Shipping in June, Canon XA25 and XA20 Will Have 20x Zooms, Record Simultaneously to MP4 and AVCHD

Canon today announced the XA25 and XA20, a pair of inexpensive, lightweight pro camcorders aimed at news videographers and run-and-gun style shooters. Both cameras have a Canon 20x wide-angle zoom lens (26.8-576mm equivalent) with rocker control and real-time optical image stabilization, and both utilize a new 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor.

They can record simultaneously to multiple bit rates (up to 35 Mbps) and 1080p formats (including 60p and 24p) via two separate SD cards, and can transmit 3 Mbps MP4 video via wireless FTP using dual-band wireless. Four types of image stabilization allow users to adapt to shooting conditions (walking, macro, telephoto, and tripod), and three different auto-focus settings include a face-detection mode that will help keep a specific person in focus.

Also standard on both units is a 3.5-inch OLED touch panel and high-res compact viewfinder. Designed into the detachable handle are phantom-power XLR terminals, a mic holder, audio level controls, an accessory shoe and infrared emitter.

The cameras can be wirelessly controlled, and footage can be streamed or downloaded, via web browser. iOS users have the option of social media website integration via Canon's free Movie Uploader app, though the feature doesn't work with 35 Mbps files and support for 24 Mbps and 17 Mbps videos is limited depending on the device being used.

Canon said the XA20 will have an estimated retail price (ERP) of $2699, while the XA25, which adds an HD SDI output for feeding to a transmission system or making an uncompressed recording, will have an ERP of $3199. They're both slated to ship late in June.