Canon XF300
Adjusting the Focus
You can use four methods to adjust the focus:
- Full Manual Focus (FULL MF) - this is the focus ring on the lens
- Manual Focus (M) - you also use the focus ring to adjust the focus
- Peaking - this is a focus assist that allows you to focus more accurately by emphasising outlines of the subject
- Magnification - this is also a focus assist that enlarges the image on the screen to help you focus more clearly
The focus ring is the first ring just behind the front of the lens. Behind that is the focus mode ring, which also comes with a distance display panel. Behind that ring is the zoom ring and the last one is the iris ring used to adjust the iris.
Full Manual Focus (FULL MF)
You adjust the focus using only the focus ring on the lens. It makes no difference whether the FOCUS switch is set to M or A. FULL MF will override the FOCUS switch.
- Press the PUSH button located on the focus mode ring and turn the ring towards FULL MF
- The subject-distance display switches out of autofocus mode. The distance display is not considered precise for a particular zoom.

Manual Focus (M)
You adjust the focus using only the focus ring on the lens. Make sure the PUSH button to unlock the focus mode is moved toward AF/MF
- Slide the FOCUS switch to M
- MF will appear in the bottom left of the viewfinder screen.
Peaking
During manual focus mode you can use Peaking to assist you in achieving more accurate focus. Peaking emphasises the outlines of the subject. The camera offers two peaking levels (PEAK 1 and PEAK 2) that need to be set before using. You can find the Peaking settings in the LCD/VF Setup menu.
- On the camera, press the PEAKING button (you will see PEAK 1 displayed in the viewfinder, or PEAK 2 depending on what was set in the menu)
- Adjust the focus to emphasise outlines in the image. The sharper the outlines, the more accurate the focus (the outlines will be displayed as red)

Magnification
Use Magnification when the camera focus is set to M. The MAGN button is located behind the zoom rocker on the side grip. There is another MAGN button located the top handle of the camera, but that button has been assigned for another use.
- Point the camera towards an object and press the MAGN button (MAGN appears at the bottom of the viewfinder screen)
- The image is magnified approximately 2 times
- Turn the focus ring to adjust the focus.
- Press MAGN again to exit the function

Push AF
Make sure the camera FOCUS is set to M. The PUSH AF allows automatic focus only as long as you hold the button down. Release the button to return to manual focus mode. This function may be used when the scene is changing rapidly enough that you can't adjust focus manually fast enough.
- Press the PUSH AF button and hold it down until the image is in focus.
- Release the button to return to manual focus mode.