Canon XC15 4K Professional Camcorder

The Canon XC15 4K Professional Camcorder enables shooting with an external microphone through an XLR input and features the selection of visual-expression "Look" modes, including modes that allow it to match the look of other Canon professional cameras, making it ideal for use as a "B" camera, as well as for media and video content productions.

The Canon XC15 ships with the MA-400 microphone adapter that, when attached, enables shooting with XLR-input microphones used in a wide range of media and content-creation applications. As a result, the camcorder supports the production of content that combines both high-image quality and high-sound quality with reduced noise. The MA-400 is also compatible with the EOS C300 Mark II camera.

Thanks to its high-sensitivity 1" CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 5 image processing platform with high calculation-processing power, the new XC15 is capable of capturing high-image quality and low-noise 4K UHD video while also sporting a 10x optical zoom lens, which facilitates shooting in confined spaces and environments that demand mobility. Additionally, the camcorder features a compact, lightweight body design, measuring approximately 5" x 4.8" x 4.1" (WxDxH) and weighs approximately 2.1 lb.

4K UHD Wide-angle 10x Zoom Lens with Image Stabilizer

The Canon XC15 4K UHD 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. This 10x wide-angle optical zoom lens offers a focal range of 24.1–241mm for photos and 27.3–273mm for movies. The use of UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and Hi-UD lens elements helps compensate for chromatic aberrations and provides a compact size ideal for on-the-go reporting and recording. An innovative retractable lens barrel structure integrating internal guide bars helps facilitate precise lens movement during zooming, while only extending the lens barrel by a mere 36.2mm.

The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's 4K Wide-Angle 10x Zoom lens features separate focus and zoom rings for manual lens control. The zoom ring rotates approximately 71°, allowing for rapid manual zooming and precision. Clearly engraved focal length marks and mechanical end stops combine to further improve usability. 

Canon Optical Image Stabilization enhances handheld operation of the camera. Three modes of Image Stabilization – Dynamic, Standard and Powered – are offered to suit a range of shooting situations including walking while shooting and shooting at long telephoto lengths. 

The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder also features an advanced Canon Auto Focus system with Face Detection technology, providing additional assistance to aid users in capturing creative and beautiful imagery.

12 Megapixel One-inch 4K UHD-compatible CMOS Image Sensor

The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder features a Canon 12.0 Megapixel 1-inch CMOS image sensor with 12 stops of dynamic range, and both video and photo shooting functionality. The hybrid design makes the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder a true crossover capable of satisfying the needs of both video and still workflows. With capture that includes both 4K UHD and Full HD (FHD) video and still capture up to 12.0 Megapixels, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is a strong contender in professional productions, creative fields and more.

The advanced CMOS sensor uses Over-Sampling HD Processing for 1920 x 1080 capture. The use of oversampling technology means that the sensor provides not only high-quality 4K UHD but also exceptional HD quality that is found in other Cinema EOS products such as the Canon EOS C500 4K Cinema camera.

The 12 Megapixel sensor provides the pixel density needed for high-quality still imagery, while advanced image processing ensures optimum results when shooting in both video and still modes.

Compact and Ergonomic Design 

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is compact, ergonomic and lightweight, broadening the range of recording opportunities and possibilities for image expression – and offering innovative shooting potential in situations where a larger camera can't be used. Users will appreciate this camcorder for events such as weddings, video reporting, documentaries and other uses where increased mobility and an unobtrusive design is necessary. This allows the user to interact and record their subjects in a more personal way, while at the same time, limiting the amount of equipment that needs to be carried.

Rotating Handgrip 

The handgrip on the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder can be rotated to various positions to allow for comfortable shooting at a variety of camera angles. The grip contributes to the camcorder's intuitive user interface (UI) with multiple easy-to-see and easy-to-adjust controls based on the familiar UI design of Canon EOS SLR cameras. Handgrip controls include the record button, as well as a thumb-control dial and a menu button that are smoothly recessed to prevent accidental activation while at the same time remaining easily accessible.

Integrated LCD with Touch Panel

A 3.0-inch 1.03-million-dot tilting LCD monitor provides the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder with a bright, vivid-color display for shooting and playing back footage. The LCD's innovative two-axis parallel hinge mechanism allows the display to be placed in optimal positions for shooting at a variety of angles, from low to high. This LCD also integrates a highly advanced capacitive touch-panel for easy fingertip control of all camera functions and settings.

Camera information can be displayed on-screen for clear and easy visual recognition of selected menu items, and users can also swipe from one menu page to another without vertical scrolling. The user interface borrows many of the concepts from the Canon EOS system making the camera intuitive to operate for users familiar with other Canon products. The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder also includes a removable viewing hood that can be used in bright or outdoor environments or where critical image viewing is needed.

