Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder with 64GB Internal Flash Memory and Full Manual Control

by Canon

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004HW7DY8
• Item model number: XA10
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #90 in Camera & Photo > Camcorders
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The XA10 Professional Camcorder allows users to record up to 24 hours of clear high definition video to a 64GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the SD memory cards when the memory becomes full. Video can be copied from the XA10’s internal drive to removable SD memory cards. That makes it easy to insert the card into your computer or HDTV’s card reader and view your recorded footage immediately. Memory capacity MXP (app. 24Mbps) FXP (app. 17Mbps) XP+ (app. 12Mbps) SP (app. 7Mbps) LP (app. 5Mbps) 2GB 10 min. 15 min. 20 min. 35 min. 45 min. 4GB 20 min. 30 min. 40 min. 1 hour 10 min. 1 hour 30 min. 8GB 40 min. 1 hour 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 20 min. 3 hours 16GB 1 hour 25 min. 2 hours 5 min. 2 hours 50 min. 4 hours 45 min. 6 hours 5 min. 32GB 2 hours 55 min. 4 hours 10 min. 5 hours 45 min. 9 hours 35 min. 12 hours 15 min. 64GB* 5 hours 55 min. 8 hours 20 min. 11 hours 30 min. 19 hours 10 min. 24 hours 30 min. (*) Size of built-in memory in XA10. When recording has continued for 12 hours, it will stop and then restart, automatically. The maximum memory capacity and recording time can be substantially increased by the combination of the internal memory and the size of the SD memory card chosen. For example, the XA10’s 64GB of internal memory, combined with two removable 64GB memory cards, would give 192GB in total memory capacity, and 73 hours 30 minutes of recording time at LP setting. MXP and FXP modes record in 1920 x 1080 and require a Class 4 or higher SDHC or SDXC Card. Double Slot Recording allows recording to two SD cards simultaneously, providing an automatic backup while shooting.

The XA10 features the AVCHD codec. AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) was announced in 2006 and is quickly becoming the standard for professional camcorders. AVCHD utilizes MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression technology similar to the technology used in Canon’s HD DSLRs. In addition to professional grade camcorders, AVCHD is very popular in the consumer market and as a result most non-linear editing software, both professional and consumer, have full support for the codec; this makes for easy compatibility with the XA10 no matter what system the user chooses. AVCHD is used for encoding Blu-ray discs, meaning the XA10 is ideal for capturing content for delivery in this format, as well as making conversion to web-based content in H.264 format easy. Additionally, the XA10 records up to 24Mbps, the maximum bit rate of AVCHD, at 1920 x 1080 and 4:2:0 color space for sharp, vivid, and fully professional quality image capture.

The XA10 features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom Lens which offers a 35mm equivalent of 30.4mm - 304mm. It delivers unsurpassed image quality, the versatility of a wide angle of view and smooth and professional looking background images thanks to a sophisticated 8-blade iris. A dedicated manual focus ring allows accurate and precise control. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer The XA10 also incorporates a SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization system (lens shift) with four modes: Standard, Powered, Dynamic and Off. Standard: Lens shift is controlled so that the maximum compensation angle is constant from wide angle through telephoto. Powered: Vibration is suppressed at the telephoto end of the range, where shake is most apparent due to high magnification. Dynamic: Stabilization changes throughout the zoom range to minimize more pronounced shaking. This is especially useful at wide-angle focal lengths when walking. Enhanced Auto Focus When shooting high definition video, sharp focus becomes more critical than ever. Canon's proprietary Instant AF system combines an external AF sensor with Canon's legendary auto focus system for fast and accurate focus. Together, the two sensors reduce focusing time - even in low-light, low contrast, or high brightness situations - and improve focusing performance on difficult subjects. The XA10 gives you a choice of five AF modes for different shooting applications: Instant AF changes focus as rapidly as possible, for those applications in which quick focus is more important than other considerations - for example, in news gathering or documentary work. Medium AF changes focus at a speed which is softer and smoother than Instant AF, but faster than would likely be possible manually. Normal AF changes focus at a speed that appears natural and doesn't distract the viewer. Face AF tracks focus on faces when present. The user selects the face to be tracked. Face AF has the ability to track even if the subject‘s face is in profile. If the chosen tracked face is not present in a shot, the subject in the center of the screen will automatically be brought into focus. Face Only AF automatically tracks the chosen tracked face in focus but, should that face leave the scene, will reset focus to manual mode. Minimum Object Distance When shooting with the XA10, the minimum focus distance is 20mm (0.78 incles) at the wide macro end and maintains 60cm (1.97 feet) throughout the entire zoom range. This allows excellent versatility in a wide range of shooting situations. 8-Blade Iris In contrast to a typical 6-blade iris, the XA10’s 8-blade iris captures extraordinarily smooth out-of-focus ‘bokeh' for a more attractive image effect. The additional blades also reduce diffraction of light passing through the iris, allowing for the use of smaller apertures while maintaining image quality.

