Canon XA30 Professional Camcorder

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Product Specifications

Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens
New, Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with Improved Low-light performance
Full HD 1920x1080 Recording Capabilities
Built-in Wi-Fi® Technology with FTP Transfer Capability
Superb Image Reproduction
3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen with 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio and EVF
Dual SD Card Slots, Using Readily Available, Consumable Media
Wide DR Gamma (600%)
Highlight Priority Mode

Product Description

Product description For refined and compact performance that’s made for everything from movie and television production to event recordings, Canon’s XA30 Professional Camcorder is a solid and affordable choice. Whether producing films, recording weddings and more, the XA30 offers an impressive combination of portability, image quality and reliable operation. It features a Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom lens, a newly designed HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with improved low-light performance and new Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority modes that help capture an extended, seamless range of colors and tones virtually consistent with how they’re seen by the naked eye. A new interval recording option expands the XA30’s abilities for creative animation and motion effect Full HD video capture with fast motion of up to 1200x the original speed. From movie productions to events to company presentations and more, the XA30 delivers outstanding video with portability, high quality and great versatility.FEATURES: Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens - The XA30 Professional Camcorder features a Genuine Canon 20x HD Zoom Lens that provides a highly versatile zoom range with 35mm equivalent of 26.8–576mm, and a minimum object distance of just 23.6 inches (60cm) to help capture powerful recordings near and far. The impressive image quality is enhanced by an 8-blade Circular Aperture design, which helps to avoid the “starburst” effect of point light sources in non-circular aperture designs. Out-of-focus areas are smooth, natural and appealing. An endless-type focus and zoom control includes user-programmable direction and sensitivity modes. Zoom speed can be set to either a variable or constant (with 16 levels) speed setting, with Fast, Normal, or Slow zoom speed levels.Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor - For incredibly sharp and detailed high-definition video recording, the XA30 Professional Camcorder features a

From the Manufacturer

For refined and compact performance that’s made for everything from movie and television production to event recordings, Canon’s XA30 Professional Camcorder is a solid and affordable choice. Whether producing films, recording weddings and more, the XA30 offers an impressive combination of portability, image quality and reliable operation. It features a Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom lens, a newly designed HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with improved low-light performance and new Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority modes that help capture an extended, seamless range of colors and tones virtually consistent with how they’re seen by the naked eye. A new interval recording option expands the XA30’s abilities for creative animation and motion effect Full HD video capture with fast motion of up to 1200x the original speed. From movie productions to events to company presentations and more, the XA30 delivers outstanding video with portability, high quality and great versatility.

Genuine Canon 20x High Definition Optical Zoom Lens

The XA30 Professional Camcorder features a Genuine Canon 20x HD Zoom Lens that provides a highly versatile zoom range with 35mm equivalent of 26.8–576mm, and a minimum object distance of just 23.6 inches (60cm) to help capture powerful recordings near and far. The impressive image quality is enhanced by an 8-blade Circular Aperture design, which helps to avoid the “starburst” effect of point light sources in non-circular aperture designs. Out-of-focus areas are smooth, natural and appealing. An endless-type focus and zoom control includes user-programmable direction and sensitivity modes. Zoom speed can be set to either a variable or constant (with 16 levels) speed setting, with Fast, Normal, or Slow zoom speed levels.

New, Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with Improved Low-light Performance

New, Advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor For incredibly sharp and detailed high-definition video recording, the XA30 Professional Camcorder features a reengineered, ¹⁄₂.84-inch, 2.91 Megapixel HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor that captures approximately 2136x1362 pixels. Thanks to the sensor’s enhanced sensitivity, the XA30 helps provide vivid, accurate recording through an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Improved Low-light Performance Featuring an improved, low-luminance noise rating of +3 dB, the XA30 Professional Camcorder is able to capture clearer, sharper images in lower light, with even better detail.

Full HD 1920x1080 Recording Capabilities Multiple recording modes, resolutions and frame rates make the XA30 Professional Camcorder creatively flexible and adaptable to virtually any production environment. It can record in Full HD resolution in both AVCHD and MP4 recording codecs, at multiple bit rates, and even simultaneously.

