The Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder is a compact, all-in-one hybrid camcorder that records professional-caliber 4K video. If you’re looking, we also rent the updated XC15. Key features include:
1" CMOS sensor and DIGIC DC5 processor
27.4-273mm f/2.8-5.6 10x Optical Zoom Lens
Capture UHD 4K up to 30p using CFast or HD up to 60p using SD
Image stabilization plus built-in ND filter
In-Camera 4K Recording. The XC10 internally captures 3,840 × 2,160 Ultra HD 4K at 24/25/30 fps in the H.264 codec (MFX wrapper). It also captures Full HD 1080p and 720p at a maximum of 60 fps and 120 fps, respectively. While in-camera recording maxes out as 4:2:2 8-bit, the HDMI 2.0 output enables 4:2:2 10-bit capture to an external recorder.
1" CMOS Sensor. This smaller one-inch sensor means this camera has a compact build, making it ideal for run-and-gun shooting. The XC10 has 13.36MP of total resolution, but only 8.29MP are used for video and the remaining 12MP is used for photos. This reduced-resolution sensor ensures great low-light performance with an ISO range of 100-20,000.
Integrated 10x Zoom. With a focal length equivalent to 27.3-273mm f/2.8-5.6, the XC10’s zoom covers just about everything you’d need. There are optical and digital image-stabilization options to help prevent camera shake when extended, and dedicated zoom and focus rings akin to a typical DSLR lens. Please note that this is a manual zoom with no servo option.
Canon Log Gamma and Wide DR Gamma. Canon Log records images with subdued contrast and sharpness, which preserves a high dynamic range and presupposes color grading in post. Canon Log Gamma emphasizes rich gradients from mid-range to highlights, resulting in up to twelve stops of dynamic range. Wide DR Gamma yields wide dynamic range by suppressing brightness while maintaining gradations, but is designed to produce finished-looking images without requiring any color grading in post-production.
Ergonomics. The XC10 is essentially a hybrid photo/video camera that leans more towards the video side. There’s a tilting grip similar to the C100/300 with photo/video selection, start/stop recording, and rotary exposure control. The new, three-inch touchscreen rear LCD supports tap to focus. Additionally, a clip-on optical Direct Viewfinder transforms the XC10 into a more traditional camcorder.
Built-in Wi-Fi. Dual-band 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi enable both remote camera control and viewing from a smart device.
Recording and Power. Internal 4K capture requires a very fast memory card. The XC10 uses the CFast 2.0 format for 4K and ultra-fast Full HD. For still-image and 1080/60p video and lower, there’s a single SD slot. The camera is powered by the widely used Canon LP-E6N, giving existing HDSLR users an easier transition.
