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New Canon Camcorders: the XA25/XA20 and VIXIA HF G30
Canon has recently announced three new camcorders. The Canon XA25 and XA20 are ultra-compact, professional camcorders designed for run-and-gun videography and ENG. They feature a 20x zoom lens, built-in Wi-Fi, wireless FTP transfer and dual SD card slots to support a variety of recording modes. The VIXIA HF G30 is a high-end, consumer-level camcorder with dual SDXC card slots, MP4 and AVCHD recording, and Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization.
XA25 and XA20 Camcorders
The XA25 and XA20 camcorders build on the capabilities of the solidly prosumer XA10, adding several features with true professional appeal. These cameras retain a similar, compact form factor but represent a big step forward for the XA series. The lens has a 20x zoom ratio and a 35mm equivalent of 26.8-576mm, which makes it significantly wider and longer than XA10’s built-in lens. Perhaps most notable, the XA25 and XA20 feature built-in Dual Band, 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi and wireless FTP file transfer, which allow journalists in the field to upload footage directly to the studio’s server. Camera settings and operation can also be remote-controlled via compatible smart devices.
Both the XA25 and XA20 feature a 2.91MP CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 image processor for capturing 1080/60p video in 35 Mbps MP4 and 28 Mbps AVCHD. Users can also record and transmit lower bit rate (3 Mbps) MP4 video. Dual SD memory card slots support simultaneous recording with built-in down-conversion, and relay recording enables prolonged continuous recording times.
The key difference between the XA25 and the XA20 is the XA25’s HD/SD-SDI output. The BNC connector on the XA25 provides a direct connection to a microwave van, satellite uplink or other TV transmission system. This output also enables external recording of the uncompressed HD/SD-SDI signal.
The XA25 and XA20 are also the first Canon video cameras to feature an Organic LED electrostatic touch screen display. This 3.5” OLED display has 1.23-million-dot resolution. Other features include a 1.56-million-dot EVF, Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with Powered IS, an 8-blade iris, a detachable handle with XLR audio inputs, infrared shooting mode and advanced display features including color peaking, zebra pattern, color bars and test tone.
VIXIA HF G30
The Canon VIXIA HF G30 is a new, high end, consumer-level camcorder that adopts many of the features of the XA25 and XA20. Much like the two new professional models, the G30 has a 2.91MP CMOS sensor, a DIGIC DV 4 image processor and a 20x zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent of 26.8-576mm. The G30 can also record 1080/60p video in 35 Mbps MP4 and 28 Mbps AVCHD. It even has the very same 3.5” OLED touch screen and advanced display features such as zebra and color bars.
The HF G30’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities enable remote control and wireless sharing. Plus, a free Canon Movie Uploader app for iOS devices allows users to upload their videos to the Web (this function does not support MP4 60p and AVCHD recordings). Other features include Dynamic SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization with five-axis correction, a Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe and compatibility with the optional WM-V1 Wireless Microphone.
For more information on the HF G30, the XA25 or the XA20 please stop by the B&H SuperStore or contact our sales professionals on the phone at 1-800-606-6969 or online via Live Chat.
