I have a XA25 on pre-order at UK-seller CVP and was informed today that Canon expects to start shipping these new camcorders in the week commencing 24h june.

Congrats, I am quite jealous! I believe this is an amazing camera for the money, I really don't think it can be beat at this time.

Here is an interesting link I came across that describes the HF G30
StudioTech 84 - The new Canon HF G30 - YouTube
Denny
Click on the title of the clip and it will play

You have to wonder, considering that Canon recently dropped the recommended price of the XF100 from
$2999 to $2499.

Not too long ago, I posted somewhere in here, probably in the Canon XF thread where Canon dropped the XF300 price by a few thousand dollars. It was like $6800 and dropped to something like $4800 at BandH.

I just looked on there and all the XF series are listed as "back-ordered".

That makes me think that maybe they're being discountinued and replaced. Kind of unique to have an entire series out of stock at the same time.

I have a XA25 on pre-order at UK-seller CVP and was informed today that Canon expects to start shipping these new camcorders in the week commencing 24h june.

Thanks for that - I've got an XA20 on order and have no idea when it's coming so this is useful info!

Cheers
Dave

I found this on Youtube:

CANON XA25 - YouTube

You guys ordering the XA-20 and XA-25 have finally worn me down. I placed my order also. This is to me, the most exciting camera purchase I've made in a few years. I love my XA10, but it has shortcomings, and the XA-20 rectifies these, I think. The 20X zoom in this small of a camera, with an improved sensor, and hopefully white balance whilst recording, it's great stuff.

I too have ordered an XA20 but seeing this video has me a little concerned about whether I have done the right thing. One thing that I dislike about my Canon HF G10 is the loss of detail in the highlights. This video shows exactly what I would expect to see from my HF G10 & hoped that it would be a little better on these new cameras. Oh well, hopefully all the other improvements will outweigh this issue.
Regards,
Bryce

Post removed duplicate!

I too have ordered an XA20 but seeing this video has me a little concerned about whether I have done the right thing. One thing that I dislike about my Canon HF G10 is the loss of detail in the highlights. This video shows exactly what I would expect to see from my HF G10 & hoped that it would be a little better on these new cameras. Oh well, hopefully all the other improvements will outweigh this issue.
Regards,
Bryce

Focus is very critical especially at full zoom and looking at the video I do not think it was always in focus and was overexposed too on some shots. My Sony NX5U needs to be in sharp focus and exposed for the highlights or looks about as good as my cell phone !!!! Having a long zoom lens is very different from a handycam with 10x zoom. I think some of the issues in the video are user error !! Was he trying to justify the XF305 as in some of the shots the X25 looked the better of the two ? Not everything on the internet is real. I can certainly make my NX5U look awful or great.

I think the StudioTech video is a better guide.

Ron Evans

I too have ordered an XA20 but seeing this video has me a little concerned about whether I have done the right thing. One thing that I dislike about my Canon HF G10 is the loss of detail in the highlights. This video shows exactly what I would expect to see from my HF G10 & hoped that it would be a little better on these new cameras. Oh well, hopefully all the other improvements will outweigh this issue.
Regards,
Bryce

The 305 definitely looked sharper, but it is a heck of a lot better camera to begin with - 3 sensors, 50mbps codec, etc. It's an odd comparison, as these two cameras are not in the same league.
I think for the money, the XA20 delivers a very good image, especially with that 20x zoom.
Have you checked out the Panny AC90? The images I've seen posted are very sharp, but you won't get that long zoom.

I saw this yesterday and thought there were some issues with the footage. (they both look pretty bad). I would wait to judge based upon better video to compare.

The XF300/XA-20 comparison is very important to me. I want to see if the XA-20 can act as a b-cam to the XF series and hold its weight. In my mind, all comparisons are valid because they are just image comparisons and we might be using or buying any range of cameras in this day and age.

I do not place much stock in the video above. For comparison videos exposure should be posted in the video, shutter speed should be listed, everything. Without knowing what the camera settings were, the video is somewhat useless.

Didn't this have a scheduled release date of June 15th? Still showing preorder options only on several sites...

Didn't this have a scheduled release date of June 15th? Still showing preorder options only on several sites...

They were saying originally that they would be in stock around the 14th where I have one ordered, but I received an email from them last week and they are saying around the end of the month. Bit of a bummer, as I had hoped to have it with me on a trip up to Jasper Nat. park next week(:
Regards,
Bryce

To me the comparison should have been between an Xf105 and the XA25. That was what I was looking for when I ran across the above video. If anybody has the above comparison, please post.

Andrew

Was wondering same thing, Byron. That's interesting Bryce. B&H showed that exepected arrival was 15th, but now they show nothing. I talked to Samy's, B&H, and Adorama before I ordered but no one could tell me anything.

Thanks for sharing that information, Bryce, I won't expect my camera this week.

Hi

Slashcam have tested the Canon G30 together with a review of the camera. Some things good, other not so good.

