Canon XA20 Instruction Manual - Page 5

Highlights of the XA25 / XA20 The Canon XA25 / XA20 HD Camcorder is a high-performance camcorder whose compact size makes it ideal in a variety of situations. The following are just some of the many functions featured in the camcorder. HD Recording HD CMOS PRO sensor and DIGIC DV 4 processor The camcorder is equipped with a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor that captures video at an effective pixel count of approximately 2.91 megapixels (2136x1362). The video is then processed by the state-of-the-art DIGIC DV 4 image processor. This allows the camcorder to excel in low-light situations and achieve improved image stabilization. Wide zoom lens With a focal length at full wide angle of 26.8 mm* (35 mm equivalent), the camcorder has superb wide-angle shooting capability. The newly developed lens is also capable of 20x optical zoom. * 28.8 mm when using Dynamic IS. Shoot cinematic video Using CINEMA mode and the cinema-look filters (A 52), you can make recordings that truly look and feel cinematic. Operability Emphasis on versatility This camcorder has features to make it usable as a main camera but is also small enough to be very portable. The advanced image stabilization (A 64) will let you shoot in a variety of situations in the field. The handle unit is removable so you can detach it when you need improved portability and then reattach it when you need extra functionality. Manual controls at your fingertips The focus/zoom ring helps you achieve the 5 focus you are looking for. You can also easily change the ring's functionality so that you can operate the zoom. Furthermore, you can assign certain frequently used functions to a customizable button and adjust those functions with the accompanying dial (A 96). If those were not enough, the camcorder also features 5 assignable buttons to which you can assign a variety of functions so that you can access them with ease (A 97). Face detection When a subject's face is detected, the camcorder can track and focus on it (A 57). Furthermore, you can have the camcorder in manual focus but switch to autofocus only when a face is detected, ensuring that important subjects are in focus. Infrared recording Record in darkness using infrared recording (A 94). With the built-in infrared light on the handle unit, you can record nocturnal animals in their natural environment or other such scenes. AVCHD/MP4 recording and dual recording When you record, you can choose between AVCHD and MP4 formats (A 39). You can also use dual recording (A 49) to record the same scene to both memory cards and even record on both memory cards using different formats. Dual recording is convenient, for example, to create a backup of your recording.