Canon XA40 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
CANON XA40 - OVERVIEW
Single-frame cameras (SLRs) usually have limited color saturation or color grading options. In the world of a full-frame camera, Canon XA40 camcorder, released in 2019 uses color as a weapon against all rival cameras that have large-format sensors. You will fall in love with its high pixel density, sharp 4K UHD video with more detailing and crispness.
For taking your videography/vlogging to the next level, you need to also take care of delivering studio-quality sounds along with delivering HD videos. Because of this consideration point, Canon XA40 enables linear PCM-4 channel audio recording compatibility.
Let us get to know about the features of this camcorder in detail.
CANON XA40 REVIEW
Design & Features
Shooting for long hours outdoors costs you with shoulder and back pain; Right? Well, then thank Canon for making this professional camcorder small as well as lightweight (730 grams).
The intelligent implementation of a detachable handle unit, articulating display screen, and tilt-type viewfinder of the digital camcorder effectively eases the shooting job.
The handle unit holds a zoom lever, record button, tally lamp, IR light, XLR input unit, and cold shoe (bracket on top of the mounting plate) for external accessories.
The attached handle unit not only increases the weight but also enhances portability and allows you to shoot comfortably, even for long hours.
The 1.56M dots LCD viewfinder provides a better field-of-view with full coverage; so, you can easily adjust the frame before shooting. At the same time, the 460K dots 3" LCD screen shows you what the camera is recording.
There is an interesting feature called the Focus peaking highlight mode in this camcorder. It sets a color border overlay on the subject (what you are focusing on) in the display screen preview so that you can understand the focus area with ease.
Moreover, the touchable LCD screen lets you select the subject, focus area and adjust the magnification range just with a single touch.
The wide-angle zoom lens features an eight-bladed circular iris to deliver killer bokeh; plus, it offers a 29.3mm wide-angle for extended zoom range and 601mm for the telephoto range with up to 20X optical magnification. Also this optical zoom camcorder, has a good color balance.
Moving on, the integrated 5-axis image stabilization mechanism stabilizes the video recording while moving the camera in handheld positions. Apart from this stabilization system, the real-time 3-dimensional group structure of the lens also gives you sharp and stable footage, even at the highest zooming value.
The 1/ 2.3-inches CMOS sensor is indeed considered a small sensor. But, the combined power of a 4K imaging sensor and powerful DIGIC DV6 image processor captures professional-quality Ultra HD and HD video. This is the primary factor that makes it a popular camcorder amongst YouTubers.
Image and video quality
The camcorder records 8-bit 4:2:0 4K ultra HD at 150Mbps video in 25P mode, 35 Mbps full HD video in 50P mode, and 17 Mbps HD video in 25P mode. XA40 supports MP4 format video recording only. But, it maintains crystal clear image quality for all resolution-type videos.
The oversampling HD processing mechanism ensures superb image quality by improving resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. It oversamples data on the 4K image sensor from all pixels and produces superior 4K UHD and FHD videos and images.
Superfast motion and slow-motion video recording options with a maximum speed of 1200x are also available in Canon XA40. The Infrared recording mode allows you to shoot video in a dark area with dim light or without ambient light.
NOTE: Most professional sports videographers opt for this Canon XA UHD 4K camcorder for recording live indoor sports events.
Storage
Most Canon camcorders come with dual media slots to maximize workflow. The XA40 model does not make any exception in this area. Both media slots support SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards for flexible footage transfer, while the relay and simultaneous recording modes let you record for a long time.
Another selling point of Canon XA40 is the higher battery capacity of the included battery pack. The XA40 itself comes with a high-capacity Lithium-ion Canon battery - BP-820 or BP-828 battery model. Surprisingly they have a 1780mAh or 2670mAh capacity, which lasts for a longer time than other models.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Canon XA40 provides extensive connectivity options that support versatile wiring. It offers – A 2.5mm, 2.0 Mini HDMI, and USB Mini-B ports for several videos and other input/output devices, a Phantom Powered 3-pin XLR Mic Level unit for pro-level audio devices, and a 3.5 mm port for Microphone / Headphone Jack.
