Canon XA10 Review

"Editor's Choice"

Canon's professional level XA10 camcorder features 64GB of internal memory and it supports XLR audio inputs for microphones. Controls are well presented, though most are accessed through the menu interface. Macworld think the camcorder is comfortable to hold for extended periods, as it's reasonably light weight. The only downside is the small viewfinder.

“Best Buy”

“... Positioning itself somewhere between the HF G10 and the XF100, the XA10 offers enough features and quality for professionals but it can also be simplified for more straightforward jobs. That’s why it’s great as both an all-round model for ambitious amateurs and as a second device for professionals. The only area where we would have liked to have seen more quality is the device’s attachable handle. ...”

“The Canon XA 10 surprises with its extremely extensive, and individual, calibration options. This model really does set a benchmark in this respect. The Canon XA 10 sits very comfortably in the hand and its carry handle has also been very well designed. ... Picture and sound quality leaves very little to be desired. Its minimal aperture width is sadly ‘graced’ by the presence of artefacts. ...”

Features: “excellent” (15.0 out of 15 points); Recording: “very good” (18.5 out of 20 points); Operation: “very good” (9.2 out of 10 points); Sound (system): “very good” (14.5 out of 15 points); Picture quality: “very good” (88.4 out of 120 points); Sound quality: “good” (12.6 out of 20 points).

Value for money: “very good”, “Best Buy”

“The fact that its image quality is based on the consumer segment is no disadvantage for the XA 10; it means it can always fall back on its very good lowlight quality levels. And functions such as pre-record are sure to be of use to ambitious film makers too. The attachable grip also ensures additional professional-level comfort; XLR microphone port is also on board.”

“Likes: manual image characteristic optional; low-light options; XLR; manual buttons, dial and lens ring; touch focus can be combined manually. Dislikes: tame ND filter function; 4:2:2 codec not ‘activated’.”