To prevent unintended errors while accessing and adjusting critical settings, a dedicated Operation Lock turns off the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's point-and-touch capabilities for the user-display panel to prevent accidental changing of important settings. This capability provides greater confidence and peace of mind during time-critical video and film production where there might not be the possibility for a second take. 

Built-in Microphone

In addition to the detachable XLR module, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder also features a built-in stereo microphone that can be used when a lower profile is needed or to capture scratch audio when used in conjunction with another camera or audio recording device. A separate mini-jack is also available for connecting to a variety of compatible microphones.

DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder incorporates Canon's DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor. This advanced core technology component provides the image-processing power and speed that enables such features as 4K UHD video acquisition, Image Stabilization, slow and fast motion recording and precision AF. The DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor is integral in providing high image quality, advanced performance and convenient operability. 

Advanced AF Performance

With faster, more agile autofocus – nearly twice as fast as comparable Canon models – the new Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder lets you frame and capture needle-sharp images easily and seamlessly. Autofocus speed can be set in three useful steps – high (the default), middle and low – to enable a range of special effects.

Automatic face detection and tracking will bring key subjects into focus and continuously maintain focus as they move across the frame. When multiple faces are detected, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's AF system determines the main subject. A touch-screen override is provided to enable users to select a different subject then the one selected by the camera.

For added visual impact, an advanced direction-determining algorithm also provides large bokeh during defocus mode.

High-Sensitivity and High-Quality Low-Light HD Images

The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's 1.0-inch sensor allows for larger photo sites resulting in improved low noise in low-light situations and an improved signal-to-noise ratio when compared to smaller sized sensors. The larger sensor also exhibits a more shallow depth of field at large apertures, providing greater depth of field control and creative options than camcorders using smaller sensors. 

Pro Audio Module with XLR Inputs and Precision Audio Control

The bundled Microphone Adapter MA-400 for the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder opens up a number of creative possibilities. Two XLR-format audio ports enable direct connection to professional audio equipment such as microphones and audio mixers. The MA-400 allows manual or automatic audio level control and the ability to receive line level signals. The MA-400 also includes an integrated microphone holder to facilitate mounting a shotgun style mic directly to the unit.

To provide improved stability for the supplied MA-400, the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is fitted with a cold shoe mount that is longer than that offered on other comparable Canon cameras. The cold shoe's added length provides a larger support area for the adapter and any compatible microphone mounted within the MA-400's integral mic mount. Because the cold-shoe mount does not have compatible data contact pins, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder does not support still-image sync shooting when using Canon Speedlite flash units.

Look Settings Available for Movies and Stills

To provide more creative flexibility, the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder includes new Look Settings for changing the gamma curves of both moving and still images. Movie looks from the Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II camera, comprising of Neutral, Production Camera and Color Matrix, have been added to the camcorder's user menu. This allows images to be unified with a common look during small-space shoots, equipment sessions or other occasions where the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is used as a second sub-camera – thereby making grading easier.

Image Settings Compatible with Cinema EOS Cameras

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder shares a variety of image quality settings with other Canon Cinema EOS cameras including Canon Log, Wide DR and EOS Std. This helps allow for video captured with the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder to match the "look" of video captured with other Cinema EOS and EOS cameras. The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder features a log gamma setting that sets the camera to maximize dynamic range and provide wide exposure latitude. This is the same log curve used in the Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II camera, which helps maximize compatibility when the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is used in conjunction with it on the same shoot. This is especially helpful in post-production, where corrections, color matching and grading are applied.

Waveform Monitor

A new feature of the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is an integrated Waveform monitor. A touch-sensitive on/off button located on the main display activates and deactivates the waveform function. When active, the waveform of the current image is displayed on-screen to let videographers check video-signal levels and characteristics such as exposure and make necessary adjustments.

XF-AVC Codec for up to 4K UHD 30p and Full HD 60p

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder incorporates the Canon XF-AVC Codec to balance ease of workflow with a high standard of image quality. For 4K UHD up to 30p recording, XF-AVC Intra-Frame encoding is used, which captures all the detail and resolution of the CMOS sensor on a frame-by-frame basis, enabling edits to be made at any point in a motion sequence and high-quality stills to be extracted from any 4K UHD motion-image frame.

To provide direct compatibility with media recorded via the Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II camera, the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder allows changes to be applied to image file names and metadata after a shoot, allowing for easier data management.

XF-AVC file names contain a unique camera ID, Clip number and a user-selectable code ID to uniquely tag the video clips captured during a specific shoot. Unique proxy file names also are available. Within the format's Metadata areas, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder can now record Scene and Take numbers, in addition to Reel and Shot plus Circle Takes.

For HD recording up to 60p, AVC Long GOP (Group of Pictures) encoding is used to help maintain outstanding quality and efficient data rates.

