Does anybody know if the XA10 still suffers from the loose and rattling buttons on the XLR handle? Several early reports indicated it was a problem (maybe with the first cams?). I watched the video on Vimeo and the noise was very obvious and transmitted the rattling to the video pretty obviously. It rattled like a baby toy when shook. Could be a deal-breaker for me. If not, I'd like to get one. Thanks,

Reports vary.
I got my XA 10 about 6 weeks ago from the Canon web store.
If I shake the detached handle vigorously, I can hear some rattle.
When handle is mounted with a shotgun mic in place, I have no problem.
Seems like most complaints have been when handle is mounted and camera mics are recording- no shotgun mic in place.
My impression is that maybe there is less problem now than there was initially- but that's rather speculative...

Robert,

I have some questions if you don't mind:
1) I just bought the G10, but haven't taken it out of the box yet. I'm seriously considering returning it to get the XA10. Don't always need a XLR mic, but sometimes I do. Full sized hot shoe and night vision would be extremely nice. 64G HD would be nice too. I currently have a Sony Z5 and a Canon HV30 as a small cam. This would be probably taking the place of the HV30. Can you give me your thoughts on the XA and what you like, don't like about it? I'm on the fence on keeping the G10, or returning it and going for the XA10. Really appreciate your input.

2) Wind Noise Cancelation? Curious if there is wind noise cancelation using a XLR mic, or just the internal cam mic?

3) Batter Life? How is the batter life using the XLRs?

4) Are there a zoom and rec button's on the handle?

Thanks

IMO, the XA 10 is a unique camera that provides excellent image quality, excellent low light performance, and professional features/controls in a package that is hardly bigger than a "tourist' cam.
The ability to add the handle and have pro audio- shotgun, wireless, etc.- is well worth the extra $$ to me.
The handle does have zoom and record button.
Battery life is quite good using the BP-819. With a couple of those in your pocket, you are set for a long day.
I do a lot of travel shooting, so size is important to me. The XA 10 is a camera that I haven't had to trade off a lot of features/functions for the small size.
Even with the handle + Rode NTG-1, and the Canon WA adapter, it's a very small package to travel with.
I'm a happy camper :)

Does anybody know if the XA10 still suffers from the loose and rattling buttons on the XLR handle? Several early reports indicated it was a problem (maybe with the first cams?). I watched the video on Vimeo and the noise was very obvious and transmitted the rattling to the video pretty obviously. It rattled like a baby toy when shook. Could be a deal-breaker for me. If not, I'd like to get one. Thanks,

I dont think this is an issue just with the XA10. I had an XHA1 3 years ago, most of the little slider switches rattled a fair bit. So much so that I took it back and tested 2 others, they were all the same. I think it is just the design of the switches. I played with an XA10 a couple of weeks ago, the switches were all a bit on the loose side. Not loose enough, for me at least, to be a deal breaker

Does anybody know if the XA10 still suffers from the loose and rattling buttons on the XLR handle? Several early reports indicated it was a problem (maybe with the first cams?). I watched the video on Vimeo and the noise was very obvious and transmitted the rattling to the video pretty obviously. It rattled like a baby toy when shook. Could be a deal-breaker for me. If not, I'd like to get one. Thanks,

I can just report that I have no issues with my camera in this regard and I am not sure if you mean the handle or the mic holder ?

In any case I have no issue with this.

Just purchased a new XA10 from B&H. And yes, "shake, rattle & roll!". Yes it shakes...it's so bad you can use it as a baby rattle. It will only effect you of you are doing hand held, on mike sound. But. it's there and it's pretty bad.

Well, just to bring things full-circle, I received my XA10. Yes, the buttons do rattle, but you'd really have to be shaking the cam to make the buttons rattle. When I get a little spare time, I'm going to put a piece of thin material behind the plate and 'tighten' things up back there a little. Otherwise, it's a good cam.

I just bought my xa10 and yes it is has loose audio switches. this is what I did.

There was also allot of noise on the external mic when you zoom, you can hear the zoom motor working even with the shock absorbing mic mount.

Just got mine yesterday (2/17/12) from Samy's Camera in LA (serial # 452410100xxx) and I'm happy to report that there's no rattle at all.

Nice little camera - interesting B-roll and travel camera addition to my XF300 and 5DII. Should be really fun on trips! Going to Israel and Jordan next week so I'll give it a real workout!


Larry Becker