Canon XA45 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
CANON XA45 - OVERVIEW
Canon has claimed that their previous XA40 4K UHD professional camcorder model is highly in-demand in the market today. But, they have launched this XA45 model for those, who want more than 1 HDMI output. Most professionals often demand that SDI output is more secure and consistent than HDMI. So, Canon primarily incorporates the 3G-SDI output facility into the XA45 model and copies the rest of the best part of Canon XA40.
If you’re a bit biased with the Canon XA series or have already familiarized yourself with Canon XA40, you will notice some similarities in design, features, and performance. For the new users, I will explain all factors and functionalities of Canon XA45; have a look down on the technical details -
CANON XA45 REVIEW
Design & Features
The Canon XA45 is ideal for handheld shooting as it comes at just 1.2 kilograms with the handle unit, battery, and lens hood. Without the XLR handle unit, the camera body weighs only 730 grams, which makes you more comfortable on the go.
Such a detachable handle unit with zoom lever, microphone holder, IR light, XLR input interfaces, and cold shoe mounting interface truly comes in handy at outdoor shooting. The camcorder also offers some quick access function buttons, dial rings, and control knobs relatively on the camera body and handle unit.
The Canon XA45 incorporates a 35mm lens equivalent wide-angle zoom lens with a 20X magnification range. It provides a wide-angle focal length of 29.3mm for large zoom ranges and up to 601mm for the telephoto ranges. The 3D real-time lens group structure also keeps the frame stable while the lens is being zoomed.
On the other hand, the lens integrates an optical 5-Axis image stabilization mechanism and assigns the Dynamic IS mode for handheld positions and Powered IS mode for tripod-mounted camera positions. The f/1.8 to f/2.8 aperture range performs better for low-light scenarios, and the 8-bladed IRIS diaphragm creates a beautiful depth of field.
The combined power of the 1/2.3-inch CMOS image sensor plus DIGIC DV6 processor delivers exceptional sharp 4K UHD 30P imagery at 4:2:0 color sample and 8-bit bit-depth.
The tilting wide viewed eyepiece and rotatable LCD screen let you take high or low angle shots comfortably; whereas, the high-resolution screen generates a bright preview that you can see clearly even in bright daylight.
The 1,560,000 dots electronic viewfinder exactly shows what the scene will look like when captured in the video frame. The touch-friendly display screen provides one-touch adjustment of camera settings and focus area with face reorganization.
The Canon XA45 is reinforced with a hybrid autofocus system of manual focus and automated focus. The autofocus feature offers several focusing options like – one-touch manual focusing, face reorganization, AF locking for tracking subjects, etc.
Image and video quality
The Canon XA45 supports H.264/MP4 codec only; records 3840 x 2160 pixels 4K ultra HD 150Mbps video at up to 30 fps, 1920 x 1080 pixels full HD 35Mbps, and 1280 x 720 pixels HD 8Mbps video at up to 60 fps speed.
The oversampling data processing mechanism of the 4K image sensor improves signal-to-noise ratio and generates 4K UHD or full HD videos with superior resolution and picture quality. The camcorder maintains the same clarity and resolution while shooting slow-mo or quick motion videos at up to 60fps speed.
Storage
Like other Canon XA series camcorders, the XA45 is also compatible with BP-8 series batteries. The XA45 camcorder package generally comes with a high power capacity of 1780mAh or 2670mAh Lithium-ion BP-820 or BP-828 battery models; that provide decent operation time.
The dual SD card slots accept SDHC and SDXC memory cards; enable relay and simultaneous recording to enhance the user’s professionalism.
Connectivity and Compatibility
This video camera shoots 8-bit 4:2:0 video but offers 10-bit 4:2:2 video output in HD resolution. The mini-HDMI and 3G-SDI video output can be clearly viewed on a standard large screen like HD TVs or projector screens.
On the audio side, it meets the growing demand for an XLR audio input interface. The camcorder incorporates two phantom-powered 3-pinned XLR interfaces for microphones; plus, two separate 3.5 mm microphone and headphone jack ports.
You also get a mini B-type USB port and 2.5 port for other audio or video devices. It incorporates a cold mount shoe in the handle unit for external accessories and a 1/4-inch tripod mounting thread.
To know how this Canon XA40 is better than it's previous versions also check these reviews:
BEST FEATURES OF THE CANON XA45 CAMCORDER
Run-and-gun shooters would like quick and accurate focusing options with touch AF, face detection, AF lock, and track. Optical image stabilization mechanism integrated 20X zoom lens comes in handy while taking handheld shots and the lens diaphragm offers cinematic depth-of-field.
Cinematographers or professional live event shooters appreciate the Canon XA45 for its’ decent low-light imagery, extensive connectivity options, and IP streaming function with 8-bit 4:2:2 HDMI and 3G-SDI output.
The 4-channel based 16-bit LPCM audio genuinely gives you the same feeling of studio-quality sound. So, the XA45 could also be a perfect one-stop solution for newsgathering, interviewing, and BTS shooting. The dual media slots with relay and simultaneous recording could add extra benefits here.
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XA45
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 |
Filter Size | 58 mm |
Control Rings | 1 Ring for 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 (Dynamic IS) |
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 | H.264/MP4 |
Video Resolution | 8-Bit 4:2:0 MP4 / H.264: |
Audio Recording | 2-Channel 16-Bit AAC Audio for MP4 |
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 | Video Device Connectors: |
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 XA45 TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XA45 UNBOXING
CANON XA45 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XA45. 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 XA45 camcorder, click here.
CANON XA45 accessories
Microphone and Headphone
The camcorder lets you record professional-quality videos, and the LCD display allows you to check the quality of the videos accordingly. The built-in audio recorder records clear 16-bit LPCM audio. However, recorded audio clips do not sound professional due to the included background noise.
You could use a windproof professional microphone to record the best quality audio and headphone to check the audio quality. If you’re planning to do so, choose a microphone and headphones; that have a 3.5mm jack; the camcorder also supports 3-pinned XLR interfaced microphones.
Tripod
Though the camcorder captures enough steady shots on the go due to the advanced lens structure and integrated optical image stabilization, we would still suggest using a tripod to get better stability, protection, and comfort. The Canon XA45 supports 1/4-inch 20 female screwed tripods.
ND Filters
The built-in gradation filter may lose color details; you can use external UV or ND filters to protect the expensive camera lens and enhance the sharpness. The ND filters can also help you achieve your expected shutter speed and take your desired exposure shots. The Canon XA45 camcorder supports only 58 mm threaded filters.
Conclusion
If you’re already using a 4K UHD professional camcorder of the Canon XA series and looking for a second camera for live streaming or want to upgrade the camera setup, look no further than the Canon XA45. It genuinely serves you the best quality video with high-definition video recording and studio-quality sound with 4-channel LPCM audio recording, along with 8-bit 4:2:2 HDMI and 3G-SDI outputs.
