Canon XA50 | Best Settings, Shooting Modes and Review

Canon XA50 | Best Settings, Shooting Modes and Review
How to turn on CP Function: • Canon XA50 and XF400 |...
I know this camera has been out a while but after it being on back order for 2 months and having watched every video on KZbin about this camera, I decided to make my own that gives a little more information.
Canon XA-50: amzn.to/37D2639
AKG SUB Mic: amzn.to/3mhmyuB
Special Scene Modes: • Canon XA-50 and XA-55 ...
How to Download and Install Firmware for the Canon XA50 and XF400: • Canon XA50 and XF400 |...
Canon XA-50 Firmware Update | Canon Log 3: • Canon XA50 Firmware Up...
www.shawtimeproductions.com
#canon #canonxa50 #canonvideo

[@NatureloverCa]

Thanks for the great information. Mine just arrived in the mail and I am looking forward to seeing what it can do!

[@TMacGamer]

Your videos have really helped me figure this camera out. Thanks for posting them!!

[@TroyShaw]

You’re welcome!

[@HurleysFlyFishing]

Well done Tony, good honest and informative review... We just bought one today to film our fly fishing show, and will put your thoughts and settings into it. Thanks Gavin

[@TroyShaw]

Watch some of my recent videos on this camera. Things have changed since I got this camera.

[@cranesouder7003]

Thanks, great video.

[@carlkim2577]

Great review. Can you go into detail about how to set the white balance to custom button. I would use that one all the time! Thanks

[@GregorBrown]

Have used this for the last year and I loved it

[@TroyShaw]

It's an awesome camera for the price.

[@betize2004]

Can't believe I didn't go to the settings to set CP to "On" ... What a goof. C-Log now ready to use.

[@livestreamingservicesmumba2603]

While doing shooting you can not change shutter speed & White balance or access menu in camera ?

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Thank you for the p tv av explanation;)

[@TheBrownSatchel]

Very close to taking the plunge after months of deliberation. A little worried about it not having 60fps though, and having to plan ahead which shots I would want in slowmo... I do a lot of indoor shooting, but looking for something to capture wildlife, as well as some cinematic shots. I've read a lot of comments saying this camera will not give an artistic look, but I'm hoping with the right settings it's possible. I guess I'm asking for this camera to be an all in one kind of deal lol! Probably a little unrealistic... Thanks for the review, there aren't many on this camera!

[@TroyShaw]

Thanks. That’s why I did the review because there weren’t many. It’s definitely worth the money. Heck out my video a day a poage park to get an idea what it looks like.

[@richardaustin8006]

Good review, thanks :)

[@TroyShaw]

Thanks !

[@gianfrancoserioli3789]

thank you for this video. I'm trying to figure out if it is better this camera or the Canon legria hf g60. In fact they seem pretty much te same to me. Do you have any advise for me?

[@TroyShaw]

I don’t know anything about the legria.

[@leonmcpherson1730]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Just purchased the XA50, do you have any recommendations for work flow for editing on an iPad M1? Or the best way to transfer files after recording?

[@TroyShaw]

Just put the card in and import. It’s pretty simple with this camera.

[@beckybillock]

Hey Troy, thanks for your video. I'm using this camera to shoot dance performances in a theater. In certain lighting scenarios the faces are completely washed out. Because the lighting changes throughout the performance, even within a single piece, I don't have time to switch the settings as I'm going along. Is there a setting mode that you would recommend that would keep the faces from blowing out, but would also still look ok when the lighting is less harsh? Btw, I have one camera that is the XA50 and one that is an XA40. The capabilities seem fairly similar, but I've been leaving the XA40 as a static shot that captures the whole stage, and have been doing close pan & zoom with the XA50.

