Canon Expands Popular XA-Series with Three New Compact 4K UHD Professional Camcorders
Canon have launched the latest additions of their professional XA-series with three new 4K UHD camcorders; the XA55, XA50 and XA40, which respond to the growing market requirement for 4K UHD production.
The XA55 / XA50 is a 4K UHD camcorder with a 1.0-type sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 15x Optical zoom, with the XA55 model featuring 3G-SDI. The XA40 is an ultra-compact 4K UHD camcorder with 1/2.3-type sensor and 20x Optical zoom. The XA55, XA50 and XA40 are equally suited to 4K UHD and HD production, with Over Sampling HD processing allowing users to benefit from advanced Full HD capture, while the camcorders also offer a host of versatile professional features. Competitively priced and light in weight, these new camcorders broaden the reach of the XA product family and will resonate with professional users for applications such as news gathering, corporate video and documentary production.
Feature-Packed 4K UHD Filming
Portable and highly compact, the XA55 / XA50 enhances the appeal of the XA range to camcorder users. It is the first model in the XA-series to include a 1.0-type CMOS sensor with fast and reliable Dual Pixel Autofocus technology. The camcorder also features genuine Canon 4K 15x Optical zoom lens, which in conjunction with Super UD elements (Ultra-Low Dispersion), delivers rich image expression with beautiful bokeh and wide focal length of 25.5mm to 382.5mm. Advanced Full HD Imaging is possible thanks to the inclusion of DIGIC DV6 image processor and Over Sampling HD processing, whilst powerful 5-axis image stabilisation helps prevent image distortion even in handheld shooting.
Fast and accurate autofocusing in approximately 80 percent (vertical and horizontal) of the image is possible with Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Face detection AF, Face priority AF, Face only AF and touch tracking operation enable seamless focus control for intuitive operation, whilst a Dual Pixel Focus Guide provides a graphical user interface to aid manual focusing. This innovative guide applies Dual Pixel CMOS AF phase-difference technology to assist in achieving the same highly accurate focus.
The XA55 / XA50 user can also benefit from multi-format recording – with support for XF-AVC and MP4 recording up to 4K UHD 25P to SD cards, Slow & Fast Motion recording with a maximum speed of 1200x in both 4K and Full HD, and Dual SD card slots that enable relay and back-up recording. The XA55 / XA50 offers low power consumption with its battery supporting more than two hours of continuous operation.
Professional-quality audio is possible with linear PCM 4-channel audio recording and two XLR terminals, while 3G-SDI terminals (XA55 only) provide output in Full HD of 4:2:2 10-bit signal.
Versatile and Compact
Weighing approximately 730g (body only), the XA40 is one of the most portable and compact 4K UHD professional camcorders currently available. Users can work the way they want to, but always in the highest quality, with the combination of a 4K UHD 1/2.3-inch type CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV6 image processor delivering pristine 4K UHD images, and superior Full HD images assured with Over Sampling HD processing. There is support for recording in MP4 UHD 150Mbps at 25P and Full HD 35Mbps/17Mbps at 50P/25P, while continuous Slow and Fast motion recording is available in both UHD and Full HD with maximum speed of 1200x.
Freedom of expression is assured with access to a 20x Optical zoom with wide angle starting from 29.3mm. Maintaining consistent image quality is no problem with powerful 5-axis image stabilisation, whilst a 3D real-time lens group structure supports fast, quiet zoom operation in the same time to achieve responsive operation.
An Infrared Mode – making production possible in conditions with little to no ambient light – and a 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen for intuitive control are among the other headline attractions of this highly-specified camcorder. Other features include Dual SD card slots for backup and relay recording and support for linear PCM 4-channel audio, with built-in stereo mic and two XLR terminals included as standard.
For more information about Canon’s full XA-series line-up, please visit:
XA55 / XA50 Key Features:
- High quality 4K UHD camcorder with 1.0-type CMOS sensor and Wide Dynamic Range
- Superior Full HD image quality with Over Sampling HD processing
- 5mm wide angle 15x Optical zoom with 5-axis image stabilisation
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Face Detection and Touch Tracking
- Support for 4K UHD 25P XF-AVC/MP4 recording to SD cards, as well as Slow & Fast modes in both 4K and Full HD
- Other professional features include Infrared Mode, two XLR inputs with linear PCM 4-channel audio recording capability, and 3G-SDI (XA55 only).
XA40 Key Features:
- Ultra-compact 4K UHD camcorder with 1/2.3-type CMOS sensor and superior Full HD with Over Sampling HD Processing
- Wide 20x Optical zoom with 5-axis image stabilisation
- Slow and Fast Motion modes in both UHD and Full HD
- Infrared Mode for conditions with little to no ambient light
- Lightweight (weighing approximately 730g – body only) and packed with professional features, including two XLR inputs with linear PCM 4-channel audio
