Canon XC10 Review

The XC10 is the Canon Cinema EOS camera, the company’s entry-level model. But, on the other hand, compared to other models in the Cinema EOS lineup, like the C100, it is a unique beast.

To begin, at a price of slightly more than 1,500 dollars, it is considerably more comparable to camcorders intended for consumer use. This camcorder does not have an EF mount, and it does not have a large Super 35 sensor either. Instead, it has a lens that is permanently attached.

Despite this, the XC10 has a large CMOS sensor measuring one inch and can record 4K video. So could this be the crossing between camcorders and DSLRs everyone has been waiting for?

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder Body Only

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 4:37 am

Specifications of the Canon XC10’s Image Sensor

To put that one-inch CMOS sensor into perspective, it is significantly smaller than APS-C and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors, but it has around four times the size of the 1/2.3-inch sensors that are often found in camcorders.

As a consequence of this, it should exhibit much greater sensitivity, coming closer to that of a DSLR, and it should also provide more film-like video characteristics, both of which have contributed to the popularity of DSLRs and camcorders such as the Canon Cinema EOS range and others of their kind among video makers.

After processing, the one-inch CMOS sensor offers a raw resolution of 13.36 megapixels, which results in an effective resolution of 8.29 megapixels for video and 12 megapixels for still images. The sufficient quantity of video is exactly enough for 4K video, but the 12-megapixel stills are significantly behind recent DSLRs. For instance, the Canon EOS 750D provides twice as many as the adequate amount for video.

Built-in Lens for the Canon XC10 Camera

Given that Canon offers such a high-quality selection of lenses with an EF mount, the fact that the XC10 comes with its lens is very unexpected. If you paid this amount for a digital camera and it did not include a lens that could be swapped out, you would be pretty dissatisfied with your purchase. In the past, camcorders of this price range typically came with lenses already attached to the device. It’s one of the reasons video shooting DSLRs is becoming increasingly popular.

This can potentially throw off many people, especially considering that small system cameras like the Sony A7S give 4K video and interchangeable lenses for around the same price; however, the fantastic Sony A7R II costs a lot more. So even though it tries to bridge the gap between digital cameras and camcorders, the XC10 is most obviously a camcorder.

The lens in question is rather impressive. It is not part of Canon’s most advanced L series, which may be found on some of the company’s early fixed-lens professional camcorders, such as the tape-based XH A1. Despite this, it has a focal length range of 24mm to 240mm, similar to 35mm, and a maximum aperture that ranges from f/2.8 to f/5.6. In addition, this camcorder has a 10x optical zoom, which can only be replicated by one of the detachable Canon EF mount lenses that are now available. That lens costs nearly the same as this camera does on its own.

Although I continue to doubt Canon’s decision to exclude EF from the XC10, I recognize that this choice may be acceptable in some areas and may even be advantageous for users who do not have a great deal of prior expertise. Canon is going after people passionate about photography, producing their films, using B cameras, and gathering news.

Although most of these people could become viable customers, independent filmmakers will still want greater lens flexibility. For example, they might want to add one of Canon’s cost-effective 50mm big-aperture lenses so that they can pull focus or achieve an extremely shallow depth of field.

Options for Recording in 4K and HD with the Canon XC10 Camera

Considering that this camera is intended for enthusiasts, one further decision that at first glance seems strange is the selection of recording media. As might be expected, there is a space for an SDXC card, although this slot can only be utilized for recording still photographs and video in Full HD resolution. In addition, there is a CFast 2.0 slot available for recording in 4K.

This is because 4K video may be captured at either 205 or 305 Mbits per second. The latter exceeds the capability of even the quickest Class 10 SDXC media, while CFast 2.0 media typically provides roughly 500MB/sec of transfer speed. Unfortunately, the price per gigabyte is also around five times more than that of Class 10 SDXC cards.

A 64GB CFast 2.0 card will allow you to record roughly 25 minutes of content in the highest quality 4K mode while using the MXF-based XF-AVC file format for video recording. In addition, because it is encoded in the Long GOP format at a rate of 50 Mbits/sec, Full HD can conform to the criteria for broadcast television.