Recording Format Bit Rate Resolution Frame Rate AVCHD 28 Mbps (59.94P) 1920 x 1080 59.94P*1 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080 59.94Pi/PF29.⁹⁷⁄₂₃.98P*1 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080 59.94Pi/PF29.⁹⁷⁄₂₃.98P*1 5 Mbps 1440 x 1080 59.94Pi/PF29.⁹⁷⁄₂₃.98P*1 MP4 35 Mbps (59.94P) 1920 x 1080 59.94P 24 Mbps 1920 x 1080 29.97P/23.98P*2 17 Mbps 1920 x 1080 29.97P/23.98P*2 4 Mbps 1280 x 720 29.97P/23.98P*2 3 Mbps 640 x 360 29.97P/23.98P*2 *1 In AUTO mode: 59.94i *2 In AUTO mode: 29.97P only

Simultaneous HD- and Web-version Dual Recording Dual Recording offers format choices that are useful for various post-capture options. The DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor and dual SD card slots enable simultaneous recording in AVCHD format and web-ready MP4 format, as well as MP4 at different bit rates.

Main Slot Secondary Slot (MP4 Recording) Bit Rate (size) Frame Rate AVCHD 28 Mbps (59.94P) NOT POSSIBLE 24 Mbps (59.94i/PF29.⁹⁷⁄₂₃.98P) → 4 Mbps (1280x720) 3 Mbps (640x360) 29.97P/23.98P*1 17 Mbps (59.94i/PF29.⁹⁷⁄₂₃.98P) 5 Mbps (59.94i/PF29.⁹⁷⁄₂₃.98P) MP4 35 Mbps (59.94P) NOT POSSIBLE 24 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) → 4 Mbps (1280x720) 3 Mbps (640x360) 29.97P/23.98P*1 17 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) 4 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) 3 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) 3 Mbps (29.97P/23.98P) *1 29.97P recording is performed when the format for the card in the main slot is 59.94i, PF29.97 or 29.97P; 23.98P recording is performed when it is 23.98P.

Native 24p Recording A must for serious filmmaking work, Native 24p matches the frame rate of a traditional film camera, giving the same cadence and temporal motion for “film-like” quality.

Built-in Wi-Fi Technology with FTP Transfer Capability The XA30 Professional Camcorder features built-in dual-band (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) Wi-Fi technology, enabling FTP file transfer to Cloud-based servers for convenient back ups. The dual bands help ensure that data can be sent even in areas with increased signal interference. It is also possible to connect to compatible networks, wireless hotspots and compatible iOS mobile devices using the free Canon Movie Uploader app*, or play back video on the camcorder’s memory cards to Wi-Fi enabled TVs and computers.

Wi-Fi technology also allows remote control of key camcorder controls, such as recording start/stop and zoom (in three different speeds), exposure functions (aperture, shutter speed, gain, exposure compensation and more), white balance and focus settings via a compatible tablet or smartphone. The ability to control the camera remotely, such as when using a camera crane, helps improve mobility in various shooting environments.

This software enables you to upload images to social network sites. Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this software. Compatible with iOS version 5/6/7 or later for select devices. MP4 60p and AVCHD recordings are not supported for this function.

Superb Image Reproduction The XA30 Professional Camcorder represents Canon’s Full HD System, delivering truly excellent image quality and reproduction for most any application. With its 20x Optical Zoom HD Video lens, its new HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor and the powerful DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor working together to capture and process the images at hand, the XA30 is positioned to deliver HD video that is nothing short of stunning.

3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen with 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio and EVF 3.5-inch OLED Viewscreen with 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio The 3.5-inch, 1.23 million dot equivalent Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display provides vivid colors, high contrast and dramatically improved responsiveness compared to traditional LCD screens. A wide-view angle (over 80° at all angles) aids in composition versatility, and regular chromaticity adjustments, which are prompted by the camcorder, help ensure correct brightness and faithful color reproduction.

Electronic Viewfinder The 0.24-inch tilt-type color electronic viewfinder on the XA30 Professional Camcorder has 100% field of view, and 1.56 million dots of resolution help ensure critical focus adjustment, with peaking applied if necessary. A joystick located to the right of the viewfinder, where the thumb rests, enables control of camera settings on the viewscreen without having to use touch panel controls.

