Name: Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder with CFast Card and Reader
Brand: Canon
SKU: CAXC10
Price: 1799.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 3.71 (14 reviews)

Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder with CFast Card and Reader

Canon XC-10

Canon

Canon XC-10 Video #1

Adorama

Video

Video Cameras

Professional Camcorders

Canon Professional Camcorders

Canon XC-10 

Buy: Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder with CFast Card and Reader Configuration: Camcorder Only, Lens Included: 10x Zoom, Model: XC-10, Recording Media: CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD), Sensor Size: 1", Sensor Type: CMOS, Special Features: 24P, Zoom

Many Pros and Cons from all sort of users, but when you're an experienced videographer, and you know what you are looking for you'll know it when you find it. I know what I can and can't use this camera for, and so far it has performed extremely well for me. If I want to go under water or aerial views, then I'd get something else. It has lots to offer if you use it correctly with the right platform.

It does what it does

I just don't understand what technology companies are thinking. This camera is a major upgrade from my other camcorders, but I don't know how good it is because I can't get the photos or video off of the camera. Canon has decided to require you to use their software to connect to a computer and transfer images and clips, but in this huge box they apparently can't manage to fit a CD containing the software. My workhorse computer does not have an internet connection, so now I have to load up the whole system and take it to a friend's house to install software that I shouldn't even need. Until then the camcorder is useless to me.

What's worse, it requires separate software for pictures, MXF and MP3. I have always been a fan of Canon, but this stunt has me rethinking that loyalty.

Where's the software

With the latest firmware (1.0.3.0 there's some very bad noise reduction artifacts. This same issue was just fixed on the C100 with a firmware update. I've been in contact with Canon's support and they are currently investigating the problem and will hopefully release a similar firmware update soon, although it has been over a month since I've heard from them. If they do release an update, I'll change my review to 5 stars because this is an otherwise very good camera. But with this noise reduction artifact problem, the image quality really suffers and I can't recommend it.
Search youtube for "Canon XC10 noise reduction ghosting" to see an example.
I am a fulltime professional photographer/videographer, by the way, and have shot several weddings and commercial video projects with this camera.

badly needs a firmware update like the c100 got

Like a lot of other reviews online, Its important to re-iterate that the lack of assignable buttons does make it hard to make on-the-fly adjustments. A 'surprise' to me was that the Mic port does not provide phantom power, and I wish there was more consistency in the menu-screens/functions between Canon models (file/folder management, on screen displays cycling through, etc.). Many others say it's a good b-camera, and that's probably true, I'm just not quite there yet.

Glad I have it, but ..

Great camera! Very light weight, good for run and gun. Great all all around camera for 4K and UHD and HD and slow mo/ timelapse. only negatives: Not the best in low light and you can NOT change the lenses, which if you are buying this camera, is definetly something to consider.
I do like it a lot though despite...

Nice 4k camera for price

I bought this camera for my business to take video and stills. I wanted a high quality camera that could do both well, and this is the best I could find. First, it is relatively compact. Its about the size of an SLR. I needed a video camera that I could take HD video on the move of moving objects. Second, I needed a very reliable auto focus system that could focus on a moving object against the sky. I found this to be a problem with other video camera without an optical eyepiece. This camera solves that problem with a hood that covers the lcd screen that you can view through an eyepiece with a diopter adjustment. This has proven to be very effective, especially combined with the peak function that highlights the edges of objects in focus. The autofocus is not really fast, but once it locks on it seems to stay focused on that object, even though the object is moving against the background. The camera also has a powerful optical zoom and a focus ring that allows you to adjust focus, even in autofocus mode. As a still camera, the XC10 seems about the same a my Nikon D5100. It does everything I want and takes excellent stills.
One problem with the XC10 for me is the 4K capability. This may be required for pros, but it is completely unnecessary for me. It produces 4K video only on Cfast card in the MXF format. Both of which are useless for me. Most video editing programs won't even read MXF files. HD video files are huge, and you have to shoot them in the MP4 format to be able to work with them. Also, the XC10 is a bit of a power hog. It comes with a big li-ion battery that doesn't last for much more than an hour of constant use. Fortunately, you can use the camera while its plugged into AC power. That helps a bit. 

