News

In an age when the lines are continuously blurred between compact and SLR, video and stills, Canon has introduced a new category: a compact camcorder with the ability to record 4K video and take stills.

That’s exactly what the XC10 is, a video-centric camcorder with the ability to capture 12-megapixel stills. Don’t be fooled by that entry SLR-esque body—inside there’s a 1-inch CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 160 to 20,000. On the front, there’s a fixed 10X zoom lens with a 35mm-equivalent range of 24–275mm.

Less interesting for underwater photographers hoping to house the XC10, the camera features a tilting LCD screen and the long-rumored rotating hand grip, aimed at shooting movies and stills at any angle easier. Codecs for the XC10 are XF-AVC Intra for 4K and XF-AVC Long for Full HD. Users can even extract 8-megapixel images from the 4K footage.
 

The XC10 will be available in June with an MSRP of $2499. For more information on the XC10, refer to the press release below.
 

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PRESS RELEASE

CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THE VERSATILE XC10 4K DIGITAL CAMCORDER FOR CREATIVE MULTI-MEDIA IMAGE MAKERS

Ideal for Emerging and Existing Content Creators, the Canon XC10 Camcorder is Compact, Lightweight and Versatile with 4K/Full HD Video Shooting and 12-Megapixel Still Photography Capabilities

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 8, 2015 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to introduce the new XC10 4K Digital Camcorder.  Compact, lightweight and versatile, the XC10 is designed to deliver stunning 4K and Full HD video as well as compelling 12-Megapixel still images. The camcorder also has a built-in function to extract eight megapixel still images from recorded 4K video, making it one of Canon's most convenient multimedia tools to date. In addition to the camcorder's 4K and Full HD video capture capabilities, the XC10 camcorder includes a one-inch 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with a 2x Digital Teleconverter and Optical Image Stabilization allowing for rock-steady video and still image shooting.  This new digital camcorder is ideal for creative individuals and professionals who are interested in cost effective 4K video production, as well as multimedia journalists and news agencies looking to easily expand into 4K Electronic News Gathering (ENG) coverage.

"With the introduction of the XC10 4K Digital Camcorder, we are looking to deliver a robust new camcorder that will allow for an ever expanding creative expression. Enabling the virtually seamless capture of stunning 4K video with the added convenience of still image capture and 4K frame extraction, XC10 users are empowered with multiple ways to share their artistic visions," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Newly Developed 4K Imaging System
The XC10 Digital Camcorder's 12-Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor delivers up to 12 stops of dynamic range for impressive detail in both highlights and lowlights, whether the user is shooting video or still photos.  The camcorder's 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens offers a 35mm-equivalent zoom ratio of 24.1-241mm for still photos and 27.3-273mm for movies while remaining compact as a result of the use of two UD lens elements, two Hi-UD lens elements, and three-surface, 2-piece aspherical lens.

The XC10 camcorder incorporates Canon's advanced and proprietary DIGIC DV5 signal processor to support in-camera 4K video acquisition and 5-axis image stabilization (full HD only) as well as slow and fast motion recording. To help ensure that both video and photo image quality is at its highest standard throughout the entire workflow, the XC10 uses two new codecs. When recording 4K, the high image quality XF-AVC Intra codec is used, and for Full HD recording XF-AVC Long GOP is used to maintain outstanding image quality and efficient data rates. The XC10 camcorder can record in Canon Log Gamma, Wide DR or EOS Standard picture modes for increased versatility in color correction, and allows for greater ease in matching looks with footage from other cameras within the Cinema EOS camera system.

Advanced Operability and Shooting Modes
Operability innovations are designed into the Canon XC10 4K Digital Camcorder to further facilitate creative expression and the ability to capture superb 4K and HD video as well as high-resolution still images. A dedicated focusing ring and a conveniently placed Push AF button allow for reliable manual focusing operation, while a Continuous AF mode with Face Detection lets users shoot confidently in challenging shooting environments, knowing that the camcorder can hold critical focus while tracking subject movement.

The XC10 camcorder has dedicated microphone and headphone jacks along with a built-in microphone for professional sound monitoring. A Vari-Angle LCD monitor featuring a capacitive touch-panel for simple intuitive control is paired with a rotating hand grip to maximize users' ability to shoot both movies and still images from virtually any angle.  The XC10 camcorder also incorporates built-in dual-band 5GHz and 2.4 GHz wireless networks to provide remote camcorder operability through a web browser, a compatible smartphone or a tablet. The wireless function also provides browser previewing of recorded images without the need to remove media from the camcorder. For added convenience, the XC10 can be used hand-held or with camera-support accessories, such as ultra-low-angle car mounts or even drones.

Offering slow- and fast-motion recording, multiple picture settings with a variety of looks, and interval shooting for time-lapse still photography, the Canon XC10 4K Digital Camcorder records cinematic H.264 4:2:2/8-bit MXF 4K (UHD) 3840 x 2160 movies to an internal CFast™ card or Full HD 1920 x 1080 video to an SD card at multiple frame rates up to a maximum of 305Mbps/29.97P in 4K and 50Mbps/59.94P in Full HD.  The XC10 also offers 12-stop dynamic range Canon Log recording and 4K 30p movie playback via its HDMI 1.4 output port to further support many different workflow options.

The XC10 camcorder's still-photography features include a mechanical shutter to help eliminate rolling-shutter distortion, up to 3.8 frames-per-second performance, support for multiple aspect ratios, and compatibility with EOS system accessories such as the popular Battery Pack LP-E6N, Speedlite flash units, Canon GPS receivers, and remote controllers. The new camcorder features a built-in ND filter, and ISO speeds can be set from 160 to 20,000 for exceptional flexibility in a wide range of lighting conditions. Optional Canon accessories include a Direct Viewfinder for eye-level shooting in bright conditions.

Outstanding Performance, Compact Size
In addition to all of the performance features, the compact size and weight of the XC10 digital camcorder is one of its most valuable assets. Measuring less than five inches in every dimension (approx. 4.9 x 4.0 x 4.8 inches, WxHxD) and weighing just 2.3 pounds fully loaded with an LP-E6 battery pack and two memory cards, the XC10 is designed for maximum mobility and shooting comfort.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon XC10 4K Digital Camcorder is scheduled to be available in June 2015 for an estimated retail price of $2,499.00 with SanDisk 64GB CFast™ 2.0 card and card reader.