Last Updated on August 8, 2020
XA20
Bringing You Closer to the Action with the Canon XA20 Review.
The Canon XA20 Professional Camcorder is ideal for any type of professional content project. An ultra-compact professional device, it is a great mix of dual-format recording and outstanding image quality.
If you need an entry-level camcorder that can perform on par with top-tier models, then you’d want to get your hands on the Canon XA20. The XA20 is an ultra-compact camcorder that combines dual-format recording with outstanding image quality, making it a superb cam choice for almost all types of content creation, professional or otherwise.
Let’s take a better look at the features that this camera has to offer in this canon XA20 Review – epfilms.tv
1/2.84” HD CMOS Pro Sensor
The XA20’s 1/2.84” HD CMOS Pro Sensor has an estimated effective pixel count of 2.91 megapixels, which delivers 
outstanding footage quality even during low light situations in addition to realistic reproduction of color and a dynamic range that’s simply stunning.
- Newly designed Genuine Canon 20x HD...
- 1080/60p recording in MP4 (35 Mbps) and...
- New Canon 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro...
- Built-in Wi-Fi technology (Dual Band 5...
Canon HD Video Lens with 20x, Wide Angle Zoom
You can now capture more footage thanks to this stunning 26.8mm wide angle lens. By mmore here, we also mean closer, as the 20x zoom allows you to focus on the action you intend to capture. Meanwhile, the Dynamic Optical Image Stabilisation will help compensate for any shake during the shoot, and it does so in 5 directions! This means the XA20 can provide images that are ultra-steady.
The XA20 offers high-quality monitoring despite the compactness of its size. Its EVF, with 0.61cm (0.24”) and 1.56 million dots, can be tilted up to 45 degree in order to accommodate various shooting positions. Then there’s the OLED touchscreen, whose resolution at 1.23 million dots will offer better definition, response times, color reproduction, and contrast compared to its LCD equivalents.
Recording in Dual Formats
The DIGIC DV 4 processor, which is a next-generation innovation by Canon, expands your XA20’s recording options. It allows you to record at AVCHD video of up to 28mbps in a 1080/50P setting. If its maximum quality you want though, a recording mode at 35mps in a 1080/50P is available. Moreover, the XA20 includes two memory card slots (SDHC/SDXC) that features simultaneous recording at both low resolution mp4 and HD that facilitates easy transfer of files. This is perfect for situations wherein there has to be quick footage turnaround. We at Epfilms.tv find this functionality very useful.
GPS Compatibility, Built-in Wi-Fi, and Infrared Shooting
If you wish to wirelessly transfer footage using an iOS tablet or phone, or even via FTP, then you can do so with the XA20 – at up to a speed of 150mbps. In addition, it allows you to control your camera functions remotely using a device that’s Wi-Fi enabled, with no apps required. You can also record location data with the use of a GPS accessory (optional). As for infrared shots, you have the infrared light source that’s been built into the XA20’s handle. This means you can use the camcorder in low ambient light scenarios or even at night, making the XA20 perfect for wildlife videographers.
Lightweight, Compact Body and Professional Audio
For a professional camcorder, the XA20 is rather discreet because of compact build. This makes it ideal for shoots within confined, even sensitive, environments. Even better is that fact that it’s lightweight, making it easy to carry during hand-held filming sessions with extended shooting periods. As for the audio, the XA20 carries an audio control feature that’s comprehensive, with 2 XLR inputs that give you professional connectivity. Meanwhile, you get to choose between Dolby Digital and linear PCM recording options. Finally, the 3.5mm input jack and built-in microphone provides you with an excellent audio experience. If you do not require XLR inputs the better choice would be the Canon G30HD
XA20 Vs XA10
Canon XA20 Review Verdict
The XA20 is a pro-level camcorder that’s jampacked with features despite its compact size. Whether you’re an amateur or professional videographer, you should grab a Canon XA20 of your own. If you would like to spend a little less then the XA10 is a great option.