Designed and manufactured exclusively by Canon, the XA10 Professional Camcorder incorporates a native 1/3-inch, 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor, delivering superb Full HD video recording with minimal noise. The high sensitivity and wide dynamic range of this sensor are what demanding users expect from Canon.

The XA10 Professional Camcorder features Canon's powerful DIGIC DV III Image Processor, which provides enhanced shading, lifelike tonal gradations, and lower power consumption. DIGIC DV III is also the high-speed engine which powers a variety of Canon technologies; Genuine Canon Face Detection, Touch & Track, and Cinema-Look Filters. On-the-go videographers will appreciate the ability to track one subject in a crowd of people. Smart Auto Smart Auto uses the power of Canon’s DIGIC DV III Image Processor to intelligently detect and analyze faces, brightness, color, distance, and movement, and then automatically selects the best settings for the scene. Among the 38 scenes available in Smart Auto, a standout is Tele Macro. Tele Macro automatically zooms the lens of the camcorder to the telephoto end, setting the minimum object distance to approximately 1.3 feet (from 3.3 feet). This gives you the opportunity to shoot spectacular close-ups with the dramatic look of a shallow depth of field.

A 3.5-inch, 922,000 dot LCD monitor provides an ample, accurate area for critical focus confirmation and approximately 100% field of view. The display opens on the left side of the camera body. Touch & Track Touch and Track delivers precise tracking of the focus and exposure on any subject - people, animals, vehicles and more. Simply select the point of interest on the Touch Panel LCD and you will have the subject in sharp focus, regardless of where in the frame it moves during the shot. The exposure will be perfectly adjusted for subject and conditions. Touch & Track is the default setting. Focus or exposure may be adjusted independently by turning off Touch & Track, and turning on Touch Focus or Touch Exposure. Touch Focus Touch Focus allows the user to pinpoint a specific area to focus on. This function is similar to the Push AF feature found on other professional camcorders, but can target a subject anywhere in the frame. Touch Exposure Touch Exposure enables exposure to be locked or compensated for the area touched by the user. EVF The XA10 Professional Camcorder features a 0.24-inch, 260,000 Dot Color EVF and approximately 100% field of view coverage for comfortable viewing and accurate judgment of composition. Brightness, contrast, color and backlight are adjustable. Focus Assist Functions Edge Monitor Focus Assist System With Canon's Edge Monitor Focus Assist system, a green monitor is shown at the bottom of the LCD Display. The green waveform shows overall focus of the image, and the height raises to indicate the area in focus. Through this dynamic focus feedback, you can intuitively tune focus in a scene and quickly change the zone of focus. Peaking/Magnify Two peaking modes and a 2X magnify focus assist function are available in standby and record mode (LCD monitor and EVF), making it extremely easy for the XA10 operator to check and confirm critical focus.

A detachable handle provides the pro shooter with expanded audio performance and added flexibility. Removing the handle allows the camcorder to be made more compact for convenient storage when travelling. Included on the handle are the following terminals, controls and monitors: Two built-in XLR audio input terminals with phantom power Accessory shoe (cold) External microphone holder Manual audio level control Zoom control and record start/stop button Infrared light Rear tally lamp

The XA10 camcorder features an Infrared Mode allowing the capture of video in conditions with little to no ambient light, a situation which would make other camcorders useless. It does so by removing the infrared cutoff filter from the optical path. Its specially designed lens coating allows the infrared light to pass through to the image sensor. Additionally, the XA10's detachable handle features an infrared emitter with a diffuser to shoot pleasing infrared imagery even in complete darkness. For nature videographers or law enforcement users, the benefits of a compact, high performance camcorder for shooting in such conditions is obvious. Without the need to add lights, the shooter may remain hidden from their subjects. Also, the XA10 gives the option of recording in green or white light mode.

