Along with the XF300, the XF305 Professional PAL Camcorder represents Canon's entry into professional, three-chip solid-state video acquisition. Following on the heels of its widely respected XH line of tape-based camcorders, the XF305 takes advantage of the latest HD technology along with Canon's MPEG-2 4:2:2 codec to record Full HD video to affordable Compact Flash cards. Everything you could want in a handheld, professional camcorder is here in one sleek, affordable package: three 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensors, multiple bit rates (up to 50Mbps), variable resolution and frame rates, industry-standard MXF file wrappers, a newly developed L-Series 18x zoom lens, and full image customization.

In addition to the HDMI/component/composite outputs found on the XF300, the XF305 includes HD/SD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code terminals widening its range of applications to live and multi-camera shooting. With such exceptional levels of image quality, ergonomics, and control, the XF305 is also the perfect camera for ENG, documentaries, independent features, and event videographers.

MPEG-2 50 Mb/s Codec

Canon's adaptation of MPEG-2 for the XF305 Professional Camcorder, named the Canon XF Codec, ensures the widest compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. And by using an MXF file wrapper, video and audio can be wrapped in a single file along with important metadata. The codec's 50Mbps constant bit rate provides the bandwidth needed to capture the XF305's superior resolution and color in spectacular detail.

4:2:2 Color Sampling

The XF305 supports the highest HD quality, with Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, up to 50 Mb/s bit rate and 4:2:2 color sampling. 4:2:2 color sampling provides twice the color resolution of HDV and other codecs that use 4:2:0 color sampling. 4:2:2 provides ultra-fine transitions in tone and color and maintains the highest quality image for use in post-production processes such as chroma keying, color grading, advanced compositing, and effects.

Record to Compact Flash Cards

Unlike other camcorders using proprietary memory systems, the XF305 records to cost-effective and readily available Compact Flash (CF) cards. The camcorder features two CF card slots and offers versatile recording functions including relay recording, hot swapping, file copy