There is the option for slow recording as well as quick recording; however, this does rely on the shooting format that is being utilized. In 4K mode, you can allow time lapses of up to 1,200x, but there is no high-speed option. Footage may be captured in Full HD mode at up to 100 frames per second and then played back at 25 to provide a slow-motion effect equivalent to four times its average speed.

Controls and User-Defined Settings for the Canon XC10

The control scheme of the Canon EOS XC10 is a bit of a mix between that of the Cinema EOS and the EOS DSLRs. On the very top of the rotating hand grip is a dial that functions as a function dial. This dial allows the user to choose between scene mode, auto, programmed auto, shutter priority, aperture priority, and completely manual, just like a DSLR. However, to spin this dial, you must click a button in the middle of it. As a result, unintentionally switching modes will be challenging.

A wheel is just behind the button that operates the shutter or record function. It is impossible to quickly change this dial’s part by pressing a button like you can with Cinema EOS cameras. Instead, it has to have a purpose permanently assigned to it through the menu. For example, it manages the iris by default but may also be reassigned to regulate the shutter speed or the ISO. The other two will be shown on the screen, but only the one allocated to you will have an orange highlight and be able to be changed using the wheel.

In addition, three user-configurable buttons provide quick access to other options, but I would have liked to see a couple more of these accessible to customize. The two buttons on the left-hand side of the camera are used to manage Push AF and toggle the information display. The third button on the back of the camera is used to operate screen magnification, which allows for more precise focusing. Nevertheless, each of the three may be put in charge of a unique function, and a wide variety of combinations are available.

What cannot be controlled using the different distinct buttons and knobs may be accessible using the tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD or the joystick on the back of the hand grip. Both use the same menu system, making various available features such as looks, EOS and Cinema EOS, Wide Dynamic Range, and Canon Log. In addition, several image stabilization choices, such as power optical and dynamic picture stabilization, may be managed from this screen.

In manual mode, the shutter speed may be adjusted from 1/2 to 1/2000th of a second, and the iris can be set anywhere from f/2.8 to f/11. The ISO settings go up to a staggering 20,000, although anything beyond 2,000 starts to get pretty noisy because this setting is effectively video gain. The ISO settings range from 160 to 20,000.

Therefore, the ISO capabilities are not entirely on par with Cinema EOS cameras equipped with Super 35, which can record transparent film at sensitivities as high as 3,200 or even 6,400 ISO.

Connections & Additional Functions Available on the Canon XC10

The Canon XC10 is a member of Canon’s professional Cinema EOS line; however, it does not have all of the professional capabilities available on other models. For example, the camera does not include an XLR audio connection. However, it is unclear where such a sizable connector could be placed on a device of this size.

Instead, there is only a mini-jack for connecting external microphones, another for connecting headphones, and a mini-HDMI port for the video output. Consequently, you can attach a wireless microphone system; nevertheless, the audio input from a desk may be pretty tricky to link up.

There are a variety of additional capabilities, such as control over Wi-Fi through a web browser and a cover included in the packaging that transforms the LCD into a highly usable electronic viewfinder (EVF). This is especially helpful in intense light when the LCD is challenging to read. This helps explain why Canon designed everything that can be done on the touchscreen and also is done with the joystick.

Canon XC10: An Overview of Its Capabilities and Image Quality

It should come as no surprise that DSLRs’ high image quality is the primary reason why videographers find them so appealing. However, its shortcomings may be overlooked if the XC10 demonstrates that it excels in this area. It has a good amount of capability, and its photographs are superior to those that camcorders with smaller processors can produce. Notably, the depth of field may be relatively shallow when the aperture is set to f/2.8, which makes it feasible to achieve pleasing Bokeh effects.

Because of the high data rate, videos captured in 4K resolution have incredible detail, and there is not the slightest trace of any artifacts. The results are pretty accurate to life even when the color settings are left in their default state. It is possible to produce the recorded video with precisely the desired appearance or to match it to the recorded video captured on another camera by extensively using the additional Looks, the broad dynamic range, and the Canon Log choices.