Nevertheless, the XC10 is a quality camera and works for what I need.

The best combination of still and video camera available

I bought this a year ago and it is still going strong, however I think that if you were to buy a camera like this you should be sure that you truly want it. It is a great camera and I would definitely reccomend it to someone that wants good pictures or for someone who is just taking pictures but wants a good view. I have used this on multiple trips that I've went on and photographed so many awesome pictures! It is a great product even though it is very expensive

Not Bad

I have mixed feelings about this camera. It has features a more professional camera should have: 4k and fast frame rates. So it's a bit strange that a lesser camera than the C100 (my workhorse), has a few better functions.

I bought it as a "B" camera in hopes it will match my C100 footage, and so far it doesn't disappoint.

PROS:
- 4k shooting to Cfast 2.0
- HD shooting to SD cards
- High frame rates at 720p (120 fps), but it's not really 720p
- small and easy to balance on steadicam
- nice ergonomics
- easy menu system

CONS:
- 1" sensor is only decent, even in C-Log, it's a bit soft
- no detachable lens and you're stuck with a f/2.8 - f/5.6 zoom (the 2.8 is great)
- an odd looking distortion all the way wide at 24mm around edges
- mini jack audio input (pro camera?)

So, for what it is I think it's a decent, fun camera, albeit a bit higher priced than it should be. I don't know if I would call this a professional camera.

Odd but fun camera

EXCELLENT;COMPACT;WOULD HAVE LIKED ROOM
FOR TWO RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES INSTEAD OF
ONE;FIRMWARE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NON EXISTENT
IN USER MANUAL.

EXCELLENT;COMPACT

I've used this product a couple of times for Disney, E!, and Whistle Sports, and the codec is a problem. MXF has become pretty standard, but this camera shoots a weird version that Final Cut 7, and any Mac before 2011 can even view.

Features are good.Editing compatibility is weak

I have been using this little monster a lot lately. But first let me address some issues that have been spread about it on the internet. First, people say ISO adjustment is hard to do. They say you cant adjust it from the wheel on top. Well there is a setting for the wheel in the menu. Just set the wheel to do ISO. It will work in manual mode. Since the f stop moves when zooming, you dont need it on the wheel. However, when set in AE mode the f stop is adjustable by the wheel and also when in TV mode the shutter speed is adjustable by the wheel. How easy is that?

As far as the video image...it is quite nice and very cinematic. Even in HD, which is what I shoot most, but I am glad to have the 4K there when I need it. The XC10 has a nice solid weight to it, just enough for very steady hand held shots. Matter of fact, I got more stable shots hand held than with my mono pod supported on my waist belt. This camera also works well with a steady cam, I have a Neewer version which is similar to a Glidecam.

What about good depth of field? It can do it but you have to use the long lens approach...step back a bit and zoom in. Since the aperture closes down a bit when zooming, either select your shot before filming or dont zoom in while recording. If you do zoom in while recording I use P mode, program mode. It adjust automatically to where you dont see exposure changes while zooming. Or just set it on f5.6 and it will be constant aperture throughout the entire zoom range. In other words, on f5.6 it is a constant aperture lens. Works better outdoors doing this, but is workable indoors with the right lighting and ISO settings. The ND filter is one big stop, so far no issues with it and I have used it on several occasions.

