Product Comparison: Canon VIXIA HF G20 vs Canon XA10

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Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

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Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

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General Specifications

Brand

Canon

Model

VIXIA HF G20

XA10

Origin

Japan

About the Product

True video enthusiasts and advanced amateurs will find their inspirational match in the new VIXIA HF G20. Designed to rival pro-level camcorders in image quality, it's equipped with a Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens with 8-bladed iris for stunning quality video and soft, beautiful background blur. The camcorder's Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor provides extraordinary flexibility with extended dynamic range, enhanced gradation, and significantly more light capture for 20% improved low-light performance

The new ultra compact XA10 Professional Camcorder is designed for situations where mobility is critical while shooting. This feature-rich, professional model records Full HD 1080p using an AVCHD codec. The ultimate professional camcorder for run-and-gun shooting, the compact XA10 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. With the handle attached the XA10's functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder. A Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens delivers a wide, flexible zoom range (35mm equivalent range 30.4mm-304mm) and smooth, pleasing backgrounds thanks to an 8-blade iris. And an infrared mode allows users to capture video in conditions with little or no ambient light, a situation which would make other camcorders useless. The new XA10 provides the option of recording to a 64GB internal flash drive or two SDXC-compatible card slots and the ability to simultaneously record to two cards at once for instant backup. Portable and packed with professional features, this camcorder will be the model of choice for on-the-go videographers.

Key Specs

Sensor Resolution

2.07 MP

Sensor Type

CMOS

Maximum Frame Rate

24 fps

Video Resolution

1080 p

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Video quality at low light is perfect. Video quality at normal light is perfect. Video quality in night light is perfect.
The color is great as is the low light performance, this camera really is fantastic for those that just want excellent quality home videos in an easy to use package.
It doesn't have the 60p recording and a couple other pro-level features, but it does home videos very, very well.
It doesn't have 60P, why why why!!! so when my 9 yrs daughter was very excited after seeing the cam and turning her face left-right-left, I notice on my TV (HDTV) that moving face is leaving behind the blur effect and not very smooth movement ....I kept the setting on 24P.
The video quality is relatively low. Looking back now I wish I would've not get this and safe the money to get a DJI drone. This video camera is not useful. It cannot replace the video quality of an iPhone.

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

The sensor in the camera is superb and makes the colors really pop off the screen. The film mode gives you that film motion blur that has eluded video cameras since the dawn of time.
The XA10 has the same lens and sensor used in larger Canon cameras.
That was the only negative review I heard about this camera before I bought it. CMOS sensor rocks!
This XA10 is my favorite by far! First off, my favorite shooting mode is 24p native.
We bought the XA10 for its XLR functionality since we wanted professional audio. But if you are shopping for something, we'd recommend going with the newer XA20 or XA25. They have better sensors and the touch menu is much more responsive.

Size & Weight

Height

3.1 in.

3 in.

Width

3.0 in.

3 in.

Depth

6.3 in.

Weight

22.4 oz.

28.9 oz.

Imaging

Optical Zoom

10 x

Digital Zoom

200 x

Aperture

f/1.8 (W) - 2.8 (T)

Image Stabilization

Optical

Face Detection

Yes

Low Light/High Sensitivity

Yes

Image File Format(s)

MPEG4-AVC / H.264

MPEG4-AVC

What customers say about "Imaging"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Photo (still image photos) - with remote you can enjoy...Camera doesn't have separate button for photo but LCD panel has the same.
It's much better for that than any dslr I've used. The image stabilizer is very helpful. I have compared it to my dslr footage and it is MUCH more stable meaning you probably don't need a shoulder rig.
This is a great home video camera for family recordings. The image stabilization is the most amazing feature on this camera, but the facial tracking focus is really cool too and our second favorite thing.
The quality of the lens and the manual focus are great for long distance and low light. I record a lot of indoor stage performances and it is perfect no matter where I sit.
The video is crystal clear, sound is good and zoom is great.

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

The colors are bright and vivid. The contrasts are sharp. The details of every shot are clean. The lens on the camera is pretty good, so what you film comes out clean.
The image quality is very good. It is almost like when you walk into the TV section of a Best Buy store and you look at those crazy good images from a Blu-Ray disc and you go WOW. It is that clear.
Image Stabilization - In spite of complaints about the wobble effect, the XA10 has excellent image stabilization.
Image quality was very important to me when I was deciding which camera to buy and this great little camera has not disappointed.
The image can be a little noisy when shooting in very low light (I mean, dark places) but you could manually adjust that or add a spotlight or two.

