Canon XA50 the camera for SOLO filmmakers!!!

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CANON XA50 - the camera for solo filmmakers! My favorite camera as a solo documentary filmmaker is currently the Canon XA50. I rented it for a week (thanks lensrentals.com) to test it out. Here are my (non-technical) thoughts on the camera along with some footage filmed with the XA50 at this year's Adams Morgan Day in DC. (One of the previous versions of this camera is the Canon XA40.)
Here's the Adams Morgan Day video in case you want to check it out: www.youtube.co...
MUSIC: Epidemic Sound bit.ly/epidemic...
CAMERA
Canon XA50: amzn.to/30fGunP
Also, below are the details I've gathered from using the camera for a few days, hopefully you'll find them useful.
THE GOODS:
- Its small, compact size. Very portable.
- Shoots 4K up to 30 FPS.
- All-in-one camera, the only thing you may need is a nice external mic hooked up to the XLR input - if you need pro audio. Otherwise, its onboard mic is good enough for everyday filming non-pro events.
- Built-in ND filter (1/4, 1/16, 1/64) - my favorite feature!
- Built-in optical and electronic IS (great for handheld shots which will be 90% of the time for me).
- Dual-pixel auto-focus. (So good!)
- 2 XLR audio inputs (for professional audio which I need to film documentaries).
- Great in low light settings (which surprises me).
- 15x zoom at 4K and 30x zoom at 1080p.
- Sweet bokeh / shall depth-of-field (especially when you use the zoom) 2:41.
- On-board audio is actually pretty decent for those times .
WISH LIST:
- Image quality is nice, but not as cinematic as I want. But because it's for run & gun documentaries, this wish is not as urgent. Though I still wish.
- That there are more physical buttons for often-used features, such as changing IRIS, gain, etc.
- The camera's stabilization can be improved a bit more.
CAMERA: Canon XA50
MUSIC: Epidemic Sound
ILLUSTRATION SOFTWARE: Doodly
INSTAGRAM: @sarahdippity
I would love your help in translating this movie. If you're able to do so, please click on the link below to add your subtitles:
www.youtube.com...
Thank you so much!
#canonxa50 #sarahdippity #sarahle

[@trogdor]

You're seriously making my morning seeing all of your XA50 footage. I've written off dedicated videocameras for years, but the ease of use and simplicity is exactly what I needed to see at this point in my career.

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you for watching them! I really enjoyed using the XA50. It's on my wish list for sure!

[@PVMMAC]

💯👍

[@JeremyY]

I really appreciate that you emphasized its ease of use and actual real world performance (instead of regurgitating spec sheet numbers like a lot of KZbinrs do). Great review.

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you!

[@fleetwood56]

I love my XA50. One of the best cameras I have ever had. That includes $90K eng cameras.

[@sarahdippity]

This is GREAT to hear, Steve! Thanks for sharing with us your thoughts on this camera. I hope to be able to get it in 2020!!

[@sarahdippity]

Would you let me know if you've uploaded a video shot with the XA50? I'd love to check it out! Thanks!

[@StacyLightnerStudios]

Thank you for sharing, did you eventually purchase a mic for this camera? If so, which do you recommend?

[@SunilPatel-hk3gx]

@@StacyLightnerStudios yes mic is gud

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Just picked up a G60, which is the XA50 minus the handle and no XAVC codec. Rented the XA50 and loved it, but the G60 was a few hundred dollars cheaper and left room to pick up the WA adaptor.

[@sarahdippity]

@Path Less Pedaled - that's great! I didn't know about the G60. Have fun with your new camera!!

[@allenwc]

That’s exactly the review I was looking for. Thanks eh.

[@ishootbvi9749]

Great camera review. I found your channel while searching for the XA50 reviews and fell in love with your channel. How is the image stabilization on this camcorder? Will you still recommend this now in 2023? What is your dslr/mirrorless alternative?

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you so much! I think the stabilization is good enough since I added stabilization in post during edit too, if the footage is a bit shaky. I definitely would still get this camera now --- I've been waiting for the sale price to go down since the new XA70 is out now. :)

[@nmonye01]

Great video. Would have been even better if you didn't apologize for providing an excellent free service. You have a super positive outlook, attitude and presentation. Helps my decision making.