CAMERA
| Image Sensor | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.84 type HD CMOS Pro |
| System | Bayer pattern filter |
| Total pixels per sensor | Approx. 3.09 megapixels |
| Effective pixels per sensor | Approx. 2.91 megapixels (2136 x 1362) |
| Minimum illumination | Auto: 1.0 lux Slow Shutter: 0.1 lux |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1000 TV lines or more (Full HD recording) |
| Lens | |
| Zoom ratio | 20x |
| Focal length | 26.8 – 576mm (35mm equivalent / 28.8-576mm with Dynamic IS on) |
| Minimum focus distance | 60cm (throughout zoom range); 10mm (wide angle) |
| ND filter | Built-in gradation filter (Auto or Off) |
| Zoom control | Zoom rockers on body and handle; Selectable manual zoom/focus ring on lens; Selectable High Speed and Soft Zoom modes available. |
| Zoom speed | Variable (body rocker only) or Constant speed (body and handle rocker; Fast/Normal/Slow, 16 speed level settings in each) |
| Focus control | MANUAL: Lens ring, Touchscreen OLED (touch Focus, Touch and Track), Focus Preset AUTO: Face Priority AF / Face Only AF / Instant AF / Medium AF / TV AF |
| Iris control | Custom dial; Touchscreen; Auto |
| Aperture range | f1.8 – f8 |
| Filter diameter | 58mm |
| Lens elements/groups | 12/10 |
| Aperture blades | 8 Blade Circular Aperture |
| Image stabilization system | Optical lens shift system (angle & vector movement detection) + electronic stabilisation; 4 modes: Intelligent (Auto), Dynamic, Standard, Powered |
| Digital zoom | Up to 400x; Built-in 2x Digital Teleconverter (cannot be used with Digital Zoom |
| Image Processor | |
| Type | DIGIC DV 4 |
RECORDING
| Video storage media | SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card (2 card slots); Dual Format recording, Double slot (simultaneous) recording and Relay (continuous) recording possible.¹ |
|---|---|
| Type | Class 6 (or higher) cards recommended for 1080/50P recording; Class 4 (or higher) cards recommended for other Full HD recording |
| Recording time | 128GB SDXC card: 10hrs 10mins (AVCHD max. quality)¹ 8hrs 00mins (MP4 max. quality)¹ 91hrs 55mins (MP4 lowest quality)¹ |
| Recording file format | AVCHD Progressive (v2.0, high profile); MP4 |
| Recording format | AVCHD (all modes variable bit rate, 4:2:0 colour sampling): 1920x1080: 50p (28Mbps, linear PCM audio available); 1920x1080: 50i/PF25 (24Mbps, 17Mbps); 1440x1080: 50i/PF25 (5Mbps) MP4 (all modes variable bit rate, 4:2:0 colour sampling): 1920x1080: 50p (35Mbps); 1920x1080: 25P (24Mbps, 17Mbps); 1280x720: 25P (4Mbps); 640x360: 25P (3Mbps) |
| Slow/Fast motion | YES (MP4 HD mode only, 2x fast motion, 0.5x slow motion) |
| Interval Record | NO |
| Frame Record | NO |
| Pre Record (cache record) | YES (3 seconds) |
| Scan Reverse | NO |
| HD->SD conversion | YES (AVCHD to MP4) |
| Internal Data Transfer | MOVIE & STILLS: Yes (card to card) |
| Photo storage media | SDXC/SDHC/SD memory card |
| Still quality | During video recording or playback: 1920 x 1080/1280 x 720/640 x 360 |
SYSTEM
| Monitoring Panel | |
|---|---|
| Type | Capacitive Organic LED |
| Size | 8.8cm (3.5″), 100% view |
| Dots | 1.23 million-dot equivalent |
| Image quality adjustments | Brightness, backlight, OLED colour balance |
| Adjustable | YES (270 degree rotation about horizontal axis) |
| Waveform Monitor | NO |
| Focus Assist | Peaking; Magnifying |
| Peaking | YES |
| Zebra | YES (70% or 100% reference level) |
| Markers | ON/OFF (Level, Grid) |
| EVF | |
| Size | 0.61cm (0.24″), 100% view |
| Dots | 1.56 million dots equivalent |
| Adjustable | YES (tiltable to 45 degrees) |
| Correction lens | + 2.0 to -5.5 diopter |
