Friday, January 7, 2011

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder Review

The new Canon XA10 camcorder is the smallest and lightest full-featured professional camcorder ever produced by Canon.

The new ultra compact XA10 Professional Camcorder is designed for situations where mobility is critical while shooting. This feature-rich, professional model records Full HD 1080p using an AVCHD codec.

The ultimate professional camcorder for run-and-gun shooting, the compact XA10 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. With the handle attached the XA10’s functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder.

A Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens delivers a wide, flexible zoom range (35mm equivalent range 30.4mm -304mm) and smooth, pleasing backgrounds thanks to an 8-blade iris. And an infrared mode allows users to capture video in conditions with little or no ambient light, a situation which would make other camcorders useless.

The new XA10 provides the option of recording to a 64GB of internal flash drive or two SDXC-compatible card slots and the ability to simultaneously record to two cards at once for instant backup. Portable and packed with professional features, this camcorder will be the model of choice for on-the-go videographers.

Let's take a look through some of the XA10's significant features

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder 
Canon HD Video Lens
A fast, wide-angle, Canon HD Video lens (30.4mm, F1.8) brings professional image quality to a compact camcorder. Features a shockless, variable speed 10x optical zoom and 8-blade iris for more attractive bokeh effect.


1/3 type HD CMOS Pro sensor
An HD CMOS Pro sensor – originally designed and manufactured by Canon for its professional camcorders - captures Full HD at native 1920x1080 resolution. With a pixel size 2.6x bigger than conventional CMOS sensors, it delivers a wider dynamic range and higher sensitivity. 

Professional audio
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.

Full manual control
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.

8.8cm LCD; 0.6cm EVF
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.

Versatile and expandable
The ultra compact XA10 is a versatile and expandable camera system – adaptable for use in any situation. The handle is detachable for use in tight spaces and has a stop/start button and zoom level control. A lens filter thread and accessory shoe are also included.




More Information About Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder with 10x HD Video Lens with 8-Blade Iris and Manual Focus Ring

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory Camcorder Review

Canon VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory Camcorder with 10x HD Video Lens




Flash Memory Camcorder
Estimated Retail Price: $1,499.99

Overview


Packing in every feature a video enthusiast could ask for, the VIXIA HF G10 Flash Memory camcorder is Canon's new flagship consumer camcorder, providing the ultimate in HD video performance and quality. Incorporating a 32GB internal flash drive, as well as dual SDXC-compatible card slots, it delivers exceptional storage capacity.
Recording Full HD 1920 x 1080 video, the VIXIA HF G10 features a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens (35mm equivalent of 30.4mm – 304 mm) with an 8-blade iris for smooth background blur and a dedicated manual focus ring for enhanced control. The VIXIA HF G10 boasts Canon's HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor which provides outstanding video resolution, superb low-light performance, and a wide dynamic range.

The VIXIA HF G10 allows you to record up to 12 hours of clear high definition video to a 32GB internal flash drive or to two SDXC-compatible memory card slots. With Relay Recording, the camcorder automatically switches video recording from the internal drive to the SD memory cards when the memory becomes full. No need then to worry about running out of recording time during a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime shot. With SDXC memory card compatibility, you’ll have card storage capacity from more than 32GB up to 2TB and ultra-fast data transfer speeds.
The 3.5-inch High Resolution Touch Panel LCD provides a large, crisp display, and easy menu navigation. And advanced features such as an improved built-in microphone, Native 24p recording, Cinema-Look Filters, and full manual control provide the discerning user with an extensive level of creative management.

Technical Details

  • 32GB internal flash drive and 2 SDXC-compatible memory card slots
  • Genuine Canon 10x HD video lens with 8-blade Iris and manual focus ring
  • Canon HD CMOS pro image sensor
  • Canon DIGIC DV III image processor
  • Dynamic SuperRange OIS corrects a full range of motion