[@ThePrintLife]

I use the canon m50. I am strongly considering the xa50. I want a camcorder for longer battery life but I hear this camera doesn't have very good battery life. How was your experience with this?

[@sarahdippity]

it lasted almost a whole day gor me depending on much filming i did.

[@CWTakilmwa]

Best review so far ❤

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you!

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Did u get a chance to test a c100 ? Im testing the c100 to compare with my current 80d set up and i not completly sold by the c100 mark ii... im curious on your take?

[@sarahdippity]

A few years ago, I did rent the C100 Mark II, but it was so long ago that I can't recall how it compares with the XA50. The image quality of the C100 Mark II is probably better than the XA50 because after all, it is a cinema camera. If I do get a chance to use it again, will let you know. :)

[@viliamilata4737]

I've just bought my Canon XA50 and can't wait to pick it up at the end of this week and start shooting videos 🙂 Any suggestions of what other accessories I should get to go with it please?

[@sarahdippity]

Yay!!! I'm so excited for YOU!! At this time since you just got your camera, I'd say just play with it for a while before you buy more accessories. It is by itself pretty complete. Once you're ready, the next item that would go well with it is a good external mic to mount on top and record professional audio. But that is only if you need it for professional reasons. Otherwise, the onboard mic is decent enough for home videos. :) The reason this camera is so great is that it is the complete package by itself. It doesn't need much more - unless you're using it for something more serious than home videos.

[@viliamilata4737]

@@sarahdippity thanks for your reply. I'm hoping to live stream my sister's wedding with it so our families all over the world can watch it online as they won't be able to make it due to covid-19 closing borders.

[@sarahdippity]

@@viliamilata4737 - What a lovely present this would be for your sister and family!!!!

[@moonbook12]

It is amazing video

[@sarahdippity]

moon book - thanks @moon book!

[@adventureforesterblog]

Love your filming style and colours you use. What framerate you are using when filming?

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you so much for your comment & for watching! I think it was 24 fps. My favorite frame rate overall. :)

[@BryWorYT]

Great content but I wish you hadn't applied that faded vintage grade. Makes it look like it's been shot on an old XHA1s. I'd love to see the original footage straight from the camcorder.

[@sarahdippity]

Got your point! Maybe in a future test, I'll show the footage as is. Thanks for the feedback!!! This test is to share with you how it felt to use the camera, how easy or not so easy filming with it. I'm happy with the image quality of the camera. It's not as cinematic as I'd like, but for documentary footage, it works well enough!

[@BryWorYT]

​@@sarahdippity Fair enough, you do state in the video that it's not a technical review. However, showing only graded footage may lead folks to think that is a 'look' available in-camera, as per several of the comments in your other video review of the XA50 as a documentary camera. Perhaps you should clarify that in the notes, mentioning the grading software you used. Just a suggestion. Anyhow, glad you're happy with the XA50. I'm trying to decide between the HF-G60 (basically the XA50 minus the handle and XLR inputs) and the GX10 (younger sibling of the XF400), but my priorities are different - mostly run & gun event and sports videography where I'm not looking to apply aesthetic grades.

[@sarahdippity]

@@BryWorYT - this is definitely my favorite run & gun camera that I've tried so far. I use Premiere Pro to edit/grade the video. :)

[@biggusbestus551]

Love to get your ideas between the Canon XA50 vs. Sony NX80 ...

[@sarahdippity]

@biggus bestus - I've never used the Sony NX80 before so I can't compare the two for you, unfortunately. Perhaps you may want to rent them and try them both? Wouild love to hear your thoughts if you do!

[@TheLaughingLion]

Hey i have Doodly too! nicely done. I've considered the XA50 but went with dslr/sony camcorder/action cam combo depending on the action. I probably should have went with the XA50 since it can do everything my combo camera setup does. It's mostly because of the size and weight of the camcorder that i didn't get it.

[@sarahdippity]

Which cam combo is that Laughing Lion? Sounds intriguing! I really like filming with the XA50 - wish I still have it. Thinking of trying out a few other similar cameras before making a decision on a documentary camera. But the more I think about it, the more I feel like I've already found my favorite documentary camera!