Dual SD Card Slots, Using Readily Available, Consumable Media SDHC/SDXC Card-compatible The XA30 Professional Camcorder is compatible with universal SDHC and SDXC memory cards, which provide super-high capacity and ultra-fast data transfer.

AVCHD Recording Mode Memory Capacity 28 Mbps 24 Mbps 17 Mbps 5 Mbps 8 GB 35 min. 40 min. 1 hr. 3 hr. 16 GB 1 hr. 15 min. 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hr. 5 min. 6 hr. 5 min. 32 GB 2 hr. 30 min. 2 hr. 55 min. 4 hr. 10 min. 12 hr. 15 min. 64 GB 5 hr. 5 min. 5 hr. 55 min. 8 hr. 20 min. 24 hr. 30 min. 128 GB 10 hr. 10 min. 11 hr. 55 min. 16 hr. 45 min. 49 hr. MP4 Recording Mode Memory Capacity 35 Mbps 24 Mbps 17 Mbps 4 Mbps 3 Mbps 8 GB 30 min. 40 min. 1 hr. 4 hr. 20 min. 5 hr. 40 min. 16 GB 1 hr. 1 hr. 25 min. 2 hr. 5 min. 8 hr. 40 min. 11 hr. 25 min. 32 GB 2 hr. 2 hr. 55 min. 4 hr. 10 min. 17 hr. 20 min. 22 hr. 55 min. 64 GB 4 hr. 5 hr. 55 min. 8 hr. 20 min. 34 hr. 45 min. 45 hr. 55 min. 128 GB 8 hr. 11 hr. 55 min. 16 hr. 45 min. 69 hr. 30 min. 91 hr. 55 min. When AVCHD/MP4 recording has continued for 12 hours, it will automatically stop. A variable bit rate is applicable in each case.

Double-slot SD Card Recording for Instant Backup For safety and convenience, double-slot recording allows you to record simultaneously to each of the two SD memory card slots, providing an instant backup for your footage.

Relay Recording for Continuous, Long-run Recording With Relay Recording, the XA30 Professional Camcorder automatically switches video recording from one SD memory card to the other when the first memory card becomes full.

Wide DR Gamma (600%) For natural and realistic-looking image capture that faithfully represents the scene at hand, the XA30 Professional Camcorder features a Wide DR Gamma mode. By suppressing overexposure in high brightness areas of the composition, this mode helps achieve a wide dynamic range of 600% to produce seamless tone gradations, resulting in smooth detail, accurate color and virtually no blown-out highlights.

Highlight Priority Mode To capture highly saturated, realistic colors and to convey gradation characteristics as perceived by the eye, the XA30 Professional Camcorder has a new Highlight Priority mode that achieves effects similar to HDR modes in other camcorders. By reducing the mid- to high-brightness compression of the standard gamma mode, the Highlight Priority mode helps to prevent loss of detail in high brightness areas. Designed for display on a bright LCD TV, videos captured in Highlight Priority mode should be shown at a high brightness setting to help ensure accurate portrayal of the effect.

View Assist Function that Supports Highlight Priority Mode When using the XA30 Professional Camcorder in Highlight Priority mode, the View Assist function increases brightness and medium tone gamma in the camera’s viewfinder or OLED panel. This allows images to be displayed with the brightness and gradation with which they are being recorded or reviewed, helping to ensure the subjects look natural and realistic.

Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization System with Powered and Dynamic Modes and Auto On/Off The XA30 Professional Camcorder offers a powerful optical image stabilization system suited to help reduce image blur in a wide variety of shooting situations. The different image stabilization options can be selected manually, or Intelligent IS can use an automatic detection system to identify the proper stabilization mode for the situation. Featured on the XA30 is Dynamic Mode, which provides electronic correction of roll and tilt.

Dynamic IS Used for image stabilization at the wide end, Dynamic IS builds on translational (up-down/left-right) stabilization, adding roll axis correction, horizontal roll correction and vertical roll correction for five-axis correction. Image distortion is substantially reduced, even when shooting while in motion.

