The Canon XA25E Professional PAL HD Camcorder is a compact "run-and-gun" camera with HD-SDI output that is suitable for ENG, event coverage, and independent and documentary filmmaking. In addition, the SDI port provides a broadcast-standard interface that allows video to be transmitted longer distances over thinner, BNC-type cable which is particularly useful in live, multi-camera event applications. The camera features a 1/2.84", 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensor that captures video at various frame rates including 50p, 50i and 25p. The integrated 20x optical zoom lens has a 35 mm equivalent zoom range of 26.8 to 576mm, and features an 8-bladed iris to help create softer, more natural looking bokeh.
The Digic DV 4 Image Processor not only provides more efficient de-bayering and interpolation as the image is captured off the sensor, the image-processing engine powers Canon's Dynamic IS (Image Stabilization) mode, which provides compensation not only for horizontal and vertical shake but also by adding correction for camera roll in three axes. In addition, the power of the Digic DV 4 is leveraged by the compressor, letting you simultaneously encode your video to two different codecs and bit rates simultaneously, letting you, for example, record a web-ready version and a high quality master that will be available for upload and editing as soon as you stop recording.
The XA25E features both a 3.5" OLED flip-out touchscreen with 1,230,000 dot resolution and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and a color electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1,560,000 dots of resolution. The camera features full manual control and auto modes for exposure, focus, white balance, gain, and shutter speed. The camera provides professional features such as a pre-record buffer, peaking, zebra bars, color bars, and reference tone. The zoom speed is adjustable with variable, constant (with 16 selectable discrete speed levels), fast, normal and slow settings. The camera features a detachable top handle with zoom toggle, record start/stop, IR emitter, tally light, accessory shoe, external mic holder and two XLR connectors with +48 V phantom power and manual audio level controls. In addition to HD-SDI the XA25E includes a built-in headphone jack and an HDMI mini connector, and outputs composite video and audio via a 3.5 mm mini jack.
Two built-in SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots allow you to record video to available media cards in both slots at the same time. This allows you to create an instant back up copy for archiving and data protection or you can capture high resolution AVCHD or MP4 video files on one card while creating a lower data rate MP4 more suitable for the web on the other card. When using two media cards with the camera is in Relay mode, there is no need to stop shooting when the first card gets full. Recording seamlessly switches to the second card. Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and FTP allows you to upload video files directly from the camera to your server or a social media site, or playback footage from the memory cards to Wi-Fi enabled TVs and Computers. You can also remotely control select camera functions from a smart phone or tablet over Wi-Fi, freeing you from remote cables.
IS Modes
- In addition to traditional horizontal/vertical correction, Dynamic Mode takes advantage of the Digic DV 4 processor, using it to help offset circular motion and roll.
- Macro IS: corrects angular and shift-type shake in wide-angle shots.
- Powered IS: corrects for low-frequency camcorder shake when shooting at the long (telephoto) end of the lens
Focus peaking provides a user selectable color overlay on top of the parts of the image that are in focus. And for critical focusing, a 2x image magnification can also be engaged.
The camera can display and record SMPTE color bars and reference tone. Reference tone levels can be set at -12 dB, -18 dB or -20 dB.
White Balance features 6 presets (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent H, and Fluorescent), as well as store up to two auto white balance readings taken from a white card. Additionally, manual white balance when let you select any color temperature between 2,000 and 15,000 K in 100 K steps.
The cameras body features five user assignable buttons so you can customize the camera to access select settings without having to enter the menu system.
A secondary 3.5 mm stereo mini jack is also provided, and allows external mics to still be used while the handle is removed.
A 3.5 mm headphone jack with 16 volume setting s enables you to accurately monitor you audio monitoring.
- Dual recording: allows you to simultaneously record the same footage to different media cards using different codecs and bit rates
- Double-slot recording: allows you to record simultaneously to each of the two SD memory card slots, providing an instant backup for your footage
- Relay recording: the XA25E automatically switches video recording from one memory card to the other when the first memory card becomes full.
An integrated Hi-Speed USB (mini-B) port allows you to download footage from the memory cards, this port is for output only.
Remote Control Port
The camera features a standard 2.5 mm LANC port for using wired remotes.
Pre-record: In this setting, the XA25E will continuously cache a buffer of approximately three seconds of video. When you press record the contents of the buffer are saved to the memory card and the camera will continue recording until you press stop. This is helpful especially in journalistic and documentary applications where events can happen unexpectedly that you may not be ready for, but space limitations prevent from simply rolling all the time.
Intelligent battery system: The XA25E is compatible with Canon's Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries, which communicate remaining running time (down to the minute) to the user.