SlashCAM: Digital Video online (http://www.slashcam.com)

Regards,

/Bo

Amazon Japan's XA20 page are showing 2 as in stock. The handle is still being shown as unavailable yet though (until 21st).

It seems that in Japan the handle for the XA20 will indeed be sold separately in Japan, but included in the US. Price evens out though.

XA20: Amazon.co.jp� XA20 Page (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B00C7DSBQI/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP)

Handle Page: Amazon.co.jp� HDU-1 Handle Page (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/B00C7DSBOK/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JP)

I wonder if the XA20's 20x lens, or something similar, can be fitted to the XF100? If it can, and Canon add that nice zoom-speed thumb-wheel (as on the XH-A1 and XF300), then that's the cam for me. If not, well I'll just have to make my XH-A1s last a little longer...

CVP's Dave just informed me that the XA25 has arrived today on time. They'll start shipping the pre-ordered camcorders now. Good news.

Congrats Gabor!

Cool. Hopefully you can share some thoughts with us after some shooting time.

Sure I will Tim...

Amazon is now reporting the XA-20 will be released on June 30.

Amazon.com: Canon XA20 Professional Camcorder: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-8453B002-XA20-Professional-Camcorder/dp/B00C3R16O2)

I know this is Canon we are talking here so this is probably a stupid question... But does anyone think there is a chance we could get user selectable 50p -> 60p for people that would like the extra FPS but live in PAL regions?

I really wish they'd stop making us pay more for "region locking" when all that should happen is set to defaults out of the box to region of intended sale! :) And while i'm ranting.. teh same damn model number! lol

PS. I'm directing my question to the HF G30 but if the bigger brothers have these options please feel free to share info on those.

Finally! Our Canon XA25 has just arrived. First package unwrapped, will post the first results in a day or so.

Wonderful! Looking forward to the results.

Thanks Gabor. Looking forward to finding out how this camera performs in lower light conditions with regards to noise & detail. Not midnight but situations where the XF300 might be towards an open iris.

Always fun to check out a new camera.

I'd prefer to compare it with the JVC HM-150, the XF300 is a whole other class camera. Although mine is a XA25, the XA20 and JVC HM-150 are direct competitors in my opinion. About the same price, same formfactor and both do 35 Mbps MOV and MP4. The advantages of the HM150 are the built-in ND filter, included microphone, 3 chips vs. 1 and ccd's vs. cmos (no rolling shutter). Theoretically the 3 chips should be able to produce a better picture as they can split the RGB colours but the HM150 is horrible on that. Watch this video and see what it does with reflective colours:

Overvallers gokhal snel gearresteerd on Vimeo

The advantages of the XA20 over he HM150 are numerous; the 20x lens, Full HD 50p and built-in WiFi.The HM150 is just useless in lowlight. Wondering what the XA25 does there, we'll see.

There we go. First lowlight test with the brandnew Canon XA25 in almost-full darkness. Recorded on 1920x1080 50p 35 Mbps. Because the camera was on auto-aperture the image is a lot brighter than the actual situation. A lot of grain but the camera at least is usable in darkness, the JVC GY-HM150 was useless.

Lowlight test Canon XA25 - YouTube

Second test with the brandnew Canon XA25, now in full darkness. Recorded on 1920x1080 50p 35 Mbps. The camera was on manual aperture now and the image brightness represents the actual situation. Still a lot of grain but the camera at least is usable in darkness, the JVC GY-HM150 was useless.

Second lowlight test Canon XA25 - YouTube

could you please post a test at night in your living room lit only by 2 60 watt light bulbs? A Coke can placed in the foreground would be nice to determine color accuracy.

Kris, the test would be useless because we would not know the distance of the light from the coke cans, etc. and then we would need to set up the exact same conditions in our own place with another camera and compare the footage. Even then it would not be accurate, given compression on the web.

The best way to test a camera is by shooting it side by side with a control camera and using the same settings. Even then it would only yield results for that camera.

I will set up my XA-10 next to my XA-20 after it arrives and conduct such a test.

"The best way to test a camera is by shooting it side by side with a control camera and using the same settings. Even then it would only yield results for that camera."
I agree. But that was the best that I could come up with at 4:30 AM :-)

Yes, we got 'um in stock now......XA25's

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

Second test with the brandnew Canon XA25, now in full darkness. Recorded on 1920x1080 50p 35 Mbps. The camera was on manual aperture now and the image brightness represents the actual situation. Still a lot of grain but the camera at least is usable in darkness, the JVC GY-HM150 was useless.

Second lowlight test Canon XA25 - YouTube (http://youtu.be/rEdH9fLbVys)

Gabor, have you used gain here or just fully opened aperture?

Canon XA25 lowlight gain test - YouTube

See what the Canon XA25 does in lowlight at 0, 6, 12, 15, 18 and the maximum 24 dB gain settings. All on auto-aperture (I assume wide open) as you can manually set either the gain or aperture, not both.