[@TroyShaw]

sorry for the late response. If you put in P mode it will set the exposure to auto. You might want to dial down the exposure compensation when you do this also

[@lvetolaf]

Thanks for this Troy. And for the firmware how to video. I am so disappointed with this camera. It doesn't seem to hold focus and the zoom makes noise. Couldn't use it on the simplest shoot, a lock down w/s of different theatre acts. As each new person came on I had to refocus and if they moved at all it lost focus. do you use the little green box focus thingy? Anyway you've given me hope as I desperately wanted to return this camera. Any other tips lemme know and THANKS!

[@TroyShaw]

The zoom does make noise. No getting around that. If what you're recoding is loud enough you probably won't hear it while editing. I usually use lav mics anyway. If there are a lot of people in the shot it will struggle to get focus because it's trying to focus on different peoples faces. One thing I did was change the magnification button that's next to the record button to the auto focus on and off. That way I can get a focus, then turn it off and on quickly when needed.

[@peanutchu7903]

Hi troy, Thanks for the video, this helped me decide to buy it, awesome. Question, When I look at the overview provided on the canon website, it says that in 4k, you will get 15x zoom(382mm) and in HD it is 30x zoom(765). When I switch to HD(1920x1080), I dont notice any increase, is there something that need be set besides the resolution? Thank you. Or is the HD zoom, the digital zoom?

[@TroyShaw]

I’m not sure. I’ll have to check and see.

[@peanutchu7903]

Thanks Troy

[@birdhub-uk]

Hi Troy can you tell me how to take photo's on the xa50 read the manual but im still baffled, the manual states "during record stanby mode Touch Photo " which i've done but how do i take the photo ? Im not sure what record stanby mode is either

[@TroyShaw]

I don't know. I've never tried before.

[@livestreamingservicesmumba2603]

while doing white Balance can i add B1, B2 , R1, etc. just like i do it in my mirrorless DSLR camera WB ? Thanks

[@TroyShaw]

I don’t know what B1 etc are?

[@Nysoupla]

Good stuff here. When continuous shooting, is video one long file or are they broken up in to say 12min segments??

[@TroyShaw]

One long file.

[@TennesseeSportsNet]

Hello sir, I enjoyed your information on the XA50. I purchased the camera last April to use as my main camera during my sports streaming. It has worked fine, but the last couple of games had trouble with it staying "in focus". Did a soccer match last night and lots of out-of-focus incidents. I have the camera selected in "sports mode". Should I shout in "P" instead? Please help me. Thanks!

[@TroyShaw]

When I shoot my sons soccer games I put in P so I don’t have to adjust the iris so you might try that.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

Does the xa 50 come with the microphone holder unit & wireless controller from new or are these added accessories?

[@TroyShaw]

It comes with everything you see here. I think it has a remote but I never use it and don't know where it is.

[@SilverLiningDayDreams]

Hi. I have this video camera on order from Canonusa; they told me it’s their last one. Hoping it comes this week. Do you have a recommendation for a decent lapel microphone that can be used with versatility for our KZbin channel, interviews and hopefully now filming outdoors for documentary type filming? Great video by the way 😊

[@TroyShaw]

This is what I use. You get 2 mics and one receiver for a great low price. SYNCO-G1(A2)-Wireless-Lavalier-Microphone-System: amzn.to/3gIo5KP

[@SilverLiningDayDreams]

Thanks. I went online and looked an am wondering if I should spend little more and upgrade to the G2 A2, what do you think? And my 2 nd question is what cable do I use to plug it in? Do I need to buy it separately or does it come with? Thanks again

[@TroyShaw]

@Silver Lining Day Dreams Upgrade if you want, what i have works great. What cable are you talking about? The cable that goes from the receiver to the xlr inputs? Yes I had to buy that separately. It does have a cable to plug into little mic input on camera but it doesn't sound that great.

[@stuartkidney3257]

One of the aspects of today's video production is how LOW the COST of entry is! Folks, I was walkin' 'round with a broadcast ENG camera that cost $60,000 (1988 dollars)...with a 20:1 lens - another $20,000... heavy, rather large, but World-class. For $2,000 to $6,000 - there are many good choices for ENG cameras. There were ZERO women in the field, since the tripod, tripod head, camera, lighting were HEAVY. Kudos to the (mostly) Japanese engineers for the past couple decades that have made semi-pro and pro equipment for PEANUTS in cost and are FEATHERWEIGHT. :) Thanks to Sony, Panasonic and Canon for installing world-class Ikegami quality into pro-sumer and broadcast alternatives!