I hear people complain about the "small" sensor. It is a one inch Canon sensor. A little bigger than the Black Magic super 16 sensor. Why everyone praises the BM sensor and dog the Canon sensor? It is almost the same! But the Canon sensor is much better in my opinion. And to get the most out of this little monster, instead of recording at an awesome 305 mbps internally, you can record externally at 8-10 bit 4.2.2 color at a whopping 880 mbps of ProRes! Of course internally in 4k and HD it is still 4.2.2. A much under rated camera this XC10 is. I think most of the complaints come from DSLR users, that don't really undertand that this is a Camcorder first and a photo camera second and just basically love to change lenses that they are emotionally attached to. I understand that...

For my 3 user assigned buttons I have then as ND filter on/off (1). Peaking on/off (2). And number 3 button, which is on the hand grip I have it as 2x telephoto on/off. I am quite suprised at using telephoto at 2x is very good. Using it at max 540mm, 35mm eqiv. Iti is still decent image, but to maintian best video quality don't go all the way in, but for web use it is still ok.

What about the photos? Well it is not a full frame, or even an APS-C. But it is quite good and has a lot more detail than I thought it would. Crisp color and warm color with 12 stops of D range, it holds up good. What would the photos from the XC10 be used for if Pro's would not use it? Well, for websites, any online stuff and any news gathering as well as events and documentary stuff. Using pics in a video for stills, I shoot pics in 16x9, not 4x3 to match my videos. What else? The pics are good enough for magazine adverts print, but not the stuff you would use a full frame or bigger for like product pictures for layouts or professional modeling. But for low budget adverts they are quite nice.

I was especially shocked at the 4K frame grab. I took a picture from a 4K video that I filmed with 2x tele on and zoomed at full 540 mm and it is quite crisp and clear with good color, and this was indoors! By the way, the menu is minimal and very easy to learn and simple but very effective with just enough features to get professional video but not much stuff to bog you down. Best run and gun menu out there!

Pros : All in one, Not Much To Carry, 4K hi bit rate video, Crisp On Board Audio, Touch Screen, Constant Aperture at F5.6, C-log, One Lens
Cons : Auto Noise Reduction, No 60p In 4k, F2.8-5.6 Lens
Best Uses : Weddings, Short films, Online Photography, Events, Documentaries, Online video and Youtube.

So what do I use my Canon XC10 for mainly? Weddings, events, short documentaries, live bands, Short films, News gathering if I am in the right spot at the right time, Pro YouTube stuff, etc...Great with a steady cam set at 24mm wide at f5.6 to maintain focus at all times!

Accessories I Recommend::
Rode video mic pro
Steady cam
Mono pod

Enjoying my new Canon XC10 Camcorder

I love my Canon XC10. It's basically everything I want in a camera. Great 4k, 8 bit 4:2:2, 10x zoom even if its not constant, the ergonomics and the color science all great.

But if there's one thing I need Canon to fix in the next firmware is the bad ghosting afterimage when shooting at night. The camera is great during the day and at dusk/dawn but at night it's just terrible. It might just be the small sensor or an accumulation of image stabilization, autofocus and auto noise reduction. Maybe allow user to manually turn on and off noise reduction. I just want that afterimage ghosting gone.

But besides that, EVERYTHING the camera has is aces.

Great but one big weakness

This is a great camera packed with some impressive features at its price. It's not something you would necessarily want to use as your primary camera, but an awesome 2nd camera for shooting b-roll and the perfect size for using with a slider or glidecam, etc. There are certainly some features that could make it a better camera such as being able to swap lenses or having both an LED monitor and viewfinder, I also don't like the .MXF file format since everything must be re-encoded before you can import into Premiere, but at this price you really can't complain. It is very solid in construction and feels good in your hands. This is a superb little camera that captures amazing 4k footage and has far more additional features than any other camera at this price.

Great Camera, Great features

I can't believe al the negativity heaped on this little munchkin before it was even released. I do a lot of handheld work and I can hold this camera all day long. the stabilization is great and I love having such a long focal range in such a small package. the 4K footage is awesome, though for now, I'm using it to do nice slow digital zooms in post for my 1080 productions. Great job Canon! thanks for my new favorite camera.

Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder with CFast Card and Reader

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