Multiple Frame Rate options are available to meet a variety of production needs.

Slow and Fast Motion Recording

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder features Slow and Fast Motion recording. This allows the user to vary the playback speed of the recorded video. The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is capable of recording Slow Motion down to 1/4x real-time, and Fast Motion up to a maximum of 1200x. 

Superb Still Capture Capability

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder offers a true hybrid workflow solution for creative videographers who need to integrate both high-quality video and still acquisition into their productions. The camcorder offers the ability to capture both 4K UHD and HD imagery at a variety of frame rates and resolutions. Individual frames from the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's 4K UHD video can be extracted in camera or post and used as approx. 8.3-Megapixel still images. The camcorder is also a fully functional 12MP still camera complete with a mechanical shutter.

4K Frame Grab

In-camera still photos that are approximately 8.3 Megapixels can be extracted from 4K UHD video files. After creating a 4K UHD video movie, users can extract any frame they wish and convert it into a high-quality still photo.

Canon Log and Wide Dynamic Range Gamma

For professional users and anyone looking to get the most out of their camcorder, the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder features Canon Log and Canon Wide DR Gamma curves that help maximize dynamic range and provide a wide exposure latitude.

Canon Log is ideal for post-production color-correction and grading where maintaining the highest possible image quality is of utmost importance for post processing. When using Canon Log, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder can provide a dynamic range up to 800% or 12 stops.

Canon Wide Dynamic Range Gamma allows users to get many of the benefits of Canon Log but maintains an 18% gray point similar to Rec. 709 (the television standard). By using this setting, users can obtain the full dynamic range of the sensor without the need for extensive post-processing.

Wireless Operation

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder incorporates dual built-in 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz band wireless networks. This functionality provides both a Browser Remote and Browser Preview. By using Browser Remote, camcorder operations can be performed remotely from a web browser on a compatible smartphone or computer. Browser Preview allows users to look at still photos recorded in the camcorder without the need to remove media from the camcorder.

Workflow Versatility 

The Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder provides a true hybrid workflow for professional filmmakers and videographers who want to integrate both high-quality video and still images into creative productions. It captures both 4K UHD and Full HD data files at a variety of frame rates and resolutions through an easy-to-implement capture, ingest, edit and render workflow that is fully compatible with industry-standard editing software. 

A special-purpose version of Canon's XF Utility 3.1 software – available as a free download – accommodates the XF-AVC codec, streamlining both 4K and Full HD playback, as well as 8.3-Megapixel still-image extractions in JPEG or TIFF formats. For added flexibility, individual frames can be extracted from the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's 4K UHD video output, either in the camera or during post-production.

CFast™ 4K UHD Recording Technology

Recording 4K UHD video requires professional-quality media capable of keeping up with the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder's 4K Codec. To meet these high data rate requirements, the camcorder features CFast™ recording technology. CFast™ is a next-generation non-proprietary recording solution supported by Canon and a variety of other manufacturers. Its high speed and durability are a perfect match to the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder and provides quality, performance and confidence in recording.

For HD recording an SD card slot is available to record directly to affordable SD cards when the higher data rates of CFast™ are not needed.

NOTE: as of April 2016, compatibility has been verified for the following CFast™ memory cards:

• SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Card SDCFSP-128G-xxxA, SDCFSP-128-xxxB, SDCFSP-64G-xxxB
• Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 Card

Proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all recording media. Long term usage may reduce a CFast^™ card's write speed. We recommend users regularly fully format and refresh their card using the "Full Format and Refresh Tool." available via the following URLs: 

SanDisk: http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17370 

Lexar: http://www.lexar.com/support/downloads

Highlight Priority

To capture highly saturated, realistic colors and to convey gradation characteristics as perceived by the eye, the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder has a Highlight Priority mode that achieves effects similar to HDR modes in other camcorders. By reducing the mid- to high-brightness compression of the standard gamma mode, the Highlight Priority mode helps to prevent loss of detail in high-brightness areas. Designed for display on a bright LCD TV, videos captured in Highlight Priority mode should be shown at a high-brightness setting to help ensure accurate portrayal of the effect.

Compatibility with Multiple Canon Accessories 

The hybrid nature of the Canon XC15 4K UHD Camcorder enables it to be compatible with a wide variety of Canon accessories. A cold shoe atop the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder provides communication to compatible accessories.

GPS Receiver

The GP-E2 GPS Receiver adds GPS information to the photo and movie data. The GPS information of MXF movies can also be viewed using the XF-Utility.

Battery Pack/Chargers

The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is compatible with the EOS LP-E6N series of batteries and the LC-E6 battery charger.

Remote Controller

The RC-6 remote controller features a photo and movie mode. In photo mode, the user can initiate shooting straight away or on a 2-second delay. In movie mode, recording can be started and stopped with the press of a button.