[@wk-film]

very nice review Sarah

[@sarahdippity]

thank you Walter! i appreciate the feedback.

[@BeyondUselessMedia]

I've been wanting a new camera for a while now and i'm pretty sure i'll go with this one. What i've seen and heard i am liking it already!

[@elmono3939]

So you remember how you set your focus ?

[@sarahdippity]

I think I used "auto focus" most of the time. :)

[@elmono3939]

Thank you !

[@nullcat-pub]

I love how you speak

[@sarahdippity]

Awww thank you for this sweet comment Christal!

[@danieldougan269]

What did you think of the autofocus performance? I was thinking about a camcorder like this to operate un(wo)manned for events like weddings. Just put it on a tripod, set it, and walk away so I can operate my other cameras with a bit more manual control. A 1" type sensor is smaller than my Micro Four Thirds cameras but still a lot bigger than the sensor on a traditional camcorder. It would be nice to have that cinematic look but not at the expense of things being out of focus. I think the audio sounded pretty decent considering it was an internal mic. Most internal microphones suck. They only exist for scratch audio. I have thought about getting a Sony RX10 II, but there are some drawbacks to that as well like not having phase-detect autofocus and only having one SD card slot. But, apart from that, it operates much like a camcorder with a 1" type sensor. It even has built-in ND filters and a constant f2.8 lens.

[@sarahdippity]

Autofocus was pretty good for me!! :) But i did not film long clips with it and so … worth to rent it and try out for yourself definitely!

[@iamfreeconnectionswithdavi3988]

Many spiritual paths emphasize, 'Kindness' I appreciate the Kindness in your voice. Great Work ;) Thank You! -- -- -- Shams, the filmmaker for David Less

[@sarahdippity]

Awww thank you. This is a wonderful and very kind comment also. I appreciate you.

[@jindjai]

Great video!

[@ryanterk8676]

Do you know if it records 10 bit 4:2:2 internally?

[@sarahdippity]

I'm not sure on that. I don't think I did. :)

[@732kbmmd]

Hi, Sarah. I finally bought the XA50. This is my first camcorder, and I feel it's performing very well. But there's one problem. I don't want to bother you, but my situation is a bit unusual to find someone who knows the answer. I also bought H4N Pro. And I connected H4N to XA50. I wanted to use this as an external mic. However, unexpected hiss occurs. I found out today that you are using H4N Pro. Do you use the H4N as an external mic when using your other equipment? Or do you use it as a just recording equipment? If you had the same hiss problem as me, can you teach me the solution? I know this question is very rude, but I think you are the only hope. I want you to teach me if you can. I hope you have a good day. Thanks.

[@sarahdippity]

With the XA 50, you record audio straight into the camera using a mic connected with an XLR cable so you dont need the H4N to record audio with it. The H4N is to record audio separately from the camera. You can use it as supplemental audio recorder or if you record audio with a boom & mic. Also, the H4N you have should be fine! I also have the non-pro H4N which is excellent. I couldn’t find a link to my old H4N (bought years ago) so I linked to a model that I could find most similar to it. Hope this helps!! Congrats on being the owner of the XA50!! Can’t wait to see some of your XA50 footage!!!

[@732kbmmd]

@@sarahdippity Thank you for your kindness. Many people told me to adjust the audio recording level inside the camcorder. Now I realize that I can adjust it in the handle unit of the xa50. (SIGH) Now I can use the H4N pro as an external mic. Hiss no longer bothers me. (This is Korea, and it's 2:30 a.m. I've been trying to solve this problem since I had dinner. Finally I can fall asleep..) I wouldn't have bothered you if I had looked a little more carefully. I'm so sorry... I'm a complete beginner in this field. I didn't know that other microphones using XLR cables were better suited than H4N. Terms like Phantom Power are very unfamiliar. It scares the beginner, making the wrong choice. It seems to be entirely an area of experts. After all, I feel like I've wasted my budget. But I will use it for the right use. Like you taught me. I will take many busking videos from now on. I believe H4N Pro will help. My favorite singer's live jazz session is in a week. I'll show you her singing. It will be my first footage made through the XA50. You seem to be as warm as your voice. Once again, thank you for your kindness. Seeya.