Macro IS Macro IS corrects angular and shift-type shake in wide-angle shots.

Powered IS* Used for image stabilization in telephoto shooting, Powered IS corrects for low-frequency camcorder shake.

During Intelligent IS (AUTO mode), Powered IS can be set to ON or OFF.

Full Manual Control Custom Key and Dial A Custom Key and Dial feature allows you to assign functions to an easily accessible key and adjust the settings with a control dial. The functions include:

Tv/Av: Use the dial to adjust shutter speed (Tv mode) or aperture (Av mode), as needed. In this mode the key has no effect. Manual exposure: When manual control is selected, the dial can adjust aperture, shutter speed or gain. Select items to adjust, such as aperture or other settings, with the key. Exposure Lock can be set on or off as can the AGC Limit. Composition Aids With the Level Marker feature, it’s easy to keep the camcorder level for more accurate framing. The Grid Marker provides a reference grid in your viewfinder. Depending on the background color of your shot, you can choose between two different colors (white or gray) for better viewing contrast.

Gain Control Gain may be manually set from 0 dB to 24 dB in 1 dB increments. Additionally, Auto Gain Control Limit allows you to set the maximum gain limit for the image sensor’s sensitivity. With this function, brightness and noise can be balanced as required, and image quality can be maximized in low-light situations.

Power Zoom Power zoom is available in Variable and Constant settings in 3 modes: Fast (approx. 1.9–60 seconds), Normal (approx. 2.5–180 seconds) and Slow (approx. 4.0–285 seconds). To provide added control, there are 16 predefined steps in Constant mode.

Ergonomic, Portable Design Weighing less than three pounds including the detachable handle, battery and lens hood – and less than two pounds without – the XA30 Professional Camcorder is ideal for high-action shoots when both speed and mobility are essential, and where keeping a low profile is an added benefit. Though small in size, this camcorder sacrifices nothing when it comes to professional functionality. It features a “seesaw” style zoom lever, manual focus/zoom ring and joystick for easy control and an electronic viewfinder that can tilt up to 45° for low-angle shooting. It also has five Assign Buttons to help it fit to your operational needs.

Two Phantom-powered XLR Audio Inputs with Manual Gain Control A stereo microphone is incorporated into the XA30 Professional Camcorder, as are two XLR audio inputs with +48 V phantom power. The built-in microphone provides outstanding audio in fast-paced situations while the XLR inputs provide connectivity to external microphones and other professional audio devices. If you choose, the built-in microphone and XLR input can be used simultaneously.

Audio is recorded in 16-bit PCM format at 48 kHz for amazing quality and fidelity. And both the built-in microphone and XLR inputs have the option for automatic or full manual gain control. To prevent variations in the recorded audio level, the dial can also be locked.

The XA30 also includes a 3.5mm headphone terminal with 16 volume settings for accurate audio monitoring.

Ultra Compact with Detachable Handle A detachable handle provides the user with expanded audio performance and added flexibility. Removing the handle allows the camcorder to be made more compact for convenient storage when travelling. Included on the handle are the following terminals, controls and monitors:

Two built-in XLR audio input terminals with phantom power Accessory shoe (cold) External microphone holder Manual audio level control Zoom control and record start/stop button Infrared light Tally lamp High Definition Peaking for Focus Assist To enhance focusing capability, the XA30 Professional Camcorder provides Focus Assist. It includes enlargement, which helps in capturing your subject in razor-sharp focus. It works by providing a 2x magnification of your subject, which is automatically cancelled when you start recording. Also included is color peaking, which shows the shooting object’s focused areas in actual colors.

Assignable Buttons for Custom Shooting The XA30 Professional Camcorder is equipped with five assignable buttons so that the camcorder can be tailored to the specific preferences or needs of the user.

Button 1 is preset as AF/MF.

Button 2 is preset as Pre REC.

Button 3 has no preset.

Button 4 has no preset.

Button 5 is preset as Rec Review.