The XA10 Professional Camcorder offers a wide array of functions to provide the professional shooter with an exceptional level of control. Custom Key and Dial A Custom Key and Dial feature allows you to assign functions to an easily accessible key and adjust the settings with a control dial. They include: Tv/Av: Use the dial to adjust shutter speed (Tv mode) or aperture (Av mode), as needed. In this mode the key has no effect. Manual exposure: When manual control is selected, the dial can adjust aperture, shutter speed, or gain. Select items to adjust, such as aperture or other settings, with the key. Exposure Lock can be set on or off as can the AGC Limit. Focus and Exposure Aids To further enhance focusing capability, the XA10 also features Focus Assist. It includes enlargement, which helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording. Also included is color peaking, which shows the shooting object’s focused areas in actual colors. With Canon's Edge Monitor Focus Assist system, a green monitor is shown at the bottom of the LCD Display. The green waveform shows overall focus of the image, and the height raises to indicate the area in focus. Through this dynamic focus feedback, you can intuitively tune focus in a scene and quickly change the zone of focus. Typically only found on expensive external units, the XA10 has a waveform monitor built right into the camera. The waveform monitor shows a detailed view of overall image brightness. Enhanced zebra pattern (70% or 100%) indicates ‘blown out’ or high brightness areas to help you set the proper exposure. Composition Aids With the Level Marker feature, it's easy to keep the camcorder level for more accurate framing. The Grid Marker provides a reference grid in your viewfinder. Depending on the background color of your shot, you can choose between two different colors for better viewing contrast. Advanced Control The XA10 features full manual exposure, as well as aperture priority (Av), and shutter priority (Tv) modes. Either color bars or color bars and test tone can be selected and recorded using a menu. The color bars comply with the SMPTE standard. -12 dB, -18 dB or -20 dB can be selected as the test tone. The white balance control has 6 available presets settable through a variety of day and artificial light conditions (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent H, and Fluorescent), as well as two manual white balance settings. Color temperature may also be manually set from 2,000K to 15,000K in 100K increments for more precise adjustment. Gain may be manually set from 0 dB to 24 dB in 1 dB increments. Additionally, Auto Gain Control Limit allows you to set the maximum gain limit for the image sensor's sensitivity. With this function, brightness and noise can be balanced as required, and image quality can be maximized in low light situations. Power zoom is available in Constant and Variable settings in 3 modes: Fast (approx. 1.9 - 60 seconds), Normal (approx. 3.0 - 180 seconds) and Slow (approx. 4.0 - 285 seconds). To provide added control, there are 16 predefined steps in Constant mode.

The XA10 records in Full HD 1920 x 1080 in a variety of frame rates. The XA10 is also capable of recording in several different bit rate modes (24Mbps, 17Mbps, 12Mbps, 7Mbps, 5Mbps) allowing the user to balance quality versus recording time for specific applications. In addition to the standard interlaced frame rate of 60i, the XA10 can also capture video in: PF30 Frame Rate PF30 is the ideal frame rate for video viewed on the Internet. It is also an excellent choice for frame grab during playback. Video is recorded in 60i. PF24 Frame Rate PF24 changes the camcorder’s frame capture rate to 24p, which provides a ‘film look’. Video is recorded in 60i. Native 24p Frame Rate A must for serious filmmaking work, Native 24p matches the frame rate of a traditional film camera giving the same cadence and temporal motion.

When Cinema Shooting Mode is selected on the XA10, it is possible to use one of nine different cinematic filters to customize the look and feel of the image. This provides users with almost limitless creative control. Cinema Standard Tones down highlights slightly, boosts shadows slightly and adds warmth for a cinematic look Cool Slightly enhances the sharpness, provides high contrast and emphasizes cool colors Dramatic B&W Monochromatic with high contrast and a grainy feel Dream Brings the subjects into soft focus and provides a whiteout effect in the edge areas Memory Brings the subjects into soft focus and reduces peripheral light while bringing down the saturation and toning down dark areas Nostalgic Tones down the dark areas, provides higher contrast, and reduces saturation Old Movie Adds frame blur, flicker, blemishes, and Cinemascope masks appear at the top and bottom of the frame Sepia Overlays Sepia colors and reduces contrast and saturation slightly Vivid Boosts the saturation particularly for the three primary colors and contrast is increased slightly The brightness of each filter can be adjusted low, medium or high, for even greater control. When Cinema Standard is selected, color depth, softening and contrast can also be adjusted.