Find More Video Cameras With HDMI Output
In the detachable handle unit, you will get a cold shoe mount unit, where you can attach external accessories like an external flashlight or wired microphones for better sound. The 1/4"-20 female mounting thread allows you to position the camcorder on a tripod for better stabilization and an easy shooting experience.
If you want more improvised features, then check the Canon XA45 review.
BEST FEATURES OF THE canon xa40 professional uhd 4k camcorder
- 4K video recording with the highest clarity, even in the low-light area.
- Ultra-lightweight design
- The detachable handle unit with pro audio module for shooting in low or high angle or other unstable conditions.
- Powerful image sensor and processor
- Breathtaking bokeh quality
- Long battery life ( 4-5 hours recording time).
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XA40
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 3.6 to 73.4mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 20X |
Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 to 2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1 cm (at wide end), and 60cm (from lens front) |
Filter Size | 58 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1/2.3" |
Sensor Type | CMOS sensor |
Effective Resolution | 8.92 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Optical 5-Axis Image stabilization |
Built-In ND Filter | Gradation Filter |
Shutter Speed | 1/1 to 1/2000 sec |
Gain | 0 to 24 dB (Native) |
Minimum Illumination | 0.3 Lux at 1/2 Shutter Speed |
White Balance | 2000 to 15,000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | MP4 |
Video Resolution | 8-Bit 4:2:0 MP4 / H.264: |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3" |
Resolution | 460,000 Dot |
Display Type | Articulating LCD Touch Screen |
EVF
EVF Display Type | LCD |
Screen Size | 0.24” |
EVF Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | 2.0 Mini HDMI, USB Mini-B, 3-pin XLR Mic Level unit with Phantom Power, 3.5 mm port for Microphone / Headphone Jack, Remote A 2.5mm |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Cold Shoe |
Tripod Mount | 1/4″-20 Thread |
Power
Battery Model | Canon BP-820/BP-828 Lithium-ion battery packs |
Battery Capacity | 1780mAh / 2670mAh |
CANON XA40 TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XA40 UNBOXING
CANON XA40 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XA40 professional video camera. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this Canon XA40 camcorder, click here.
CANON XA40 accessories
Extra Batteries and Battery Charger
You do not get a decent battery charger in the camera box; So, I would recommend keeping two or more extra pairs of batteries with you before leaving for outdoor shooting. You can purchase a decent BP-800 Series compatible battery adaptor or a few third-party high-capacity 2XL batteries.
Memory Cards
Freeing up the camcorder's memory space is also important apart from having enough battery life. You can use a decent SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory card with high-speed read/write performance and storage capacity. A 256GB memory card like 'Kingston 256GB SDXC' can provide more than 13 hours recording time for 1080P HD videos and 3 hours recording time for 4K/30P UHD videos.
Microphone
If you will be using this camcorder for broadcasting purposes, interviews, or any professional purposes, then you can attach a dedicated shotgun condenser mic or interview microphone during newsgathering or interviewing someone.
SUMMARY
Canon XA40 looks like other rival professional range camcorder models; but, the detachable handle unit gives the camera an advanced professional look and profile. Not only the XA40 camcorder has a professional look; but, the camcorder also features a port for stereo microphone input, pro-level audio module with an onboard microphone, and a 3-pin XLR interface on the camera body. Generally, the camcorder offers 2-channel 16-bit AAC or LPCM audio recording options; besides that, it also includes a 4-channel audio recording mode in the menus. Only a few cameras offer such pro-level audio recording options at this low price point.
Canon XA40 has a smaller sensor size (1/2.3-inches CMOS) that only makes it less expensive. Otherwise, XA40 is much similar in features and functionalities to the other Canon XA series model. It is not a movie production camera with an impressively shallow depth of field or multi-format recording options. Aside from these limitations, one may get impressed with its power and performance for sure. The camcorder is perfect for newsgathering, on-set BTS shooting, and for using as a camera B in a consistent shooting workflow.
