Professional Digital Video Cameras for 3D HD video capture

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 8th June 2011

Canon enables XF305/XF300 Professional Digital Video Cameras for 3D HD video capture

Innovative New Firmware enables 3D HD Video Capture Assist and a host of new features

Canon has today announced significant enhancements to the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Digital Video Cameras, including the ability to configure two units for 3D HD video capture. In addition to Canon's 3D Assist Function, Canon's new firmware upgrades include an updated Scan Reverse function, Double Slot Recording for instantaneous backup, and the option to disable Relay Recording. The firmware upgrades are available immediately from the Canon New Zealand website.

"Canon is continually evolving its professional imaging products to make sure that we deliver the features and capabilities that professionals need in the field,” said Rochelle Mora, Brand Manager – Imaging, Canon New Zealand. “In addition to the new functional enhancements, we recognise the real opportunities for 3D to expand the creative potential of users of these popular cameras, particularly the documentary and independent film makers.”

3D Shooting Capability

Canon's 3D Assist Function facilitates the setup of two XF305 or XF300 Professional Digital Video Cameras when used together to capture 3D HD video. The new firmware includes the ability to perform OIS Lens Shift to aid in optically aligning two XF305 or XF300 cameras and a Focal Length Guide to display the zoom position of each camera in relation to each other and help calibrate zoom settings. This adjustment can be done through the menu system while the cameras are 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.

Scan Reverse

The new firmware updates the Scan Reverse functionality of XF300-series cameras to allow for recorded images to be flipped on the horizontal axis, vertical axis, or both simultaneously to facilitate recording with 3D mirror rigs.

Double-Slot Recording

This new function allows the cameras to record footage simultaneously to both card slots for instant backup of important footage and files. This is ideal for use in production environments to ensure multiple copies are secured for each take.

Relay Recording On/Off

Relay Recording, an innovative feature where footage is seamlessly recorded to the second CF card as the first fills up, can now be turned off to prevent capture data from automatically being recorded to the second card. This allows the second card to be protected from recording and used only when designated or to allow the user to only copy or back up select takes to the card.

Professional Feature Set

The XF300-series Professional Digital Video Cameras employ Canon's XF Codec, an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec for native 1920 x 1080 HD video recording onto affordable, universally available Compact Flash (CF) cards. Uniting video, audio and metadata into a single file, the Canon XF305 and XF300 use an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format, to maximize compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems.

The Canon XF305 and XF300 include a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens, three Canon developed and designed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, and the Canon XF Codec, which combine to deliver the extreme colour detail required for accurate chroma-keying, colour-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. In addition, Canon's XF305 model features industry-standard HD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals for multi-camera, broadcasting or 3D production.

Related links:

• Download the new firmware
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• Learn more about Canon Professional Digital Video Products
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