Canon announced a 4K video camera that also captures 12-megapixel still images for $2500. The new X10 camcorder is designed for professionals and multimedia journalists, but can be used by any creative consumer. It has a built-in function to extract 8-megapixel still images from recorded 4K video. In addition the XC10 includes a one-inch 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with a 2x Digital Teleconverter and Optical Image Stabilization allowing for rock-steady video and still image shooting.
The XC10 Digital Camcorder’s 12-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor delivers up to 12 stops of dynamic range for impressive detail in both highlights and lowlights, whether the user is shooting video or still photos. The camcorder’s 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens offers a 35mm-equivalent zoom ratio of 24.1-241mm for still photos and 27.3-273mm for movies.
The XC10 camcorder incorporates Canon’s advanced and proprietary DIGIC DV5 signal processor to support in-camera 4K video acquisition and 5-axis image stabilization (full HD only) as well as slow and fast motion recording. To help ensure that both video and photo image quality is at its highest standard throughout the entire workflow, the XC10 uses two new codecs. When recording 4K, the high image quality XF-AVC Intra codec is used, and for Full HD recording XF-AVC Long GOP is used to maintain outstanding image quality and efficient data rates. The XC10 camcorder can record in Canon Log Gamma, Wide DR or EOS Standard picture modes for increased versatility in color correction, and allows for greater ease in matching looks with footage from other cameras within the Cinema EOS camera system.
A dedicated focusing ring and a conveniently placed Push AF button allow for reliable manual focusing operation, while a Continuous AF mode with Face Detection lets users shoot confidently in challenging shooting environments, knowing that the camcorder can hold critical focus while tracking subject movement.
The XC10 camcorder has dedicated microphone and headphone jacks along with a built-in microphone for professional sound monitoring. A Vari-Angle LCD monitor featuring a capacitive touch-panel for simple intuitive control is paired with a rotating hand grip to maximize users’ ability to shoot both movies and still images from virtually any angle. The XC10 camcorder also incorporates built-in dual-band 5GHz and 2.4 GHz wireless networks to provide remote camcorder operability through a web browser, a compatible smartphone or a tablet. The wireless function also provides browser previewing of recorded images without the need to remove media from the camcorder. For added convenience, the XC10 can be used hand-held or with camera-support accessories, such as ultra-low-angle car mounts or even drones.
Offering slow- and fast-motion recording, multiple picture settings with a variety of looks, and interval shooting for time-lapse still photography, the Canon XC10 4K Digital Camcorder records cinematic H.264 4:2:2/8-bit MXF 4K (UHD) 3840 x 2160 movies to an internal CFast card or Full HD 1920 x 1080 video to an SD card at multiple frame rates up to a maximum of 305Mbps/29.97P in 4K and 50Mbps/59.94P in Full HD. The XC10 also offers 12-stop dynamic range Canon Log recording and 4K 30p movie playback via its HDMI 1.4 output port to further support many different workflow options.
The XC10 camcorder’s still-photography features include a mechanical shutter to help eliminate rolling-shutter distortion, up to 3.8 frames-per-second performance, support for multiple aspect ratios, and compatibility with EOS system accessories such as the popular Battery Pack LP-E6N, Speedlite flash units, Canon GPS receivers, and remote controllers. The new camcorder features a built-in ND filter, and ISO speeds can be set from 160 to 20,000 for exceptional flexibility in a wide range of lighting conditions. Optional Canon accessories include a Direct Viewfinder for eye-level shooting in bright conditions.
The compact size and weight of the XC10 digital camcorder is one of its most valuable assets. Measuring less than five inches in every dimension (approx. 4.9 x 4.0 x 4.8 inches, WxHxD) and weighing just 2.3 pounds fully loaded with an LP-E6N battery pack and two memory cards, the XC10 is designed for maximum mobility and shooting comfort.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon XC10 4K Digital Camcorder is scheduled to be available in June 2015 for $2,499 with SanDisk 64GB CFast 2.0 card and card reader.
Features
- 4K Wide-Angle 10x Zoom Lens with Image Stabilizer
- 12 Megapixel One-Inch 4K-Compatible CMOS Image Sensor
- DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor
- XF-AVC Codec for 4K 30p and Full HD 60p
- Multiple Recording Modes and Frame Rates
- Slow and Fast Motion Recording
- Superb Still Capture Capability
- CFast 4K Recording Technology
- Canon Log and Wide Dynamic Range Gamma
- Image Settings Compatible with Cinema EOS Cameras
- Compact and Ergonomic Design
- Wireless Operation
- Workflow Versatility
- Compatibility with Multiple Canon Accessories
