Hi, I'm Paul Atkinson,
the video product specialist for pro video cameras at Canon Europe
and today, I would like to introduce you to
two new professional compact UHD camcorders from Canon:
the XA55
and the XA50.
For many years, the XA range of cameras from Canon
has provided professional videographers
with the tools that provide stunning, Full HD footage.
Reliability, easy operation and, of course, stunning image quality
have been our goals.
XA55 and XA50 bring a range of improvements in performance
to the XA range, including 4K UHD recording.
Both cameras feature a 4K 1.0 Type CMOS sensor,
a 15x 4K optical zoom lens,
Canon DIGIC DV6 image processing platform
and Canon's stunning Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus system.
These components deliver high-quality UHD images
or stunning Full HD footage using Over Sample HD Processing.
Five-axis image stabilization works well for handheld shooting
and Canon's advanced Powered IS provides stable shooting,
especially in tele zoom.
XA55 and XA50 are designed to be easy to use with improved operability.
They feature a touchscreen
which is a highly responsive auto-focus control feature.
Multiple recording formats are possible
with users able to choose between MP4 or the MXF-based XF-AVC codecs.
The only difference between these two models
is the inclusion of the 3G-SDI interface on XA55
which is not included on XA50.
On XA55, this connection allows output in Full HD
of a 4:2:2 10-bit signal.
Returning to the sensor,
compared to the conventional HD CMOS Pro 1/2.84 Type sensors
as found on the current XA Series,
it's about 6.8 times larger in size.
and offers higher sensitivity and lower noise levels
even in low brightness conditions.
Another advantage of the 1.0 Type sensor
is that it can also produce a beautiful bokeh
using the shallow depth of field that only a larger sensor can deliver.
Earlier, I mentioned that the XA55 and XA50
can produce Full HD footage using Over Sampling HD Processing.
This process uses the full 4K UHD data captured by the sensor.
This means, in practical terms, that the image you finally record
is captured at the highest image quality possible by the camera,
even if your requirement isn't for 4K UHD output.
XA55 and XA50 feature a 4K 15x optical zoom lens
The design of this lens, with its unique group zoom system,
delivers improved optical performance while delivering a 4K-quality image
across the entire zoom range in a compact form factor.
With a 35mm equivalent zoom range of an ultra-wide 25.5mm to 382.5mm,
the range can be further extended by using
the optional 0.8x wide-angle attachment
and the 1.5x telephoto converter.
In addition, a digital zoom function,
increasing the maximum range to 300x, is also available.
For image stabilization,
XA55 and XA50 offer five-axis image stabilization
which is a combination of both
electronic and optical image stabilization.
This correction substantially reduces image distortion
even when shooting handheld or when moving,
delivering stable, high-quality images.
By incorporating a nine-blade iris,
the bokeh effect, already assisted by the size of the sensor,
is further enhanced
giving a natural, visually pleasing effect for out-of-focus highlights.
The internal ND filter uses a turret mechanism
and that allows you to select from three densities:
ND 1/4, ND 1/16 and ND 1/64, and off.
The ND filter allows greater control of exposure or depth of field
depending on shooting conditions and the needs of the videographer.
The ND filters can be controlled quickly
using the dedicated external buttons,
the same as found on the Cinema EOS cameras.
For 4K capture, focus is absolutely critical.
XA55 and XA50 have Canon's unique Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus system.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a breakthrough auto-focus technology
that uses a unique CMOS sensor structure
combining image capture and phase difference auto-focus systems.
XA55 and XA50 offer continuous auto-focus
within an 80% coverage area of the CMOS sensor.
The touch-panel focus control provides intuitive operability
and this includes the capability to choose and track the subject
for focusing with just a simple touch operation.
XA55 and XA50 feature a highly accurate Face Detection AF,
Face Priority AF and Face Only AF option.
For single operators or for self-shooters,
this feature is invaluable.
Previously featured on the Cinema EOS range of cameras
and the flagship XF705 pro camcorder,
XA55 AND XA50 also feature the Dual Pixel Focus Guide system.
This innovative UI applies Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
to assist in achieving the same accurate focus manually
and can also tell the user if the subject is back- or front-focused.
For internal recording,
4K UHD 3840x2160 at up to 25p
or Full HD 1920x1080 at up to 50p
in both MXF-based XF-AVC and MP4 are possible.
Simultaneous recording for backup and relay recording,
thanks to dual SD card slots, are available too.
All the features needed in a professional handheld camcorder
are packed into this compact and lightweight body
only weighing in at approximately 970g, body only.
Good audio is as important as good images.
Both XA55 and XA50 provide two-channel AAC
or Linear PCM four-channel audio recording options.
The detachable handle provides two XLR audio connections
with 48V phantom, Line or Mic in options.
The handle also provides manual audio level control,
zoom control and REC button,
an infrared light and tally lamp.
Other connections on the camera body provide a mic terminal
headphone terminal, remote terminal
and USB terminal for GPS accessory support.
Power consumption is also improved.
Lower power consumption compared to previous models
offers longer recording times,
with the supplied BP-820 battery
being capable of over two hours of continuous recording.
So, there we are: the XA55 and XA50.
The first of our new 4K UHD line-up
of XA Series professional camcorders
offering huge opportunities for small-scale production,
news gathering, documentaries and corporate video production.
Please check the Canon website for more product details
on the XA55 and XA50.