Canon XA55 Camcorder

Overview

The XA55 Professional Camcorder offers an outstanding combination of 4K UHD image quality, features and functionality in a compact portable design ideally suited for on-the-go Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and documentary production.

Featuring a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor and a DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor, the XA55 can record in XF-AVC or MP4 formats to dual SD card slots. The camcorder is capable of recording 4K UHD video at 30p, as well as slow motion recording up to 60fps in Full HD (30 fps in 4K UHD). A 15x optical zoom lens maintains 4K UHD quality throughout the entire zoom range, while the camcorder’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps facilitate fast and accurate autofocus.

The camcorder includes an HDMI 2.0 terminal with 4K UHD output support, two XLR terminals with independent audio level control and a 3G-SDI terminal that supports camcorder integration into professional workflows. An adjustable 3.0-inch touch panel LCD monitor and a built-in 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder enhance usability, and the detachable handle helps the XA55 to operate in a variety of shooting situations. Designed to meet the needs of professionals, the XA55 offers a wide range of recording possibilities.

[What’s in the Box]

 

XA55 Lens Hood (with Lens Barrier) Battery Pack BP-820 Compact Power Adapter CA-570 Handle Unit ·         Mic Holder ·         Wireless Controller (WL-D89)

 [Features]

• 0-inch 4K UHD CMOS Image Sensor
• 15x Optical 4K UHD Zoom Lens with 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization
• DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• 4K UHD and Full HD Recording to Dual SD Card Slots with 3G-SDI Output
• Slow and Fast Motion Recording
• Advanced Full HD Image Quality
• 0-inch Touch Panel LCD and 0.24-inch Electronic Viewfinder
• Flexible Audio Inputs with Linear PCM 4-channel Support
• RC-V100 Remote Controller Support
• Improved Power Consumption and Recording Times
• Compact and Lightweight Design with Detachable Handle

1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS Image Sensor

The XA55 Professional Camcorder features a Canon 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor capable of 4K UHD video capture at 60p and slow motion recording up to 60fps in Full HD (30 fps in 4K UHD), making the XA55 camcorder a strong contender for professional productions, creative fields and more.

High Sensitivity / Low Noise

The XA55 camcorder’s 1.0-inch sensor allows for larger photosites compared to smaller-sized sensors, resulting in improved images with less noise in low-light situations. The larger sensor also exhibits a shallower depth of field at large apertures, providing greater depth of field control and creative options. The camcorder’s DiG!C DV 6 imaging engine further enhances the high sensitivity and low noise performance of the camcorder.

* At 59.94P with Auto Slow Shutter ON and shutter speed at 1/30 sec.

Wide DR Gamma (800%) Support

For natural and realistic-looking image capture that faithfully represents the scene at hand, Wide DR Gamma achieves a wide dynamic range of 800% to produce almost seamless tone gradations, resulting in smooth detail, accurate color and virtually no blown-out highlights.

15x Optical 4K UHD Zoom Lens with 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization

The XA55 Professional Camcorder incorporates a Canon 4K video lens that leverages proprietary Canon optical technologies derived from years of experience in developing Cinema, Broadcast and EF series lenses.

Inspired by the same high level of optical precision used in Canon broadcast and photographic lenses, the Canon XA55 camcorder incorporates a Genuine Canon 15x optical zoom lens that maintains 4K UHD quality throughout the entire zoom range, and offers a focal length range of 25.5 to 382.5mm (35mm film equivalent). Users can get up to 30x Advanced Zoom when shooting in Full HD, which utilizes the XA55 camcorder’s full 4K UHD sensor to extend the zoom range while maintaining image quality.

 

5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization

The XA55 camcorder also incorporates a 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization (IS) system.

The camcorder features three modes of image stabilization: Standard, Dynamic and Powered. In Standard IS mode, the stabilizing angle is made constant independent of the zoom magnification. Dynamic IS mode extends the stabilizing range at the wide end of the focal length, allowing for image stabilization when shooting while walking. Powered IS mode helps facilitate stabilization in the low frequency range at the tele end, and should be used exclusively for fixed-point shooting which does not involve panning.

9-Blade Iris

For enhanced versatility and durability, the lens features a 9-blade iris, producing artistic and beautiful out-of-focus areas or “bokeh.” The 9 blades allow for attractive circular blurring in out-of-focus regions, while the use of an odd number of blades helps reduce flaring of specular highlights.

ND Filter

A compact and independent internal 3-density ND filter, using a turret (circular) mechanism, allows the user to select from three densities (ND 1/4, ND 1/16 and ND 1/64) or turn the feature off if needed. Density can be adjusted using the dedicated external buttons.

Optional Wide and Tele Accessories

The optional Wide Attachment WA-U58 and the Tele Converter TL-U58 accessories expand the creative capabilities of the XA55 camcorder.

The Wide Attachment WA-U58 offers a 0.8x wider angle of view that enables users to capture more of a scene, especially when indoors or in tight spaces, to lend better perspective to your video narrative. The Tele Converter TL-U58 provides extended 1.5x longer telephoto range for the XA55 camcorder’s fixed lens, allowing distant subjects to be captured with brilliant clarity.

DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor

The XA55 Professional Camcorder incorporates Canon’s DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor, which is integral in providing high image quality, advanced performance and convenient operability. This advanced core technology component provides the image-processing power and speed that enables features such as 4K UHD video acquisition, image stabilization, slow and fast motion recording and precise Dual Pixel CMOS AF.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF

The XA55 Professional Camcorder features Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Canon’s exclusively developed high-speed, high-precision autofocus technology. Dual Pixel CMOS AF assists not only with standard shooting, but also with 4K UHD 30p, Full HD 60p and other high-frame rate applications that require crisp frame-by-frame accuracy.

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Each pixel in the camcorder’s CMOS sensor is configured with two photodiodes. Two independent image signals can then be detected at each photosite. By implementing phase-difference AF, smooth focusing is accomplished with much higher speed and accuracy than was possible with previous technologies.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Touch Focus

The XA55 camcorder’s 3.0-inch touch panel LCD enables smooth, intuitive operation of Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Accurate AF technology can be employed when shooting a scene by tapping a finger on the desired area of the scene you want the lens to focus on. Dual Pixel CMOS AF offers continuous AF within a horizontal and vertical range of the screen of approximately 80%. It also provides highly accurate Face Detection AF, which assists during single-operator shooting. Users can also use the touch panel to move the autofocus target manually.

Face Detection AF

The Face Detection AF feature has two modes – Face Priority AF and Face Only AF – that offer users precise flexibility in how they choose their autofocus for a subject or scene.

Dual Pixel Focus Guide

Utilizing information from Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Dual Pixel Focus Guide helps achieve precise focus by displaying focus assist information on the screen. It employs a truly innovative user interface that enables the user to see if they are focused in front of or behind the subject through visual observation, and allows quick and accurate manual focus to be achieved. This helps simplify the focusing process when shooting in 4K UHD, which requires strict focus accuracy.

4K UHD and Full HD Recording to Dual SD Card Slots with 3G-SDI Output

The XA55 Professional Camcorder can record to dual SD card slots in 4K UHD and Full HD resolutions using the MP4 or XF-AVC recording formats. Multiple recording modes, resolutions and frame rates make the XA55 Professional Camcorder creatively flexible and adaptable to a wide range of fields from broadcasting to cinema.

Dual SD Card Slots

The D208 features dual SD card slots to allow for Simultaneous or Relay Recording in either the MP4 or XF-AVC format. Simultaneous recording allows you to record on both SD cards at the same time, so that you can use one as a backup.

Relay recording allows uninterrupted recording from one card to the other when the first memory card becomes full.

 

 

3G-SDI Terminal

A 3G-SDI terminal allows for output that supports camcorder integration into professional workflows, making it particularly useful for on-the-go Electronic News Gathering (ENG) applications. The 3G-SDI output provides an uncompressed signal at a 1920×1080 resolution with 4:2:2 color sampling and 10-bit color depth, as well as embedded audio and time code. Stream directly to a broadcast van or connecting to a recorder to make high-quality video recordings for archiving purposes.

 

HDMI 2.0 Terminal

An HDMI 2.0 terminal supports 4K UHD 60p output, which can be connected to a standard external SSD/HDD recorder, enabling conversion to ProRes and DNx formats for efficient editing and storage.

 

 

 

Slow and Fast Motion Recording

The XA55 Professional Camcorder supports slow and fast motion recording, and can record in a different frame rate from playback for slow and fast motion effects. Slow motion recording of up to 60 fps (x0.4) in Full HD (30 fps in 4K UHD) is supported, helping to create an emotionally moving and exciting style of video.

 

 

Advanced Full HD Image Quality

Our Full HD image quality from our XA series camcorder is now even better thanks to Over Sampling HD Processing, which enables Full HD recording by effectively utilizing the outstanding capabilities of the 4K CMOS Sensor.

3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD and 0.24-inch Electronic Viewfinder

The XA55 Professional Camcorder features a 3.0-inch Touch Panel LCD and a newly designed 0.24-inch Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The Touch Panel LCD and EVF provide visual recognition of desired features along with a full array of menu options for controlling camcorder settings. The Touch Panel LCD works with Canon’s exclusive AF technologies for easy monitoring and one-finger tap-focusing during shooting and the EVF offers 45° of tilt for more comfortable operation in a variety of positions.

Intuitive Menu Design

The XA55 camcorder features an intuitive menu design for fast and accurate access to desired features. Interactive direct touching and moving from one page to another are also possible by swiping the menu screen.

Assignable Buttons

The XA55 camcorder features 5 assignable buttons, in addition to touch-assignable buttons on the upper part of the LCD panel. Users can set them to the features they need.

 

“Neutral” Look Setting

A “Neutral” look setting has been added for professional camera-quality recording.

With image quality settings optimized for natural colors and subdued images with modest brightness and color saturation, it can be an excellent mode for pro application users

Flexible Audio Inputs with Linear PCM 4-channel Support

The XA55 Professional Camcorder offers a variety of ways to record audio: through two XLR terminals, an internal stereo mini-jack mic terminal or from the camcorder’s internal stereo mic. In addition to AAC 2ch audio, the XA55 offers support for high-quality linear PCM 4ch audio. The on-board 4ch audio independent settings let users set recording levels, input sensitivity and limiters for each channel.

