Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
The Canon XA11 is a 2.91MP 1/2.5 inch camcorder — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
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Camcorder Overview — Canon XA11
Key Features — Canon XA11
1/2.84-Inch CMOS Sensor: A 2.91MP sensor captures Full HD video with enough sensitivity to perform across a wide range of lighting conditions.
Full HD 1080p Recording: Records up to 1920x1080 at 24, 30, or 60fps, covering broadcast and standard web delivery needs.
AVCHD and MP4 Output: Simultaneous or selectable recording in both formats supports broadcast-compatible delivery alongside web-ready files in a single workflow.
Canon Log and Wide DR: Two color profiles give videographers meaningful dynamic range headroom for grading footage in post-production.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in OIS combined with a Digital IS layer reduces camera shake during handheld shooting without requiring additional hardware.
Hybrid Autofocus System: Phase Detection and Contrast Detection work together with subject tracking to maintain focus during dynamic, moving-subject scenarios.
Camcorder Specifications — Canon XA11
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Video / Cinematography, Event, Documentary, Studio |
| Type | Other |
| Sensor | 1/2.5 inch |
| Resolution | 2.91MP |
| ISO Range | 100 – 20000 |
| AF System | Hybrid (Phase + Contrast) |
| AF Points | Selectable |
| Max Photo Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 60fps |
| Video Color Profiles | Canon Log, Wide DR |
| Image Stabilization | Optical (OIS) |
Description — Canon XA11
The Canon XA11 is a Full HD professional camcorder recording at up to 1080p with frame rate options of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. Built on a 1/2.84-inch sensor with 2.91MP resolution, it captures footage in both AVCHD and MP4 formats — giving productions flexibility depending on their delivery requirements. The inclusion of Canon Log and Wide DR color profiles makes it a capable tool for projects that require post-production color grading.
The autofocus system combines Phase Detection and Contrast Detection technologies with selectable focus points and subject tracking. Stabilization is handled by Optical IS supplemented by Digital IS for additional smoothing during handheld operation. An ISO range of 100–20000 ensures adaptability across lighting environments.
The 3.0-inch LCD display at 460,000 dots and 1,560,000-dot electronic viewfinder provide two solid monitoring options. On-camera audio is covered by a 3.5mm mic input and headphone output, while connectivity extends to HDMI and USB 2.0. The body weighs 745g and measures 131 x 180 x 231mm, with storage via SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards.
Pros — Canon XA11
- ✓Canon Log and Wide DR color profiles (videoSpecs.colorProfiles) enable flexible post-production grading
- ✓Hybrid Phase + Contrast autofocus (autofocus.system) with subject tracking for dynamic shooting scenarios
- ✓High-resolution 1,560,000-dot electronic viewfinder (viewfinder.resolution) for accurate outdoor monitoring
Cons — Canon XA11
- ✗Maximum video resolution is Full HD 1080p (videoSpecs.maxResolution) — no 4K output available
- ✗No weather sealing (bodyDesign.weatherSealing: None) limits use in challenging outdoor conditions
- ✗Plastic body construction (bodyDesign.material) may raise durability concerns for heavy professional use
Videos — Canon XA11
Canon XA11 & XA15 - Overview — ProAV
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon XA11
What color profiles does the Canon XA11 support for grading?+
The XA11 supports Canon Log and Wide DR color profiles (videoSpecs.colorProfiles). These options give editors meaningful dynamic range latitude when color grading footage in post-production.
What recording formats does the Canon XA11 use?+
The XA11 records in both AVCHD and MP4 formats (recordingFormat). AVCHD is commonly used for broadcast-compatible workflows, while MP4 is well-suited for web delivery and editing on most platforms.
Does the Canon XA11 have weather sealing?+
No. The bodyDesign.weatherSealing field is listed as None, meaning the XA11 has no weather or dust protection. Extra care should be taken when shooting in rain or dusty environments.
What memory cards does the Canon XA11 accept?+
The XA11 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (storageMedia). This covers a wide range of available card types and capacities.
Can I monitor audio directly on the Canon XA11?+
Yes. The XA11 includes both a 3.5mm microphone input and a 3.5mm headphone output (connectivity), allowing you to connect an external microphone and monitor audio in real time during recording.
What is the ISO range on the Canon XA11?+
The XA11 has an ISO range of 100 to 20000 (iso.min / iso.max), providing sensitivity options across a broad range of lighting conditions.