| XA25 | XA20 | VIXIA HF G30 | |
| Television System | NTSC | NTSC | NTSC |
| Video Recording System | MPEG4-AVC / H.264 | MPEG4-AVC / H.264 | AVCHD (complies with Ver. 2.0)/MPEG-4 |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.84" HD CMOS Pro, RGB Primary Color Filter | 1/2.84" CMOS, RGB Primary Color Filter | 1/2.84" HD CMOS Pro, RGB Primary Color Filter |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 3.09 MP (2208 x 1398) | Approx. 3.09 MP (2208 x 1398) | Approx. 3.09 MP (2208 x 1398) |
| Effective Pixels | Approx. 2.91 MP (2136 x 1362) | Approx. 2.91 MP (2136 x 1362) | Approx. 2.91 MP (2136 x 1362) |
| Lens | Zoom Ratio: 20x Optical / 400x Digital Focal Length: 3.67–73.4mm 35mm Equivalent (without Dynamic IS): 26.8–576 mm 35mm Equivalent (with Dynamic IS): 28.8–576 mm Zoom Speed: variable/constant (16 levels: fast, normal or slow) Max. Aperture: f/1.8–2.8 |
Zoom Ratio: 20x Optical / 400x Digital Focal Length: 3.67–73.4mm 35mm Equivalent (without Dynamic IS): 26.8–576 mm 35mm Equivalent (with Dynamic IS): 28.8–576 mm Zoom Speed: variable/constant (16 levels: fast, normal or slow) Max. Aperture: f/1.8–2.8 |
Zoom Ratio: 20x Optical / 400x Digital Focal Length: 3.67–73.4mm 35mm Equivalent (without Dynamic IS): 26.8–576 mm 35mm Equivalent (with Dynamic IS): 28.8–576 mm Zoom Speed: variable/constant (16 levels: fast, normal or slow) Max. Aperture: f/1.8–2.8 |
| Focusing System | Hybrid AF (TTL-video detection system and external phase difference metering system): Instant AF, Medium AF; Normal AF (TTL-video detection system); Face Priority AF; Face Only AF; Manual Focus | Hybrid AF (TTL-video detection system and external phase difference metering system): Instant AF, Medium AF; Normal AF (TTL-video detection system); Face Priority AF; Face Only AF; Manual Focus | Hybrid AF (TTL-video detection system and external phase difference metering system): Instant AF, Medium AF; Normal AF (TTL-video detection system); Face Priority AF; Face Only AF; Manual Focus |
| Manual Exposure | Available | Available | Available |
| Shooting Mode | Smart Auto, P, Tv, Av, M (Manual exposure), SCN (Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks) Cinema Mode: P, Tv, Av, M |
Smart Auto, P, Tv, Av, M (Manual exposure), SCN (Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks) Cinema Mode: P, Tv, Av, M |
Smart Auto, P, Tv, Av, M (Manual exposure), SCN (Portrait, Sports, Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks) Cinema Mode: P, Tv, Av, M |
| Max Shutter Speed | Movie: 1/2000 sec. | Movie: 1/2000 sec. | Movie: 1/2000 sec. |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 20 mm (wide end), 60 cm (across the entire zooming range) | 20 mm (wide end), 60 cm (across the entire zooming range) | 20 mm (wide end), 60 cm (across the entire zooming range) |
| White Balance | Auto, Set 1, Set 2, Color Temperature (2,000K to 15,000K in 100K increments), Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H | Auto, Set 1, Set 2, Color Temperature (2,000K to 15,000K in 100K increments), Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H | Auto, Set 1, Set 2, Color Temperature (2,000K to 15,000K in 100K increments), Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H |
| Frame Rate | AVCHD: 1080 at 59.94p, 59.94i, PF29.97, 23.98p MP4: 1080 at 59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p; 720 and 360 at 29.97p, 23.98p |
AVCHD: 1080 at 59.94p, 59.94i, PF29.97, 23.98p MP4: 1080 at 59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p; 720 and 360 at 29.97p, 23.98p |
AVCHD: 1080 at 59.94p, 59.94i, PF29.97, 23.98p MP4: 1080 at 59.94p, 29.97p, 23.98p; 720 and 360 at 29.97p, 23.98p |
| Minimum Illumination | 1.2 lux (0.1 lux in Low Light Mode with 1/2 sec. shutter speed) | 1.2 lux (0.1 lux in Low Light Mode with 1/2 sec. shutter speed) | 1.2 lux |
| Image Stabilization | Dynamic SuperRange Optical System (Lens shift), Standard SuperRange Optical System (Lens shift), and electronic stabilization | Dynamic SuperRange Optical System (Lens shift), Standard SuperRange Optical System (Lens shift), and electronic stabilization | Dynamic SuperRange Optical System (Lens shift), Standard SuperRange Optical System (Lens shift), and electronic stabilization |
| Filter Diameter | 58mm | 58mm | 58mm |