Display

Display Type

TFT LCD

Touch Screen

Yes

Aspect Ratio

16:9

Screen Size

3.5 in.

Touch Screen
Screen Size

What customers say about "Display"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

It also has an eye piece in addition to the large screen, which is handy when the light from the screen is a distraction.
The touch screen is better than my other model as well as the access to the SD cards.
You can touch the screen and the focus will track whatever the object was, very nice for crowds or varying object distances.
LCD panel is good...but finger prints/dirt is annoying...I can't put screen protector like my smart phones
Seems good overall, touchscreen is a pain to deal with though.
Good images and format. But the features of the camera could be improved. Too many menus within menus and hard to scroll and press. And finger pressing smears up the LCD screen.

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

The display is bright but needs a shade for shooting in sunlight. The eyepiece is good for framing, but not focus. On my budget it is as close to a professional camera as I could hope for.
The display is awesome! Bright and big. Though we did put an XLR Mic on it, the onboard mic is pretty solid. While it won't be the best, in a pinch it will suffice.
The touch screen isn't as responsive as I'd like, but it's only a minor annoyance. I plan on getting a stylus to operate it a little easier. I don't like getting fingerprints on the beautiful LCD.
I don't mind the touch screen too much as I'm use to it, though I could see how people are annoyed by it.
LCD screen at maximum brightness is not bright enough outdoors in Arizona. I haven't found anything better however.

Features

Slow Motion Recording

Yes

HDR Mode

Action Camera

Night Recording

Yes

Wind Noise Reduction

Yes

Shock Resistant

Water Resistant

Extras

Pre-Rec function, Touch & Track technology, Intelligent Image Stabilisation (IS), Audio Scene Select function, RGB primary color filter

Genuine Canon 10x HD Zoom Lens, Canon Native 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor, Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor, Detachable Handle, Infrared Recording, CANON iMAGE GATEWAY Qualified

Microphone Type

Built-in Zoom

What customers say about "Features"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Multiple setting (Auto, Manual, Cinema), so good for professional....Not for my use though...I just shoot for and with family...not a professional.
View finder is cute and almost great (though not like EOS 7D).
The cinematic features and modes are outstanding. They also match pixel per pixel...it makes so much sense when you watch it over and over again on any HD television.
The options for audio complete this amazing camera and add limitless creativity to the creation of a pro caliber film.
I was not able to control the manual focus ring...don't understand how much value add it has.

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

There are many advanced features that will allow you to get really good images
That been said, this camera is absolutely not for beginners. It DOES possess all the functions and features of a professional camera, esp. for sound.
The built-in mic is ok and has advanced features for quite a lot of control, but it is not to be used if you're aiming for broadcast sound standards.
The focus assistance feature in manual mode is good. You can also pre-set your focusing for scripted scenes.
Dark scenes in motion appear to have some non-moving translucent layer of noise in front. I've read that increasing the gain and adjusting in post has a positive effect but I have yet to test this.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi Enabled

Microphone Input

Yes

Tripod/Monopod Mountable

Yes

Output(s)

Mini-HDMI (Type C), USB 2.0, 3.5 mm 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only), Component video, Composite video/audio

Mini-HDMI (Type C), USB 2.0, A/V, Component OUT

What customers say about "Connectivity"

Canon VIXIA HF G20 Internal Flash Memory

Remote Controller is great to play/shoot the video/image.
The camcorder comes with accessories in the box, such as the HDMI cable, the lens cap for lighting, also AV cords for you to plug the device into a TV or monitor.
The usb interface is slow for dumping video to a computer.
It would be nice to be able to plug the camera into my computer directly via USB and access my clips, but this is a minor inconvenience.
The USB connection on the camcorder is *very* flaky. It works only occasionally, which means transferring video to a computer is a huge pain.

Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder

The sound quality is as good as the microphones you will connect, and there's no limit there.
At first I was a little skeptical because some of the reviews on it said that the handle part with the xlr connections rattle. After I rigged it up with a microphone and light there was no rattle what so ever.
The HDMI output is also handy for plugging in field monitors for a better preview. It holds up OK in low light but nothing to write home about.
With this camera you just plug in the charger and a usb cable to a USB 2.0 (aka USB+) port and transfer the files. It's quick and easy. Then open you editing program and get started.
Sounds like something is loose in the XLR connections.

Power

AC Adapter Compatible

Yes

Battery Model

Canon BP-808 Li-ion rechargeable battery

Rechargeable Battery Pack

Charging Interface(s)

USB

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications