Canon XA50 – Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
CANON XA50 UHD 4K CAMCORDER - OVERVIEW
In this Canon XA50 review we will be discussing about this camcorder in detail. We have tried to address each features in details. Hope this review gives you clear insights. Now let's get started with it.
The Canon XA50 meets the growing demands for streamlining workflows by incorporating an F/ 2.8 to F/4.5 wide-angle zoom lens with optical image stabilization mechanism and a 1.0 type CMOS image sensor with DIGIC DV6 processor. It is also equipped with dual pixel CMOS AF focusing system with touch AF for live-streaming in ambient conditions with stunning 4K UHD 25P video at 4:2:0 8-bit in widely supported XF-AVC codec.
The 4K professional camcorder model leveraging the Canon XA series carries some useful features of the predecessor camcorder models like – the 0.24” LCD electronic viewfinder, 3” rotatable LCD display, dual XLR audio input interfaces, and mini HDMI 8-bit 4:2:2 video output interface.
CANON XA50 REVIEW
Design & Features
The Canon XA50 is a pretty lightweight and portable video camera, which comes with a detachable handle unit to offer easier handling. The handle unit itself has arrived with some easy-access camera functions like a REC button, zoom lever, cold mount shoe for flashlights, dual XLR interfaces for microphones, microphone holder, and associated rotary controls.
The tilting camera eyepiece and rotatable display screen enable easy framing of shots, specifically at different odd angles. The user-assignable buttons, lens ring, and dial let you manually adjust the zoom, focus, and creative settings.
Despite these manual setting buttons and dial rings in this professional camcorder, you will get some physical camera setting buttons around the LCD screen and some one-touch setting options in the 3” LCD screen. You can switch shooting modes, adjust creative aspects, define focusing area, and track the subject just with a few taps of the finger.
The viewfinder also features some corresponding menu options and provides 1,560,000 dots resolution electronic view with 100% field coverage. The LCD display screen offers 460 000 dots resolution preview and playback view without losing a single detail.
The 15X optical zoom lens with integrated optical image stabilization mechanism guarantees shake-free and crystal-clear imagery from wide-angle to telephoto. The F/ 2.8 to F/4.5 lens is adequate for almost all lighting conditions, even without flash. The lens’s diaphragm yields a shallower depth of field, better sharpness, and low light performance than others.
The 1 type CMOS image sensor and DIGIC DV6 image processor produces stunning 8-Bit 4:2:0 4K UHD resolution video with outstanding low light imagery. The advanced circuited architecture of the image processor improves resolution and clarity, where the larger pixel area of the large format sensor yields better sensitivity, sharpness, and a stunning signal-to-noise ratio.
The XA50 Canon has renowned the dual pixel CMOS AF focusing system with touch AF, MF, face reorganization, AF lock, and track options for fast and accurate focusing.
This automated focusing system is genuinely beneficial for those camera persons; who prefer to use the rear screen for composing their shots. With activated touch AF mode, you can smoothly shift camera focus just with a tap on the rear touch screen during live view.
Image and video quality
The Canon XA50 shoots 4K UHD videos at up to 30fps, 1080P full HD, and 720P HD videos up to 60 fps in MP4 / H.264 codec. The H.264 is the best encoding format for 4K resolution that maximizes the video quality and rendering speed with a lower bit rate and smaller file size than other codecs.
The camcorder offers another video recording codec XF-AVC for 2160P 4K and 1080P FHD resolution video. Both recording formats generate stunning 8-bit 4:2:0 colored imaging and handle ultra HD videos with high compression rates. The 150 Mbps bit rate is available for 4K resolution, 35 Mbps for FHD, and 8 Mbps for 720P.
AUDIO UNIT AND QUALITY
Where many camcorders, even some 4K professional video cameras, lack the XLR unit or 24-bit audio recording capacity, the XA50 Canon gives special attention here. The model comes with dual 3-pin XLR interfaces and two separate 3.5 mm ports for microphones and headphones to support a range of professional audio recording devices.