| Viewfinder | 0.24-inch, TFT Widescreen color LCD (Approx. 1.56 million dots; approx. 100% field of view) | 0.24-inch, TFT Widescreen color LCD (Approx. 1.56 million dots; approx. 100% field of view) | 0.24-inch, TFT Widescreen color LCD (Approx. 1.56 million dots; approx. 100% field of view) |
| Display | 3.5-inch OLED, Capacitive Touch Panel (Approx. 1.23 million dots) | 3.5-inch OLED, Capacitive Touch Panel (Approx. 1.23 million dots) | 3.5-inch OLED, Capacitive Touch Panel (Approx. 1.23 million dots) |
| Recording Media | 2 SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots | 2 SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots | 2 SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots |
| HD/SD-SDI Terminal | BNC (output only) with embedded audio and time code | N/A | N/A |
| USB Terminal | mini-B receptacle and Hi-Speed USB supported (output only) | mini-B receptacle and Hi-Speed USB supported (output only) | Hi-Speed USB supported (output only) |
| Video Output | Composite: A/V terminal 3.5mm mini-jack | Composite: A/V terminal 3.5mm mini-jack | Composite |
| Audio Input | XLR 3-pin jack (2ch), MIC/LINE switch possible (input only) | XLR 3-pin jack (2ch), MIC/LINE switch possible (input only) | Not Specified by the Mfr. |
| Audio | AVCHD Satisfied: Dolby Digital 2 Channel (AC3); 5.1 Channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone) | AVCHD Satisfied: Dolby Digital 2 Channel (AC3); 5.1 Channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone) | AVCHD Satisfied: Dolby Digital 2 Channel (AC3); 5.1 Channel (with optional Canon SM-V1 5.1-Channel Surround Microphone) |
| Accessory Shoe | Cold Shoe | Cold Shoe | Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe |
| HDMI Terminal | HDMI mini connector (output only) | HDMI mini connector (output only) | HDMI mini connector (output only) |
| Microphone Terminal | 3.5mm stereo mini jack | 3.5mm stereo mini jack | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| AV Output | 3.5mm 4-pole mini jack | 3.5mm 4-pole mini jack | 3.5mm 4-pole mini jack |
| Headphone Terminal | 3.5mm stereo mini jack | 3.5mm stereo mini jack | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| Operating Temperature | 23 ~ 113° F (-5 ~ 45° C) 60% relative humidity - 32 ~ 104° F (0 ~ 40° C) 85% relative humidity (performance) | 23 ~ 113° F (-5 ~ 45° C) 60% relative humidity - 32 ~ 104° F (0 ~ 40° C) 85% relative humidity (performance) | 23 ~ 113° F (-5 ~ 45° C) 60% relative humidity - 32 ~ 104° F (0 ~ 40° C) 85% relative humidity (performance) |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 3.3 x 7.2" (109 x 84 x 182 mm) not including lens hood, grip belt, microphone holder and handle unit | 4.3 x 3.3 x 7.2" (109 x 84 x 182 mm) not including lens hood, grip belt, microphone holder and handle unit | 4.3 x 3.3 x 7.2" (109 x 84 x 182 mm) not including lens hood 4.5 x 3.3 x 9.1" (115 x 84 x 231 mm) including lens hood |
| Weight | Approx. 1.7 lb (770 g) including grip belt | Approx. 1.7 lb (765 g) including grip belt | Approx. 1.7 lb (765 g) including grip belt Approx. 2.0 lb (900 g) including BP-820, memory card (x1) and lens hood |
Comments
Do these, or any other of the Canon WiFi cameras have the ability to do simple editing in the camera? I'm looking to shoot news footage and I'd like to be able to edit it down to 2 minutes or less before transferring the video out by WiFi. Can I send the file directly to a cloud service like Box or YouSendIt?
These do not offer in camera editing that I have seen in the advertised details (I also have not seen others with both features). The cameras do allow for transfer via FTP to a web server though. From what I can find you cannot transfer direct to Box or Yousendit as those are more peer to peer based. As more information becomes available when the cameras ship that could be a possibility though.
Is there any feature or capability that I would be giving up by getting an XA20 instead of the G30? The hotshot mount maybe? Not sure. and it's hard to tell from the comparison charts I have seen.
You should not be giving up any features going for the XA20. You will be adding features such as the 2 independent XLR inputs. The XA20 still has the shoe mount both on the camera body and one on the mic holder.
