Last Updated on July 20, 2020
It would probably be an understatement to say that Canon is one of the biggest brands in the world when it comes to cameras. For many years, the manufacturer has released cameras that redefined the landscape of photography. And the best part is, Canon has no signs of stopping any time soon, lets take a look at the XA40 & 45.
Canon XA40 XA45 Review
Quick Specs
- 4K UHD 30p recording
- 20X optical zoom lens
- 3 inch LCD Touchscreen
- Dual SD card slots
- 5 axis image stabilization
- AX45 Comes with 3G-SDI
- Dual XLR Audio
Overview
Design & Features
Both the Canon XA40 and XA45 share the same excellent features that are expected of any camcorder from the brand. For starters, both cameras are claimed by Canon to be one of the most compact and portable 4K UHD professional camcorders in the market today.
Viewing, Handling, & Controls
At just 730 grams for the body and 1.2 kilograms with the detachable XLR handle unit, lens hood, microphone holder and battery, the XA40 and XA45 are both excellent tools for shooting videos on the go.
The camcorder also boasts of the combined power of the DIGIC DV6 image processor and ½.3-inch type CMOS sensor that makes it capable of delivering top-quality 4K UHD images and full HD images through Over Sampling HD processing. This method utilizes data from the 4K imaging sensor for recording full HD videos with excellent quality over its predecessors. It even adds a 5-axis image stabilization and wide 20x optical zoom, and it allows for shooting in full HD and UHD using slow and fast motions.
Another great thing about these cameras is that while they are smaller, they still pack a lot of extra features like infrared modes for shooting with little to no ambient lighting, two XLR inputs, a 29.3mm wide-angle large zoom range and 601mm for the telephoto range. And if that’s not enough, Canon also used a 3D real-time lens group structure for more stable images while the lens is being zoomed.
- 4K UHD 30p recording
- 20X optical zoom lens
- 3 inch LCD Touchscreen
- Dual SD card slots
Image & Video
The XA40 and XA45 have a 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen for better viewing, a built-in stereo microphone, two XLR terminals, and dual SD card slots perfect for relay recording and backup. The camcorders also support linear PCM-4 channel audio.
The Difference
In an effort to give clients more choices when it comes to camcorders, Canon released sister models for its XA series. The XA50 will be the sister model to the XA55 and the XA40 will do the same for the XA45. Both cameras have the same essential features. The only real difference is that the XA40 doesn’t have a 3G-SDI terminal due to its lower price point.
The Canon XA40 and XA45 fill the gap between the XA11 and XA15 models, and they are perfect for on-the-go shooters who want to carry a portable device that still allows them to shoot full quality videos. Another notable difference is that the XA45 is more geared towards documentary shooting and news reporting while the XA40 is perfect for corporate video productions and small broadcasting shoots.
Price
Price is also a huge difference between these two professional camcorders as the XA45 is priced at $2,199 while the XA40 without its 3G-SDI is available in the market for $1,699.
- SHOOT, RECORD, STREAM: Capture...
- STUNNING 4K UHD & FULL HD IMAGES:...
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY: Effortlessly...
- CAPTURE EVERY DETAIL: From wide-angle...
The Other Canon Models
XA50 and XA55
Aside from the XA40 and XA45, two other camcorder models and a camera were released by Canon last year. The XA50 and XA55 boasts of the 1.0-type CMOS sensor, the first for the XA series, and a Wide Dynamic Range that allows for high quality 4K UHD videos with the help of Over Sampling HD processing.
They also have the 5-axis image stabilization and 25.5mm wide-angle 15x optical zoom, a Dual Pixel CMOS AF with touch tracking and face detection, infrared modes and two XLR inputs. Similar to the XA40 and XA45, the XA55, which is priced much higher at $2,699 as compared to the XA50 at $2,199 features 3G-SDI.
Canon VIXIA HF G60 4k UHD
Meanwhile, the Canon VIXIA HF G60 4k UHD camcorder completes the pack with its amazing features that include Wide Dynamic Range, Dual Pixel Focus and an impressive nine bladed circular aperture that allows it to capture stunning high quality videos. This camera is targeted towards the more budget-conscious clientele who are looking to start a career in videography but don’t have the money to spend on a high-end camcorder just yet.
Final Thoughts
Canon is indeed full of surprises and this launch was one for the books. With a new year ahead, we can only look forward for better things to come from the brand.
Head back to the top to see the Test footage and Unboxing
Test Videos
Specification
Definition
Power Supply (rated)
Television System
Video Recording system
File Format: MP4
Audio Recording system
LPCM (4ch), not available during 1280x720 recording)
Image Sensor
Total Pixels
Effective Pixels
Lens
Focal Length: 3.67-73.4mm (35mm equivalent: 29.3-601mm with Standard IS/IS Off, 30.6-612mm with Dynamic IS)
Zoom Speed: Variable speed / Constant speed (16 levels); Fast, Normal or Slow
Max. F/Stop: f/1.8-2.8
Focusing System
Hybrid AF Controls: Instant AF, Medium AF
Manual Exposure
Programmed AE
Manual Mode: P, Tv, Av, M (Manual Exposure), SCN (Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks)
Max Shutter Speed
Minimum Focusing Distance
White Balance
Frame Rate
FHD: 60p, 30p, 24p
Minimum Illumination
Low Light Mode: Approx. 0.1 lux (shutter speed 1/2 sec.)
Image Stabilization
Control Modes: Dynamic IS, Powered IS*, Macro IS, Tripod Mode
IS Modes other than Intelligent IS: Standard IS, IS Off
* During Intelligent IS (Auto Mode), Powered IS can be set to On or Off.
Filter Diameter
Viewfinder
LCD Screen
Microphone
Recording Media
USB Terminal
Video Terminal
Accessory Shoe
HDMI Terminal
Microphone Terminal
AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal
Headphone Terminal
Remote Control Terminal
Operating Temperature range
For Operation: Approx. -5-45°C, 60% (relative humidity)
Dimensions
Approx. 4.5 x 3.3 x 9.1 in. / 115 x 84 x 231mm (including lens hood; excluding mic holder unit and handle unit)
Approx. 5.2 x 7.1 x 9.1 in. / 131 x 180 x 231mm (including lens hood, mic holder unit and handle unit)
All dimensions exclude the grip belt.
Weight (not including lens hood and eyecup)
Weight
Grip belt included for all values.
Handle Unit Terminals
Shoe Terminal: Cold shoe
Unboxing
User Reviews
thanks to Grant Hinds f0r his excellent round up!
Canon XA45 Review
Summary
The Canon XA45 is a great camera for HD broadcast with outstanding 4K UHD quality but only at 30fps. If you feel you do not need up to 60fps in 4k then this is a great camera. If you want the best lowlight performance have a look at the XA50 instead as it has a 1″ sensor.
- 4K UHD 30p recording
- 20X optical zoom lens
- 3 inch LCD Touchscreen
- Dual SD card slots
- 4K UHD 30p recording
- 20X optical zoom lens
- 3 inch LCD Touchscreen
- Dual SD card slots