HD-to-SD Downconversion allows you to convert recorded high definition video to standard definition files while safely preserving the original HD video. These standard definition files make it even more convenient to share video online. The video can be transferred to your computer via traditional methods – i.e. USB connection, card slot – or wirelessly to sharing sites with an Eye-Fi SD memory card. Canon camcorders are not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions, including wireless transfer. In case of an issue with the Eye-Fi card, please consult with the card manufacturer. The use of Eye-Fi cards may not be approved in all regions, or from one region to another; please contact the card manufacturer for status of approval in the country/region of use. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third party accessory or product mentioned herein.

The XA10 Professional Camcorder offers a built-in stereo microphone to capture high-quality audio. It offers a significant reduction in noise at medium and low frequencies. The microphone's direction can be adjusted four different ways to match your needs and taste. Choose from: Monaural: Single point direction Normal (Stereo) Wide: Provides a more enhanced, separated stereo effect than normal Synced with Zoom: Directionality is adjusted to match the zoom position In addition, the frequency response characteristics of the microphone can be adjusted between low, mid-range and high frequencies. Normal: Provides a balance throughout all frequencies Low-range emphasis: Excellent for recording live music with impact Attenuate low frequencies: Reduces ambient noise and the sound of traffic outdoors, such as wind, cars, and so on Mid-range emphasis: Ideal for capturing people's voices Low and high range emphasis: Record live music with balanced lows and highs The Automatic Attenuator feature prevents high volume distortion and optimizes audio quality in situations when sound levels quickly change. It automatically keeps the audio clean and even. Additionally, two XLR audio inputs with phantom power can be found on the detachable handle. Both the built-in Microphone terminal and XLR terminals have the option for automatic or manual audio level control. Canon’s new optional WM-V1 Wireless Microphone* allows high-quality audio to be recorded from up to 164 feet away (50m), making it ideal for ceremonies.         * This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

Not only does the XA10 Professional Camcorder provide the professional user with complete control over the image, it also provides complete creative freedom when it comes to inputs and outputs including: HDMI Output (supports CEC, x.v.Color, and 1080p output) Component Video Output Composite Video Output (3.5mm) USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Terminal (2) XLR Audio Input (when handle is attached) Microphone Input (3.5mm) Headphone Jack (3.5mm) Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol) Accessory Shoe (when handle is attached) * x.v.Color is a trademark of Sony Corporation

Story Creator Story Creator is a unique function that allows the camcorder to guide users in the creation of different video clips to assemble into a finished story during post-production. With this feature enabled, the user can choose from five different scenarios – Travel, Kids & Pets, Party, Ceremony, and Blog. The XA10 suggests specific shots to tell the story and helps keep them organized. Optional Canon WD-H58W Wide Converter Optically matched for the XA10’s HD lens, the WD-H58W Wide Converter provides a magnification factor of 0.8x increasing wide angle capability to approximately 24mm (35mm equivalent). Intelligent Battery System The XA10 Professional Camcorder is compatible with Canon’s Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries. These batteries communicate remaining running time (down to the minute) so the user is well-informed at all times. Support for 27 languages Supported are Czech, Danish, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Hungarian, Malay, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Finnish, Swedish, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Farsi, Thai, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty

Product Description

The XA10 Professional Camcorder allows users to record up to 24 hours of clear high definition video to a 64GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the SD memory cards when the memory becomes full.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Going from an HV30 to an XA10, June 29, 2011

By 

Shifting Polarity (Reykjavik, Iceland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder with 64GB Internal Flash Memory and Full Manual Control (Camera)

Even coming from the prosumer Canon HV30 camcorder, the professional XA10 is a huge improvement. The camera is easy to hold, the buttons are all in good locations, and the camera just feels easy to use. Compared to some other HD camcorders I used in film school, the XA10 feels much easier to control.

The difference is even more dramatic comparing it to my old HV30 rig. It's much nicer to not have the added awkwardness of a battery-powered XLR adapter. Honestly, the XA10 must look much more professional to clients as well.

Image quality is simply stunning. There is a slight look of shallow depth of field that is very pleasing to the eye. It's subtle, but noticeable. I've heard it has something to do with the 8-blade iris, but I won't pretend to know what that really means. All I know is the video quality is the best I've personally ever held in my hands.