| Inputs/Outputs | |
| Audio in | XLR inputs with 48V phantom power (x2), 3.5mm microphone input jack |
| Headphone output | 3.5mm stereo jack |
| Video monitor output | NO |
| HDMI | YES (HDMI™ mini connector, output only, 1080/50p output possible) |
| IEEE 1394 (Firewire) | NO |
| USB | YES (Mini-B, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, output only) |
| HD/SD-SDI output | NO |
| Time code | YES (Superimposed on HDMI Output signal) |
| Genlock | NO |
| Component out | NO |
| AV terminal | 3.5mm mini jack (output only for video and audio) |
| DC input | YES |
| Remote Control Terminal | 2.5mm mini jack |
| Colour Bars | YES (SMPTE or EBU), with 1KHz Tone |
| Misc | |
| Tally lamp | YES, in detachable handle |
| Accessory shoe | YES (cold shoe) |
| Custom key | YES (5 assignable buttons; select from 22 functions) |
| Custom Dial | YES (Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Manual Exposure, exposure compensation, AGC limit) |
SHOOTING FUNCTIONS
| Exposure | |
|---|---|
| Exposure metering | Centre-weighted average or segment evaluative (determined by shooting mode); |
| Exposure compensation | -3 to +3 EV (12 steps); Backlight Correction available (Auto or always on) |
| Auto Exposure mode | Smart Auto, Face Detection AE; Manual control via Touch Exposure and Exposure Compensation functions. |
| Push Auto Iris | YES (via touchscreen) |
| Auto Gain Control setting | Auto / Manual |
| Auto Gain Control limit | 0 to 24dB, 1dB increments (0 to 18dB in Cinema Mode) |
| Gain setting | 0 to 24dB, 1dB increments (0 to 18dB in Cinema Mode) |
| Shutter speed | |
| Control Modes | Full Auto / Manual control (touchscreen LCD or control dial) |
| Shutter speed | 1/6 to 1/2000 (depending on Scene Mode and frame rate) |
| Clear Scan | NO |
| Infrared | |
| Infrared shooting mode | YES (green or white) |
| Built-in IR lamp | YES, in detachable handle |
| 3D Shooting Assist | |
| OIS Axis Shift | NO |
| Focal Length Guide | NO |
| Shooting Modes | |
| Smart AUTO | YES |
| Program AE | AUTO; M mode: P, Tv, Av, M (manual exposure), SCN (Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks); Cinema mode: P, Tv, Av, M |
| Cinema Features | Cinema-Look Filter (9 options, including customisable ‘Cinema Standard’) |
| Image Effects | Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Colour Depth |
| Wi-Fi & GPS Specifications | |
| Wireless LAN standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz band) / IEEE 802.11a/n (5GHz band)¹ |
| Supported Wi-Fi Functions | Remote Operation; Movie Uploader (YouTube and Facebook)²; Playback (in browser); Media Server; FTP File Transfer |
| Supported Browser for Remote Operation | Internet Explorer 8 or later, Safari (iOS), Safari (MacOS), Android standard browser |
| Remote Operation Control Features | Aperture, Focus, WB, shutter Speed, Gain, Exposure Compensation, Shooting Mode, Slot select, Start/Stop Recording |
| Live view image Resolution | Camera setting mode: 680 x 383; Simplified setting: 284 x 160 |
| Authentication Systems | Open/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK |
| Encryption | WEP64, WEP128, TKIP, AES |
| GPS Information (Optional Accessory) | Latitude/Longtitude/Elevation, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) |
| White balance | |
| Auto | YES |
| Preset | 6: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten (incandescent lamps or halogen bulbs), Fluorescent H (3-wavelength type fluorescent), Fluorescent (white fluorescent) |
| Manual setting | Set 1, Set 2, Colour Temperature (2,000–15,000 K, 100K steps) |
| Time code | |