So does the xa20 have the Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe like the G30? It seems that some of tha canon accessories use this connection. Not sure how important this is. I understand that the cold shoe(s) on the xa20 can be use with possibly more capable accessories.
I think maybe the XA20 doesn't have the storytelling features?
Again, these are non-pro features but I would just like to understand all of the differences between the XA20 and G30. I understand that the basic image/lens/sensor features are identical but the XA20 adds XLA audio inputs and infrared sensitivity. Plus th3e nifty handle.
Anything else? The comparison charts are very difficult to interpret because they don't list the same catagory items.
Hi -
The Canon XA20 Professional HD Camcorder employs a standard size cold shoe to accomodate most 3rd party accessories. it does not offer a "story creator" feature. The addition of the XLR inputs is a very significant addition for professional quality sound as is its 20x zoom lens. These two features alone are worth the "price of admission", so to speak. In addition - the XA20's new 3.5-inch, advanced 1,230,000-dot equivalent Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display provides vivid colors, high contrast, and dramatically improved responsiveness compared to traditional LCD screens. A wide-view angle (over 80 degrees at all angles) aids in composition versatility, and regular chromaticity adjustments, prompted by the camcorder, ensure correct brightness and faithful color reproduction. And if that wasn't enough: The XA20 features built-in dual-band (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi® technology, enabling FTP file transfer to Cloud-based servers for convenient back ups, or for situations where a relay station, such as a news truck, is unavailable. The dual bands help ensure that data can be sent even in areas with increased signal interference. It is also possible to connect to compatible networks, wireless hotspots and iOS® mobile devices using the free Canon Movie Uploader app*, or play back video on the camcorders’ memory cards to Wi-Fi®-enabled TVs and computers.
Wi-Fi® technology also allows remote control of key camcorder controls, such as recording start/stop and zoom (in three different speeds), exposure functions (white balance, color temperature, iris, shutter speed, gain, exposure and more) and focus settings via a tablet or smartphone. The ability to control the camera remotely, such as when using a camera crane, improves mobility in various shooting environments.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
I bought my XA10 from BH and have been very happy with the camera and looking forward to XA25. My questins:
-Is XA10 now discontinued camera?
XA10 has 64G built-in memory. I cannot see on the specs of XA20/XA25 any built-in memory for recording.
-My XA10 has a night vision. I cannot see on these camera specs about the night vision. It comes real handy for certain nature related work I do.
-Is there a time-lapse recording mode? XA10 really missed that feature.
-Is there a slow motion recording mode and how versatile it is?
Finally are there any XA-line competitive line from Sony that may have been announced or rumors?
Thanks B&H
Hi -
The venerable Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder is still available. The cutting-edge Sony HXR-NX30 Palm Size NXCAM HD Camcorder with Projector is a handheld, excellently built HD camcorder that's capable of capturing AVCHD video in Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, as well as high-quality digital still images. It's equipped with 96GB of internal flash memory, an LED video light and NightShot capabilities. It also supports all AVCHD recording formats at 28 Mbps. It is a good comparable to the Canon XA10.
Neither the XA25 or the XA20 feature embedded flash memory. Recording media is not included. A memory card is required to record your footage.
IR recording is featured on both cameras. They offer an Infrared Mode allowing the capture of video in conditions with little to no ambient light. It does so by removing the infrared cutoff filter from the optical path. Its specially designed lens coating allows the infrared light to pass through to the image sensor. Plus, the power of the infrared light is enhanced by 2.7 times compared to that of the XA10 camcorder. Additionally, the detachable handle of the XA20 features an infrared emitter with a diffuser to shoot pleasing infrared imagery even in complete darkness. For nature videographers or law enforcement users, the benefits of a compact, high performance camcorder for shooting in such conditions are obvious. Without the need to add lights, the shooter may remain hidden from subjects. Also, the XA20 gives the option of recording in green or white light mode.
