The XF300 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 XF300 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.

Nearly everything you'd want in a handheld, pro-level camcorder is here in one sleek package: three 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensors, multiple bit rates (up to 50 Mb/s), variable resolution and frame rates, industry-standard MXF file wrappers, a newly developed L-Series 18x zoom lens, HDMI/component/composite outputs, and full image customization. With its exceptional levels of image quality, ergonomics, and control, the XF300 is the perfect tool for applications such as ENG, documentaries, independent features, and event videography.

MPEG-2 50 Mb/s Codec
    Canon's adaptation of MPEG-2 for the XF300 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 XF300's superior resolution and color in spectacular detail.

4:2:2 Color Sampling
    The XF300 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 XF300 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 & backup, and pre-record cache (3 seconds).