| Countup system | Regen/Rec Run/Free Run/Preset (Non-Drop Frame) |
| Start value setting | “00:00:00:00”, Set/Reset selectable |
| Audio | |
| Recording | AVCHD: Linear PCM¹ (2ch, 16 bit, 48 kHz) or Dolby Digital (AC-3 2ch, 48kHz) MP4: MPEG-2 AAC LC (2 ch) |
| Control | Audio controls include: Independent 2ch Line/Mic/Mic+48V input; Independent level control per channel (-∞ to +18 dB); Independent audio limiters (2 ch); Input mic trimming |
| Microphone attenuation | Auto/On/Off (20dB) |
| Microphone level meter | YES |
| Zoom Microphone | YES (customisable frequency response and directivity) |
ACCESSORIES
| Supplied | Lens hood with barrier, Mic holder unit, Handle unit (HDU-1), Wireless Controller (WL-D89), Battery Pack BP-820, High Speed HDMI Cable (HTC100/S), Compact Power unit CA-570, AC Cable, Interface Cable (IFC-300PCU/S), Stereo Video Cable (STV-250N), Data Import Utility Ver2.0 |
|---|---|
| Optional | Canon Battery Pack BP-820/BP-828 Canon Compact Power Adapter CA-570, Canon Battery Charger CG-800E/CG-800B, Canon HDMI cable HTC-100, Canon Stereo Video Cable STV-250N, Canon Tele Converter TL-H58, Canon Wide Attachment WA-H58, Canon Wireless Microphone WM-V1, Canon Soft Carrying Case SC-2000, Canon PROTECT Filter 58 mm, Canon ND4-L Filter 58 mm, Canon ND8-L Filter 58 mm, Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2, Canon Battery Video Light VL-10Li/VL-10LiII (Model A/B only), Canon Battery Pack BP-900 series (for VL-10Li/VL-10LiII), Canon Compact Power Adapter CA-910/920/930 (for charging BP-900 series) |
| Battery | |
| Backup power supply | Lithium coin battery (built-in) |
| Power Consumption | 4.9W¹ (AVCHD) / 4.8W (MP4)¹ |
| Continuous Recording Time | Supplied BP-820: Approx. 145 minutes¹ Optional BP-828: Approx. 220 minutes¹ |
Canon Xa20 Review Test Footage
Unboxing the Canon XA20
Canon XA 20 Customer Reviews
Submit your review | |
this has to be my best purchase for a long time... Light weight, SUPER easy controls and crazy quality hd...there is no reason not to buy this camera right now!
I bought this cam to film professional wildlife films. the quality is far better than I have with my XA10. Its so small and with a shotgun mic its a compact pro masterpiece. Nothing short of amazing all round, can i give it 10 stars
The Xa20 is easy to use and the video quality is better than I imagined. I am converted. Thanks JC
Its lived up to the hype and its everything I thought it was going to be. I have used a lot of different camcorders over the years and this by far is a big step up. XA20 has the best HD ive seen.
Guys, I film lots of sports events and I really wanted something that was easy to carry and still could use xlr audio. Overall I am very happy with my XA20. If you are trying to decide between the XA10 and XA20 I would say this is worth the extra bucks.
Ive had a very pleasing time with the XA20 since I had it delivered. I am using XLR directly for the sound and I am really happy with it. I ram happy to recommend this camera without any doubt at all.
Got it yesterday I am extremely excited and happy with this camera. A+++
What can i say about this ? Well, its helped me achieve a lot of great video fully produced in a much shorter time frame. The wifi connectivity is a god send. 8 out of 10 is my rating because it didn't come with a shotgun microphone so be prepared to spend another $200 on that. The XA20 is a good purchase
- Newly designed Genuine Canon 20x HD...
- 1080/60p recording in MP4 (35 Mbps) and...
- New Canon 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro...
- Built-in Wi-Fi technology (Dual Band 5...
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