New Canon Camcorders Announced

January 28, 2011: Canon has unveiled its smallest professional digital video camera and released details of its first consumer camcorders with HD CMOS PRO Sensor technology.
The new Canon XA10 is an ultra-compact, high performance field camera for semi-pro and advanced amateur film-makers. Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, the XA10 has a high-quality 30.4mm wide-angle and 10x optical zoom Full HD lens and a new HD CMOS Pro 1/3-inch (4.8 x 3.6 mm) sensor with a pixel pitch 260% larger than in previous models. To take advantage of the sensor’s increased sensitivity, the XA10 features an infrared (IR) mode with built-in IR lamp for shooting after dark.

The new LEGRIA XA10 with the detachable handle in place. (Source: Canon.)
Instant Auto Focus and Face Detection combine with Auto Dynamic Range Control to ensure high quality video pictures, while a 2-channel XLR terminal and a built-in high-performance microphone with directivity and sensitivity controls enables crisp, clear soundtracks to be recorded. The XA10 also boasts a detachable handle for low-angle shooting, XLR inputs and a microphone holder. The Optical Image Stabiliser combines Powered IS and Dynamic IS to ensure steady movies.
Also included are a manual focusing ring, manual aperture, shutter speed and gain controls and customisable control dials. A 3.5-inch vari-angle touch screen is also provided, along with a 0.24-inch colour EVF with 260,000 dots. The XA10 will be available from April 2011 through Canon dealers nationally. Pricing has still to be confirmed.
Four models have been added to Canon’s compact HD camcorder line-up: the HF R26 and HF R28, HF M40 and the new HF G10. The new LEGRIA range is based around flash memory, which provides faster recording and playback time, superior reliability, lower power consumption and more compact and portable camera bodies. The HF M40 and HF G10 models are the first with Full HD CMOS PRO Sensors, which support Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and provide better performance in low-light along with an improved dynamic range and feature high-quality, low-noise built-in zoom microphones.

Canon’s new LEGRIA HF M40 camcorder with the monitor reversed. (Source: Canon.)

The new LEGRIA HF G10. (Source: Canon.)
The HF R-series is designed for family users and feature stabilised 28x Advanced Zoom lenses and 3-inch touch screens. Intelligent Auto, Touch and Track focusing and Dynamic Image Stabilisation are also provided, along with a Video Snapshot function that lets users grab frames from their footage. All models retain Canon’s proprietary HD Camera System: a Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, HD CMOS Image Sensor and DiG!C DV III Image Processor.

The red colour option for the LEGRIA HF R26. (Source: Canon.)
In addition to the new LEGRIA Full HD line-up, Canon has enhanced its Standard Definition (SD) models: the FS series (FS46 and FS406) Flash Memory video cameras. Both are compact and lightweight (220g), and include a 41x Advanced Zoom and Auto lens cover. These models are scheduled for release in February, while the LEGRIA HF R26, HR R28, HF M40 and HFG10 will be available from March/April. Pricing is still to be confirmed.

The new LEGRIA FS406. (Source: Canon.)
For more information on the new models, phone Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit www.canon.com.au.