Cannon has unleashed three new models to its versatile camcorder line-up this afternoon, the VIXIA HF G30, the XA20 and XA25. All three models come with an impressive list of features at a price that may surprise you.
 
Canon released the finished specs and design of the new flagship camcorder, the VIXIA HF G30. The device comes with a 20x Genuine Canon HD Video Lens, MP4 recording, and built-in Wi-Fi capability with dual band wireless support.
 
“The new VIXIA HF G30 (shown above) camcorder opens up new possibilities for advanced amateurs looking to explore their creative potential with professional-level performance and wireless capabilities in a consumer camcorder.” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
 
Staring with the lens, Cannon offers a newly designed 20x wide-angle (35mm equivalent: 26.8mm – 536mm) f/1.8 HD Video Lens. In a prepared statement sent to us from Canon, the company states that the new lens was “built using the same Hi-UD (Hi Index Ultra Low Dispersion) technology found in Canon’s XF professional camcorder line”. The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder also features a dedicated manual focus ring as well as a custom key. There are also a few new enhancements over previous models, the HD CMOS PRO Image Sensor was increased 1/2.84-inch over the previous sensor. There is also a new DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization feature which includes a new ‘Dynamic Mode’. “This mode helps to substantially reduce image distortion, even when shooting while walking, resulting in steady video” according to Canon.
 
This marks the first G-series camera to capture both 1080/60p MP4 (35Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps) recording, available through the newly introduced Dual Recording feature. Cinematic recording is at Native 24p, and two SD memory card slots are available, while “the Relay Recording feature automatically continues to record on the second SD memory card1 once the first one becomes full” states Canon.
 
The series also includes a 3.5-inch Organic LED Touch Panel Display that utilizes Electrostatic technology. Users can control focus, exposure, and track shooting subjects with a “simple swipe or touch of the screen”.
 
The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder’s new Wi-Fi Remote feature “allows users to control the camcorder remotely and change settings via a versatile web browser when using your tablet, smartphone or PC”. The dual band wireless support (5GHz and 2.4GHz). The VIXIA HF G30 camcorder is currently scheduled to be available in June with an estimated retail price of $1,699.99.
 
Canon alo announced two professional-grade camcorders, the Canon XA25 HD ENG camcorder and the XA20 HD professional camcorder. Both camcorders Include a 20x HD Zoom Lens, Simultaneous MP4 and AVCHD Recording, a 3.5-Inch Organic LED Touch Panel Display, and Wireless Connectivity for Digital Content Uploading or Remote Operation Via Tablet or Smartphone. Canon states that both devices feature “multiple shooting-assist functions” and “enhanced key components” such as a the new Genuine Canon wide-angle 20x HD zoom lens with an ENG-style “rocker” zoom control, with built-in real-time optical image stabilization. The devices capture full 1080p HD formats (including 60p and native cinematic at 24p) on either of the two separate SD cards it can carry.
 
“The nearly instantaneous rate by which video news is consumed and shared via TV, tablets and smartphones has fueled the immediacy by which journalists need to capture and deliver their content. The introduction of the XA25 and XA20 professional camcorder models are designed to provide these professionals with a compact, portable, and wireless system for content acquisition and uploading,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “In addition, the tremendous growth of independent and documentary filmmaking as well as innovative, creative online content may also benefit from the compact design, high-quality formats and long-range optics found in both models”.
 
The Canon XA25 HD ENG camcorder and XA20 HD professional camcorder are scheduled to be available at the end of June 2013 for estimated retail prices of $3,199.00 and $2,699.00, respectively.
 
You can check out images, full spec readouts and other technical information on Canon’s official product page below.
 
more info: VIXIA HF G30, XA20, XA25