Improved Infrared Shooting Mode for Extreme Low-light Conditions (with built-in IR emitter and diffuser) The XA30 Professional Camcorder features an Infrared Mode allowing the capture of video in conditions with little to no ambient light. Improved from the XA25 and XA20, it can shoot at brightness levels that are approximately 1.4 times more sensitive, and makes low-light capture capable by removing the infrared cutoff filter from the optical path. Its specially designed lens coating allows the infrared light to pass through to the image sensor. Additionally, the detachable handle of the XA30 features an infrared emitter with a diffuser to shoot appealing infrared imagery even in complete darkness. For nighttime videographers or law enforcement users, the benefits of a compact, high performance camcorder for shooting in such conditions are obvious. Without the need to add lights, the shooter can save time on set-up, or remain hidden from subjects. Also, the XA30 gives the option of recording in white or green mode.

Connectivity to Various Inputs and Outputs Not only does the XA30 Professional Camcorder provide the user with incredible control over the image, it also provides immense creative freedom when it comes to inputs and outputs, including:

HDMI Output (HDMI mini connector, time code can be superimposed) Composite Video Output (3.5mm) USB Hi-Speed Terminal (2) XLR Audio Input (when handle is attached) (See audio section for more details) Microphone Input (3.5mm) (See audio section for more details) Headphone Jack (3.5mm) (See audio section for more details) Remote Control Terminal (compatible with LANC protocol) Accessory Shoe (when handle is attached) Optional Bluetooth Mic with Two-way Intercom-like Capability The XA30 Professional Camcorder is compatible with the optional Canon WM-V1 Wireless Microphone. Bluetooth technology allows high-quality audio to be recorded from up to 164 feet away (50m), making it ideal for events, ceremonies and other situations that call for unobtrusive sound recording. With earphones attached, the WM-V1 Wireless Microphone can also be used as a two-way intercom, enabling more creative control, such as discreetly providing an on-camera subject with direction.

Advanced Display Features: Zebra, Color Bars and Test Tone Color bars and test tone can be selected and recorded. The color bars comply with the SMPTE standard. -12 dB, -18 dB or -20 dB can be selected as the test tone.

Enhanced zebra pattern (70% or 100%) indicates “blown out” or high brightness areas to help you set the proper exposure.

The white balance control has six available presets selectable through a variety of day and artificial light conditions (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H and Tungsten), as well as two manual white balance settings. Color temperature may also be manually set from 2,000K to 15,000K in 100K increments for more precise adjustment.

Impressive Slow and Fast Motion, including Interval Recording from 2x to 1200x Slow and Fast Motion Modes allow the XA30 Professional Camcorder to record a different frame rate than the playback frame rate (only in MP4 recording modes), for a fast or slow motion effect during playback. Since the camera is recording real frames and modifying the playback rate, there is virtually no quality loss and maximum image quality is maintained. Additionally, interval recording allows the user to record frames at specified intervals, providing time-lapse recording of up to 1200x and slow motion down to 0.4x of the original speed.

Playback Frame Rate (Bit Rate) 59.94P (35 Mbps) 29.97P (24 Mbps/17 Mbps) 23.98P (24 Mbps/17 Mbps) Highest Recording Bit Rate 17.5 Mbps 48 Mbps (at the 0.5x speed) 60 Mbps (at the 0.4x speed) Recording Speed 1x 0.5x 0.4x 2x 1x 0.8x 2.5x 1.25x 1x Recording Speed (Interval) 2x 4x 10x 20x 60x 120x 1200x

