Highlights of the XF200 / XF205

The Canon HD Camcorder XF200 / XF205 is a compact-sized and highly portable camcorder that offers superior video quality. The camcorder features a 1/2.84-in. CMOS sensor and allows you to record in two formats (MXF on CF cards or MP4 on SD cards). The following are some of the many features that will help you turn your creative vision into reality.

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HD Recording

1/2.84-in. CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor

The HD CMOS PRO sensor can capture video at an effective pixel count of 2,910,000 pixels. Combined with the advanced DIGIC DV 4 image processor and the 20x wide-angle lens, it can deliver a center resolution of 900 TV lines. Furthermore, thanks to Canon’s high-sensitivity and noise reduction technologies, you can get excellent video quality with minimal noise even when recording in low-light situations.

MXF and MP4 formats

You can choose the movie format according to your workflow needs. You can record in MXF format using the MPEG-2 Long GOP codec, in MP4 format using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec, or in both formats simultaneously. MXF clips are recorded as Material eXchange Format (MXF files), compatible with all major non-linear (NLE) editing software.

Flexible video and audio configuration

For MXF clips, the camcorder offers 3 resolution sizes (1920x1080, 1440x1080 or 1280x720), 4 frame rate options and 3 bit rate options for a total of 16 video configurations (A55). Audio is recorded as linear PCM audio using 2 or 4 channels (A98).

For MP4 clips, the camcorder offers 3 resolution sizes (1920x1080, 1280x720 or 640x360), 3 frame rate options and 5 bit rate options for a total of 8 possible video configurations (A55).

Improved displays

The camcorder features a 3.5-in. OLED display (equivalent to 1,230,000 dots) that excels in color reproduction, contrast and responsiveness and is easy to use even in bright outdoors. The viewfinder, on the other hand, offers a high-resolution LCD screen (also equivalent to 1,230,000 dots) with a wide angle of view of approx. 28.2°. The viewfinder can be tilted 68° vertically to ensure a comfortable fit in various shooting conditions.

Recording media

The camcorder records MXF clips to CF cards and MP4 clips to SD cards. It features two CF card slots that you can use to record continuously, one after the other, using relay recording (A42), or simultaneously using double slot recording (A42). You can even record MP4 clips to the SD card while recording an MXF clip on one or both CF cards (A123).

Work with major NLE software

The Canon XF Utility software and various XF plugins are available as free downloads from your local Canon Web site. Canon XF Utility allows you to easily save, manage and play back your MXF clips, while the XF plugins let you smoothly link them to major NLE software* to continue your editing workflow. For details, refer to Saving MXF Clips (A168).

The supplied software Data Import Utility allows you to save MP4 clips to a computer and even join split MP4 files into a single file for editing. For details, refer to Saving MP4 Clips (A170).

*Refer to Saving Clips to a Computer (A168) for details on compatible software.

Operability and Adaptability

Freely customizable compact design

The camcorder offers maximum operability for a single camera operator. It features 3 separate rings for independent focus, zoom and iris operation. The camcorder’s side grip can be easily adjusted up to 120 degrees to let you use whatever camera angle you need (A35). Additionally, gain, shutter and iris controls can be adjusted manually or automatically giving you the freedom to decide to what extent you want to control every aspect of the image.

Pro-level remote operation

The camcorder can be used with the optional RC-V100 Remote Controller for remote operation of many advanced functions, including iris, gain and even custom picture settings.