RC-V100 Remote Controller Support

The XA55 Professional Camcorder is compatible with Canon’s optional RC-V100 Remote Controller, enabling image quality adjustments and other important operations to be set from a distance. The RC-V100 plugs into the XA55 through the remote terminal on the rear panel.

Improved Power Consumption and Recording Times

Low power settings offer peace of mind for long recording times. The BP-820 or BP-828 battery allows for over two hours of continuous recording, an improvement over the XF405 model.

 

 

 

Compact and Lightweight Design with Detachable Handle

Weighing only 2.1 pounds (main body only), the XA55 Professional Camcorder features a compact and lightweight design, offering excellent mobility, making it especially useful for on-the-go Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and documentary production applications.

The detachable handle unit can be quickly and easily attached to the camcorder body without tools. The handle includes a zoom lever, a start/stop record button and two XLR terminals that can be controlled independently to help ensure the proper audio levels are being captured correctly. The handle is also capable of mounting a mic holder and features a cold shoe that can be used to mount a variety of other optional peripherals.

 [Specifications]

 

Main Unit Specs (for XA55)
Standard Definition or High Definition	4K Ultra High Definition
Power Supply (rated)	7.4V DC (Battery Pack), 8.4V DC (DC IN)
Video Recording system	Compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 File Format: MP4 Recording Modes: 3840 x 2160 : 29.97p/23.98p 1920 x 1080 : 59.94p/29.97p/23.98p 1280 x 720 : 59.94p   File Format XF-AVC Recording Modes: 3840 x 2160 : 29.97p/23.98p 1920 x 1080 : 59.94p/ 59.94i/29.97p/23.98p
Audio Recording system	MP4: MPEG-2 AAC-LC (16-bit 2CH) / LPCM (16-bit 4CH) XF-AVC: LPCM (24-bit 4CH)
Image Sensor	1.0-inch CMOS
Total Pixels	Approx. 13.4 megapixels (4268 x 3148)
Effective Pixels	Approx. 8.29 megapixels (3840 x 2160)
Lens	Canon 15x Zoom, 8.3-124.5mm (35mm equivalent 25.5-382.5mm), f/2.8-4.5
Focusing System	Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Contrast AF The detection range for CMOS AF is approx. 80% (vertical) x 80% (horizontal) of the entire field of view.
Manual Exposure	Yes
Max Shutter Speed	1/2000
Minimum Focusing Distance	10mm at wide end, 60cm across entire zooming range
White Balance	Auto, Preset (Daylight, Tungsten), Color Temperature Settings (2,000-15,000K), Set (1/2)
Frame Rate	60p, 30p, 24p
Minimum Illumination	P Mode: Approx. 1.7 lux (shutter speed: 1/30 sec., 60p with auto slow shutter on) Low Light Mode: Approx. 0.1 lux (shutter speed: 1/2 sec.)
Genlock Terminal	No
3G-SDI Terminal	Yes
Timecode Terminals	No
Image Stabilization	Optical system (lens shift) + electronic stabilization (Image rotation and camcorder movements in the yaw and pitch directions are electronically corrected.) Modes: Dynamic IS, Powered IS, Standard IS, IS Off
Filter Diameter	58mm
Viewfinder	0.24-inch TFT wide color LCD, approx. 1.56 million dots, approx. 100% field of view
LCD Screen	3.0-inch wide LCD and wide view angle, wide color range supported and AR surface treatment (Approx. 460,000 dots)
Microphone	Stereo (using electret condenser microphone)
Recording Media	SD/SDHC/SDXC Card (2 slots): MP4/XF-AVC movies/photos. UHS-I standard supported Menu settings can also be recorded.
USB Terminal	mini-B receptacle and Hi-Speed USB, PTP class supported (output only)
Video Terminal	3.5mm stereo mini-jack, HDMI™ mini connector, 3G-SDI terminal
Audio Terminal	3.5mm stereo mini-jack, XLR 3-pin jack (two channels, provided on the handle unit), HDMI™ mini connector, headphone jack, 3G-SDI terminal
HDMI Terminal	HDMI™ mini connector
AV Mini Terminal/ Headphone Terminal	3.5mm stereo mini-jack
Ethernet Terminal	N/A
Operating Temperature Range	For Performance: Approx. 0-40° C, 85% (relative humidity) For Operation: Approx. -5-45° C, 60% (relative humidity)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 4.3 x 3.6 x 8.4 in. / 109 x 91 x 214mm excluding lens hood, mic holder unit, handle unit and battery pack Approx. 4.9 x 3.6 x 10.4 in. / 125 x 91 x 265mm including lens hood and Battery Pack BP-828; excluding mic holder unit and handle unit Approx. 5.5 x 8.5 x 10.4 in. / 140 x 216 x 265mm including lens hood, Battery Pack BP-820, mic holder unit and handle unit All dimensions exclude the grip belt.
Weight	Approx. 2.1 lbs. / 975g (body only, grip belt included)