The fact that Canon has not availed uncropped 4K capability for all its DSLR cameras had outraged those who had invested in its equipment. They could incur an unprecedented financial loss to acquire uncropped 4K capability.  It might be possible to mitigate the cost by buying one of its camcorders that are very good for video and in fact, it can outdo DSLR cameras that can overheat after a mere 20 minutes or so video recording.  The outcome had been it requires having two cameras in order to record a longer video session.

The reality, however, is no serious videographer or cinematographer can use DSLRs.  What that means is DSLRs are good for still photos.  Hence, their having video capability is complimentary.  Furthermore, since the sensors of DSLRs are bigger than most camcorders, the image quality of pro DSLRs is much preferable with all what they are lacking. 

Moviemakers have shot full feature films using DSLRs such as 5D series, while wedding photographers are using them in droves to record the whole ceremony.  The same applies to those who cover news. It is just convenient to have high-quality video capability in DSLRs, but they can’t really be the mainstay of videography.

There are obviously other brands that match Canon DSLR cameras that are offering uncropped 4 K capabilities.  The only advantage Cannon has over most of its competitors is Canon’s image quality and for having that edge photographers who use Canon cameras and lenses have to put up with some unwarranted quirks.

However, Canon is introducing uncropped 4K capability in its camcorders and movie cameras.  These cameras can be expensive, but there is one category that could solve the 4K problem for Canon users.  Canon XC15 is an affordable compact camcorder anyone, especially pros can buy and not be caught in the not having uncropped 4K capability quagmire when clients ask for it.

The particular camera comes with a fixed lens that is 2.8–5.6 (8.9–89mm) Zoom lens with 10x magnification.  For videography, this translates to 27-273 mm focal length, on a 35 mm sensor making it ideal for all video production, without being worried about camera overheating after 20 minutes or so.  Of course, what will be missing will be the use of the numerous Canon professional lenses, one of the reasons why DSLRs are popular.

There are camcorders that allow exchanging lenses such as the C300 series that are obviously very expensive.  However, the lens quality of the XC15 is very good and in par with C300 MK II, the latest and most advanced release, simply because Canon wants the XC15 to be used as number two camera, especially for C300 MK II.  The videos look very cinematic with high image quality that is identical with the C300 MK II, an advantage with the fraction of the price. 

It’s possible to buy this camcorder used for around $1200 on eBay and it can’t get any cheaper than that since the C300 MK II can cost more than $10,000.  There is even the XC10 the earlier version with, more or less, similar capabilities, but a much cheaper price on eBay. The only problem might be it would not fit in ordinary camera bags making it a bit clumsy to carry it around.

Having one of these camcorders will save Canon users from changing their whole gear just to have the highly demanded 4K capability at a pro level.  These cameras also take stunning still photos although they might not be matches for the top of the line pro DSLR cameras.