[@sarahdippity]

a.k.a_Hellcat - I use the H4N to record voiceover too. it’s a wonderful audio recorder. You can record directly into it or hook it up to an external mic via XLR cable and record through the mic. You can also connect the external mic to the camera with the same XLR cable and get good audio that way while filming. If you record a jazz concert and you stand too far from the stage to record the audio onto your camera via the external mic (hooked up to the XLR input), you can leave the H4N near the stage and it will record the audio for you. That could be very useful. On the other hand, if you don't need a separate audio recorder at this time, maybe you can return it and get it later when you have a need for it. Good luck with everything!! And thank you for the sweet comment!! :))

[@satyanarayandebbarma2089]

Hey sis, is the image stabilization really bad when zooomed. Tell me about its low light too.

[@sarahdippity]

It's not "really bad" but you do need to keep steady as much as possible. It's pretty good in low light. I filmed in a normal room inside without any extra lighting and it was fine. But I haven't tested it in semi-darkness yet. Hope that helps.

[@satyanarayandebbarma2089]

@@sarahdippity thanks ✌🏻 have a great day.

[@sarahdippity]

If you've used the Canon XA50, I'd love your thoughts on the camera too!

[@Vincentdonnelly5158]

Hi loved the drawings and your writing was beautiful. Have to say all I have is my samsung 7 thats it. I'm due an upgrade when I get a chance to get into a shop. but why fix it if its not broken. I will probably just stick to the camera I know but then again who knows.

[@sarahdippity]

Vincent Donnelly - Hi Vincent! i dont think this camera is convenient for vlogging so your samsung is perfect! this camera is best if you want to make documentaries capturing action around you. Your Samsung works for you so you definitely dont need this!!! :)

[@TonysTractorAdventure]

Thank you for the review.

[@sarahdippity]

My pleasure!

[@JeremyY]

Hey Sarah! Checking in with you and the XA50. What's the low light performance like? I'm in the market for an upgrade but good, noise free low light shooting is crucial.

[@sarahdippity]

It’s pretty decent - i filmed a few clips in low light in another XA50 video. in case you want to check?

[@TuTrinh211]

Wow!!!

[@sarahdippity]

Thanks Tu! I found a new cool software to do the drawings!! :)

[@bowdenlacsama]

Im having a hard time which one should i go for camping vlog seriously, r6 or this xa50, can you give me an advice please

[@sarahdippity]

I have not used the R6 so I can't tell you about that camera, but I have tried the XA50. It depends on what you're looking for in a camera. Would you share what you're looking for in a camera?

[@bowdenlacsama]

@@sarahdippity well, i love how the camcorder brings convenient its handy if rush its ok unlike body and lens need extra care, from body to lens too expensive ,need to complete unlike camcorders brings all in one, but seems big differences on videk quality, so i still on doubt, thanks for your cooperation , loved it

[@sarahdippity]

@@bowdenlacsama - yes, the footage prob wont be as beautiful with an xa50 but i love it for documenting purposes. it is bigger than a mirrorless though so if you want something compact, the XA50 is not a small camera.

[@Ben_Howard]

It’s a while later. Wondering if you ended up going a xa50 for yourself. If so what are your thoughts after using it for a while.

[@sarahdippity]

Hi Ben! I still am coveting the XA50, but have not gotten it yet. 2020 so far has been such a strange year and so I'm holding off on the camera.

[@MoishHas]

What a lovely video. Thank you.

[@sarahdippity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kuttychattan1]

He Sarah thanks a lot for sharing the video. Great video. Using XA 50, I would be very interested to see images coming out using its built in ND filters.... how much it can blur the background without effecting continuous focus....? Also would be interested to know how much it can stretch on image/color control on post. Cheers Suresh

[@sarahdippity]

I did use ND filters when filming outdoor. It works wonderfully. I think the quality is pretty decent. It's not a beauty camera for me, it's more a documentary camera. If you want exceptionally beautiful images, it may not be the right one.

[@weezyg.5724]

Great video and charming voice ,😊

[@sarahdippity]

@Weezy G - thank you SO much for this very sweet comment. Just want to let you know I really appreciate it!

