Dean Cleary explains the reasons why the Canon XA10 works for him. Primarily as a second camera, but also as a camera to be used and relied on, particularly for multicamera shoots and for the production of web video.
Canon XA10: key features
- Professional HD video in the palm of your hand
- The innovative XA10 AVCHD camcorder packs Canon professional technology into an ultra-compact body.
- Exceptional functionality and versatility ensures outstanding video and audio performance.
- Canon HD Video Lens (10x zoom, 30.4mm, F1.8)
- Canon HD CMOS Pro sensor
- Professional audio
- AVCHD video to 64GB memory or 2x SDXC slots
- IR shooting mode
- Full manual control
- 8.8cm LCD; 0.6cm EVF
- Dynamic OIS, Powered IS, Instant AF
- Versatile and expandable
Professional audio options include 2x XLR inputs, a 3.5mm microphone input jack and a built-in, low-noise microphone. Audio is recorded in 2ch Dolby Digital format using any combination of inputs.
64GB memory plus 2x SDXC slots
The XA10 records Full HD AVCHD video at up to 24Mbps to 64GB of built-in flash memory. Relay Recording across 2x SDXC memory card slots allows for continuous filming. Double slot recording allows the same footage to be stored simultaneously on two cards.
Infrared shooting mode
The XA10 offers infrared (IR) recording in Full HD resolution, for night or low light shooting. Green and white colour options are available to suit the style of your project. Unique Canon lens coatings and a built-in diffuser ensure clear, sharp pictures throughout the frame. An IR lamp is built into the camcorder handle.
A manual lens ring allows intuitive control of focus. Full manual control of exposure, aperture, shutter speed and gain is possible via the Touch-screen LCD. A custom key and control dial put you in complete control of your creativity.
A large side-mounted 8.8cm (3.5”) Touch-screen LCD with a sharp, 920K dot resolution provides excellent monitoring capability. A waveform monitor and Focus Assist functions make it easy to frame your shot. A 0.61cm (0.24”) 260K dot EVF is also included.
Dynamic OIS, Powered IS, Instant AF
Canon’s advanced Dynamic Optical Image Stabilisation system with Powered IS mode ensures shake-free video. Instant AF means pin-sharp focus for every shot.