XFAVC

XFAVC, also known as Canon XF-AVC, is Canon’s professional video recording format introduced to replace the older XF-MPEG-2 on newer cameras. It records video in an MXF wrapper (with some models supporting MP4) using the H.264/AVC codec and 4:2:2 color sampling at 10-bit depth. The format uses Long-GOP compression to balance image quality and file size and supports 4K, 2K, and HD resolutions.

Designed for broadcast and cinema workflows, XF-AVC is used in Canon’s XF-series and Cinema EOS cameras such as the C300 Mark II, C500 Mark II, C700, and newer XF bodies. It offers Canon Log gamma options and metadata support to facilitate color grading and downstream workflows, enabling greater dynamic range in post-production.

In post-production, XF-AVC footage is typically ingested with Canon’s XF Utility or opened in many major NLEs with native MXF support or appropriate plugins. It is commonly contrasted with the older XF-MPEG-2 format, providing higher color fidelity and more flexible post workflows while maintaining professional broadcast compatibility.

The XF-AVC format represents Canon’s approach to file-based cinema and broadcast recording, with ongoing updates in new camera models that expand supported frame rates, resolutions, and workflow integrations.