CANON XA20 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
OVERVIEW
The Canon XA20, released in 2013, is an excellent entry-level pro camcorder that you can use for various outdoor and indoor shoots.
If you’re okay with compromising with 4K, you can consider this camcorder. It works great for live-event videographers, budget filmmakers, and documentarists.
Some of the best features of this well-designed XA20 camcorder include a dual-format recording format, Built-in IR lamp, 1920 x 1080 resolution, DIGIC DV 4 image processor, and a lot more.
One major drawback people face while using camcorders is the need to fiddle with the camera’s menu settings now and then. However, as the Canon XA20 has six buttons on the camera body, you can access the main settings very easily.
Overall, the Canon XA20 is a well-designed camcorder that can be a good alternative to entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
CANON XA20 REVIEW
Design & Features
As this run-and-gun camcorder is aimed at event coverage photographers and documentary filmmakers, the camcorder is compact and lightweight.
This Canon XA20 measures (10.9 x 8.4 x 18.3 cm) and only weighs 765g. On the video camera’s body, you can find full manual/auto controls. The camera’s body features five user assignable buttons and controls for adjusting exposure, focus, white balance, gain, and shutter speed.
There is also a detachable handle unit on top of the camcorder. On this handling unit, there are 2 XLR audio inputs, switches, and dials for selecting the audio settings.
Unlike most Canon camcorders that have an LCD touchscreen, there is an OLED touchscreen (3.5”). Its advantage is that it delivers better response times, definition, contrast, and color reproduction than LCD screens.
For commercial photo/video shoots or vlogging, it is expected that the screen has a good resolution, and luckily the Canon XA20 ensures that by providing a 1.23 million dot resolution.
The electronic ViewFinder in this Canon XA20 is tiltable up to 45-degrees and also shows a good resolution (1.56 million dots)
The camcorder has a 26.8 to 576mm HD zoom lens that can optically zoom in up to 20x. The lens has a wide-aperture range ranging from f/1.8-2.8 which will help you get brighter footage with beautiful bokeh even in dimly-lit scenarios.
For adjusting the lens zoom and focus manually, there is a 2-in-1 focus/zoom ring attached to the lens. There is also an in-built Power zoom control for seamless Zoom operation.
And like most pro-grade camcorders, the Canon XA20 also has a Dynamic OIS with 5-axis optical image stabilization.
There are 3 IS modes available:
- Dynamic IS: For up-down/left-right) stabilization
- Macro IS: For correcting angular and tilt shakes in wide-angle shots.
- Powered IS: Forgetting smooth footage while shooting at telephoto focal lengths.
Though XA11 and other such camcorders have replaced this Canon XA20, even today, there are huge fans for this video cam.
Because it features a larger sensor (1/2.84” HD CMOS Pro), which helps the camcorder perform exceptionally well in low-light and takes pictures with excellent color reproduction.
Image and video quality
If you love exploring the shallow depth of field techniques with your camcorder, then the Canon XA20 will serve you best.
I say so because its 8-rounded blades, a wide-aperture rating of f/1.8, and EDM technology allows you to get those stunning bokeh effects very easily.
You can record AVCHD video at up to 28Mbps in 1080/50P. In the case of recording in MP4 format, you can record at up to 35Mbps 1080/50P.
When you are shooting videos in MP4 format, you also get access to enjoy the Fast and slow-motion recording options available with this camcorder.
There is an infrared LED light source attached to the camcorder’s handle, so you can use this camcorder to shoot in extremely dark pitch environments.
AUDIO QUALITY
The Canon XA20 video camera has a built-in microphone that also performs well. You can also attach external microphones if needed using the camcorder’s 3.5mm microphone jack.
Next, the Two XLR inputs of this camcorder support linear PCM and Dolby Digital audio formats.
STORAGE
This video camera is packed with Canon’s Intelligent Lithium-ion batteries, so it has an appreciable run time (1.5 hours when used continuously).
You will get regular notifications on the remaining run time of the camcorder, which is also a bonus to you.
The Canon XA20 is in-built with 2 SDXC/SDHC memory card slots for simultaneous high-quality HD recording and transfer lower resolution MP4 files at the same time.
Because you have 2 media card slots, you can simultaneously create an instant backup of files or record videos in 2 different video formats.
When one memory card becomes full, You needn’t stop your recording in the middle to insert a new full media card. Because when the relay mode is turned on, the camera automatically starts recording files onto the other card.
Connectivity and Compatibility
- Integrated Hi-Speed USB (mini-B) port
- Built-in 2.5 mm stereo mini-jack
- HDMI mini connector and composite video output
- Detachable Top Handle
- 2 x XLR with Manual/Auto Audio Levels
- Cold shoe mount
- Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi
- GPS connection
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING THE CANON XA20
Also, check the Canon XA10 and Canon XA11 reviews to understand how this Canon XA20 is best!!
BEST FEATURES OF CANON XA20 PROFESSIONAL HD CAMCORDER
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XA20
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 26.8 - 576mm (35mm equivalent) |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 20X Digital Zoom: Up to 400x; Built-in 2x Digital Teleconverter |
Maximum Aperture | f1.8 - f8 |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1 cm (wide-angle), 60cm (throughout zoom range) |
Filter Size | 58 mm |
Control Rings | 1 Ring for Focus/ Zoom |
Focus Control | Auto-focus | Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1/2.8" |
Sensor Type | HD CMOS Pro |
Effective Resolution | Total Pixels:3.09 megapixels Effective Pixels: 2.91 megapixels |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Yes |
Built-In ND Filter | Built-in gradation filter (Auto or Off) |
Shutter Speed | 1/1 to 1/2000 sec |
Image Processor | DIGIC DV 4 |
Minimum Illumination | Auto: 1.0 lux |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | MP4/AVCHD |
Video Resolution | Native 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Speaker | Yes |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3.5" |
Resolution | 1.23 million-dot equivalent |
Display Type | OLED touchscreen |
EVF
EVF Display Type | LCD |
Screen Size | 0.24" |
EVF Resolution | 1,560,000 Dots |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | Video Device Connectors
Audio Device Connectors
Other Input / Output
|
Storage | SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card (2 card slots) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Cold Shoe |
Tripod Mount | 1/4″-20 Thread |
Power
Battery Model | BP-820 Battery pack |
Battery Life | 145 minutes (With a single charging) |
CANON XA20 CAMCORDER TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XA20 VIDEO CAMERA UNBOXING
CANON XA20 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XA20. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this Canon XA20 camcorder, click here.
CANON XA20 ACCESSORIES
Microphone
Suppose you feel you want to enhance the camcorder’s audio quality. You can pair it up with this microphone: Bestshoot Condenser mic.
TRIPOD
If you have shaky hands, then you can opt for the Magnus VT-4000 system. It is a perfect fit for the Canon XA20 video camera.
Conclusion
You have reached the "Canon XA20 HD Camcorder Review". I hope you found this article helpful and informative. You can choose this Canon XA20 Professional Camcorder if you are seriously looking for the best low-light performer to shoot a live concert, indoor sports, or wedding. Get one and try it for yourself; you'll love the performance this pro video camera delivers!
