Modern Alternatives to Canon xf300

S

Sheldon Charron

Well-known member
I'm looking for a modern alternative to the Canon xf300 for shooting live action outdoor and wildlife shows. I need something reasonably compact as we hike in to a lot of remote locations, so the very large ENG cameras will be too cumbersome. I understand that many people are using the XF300. Is there anything new that's comparable that has 50 Mbps internal codec, ambidextrous LCD screen, a long image stabilized AF zoom lens and XLR inputs? I'd also like 1080 60p or better if possible.
 
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I do not think so. I am awaiting an XF350 and XF150 when/if they are ever released. The XF300, HPX series, HM-600 and PMW-200 are the competitors. Pick your poison. I like the XF300 features a lot. None of these cameras are small but they are smaller than a true ENG camera.
 
The new compcat Canon XA20 would be the most obvious choice to consider.

Its shortcoming, though, is that it only records at 35 Mbps.

Another option would be the XA25, which has all of the features of the XA20, but also has HD-SDI output. You could then easily output higher bit rates with it to an external recorder like an Atomos Samurai or Samurai Blade.

Even with the extra cost of an Atomos recorder, one would still be looking at much less money than a XF300.

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I thought of those but I don't want an external recorder. I thought maybe I could live without AF and just fashion some camo to hide while focusing when shooting wildlife up close, and considered the FS700 but it's not broadcast standard either. I really don't want to have to run an external recorder in the field. And I need slow motion.
 
I don't think the FS700 is smaller than an xf300? Not sure there's a broadcast version with a long lens and slo-mo.xf100 has the qulity but not the lens or slo-mo. Maybe sav up for the C300?
 
Sheldon Charron said:
I thought of those but I don't want an external recorder. I thought maybe I could live without AF and just fashion some camo to hide while focusing when shooting wildlife up close, and considered the FS700 but it's not broadcast standard either. I really don't want to have to run an external recorder in the field. And I need slow motion.
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I don't believe that the camera that you want spec-wise exists yet.


The Panasonic AG-HPX250PJ is popular with wildlife videographers. It offers most of what you want. But it is only very slightly smaller and lighter than the Canon XF300.


http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/AG-HPX250PJ.asp


I just don't think that it is currently possible to have everything that you want.

Now the Panasonic GH3 produces absolutely gorgeous 50 Mbps footage, can record 1080/60p, and is very compact and lightweight. So it would be very easy to hike with. But it is not a camcorder.

You are going to have to either compromise on one or more of your requirements, or wait for a future camcorder to come on the market.

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I would think that the 20X optical zoom of the XA25 might make that external recorder worth the hassle for your nature/wild life purposes. That's over 500mm equivalent on a 35mm camera.
 
Hpx250. About the same size, with a longer lens and a better codec, and less expensive. the Canon lens might be better, though shorter.

Grant
 
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