Canon XF300
Recording Audio
The Canon XF300 uses two-channel linear audio recording and playback at a sampling frequency of 48 kHz. Audio can be recorded using either the built-in microphone or an optional external microphone using the XLR terminal.
Use the AUDIO IN switch located just in front of the side grip. Set to INT for internal microphone or EXT when using external microphones.
Always monitor the audio using headphones, whether for recording interviews or b-roll.
The Built-In Microphone
- The AUDIO IN switch needs to be set to INT
Using an External Microphone
You need to attach the microphone using one of the XLR terminals located just in front of the side grip. You then need to switch between the internal mic and the external.
- Select a recording channel (CH1 or CH2) and plug in the mic
- Set the AUDIO IN switch to EXT using the desired channel
- Set the XLR terminal switch (located on the front of the terminal) to the following options

Adjusting the Audio Level
The camera can set the audio levels automatically or they can be set up manually. The CH1 and CH2 thumb wheels, located on the side of the camera near the back, are used to adjust levels in either the built-in mic or external depending on where the AUDIO IN switch is set.
When both CH1 and CH2 are set to the built-in microphone, changing the level of one will automatically be applied to the other.
To set the audio levels to automatic
- Switch both the AUDIO LEVEL switches to A
- Switch the desired channel under AUDIO LEVEL to M
- Turn the thumbwheel to the desired level