Product Reviews

Extremely compact and loaded with all kinds of goodness

I’ll have to update this review once I have some time using my new XA30, but my first impressions are: “Wow, where have you been?” This thing is TINY for what it does - almost shockingly so - but it’s loaded with capability. I’m glad I sprung for this newer model, rather than settle for an XA10. I especially am happy about the dual card, dual format recording, so I can dump a 360p or 480p at the same time as full 1080p, to facilitate web uploads without transcoding, while still having full HD for editing. I’m also very happy about the XLR audio inputs. I also picked this model because it will support the external zoom and recording control handle I have mounted on the arm of my Manfrotto fluid head.I would be a little happier if there were some unified way to get all the inputs and outputs without it looking like a pincushion (two XLR, HDMI video out, earphones out, power in). All those come from unique locations on the camera body. Oh, well. At least with it tripod mounted I don’t have to hand hold it amongst all the wires.The auto white balance took longer than I expected to settle on new scenes. I’ll have to see how it does in real use; panning from my kitchen warm LEDS and cool fluorescent lights to an out-the-window green forest probably wasn’t a fair test.My only real concern is that I’ll have to find some way to lock it down, since it will stay mounted on a video tripod in our church sanctuary. Since the handle is removable, the bicycle lock I had thru the handle of my older Canon won’t secure it.At the same time as this camera, I also bought a Teradek Vidiu webcasting/streaming box. It mounts directly to the shoe on top of the handle. With both units self-powered, and nothing more than a single HDMI cable between them, after some setup on the Vidiu, I was able to walk around cordless and stream video straight onto YouTube Live. limited only by my network bandwidth. Very, very cool.

Exceptional optics, auto focus, and image stabilization

I made a short video to show off some example footage that I took with the XA30. I didn’t show off the camcorder itself because there are some very nice professional videos available online that show off all of the connections and features. I just wanted to show off some of the video quality from this unit - and keep in mind that I was just using the “Auto” setting on the camera. I’m about 50 pages into the 200 page instruction manual, and there are a lot of settings and tweaks that I haven’t tried out, yet. Also, please consider that the video had to be compressed to get it to fit into a review, and then likely was further compressed by Amazon. So, unfortunately, it won’t truly show off the quality of images from this unit.Before I get really started, though, I want to point this out: the only difference between the XA30 and the more expensive XA35 model is that the XA35 has an HD/SD-SDI connector. That’s it. If you don’t need that connector, don’t even worry about spending more on the other model.There is a LOT to discuss with a (currently) $1800 camcorder, and I’m likely just going to scratch the surface. Please feel free to ask me questions in the comments section, and I’ll respond as quickly as I can (be sure to track comments, though, so you’ll know when I respond).Truth be told, this is my first “real” camera or video recorder. Ever since I was a kid (and I’m 43 now), I’ve gravitated to compact cameras. From my Kodak Disc camera, to my compact digital cameras, to just using my cell phones (which are actually pretty good), I’ve always gone with small. This XA30 has me seriously reconsidering that mentality. The optics on this are fantastic - simply fantastic. Yes, it’s huge compared to a cell phone, but if you’re shopping for this - you probably aren’t serious about using a cell phone for your videos. This is a professional unit, and it lives up to it (said by a guy who isn’t a professional :) …but it sure seems to have all the capabilities and connections that I think one would want).The 20x optical zoom is not only astonishing on its own, but the auto focus capabilities of this camera are phenomenal. I was shooting video of mountains over five miles away, and it was focusing in on them. The same is true for looking at homes on a foothill probably about three or four miles away (not shown in my video). I’m used other cameras, from friends and family, with good optical zoom…but I’ve never used one with such quick and accurate auto focus. I’m sure that others have it, but I wanted to point out that the XA30 definitely does.One reason that I wanted to get this was the detachable handle that has two XLR mic inputs and 48V phantom power supplies (I LOVE that part). That’s some serious additional capability, IMO. Unfortunately for me, the included mic holder is too small to hold my condenser mics, but I can still hook them up and run them on stands when I’m recording with this on a tripod (speaking of which, the Amazon Basics tripod that I bought for about $20 is plenty sturdy to hold the XA30 in place). Fortunately for me, and you, is that the built-in mics are actually very good. When I record video on my Galaxy S3 cell phone in my kitchen, I get an echo from the room. On this, though, I’ve never noticed that echo. That, and the mics are pretty sensitive with a good frequency response. No joke, the first five or so times I played back a video that I’d made in which my pooch Ivory barked in an adjoining room during the video, I kept thinking that she was barking right then as I watched it because it was so realistic sounding. I still thinks it sounds like she’s barking in the next room, but I know it’s the video and not real life.The 3.5” view screen does a really nice job, although it can be a bit difficult to see outside in the sunlight. You can adjust the brightness of the screen to offset that, though. The touch screen on mine is accurate in terms of where I put my finger, and it makes it convenient for selecting menu options without having to go through the knob control on the back side of the unit. As you probably expect, the image on the view screen auto adjusts for the screen orientation as you swivel it around into place, so you never have to worry about the image being upside down relative to the camera.The first images that I took with this were at night in my living room that was illuminated with my overhead light fixture. The room isn’t what I’d call “dim,” but it’s not daylight bright, either. On the attached view screen, the images looked simply stunning. The next day when I viewed them full size on my computer monitor, though, I could see what seems like the tell tale signs of low light images with the poor signal-to-noise ration and dots on the image. I don’t think that I’d yet set the camera to “Auto,” though, so that might be my fault. I was expecting better low light images, though, given that the product is specifically marketed as having improved performance in that area. If I manage to get better images, I’ll update this portion of my review.The IR image capability is quite good. You’ll need the handle attached to use the included IR illuminator (it’s on the front of the handle right under the “Canon” logo), or you’ll need separate illumination, but the camera’s sensor does a good job. I have some $150 IR security monitors that do a similar job, but it’s great to have that capability built into a unit like this that does so much more.Things that I haven’t yet tried but am looking forward to are: (1) WiFi capability, (2) dual SD card use that allows you to store videos in two different formats/quality settings, and (3) assignable buttons and knob. I love that you can store a high quality video, and also create at the same time a lower quality version that would be perfect for internet streaming (for example). The many assignable buttons and knob allow you to assign your own functions to several of the controls on the camcorder to make it even more convenient for how you want to use it.I struggle to find any real criticisms for it. Yes, it would be nice if it came with a storage/carrying case and a spare battery, but it comes with everything that you need. It’s truly a five star product, IMO.Again, please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section. I know that there’s a lot more to the XA30 than I discussed here. Thanks!

