In the world of video cameras, there are generally 3 classes; consumer, prosumer and professional. Canon has historically stayed away from the prosumer market, keeping the majority of their offerings in either the consumer or professional markets. But that’s about to change with the new Canon XA10. It’s a camera that Canon classifies as “professional”, yet carries a price closer to the consumer market.
The Canon XA10 is an AVCHD camera that has many of the same features found in Canon’s Vixia consumer line. But it also has a slew of features found in Canon’s professional camera’s as well…such as dual XLR audio ports, multiple recording formats (including 24p and 30p) and full manual control. Canon describes it as a professional camera for “run and gun” shooting, but for non-professionals, it just might be the camera to give you professional results without the professional price tag.
I say “might be” because the XA10 hasn’t been released yet and no test footage is yet available from the camera. The Canon XA10 is tentatively set for an April 2011 release and with a street price of $1,999. Full details are available on Canon’s web site here.
P.S. The XA10 is also compatible with the new (but yet to be released) Canon WM-V1 wireless Bluetooth microphone…which transmits wirelessly up to 164ft. and has a $249 price tag.
Mmmmmm….I want one 🙂
How would you compare this camera with the NEX-VG10 Sony which is the same price?
@ Will – They are two different animals. The VG10 is a video camera with DSLR features (interchangeable lenses, depth of field)…the XA10 is a video camera with pro-level features (XLR audio, manual controls, different recording options). It’s based off the new Canon XF100/XF105, but shoots in the AVCHD format:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/camcorders/hd_video_cameras/xf100
Does anyone know the audio quality for this wireless and is there audio recording for ‘near’ projects, right on the camera?
I don’t know anything about cameras but would love to learn. Is there someone out there to mentor me with Q&A as I go?
I want a camera for recording instructional practices for my niche. Will this be good for working with Camtasia??
Thanks,
Ethelyn
I am torn.
I am going to be doing mostly interview and whiteboard style shots. Am I right to think the Sony is more for creative shots, and that the Canon will serve me better?
In a nutshell, yes. The Sony gives you the ability to achieve depth of field like a DSLR.
I just bought the Canon Vixia hfs21. With the new xA10 you get the same size internal hard drive. Plus the xa10 has less mega pixels.
Vixia HFs21
Video: Approx. 6.01 Megapixels (3264 x 1840)
Photo: 16:9 Approx. 6.01 Megapixels (3264 x 1840); 4:3 Approx. 8.02 Megapixels (3264 x 2456)
Canon xa10
Video: Approx. 2.07-megapixels (1920 x 1080)
Photo: 16:9 Approx. 2.07-megapixels (1920 x 1080)
Am I missing something here besides better ports and a better lens? Do you think it would be worth upgrading or will we know more when they launch it?