Canon Australia has announced the impending release of the XA35 and XA30 camcorders, the latest additions to its handheld video camera series.
Angled front view of the Canon XA30 video camcorder. (Source: Canon.)
Designed for both professional use and serious movie enthusiasts, both models are compact and lightweight and suitable for recording everything from news and documentaries, to weddings and corporate films. The new models replace the XA25 and XA20 and feature the same popular ergonomic design, with a removable handle with professional audio XLR terminals providing maximum flexibility for users. Both models high quality AVCHD (up to 28Mbps) and MP4 (up to 35Mbps) file formats and include dual SD card slots, providing instant back-up through simultaneous recording or the option for relay recording at longer events.
Rear view of the Canon XA35 video camcorder showing the main controls. (Source: Canon.)
A key feature of the new cameras is the newly designed 1/2.84-type, 2.91-megapixel HD CMOS Pro sensor, which has enhanced sensitivity with improved signal-to-noise ratio to provide better low-light performance. The 20x zoom wide-angle lens used in both cameras offers a 26.8-576mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range and employs Canon’s intelligent 5-axis Optical Image Stabilisation System with Dynamic IS. An 8-bladed iris diaphragm closes to a circular aperture for attractive ‘bokeh’.
Both models feature two new settings: Wide DR and Highlight Priority. In Wide DR mode, the cameras are able to achieve 600% dynamic range, resulting in bright images that retain detail in both highlight and shadow areas. When using the High Priority settings, users are able to produce footage with more natural tones and richer colours, which is ideal for scenes with bright skies and reflective surfaces. Both models also feature slow and fast recording modes, supporting a range of shooting scenarios with interval recording options up to a maximum of 1200x normal speed.
Both cameras are dual-band Wi-Fi enabled and support remote control of the camera, wireless file transfer/upload and browser preview via a smart-phone, tablet or computer. The cameras are also compatible with Canon’s GP-E2 GPS receiver. The XA35 includes an HD/SD-SDI terminal, which allows it to be integrated with existing equipment for onward transfer or transmission as well as having the ability to export uncompressed high resolution digital video in real time. It also includes embedded audio and timecode signals.
The XA35 and XA30 will be available from December 2015. Prices will be set at dealers’ discretion. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au.