The XA10 also gives much greater control over the image than the more consumer-focused HV20 and HV30. Now that I've used the XA10's manual focus ring, I really don't know how I made movies without it. The assignable control where you can adjust the exposure, shutter, aperture, and so on is also a great feature for an HD camcorder this inexpensive.

I haven't experienced the rattle problem with the handle that some users have mentioned, maybe there was a bad batch produced? The XA10's production seems to have taken place in different sections, so they may have corrected some of the bugs at various times. I'm not sure, YMMV. I haven't had to deal with customer service from Canon except once to order an XH-A1 hood a few years ago, so I can't comment on that either.

No problems at all importing the AVCHD footage into Final Cut or iMovie. I haven't tried with any Windows editors yet, but I'll update this review when I do.

With typical shooting (no IR), the stock battery lasts about as long as you'd expect, maybe a bit more. Not mind-blowing, but most importantly not too short. I'd recommend getting a high capacity battery like the BP-827 if you're planning to shoot for extended periods (I think the stock battery is a BP-819).

I haven't tested the infrared (IR) function yet, but the camera gives superb low-light performance even without it. Search or Vimeo 'XA10 low light' and you'll see what I mean by this.

The only thing it's missing that I'd like to see is a built-in neutral density function. I can always just use ND filters on the front of the lens -- used to doing that from the HV20/HV30 days -- but it's less convenient than a switch on the side. Oh well.

Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to upgrade to a pro-quality HD camcorder with a cinema-quality picture, who doesn't want to spend a ton of money on the more expensive options out there. If money isn't as much of a concern, I'm sure some of the cameras that cost thousands more offer more options, but I'm more than happy with the quality this camera provides.

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars XA 10, May 21, 2011

By 

Doug Flather "Doug" (Columbia, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder with 64GB Internal Flash Memory and Full Manual Control (Camera)

The good:
I'm a backpack videographer. I shoot a lot of industrial and training videos. I grew weary of trying to find an easy way to get great audio from a DSLR - too many additional and unnecessary steps -- so I sold mine and picked this up. Best. Move. Ever. Now, I put a Rode NT3 on a boom, plug into the XLR and my audio is warm as a summer day. Video quality is stunning. Focus assist is fantastic. I'm very pleased to get pro-level processor and lens in a camera this small. Surprise: it shoots great stills too. Very very good in lower light scenarios.

Down sides:
The cinema mode feels sort of amateurish/consumer level. Not much there you couldn't do better in post, so, I don't use it. My only other complaint is I wish there were a few other on camera buttons to reduce menu diving, but it's really not hard.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of both worlds, May 15, 2011

By 

Richard Golstein "RGpat" (Staten Island, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder with 64GB Internal Flash Memory and Full Manual Control (Camera)

It is unbelievable how this camera can be so compact, and yet so pro.

The removable handle is brilliant!
When it's in place you have XLR microphone inputs and audio level controls, and flexibility in shooting angles.
When it is removed, it feels just like any consumer mini hand-held camera that you might take on a family outing - yet still has the same video quality!

For years I used the semi-pro Canon GL-1. It did a great job (as far as a Standard Definition camera) of allowing pro-quality video to be procured from a smaller device. You can't beat the a larger lens for low-light performance and video quality. It, however, lacked some important features, and manual control that are important for pro video. For example, manual audio control was lacking. To get such features, you needed to move up to a shoulder mounted camera like the XL-1 - which had a great lens, made great video, but wasn't something you would bring to the park with the kids. Forgetting the price difference for a moment - who wants to lug around a shoulder mounted camera when you are taking video of your family? Over the last few years, the cameras have gotten smaller, the manual controls in newer cameras have increased - but I haven't seen anyone 'put it all together' like Canon has with the XA-10.

The XA10 has the same lens and sensor used in larger Canon cameras.

In addition, it records video to an internal flash drive, AND has two SD card slots. This makes it ready to start recording on the spot, and also suitable for longer events and where the highest quality recording modes are used, where you need to swap out multiple cards. It even allows you to record to two devices at once, allowing a backup copy to be made in real time.

I am so pleased with this camera, and I have just scratched the surface of its available features.

To sum it up - I am looking forward to shooting pro quality work related videos with this camera, AND bringing it to Disneyworld!