The camcorder allows 4-channel LPCM audio recording for both video codec with different audio recording options like – 2-channel 16-bit AAC audio for MP4, 4-channel 16-bit LPCM audio for MP4, and 4-channel 24-bit LPCM audio for XAVC codec.
STORAGE
The included Canon BP-820/BP-828 Lithium-ion battery lets you shoot videos for around 4 hours and takes 260 – 300 minutes to get fully charged.
Having dual memory card slots in a camcorder does not mean that it would only increase the storage capacity; it allows you to record in different formats to each card and more.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Canon XA50 video camera offers a wide range of popular connectivity options to fit into existing workflows. It features a 2.0 mini HDMI interface for video outputs, a pair of 3-pined Phantom powered XLR audio input interfaces, two separate 3.5 mm ports for audio inputs, a 1/4” tripod mounting thread, and a cold mount shoe for external accessories.
To get more improvised features, check the Canon XA55 review.
BEST FEATURES OF CANON XA50 PROFESSIONAL UHD CAMCORDER
The news cameramen, interviewer, BTS shooters generally prefer this UHD 4K camcorder for the dual XLR interfaces and extended audio recording capacity with 4K ultra HD quality professional videos. The dual pixel CMOS focusing mechanism with touch AF function is genuinely beneficial for live streaming; that gives accurate and jerk-free professional-looking focus pull in no time.
The combined power of integrated 5-axis optical stabilization, large-format image sensor, and advanced image processor delivers stunning imagery to attract all professionals; plus, the affordable price makes it a good option for beginners.
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XA50
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 3.6 to 73.4 mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 20X |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 to 4.5 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1 cm |
Filter Size | 58 mm |
Control Rings | 1 Ring for Focus/ Zoom |
Focus Control | Auto-focus | Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1" |
Sensor Type | CMOS sensor |
Effective Resolution | 8.92 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Optical 5-Axis Image stabilization (Dynamic IS, Standard IS and Powered IS modes) |
Built-In ND Filter | Mechanical Three Stop Filter - 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filters |
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 15000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | H.264/MP4 and XF-AVCs |
Video Resolution | 8-Bit 4:2:0 MP4 / H.264: QFHD (3840 x 2160P) at 23.98/24/29.97/30 fps (150 Mb/s) FHD (1920 x 1080P) at 23.98/24/29.97/30/59.94/60 fps (17 to 35 Mb/s) HD 1280 x 720P at 59.94/60 fps (8 Mb/s) 8-Bit 4:2:0 XF-AVC: QFHD (3840 x 2160P) at 23.98/24/29.97/30 fps (150 Mb/s) FHD (1920 x 1080P) at 23.98/24/29.97/30/59.94/60 fps (17 to 35 Mb/s) |
Audio Recording | 2-Channel 16-Bit AAC Audio for MP4 4-Channel 16-Bit LPCM Audio for MP4 4-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio for XAVC |
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: 2.0 Mini HDMI Audio Device Connectors: 3-pin XLR Mic Level unit with Phantom Power, two separate 3.5 mm port for Microphone and Headphone Jack Other Input / Output: USB Mini-B, 2.5 mm port |
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 XA50 TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XA50 UNBOXING
CANON XA50 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XA50. 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 XA50 camcorder, click here.
CANON XA50 ACCESSORIES
Microphone
When you invest in such a professional-level video camera that gives you lots of studio-level audio recording options, don’t misuse the opportunity of adding the best quality sound. To do so, you could use 3.5mm or 3-pin XLR interfaced wired microphones or wireless microphones for the multi-person shoot.
It would be better; if you choose Omni-directional microphones with windproof cover to get noise-free stable audio on the go.
TRIPOD
Tripods can ease the shooting jobs, especially while IP streaming. The Canon XA50 works well with 1/4” by 20 female screwed tripods.
Conclusion
Whatever model you choose from the XA series, you will be guaranteed to get the best portable and sturdy design with professional quality video recording ability. But, the Canon XA50 video camera has arrived with all core features that one could ever expect from a professional 4K camcorder model, and the functionalities are worth the investment for sure. We hope that you found this Canon XA50 review useful and interesting. Thank you for scrolling down.
