Canon Releases New “Prosumer” Video Cameras – But Why?

We are busy selling off our video cameras on eBay.

Luckily, the are going like hotcakes.

We used to own about 30 prosumer cameras.

No more.

What do we need them for?  We shoot everything on our iPhones.

When an iPhone gets 4K video AND can also edit, add graphics, music, stickers (if you want ’em), AND ‘share’ or move the files around instantly to anywhere in the world AND live stream (need i say more?), is there really any point in owning a ‘camcorder’?

I don’t think so.

Yesterday, Canon, maker of very fine video and photo gear, announced the release of not one, but three new ‘ProSumer’ video cameras –

The Canon XA11

The Canon XA15

The Vixia HF G21A

All three models shoot 1080P, have 20X optical zooms and range in price from $999 to $1899

Nice

But why?

They aren’t even 4K!

I have to say that I continue to be astonished by the video quality that the iPhone X delivers. And, the fact that it is with me all the time makes all the difference in the world

But to me, the biggest game-changer is that not only I, but EVERYONE has a 4K smart phone (more or less), and that means that everyone already owns a professional level video camera (and an edit system).

This Saturday, we are going to have our first meeting for BKtelevision.com. East New York’s first (and only) local TV network.

In the old days, when we wanted to launch a TV station, we had to spend a LOT of money to buy a LOT of gear.

Now, we already have the gear – cameras and edits and graphics and fonts.

So when we have our meeting in East New York on Saturday, we’ll not only have 100 people in the room, we’ll also have 100 cameras ready to go.

Something to think about. Particularly if you are running, say, WCBS2, which has, what, 8 camera crews to cover all of NYC.

You might also think about it if you own Canon.

Originally posted on VJ.

Michael Rosenblum

For more than 30 years, Michael Rosenblum has been on the cutting edge of the digital video journalism revolution. During this time, he has lead a drive for video literacy, and the complete rethinking of how television is made and controlled. His work has included: The complete transitioning of The BBC's national network (UK) to a VJ-driven model, starting in 2002. The complete conversion of The Voice of America, the United State's Government's broadcasting agency, (and the largest broadcaster in the world), from short wave radio to television broadcasting and webcasting using the VJ paradigm (1998-present). The construction of NYT Television, a New York Times Company, and the largest producer of non-fiction television in the US. Rosenblum was both the founder and President of NYT TV, (all based on this paradigm (1996-1998). The President and Founder of Video News International, a global VJ-driven newsgathering company, with more than 100 journalists around the world. (1993-1996). Other clients include Spectrum News, Verizon and CBS News.