Canon Announces Compact Pro Camcorders XA30 and XA35

Written by Eric Cohen
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Published on November 16, 2015
videographer holding camcorder
videographer holding camcorder
Eric Cohen
Adorama ALC

Just prior to last weeks’ NAB Show New York (the event formally known as “CCW”), Canon USA announced two new additions to their XA professional camcorder series. The XA30 and the XA30 represent a more compact yet versatile camera targeting videographers who shoot in the field and out of the studio. Both cameras contain full HD (1080p) at 24p and 60p frame rates with two SD Card slots and records in both ACHVD and MP4 formats.

Both utilize Canon’s DIGIC DV4 Image Processor and Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization technology. Canon claims that each camera weighs only 2.6 pounds and that includes the battery.

The newly designed CMOS Pro Image Sensor increases the ability to shoot under low light conditions. While it’s Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority modes help capture a wide dynamic range of colors and tones almost identical to how they’re perceived by the naked eye.

Of the two, the XA35 seems to be the most prepared for prime time ENG production as it has an additional HD/SD-SDI Terminal offering convenient connectivity to workstations, broadcast vehicles and other immediate production workflows. However, both cameras share the ability to shoot up to 1200x the original speed due to a new interval recording option and Full HD video capture. In other words, videographers now have the option to record footage for animation and motion effects while on the fly.

Bundles for both models include a lens hood, battery pack, wireless controller, power adapter, USB, Stereo/Video and HDMI cable and… a detachable handle which also serves as a microphone holder unit.

Suggested retail price for the XA30 and XA35 are $2000 and $2500 respectively.

Canon XA30

  • 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens
  • HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (1080p) with improved low-light performance
  • Built in Wi-Fi with FTP transfer capability
  • 3.5-inch OLED viewscreen with 10,000:1 contrast ratio and EVF
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Wide DR gamma (600%)
  • Highlight priority mode supported by view assist function
  • Full manual control
  • Two phantom-powered XLR audio inputs
  • Detachable handle
  • Improved Infrared shooting mode (with built-in IR emitter and diffuser)
  • Optional Bluetooth mic with two-way intercom-like ability
  • Interval recording from 2x to 1200x (for slow and fast motion)

Canon XA35

  • 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens
  • HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (1080p) with improved low-light performance
  • HD/SD-SDI output (what separates this model from the XA30)
  • Built in Wi-Fi with FTP transfer capability
  • 3.5-inch OLED viewscreen with 10,000:1 contrast ratio and EVF
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Wide DR gamma (600%)
  • Highlight priority mode supported by view assist function
  • Full manual control
  • Two phantom-powered XLR audio inputs
  • Detachable handle
  • Improved Infrared shooting mode (with built-in IR emitter and diffuser)
  • Optional Bluetooth mic with two-way intercom-like ability
  • Interval recording from 2x to 1200x (for slow and fast motion
Pre-order either item here.
Eric Cohen has a varied background having worked in Film, Theater and the image licensing industry. He contributes to the pop culture website thisinfamous.com as both a writer and content creator and produces and co-hosts the irreverent YouTube film discussion show The CineFiles as well as its ongoing podcast. He has also been a freelance videographer, editor and motion graphics designer for six years.