[@Thulisticated]

Hi. My videos look nice on screens up to 32inch but looks greasy and overstretched on 55inch. What is the cause?😊

[@birdhub-uk]

Hi Troy i used the XA50 for shooting sea birds at a local wildlfe area large cliffs packed with birds , stunning quality the only issue i had was not enough ZOOM capabilities on the canon XA50 as i was quite far away for any suggestions ? i need a camera with better zoom capabilities , also the rode vmp+ worked fine Thanks

[@TroyShaw]

You can turn on digital zoom but you will lose quality.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

@@TroyShaw ever tried the canon EOS 90D Troy?

[@TroyShaw]

@@Recordingstudio-uk no.

[@Tore_Lund]

TV mode is shutter priority, it locks the shutter speed at double the framerate. That is the one you say you want to use and that is not P as you claim.

[@ibrahimbarkamih7200]

Is this camera has a photo mode or just taking videos?

[@ThreeOneFive]

What are the best settings to shoot in lower light that you’ve found?

[@TroyShaw]

You'll just have to raise the gain. Problem is, this camera isn't the best in low light.

[@NormanKahler]

Currently using a Sony XD cam but looking for a lighter camera where the F-Stop doesn't change when you zoom in. Any recommendations?

[@TroyShaw]

I don’t really know.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

would you recommend the ax50 for filming bands & artists ? Ive have the cannon hv30 for some years & im thinking of upgrading

[@TroyShaw]

I would recommend it for filming just about anything.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

@@TroyShaw Thanks i guess i'll get myself one then

[@crazybaker1]

Hi mate how are you doing with a field monitor, I have had no luck with one, no monitor I have tested working with XA50 , why ? Thanks

[@TroyShaw]

I just use the lcd that comes with the camera. I don’t use an external monitor.

[@crazybaker1]

​@@TroyShaw not all monitors can work with XA50, just send my one back for testing at the dealer, just had phone call from them and confirms that before buying a field monitor or TV etc is just to check that they are completely compatible hope this help some one Laters keep up the good work on your channel

[@colleenvarlow8764]

Hi, Great review. wondering what kind of mic goes with it?

[@TroyShaw]

Are you asking what kind of mic I’m using?

[@colleenvarlow8764]

@@TroyShaw yep

[@TroyShaw]

@@colleenvarlow8764 it’s the rode videomic. It’s not the best but it’s all I have right now.

[@lvetolaf]

How do you limit the zoom noise? pretty horrible. again thanks for your tutorial, really helped me!

[@TroyShaw]

You can’t. I usually don’t zoom during the shot. I get my shot and leave it, maybe pan.

[@livestreamingservicesmumba2603]

Is the menu of Canan %D mark 4 is same in this camera ?

[@TroyShaw]

I don’t know.

[@AshishToppo]

is there any over-heating issue if i try to record an event continuously for around 2 hours in 1080p 30fps. or do you had ever faced any issues like that ?

[@TroyShaw]

Not so far and I've recorded some videos over an hour.

[@aaronporterjr.9515]

If you are looking for a camera to give you quality depth of field, would this work?

[@TroyShaw]

You can but it won't be as good as some of the dslr cameras. There's a trick to get good depth of field with this camera. Make sure your f-stop is as low as it will go and have the subject far from the camera and zoom in.

[@Military872]

Would this be ok to shoot fast moving Aircraft?

[@TroyShaw]

I don’t see why not.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

Hi Troy ive discovered the xa 50 uses mxf files with the problem that these won't import into movie studio 17 for editing (not sure what your using) ive downloaded pavtube to convert files but what's the best format pre editing to use?, how do you get around the mxf file issue?

