Canon XC15 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
CANON XC15 - OVERVIEW
Canon again added an upgraded camcorder model in their XC series in 2016, which is a follow-up model to the Canon XC10. The brand responded to many user requests by introducing Canon XC15 that is capable of recording sharp and bright 4K UHD video with different resolutions and frame rates.
Like the predecessor model it also can be a perfect option for those who want stunning results in both video and still images. The Canon XC15 is aimed for run-and-gun newsgathering with a lightweight compact body, waveform monitor display, HDR similar 4K content, improved audio recording functioning, and XLR input compatibility ships.
CANON XC15 review
Design & Features
The target audience of the XC15 are usually on field photographers (like wedding photographers, travel vloggers, sports videographers) because they find this camcorder compact and portable with only 955g weight. It also provides a 90-degree rotating well-contoured large handgrip to make the filming process comfortable at tricky angles.
Along with the ergonomic physical design, it also adds several controls to do ample handheld editorial work during shootings. The thumb-control dial, record button, menu button, MF/AF toggle, and three customizable function buttons lessen up the hassle of shooting tasks.
The 3” LCD screen with 1.03 Million dots resolution offers a bright and vivid colored display of the recording clips. The touch-friendly navigation menus, swiping gestures, and touchable tracking functionality are a big plus here. The display screen comes with a unique two-axis swivel mechanism that lets it tilt around 90 to 115 degrees. This tilting design is highly versatile and advantageous for shooting at odd angles.
It comes with an f/2.8 – f/5.6 wide-angle zoom lens that provides 8.9 to 89mm focal length (equivalent full-frame focal length: 27.3 mm to 273 mm) and 10X optical zoom range.
The 12 megapixels 1” large format image processor and powerful DIGIC DV5 processor provide fine low light performance. The 1"-type sensor is more efficient in resolving fine details and generates a shallower depth of field than others. On the other hand, the variable ISO sensitivity ranging from 160-20,000 ISO and 0 dB – 42 dB gain strengthen the low-light shooting capability of Canon XC15.
The optical stabilization mechanism comes with three intensity levels – Standard, Dynamic and Powered. The standard IS combines efficiencies of image sensor and processor that capture stable shots across every situation and entire zooming range. The Dynamic IS stabilizes shots while walking or shooting in a handheld position. On the other hand, Powered IS works with camera movements; it stabilizes the frame while zooming, panning, or tilting.
Many users requested Canon to incorporate the XLR audio unit. With the XC15 model, Canon finally fulfills their demand and also adds some new useful options like in-microphone trimming, internal mic sensitivity, and mic low-cut.
IMAGE AND VIDEO QUALITY
Canon XC15 records un-cropped 4K ultra HD video at up to 39 FPS and 1080P full HD video at up to 60FPS rate using oversampling techniques. You can record up to 305 Mbps in 24P mode. The advanced configurations of the large format image sensor and strong image sensor show their efficiency in low-contrast shooting scenarios. It offers excellent latitude with 12 stops dynamic range.
When it comes to photography, it lets you capture 12-MP JPEG images by using a mechanical shutter. Moreover, you can take still photos from 4K UHD video with 8.29 MP resolutions during post-production or in-camera.
The Canon XC15 camcorder shoots video in XF-AVC 8-bit 4:2:2 codec, saves the files in MFX wrapper, and compresses them in Log-GOP encoding format to balance between superb image quality and storage demand. In the MXF wrapper with Long-GOP compression, the data rate varies from 205-305 Mbps for 4K UHD to 35-50 Mbps for 1080P full HD. Canon prevents data mix-up problems and eases the workflow by using separated resolutions.
Canon XC15 can be an efficient part of the consistent workflow, where you can use two cameras simultaneously for video production.
Canon XC15 features an effective ‘Movie Look Setting’ to ease the color grading process post-production. The Gamma Curves offers impeccable cross-compatibility and lets you easily match the color grade with another camera. The Canon Log and Wide DR Gamma curves enhance the 12-stop range; so, you don’t need to do extensive color corrections.