XA-20 shipped today, will arrive Wednesday. I'll run a test next to the XA-10 and see what happens.

Thanks for your posts Gabor. How do you like the camera so far?

I must say, I am a bit disappointed after reading the manual for the XA20/25. There are not many image controls and as it looks to me, the SDI port is output only. I did not see a way to import timecode for sync to other cameras. Maybe I missed it though.

The lack of image adjustments is a shame. I guess I am expecting too much from a $2,500 camera.

I'm excited! Mine is on its way. Coming via the post mind you, so will likely get to me end of next week or perhaps the week after:( Anyway, just wanted to ask anyone with one of these cams in their hands, how the fast & slow motion works. Specifically, are you able to do timelapse with the camera? I really like the ability of doing timelapse shots with my EX3 so if this is also able to do the same I will be very pleased. Unfortunately it doesn't specify the available settings in this mode in the manual I downloaded.
Regards,
Bryce

Shot my first little newsvid today with the XA25.

Vrouw naar ziekenhuis na keukenbrand Tobias Asserstraat [video] - Eindhoven - dichtbij.nl - Eindhoven (http://www.dichtbij.nl/eindhoven/112/artikel/2897085/vrouw-naar-ziekenhuis-na-keukenbrand-tobias-asserstraat-video.aspx)

20x zoomlens is a big plus. Used to the PMW-350 and EX1R myself I think the image is pretty soft. Though I like the image more than our much more expensive NX5E. So, no bad job at all Canon.

Nice footage.

A camera shop that's not too far from where I live just called me today to say they just got a shipment of some XA20 cameras. I'm going to check one out tomorrow and will probably buy it. I was considering getting a Panasonic AC90 instead. Granted, the AC90 has lots of good things going for it, including an extensive array of manual controls and settings that other cameras in its price range simply don't have. However, I've always felt that Canon cameras produce a richer, more robust image. As good as the AC90 is, I think its overall image quality is let down a bit by its tiny 1/4.7" sensor chips.

About eight months ago I had a Canon XA10 and liked it, but stupidly sold it and bought a Sony NEX-6, thinking it could be an all-in-one SLR, travel camera and camcorder. As it turned out, the NEX-6 was a so-so DSLR, a great travel-size camera and it produced reasonably good-looking video, even if it was prone to some moiré and aliasing, and just like other large-sensor stills-cum-video cameras, susceptible to overheating.

Though I like the image more than our much more expensive NX5E. ...

When I got my NX5U I too thought I had made a big mistake. It seemed to have an image that was not as good as my XR500 Handcam. However, turning off telemacro and anti flicker filters made the image much better and setting up a Picture Profile that suited me has now made the camera just great. The autofocus is almost useless though in dark situations and I find that shooting in the theatre it has to be in full manual most of the time with great care over setting focus. Iris has to be wider than f4 or the image gets soft. I do not use outdoors really, the few times outdoors it has spent most of the time with ND filters on to keep the iris in the sweet spot. If you shoot in auto it warns about ND's too late and not enough.

Ron Evans

Pretty happy... got my HF G30 Tuesday! haven't been able to use it during daylight but just having a little play now. Very happy camper so far! Great update to my HV20 (thought i'd never have a worthy Canon update at teh rate they were going!).

Some nice features to learn about and use. Surprisingly the touch screen is quite good to use. I'm in PAL land so unfortunately i'm gypped 10fps and i can't see any hardcore options to change it to 60fps for when i see fit! But oh well. Fun times though. :)

Just a couple of small things, but they are bugging me, the lens hood only stays on with a very small twist of the wrist and has pinged off twice already in the last 5 mins when closing the lens cap lever.

More unforgivable is that the BP-819 and BP-827 battery packs from the XA10 DO NOT work on the XA20, comes up with the message "Battery pack not compatible, turning off the camcorder"

Now bad as the expense of buying extra batteries is, if you are doing a multi shot with the XA-10 the new BP-820 is identical looking and fitting to the BP819, so good luck getting the right battery on the right camcorder if you are in a hurry.

Hi
Canon Europe has issued a service notice on this:
XA20 (http://www.canon-europe.com/Support/Consumer_Products/products/camcorders/Digital/HDV_series/XA20.aspx?faqtcmuri=tcm:13-1056987&page=1&type=faq)

The message is that the older packs does not work.

The battery change was noted when they were announced.

Ron Evans

Unless I missed something, the white balance cannot be changed on the XA-20 whilst recording. This is a big disappointment. While certainly a budget camcorder, this camcorder is classified by Canon as a pro model.


Lack of ability to choose a white balance preset while recording is inexcusable, IMO. If I'm missing how this is done, someone please clue me in.

I too have just discovered the camera's inability to change white balance whilst recording. This is inexcusable for a camera at this price point and something that Canon must surely offer a reason for. Does anyone know of a way round this problem?