[@TroyShaw]

I use Final Cut Pro and I've never had any issues. It actually records in XF-AVC or MP4.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

@@TroyShaw Ok I see movie studio 17 won’t import mxf files but also you use mac im using pc

[@gameoverc6]

I have a sony ax53 and it let's you record 2 different size files at the same time. I didn't notice that function on this unit. Seems like it's either or. Am I missing something?

[@TroyShaw]

I don't think it does.

[@tlcassel]

Question! Any help would be appreciated! I have updated firmware. My 4k setting as mp4 is not allowing me to change frame rate. It's greyed out. I'm sure its something simple im missing but I havent been able to figure it out! Does anyone have any idea why those options would be removed? Thanks!

[@TroyShaw]

What is it set on and what do you want to set it to?

[@benjamin.kelley]

We have the XA40 at my church, but for some reason I can't dial in and my picture quality is REALLY noisy. I run full manual, 30fps, 1/60 shutter, at whatever f-stop it goes to when it's zoomed to about 200mm, and custom Kelvin white balance - everything by the books, but still horrible. It doesn't even compare with the HD quality of our 5D iv and 70-200 f2.8 L USM ii pro lens...any idea why? Maybe too low light, or maybe just got a bad egg?

[@TroyShaw]

It’s probably the lighting.

[@EsamElsakett]

Sorry for asking again, but I have concerns so please tell me if you can. 1- Does it have 30 minutes limit like canon cameras? 2- Can I record with it while it's charging (Meaning the battery will never die while shooting)? 3- Does it have versions? (I noticed it's sometimes marked as Pro and sometimes not so I don't know which one am I buying) Thank you so much for helping I'm buying it in few days.

[@TroyShaw]

1. There is no limit to recording. 2. If you have the camera plugged in it will never die. 3. I don't think there is a pro version. It's just one camera.

[@EsamElsakett]

@@TroyShaw Thank you so much

[@BobPetrone]

Hi Troy, I'm currently using a Sony FDR-AX53 but thinking about buying a Canon. I enjoy taking video but I never venture outside of Auto mode on my Sony. You mention the "P" mode. Is that the same as "auto" mode?

[@TroyShaw]

P pretty much puts it in auto iris, then you can turn on auto focus and you're good to go. I would always do a manual white balance though.

[@BobPetrone]

@@TroyShaw thanks for your response.

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Ax53 is an awesome Camera with brilliant Gyro technology for image stabilization in a very small size. The xa50 is lot more expensive heftier with limitations.

[@BobPetrone]

@@miklosnemeth8566 thank you. I have decided to stay with the Sony AX53. The stabilization is great.

[@birdhub-uk]

Hi Troy do you know if the Rode video mic pro + works with the xa50? Im looking for an external mic for filming outside plus a dead cat for wind noise Thanks

[@TroyShaw]

Yes it does.

[@Recordingstudio-uk]

@@TroyShaw so it fits fine without any extra attachments onto the XA50?

[@TroyShaw]

I think so, I have the rode video mic but I don't think it's the pro. I'm sure it works exactly the same. It plugs in with the little 1/8 input on the side of the camera.

[@birdhub-uk]

@@TroyShaw Ok great it's how the mic fit's onto the XA50 that was concerning me it kind of slides onto the top it seems is that correct?

[@TroyShaw]

@@birdhub-uk yes, you use the hot shoe on top and tighten it .

[@GadgetboxStudios]

Anyone know if the XA50 has a web-browser live view like the C100/C200 series? Would love to be able to have an XA50 respond to basic adjustments remotely (Iris, ISO, etc) via Wi-Fi. Thanks for all the details and info!

[@TroyShaw]

I don't think it does. Sorry.

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Another reviewer explained that XA50 has no wifi, a bummer.

[@ExCenterProductions]

Thank you, could you maybe recommend a bag for the ax50 camera?

[@TroyShaw]

This is the bag I use.

[@ExCenterProductions]

@@TroyShaw Thanks, but i cannot see which bag you are using. maybe youtube blocked any links that are posted here. What is the name and manufaturer of your bag, please?

