Canon is known for producing pretty straightforward camera designs over the last few years, however, it has also come out with a few quirkier models that are a little more interesting in the design area.
Canon's latest offering is a 4K camcorder that looks a little like a standard DSLR camera, and it is designed for those who lean towards multimedia rather than just photography.
"With the introduction of the XC10 4K Digital Camcorder, we are looking to deliver a robust new camcorder that will allow for an ever expanding creative expression," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO of Canon U.S.A. "Enabling the virtually seamless capture of stunning 4K video with the added convenience of still image capture and 4K frame extraction, XC10 users are empowered with multiple ways to share their artistic visions."
The camera includes both video and still media creation abilities and makes use of Canon's most advanced 4K imaging technology so far. The XC10 also allows users to extract 8 megapixel photos from their videos through a function that is built into the software of the camera. The sensor on the camera is one inch and 12 megapixels with a 10x wide-angle zoom lens. In fact, this is the first camera that makes use of Canon's new 4K imaging technology. The camera also makes use of 5-axis full-HD image stabilization.
Canon is also introducing two new codecs to ensure video and image quality. These include the XF-AVC Intra codec, which is used for the 4K video recording, and XF-AVC Long GOP, which is used for Full-HD video recording. According to the company, the camera is great for journalists and new organizations, as it is a camera that can expand into 4K news coverage.
The camera shares a number of features from Canon's Cinema EOS line of cameras. Included in this is the fact that the camera has a one-inch sensor that provides 12 stops of dynamic range for 305 Mbps video or for 12 megapixel photos. It also includes a microphone and headphone jack as well as a HDMI 1.4 port and USB and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Generally speaking, the camera should be extremely versatile, combining Canon's expertise in both video and photo. It eliminates the need for users to carry around a lot of gear in order to accommodate for both video and photo.
All this, however, doesn't come cheap. At $2,499, the camera really is for professionals who need the versatility. The XC10 will be released in June.
