XF300 Resolution Sensitivity Test

cowpunk52

cowpunk52

Veteran

While the full 1080 HD quality of the XF camcorders is absolutely astounding, I also find myself to be continually amazed at it's 720 resolution setting. One thing I've noticed is that at the same Gain/Iris/Shutter, the Canon XF300 is 5/6 stop more sensitive in 720 resolution mode than it is in 1080.

All of these clips have been recorded at 0db, 24p, 180 degrees with 50Mbps CBR using my XF Mojo CP (downloadable in the Canon XF Vimeo Group forum). The only thing changed between the shots is resolution. If you need an extra 5/6 stop of light and you don't mind 720, this is a great thing to know. I'm very interested to see if this happens on the XF100/105 series as well.

One thing to note - even though the 720 footage has been uprezzed to 1080, it holds up remarkably well. It actually looks to resolve better than a lot of 1080 camcorders I've used.
 
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Just did some more testing - it is right around 2/3 stop. Not quite a full stop. May be 3/4 stop. Either way, that's a lot of extra sensitivity!

Edit: further fine-tune testing reveals that it's equivalent to adding 5db of gain. So it's over 3/4 stop more sensitive. 5/6 stop, to be exact.
 
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Everts said:
Looks more like a full stop to me . Nice !
Click to expand...

1. Where are clip links?

2. The reason there is more sensitivity is that on the XF300, but not the XF100, 720p is downsized from 1080i. On the XF100 720p is derived from changing sensor area, not downsizing from interlaced. some people prefer the XF100 for 720p. of course, you need downsizing to get added sensitivity.
 
I'm really impressed with the shadow detail here. I don't think I could ever pull that out of my HMC150, even though they both have 1/3rd sensors. I've been seriously debating the EX-3 vs. the XF30x. I spend an hour today shooting on one with my own CF cards. Since I already have a 7D and lots of glass, I'm not looking for astounding DOF, but I have to tell you, shooting zoomed in with ND filters on I got great DOF.

I just want a better broadcast capable replacement for my 150. I like what I see here, but I understand how ubiqutous the EX-3 is. Rental pools and freelance shooters are more likely to be familiar with Sony. Decisions decisions! Thanks for posting this.
 
This camera was recently approved by the BBC, So im guessing were going to see a lot more from it as time goes on. It's still very new to the market.

Im blown away by this cam too. It's really cool because it has that Canon look, The color palette is Very similar to the look of the dslr's. But with a longer dof. If I had the dough, I would grab one for event stuff. But I dont ,so I will continue to use my old school xha1's, I do still love to shoot those cams even know their hdv.
 
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