[@TroyShaw]

@@ExCenterProductions Sorry, I forgot to post the link. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1085206-REG/arco_cs_d20b_video_dr_bag_20.html

[@ExCenterProductions]

@@TroyShaw that looks great, thank you! are you happy with it?

[@TroyShaw]

@@ExCenterProductions Yes, it's also what I use at work but a bigger size.

[@EsamElsakett]

I wanna know if I can record videos with it while it's charging?

[@TroyShaw]

Yes.

[@alexander-ee6ge]

I tested the Canon xa 50 - I wanted to buy a camera to replace my HF G10, but I was disappointed and refused to buy it, and here's why: 1. I didn't like the reduced folding screen / I compare everything with the HF G10 soybean / and inconvenient adjustment to my eyepiece vision. 2. there is no significant improvement in video quality in both 2k and 4k compared to my camera's 2k, but the volume of files has grown significantly. 3. I was very upset by the soapy video in panoramas, and the jerky video 25p - on my 50i and there are no such problems, including when slowing down the video on the timeline. 4. I was also upset by the lack of internal memory on the camera - but it could be organized on it 4.2.2. 10 bit 5. I really didn't like the organization of the footage files - 1k file as garbage and a long name of the main file compared to the designation of only the serial number of the file on my g10. There are still many small questions - but I attribute this to the G10 operating habits. Carefully reviewing your tests, I state that I am not mistaken about video quality issues

[@BryWorYT]

Have you tried the latest firmware update (1.0.1.0) which adds a new 'Custom Picture' feature set that includes Canon Log 3 gamma ?

[@TroyShaw]

No I haven’t. Thanks for the info.

[@BryWorYT]

@@TroyShaw I'm still eyeing the HF-G60 as a worthy upgrade to my trusty HF-G40 - I don't need XLR mic inputs or a top handle. The ability to shoot CLog3 and create custom picture profiles definitely sweetens the pot. I'd be interested to see what the shadow noise levels are like in log though.

[@TroyShaw]

I'm updating to latest firmware now.

[@BryWorYT]

​@@TroyShaw Sounds good ! It would be great if you could upload some CLog3 footage (ungraded preferably) at some point. BTW, I'm surprised that you can only use the EVF with the screen closed - that's plain silly, for the reasons you stated. On the HF-G40 you can use the EVF with the screen open - you just pull the EVF out. I wonder why they changed that ?

[@TroyShaw]

@@BryWorYT I’m working on some videos right now.

[@fitnesstesfesses7109]

how would you rate the dynamic range on this camera ? Good ? Bad ? Average ? on a scale to 1 to 10, how ever

[@TroyShaw]

I would say pretty good. I would give it a 8 probably. It gets the job done for the price.

[@justme7055]

I don't own a xa50 but I do have an xa40. I can adjust any setting in the viewfinder. Your 50 should be the same.

[@TroyShaw]

It is.

[@taff2wales]

You did not mention NDF is there any?

[@TroyShaw]

It has nd filters.

[@Military872]

I was told the XA45 is ok for Filming fast moving Aircraft, what they don't tell you is they say you should use a Tripod or Gimbal to get steady footage, too late as i already bought one, When filming Fast Aircraft the Camera image starts to shake using handheld, this ids really not good enough Canon.

[@TroyShaw]

You’ll need a tripod with any camera unless you have a lot of experience. I’ve shot fast moving aircraft hand held.

[@rickpercy9479]

I've used the XA10, XA20, and XA30. I've loved all of them so I recently made the leap to the XA50. But I've got one problem ... while I was always able to use the "PHOTO" button to take photos while videotaping with my previous cameras, I CAN'T take photos if I'm recording. I have to stop recording to take photos. WHY?? Am I missing something?

[@TroyShaw]

I don’t know. Might be a setting in the camera. I never take pics with this camera.