[@TacoTurtle_fromearth2nd]

can this camcorder record depth of field? blur background and focus the wanted object? please advise, I plan to get this one, but not sure it allow to record with DOF

[@sarahdippity]

Hi Phu! I took the XA50 out for a test run when I rented it and documented the footage here. Maybe you can see how well it captures the BOKEH (blur background). I'm looking for the same too. I think it's not bad for a professional camcorder camera: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnfSf2yubZafq7M

[@OnIslandProductions]

Hi Sarah! Thank you for sharing this video, I have been debating weather or not to buy the Canon XA 50. Did you end up buying it? Wish it had 120FPS but other than that your footage looks so good!!!

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you for the comment and for watching the film! The Canon XA50 is still on my list - I'm trying to save up for it. :)

[@OnIslandProductions]

@@sarahdippity I have done a tone of research and I think the camera is worth it!

[@sarahdippity]

@@OnIslandProductions - Yay! Excellent! I can't wait! Have you already purchased it and tried it out? If so, would love your thoughts.

[@OnIslandProductions]

@@sarahdippity haven't yet purchased. I am a part of a fan-based Survivor series so we are running around the forest getting ppls live conversations, filming challenges. D tribal councils and from everything nice seen the Canon XA50 ticks every box we need to film the show!

[@procamara359]

Very nice colors what picture profile did you use to achive that look?

[@sarahdippity]

i dont remember exactly since this was last year but most likely i used the most neutral flat profile available so i could grade it in post. thank you for watching!!

[@matthewaitkenfilms9477]

Hey Sarah, I know this video was a while ago but how's the footage to grade? I'm a colourist and alot of my work is very stylized and it's obvious you have your own colour style too. does the footage fall apart after much grading? everyone else i've asked just says stuff like "something something the good thing about camcorders is you don't need to grade etc."

[@sarahdippity]

I did grade the XA50 footage and am happy enough with it. For me, the XA50 is more of a run & gun documentary style camera. If you want beautiful images, it obviously is not a cinema camera and so probably won't deliver high cinematic quality images. But for a run & gun camera, it is pretty good!

[@leojwelch20]

@@sarahdippity I thought the footage was really cinematic, and your edits were great. I've just ordered the xa 75, and I have a flycam? stabiliser , so I'm nervously looking forward to aiming for what you've done with this video. It's inspiring. Cheers

[@sarahdippity]

@@leojwelch20 i’m so excited for you! have fun with the xa75! look forward to seeing your footage!

[@Vincentdonnelly5158]

Im gone out to invest.

[@sarahdippity]

I think this one camera, as good as it is, wouldn't be the right one for your epic fishing trips, Vincent. It's too big and bulky to take on the boats with you. Whatever you have now works wonderfully!! Love love your videos & adventures!

[@dzengen]

👍👍 Спасибо! Очень приятное и познавательное видео!

[@sarahdippity]

Thank you!

[@TroyShaw]

I like the look of your video. How did you color grade it?

[@TroyShaw]

And which picture profile did you use?

[@sarahdippity]

I mostly color grade using FilmConvert & sometimes Filmora. Hope that helps!

[@TroyShaw]

@@sarahdippity I have film convert. Do you remember your settings? I have the same camera.

[@sarahdippity]

@@TroyShaw - Sorry, I don't remember. This was made in 2019. I usually just try all the film stocks on the clip to see which one looks best on it for the mood I want to convey. So it's different depending on each shoot. I don't use just one all the time so I can't remember specifically which one was used here. Sorry! As to camera settings, I think I used the most neutral one at the time of filming to create a relatively "flat" and "raw" footage for easy color grading.

[@ThisVSThat]

invite the neighbor over for a KZbin Session.

[@sarahdippity]

OK! I have coffee & bubble tea here too. Come!

[@user-tu9dv9nf5b]

just soso

[@sarahdippity]

THanks for the feedback!!

[@stuartkidney3257]

< F.E.E.L.I.N.G.S > heavy dose of feminine feelings - girls only YT video!

[@sarahdippity]

Thanks for watching and leaving feedback!!

[@dannyboy632]

Just get a sony

[@KTVNCreativeServices]

Stealing shots?

[@mcddetectrespect.7467]

?