates (in addition to the 60i, 24p, and 30p settings that come with the camcorder). This is a wonderful feature if you spend part of your time shooting overseas.

Still Features

The XF300 has basic still feature capability, but photos top out at 2 megapixels. Photos can be saved to SD memory cards via the card slot on the right side of the camcorder. You can also save meta data and custom preset data to an inserted SD card.

Variable Frame Rate

Variable frame rates can be set for slow or fast motion recording on the XF300. In 1080/60i mode, S&F frame rates can be set to 12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 30 frames per second. In 720p modes, the variable frame rate settings are available up to 60fps.

Interval Record and Frame Record

You can set the camcorder to record at specific lengths for specific intervals. Good for shooting things like flowers blooming or sunrise/sunsets. With Frame Record you can capture single frames of video with the camcorder—an ideal shooting method for stop-motion videography.

Waveform Monitor/Vectorscope

A professional waveform monitor or vectorscope can be displayed on the LCD.

Conclusion

The XF300 has been a long time coming for Canon, as all of the other major professional camcorder manufacturers have had tapeless models out for quite some time now. Still, we are very impressed with what Canon has done with the XF300 from a design perspective. The camcorder has a wonderful LCD and viewfinder setup, excellent manual control features, and many quick-access dials and switches to make settings as easy to adjust as possible.

Whether or not the XF300 succeeds as far as image quality is concerned is another matter entirely. The camcorder's MPEG-2 compression system has some users worried, but that concern may be entirely baseless. Many aspects go into determining video quality, and compression systems and codecs are just a small part of the formula. The quality of the camcorder's lens, the type of processing, and the design of the image sensor are all just as integral as bitrates and recording codecs. We'll have to wait and see how the XF300 performs when we get it into our testing labs before we can make a decision about its overall performance and quality.

So, for now, we are excited about the XF300 and the camcorder appears to be a strong addition to Canon's professional lineup. The 4-inch LCD, comfortable handling, and the fact that the camcorder records to easy-to-find Compact Flash memory cards can all be considered strong points. Canon's dedication to manual controls also remains very impressive, as the XF300 has an endless amount of customizable settings and features.

The XF300 will be available in late June of this year with an MSRP of $6799.