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.
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
· 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