XA-20 is a fine camera

[Ugo Merlini]

Hi,

other question: the handle still has the rattle noise which effect some xa-10?

Regards

Ugo

[J.T. Price]

When I have had my handle on it did not rattle. It is actually a bit difficult to get off, so I would not want to need to do it in a hurry.

[Ray Sigmond]

Jeff, what would your choice be between the XF100 and the XA20?

[Bob Ohlemann]

Got mine today! The BP-828 battery did not take 400+ minutes to charge, as indicated in the manual. Perhaps it came with some charge already on it, I didn't check. Went through a lot of the menus setting things up and testing. Haven't assigned a custom button yet; figure I'll wait and see what I access the most. Only complaint so far is startup time is real slow. I agree with others that it needs a sleep mode that will let it wake up quickly when you open the display or hit a button. I would like to see the menu system broken out a little better. The camcorder department needs to talk to the EOS still camera department about how to setup menus. I really like the smart battery indicator telling me remaining power down to the minute. Looking forward to getting some footage into Premiere Pro and seeing what it looks like.

Bob

[Jeff Harper]

Menu is same as XA-10, as far as I can tell. I'm also not crazy about it. However, once you repeatedly use the same functions, it's not too bad. Not very logical or intuitive, for sure.

My BP-828 battery indicates a runtime of 238 minutes, and I've drained and charged twice. I will need to return mine asap, but the seller has no more to exchange for!

[Jeff Harper]

the XF-100 is a more professional form factor, more suitable for pro use.

XA-20 has 20X zoom and newer sensor. It depends on your needs. I personally would like to have both. Instead I have 2 XA-10s and an XA-20. The lack of buttons on the XA cams is a bummer, but for me it comes down to economics.

[Bob Ohlemann]

Found a new annoyance while shooting today. The custom button/dial cannot be setup to work in both auto and manual. I think this is a stupid decision on Canon's part and it had to be a conscious one because a notice pops up telling you to change modes to use the button/dial. It has capability to be used in either mode but does not switch over automatically when the user changes exposure mode. Still...I'm really enjoying this camera! I hope Canon is paying attention to these tidbits for a firmware update.

Bob

[Bryce Comer]

Agreed Bob,
There are some annoyances with this camera for sure. Lets hope Canon do help us out with a firmware update, that would be awesome. I would love to be able to put the camera into standby for one.
There is so much to enjoy about this camera, just a few little tweaks & it would be really great!

Jeff,
What was the problem you were having with the 828 batteries that necessitates the need to return them?

[Jeff Harper]

Doesnt last long. 238 mins does not seem right.

[Bryce Comer]

Ok, thanks Jeff. That's what I am getting out of the 2 828 batteries I have also. Interestingly, if I put them on the HF G10 I have, they show 290 mins, but when I put a fully charged 827 battery on the HF G10 it shows 240mins which is what I get with the 828 battery on the XA20.
Bryce

[Jeff Harper]

Well Bryce, you just saved me unnecessary trouble. I now know the batteries are all like mine. Thanks!

[Bob Ohlemann]

My 828 says 237min on a full charge. That's almost four hours. I'm new to this genre of camera; what would be a more acceptable duration?

Bob

[Jeff Harper]

280 mins would be more in line with the XA-10. However, based on Bryce's observations, it sounds like the XA-20 consumes more battery power than the XA-10, or the XA-10 is overestimating it's run time.

Either way, nothing to be done, it is the way it is.

[Don Palomaki]

The XA20 is rated for 4.5 watts, the XA10 for 3.0 watts. Expect a corresponding reduction in runtime with the same battery; e.g., a 360 minute batterey in the XA10 should give about 240 minutes in the XA20.

[Rob Hargreaves]

Mine says 197 mins after full charge!