LAS VEGAS — Melville, NY-based Canon (www.usa.canon.com) has introduced two ultra-compact professional camcorders that offer wireless digital content transfer and remote operation. The XA25 HD and XA20 HD are designed for run-and-gun style videography, or electronic newsgathering (ENG). Both models weigh just 2.6 pounds, allowing for extreme mobility and portability.
Both camcorders feature multiple shooting-assist functions and enhanced key components such as a newly developed Genuine Canon wide-angle 20x HD zoom lens with an ENG-style “rocker” zoom control and built-in realtime optical image stabilization. The camcorders deliver high low-light performance and image quality, and are equipped with a new high-sensitivity 2.91-megapixel 1/2.84-inch HD CMOS image sensor and the new Canon DIGIC DV 4 image processor.
Additional features include simultaneous recording of multiple bit rates and full 1080p HD formats — including 60p and native cinematic at 24p — on two separate SD cards. Users can simultaneously record full 1080p HD video at 60p in either AVCHD Progressive (28Mbps) or MP4 (35Mbps) format for crisp moving images, or record at a lower bit rate and transmit MP4 (3Mbps) format video to cover and quickly upload breaking news via wireless FTP file transfer. The cameras’ dual SD slots allow for relay recording for long periods without interruption.
Drawing from the many innovations developed by Canon for its EF-series lenses, the wide-angle 20x HD zoom lens in the new Canon XA25 and XA20 HD camcorders features a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 26.8mm – 576mm. The MOD (minimum object distance) of this lens is only 60cm, enabling users to capture up-close shots, particularly useful when filming in narrow, tight quarters.
The XA25 and XA20 are the first Canon video cameras featuring an Organic LED (OLED) electrostatic touch panel. The 3.5-inch, 1.23 million-dot touch panel displays vivid, clear video images, allowing for simple, intuitive operation and menu access. Five custom buttons on the panel allow operators to assign settings according to their unique shooting preferences. The camcorders also feature a 1.56 million-dot high-resolution adjustable-angle compact viewfinder, allowing users to see clearly even when filming in bright sunny conditions. The design also allows operators to use the viewfinder and check critical focus while recording.
The XA25 HD ENG camcorder and XA20 HD professional camcorder are scheduled for release the end of June 2013 for estimated retail prices of $3,199 and $2,699 respectively.