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Highlights of the XC15
The Canon 4K Camcorder XC15 embodies many elements the discerning cinematographer looks for in a
camera, with its ability to record video at either 4K (3840x2160) or HD (1920x1080) quality, extended audio
recording options thanks to the supplied MA-400 Microphone Adapter and a multitude of camera functions to
help put your artistic vision to screen.
Exceptional Video and Photos
1.0-in. CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 5 image
processor
The XC15 excels at shooting spectacular video and
photos with reduced noise even in low-light
conditions due to the combination of the CMOS
sensor and DIGIC DV 5 image processor. The video
is of such remarkable quality that you can even use
the camcorder to shoot B-roll for projects that use
Cinema EOS cameras.
4K/HD recording and the XF-AVC video format
You have the versatility to record in 4K (to a CFast
card at a maximum of 305 Mbps) or HD (to an SD
card at a maximum of 50 Mbps). The XC15 uses
XF-AVC intra-frame compression* to record 4K
video while it uses XF-AVC Long GOP to record HD
video, both of which will easily integrate into your
post-production workflow. The jaw-dropping picture
quality that you are able to produce with the XC15
will no doubt impress your audience and help your
project leave a lasting impression.
* This indicates the compression method used for the
video. Intra-frame is also suitable for grabbing frames
from video and for editing.
Excellent photo quality
There will be times when you will want to take high-
quality photos and the XC15 has you covered. Not
only does the camcorder allow you to take photos of
up to approximately 12 megapixels (effective pixel
count) but it also allows you to take photos while you
shoot video (
A
43) and grab a frame from 4K video
playback (
A
114).
Operability and Adaptability
Intuitive design
The XC15’s intuitive design lets a single
cameraperson readily operate all of the camera
functions. The easily accessible shooting mode dial
(
A
55) at the top of the camcorder allows you
choose a mode as gives you as much control over
camera functions as you need. While shooting, you
can use the separate lens rings for zoom (
A
73) and
focus (
A
74) to help compose your shots. In “run
and gun” situations, the articulated touch-screen
LCD panel will aid your maneuverability by giving you
the freedom to get low- or high-angle shots.
Depending on your shooting style, you may even
want to attach the supplied viewfinder unit to the
camcorder (
A
22) or use the optional RC-6
Remote Controller (
A
40).
Software to help manage recordings
After you finish shooting, you can easily save,
manage and play back your video clips using the
Canon XF Utility software (A 122). To help your
post-production workflow, you can import your
video clips into select non-linear editing (NLE)
software using the Canon XF plugins. Both the
software and plugins are available as a free
download.
Versatile Artistic Expression
Creative recording modes
The camcorder offers the following recording modes
to widen the scope of shooting styles. The slow and
fast motion recording mode (A 96) can go from
slow motion at x1/4 speed up to fast motion at
x1200 speed. Pre-recording mode (A 97), catches
the 5 seconds of video prior to the actual start of
recording, which helps ensure that you do not miss
the action. You can use interval recording mode
(A 98) to take a series of photos at a set interval.
Creating a professional look
You can add a professional feel to your shots by
using looks (A 71) to affect image-related settings,
such as sharpness and color depth. Use the pre-
installed looks, which can be set separately for video
clips and photos, or customize them to your
preference. There are even looks that approximate
the color matrix settings of Cinema EOS cameras.
Diverse audio options
The camcorder can record sound as 2-channel
linear PCM audio (16-bit/48 kHz) using the
camcorder’s built-in microphone or an optional
external microphone with a 3.5 mm stereo mini-
plug (MIC terminal). By attaching the supplied
MA-400 Microphone Adapter, you will be able to use
external audio sources with an XLR plug (INPUT 1/
INPUT 2 terminals with +48 V phantom power
supply).