Like Gamma mode, it obtains another effective color grading mode to prevent the loss of details during highlighting. The ‘Highlight Priority Mode’ provides HDR similar efficiency that maintains high saturated natural-like color with better gradation.
Storage
The CFast slot records 4K videos with a higher data rate. On the other hand, the SD card slot records in 1080P.
You can expect around 3 hours continuous HD recording and 90 min 4K UHD recording capability from a standard XC15 compatible LP-E6N series battery pack.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Like others, it also has HDMI and micro-B USB ports. The DC-IN socket lets you charge the installed battery continuously. The MA-400 adapter supports many XLR audio recorders, and cold shoe attachment is also there to accept various external devices.
The MA-400 adapter features two XLR ports for capturing audio input and an interface that supports various professional audio devices like microphones or audio mixers. The adapter provides line-level inputs and manual controls over audio inputs.
This built-in 5 / 2.4 GHz bandwidth Wi-Fi enabled camcorder lets you share recorded files over the internet or browse files remotely.
If you want to save more money, also check about the Canon XC10 camcorder !!
BEST FEATURES OF THE CANON XC15 UHD 4K PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER
The excellent physical design of the Canon XC15 video camera is perfect for shooting in tight spaces, while it's lightweight and well-contoured grip add extra comfort during fieldwork.
The dedicated audio unit, the super-fast high-resolution video shooting ability, consistent workflow compatibility, fast AF tracking, and several settings and modes for easy handheld editorial work truly help in newsgathering and other types of commercial photography.
Not only journalists or filmmakers, even people who like to self-film hunt videos, can opt for this pro camcorder. It is indeed one of the mostly used camcorders for hunting purposes, that's why.
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XC15
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 8.9 to 89mm |
Optical Zoom | 10X |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 to 5.6 |
Filter Size | 58 mm |
Control Rings | Focus Zoom |
Focus Control | Autofocus Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1" |
Sensor Type | CMOS Sensor |
Effective Resolution | 8.29 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Tailored Optical Stabilisation Mechanism |
Built-In ND Filter | 2 Stop (1/4), 4 Stop (1/16), and 6 Stop (1/64) ND Filter |
Shutter Speed | 160 to 20,000 sec |
Gain | 0 to 42 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 0.05 Lux at 1/2 Shutter Speed |
White Balance | 2000 to 15,000K |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | MXF or XF-AVC Codec |
Video Resolution | MXF 4:2:2 8-Bit: 3840 x 2160P (305 Mb/s) at 23.98/24/29.97 FPS |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3" |
Resolution | 1,030,000 Dot |
Display Type | Tilting LCD Screen |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | XLR Inputs, HDMI, Micro-B USB |
Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Cold Mount Shoe |
Power
Battery Model | LP-E6N series |
Battery Capacity | 1865mAh |
CANON XC15 TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XC15 UNBOXING
CANON XC15 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XC15. 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 XC15 camcorder, click here.
CANON XC15 accessories
Battery and Memory Cards
If you want to purchase this camcorder for professional run-and-gun shooting purposes, don’t forget to carry extra batteries and memory cards.
Microphone
If your job revolves around broadcasting, shooting interviews, vlogging or newsgathering, don’t go for shooting just relying on the built-in stereo microphone. It can indeed record decent reference audio, but you need clear and stable sound, Right? Well! So, purchase a standard shot-gun-microphone and install it at the integrated mic holder of the MA-400 adapter.
Conclusion
Canon XC15 is the perfect one-stop solution for run-and-gun filmmakers and journalists. This video-centric camera is a bit pricey; but, it packs with most professional features and functionalities that one may look for in a good-quality camcorder.
But, I would not suggest this expensive camcorder to amateur videographers as they may feel it is complicated to operate at starting.
