Packing the new Cinematic Creative Function, manual controls and HD CMOS Pro image sensor for (1080p) HD recording, the XA10’s capabilities should not be judged by its compact build

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Singapore, 04 March 2011 – Canon Singapore today launches the Full HD 1080p XA10 which combines the power of a professional video camera with the convenient and compact form factor of a consumer camcorder. Designed for users looking for outstanding performance in a mobile body, the XA10 is the first in Canon’s new XA-series.

“Canon remains committed in providing our users with developing products that are incorporated with today’s latest technology and at the same time making it simplified and hassle free,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of the Consumer Imaging & Information Products Division of Canon Singapore. “The XA10 differs from its predecessors due to its compact form factor. Coupled with new features such as the Cinematic Creative functions and infrared recording, this makes the XA10 a perfect camcorder for professional videographers on the go.”

A professional camcorder in a pint-sized body
No other camcorder in Canon’s professional range has ever been as light, or as compact, as the XA10. Weighing in at just 67% of the original weight and 52% of the size of the XF105 – currently the smallest pro model from Canon – the XA10 is suitable and easy-to-manage for even the longest of shoots, offering professional HD performance in the palm of your hand.

Utilising the latest Canon imaging technologies, the XA10 offers industry-leading image quality in its class despite its size. Leveraging the advanced Canon HD Camera System, the XA10 bears the engineering DNA of Canon’s leading XF-series. It features unique Canon optics, the Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor and a professional grade 1/3-inch 2.37 megapixel HD CMOS Pro image sensor which enables users to capture video at 1920x1080 (Full HD) resolution images with a wide dynamic range, producing superior quality in both high contrast scenes and scenes with subtle gradations.

Also new in the XA10 is the Canon HD Video Lens which produces supremely sharp High Definition images. To develop a HD video lens that has good telephoto range and superior wide angle capabilities, a new design methodology was adopted by Canon for the XA10. This makes use of more moving groups than regular video lenses. With a 10x optical zoom, 30.4mm wide-angle and maximum f/1.8 aperture, the XA10’s lens provides the quality and versatility to support all types of shooting situations. A 2x digital extender offers additional reach for situations when close-up recording is required, and an eight-blade iris provides an attractive near-circular background blur, or ‘bokeh’. To offer even greater levels of wide-angle flexibility, the XA10 is compatible with the new WD-H58W wide adaptor, while existing 58mm adaptors and filters can also be used.

The camcorder’s 1920x1080 pixel image capture means no resizing or interpolation is necessary for Full HD workflow and playback – enabling operators to shoot, process and display footage at native resolution to help ensure the very best quality is maintained. The camcorder records AVCHD video at up to 24Mbps, the maximum currently possible within the AVCHD standard.
Cinematic Creative Function
Making straightforward and fun movie production a reality for users, the Cinematic Creative Function is the latest feature of Canon’s camcorder series and the brand new XA series. Consisting of three features, the first is the new Story Creator mode which acts as a personal movie director, providing users with guidance on the type of scenes they could capture to tell their story, whether it’s a holiday setting or a family gathering. The second feature, Touch Decoration, is a fun, new, and unique video-enhancing feature that allows users to add animation, stamps, frames and messages to their footage in real time.

The last of the three features in the Cinematic Creative Function is the eight different Cinema-look filters which transform everyday scenes by instantly altering the look and feel of footage. Users can preview different effects and pick the one that best suits the scene. All filters are also applied in-camera, providing users with another way to creatively enhance their footage without the need for a PC or additional software.

Total control over every detail
The XA10 offers a combination of features rarely found in compact camcorders, including complete manual control of the image being captured. Aperture, shutter speed, exposure and gain can all be independently adjusted, affording operators the flexibility to react to all kinds of conditions.

A lens focus ring provides intuitive control during shooting, while functions including aperture, shutter speed and exposure can be assigned to a customisable control dial. Two assignable buttons can also be configured to provide direct access to a selection of additional functions, such as Face-Only AF or Powered IS.

An 8.8cm, 922,000-dot touch-screen LCD and 0.61cm colour Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) provide the precise monitoring capability required for HD shooting. A range of assist functions, such as magnifying, peaking and Edge Focus, help users to correctly focus their shot, whilst Zebra patterns and a waveform display make control of exposure straightforward.

Flexibility and versatility for any shoot
Embedded in the detachable handle are the camcorder's XLR terminal inputs, audio switches, infrared (IR) lamp for capturing dramatic night time footage, tally lamp, removable microphone holder, zoom and record switches and a "cold" shoe. Green and white image options are supported in IR shooting mode, utilising unique Canon lens coatings to provide the clearest, sharpest image possible.

A zoom lever and a Start/Stop button have also been integrated into the handle, providing enhanced ergonomics and greater flexibility during shooting, particularly when filming from low angles. The handle can even be detached to make the camcorder more compact in situations where space is really at a premium.

The XA10 features 64GB of internal memory and two SDXC-compatible memory card slots, allowing operators to benefit from huge storage capacities and recording flexibility. The camcorder also supports Relay Recording and Double Slot Recording; the former allows users to record continuously across memory cards, automatically switching when the one in use becomes full, whilst the latter allows users to record footage on two memory cards at the same time. The Pre REC function also provides three seconds of cache recording for crucial moments, ensuring spontaneous action is never missed.
(Refer to the Annex for more information on the XA10)

Professional audio
Despite its small size, the XA10 also allows for advanced audio control, enabling operators to capture high-quality sound fit for broadcast. Independent audio sources can be recorded by connecting external microphones to the camera via two XLR inputs integrated into the handle, while a 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks provide additional flexibility. The high-grade integrated microphone identifies and filters out background noise at medium and low frequencies, boosting overall audio quality by producing greater clarity during quieter moments. Designed for professional use, the XA10’s range of audio options offers an advanced level of control.

Pricing and availability
The XA10 will be available from April 2011 at all authorised Canon dealers. Pricing will be released at a later date.