Wednesday 3 April 2013

Canon announces new XA25, XA20 + Legria HF G30 camcorders

Canon is expanding its semi-pro/high-end consumer handheld video camera range with three new compact models. Two new professional X-series models, XA25 and XA20, combine an all-new imaging system with professional audio and WiFi connections in a compact, lightweight (1.1kg/2.6lbs) package that fits in the palm of a hand.

The new Legria HF G30 (also known as the Vixia HF G30 in the US) has the same imaging system, but without the XLRs and is aimed at enthusiast videographers, such as hobbyists or film students.
Their HD video system has been completely redesigned – from the lens through to the image sensor and processor – to improve imaging performance. There are various advanced shooting features and connectivity options to suit different types of applications, from news and documentaries to weddings. The new cameras will make an appearance at NAB next week.

New imaging system

The XA25, XA20 and Legria/Vixia HF G30 will be available in June and use a completely new imaging system, with a 20x zoom wide-angle lens offers a 26.8–576mm focal range (35mm equivalent), employing the same Hi Index Ultra Low Dispersion optical technology found in the XF305 camcorder. The MOD (minimum object distance) of this lens is just 60cm, useful for up-close shots.

An enhanced Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) system incorporates a Dynamic OIS mode to further reduce the effects of camera movement during shooting (there are also Intelligent/Auto, Standard and Powered modes).

The 8-blade circular aperture provides improved bokeh (out of focus background effects), using Canon’s unique Electro Magnetic Diaphragm technology – developed for the company’s EF lens range – to improve background blur in any shots with a shallow depth of field.

A newly-designed 1/2.84-inch 2.91-Megapixel HD CMOS Pro sensor provides improved dynamic range and low-light performance. The increased sensor size increases photosite area, combining with sophisticated image processing to reduce image noise and increase sensitivity in poor light conditions.

It uses the DIGIC DV 4 processor, which is claimed to offer “smooth gradation and faithful colour reproduction”, along with support for recording at higher data rates. The sensor and processor “work together to eliminate more camera shake, augmenting a highly-effective optical IS system with electronic stabilisation that detects and compensates for movement in a larger number of directions.”

Higher bitrates

The new models support multiple recording formats, with AVCHD Progressive (up to 28Mbps at 50/60p - including 24p) and MP4 (up to 35Mbps) provide higher bitrates suitable for many professional applications.

Video is recorded to dual SD (SD, SDHC and SDXC) card slots in a range of resolutions and frame rates up to 1080/50p or 1080/60p (European and US versions respectively), with slow and fast motion options supported in MP4 mode.

All models also support simultaneous recording of different formats to each card – although dual recording is not supported in AVCHD 28Mbps or MP4 35Mbps modes.  However, it might be useful to have the smaller files if you need to share them quickly, such as for breaking news, whilst retaining higher-quality copies for later use.

Professional features

The XA25 and XA20 use the same removable handle concept launched with the popular Canon XA10. It is easily attached or removed as necessary, and the top-mounted handle adds various additional controls, including two XLR inputs for capturing professional quality audio from external microphones, with independent audio level controls. The handle also integrates an IR lamp to enhance the shooting capabilities of the infrared mode available in XA25 and XA20 – useful for recording nighttime documentaries or nocturnal wildlife.




All three models have a new 3.5-inch (8.77cm) 1.23million-dot Organic LED (OLED) touch-screen panel (the first Canon cameras using OLED screens), which provides greater resolution, contrast and improved colour reproduction during recording and playback. There are full manual controls for exposure: a combination of the touch screen and a customisable control dial allows for adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, iris, gain and exposure.

Zoom or focus can be adjusted via a switchable ring at the front of the lens. There is also a new zoom rocker integrated into the camera body, offering the fine control and convenience typically found on larger professional cameras. An improved 1.56 million-dot 0.61cm (0.24-inch) electronic viewfinder can be tilted up to approximately 45°, for handheld or tripod shooting.

Studio connectivity

The XA25, XA20 and HF G30 offer an variety of interfaces, with physical inputs grouped together and designed to keep connections in place during handheld use. All include integrated HDMI, microphone, USB and headphone terminals, while the XA25 also includes HD-SDI output – the high capacity, uncompressed connection used for most broadcast applications (rarely seen in such a small handheld camera).

Wireless support

Each camera also features newly integrated dual-band WiFi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz), providing a range of capabilities for use during or after shooting, and the ability to switch frequencies in areas where one band (typically 2.4GHz) is crowded.

Camera Remote support allows wireless adjustment of settings via a web browser, offering Rec Start/Stop, aperture, shutter, focus, zoom, white balance and shooting mode; while the Remote Browser allows users to review recorded footage from the camera in a smartphone or tablet browser with no need for playback software.

FTP File Transfer allows users to transfer footage to FTP servers at up to 150Mbps via a wireless access point, and with Media Server, WiFi can be used to play back videos stored on a camera on supported TVs or computers, without the need for cables (Wireless network and DLNA support required). Direct movie uploading is also supported for iOS devices using Canon’s Movie Uploader app, allowing the upload of videos directly to YouTube or Facebook at bitrates of up to 24Mbps.

An optional Canon GP-E2 GPS receiver can be connected via USB cable to provide location and time information recorded during shooting, which can be useful to add metadata to your editing workflow and can be valuable for archiving.

XA25 - List price £2,099/$3,199/€2,799




Key features:
·         26.8mm, f/1.8-2.8 lens, 20x zoom, Dynamic OIS
·         1/2.84-inch HD CMOS PRO sensor
·         8.77cm (3.5-inch) OLED touchscreen
·         Dual-format recording; DIGIC DV 4
·         HD-SDI output (BNC)
·         1.56m dot EVF, 45° tilt
·         Fast/slow motion
·         Built-in IR lamp
·         2x XLR inputs (with phantom power)
·         Built-in WiFi

XA20 – List price £1,699/$2,699/€2,199

Key features:
·         26.8mm, f/1.8-2.8 lens, 20x zoom, Dynamic OIS
·         1/2.84-inch HD CMOS PRO sensor
·         8.77cm (3.5-inch) OLED touchscreen
·         Dual-format recording; DIGIC DV 4
·         1.56m dot EVF, 45° tilt
·         Fast/slow motion
·         Built-in IR lamp
·         2x XLR inputs (with phantom power)
·         Built-in WiFi

Legria/Vixia HF G30 – List price £1,299/$1,699/€1,699

Key features:
·         20x zoom, f/1.8-2.8 26.8mm wide-angle lens; 8 blade circular aperture
·         Control settings remotely and share with WiFi
·         Simultaneous recording of AVCHD and MP4
·         Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor, DIGIC DV
·         Optical Intelligent IS
·         Full manual control (including colour temperature)
·         Instant AF; Face Detection
·         8.8cm OLED touch screen

By David Fox