A pair of Canon pro-grade camcorders due for release in Canada during Q1 2011, the models XF105 and XF100, can "cost effectively" capture HD 3D video when used in pairs.

While no pricing has been established at this point, one can assume Canon Canada means cost effective within the context of high-performance HD professional camcorders, a class into which the new duo certainly qualifies.

The only things differentiating the two models are industry-standard HD-SDI output and genlock in/SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals available on the Canon XF105. Canon refers to the otherwise identical new pair as its smallest professional camcorders, but the XF105 and XF100 use the same Canon XF Codec featured in the Canon XF305 and XF300, introduced earlier this year.

This MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec provides the extreme colour detail required for accurate chroma-keying, colour-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. The 4:2:2 colour sampling process offers twice the colour resolution of HDV and other 4:2:0 formats.

Another plus is its compatibility with the existing professional infrastructure: video, audio and metadata are combined in an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format. Canon adds that its XF Codec is currently compatible with software programs widely used within the video production and broadcast industries, including those from Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Grass Valley.

These camcorders include in-camera features enabling the easy set-up and capture of high-definition 3-D video when two XF105 or XF100 camcorders are paired, as well as Canon's built-in infrared low-light feature enabling the capture of HD video in complete darkness.

Both record to Compact Flash (CF) cards and feature hot-swappable card slots.

Each uses a "Genuine Canon" 10:1 HD Zoom lens (30.4mm - 304mm, 35mm equivalent) equipped with a SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) system featuring Dynamic and Powered IS modes, a Canon developed and designed native Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 CMOS image sensor, and Canon's DIGIC DV III Image Processor that offers Face Detection Technology and an autofocus option (not a given in this class of camcorder).

They can record at multiple bit rates, resolutions and variable frame rates for slow and fast motion; and also offer variable-interval (for time-lapse) and frame-record for stop-motion animation, and a photo feature for frame-grabs.

Each weighs less than 3 lb., and comes with both a top and side grip option. There's a freely rotating 3.5" 920,000-dot LCD and a 0.24" 260k-dot electronic viewfinder with approximately 100 per cent field of coverage.

The LCD provides a display of the camcorder's built-in waveform monitor to aid in achieving accurate exposure while shooting; and can show peaking, edge-monitor-focus, and magnify the image.

To aid in 3-D shooting, OIS Lens Shift optically aligns two XF105 or XF100 camcorders, while Focal length Guide displays the zoom position of each camera in relative to each other and calibrates the zoom distance. This adjustment can be done through the menu system while the camcorder is 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.

The XF105 and XF100 include an infrared feature to capture of HD video shooting in little-to-zero ambient light, which Canon says is especially suited to the military and law enforcement markets, as well as nature and wildlife videographers. The XF105 and XF100 also feature an infrared emitter with a diffuser as well as a Green or White colour option to shoot infrared imagery even in complete darkness.

Both feature dual XLR inputs for external audio sources as well as a built-in stereo microphone, and support 16-bit PCM audio at 48 kHz sampling with automatic and manual audio level adjustment.

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