Canon XA55 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
CANON XA55 - OVERVIEW
The Canon XA55, released in 2019, is an improvised version of the XA50 model with a 3G-SDI output, 4K video recording capability, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF system to get sharp tack focus while recording videos at higher resolutions.
The additional exciting features include an infrared mode and linear PCM 4-channel audio recording that take your professional recordings to a whole new level. The user interface is also revamped in this model to configure the settings very quickly.
Priced at around $2600, the Canon XA55 is best for professionals looking for a good 4K UHD video camera for comfortable long-time shooting.
CANON XA55 UHD 4K CAMCORDER REVIEW
Design & Features
The Canon XA55 is compact and lightweight (2.1 lbs), so you can easily use the camcorder for long shooting hours. It measures 8.5” in height and 10.4” in length (when the handle is attached).
The flip-out LCD screen measures 3” and is also tiltable. That too, it is touch-enabled so that you can switch between different shooting modes easily.
The Electronic Viewfinder of this Canon XA55 measures 0.24” and offers a 45-degree tilt so that you can frame your shots from varied angles.
For making your shooting hassle-free, the EVF also holds several menu options and controls.
The in-built lens of the Canon XA55 shows a wide focal range of 25.5mm in the wide-end to 382.5mm in the telephoto end, which means you can capture almost anything with this camcorder.
The optical zoom is expandable up to 15x, and there are Super UD elements allow you to get crisp and clear shots with no chromatic aberration and fringing.
You will get the best bokeh quality in your pictures and videos as the video camera has a 9-bladed circular aperture in its lens design. The lens also features a built-in powered ND filter to avoid stray light from entering the lens.
Lastly, there is a single control ring to adjust both lens zoom and lens focus.
IMAGE STABILIZATION
The camcorder has a built-in Optical image stabilizer with dynamic IS (5-axis image stabilization) to give you smoother footage.
There is a DIGIC DV6 image processor and a 1” CMOS UHD CMOS image sensor that comes with this camcorder model. The large-sized sensor allows you to capture professional shots with the best quality, low noise, and shallow depth of field, even at wide-open apertures and low-light scenarios.
Canon developed this Dual pixel AF technology to achieve Ready Pinpoint Focusing. In this technology, every image sensor pixel performs both phase detection and imaging, so the overall AF tracking is tack sharp and accurate.
IMAGE AND VIDEO QUALITY
The best part about both XA50 and XA55 video cameras is that they have improved low-light performance with less noise than other XA series camcorder models. This is because the 1” CMOS sensor captures more light almost 7x times the light that a normal ½.84” CMOS sensor can capture.
The color rendition of the Canon XA55 video recorder is very accurate as it offers a wide dynamic range of gamma support. And last but not least, the video camera supports internal recording in 4K UHD YCC 4:2:0 8-bit 25P/30P in both XF-AVC and MP4 formats.
STORAGE
Canon XA55 comes with dual SD card slots (SD/SDHC/SDXC), 3G-SDI output,/HDMI 2.0 output. You can record up to 4k UHD 25p videos to these SD cards, and both card slots allow for simultaneous relay and backup recording. The 3G-SDI outputs data in Full HD YCC 4:2:2 10-bit 25P/50i (PAL model) and 30P/60i (NTSC model)
You can comfortably shoot for up to 2 hours continuously with a single charging as it consumes only less power. If you compare a Canon XF405 camcorder with this Canon XA55 model, you have 2x longer shooting time, though both use the same battery.
Connectivity and Compatibility
To know how this Canon XA55 is better than it's previous versions. Check out the links given below:
BEST FEATURES OF CANON XA55 PROFESSIONAL UHD CAMCORDER
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XA55
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 25.5 to 382.5 mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 15X Digital Zoom - 300x , 2x Digital Teleconverter |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 - f/11 |
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 | Approx. 8.29 MP (3840 x2160) |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Optical 5-Axis Image stabilization (Dynamic IS, Standard IS and Powered IS modes) |
Built-In ND Filter | 3 densities: turret switched, motor-driven. |
Shutter Speed (PAL) | 1/6 - 1/2000 sec |
Subject illumination Range | Approx. 0.1 lux to 100,000 lux |
White Balance | 2000 to 15000K |
Image Processor | DIGIC DV 6 |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | H.264/MP4 and XF-AVCs |
Video Resolution | XF-AVC: 3840 x 2160 (160Mbps) / 1920 x 1080 (45 Mbps) - Internal Recording Frame rate: 25.00P (UHD), 50.00P/50.00i/25.00P (Full HD) MP4: 3840 x 2160 (150Mbps) / 1920 x 1080 (35/17 Mbps) - Internal Recording MP4: 25.00P (UHD), 50.00P/25.00P (Full HD) |
Audio Recording | MP4: MPEG-2 AAC-LC (16-bit 2ch) / LPCM (16-bit 4ch) |
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
Audio Device Connectors
Other Input / Output
|
Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (2 card slots) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Cold Shoe |
Tripod Mount | 1/4″-20 Thread |
Power
Battery Model | Canon Battery Pack BP-820 |
Battery Life | During continuous recording UHD: (150Mbps / 160Mbps) 25.00p |
CANON XA55 PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XA55 UNBOXING
CANON XA55 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XA55. 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 XA55 camcorder, click here.
CANON XA55 ACCESSORIES
Wired LANC Remote Control
If you will be working for long continuous fieldwork outdoors, then it is highly recommended that you purchase a Wired Lanc remote control to change the camera settings easily.
Memory cards
Always carry extra memory cards with you because, as professionals, you will be shooting more in 4K, and there’s a high chance of the camcorder getting out of storage in your critical moment of shooting.
External flash
If you’re looking for some external flashlights to use with this camcorder, try out this NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 flashlight.
LENS ACCESSORIES
To improve the video quality further, you can try using the accessories:
- Protection Filter:
Tiffen 58UVP 58mm UV
- Tripod: 72 inch Heavy Duty Professional Aluminium
BATTERY PACK
To improve the video quality further, you can try using:
Conclusion
You have reached the end of the Canon XA55 4k camcorder review. I hope you have gone through all the specifications and features in detail. If you have any doubts about this XA55 UHD video camera, please feel free to drop your questions in the comments section below. Thank you for reading. Good day!