[@rickpercy9479]

@@TroyShaw Thanks for responding. The manual specifically says that you can't use the photo button when recording. Oh well. I can get screen grabs through another program but hate to do the extra step. But a great camera nonetheless :)

[@GregorBrown]

I shoot in 1080 and it would be nice when you take the photo if it would take photo in larger resolution but you have to change it to 4k if you want to take a large photo

[@EsamElsakett]

Do you still have this camera? I wanna know if I can record videos with it while it's charging?

[@dylanbublitz9195]

I just bought the ax 45 and I'm a Paranormal investigator. Shooting videos with night vision with the green light. What are the best settings for night vision

[@TroyShaw]

I’m not sure. Never really used night vision.

[@dylanbublitz9195]

@@TroyShaw and when I record and I like to hook it up to my TV so I can sit and watch my footage on the big screen, I'm getting no audio through the tv using hdmi

[@TroyShaw]

That's weird. I don't know what the problem could be. Did you import into your editor?

[@dylanbublitz9195]

@@TroyShaw I had the handler mic turned on but with no external microphone connected. Stupid mistake lol. Thanks anyway

[@TroyShaw]

@@dylanbublitz9195 You learn from your mistakes.

[@puresilverfilms]

Hi Troy, thanks for the video. I downloaded and upgraded the firmware but CP Function is still greyed out so I can not access the new features. Could you help?

[@TroyShaw]

You have to turn it on. Here is a video showing you how. Thanks for the view. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKS4Z6t_bslld6s

[@puresilverfilms]

@@TroyShaw thanks for responding. I did what your video says and I can see the new cp1.. etc but I still can’t change the frame rate. Frame rate is greyed out.

[@TroyShaw]

@@puresilverfilms are you shooting in 4k? You won’t be able to record 60 in 4k.

[@puresilverfilms]

@@TroyShaw I am shooting 4K but I am actually trying to change the rate to 23.98fps

[@TroyShaw]

@@puresilverfilms what options are not grayed out?

[@upadhayayphotographysagar8929]

I am facing 2 problems 1 some sound and little vibration comming while zooming 2 the display is very bad Are these problems is common or i have a defective peace

[@TroyShaw]

There will be sound if you're zooming. I'm not sure about the display, it seems fine to me. The view finder isn't very good though.

[@jayb5627]

Can the brightness be adjusted for the LCD screen?

[@TroyShaw]

I think so but not sure. I just leave mine at default.

[@jayb5627]

@@TroyShaw I have an XA65 and can’t find info on this. Thought you might know. Thanks.

[@TroyShaw]

@@jayb5627 I would just have to dig in the menu.

[@mollies13]

Did canon decide to remove avchd?

[@TroyShaw]

It records in MP4 and XF-AVC, so I guess so.

[@mollies13]

@@TroyShaw do you think avchd 60fps record smoother better or same as mp4 60fps? Both at hmm same 30mbps I guess?

[@simmiroy8939]

I have to close Nd filter button mode

[@TroyShaw]

ok?

[@bryanloftin9553]

Can you stream Facebook live and output the video to your Android phone?

[@TroyShaw]

I have no idea.

[@GP2Entertainment]

I Can't find a way to set the camera to record at a framerate of 23.98fps?

[@TroyShaw]

What’s it set on right now?

[@GP2Entertainment]

@@TroyShaw It seems that I might be region-locked on this camera, which is really annoying. On 4K, it forces 25fps, if I change to HD, it allows a choice of 25/50i/50p. I'm going to email Canon as well

[@TroyShaw]

@@GP2Entertainment yeah you’ll have to use 25 which is basically the same as 24.

[@GP2Entertainment]

@@TroyShaw Thank you. I guess there's no way to deliver 23.98 when cutting video, with footage shot in 25? Appreciate the swift replies too!

[@TroyShaw]

@@GP2Entertainment you could make your timeline 23.98 and it will convert it. You’ll have to render of course.

[@connorcolucci]

can you change the lens on the XA50??

[@TroyShaw]

All you can do is an extender, but I don't have one.