Canon adds three new high-end camcorders

While the camcorder world might not move as quickly as the digital camera market, there are still plenty of options available for videographers of all skill levels.

Canon is focusing on high-end users with the launch of two new models in the X-series, the XA25 and XA20. Traditionally, this series of camcorders has been targeted towards professional users looking for a lightweight and compact video solution.

On the lower end of the scale, for enthusiast shooters comes the Legria HF G30.

All of the new camcorders come with 20x optical zoom and OLED touchscreens, as well as an 8-blade lens that promises to deliver smooth bokeh. Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is standard. Like some of Canon's professional SLRs, such as the 1D X, the camcorders can be controlled from a web browser using the Camera Remote feature. Recording is in either AVCHD (up to 28Mbps) or MP4 (up to 35Mbps). Other top-line specifications for each model are below.

Legria XA25:

• 26.8mm, f/1.8-2.8 lens, Dynamic OIS

• 1/2.84-inch HD CMOS Pro sensor

• 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen

• Dual-format recording; DIGIC DV 4

• HD-SDI output

• 1.56m dot EVF, 45 degree tilt

• Built-in IR lamp

• 2x XLR inputs

Legria XA20:

• 26.8mm, f/1.8-2.8 lens, Dynamic OIS

• 1/2.84-inch HD CMOS Pro sensor

• 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen

• Dual-format recording; DIGIC DV 4

• 1.56m dot EVF, 45 degree tilt

• Built-in IR lamp

• 2x XLR inputs

Legria HF G30:

• 26.8mm wide-angle lens

• Canon HD CMOS Pro sensor, DIGIC DV 4

• Optical Intelligent IS

• Instant AF; face detection

• 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen

Rather confusingly, Canon labels these models as Vixia in the US, though the rest of the model names stay the same. There are no official RRPs available for Australian buyers, as per Canon's ongoing policy, but for some indication on possible RRPs, the XA20 will be US$2499 and the XZ25 will be US$2999.