Compared to the industry’s absolute finest, the image stabilization on the XC10 wasn’t entirely up to pace. Still, the camera is incredibly light and simple to operate when held by hand. In addition, the XC10’s big chip enables it to capture high-quality video regardless of the lighting conditions. Unfortunately, it is not as sensitive as the rest of the EOS Cinema series, which all have Super 35 sensors. Still, its low-light capabilities are significantly superior to non-DSLR camcorders that cost less than £2,000, which I have tested in the past.

Canon XC10 Specifications

Body typeLarge sensor compact
Max resolution4000 x 3000
Other resolutions4000 x 2664 (3:2), 3840 x 2160 (4K video stills), 640 x 480
Image ratio w:h4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels12 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors13 megapixels
Sensor size1″ (12.8 x 9.6 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorDIGIC DV5
White balance presets7
Custom white balanceYes (2 slots)
Image stabilizationOptical
Uncompressed formatNo
Focal length (equiv.)24.1–241 mm
Optical zoom10×
Maximum apertureF2.8–5.6
AutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Digital zoomYes (2x)
Manual focusYes
Normal focus range50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range8 cm (3.15″)
Number of focus points9
Articulated LCDTilting
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,030,000
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT-LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeNone
Minimum shutter speed60 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/2000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityYes
Manual exposure modeYes
MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weighted spotYes
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Continuous drive3.8 fps
Self-timerYes
Metering modes4K uses XF-AVC Intra codec and must be recorded to CFast card or output over HDMI. 1080p uses XF-AVC Long and can be saved to an SD card.
Resolutions4K UHD 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p) 1280 x 720 (120p, 100p)
FormatXF-AVC, H.264
Videography notes4K uses XF-AVC Intra codec and must be recorded to CFast card or output over HDMI. 1080p uses XF-AVC Long and can be saved to SD card.
MicrophoneStereo
SpeakerMono
Storage typesCFast, SD/SDHC/SDXC
USBUSB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMIYes (mini-HDMI v1.4)
Microphone portYes
Headphone portYes
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless noteswith smartphone and web-based remote capture
Remote controlYes (wired, wireless, or smartphone)
Environmentally sealedNo
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionLP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)1040 g (2.29 lb / 36.68 oz)
Dimensions125 x 102 x 122 mm (4.92 x 4.02 x 4.8″)
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingYes
GPSNone

Conclusion

Even though it has several shortcomings, the XC10 managed to win me over as a camcorder. But if you’re seeking the Holy Grail of a device that can act as a DSLR camera and a camcorder with equal ease, this isn’t quite it. But, unfortunately, it’s not quite the Holy Grail.

The XC10 places a greater emphasis on its video recording capabilities. However, the quality of digital photographs is far higher than a conventional camcorder. Most of the time, you will probably be extracting stills from 4K video footage.

This might be an excellent camcorder for an enthusiast who takes more video than images to capture near-cinema-quality film of that vacation of a lifetime they will remember for the rest of their lives. Of course, digital film stud-digital cinema students, as could those who shoot news events. Compared to the DSLR option, this one is a bit more expensive; nevertheless, the 4K video format it uses is far superior to any DSLR, and its video recording is significantly simpler to manipulate.

Canon XC10 Price

  • Product
  • Features
  • Photos

Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder Body Only

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 4:37 am

When was Canon XC10 released?

The Canon XC10 was made available to the public in June 2015.

What is the dynamic range of Canon XC10?

The Canon XC10 has a dynamic range that is 12 stops wide.

What resolution is Canon XC10?

4K is the definition that the Canon XC10 offers.

What is the native ISO for XC10?

The XC10 has a default ISO setting of 500.

What is the focal length of Canon XC10?

The Canon XC10 has a focal length range of 8.9 to 89mm.

Tags:

Joseph
We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

DSLRCameraSearch
Logo
Compare items
  • Cameras (0)
  • Phones (0)
Compare