Canon XA10 Camcorder

The Canon XA10 camcorder is the camera model used in the production studio in Wilson 235, and this model is also available to be checked out to Media Studies students from Wilson 207.

Click the section headings below to collapse the content.

Video Tutorials

The following video covers many of the basics to operating the Canon XA10 video camera.

This next video covers the menu and settings on the XA10.

This last video covers recording audio on the XA10.

Audio Settings

Microphones that have batteries - The wireless and wired lavaliere microphones do not require phantom power since they have their own power source, so plug them into an XLR input, set the input to EXT for External Mic, and set the type to MIC.

Microphones that don't have batteries - The XLR shotgun mics that come in the camcorder kits and handheld XLR mics do not have batteries, so they require phantom power, which means they draw power from the camera. Plug them into an XLR input, set the input to EXT for External Mic, and set the type to MIC +48v.

Canon XA10 camcorder audio panel.

Card Formatting

Different cameras have different file formats. Using an SD card between several different cameras without formatting it can cause files to become corrupted. When inserting an SD card into a camera, always format the card to the camera’s native file format.

NOTE that formatting (or initializing as some cameras refer to it) erases all the data from the card. If your card contains footage that you intend to keep, be sure to copy it to the server or your personal hard drive so that you don’t lose it forever once the camera formats your card!

How to format (AKA initialize) an SD card on the Canon XA10

Additionally, we recommend you read our guide on Transferring Footage from SD cards.

Need Help?

For more help with the Canon XA10, you can consult the official user manual. Also make sure to check our article for Audio Settings on the Canon XA10.

Visit the Media Studio during open hours or email as-mediastudio@virginia.edu.