Slow and Fast Motion Recording Modes allow the XA20 and XA25 to record a different frame rate than the playback frame rate (only in MP4 recording modes), resulting in either a fast or slow motion effect during playback. Since the camera is recording real frames and modifying the playback rate, there is virtually no quality loss and maximum image quality is maintained. Fast motion of up to 250% of the original speed and slow motion down to 40% of the original speed are possible.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Really Canon? 4:2:ZERO? in 2013? Why even have SDI out then? You're protecting the way overpriced XF line.. (already 2-3 yr old XF cameras with limited zoom and below average low light performance?) If i were Canon I would do an immediate 4:2:2 upgrade in the XA25 at least and pray BlackMagic doesn't come out with a ENG fixed lens 25X 4:2:2 4K consumer video camera for half the price.
Hi, I have a Vixia HV30 and before that I had an Optura 50 (both purchased in B&H), so as you can see I am a fan of Canon camcorders, but I have a couple of questions:
First, the eternal problem with the camcorders that I own is their low light performance. Now in the specifications, having added the data of 0.1 lux minimum lux in "low light" conditions is almost a joke, because to achieve that minimum is necessary to record with the shutter at 1/2, which is virtually unacceptable unless your target is a statue and you are using a tripod to record it. Furthermore, does not specify which conditions are necessary (shutter and aperture) to assert that 1.2 lux minimum illumination standard conditions... As I see, if the CMOS size is similar to my Vixia's 2.96 Mp, then the problem remains in this 3 models. Could someone confirm or denied this?
Second, in the pictures of the XA25 and XA20 models 2 input sound sources availables are shown ... but in the camcorder specification there is just one mini jack line or mic in... so, where are the two inputs? Does the microphone holder has 2 XLR inputs?
Thanks for your prompt response,
Marcelo
The XA20 and XA25 will be a step up in low light sensitivity from the older Vixia models due to using Canon's newer CMOS sensor technology which uses less but larger pixels in order to heighten sensitivity in low light areas.
As for the audio question, the mic holder adds 2 XLR inputs to the camera.
Is there a Control "L" input ?
Is there a Lens Ring for manual Iris (stepless)
Yes, there is a 2.5mm LANC on right side of bady labeled REMOTE.
Do a Google search for the model you like and LANC.
example: Vivia HF G30 LANC.
According to what I've read there is a manual focus ring.
Hello Wilson -
The Canon XA25 and XA20 do not have separate lens rings to control the iris manually. What they do offer are multi-function dials that allows manual adjustment of the aperture. The HF G30 adjusts from the menu only. All three cameras feature LANC control inputs.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Can anyone help explain the differences in the "Minimum Illumination" between the G30 and the others? I'm not sure how much better the other cameras will perform in low lighting situations. The G30 only mentions 1.2 lux but the others have a more descriptive list of details.
Hi Chris -
The low-light performance is essentially the same for these three cameras. They all employ the same 2.91MP CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 image processor. We did not mean to confuse the issue in our above article.
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
Price?
Hi Terry -
Please click on the hyper-linked product models below to be taken to our webpages where pricing is published for these new camcorders:
XA25
XA20
VIXIA HF G30
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: AskBH@BandH.com
We had been set to purchase the JVC 150 series or possibly the 600 series cameras until today. The Canon offers some interesting advantages, primarily size + portability over the JVC600 series, and a good focal length range. The only unfortunate thing is that they won't be generally available until June, and we need to start shooting this documentary in May. The HD-SDI output may be great for connecting to a satellite uplink but its only outputting 4.2.0 not 4.2.2. so I don't really see much advantage to that in terms of an external recorder.
That's the one spec that no-one seems to know - whether SDI output is 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 (8 or 10 bit)?
The upcoming Samurai Blade will be a nice addition as an external recorder!
Canon has not advertised the specs for the HD-SDI output yet. More information may be available through them closer to delivery of the camera.
I've been using the Canon XA10 since it first came out the Canon XA25 is on my list to buy this year. I'm a HUGE fan of the XA10 as it's a work horse and is a powerful little professional camera. It'll be worth the wait.
The AX10 is an incredible camera and it looks as if Canon has improved on it with the AX25. I'm going to hold off until I see the working results and opinions from those who get it first before I upgrade. The AX10 is working well for me now and I don't even pick up the on XL2 anymore. I hate tapes.