Fantastic Camera!

I’m a film artist and i’ve read all the other xa30 reviews up until 6/8/16 and this is what i feel is positive/negative about the xa30.First off i own the xa10 and love it! So this is abig upgrade over the xa10.For me the 20x zoom is big! I wanted to see if my cannon 1.5x teleconverter would work on top of the 20x telephoto and it does! I did’nt notice aSignificant drop in quality at least for things within 100 yards.The internal sound is much better than the xa10 not the the xa10 was bad.Video quality was stunning! And capturing in lowLight is unbelievable! I really could’nt believe how well i could see at about 9:15 at night in early june.This just feels like a super solid camera if your not going to spend like a ka-jllion dollars .I didn’t like the lack of the internal 64 gigs or theThe way the xlr cables unlock from the camera handle.I haven’t used every camera out there but this isA really solid one and i recommend it!

Awesome camcorder. Awesome features.

I bought this camcorder as an upgrade from my phone! There are plenty of inputs for what I need and the video quality is fantastic. The dual card slots are great for duplicate videos in order to have a backup, or for having plenty of space for video. The auto-focus is honestly way better than I expected, and the face tracking is a nice feature.The only problems I have had are remembering to turn the handle unit on to get the audio from the XLR inputs. That is totally user error and just serves as a reminder to anyone who may buy and use this camera to make sure the switch is turned on before videoing. The other problem I have had is with the microphone holder. The shotgun mic I purchased to use with the camera is no big enough to properly fit into the holder. I am relatively new to videoing, though, and should have looked into the exact sizes.Overall I am very pleased with the camcorder and highly recommend it!

Four Stars

this is a good camera,,,,,,,,,ok with it

Performs as expected

Camera performs very well. I use it along with a XA20 for recording interviews and small events and it has done everything I expected it to.

Great product, excellent customer service!

All in all a great purchase. great item,does exacly what it needs to About the quality you would expect for the price.

Disappointed

Arrived on time but for me to take a video I have to keep my finger on the on button because it doesn’t stay on by itself

Great Video Camera

I have used it for a month now, and I am really happy with it. It is pro quality. Good low light performance and hi quality video. Love it.

Five Stars

A great value. I use it for my news business and produces professional results.

Great camcorder. Easy to use

Great camcorder. Easy to use, set up and shoot. I really like the audio hook ups because I can plug my senheiser mic directly into this camcorder without any adaptor.