Canon has announced two new HD camcorders. The XA35 has an HD/SDI terminal for live output and both cameras have dual SD card slots. Featuring a new CMOS sensor, the cameras have a “wide DR” mode that gives 600% dynamic range. They also both have 26.8 to 576mm lens with 5-axis optical stabilization.

The Canon XA35 and XA30 HD camcorders are scheduled to be available the end of November 2015 for an estimated retail price of $2,999.00 and $2,499.00 respectively.

Press release

Canon introduces the XA35 and XA30 - exceptional imaging performance for handheld video camera users

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 11 November 2015 – Canon today announces the addition of two new handheld video cameras to its X-series, the XA35 and XA30. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, the highly compact and lightweight models feature a newly developed HD CMOS Pro sensor which provides higher sensitivity and improved low-light performance. Both cameras also include new Wide Dynamic Range (DR) and Highlight Priority settings, making them suitable for shooting everything from news and documentaries to weddings and corporate films.

First-class image quality and video processing performance

Utilising Canon’s heritage in optical expertise and advanced technologies, the newly designed 1/2.84-type 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro sensor has enhanced sensitivity with improved signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, images are crisp and clear, even in low-light environments. Low-light shooting opportunities are further boosted by improved infrared performance, ideal for users capturing nocturnal wildlife or night-time documentaries.

The 20x zoom wide-angle lens offers a 26.8–576mm (35mm equivalent) focal range and employs Canon’s intelligent 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization System with Dynamic IS. The lens also features an 8 blade circular aperture to give enhanced ‘bokeh’.

The XA35 and XA30 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 with high contrast that retain detail in both highlight and shadow areas, without the need for post-production. When using the Highlight Priority setting, users are able to produce footage with more natural tones and richer colours, particularly in areas of high brightness¹, perfect 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.

Discreet and portable, ideal for on the move

Compact and lightweight, the XA35 and XA30 are perfect for news gatherers and journalists who often need to record discreetly whilst on the move but don’t want to compromise on quality. The cameras are also exceptionally easy to use, featuring extensive automatic functions, ideal for corporate and education environments.

The XA35 and XA30 have the same popular ergonomic design as seen in their predecessors, the XA25 and XA20. Easily attached or removed to suit the shooting situation, the removable handle with professional audio XLR terminals provides maximum flexibility for users.

Integration and connectivity

Featuring a HD/SD-SDI terminal, the XA35 will integrate with existing equipment for onward transfer or transmission and includes embedded audio and timecode signals. Providing users with the ability to export uncompressed high resolution digital video in real time, it’s the perfect compact video camera for live TV and news gathering environments, allowing users to complement footage from other broadcast cameras on-set.

The cameras also support 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, ideal for wedding videographers.

Both the XA35 and XA30 are dual-band Wi-Fi enabled which allow remote control of the camera, wireless file transfer/upload and browser preview, all with the use of a smartphone, tablet or computer. The cameras are also compatible with Canon’s GP-E2 GPS receiver, meaning GPS data can be embedded in the metadata of video footage. This feature allows accurate recording of the location where footage was captured, ideal for both journalists and legal purposes.

¹Monitor brightness settings may need to be increased